The Times of India

India's fast-bowling reserves are being tested in the Afghanistan series as part of a long-term strategy for the South Africa tour. Bowling coach Morne Morkel highlighted the importance of giving youngsters like Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar opportunities to develop under pressure, aiming for peak performance in next year's World Cup.

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra will miss the Doha Diamond League due to a back injury sustained during training in Switzerland. He is focusing on rehabilitation for upcoming major events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games. This absence means fans won't see a repeat of his historic 90.23m throw from last year's Doha meet.

Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub is stuck in Mexico City due to visa issues preventing his entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rajoub, along with other delegates, faces hurdles with US authorities, despite FIFA's assurances of an inclusive tournament. This situation highlights ongoing tensions and restrictions impacting Palestinian representation.

Legendary Indian shooter and coach Jaspal Rana has passed away. He was a celebrated athlete, achieving numerous medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games. Rana also excelled at the World Championships. He later mentored young shooters as a high-performance coach. His contributions to Indian sports are significant.

Morne Morkel press conference: India Playing XI shocker, Ishan vs KL vs Jaiswal and more

Virat Kohli penned an emotional tribute to Kane Williamson following the New Zealand great's retirement from international cricket. Kohli lauded their years of competition and cherished their friendship, wishing Williamson well in his post-cricket life. Williamson concluded a stellar 16-year career, leaving a significant legacy as one of New Zealand's finest cricketers.

Canada will host the second FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Toronto. Nora Fatehi will headline the event. Other artists like Alanis Morissette and Michael Buble will also perform. The ceremony precedes Canada's first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fans can watch the event live on UNITE8 Sports and DD Sports. Live streaming is available on Zee5.

Team India starts its 2027 ODI World Cup journey against Afghanistan. Shubman Gill leads the squad in Dharamsala. Virat Kohli is out with a hamstring injury. Kohli has been in strong ODI form since 2025. India plays 20 ODIs before the World Cup. The team hopes for Kohli's quick recovery for the England tour.

Kane Williamson's retirement, just 485 runs shy of 10,000 Test runs, highlights a trend of modern batting greats narrowly missing this elite milestone. He joins Virat Kohli, Graeme Smith, and Hashim Amla, all legendary figures who concluded their illustrious careers tantalizingly close to the coveted 10,000-run mark, leaving fans to ponder what might have been.

New Zealand's batting stalwart Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 15-year career. The 35-year-old leaves as the Black Caps' leading run-scorer across all formats, with over 19,000 runs. Williamson expressed immense respect for the team and looks forward to supporting their future successes while spending more time with his young family.

A cryptic comment by former pacer Simon Doull about a 'big announcement' from the BlackCaps proved eerily prescient. Just five days later, cricketing legend Kane Williamson retired from international cricket, concluding a stellar 16-year career. His departure marks the end of an era for New Zealand, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable batting achievements and inspiring leadership.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill needs to improve his ODI captaincy, despite his batting prowess. Gill's leadership has seen just two wins in six matches, with two series losses. The upcoming Afghanistan series offers a crucial chance for the young skipper to establish his authority and build a stronger record, while his exceptional batting form continues.

Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record-breaking IPL season has earned him international call-ups and high praise from legends like Dale Steyn. The ex-South Africa seamer believes the 15-year-old prodigy could surpass even Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. However, Steyn also cautioned against mishandling the young talent, emphasising the need for careful management to nurture his immense potential.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was hospitalised for observation after suffering a concussion from a Riley Meredith bouncer during the team's historic ODI series win over Australia. Despite the blow and subsequent discomfort, Miraz bravely continued to play, guiding Bangladesh to a memorable victory with an unbeaten 22.

Indian shooting mourns the loss of Jaspal Rana, a celebrated Asian Games gold medallist and multiple international winner, who passed away at 49. Rana, a prolific shooter and influential coach, shaped generations of talent, notably guiding Manu Bhaker to a historic two-medal haul at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His legacy as a mentor and athlete is profound.

