The Times of India

The spotlight will once again be on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Harare is the venue where the 15-year-old announced himself on the global stage with a stunning 175 off 80 balls against England in the U-19 World Cup final in Jan. His opening partner Abhishek Sharma also has happy memories here, having scored his maiden T20I hundred at the ground in 2024.

India begins its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow with a compact contingent. The program features ten sports, a significant reduction from previous games. Athletics forms the backbone of the campaign with many competitors. Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain are key figures for India. Glasgow offers a learning opportunity before India hosts the games in 2030.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized for his actions during a post-match altercation. He admitted his behavior was unacceptable after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final. Ayala expressed regret for losing control and stated his intention was to separate players. He accepted full responsibility for his actions during the chaotic post-game scenes. FIFA has launched an investigation into the post-match brawl involving players and staff.

Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a reduced sports program. Cricket, hockey, and badminton are notably absent from the upcoming event. This decision impacts India's medal prospects significantly after their strong performance. Many of India's medal-winning sports from Birmingham 2022 are no longer included. Organizers cited financial and logistical reasons for the sport reductions.

India captain Shreyas Iyer wants players to avoid fear of failure. He stressed focusing on expressing themselves freely on the field. This comes after a disappointing white-ball tour of England and Ireland. The team aims to adapt quickly to new conditions in Zimbabwe. Iyer believes this challenging phase will make the team stronger.

Lionel Messi's viral speech before the World Cup final was tactical. His teammate's father clarified the captain's words were taken out of context. Messi urged players to focus on football and their game plan. This explanation dismisses speculation of internal team issues. Spain ultimately won the match, proving to be the better side.

Yuvraj Singh urged dialogue and peace for students amid NEET exam protests. He stressed that children deserve safe learning environments to chase their dreams. Protests over the alleged NEET paper leak have intensified across the country. Parliament has faced disruptions, and legal scrutiny continues over the issue. Manu Bhaker also voiced concerns for students' futures and fair opportunities.

French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja secured the Chennai Grand Masters title. He held Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi to a draw in the final round. World champion D Gukesh endured a disappointing campaign, finishing last in the tournament. Firouzja finished with 4.5 points after two victories and five draws. Andreikin ended the event as the only other unbeaten player.

Captain Shreyas Iyer expressed confidence in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the Zimbabwe series. The young batter faced challenges during his recent England tour. Iyer believes Sooryavanshi has learned from his experiences and is ready. The team aims to play with freedom and recover from past tours. Sooryavanshi feels supported and confident returning to Harare.

Wasim Jaffer believes KL Rahul possesses talent equal to Virat Kohli. He noted Rahul's technical skill and composure in all formats. Jaffer feels Rahul has underachieved despite his considerable potential. Kohli's elite mentality and consistency create a significant difference between the two players. This mental edge has allowed Kohli to achieve unprecedented success in cricket.

India captain Shreyas Iyer views the recent England tour as a foundation for future success. He believes the challenging phase has brought the squad closer together. Iyer urged his young team to embrace an attacking mindset and not fear failure. The team faces Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series starting Thursday. He also warned against underestimating the experienced Zimbabwe squad.

Former India batter Hanuma Vihari questioned Shubman Gill's leadership after a recent ODI defeat. Vihari highlighted concerns regarding the team's limited bowling options during the crucial match. He also expressed confusion over Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion from the playing eleven. The former player emphasized the need for experienced match-winners in ODIs. Vihari believes Gill needs tactical improvements in his captaincy approach.

PV Sindhu made her way to the second round of the China Open after a highly competitive match. Ayush Shetty pulled off a stunning upset by toppling world number eleven Alwi Farhan. Next, Sindhu will take on the formidable Chen Yufei. Unfortunately, several Indian doubles teams faced early exits in their matches. Overall, the Indian athletes experienced a mix of triumphs and setbacks on Wednesday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic strongly criticised Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes for his actions. He stated he would have headbutted Paredes if he had been on the field. Ibrahimovic also questioned the Spanish players' lack of response to the confrontation. FIFA is investigating Paredes' conduct following the match. Paredes later expressed pride in representing his country despite the loss.

Harbhajan Singh lauded Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's exceptional talent and fearless batting approach. He noted the youngster's confidence mirrors modern cricketers' evolving mindset. Harbhajan recalled Rahul Dravid's question about Sooryavanshi's first IPL ball. The former spinner shared Sachin Tendulkar's advice on maintaining focus and dedication. This guidance shapes Harbhajan's own counsel to aspiring young cricketers.

England secured a 2-1 ODI series victory against India, marking their first since 2018. Joe Root returned to the top ten in ICC rankings after a stellar series performance. Ben Duckett's record 141 at Lord's propelled him to joint nineteenth place. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain highly ranked despite the series loss. Shubman Gill holds the second position, closely trailing Daryl Mitchell.

