The Times of India

Rain could play a crucial role in the India vs Sri Lanka Test in Galle. With 288 runs or six wickets needed, who will have the last laugh? Get the latest update from the stadium.

India and Pakistan face off in a vital Hockey World Cup match on Wednesday. India need at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win. England have already secured a place in the next round after winning both their matches. The historic Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen will host this high-pressure contest. This match revives one of hockey's most storied rivalries with significant implications.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat labelled Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh a goon and criminal. She accused the BJP of supporting him despite sexual harassment allegations. Phogat questioned Singh's wealth and alleged land encroachment in Gonda. She drew parallels between past police actions and recent protests. The wrestler stated that money is used for atrocities against women.

The Indian women's hockey team showcased their prowess by defeating South Africa decisively, 6-1. This thrilling win has catapulted India to the forefront of Pool D in the FIH Hockey World Cup. Key contributions came from Sunelita Toppo and Navneet Kaur, part of the six-player scoring lineup. Now, India need just one point against England to solidify their place in the next round, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament.

Devdutt Padikkal opens up on competing with Sai Sudharsan, his strong chemistry with KL Rahul, his maiden Test century and more after his impressive performance against Sri Lanka.

Fourteen wickets, eight to fast bowlers and another day of twists in Galle. India squandered a dominant position with a 193-run second innings before their bowlers hit back, leaving Sri Lanka needing 288 more on the final day. The Test, much like the weather, has refused to follow the script.

India are on the brink of victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka, having pulled the hosts down to just 84 runs for four wickets. Rishabh Pant's explosive innings of 66 has paved the way for a challenging target. Sri Lanka now confronts a daunting task on the final day, as India's bowlers tighten their grip with critical wickets already claimed.

On Easter Sunday, David Warner, ex-Australian cricketer, was penalised and ordered to install an interlock device after being convicted of mid-range drink-driving during a random breath test. The court acknowledged the significant media attention and economic consequences he might face. However, the judge highlighted the critical aspect of deterrence with children present in the vehicle.

Making a remarkable debut at the BWF World Championships, Unnati Hooda scored a swift victory in straight games. She expressed heartfelt thanks to her father, who sacrificed his career to coach her diligently. Inspired by Ayush Shetty's surprising triumph over a top competitor, Unnati is determined to focus on her performance and give her best throughout the tournament.

India's star wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant created history on Tuesday during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The India wicketkeeper-batter became the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. Pant reached the milestone with a big six off Lahiru Kumara. The shot also brought up his 20th Test fifty.

Virat Kohli's career began with a modest debut in 2008. He achieved numerous accolades, including World Cups and the Asia Cup. Kohli then captained India to significant Test match victories overseas. He broke Sachin Tendulkar's ODI century record during the 2023 World Cup. Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is after winning IPL titles.

KL Rahul looked set to walk back when Prabath Jayasuriya trapped him on the back pad in the 11th over. KL Rahul was not confident about taking the review and was almost walking back. But Padikkal quickly asked him to review the decision. It turned out to be a crucial call. KL Rahul looked relieved and gave Padikkal a big hug, thanking his partner for convincing him to take the review.

India have to beat or draw against Pakistan to keep their hopes of reaching the second round alive. England are currently top of Pool D with six points. India are second with three points, while Pakistan and Wales have one point each after two matches. The top two teams from each pool will move into the second round. The bottom two teams will play in the 9th-16th classification matches. India had started their campaign with a 3-1 win over Wales.

India had reduced Sri Lanka to 99/5 by lunch, with Manav Suthar leading the attack. However, Ravindra Jadeja was yet to take a wicket at that stage. Sarfaraz Khan was heard telling Jadeja to remain patient, as the Indian bowlers would share the wickets among themselves.

Bangladeshs pace resources have now become the talk of the cricket town. They had shown their potential in demolishing Pakistan both at home and away in last two years. The Test win in Darwin is the realisation of the talent and the immaculate process focusing on Test cricket put in place by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Manav Suthar played an important role in keeping the Sri Lankan batters under pressure. He also produced the highest percentage of deliveries with a large turn in the match so far. As many as 74% of his deliveries turned more than 4.5 degrees, the best among all the spinners. Suthar returned figures of 4/76 as India bowled Sri Lanka out for 284 after posting 462 in their first innings at the Galle International Stadium.

Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar combined brilliantly to trouble Sri Lanka with their spin. Heres how Indias spin duo trapped the hosts in a web.

Following India's defeat in the Hockey World Cup, coach Craig Fulton emphasised the necessity for stricter defensive discipline. He urged players to maintain composure and enhance their defensive strategies ahead of the critical match against Pakistan. Midfielder Manpreet Singh echoed his sentiments, pinpointing defensive errors as pivotal to their loss. A point against Pakistan is essential for India's progression to the next round.

Indian women's hockey coach questioned the penalty-stroke rule interpretation after a draw. He shared footage and sought clarification from the International Hockey Federation. Former players also expressed their views on the controversial penalty-stroke action. The coach later removed his social media posts regarding the incident. FIH had not responded to clarification requests at the time of publication.

Ayush Shetty produced the biggest win of his career on Day 1 at the BWF World Championships, stunning top seed and defending champion Shi Yu Qi in a thrilling contest. Led by the young Indian's heroics and PV Sindhu's comfortable win, India made a perfect 5-0 start on the opening day of the tournament in New Delhi.

England secured a 4-2 victory over India in their Hockey World Cup Pool D match. India led 2-1 at halftime after goals from Harmanpreet and Dilpreet Singh. England responded strongly in the second half, scoring three times to seal the win. This defeat means India must draw against Pakistan to advance. The result extends India's winless streak against England in the World Cup.

PV Sindhu opens up about playing at home, handling expectations and the pressure of chasing a sixth World Championship medal.

Manav Suthar reflects on his four-wicket haul, first-ball breakthrough, bowling plans and his learnings from Sri Lankas spinners after Day 3 of the first Test.

Ravindra Jadeja achieved a significant career milestone in Test cricket. He became the fourth player ever to score 4,000 runs and take 350 wickets. This remarkable feat was accomplished during the first Test against Sri Lanka. Jadeja joins an elite group of all-rounders with this achievement. His efficiency is highlighted by reaching this landmark in under 100 matches.