The Times of India

India face Brazil in a highly anticipated football friendly at Kolkatas Salt Lake Stadium. With Brazil arriving under tight security, authorities are looking to avoid a repeat of the chaos surrounding Lionel Messis previous visit. Around 70% of tickets were still reportedly unsold ahead of the match.

A moment of appreciation and encouragement as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar following his harrowing mid-air ordeal. PM Modi acknowledges the pilots courage and presence of mind during the emergency and extends his best wishes for a speedy recovery.

India produced a stunning six-gold haul on the penultimate day of the Asian Games on Friday, with the women's hockey team, three boxers, archers and wrestler Sujeet Kalkal leading a late surge that took the country into the top five of the medal table. India moved to fifth place with 76 medals - 16 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze. India have more medals than fourth-placed Uzbekistan, who have 65, but trail them by four gold medals.

Naman Dhir addresses the media ahead of the 3rd ODI, discussing his role in the Indian team, bowling plans, batting position and the experience of playing for India at his home ground.

Abhishek Sharma's future at Sunrisers Hyderabad is in focus ahead of the IPL retention deadline, with the opener unhappy after Ishan Kishan was handed the captaincy last year and is set to continue in IPL 2027 as well because of Pat Cummins, who is likely to cut down on his franchise commitments. Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are among potential destinations, while Delhi Capitals could also emerge as an option for the star batter.

Lovlina Borgohain celebrates her birthday in golden style as the Indian boxer wins her first Asian Games gold medal. Reflecting on her long and difficult journey, Lovlina says the medal is especially special after moments when she considered quitting boxing. She also reveals that winning gold on her birthday was the only thing on her mind and calls it the biggest birthday gift she could give herself.

Ankush Panghal secured the gold medal in the men's 80kg final against South Korea's Minseong Kim. This victory came after Lovlina Borgohain and Parveen Hooda won their respective finals in women's categories. Lovlina celebrated her birthday with a significant win against China's Ziyi Bao, becoming a two-time Asian Games champion. Parveen earned her first Asian Games gold in a tightly contested match against Chen Nien-chin of Chinese Taipei.

Simranjit Singh a.k.a Simi Singh left left India in 2006 to pursue hotel management, found an unexpected second career in cricket, played for Ireland at the 2022 T20 World Cup and then survived acute liver failure. Now, after his wife donated part of her liver to save him, Simi Singh has returned home to Mohali, bringing a remarkable 20-year journey to an end. Yet, his association with cricket will continue: he's opened an academy, where he is honing young talent.

India and Pakistan, along with Australia, will be part of Group A in the upcoming 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup. The tournament is set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, starting on October 2 and concluding on November 21. A total of 14 teams will participate, divided into two groups of six after a preliminary stage.

India will begin their ICC ODI World Cup 2027 campaign against Australia on October 7 in Cape Town, after the ICC announced the schedule for the tournament on Thursday. India and Pakistan have been placed in the same Group A, setting up another much-awaited clash between the two teams.