Kuldeep Yadav has joined Yorkshire as an overseas player for the remainder of the English domestic season. The India spinner will play five One-Day Cup matches and three County Championship games. The move comes after he was left out of India's ODI series in England. Yorkshire believe Kuldeep's experience and left-arm wrist spin will strengthen their bowling attack.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has made padel a mandatory part of training at the National Cricket Academy, with players required to play 40-minute sessions every alternate day. The move aims to improve fitness, agility and fielding. The PCB has also added a padel court, installed an AI bowling machine, and plans to build basketball and indoor sports facilities.

US President Donald Trump reportedly supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the UN secretary-general position. Trump believes Infantino possesses the ability to unite people globally and is a strong candidate. The two developed a closer relationship during the recent FIFA World Cup tournament. Infantino had previously presented Trump with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize award. A candidate needs UN Security Council backing and General Assembly approval for the role.

Zimbabwe have named uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga in their squad for the three-match T20I series against India, while Wessly Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri return. Sikandar Raza will continue as captain after Zimbabwe's successful Bangladesh tour. The series, beginning July 23 in Harare, pits Zimbabwe against reigning T20 World Cup champions India.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returns to Harare for his senior India debut after U-19 World Cup triumph. He hopes to create new memories at the venue where he achieved past success. Sooryavanshi aims to bounce back after a challenging maiden outing in senior colours. He believes his knowledge of the Harare conditions will be beneficial. India faces Zimbabwe after recent T20I series losses in Ireland and England.

Hashmatullah Shahidi has stepped down as Afghanistan's ODI captain after leading the team in 55 matches since 2022. He said he would continue playing for the national side despite resigning. Under his leadership, Afghanistan enjoyed memorable World Cup campaigns and major ODI series wins. The Afghanistan Cricket Board is expected to announce a new captain before the Ireland tour.

The BCCI Centre of Excellence is set for a hectic week as nearly a dozen contracted and targeted India players undergo fitness assessments and rehabilitation ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests. With injuries mounting and a packed international calendar looming, the team management is keen to ensure a fit and ready player pool.

David Warner admitted to a drink-driving charge after a random breath test in Sydney. His lawyer confirmed the former Australian cricketer accepted responsibility for his actions. Warner faces a driving ban, a fine, and a possible prison sentence for this offense. This incident adds to Warner's history of high-profile controversies. Sentencing for the drink-driving charge is scheduled for August 18.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing him of harming football through World Cup expansion and fixture congestion. Tebas also criticised FIFA's hydration breaks and extended halftime at the World Cup final. Supporters' group FSE echoed the criticism, saying FIFA prioritised commercial interests over fans and calling for sweeping governance reforms.

Alastair Cook has reignited the Jacob Bethell IPL debate, insisting England should always come before franchise cricket. His remarks resurfaced after Bethell's knee injury ruled him out of The Hundred and cast doubt on his Pakistan Test availability. Cook questioned the value of Bethell sitting on the IPL bench, though the youngster previously defended his decision to stay at RCB.

Spain's triumphant campaign featured outstanding performances from key players. Pedro Porro and Pau Cubarsi anchored the defense with impressive discipline and attacking flair. Unai Simon provided crucial saves and commanded the backline effectively throughout the tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe showcased their exceptional skills, leading their respective teams forward. Coach Luis de la Fuente masterminded Spain's victory with a cohesive and disciplined team strategy.

The recurring injuries suffered by Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have not gone down well with the BCCI. Sources said Reddy was being pushed to bowl close to 140kmph to compensate for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya. During Rahul Dravids tenure as head coach, the BCCI medical team, the CoE and the team management had charted out year-long roadmaps for individual players around major ICC events. The objective was to get each player to the required fitness level in time for the next ICC tourna

Spain midfielder Gavi believes Argentina players should not be suspended despite the post-match clashes following Spains 1-0 World Cup final win. Although he admitted the scenes were a bad example for children, he said football has an aggressive side and felt any punishment should have come during the match. FIFA has opened an investigation into the incidents.

Spain defeated Argentina one-nil to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title. Post-match scuffles and heated arguments erupted between players on the pitch. Argentina players turned their backs during Spain's trophy celebration ceremony. FIFA has now officially opened an investigation into these post-match incidents. The disciplinary committee will examine potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code.

Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 108 for Durham in his first match after retiring from international cricket. He guided his team to a five-wicket victory over Derbyshire in the One-Day Cup. Stokes battled cramp throughout his match-winning innings, staying until the end. Earlier, Derbyshire posted 256/9, with Martin Andersson scoring 112 runs. Stokes recently announced his retirement from all international formats of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Kuldeep Yadav's continued absence from India's team. The spinner was overlooked for the entire ODI series against England. Ashwin believes the team management has lost faith in the left-arm wrist spinner. He suggested Kuldeep should stop waiting for opportunities that may not come. Kuldeep's lack of game time has sparked significant debate among cricket followers.

