30 C Sports / The Times of India
Anish Giri criticized Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura over their protest at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Teams event, questioning their sense of entitlement after arriving late and replaying games. Nepo and Nakamura fired back with sarcastic remarks, while Giri insisted he only reacts strongly to perceived injustice.
Wimbledon witnessed scorching temperatures and thrilling upsets as defending champion Carlos Alcaraz battled to a five-set victory. Numerous seeds fell, including Daniil Medvedev, while British players achieved a historic presence in the tournament. Taylor Fritz's match was controversially halted due to the 11 pm curfew, leaving him frustrated after a remarkable comeback.
Indian cricketers experienced mixed fortunes in the County Championship. Yuzvendra Chahal and Khaleel Ahmed struggled, going wicketless for Northamptonshire and Essex, respectively. Tilak Varma displayed resilience with the bat for Hampshire, while Ishan Kishan awaits his turn to bat for Nottinghamshire. Varma is continuing his form after scoring a century on his County debut.
The fate of India's scheduled cricket tour to Bangladesh this August hangs in the balance, according to BCB President Aminul Islam. While the itinerary, featuring ODIs and T20Is in Mirpur and Chattogram, was announced earlier, the BCCI is awaiting government approvals before confirming the visit.
Mark Wood, sidelined due to injury, has cautioned Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir ahead of the Edgbaston Test. Wood anticipates Jasprit Bumrah's eagerness to participate in both the Edgbaston and Lord's Tests, emphasizing the significance of overseas bowlers wanting to perform well at Lord's. Michael Atherton suggests India should consider including Kuldeep Yadav in their lineup.
Indias XI Puzzle Ahead of 2nd Test | Jaiswal Shifted, Kuldeep or Bumrah?
Moeen Ali, the former England all-rounder, made a surprise visit to England's training session in Birmingham, offering his valuable insights on the Edgbaston pitch ahead of the crucial second Test against India. His experience at the ground, particularly regarding spin conditions, was sought by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
Carlos Alcaraz survived a grueling five-set match against Fabio Fognini to begin his Wimbledon title defense. Aryna Sabalenka started strong, while Daniil Medvedev suffered a shocking first-round exit.
Jaiswal Moved Out of Slips | Ryan ten Doeschate Explains Fielding Changes
Neeraj Chopra playfully suggested Brett Lee's athleticism in his prime could have helped him excel in javelon. This prompted a humble and humorous response from the former Australian fast bowler.
Surrey dominated Durham in a County Championship match, posting a record-breaking 820/9 declared. Dom Sibley's epic 305, supported by Dan Lawrence (178), Sam Curran (108), and Will Jacks (119), powered Surrey's massive total. Durham ended Day 2 at 59/1, trailing by 761 runs, facing an uphill battle against Surrey's commanding lead and potent batting display.
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer was seen in a viral video playing cricket with his mother, Rohini Iyer. The video was shared by Punjab Kings on X, where Rohini bowled Shreyas out during their game at home and celebrated her son's wicket with great joy.
Indias Edgbaston Test selection hinges on Bumrahs fitness and the spin combination. Dry conditions favour two spinners, with Sundar, Jadeja, and Kuldeep vying for spots. Kuldeeps X-factor could be crucial if Bumrah is rested. The team faces a tricky balance between batting depth and wicket-taking potency.
Bumrah & Gambhir Locked In! Whats Cooking at Edgbaston?
Bumrah & Gambhir in Deep Chat at Edgbaston Nets | Tactical Talks Before 2nd Test?
Edgbaston Preview | Yashasvi Jaiswal faces the brunt, exits slip cordon
Ryan ten Doeschate press conference: On Bumrah fitness, drops Big Playing XI hint, 2 spinners
India contemplate a two-spinner strategy for the crucial second Test against England, with Washington Sundar's all-round abilities potentially securing his place. Jasprit Bumrah's participation remains uncertain due to workload management, while young Nitish Kumar Reddy is nearing his debut. England, buoyed by their Leeds victory, have named an unchanged XI for the Edgbaston encounter.
