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Suryakumar Yadav revealed the T20 World Cup selection of Ishan Kishan over Jitesh Sharma was a gut call, believing Kishan was the X-factor. Kishan justified this faith with strong performances, helping India win the tournament. The captain also highlighted Sanju Samson's impactful inclusion at the top order, which shifted the team's momentum.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar achieved his historic 100th international century on March 16, 2012, against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. This monumental feat, after a year-long wait, cemented his status as a legend. Despite the immense pressure, Tendulkar's patient 114-run innings showcased his enduring class, inspiring a generation.
India's T20 talent pool is so deep, Suryakumar Yadav believes multiple international-quality teams could be formed, thanks to robust domestic cricket and the IPL. He highlighted the current generation as India's strongest T20 group. Under his captaincy, Team India boasts an impressive win rate, a testament to the team's collective mindset and his strong rapport with coach Gautam Gambhir.
Rahul Dravid on Indian Crickets rise: Robust infra, passionate fans, talent coming from small towns
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi aims to shatter Chris Gayle's iconic 175-run T20 record in the upcoming IPL season. After a stellar 2025, including a U-19 World Cup final century, the Rajasthan Royals star is focused on team victory while eyeing individual milestones. He credits the franchise and Rahul Dravid for his rapid development.
Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistan cricketer, has strongly criticized the team's leadership following their ODI series defeat to Bangladesh. He expressed concerns about the declining standards in Pakistan cricket. Shehzad questioned the management's decisions and their handling of player availability. The team's recent performance has drawn significant criticism.
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav tied the knot with childhood friend Vanshika Chaddha in a star-studded Mussoorie wedding. The private ceremony saw cricketers like Suresh Raina and Yuzvendra Chahal in attendance. The couple, who grew up near each other in Kanpur, celebrated with traditional functions before the main event. This marks a new chapter for the cricketer.
Pakistan's cricket woes deepened with a 2-1 ODI series loss to Bangladesh, drawing sharp criticism from former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. Akmal questioned the team's performance and administration, highlighting their struggles after an early T20 World Cup exit. Bangladesh secured the series win in Dhaka after a strong batting performance and effective bowling.
Rajasthan Royals' young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi surprised coach Rahul Dravid with his fearless approach before his IPL debut. Samson revealed Sooryavanshi's confident response to Dravid's queries, stating he'd 'just play' and 'hit the first ball in the air' if in his zone. Sooryavanshi, the youngest IPL debutant, aims to help RR win the trophy in IPL 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur secured a dramatic 1-1 draw at Liverpool with a last-gasp equaliser from Richarlison, while Manchester United solidified their Champions League pursuit by defeating Aston Villa 3-1. Liverpool's Szoboszlai scored a stunning free-kick, but a late defensive lapse allowed Richarlison to snatch a point for Spurs. United's victory, featuring goals from Casemiro, Cunha, and Sesko, keeps them third.
Pakistan has lodged a complaint with the match referee over a controversial DRS call in the final over of their ODI loss to Bangladesh. The Pakistan camp alleges Bangladesh reviewed a decision after seeing a replay on the big screen and potentially outside the allowed time. This overturned wide call significantly impacted the match's outcome.
Indias fightback at the Eden Gardens did make captains and teams wary of enforcing the follow-on. Australia, even under successful captains like Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist enforced it just four times out of the 14 in which they had a choice to do so. Steve Waugh though enforced it seven times post Kolkata and won every Test!
Indian women's hockey team secured World Cup qualification under coach Sjoerd Marijne, showcasing strong defense and midfield play despite a final loss to England. Marijne praised the team's performance under pressure, highlighting areas for improvement in penalty corner conversion and technical decision-making. The squad, a blend of youth and experience, demonstrated promising potential for future tournaments.
Hardik Pandya's crucial performances in India's back-to-back T20 World Cup victories in 2024 and 2026 are often overshadowed by his flamboyant lifestyle. Despite off-field distractions, Pandya delivered match-winning spells and vital batting contributions, proving an indispensable asset alongside Jasprit Bumrah. His dedication and improved game intelligence remain key to his success.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal lambasted the national team after their unexpected 1-2 ODI series loss to Bangladesh. He urged treating their matches as comedy, highlighting the disgrace of losing to a lower-ranked opponent. Bangladesh secured a historic series win, their first against Pakistan in 11 years, with standout performances from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Taskin Ahmed.