Fresh footage shows Lionel Messi urging Argentina to forget everything before the World Cup final. The team delivered a subdued performance and ultimately lost the match to Spain. Messi's repeated message has fueled speculation among fans and observers. Coach Lionel Scaloni also hinted at pre-match issues without elaboration. The viral videos continue to deepen the mystery surrounding the team's mindset.

India's boxing contingent faces luggage delays before the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Several boxers and coaches arrived in Glasgow without essential training equipment and attire. This marks the second baggage issue encountered during their recent travel. Despite these challenges, the team aims for a strong medal performance. Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom expressed confidence in the team's medal potential.

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario for rest after Argentina's World Cup final defeat. Hundreds of supporters gathered early hoping to see their captain, but he did not make a public appearance. Messi's SUV was glimpsed as it departed the airport for his family's residence. He also plans to reunite with his father who was undergoing medical treatment.

GM M Pranesh defeated world champion D Gukesh for a second time. GM Nihal Sarin secured a crucial victory against Arjun Erigaisi in Round 6. French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja moved into sole lead after drawing his game. Erigaisi's defeat left him tied with Abdusattorov on 3.5 points. The elite tournament features top grandmasters and carries significant prize money.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticised the 2026 World Cup's credibility. He urged fans and associations to reclaim football from political influence. Spain defeated Argentina to win the expanded 48-team tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted record attendance and viewership figures. Despite controversies, the tournament saw strong on-field performances and high viewership.

New footage shows an alleged attempt to influence the referee after Enzo Fernandez's red card. Argentina full-back Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to feign injury moments after the foul occurred. Lionel Messi then rushed towards the referee, pointing to the fallen Tagliafico. This effort did not change the referee's decision regarding Fernandez's dismissal. The match concluded with Spain winning their second World Cup title.

Murali Sreeshankar is preparing for upcoming athletic events after a serious injury. He aims to improve upon his previous silver medal performance. Sreeshankar is currently training in Poland to adapt to track conditions. He is focusing on recovery and peaking at the right times. The long jumper is optimistic about achieving a significant jump in major championships.

Emiliano Martinez suggested his international career might be ending after Argentina's World Cup final defeat. He expressed deep regret and the need for reflection on his future with the team. Martinez delivered an exceptional performance despite playing with a broken finger. His remarkable 11 saves set a new record for a World Cup final match. Spain ultimately secured a 1-0 victory in extra time after a hard-fought contest.

Tilak Varma addressed criticism regarding his strike rate during recent T20I tours. He stated he bats according to team requirements and match situations. India's top-order collapses often necessitated rebuilding innings for the middle order. As vice-captain, Varma prioritizes fulfilling team management's specific responsibilities. He emphasized playing for the country involves significant responsibilities.

Tilak Varma discussed India's recent T20I series losses against Ireland and England. He cited adapting to overseas conditions as a significant challenge for the team. Varma emphasized the importance of staying calm and fostering a positive team environment. The team has learned valuable lessons from these difficult overseas campaigns. India aims to regain momentum by executing these learnings in upcoming matches.

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss The Hundred tournament. He sustained a right knee injury during the recent ODI series against India. Bethell was retained by Birmingham Phoenix and named team captain. He will begin his rehabilitation program immediately after the diagnosis. Despite some low scores, he showed flashes of brilliance.

Leandro Paredes addressed the World Cup final chaos without apology. FIFA has initiated a disciplinary investigation into the post-match incidents. Television footage showed Paredes involved in altercations with Spanish players. Argentina's team also faced criticism for their actions after the match. The investigation could lead to retrospective sanctions for those involved.

Former Australia coach Justin Langer has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Brendon McCullum as England's Test coach. While the ECB hopes to make an appointment before next month's Pakistan series, former India coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not part of the recruitment process.

England's Jacob Bethell shared his unforgettable experience opening the batting with Virat Kohli. The young player felt overwhelmed by the intense atmosphere at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He described Kohli as a very chilled individual off the cricket field. Bethell's time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a significant career highlight. He gained valuable experience and improved his game during his tenure.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can become a generational talent. He urged patience for the 15-year-old after his challenging debut series. Raza highlighted the importance of proper management for the young cricketer's development. Zimbabwe anticipates an entertaining T20I series against India. Both teams are in transition, making the contest more evenly balanced.

PV Sindhu received crucial guidance from Virat Kohli during a difficult career period. This conversation helped her overcome a serious injury and focus on rehabilitation. Her husband facilitated her recovery away from public scrutiny in Atlanta. Sindhu then achieved a historic Japan Open women's singles title win. This victory marked a remarkable comeback after her extensive recovery process.