The Times of India

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.

Conflicting explanations from the Indian camp have added intrigue to Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the Colombo Test, with the chinaman missing out as India handed Saransh Jain a debut. Kuldeep did travel with the team and was also spotted in the dugout alongside Sarfaraz Khan. The official word from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains viral illness.

Rishabh Pant went for a pull shot but could only glove the ball. He immediately appeared to be in discomfort and held his wrist. The physio quickly came onto the field and applied an ice pack to Pant's wrist to prevent swelling. After a lengthy stoppage, tape was briefly applied to the wrist before being removed. The umpire also checked on Pant before the India batter eventually walked off the field retired hurt.

Former India leg-spinner Karn Sharma has retired from all forms of cricket at 38 after a career spanning more than two decades. He played one Test, two ODIs and one T20I for India, along with 97 First-Class matches and over 90 IPL games. A four-time IPL champion, Sharma said he is proud of his journey and hopes to give back to cricket.

Bangladesh's recent loss to Australia in the second Test has paved the way for India's ambition for the World Test Championship final. With a win against Sri Lanka, India can now surpass Bangladesh in the rankings. Australia's triumph solidifies their top-tier position, while Bangladesh proudly holds a historic No. 6 ranking. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto advocates for increased match frequency in Australia for his team.

Shubman Gill marked a remarkable achievement by crossing the 3,000 Test run milestone, becoming the fourth-youngest Indian cricketer to do so. This significant moment took place on the inaugural day of the second Test, as he eclipsed the record previously held by former skipper Kapil Dev. The milestone was particularly notable, considering it followed a gradual and measured start to his innings.

The Mechanical Turk first appeared in 1770 as a chess-playing machine that astonished audiences across Europe and the Americas. It played Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon Bonaparte, but the secret was a skilled chess player hidden inside its cabinet. Despite widespread suspicion, the illusion endured for decades. Its story offers a striking reminder that the impression of an autonomous mind can hide the reality behind it.