Wimbledon 2025 kicked off with a star-studded guest list, including tennis legend Maria Sharapova and football icon David Beckham. Sharapova, soon to be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame, shared a selfie with Beckham, who watched from the Royal Box alongside Eddie Redmayne and other notable figures like England cricket legend Stuart Broad.
England announced their team for the second Test against India on Monday. The match starts on Monday at Edgbaston. The team remains largely unchanged after their recent win. Jofra Archer has left the squad due to a family emergency. His inclusion would boost England's pace attack. India aims to recover after losing the first match.
MS Dhoni, the celebrated former Indian cricket captain, is seeking to trademark his iconic nickname, 'CAPTAIN COOL,' for sports-related services. The application has been accepted and advertised. This move coincides with Dhoni's upcoming induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025, recognizing his exceptional leadership, tactical brilliance, and contributions to cricket.
India faces a daunting challenge in the second Test at Edgbaston, where they have historically struggled against England. England has dominated as per the record of the two sides at the venue. The ground's seam-friendly conditions and England's strong batting record pose a significant threat.
Following a defeat at Headingley, India contemplates whether to field Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test, despite workload management plans limiting his appearances. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirms Bumrah's availability, but the decision hinges on long-term strategy. Nitish Kumar Reddy might debut, offering balance if Bumrah rests, highlighting India's focus on sustained success.
Jofra Archer missed England's training session, but is expected to rejoin the squad before the second Test against India. His inclusion in the squad marks a potential return to Test cricket after battling injuries.
Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion, took a break from training for the Neeraj Chopra Classic to share insights and predictions in a candid chat. He humorously suggested Brett Lee could excel in javelin and expressed interest in learning bowling from Jasprit Bumrah. Chopra also admired Sachin Tendulkar's ability to handle pressure and seeks to emulate that calm mindset.
A minor female boxer has accused a coach at the Sports Authority of India of sexual harassment. The victim's parents reported mental and physical abuse. The Boxing Federation of India and SAI confirmed receiving a complaint. However, they denied sexual harassment allegations. An FIR was filed, and police are investigating.
Chess culture differs greatly between North and South India. Vantika Agrawal highlights the lack of recognition for chess players in the North. In contrast, Tamil Nadu provides strong support, including financial aid and flexible schooling. This fosters a competitive environment. The challenge is to create a unified chess community. This will allow talent from all regions to flourish equally.
Mohammed Mohsin on MLC & the Future of Spin in the USA
Carlos Alcaraz aims to defend his Wimbledon title. He starts against Fabio Fognini. Alcaraz loves playing on grass courts. He appreciates the unique style and freedom it offers. Alcaraz highlights his aggressive play. He wants to use dropshots and net play. He is currently on a 18-match winning streak. Alcaraz hopes to continue his success at Wimbledon.
Joshua Tromp on MLC Dreams & the Growth of American Cricket
Aaryaveer Kohli, nephew of Virat Kohli, and Aaryavir Sehwag, son of Virender Sehwag, are set to participate in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) auction. Aaryaveer Kohli, a leg-spinner, and Aaryavir Sehwag, along with his brother Vedant, feature in the draft, following their performances in Delhi's Under-16 and Under-19 teams.
Rishabh Pant aims to surpass Virat Kohli's record of Test centuries against England in the upcoming Edgbaston Test. Following his impressive performance in the first Test, Pant needs one more century to overtake Kohli and equal Mohammed Azharuddin's record.
Rishabh Pant's explosive batting display, marked by two centuries in the first Test against England, has captivated fans. However, his post-century somersault celebration has drawn mixed reactions. Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Pant's surgeon, acknowledged the move as 'unnecessary' despite Pant's gymnastic background.
