The Times of India

Sitanshu Kotak gives a major update on KL Rahul after he retired hurt with cramps and praises Devdutt Padikkal after his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka.

Hikaru Nakamura finished third at the 2026 Esports World Cup after Alireza Firouzja forfeited their match following technical issues and multiple disconnections. Initially blaming chess.com, Nakamura later learned the problems were caused by the EWC. He apologised for his comments, admitted he jumped to conclusions, and earned $145,000 plus valuable Club Championship points for Falcons Esports.

New Delhi is set to welcome the prestigious 2026 Badminton World Championships after a long hiatus of seventeen years. The last event in 2009 in Hyderabad witnessed China's commanding presence, highlighted by Lin Dan's monumental victory. With the stakes higher than ever, India prepares to write a new chapter in this thrilling sport, reflecting the dramatic shifts in international badminton.

On the first day in Galle, Devdutt Padikkal shone brightly, scoring an unbeaten 131 runs. His technique against Sri Lanka's spinners garnered high praise from Sanjay Manjrekar, who noted Padikkal's impressive back-foot play and attacking style. This stellar performance strengthens his candidacy for the number three batting slot and marks a notable milestone in the young Indian cricketer's career.

At the BWF World Championships in Delhi, starting from Monday, the biggest challenge may not come from the opponent across the net. Drafts, heat and humidity could prove decisive as the world's best adapt to tricky conditions.

India began their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a strong 3-1 victory over Wales. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals, leading the team's dominant performance. Sanjay opened the scoring for India in the eighth minute of the match. Wales managed to pull one goal back late in the game. India secured three points from their opening Pool D fixture.

Devdutt Padikkal last played a Test for India during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After waiting 632 days, the left-hander seized his opportunity. Karnataka captaincy, role clarity and work on his game against spin reaped rewards as he put India in a dominant position with his maiden ton and a 150-run stand with his statemate and coffee partner KL Rahul on the opening day of the first Test in Galle.

When Yashasvi Jaiswal walked out to bat in Galle for the first Test against Sri Lanka, he was playing the 30th Test of his career. The milestone came with an unusual record - Jaiswal has played each of his first 30 Tests at a different venue. The India opener has never played a Test at the same ground twice. His journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and, after stops across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England and Australia, he reached his 30th Test in Galle on Saturday.

During India's prestigious 600th Test match, Yashasvi Jaiswal faced a comical run-out involving KL Rahul. A chaotic mix-up left both players at the same crease after an unexpected collision. As Jaiswal tried to backtrack, Rahul mistakenly saw this as a cue to advance. This quirky moment occurred while both were vying for essential points in the World Test Championship.

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the two-match series in Galle on Saturday. Gill said the pitch looked good and the weather conditions were also favourable for a full day of cricket.

Rishabh Pant is about to reach a monumental achievement in Test cricket, needing only three sixes to collect his hundred. This success would welcome him into an esteemed circle of Test players. Additionally, the historic Galle International Cricket Stadium is celebrating its 50th Test match. With his powerful and aggressive style, Pant's performance will be critical on the tough pitch conditions ahead.

The men-in-Blue, led by Shubman Gill, are set to become only the third team after England and Australia to reach the milestone, that too on the day when the nation is celebrating its 80th Independence Day from the colonial rule..

Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Tests during his international career, which ended during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.

Jemimah Rodrigues is out of the Women's Asia Cup and Asian Games due to a hamstring tear. Pratika Rawal replaces Rodrigues in the Asia Cup squad after recovering from injury. India will compete in the Asia Cup starting August 28, facing Pakistan on September 5. The hamstring injury also prevents Rodrigues from participating in the Asian Games.