The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Dhruv Jurel opens up after his century, discussing his partnership with Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Sirajs support, the pressure of representing India and his farmer-soldier family roots.
Dhruv Jurels stunning hundred has come at the perfect time. Heres why his big knock could be a major relief for Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill.
Indias mens hockey team exit the 2026 World Cup semi-final race after losing 3-5 to Argentina. Two early goals put India on the back foot, while poor passing and missed penalty corners hurt their comeback hopes. Sukhjeet scores twice and Hardik adds a penalty stroke, but Argentinas five-goal haul seals victory. India now play for seventh or eighth place.
The recently concluded BWF World Championships in New Delhi highlighted the complex task of scheduling elite badminton, as injuries, television demands and player recovery constantly reshaped the order of play. While Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly were rushed to court in an eventual win, France's Toma Junior Popov questioned uneven recovery time, exposing the delicate balance tournament referees must strike.
With his place under pressure and Sarfaraz Khan breathing down his neck, Dhruv Jurel delivered when India needed him most. His hard-earned hundred in Colombo could be the knock that turns a make-or-break series into a career-defining one. India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 as only 53 overs were possible on Day 2.
Northamptonshire pacer Luke Procter bowled a short delivery that angled into left-handed Moores. The batter went back and defended the ball, which bounced close to the crease and appeared to be heading towards the stumps.
The sports ministry's guidelines limited the Asian Games tennis squad to players ranked among the top eight in Asia. As a result, Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari and Prarthana Thombare missed out on selection.
India's women's hockey team coach admitted that nerves played a significant role in the disappointing draw against Australia, which squashed their hopes for a World Cup semifinal berth. The match was marred by a lack of rhythm and various unforced errors. The missed chances to score were particularly costly, but the coach still took pride in the team's historical accomplishment of finishing fifth-sixth in the tournament.
Pullela Gopichand reflects on Indias BWF World Championships campaign, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jollys performance, and the teams Asian Games preparations.
Rishabh Pant has etched his name in Indian cricket history by surpassing MS Dhoni as the leading run-scorer for Indian wicketkeepers in away Tests. Achieving this remarkable milestone in a gripping match, Pant maintained an impressive batting average. Notably, he showed remarkable fortitude after an injury concern, returning to reinforce India's efforts with a key partnership.
The 25-year-old pacer from Panchagarh returned figures of 7/48 from 15 overs as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 210 in their first innings at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Yashasvi Jaiswal took to social media to address a recent video highlighting his confrontation with Fernando. He emphasised the importance of understanding the entire dialogue before forming opinions. The tension arose when the Indian opener was dismissed, leading to an exchange of words and a brief scuffle that required intervention. India's batting coach later remarked that Jaiswal should have kept a respectful distance from the bowler.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin will not challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA president. Infantino faces a potential challenger in next year's FIFA presidential election. This comes after Infantino's abandoned plan to sell FIFA competition rights. Ceferin believes Infantino lacks broad support from the football community. He also reminded Infantino of UEFA's past support for his rise.
Pant retired hurt after being hit on his left arm during the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday.
Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kuldeep Yadav's viral fever, dismissing speculation about his absence. Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck on the wrist by a bouncer. He is expected to resume his innings on Monday, aiding the team's score. Tempers flared between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando following Jaiswal's dismissal. Kotak called the confrontation a heat of the moment incident.
The letter was initiated by former Australia captain Greg Chappell. It is the second appeal by former international captains seeking humane treatment and medical care for the 73-year-old Khan.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has come under fire for his altercation with Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando. Former cricketer Ajay Jadeja cautioned Jaiswal about the potential repercussions of his aggressive behaviour. Indias batting coach acknowledged that Jaiswal should have avoided such a heated moment. The incident risks evaluation under the ICC Code of Conduct, with match officials now deliberating on possible sanctions for the young star.
Max Verstappen's Dutch Grand Prix ended early after a first-lap crash on a damp track. Lando Norris capitalised on the chaos, securing a crucial victory for his title hopes. Norris made a daring overtake to take the lead and hold it until the finish. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with George Russell completing the podium. The Dutch Grand Prix is departing the Formula 1 calendar after this season.
Indias Hockey World Cup campaign ended after Australia held them to a 0-0 draw and advanced to the semifinals on goals scored. Australia had two goals ruled out after reviews, while India missed key chances and penalty corners. Despite a strong second-half push and removing their goalkeeper late on, India could not find the winner and will now play for fifth place.
BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra said the Super 750 event, scheduled for the last week of January 2028, would clash with heightened security protocols in the national capital around January 26.
Yashasvi Jaiswal charged toward the bowler, making visible contact with Fernando's head. The Sri Lankan players stepped in, separated the two and prevented the situation from escalating. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak felt Jaiswal shouldn't have gone so close and termed the incident as something that happened in the heat of the moment.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addresses Kuldeep Yadavs absence from the Colombo Test, Yashasvi Jaiswals heated exchange with Asitha Fernando and more ahead of India vs Sri Lanka.

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