During a net session in Birmingham, a video surfaced showing Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep playfully wrestling with bowling coach Morne Morkel. Arshdeep explained that Morkel initiated the wrestling as a fun way to conclude practice sessions. Despite the lighthearted moment, Team India is currently trailing 0-1 in the five-match series after a loss at Headingley.
Shubman Gills captaincy debut wins praise: Gambhir, Kotak & Jaiswal react!
Farokh Engineer, a close friend of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, criticized the ECB's initial decision to rename the India-England Test series trophy, feeling the subsequent introduction of a winning captain's medal named after the Pataudi family was merely an afterthought.
Manchester City face the unprecedented possibility of having their Premier League titles stripped over alleged financial breaches. If found guilty, the league could vacate championships or award them to past runners-up, triggering legal chaos and rewriting English footballs history. City deny wrongdoing and have pledged to contest all charges.
Varun Chakaravarthy, the Indian cricketer, revealed his diverse career path before cricket success, including architecture, music, and filmmaking. He transitioned from an assistant architect earning 14,000 to 18,000 monthly to exploring music and facing entrepreneurial challenges.
Wimbledon is bracing for its hottest opening day in 147 years, with temperatures expected to soar to 36 degrees Celsius. The All England Club has announced measures to combat the heat, including more water stations and real-time weather alerts. A heat rule, allowing a 10-minute break when temperatures exceed 30.
Young Indian shuttlers Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma made waves at the US Open BWF Super-300 tournament. Ayush stunned world No. 6 Chou Tien Chen to reach the final, while 16-year-old Tanvi became the youngest Indian girl to reach a BWF World Tour final, setting up a clash with top seed Beiwen Zhang.
Wimbledon buzzes with anticipation ahead of the championships, showcasing meticulously manicured grounds and the vibrant energy of its young ball boys and girls (BBGs). These dedicated youngsters, selected from a pool of 1,000 applicants, undergo rigorous training to ensure seamless match operations.
In Birmingham, Munir Ali, father of former England star Moeen Ali, now mentors a new cricketing generation his grandkids. Known locally as Uncle Munir, hes shaping young talents like Isaac Mohammed and Abu Baker with the same dedication that nurtured Moeen. From local parks to county dreams, Munirs cricketing legacy continues to inspire Birminghams tight-knit cricket community.
India aims to rebound in the second Test against England. Sanjay Manjrekar highlights Rishabh Pant's potential to continue his form. He also emphasizes KL Rahul's need for consistent performance. Jasprit Bumrah may miss the match. Jofra Archer joins England's squad. India's top order must lead the fightback in challenging conditions. The second Test starts on July 2 in Birmingham.
Fresh from retirement from Test cricket, former India captain Rohit Sharma is vacationing in Europe with his family. Reflecting on India's recent T20 World Cup victory, Sharma described lifting the trophy as the proudest moment of his career. He admitted to battling nerves before the final, a testament to the significance of ending India's 13-year wait for an ICC title.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated Inter Miami 4-0 in the Club World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals. Despite Lionel Messi's presence and the support of a large crowd, Miami's aging stars couldn't match PSG's strength. Joao Neves scored twice, while an own goal and Achraf Hakimi's strike sealed Miami's fate. Messi's frustration was evident, though he showed determination in the second half.
Harry Kane's two goals propelled Bayern Munich to a 4-2 victory over Flamengo in the Club World Cup round of 16. Bayern quickly established a 2-0 lead, with an own goal and Kane's initial strike. Flamengo fought back, but Kane's second goal sealed Bayern's advancement to the quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain.
Wimbledon 2025 marks the end of an era as line judges are permanently replaced by Electronic Line Calling (ELC), joining the US and Australian Opens. Once a signature sight with their sharp attire and stoic presence, line judges will now serve as match assistants and a shortened bunch will be on standby should the technology hit a snag.
Australian vice-captain Steve Smith has defended batting coach Michael Di Venuto against criticism from Ian Healy, who suggested a decline in batting performance since 2021. Smith dismissed Healy's claims, emphasizing Di Venuto's hard work and knowledge.