The Times of India

Gautam Gambhir press conference: Playing XI, Rishabh Pant, No.3 and more

Pant was removed as India's Test vice-captain when the BCCI announced the squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month

Former India selector Devang Gandhi advocates for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's immediate India T20I debut following his stellar IPL 2026. Gandhi highlighted the young batsman's remarkable strike rate and adaptability, suggesting he possesses the potential to trouble even Test bowlers. He emphasised Sooryavanshi's maturity and all-around game, calling him a 'nightmare' for opposition attacks.

The number three position has remained unsettled for India in Test cricket since Cheteshwar Pujara moved out of the side. Since then, seven different batters have been tried at one-drop, but none have managed to make the spot their own. Several of them were also not given an extended run in the role.

Former selector Saba Karim believes Virat Kohli is a certainty for the 2027 ODI World Cup due to his consistent performances and fitness. In contrast, Rohit Sharma faces significant pressure to improve his fitness and batting to be considered for the tournament. Kohli's evolving strike rate and commitment impress selectors, while Rohit's recent IPL form raises concerns.

Robinson, playing his first Test since February 2024, finished the day with figures of 4/10 from six overs as New Zealand ended the day still trailing England's first-innings total of 140.

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, aiming to revive the club's aggressive, high-pressing style. Iraola, who previously transformed Bournemouth into European qualifiers, arrives with a reputation for intense tactics. He faces the significant challenge of restoring Liverpool to domestic and European glory.

His throw now trails only Arshad Nadeem's Olympic gold-winning mark of 92.97m from Paris 2024 in the Asian all-time list.

Pakistan secured a 2-1 series victory over Australia in the final ODI, chasing a modest target of 158 on a challenging spinning wicket. Shadab Khan starred with an unbeaten 29 and two wickets, guiding Pakistan home with Abdul Samad after a tough chase. Australia collapsed to 157 despite Josh Inglis's 65, losing their last seven wickets for 38 runs.

France and Spain, both FIFA World Cup contenders, experienced unexpected setbacks in their warm-up matches. Ivory Coast stunned France with a 2-1 victory, while Iraq held Spain to a 1-1 draw. These surprising results serve as a stark reminder that form and reputation may not guarantee success in the upcoming tournament.

Chwalinska made history on Thursday by becoming only the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. The Polish player defeated Russia's Diana Shnaider 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the semifinals.

Rishabh Pant, set for his 50th Test, displays his usual cheerful demeanor despite a shift in leadership role. While his playful spirit remains, the team management seeks adjustments to his game, focusing on situational play. This milestone match marks a new chapter for the impactful batter, emphasising his commitment to senior player responsibilities.

During a discussion on Sky Sports on the opening day of the first Test between England and New Zealand on Thursday, the idea of Sooryavanshi opening in Tests was raised.

Emerging talent Madhav Tiwari, a 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, made a significant Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals in 2026 season, showcasing his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. Despite limited prior experience, Tiwari impressed by taking crucial wickets and playing a match-winning cameo, fueling his ambition to represent India.

Maja Chwalinska has achieved a historic feat at Roland Garros, becoming the first qualifier to reach the French Open women's singles final. She will face teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva in a captivating showdown. Chwalinska's remarkable journey from qualifying to the final is a testament to her grit and skill, captivating tennis fans worldwide.

Three days after the IPL final, Team India are attempting to reset their body clocks and shed T20 habits ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate reveals how the team is tackling sleep cycles, technical adjustments and the challenge of switching from IPL nights to Test-match mornings.

R Praggnanandhaa boosted his Norway Chess title hopes with a third straight classical victory, defeating world champion D Gukesh in their Round 9 rematch. After weathering Gukeshs early aggression in the Nimzo-Indian Smisch, Pragg defended accurately. The win avenged his earlier loss to Gukesh and moved him within half a point of leader Wesley So heading into the final round.

Marta Kostyuk again refused to shake hands with Russian player Mirra Andreeva after their French Open semifinal, continuing a stance she has maintained since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian views the gesture as a show of solidarity with her country. Kostyuk has also used her platform to highlight the war's humanitarian impact and support for Ukrainians.

Pakistan has decided not to send its fencers to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi despite receiving an invitation from organisers. The event, being hosted by India for the first time, will feature participants from over 30 countries. Meanwhile, some nations, including Hong Kong and Australia, are facing visa-related issues, though authorities are working to resolve them before the tournament.

England's batting order collapsed spectacularly against New Zealand at Lord's, being bowled out for just 140. Iceland Cricket humorously commented on the situation, suggesting Zak Crawley's spirit remained with the team despite his absence from the squad. Harry Brook was the lone fighter with 56 runs.

Bhutan's Ritshi Choden became the first woman batter to be timed out in international cricket after taking more than 90 seconds to reach the crease during a T20I against Nepal in the ACC Premier Cup. Nepal's appeal was upheld, leaving Bhutan 0 for 2. Although the dismissal was legal, Nepal's cricket board later apologised, saying it went against the spirit of the game. Bhutan eventually lost by 51 runs.

Serena Williams will return to professional tennis after nearly four years away, competing in doubles at the Queens Club tournament in London. The 44-year-old will partner 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, who called the opportunity an honor. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, retired in 2022. She has not yet confirmed whether she will play Wimbledon or the US Open in 2026.