India mourns the loss of legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, who passed away at 49. President Murmu, Abhinav Bindra, and PM Modi led tributes, hailing his immense contributions as an athlete and mentor. Rana, a decorated champion, was instrumental in nurturing a generation of Indian shooting stars, leaving an indelible legacy.

Cricket Ireland is closely monitoring the unrest in Belfast ahead of India's T20I series, scheduled for June 26 and 28. While domestic matches are being reviewed, the board assures that player and fan safety is paramount. The series marks a new chapter for India's T20 side, potentially featuring a historic debut for young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Renowned shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana has passed away at the age of 49. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death, calling it a profound loss to Indian sports. Rana was instrumental in nurturing a new generation of shooting stars, including Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker.

South Korea staged a dramatic second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Czechia in their World Cup opener. After falling behind, Hwang In-beom equalized before substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu's crucial late save sealed the win for the Taeguk Warriors.

After 14 years at Futbol Club Barcelona Femen, their captain and most decorated player, Alexia Putellas, wistfully announced her departure from the club. It has been a perfect story, she said in her message to her fans, and one that deserves to be told over and over again.

Renowned Indian shooter and coach Jaspal Rana passed away at 49 after falling ill following the ISSF World Cup in Munich. A former Asian Games gold medallist, Rana was instrumental in nurturing generations of shooting stars, including Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker. His impactful coaching career, recognised with the Dronacharya Award, leaves an irreplaceable void in Indian sport.

PV Sindhu advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals with a dominant 21-6, 21-9 victory over Chen Su Yu. This marks her second semi-final appearance this year, showcasing an encouraging return to form. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Tanvi Sharma also reached the quarter-finals, continuing her impressive breakthrough campaign.

Serena Williams' highly anticipated return to professional tennis was cut short at Queen's Club due to her partner Victoria Mboko's knee injury. The duo had secured an opening-round win, but Mboko's withdrawal forced them out of the quarter-finals. Serena Williams is scheduled to compete in the Berlin Open next week.

England and Wales are set to host the 10th ICC Women's T20 World Cup from June 12 to July 5, featuring a record 12 teams. Defending champions New Zealand and six-time winners Australia are among the strong contenders. This expanded tournament boasts a record prize pool, promising intense competition across seven venues.

Team India eyes T20 World Cup glory in England, led by Harmanpreet Kaur. With key all-rounders injured, the team faces a selection dilemma: bolster batting or add bowling depth. Former captain Nasser Hussain advocates for a stronger batting lineup, emphasising fearless, aggressive play to secure above-par scores and chase the trophy.

Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora made history at the Estadio Azteca, becoming the youngest Mexican to ever play in a FIFA World Cup. Entering the match in the 65th minute, Mora, at 17 years and 240 days, broke a record that stood since 1930. His debut marks a significant moment for Mexican football, highlighting his rapid rise as a promising talent.

Julian Quiones made FIFA World Cup history by scoring the opening goal of the 2026 tournament as Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0. The CONCACAF player's strike, his first of the competition, came in the ninth minute at the Estadio Azteca. This historic goal followed his impressive performance in the Saudi Pro League, where he outscored Cristiano Ronaldo.

Anil Kumble believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's experience will be vital for India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, offering crucial support to captain Shubman Gill. Kumble praised Gill's IPL leadership and highlighted how the veterans can guide him through high-pressure situations, easing his burden.

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and retired from international football after failing to recover from a persistent foot injury. The Liverpool midfielder ends an 11-year international career with 73 appearances, having captained Japan in recent years. His absence leaves a major leadership void as Japan begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most influential figures.

Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker will compete in two events at the upcoming Asian Games, including the women's 10m air pistol and 25m pistol. India's 30-member shooting squad, announced by NRAI, features several multi-event athletes, with a strategic focus on medal prospects due to quota caps.

Bangladesh achieved a historic maiden ODI series victory against Australia, securing a 2-0 lead with a five-wicket win. Despite a rain delay and a revised target, the hosts chased down 192 comfortably. Australia's batting faltered early, but Labuschagne and Bartlett's half-centuries offered some recovery. Bangladesh's disciplined bowling and steady batting sealed the landmark triumph.