Sanju Samson still cannot believe India won the 2026 T20 World Cup at home. He was the Player of the Tournament. Samson believes India's young talent will bring more such victories. He scored 321 runs in five matches. Mohammed Siraj also joined the squad late and won his second World Cup medal.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns for Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026, citing an over-reliance on their top-order batsmen. He specifically highlighted Jos Buttler's recent pedestrian form, noting that if both openers don't consistently perform, it could significantly impact the team's performance, despite their playoff run last season.
Rahul Dravid, honored with the Col CK Nayudu Award, expressed deep gratitude for his cricketing journey and opportunities. He lauded Sanju Samson's remarkable Player of the Tournament performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting his perseverance and crucial match-winning contributions. Samson's record-breaking spree included most sixes and highest final score.
U-19 sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, already an IPL centurion at 14, is laser-focused on winning the IPL trophy for Rajasthan Royals. Having led India to U-19 World Cup glory, the young batter aims to contribute significantly to RR's success. He cherishes reuniting with U-19 teammates and credits early learning from seniors and Rahul Dravid for his development.
India's star all-rounder Shivam Dube charmed fans with a playful interaction with paparazzi outside his Mumbai home. Captured on video, Dube, fresh off a T20 World Cup victory, humorously asked a photographer to delete footage. His significant contributions to India's 2026 triumph, including 235 runs at a 169.06 strike rate, have cemented his status as a key player.
Bangladesh secured a thrilling 11-run victory over Pakistan in the third ODI, clinching the series 2-1. Tanzid Hasan Tamim's century propelled Bangladesh to 290/5, a total Pakistan couldn't chase despite Salman Agha's valiant hundred. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman's crucial wickets sealed the win for the hosts in a nail-biting finish.
Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana were honored as India's top cricketers at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. Gill secured the Polly Umrigar Award for his stellar 2025 season, including a remarkable Test series in England. Mandhana also shone, setting new ODI run-scoring records and playing a pivotal role in India's World Cup win.
Rahul Dravid highlights India's consistent success in global tournaments. He credits this to the nation's immense cricketing talent finally being realized. Dravid noted the alignment of players, administrators, coaches, and fans. He also praised the T20 World Cup winning team for handling immense expectations and performing under pressure. This marks a significant period for Indian cricket.
India concluded its World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 campaign in Bangkok with five medals. Chandrika Pujari won gold in the women's 51kg category. Three boxers earned silver medals, and one secured bronze. The performance highlights the nation's growing youth boxing program. This event provided valuable experience for young athletes preparing for future competitions.
After an arduous wait, the West Indies cricket team and its staff have successfully made their journey back home following their time in India for the T20 World Cup. The team faced significant challenges due to travel restrictions caused by escalating tensions in West Asia, resulting in closed airspace and canceled flights that kept them in Kolkata longer than anticipated.
IPL 2026 matches in Guwahati will proceed as scheduled despite Assam's April 9 elections. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed discussions with state officials, who assured full cooperation for the Rajasthan Royals' games. The Election Commission's announcement places matches around the polling date, but authorities are prepared to manage the logistics without any rescheduling.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 will honour India's top athletes in Lucknow on March 21, 2026. The event recognises performances from 2025, with a distinguished jury selecting winners across over 45 categories. The shooting nominees showcase exceptional talent, with several athletes achieving global success.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 will honour India's top athletes on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow. The event recognises performances from 2025, with a distinguished jury selecting winners across numerous categories. Hockey nominees include Abhishek Nain, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Udita Duhan, Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, and Rutuja Pisal for their significant contributions.
Virat Kohli, in a recent 'This or That' challenge, named Chris Gayle as his top T20 opener over Rohit Sharma. Kohli's selections progressed through Adam Gilchrist, Travis Head, and Virender Sehwag before reaching the final showdown. Gayle's prolific T20 record, including the highest individual IPL score, solidifies his legendary status in the format.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who led Pakistan to major ICC tournament final victories, will now focus on administrative and mentoring roles. His retirement opens the door for a potential long-term appointment as the national Test team's head coach.
