The Times of India

India's Playing XI is taking shape ahead of the Colombo Test. Who makes the final cut? Is Kuldeep Yadav in contention? Here's a breakdown of the biggest selection hints, team combinations, and what India's preparations reveal.

Belgian powerlifting champion Sonita Muluh says she feels unsafe competing after a spotter allegedly admitted on social media to deliberately interfering with her record squat attempt and described himself as acist. The incident has sparked a criminal investigation in Lithuania, while the official received a lifetime ban and the International Powerlifting Federation pledged stronger athlete safeguards.

Auqib Nabi earned a place in India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. He replaces the injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the team. Nabi's selection follows his strong performances in domestic cricket competitions. He took 104 wickets across two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons. Nabi becomes the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to reach this milestone.

American shooter Jeff Browning credited nearly two years of training at New Delhi's Topgun Shooting Academy for helping him win the 10m air rifle title at the US National Championship. Browning secured the prestigious Leatherneck Trophy weeks after returning home, praising the academy's coaching and support for helping him maintain world-class standards and achieve national success.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni fostered a comfortable team atmosphere with his open hotel room policy. Younger players often gathered there for relaxation and games away from cricket pressure. Ajinkya Rahane shared insights into this inclusive team culture during a recent interview. Rahane recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after a distinguished career. Dhoni's own playing future remains uncertain following an injury and missed IPL season.

Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and Sam Cook have all returned to the Test squad, while Jordan Cox is also back and is expected to bat at No. 3, according to The Guardian. Cox gets the opportunity after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the series with an injury.