Rajdip Gupta on T20 Mumbai League's vision, young talent & growth

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav says he is fully focused on Test cricket ahead of the one-off Afghanistan Test. After Delhi Capitals' early IPL exit, he used the extra time to prepare for red-ball cricket, admitting the transition from T20s is tough. With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rested, Kuldeep will lead the spin attack and has backed youngsters Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar to perform well.

Murali Kartik lauded Ajinkya Rahane as IPL 2026's top captain, highlighting his leadership of a depleted Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Despite injuries and early criticism, Rahane guided the team to playoff contention until the final league day, a remarkable turnaround from a winless start. Kartik emphasized Rahane's ability to rally the side against adversity.

Former selector Saba Karim suggests India's T20 team may see a major transition before the 2028 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav's place under scrutiny due to inconsistent form. Karim also backs Rajat Patidar for captaincy, citing his IPL success, while questioning Hardik Pandya's leadership. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also highlighted as a potential national selection candidate.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, effectively splitting matches into four quarters regardless of weather conditions. The change gives coaches extra tactical time and allows broadcasters to air commercials, adding over 10 hours of stoppage time across the tournament. While some coaches support the move, others fear it could disrupt footballs traditional flow and rhythm.

India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series faces potential changes. Fitness concerns for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could open doors for new players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Devdutt Padikkal are strong contenders. Their List A and IPL performances highlight their readiness. Selectors have proven options if senior players are unavailable.

As India fine-tune preparations for the one-off Afghanistan Test, Devdutt Padikkal emerges as a strong contender for the vacant No. 3 spot, while one of Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar looks set to make a Test debut.As India fine-tune preparations for the one-off Afghanistan Test, Devdutt Padikkal emerges as a strong contender for the vacant No. 3 spot, while one of Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar looks set to make a Test debut.

Jose Mourinho could return to Real Madrid, but the move depends on Florentino Perez winning the clubs upcoming presidential election. Perez has named Mourinho and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as his priority signings if re-elected. He also dismissed speculation over Vinicius Juniors future, insisting the Brazilian wants to stay and remains a key part of Madrids plans.

India's upcoming Test against Afghanistan highlights emerging talent, with Ravichandran Ashwin particularly keen to watch all-rounder Harsh Dubey. Kuldeep Yadav is set to lead the spin attack in Ravindra Jadeja's absence, supported by Washington Sundar. Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead the pace attack, potentially alongside uncapped Gurnoor Brar, offering a glimpse into India's future stars.

Aryna Sabalenkas French Open title hopes ended after a dramatic quarterfinal collapse against Diana Shnaider. The world No. 1 led by a set and 4-1 in the second before losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. A devastated Sabalenka admitted she felt like quitting tennis after another major setback. Shnaider advanced to her first Grand Slam semifinal as Roland Garros continued to witness several shock upsets.

England players wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before the first Test against New Zealand at Lords to honour former England cricketers who have died since the teams last home international. The pre-match tributes also marked 10 years since New Zealand great Martin Crowes passing, with his daughter Emma ringing the traditional five-minute bell.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has electrified the IPL 2026, smashing records with 776 runs and earning Orange Cap, MVP, and Emerging Player awards. His astonishing strike rate and six-hitting prowess have drawn praise from legends like Alastair Cook, who marvels at his instinctive batting. The young sensation is now set for India A duty.

Ryan ten Doeschate press conference: Big update on Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, India XI and more

Bad news for Suryakumar Yadav | Greenstone Lobo makes a bold prediction

Virat Kohli might miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He reportedly sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged this would be a significant blow. Kohli enjoyed a strong IPL season, scoring 675 runs. He is currently holidaying in Europe after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title win.

Virat Kohli's unwavering intensity and work ethic were instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's second consecutive IPL title in 2026. Finishing as the franchise's top scorer, Kohli's leadership and champion mindset, even after facing early setbacks, inspired teammates like Krunal Pandya. Pandya highlighted Kohli's consistent hunger to perform and win as a personal source of motivation.

The decision comes after FIFA had earlier said that empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles would be permitted at venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the updated Stadium Code of Conduct, which came into effect on Tuesday, now bans them.

Virat Kohli was in sublime form during IPL 2026, scoring 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and top-scoring with an unbeaten 75 in the title clash. He had reportedly felt discomfort in his right hamstring while batting during the final. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is yet to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for a fitness assessment. With both players dealing with hamstring issues, the selectors could be forced to explore additional options ahead of the upcoming assignments.

Sindhu, who had also gone down to the South Korean in the quarterfinals of last week's Singapore Open, lost 17-21, 14-21 in the round of 16 match.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a record-shattering IPL 2026 campaign, highlighted by a 97 off 29 balls in the Eliminator. His sensational batting, including 72 sixes, earned him the Orange Cap and MVP award. Sooryavanshi's adaptability impressed opponents, with Liam Livingstone noting his rapid development against various bowling tactics.

Krunal, who played a key role in RCB's successful IPL 2026 title defence, contributed with both bat and ball during the season. He scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and picked up 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.41 as RCB won their second consecutive IPL title.

Five-time IPL champion Krunal Pandya's journey to success was forged in the crucible of early life struggles. Before cricket stardom, he navigated the world of paperwork, affidavits, and brokering second-hand cars, lessons that instilled resilience and a craving for tough challenges. These experiences shaped his approach to cricket, teaching him to embrace pressure and never give up.