Sixteen-year-old Mayank Chakraborty has made history as the first Grandmaster from Assam and Northeast India. His landmark achievement in Sweden follows years of immense sacrifice, including his mother, Dr. Monomita Chakraborty, resigning from her medical career to support his journey. While celebrated as Indias 94th GM, Mayanks family now seeks government and corporate backing to sustain his elite professional career.
The eighth Times of India Sports Awards will honour India's top athletes on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow. The event recognises performances from 2025, with equestrian nominees Ashish Limaye, Shruti Vora, and Divyakriti Singh highlighted for their significant achievements at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships.
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali criticized the decision to bat Babar Azam at No.4 during the T20 World Cup, suggesting he should have opposed the move like Virat Kohli. However, Kamran Akmal disagreed, stating players rarely challenge management, especially when out of form.
The eighth Times of India Sports Awards will honourr India's top athletes in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, recognising achievements from 2025. A distinguished jury will select winners from over 45 categories, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents who have made the nation proud.
Sports Authority of India's National Centres of Excellence are facing potential LPG supply shortages due to the West Asia conflict, impacting athlete training for upcoming CWG and Asian Games. Regional centre heads are seeking uninterrupted supply from HPCL, with some already requesting increased cylinder quotas to maintain kitchen operations for hundreds of athletes.
Despite being a joint-highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup, Varun Chakravarthy's economy rate raised concerns. Experts suggest batters found him easier to read, possibly due to slight errors in length. Harbhajan Singh believes Varun, a champion bowler, will bounce back by focusing on execution and developing his away-going delivery, crucial for India's future T20 ambitions.
The eighth Times of India Sports Awards will honour India's top athletes in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, for their 2025 season achievements. A distinguished jury will select winners across over 45 categories, recognising both established and emerging talents. The athletics nominees showcase exceptional performances, including national records and international medals.
Sourav Ganguly reflects on India's historic 2001 Eden Gardens Test win against Australia, calling it a 'freak Test match' that ignited a transformation in Indian cricket. He highlights how the victory, coupled with winning the series, boosted the team's confidence and paved the way for future overseas successes and the emergence of new talent.
Kuldeep Yadav marries Vanshika | couple exchange garlands in beautiful wedding ceremony
Abhishek Sharma faced a challenging start to the T20 World Cup 2026, scoring three consecutive ducks. Supported by captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir, who advised him to disconnect from social media, Sharma regained his form. He played a crucial role in India's title win with a blistering 52 in the final.
Lucknow gears up for the Times of India Sports Awards on March 21, 2026, celebrating India's sporting triumphs of 2025. The event will honour athletes across numerous categories, including para sports, recognizing achievements from major international tournaments. A distinguished jury will select winners, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents who made the nation proud.
Twenty-five years on, Sachin Tendulkar revisits India's iconic 2001 Eden Gardens Test win against Australia. He recalls the team's belief after a Mumbai defeat, the magic of Laxman and Dravid's partnership, and his own surprise bowling spell that broke Australia's resistance. This victory significantly boosted India's confidence and remains a career highlight.
Former India captain Rohit Sharma lauded the men's and women's cricket teams for their recent World Cup victories, expressing hope they will maintain this winning momentum. He emphasized hard work and the contributions of people behind the scenes for the teams' successes. Sharma also encouraged T20 Mumbai league players to seize opportunities and praised the MCA for reviving the league.
Iraq's national football team will travel to Mexico for a 2026 World Cup playoff match on March 31, despite calls for postponement due to the ongoing Middle East war. The Iraq Football Association confirmed the team's departure via private plane, having secured FIFA's assistance for travel amid regional flight disruptions.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma's explosive 98-run opening partnership powered India to a massive 255/5 in the T20 World Cup final. India secured a commanding 96-run victory, clinching their third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first host nation to defend the crown. Samson lauded their 'fire and fire' partnership, highlighting their natural understanding and bravery.
Ricky Ponting lauded Suryakumar Yadav's leadership during India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, highlighting his ability to guide the team despite personal batting struggles. Ponting emphasized Yadav's crucial role in managing players like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, whose resurgence under pressure proved vital to India's success.