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is set to make history by hosting its third FIFA World Cup opening match in 2026. This iconic venue previously witnessed legendary moments in the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, including Pel's triumph and Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century'.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is impressing beyond T20 cricket, showcasing adaptability in Sri Lanka's tri-series. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar lauded his versatile 44 off 22 balls against Afghanistan A, highlighting his potential for longer formats. Suryavanshi's innings, marked by timing and placement, earned praise for his technique, not just aggression.

Afghanistan A secured a surprising four-run victory over India A in a rain-affected tri-series match, successfully chasing a revised target of 294 in 38 overs. Despite India A posting a strong 349/9, Afghanistan A stayed ahead of the DLS par score when play was halted, clinching a memorable win.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed Ravichandran Ashwin with a dazzling 44 off 22 balls for India A. The 15-year-old showcased a blend of aggression and control, hitting nine boundaries. Despite missing a half-century, his performance highlighted his potential beyond T20s, earning praise from the former India spinner for his strokeplay and timing.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag underwent successful shoulder surgery in Mumbai, performed by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwalla. The procedure comes after a challenging period for the player, who is now focused on recovery and rehabilitation. Parag is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season, with his rehab managed by the BCCI.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup shatters all previous records, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a record 1,248 players from 449 clubs, legends like Ronaldo and Messi chase history. This monumental tournament promises unprecedented scale and potential record-breaking feats, making it the biggest spectacle yet.

Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, has been selected for the India Under-19 squad touring Sri Lanka. The BCCI announced the squads on Thursday, with Anvay named as one of the wicketkeepers for the one-day matches. This selection follows his impressive performance in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.

Delhi-born all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary has been named in Australia's T20I squad for the Bangladesh series, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian-born male cricketer in over 60 years to achieve this. His selection follows impressive performances in the Big Bash League, and he is now in contention for his international debut.

Suresh Raina has urged India to find a dependable backup for all-rounder Hardik Pandya, citing his persistent fitness issues. Pandya's recent injury, ruling him out of the Afghanistan series, underscores the team's need for depth in pace-bowling all-rounders ahead of the next ODI World Cup. Identifying and nurturing an alternative is crucial to avoid vulnerability.

India maintains its top spot in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, though its lead over New Zealand has tightened. Australia holds steady in third. South Africa has ascended to fourth, surpassing Pakistan. Significant shifts also occurred outside the top 10, with Ireland, USA, and UAE making notable gains.

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Former India pacer S Sreesanth has lauded teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently became the youngest player selected for an Indian men's team. Sreesanth emphasized Suryavanshi's commitment and perseverance, urging the 15-year-old to focus solely on cricket and avoid distractions from professional managers, trusting his family to handle off-field matters.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with an expanded 48-nation format across three host countries, promising unprecedented drama and more opportunities for upsets. With a blend of established powerhouses, emerging talents, and debutants, this tournament is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle for football fans worldwide.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dazzled with a blistering 44 off 22 balls, striking nine fours at a strike rate of 200, as India A built a strong platform against Afghanistan A. The 15-year-old shared a 74-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh before falling to Abdullah Ahmadzai. Prabhsimran remained unbeaten on 82, guiding India A to 163/2 after 20.4 overs.

MS Dhoni returned to a cricket ground for the first time since missing IPL 2026 due to injury, attending the opening ceremony of the inaugural Jharkhand T20 League in Ranchi. The former India captain flipped the ceremonial coin and received a warm welcome from fans. His presence boosted the six-team tournament, which will feature 27 matches at the JSCA International Stadium Complex over two weeks.

Portugal head into the FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 warm-up win over Nigeria. Cristiano Ronaldo, set for a record-tying sixth World Cup appearance, missed several chances and failed to score before being substituted. Pedro Neto opened the scoring, Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria, and substitute Francisco Conceio netted the winner. Portugal will face Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation cannot influence government decisions after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US over security concerns, urging people to just chill, relax while FIFA works behind the scenes. Infantino also defended soaring World Cup ticket prices, backed Irans participation despite tensions with the US, praised Donald Trumps role in hosting the tournament, and said FIFA prioritised accessibility over potentially higher broadcast revenues.