The Times of India

Glenn McGrath lauded teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his fearless style and backlift to legends Brian Lara and Garry Sobers. McGrath was amazed by Sooryavanshi's IPL power-hitting, noting his high six-to-four ratio. He expressed interest in seeing how the young batsman performs outside the subcontinent.

Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan Dickwella anticipates a strong performance from Indian talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Dickwella acknowledges Sooryavanshi as an exciting player and a motivation for young cricketers globally. Sri Lanka A plan to execute their basic strategies against the Indian batting lineup.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has again denied that players decided to skip the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. He said the squad wanted to play and was only informed of the decision, not consulted. Challenging safety concerns, Litton noted Bangladesh had toured Pakistan despite tighter security, saying, they used to stand with guns outside the room.

Manav Suthar's impressive debut performance has positioned him as a key player in India's red-ball spin strategy. His six-wicket haul against Afghanistan showcased his potential, making him a strong contender for the Test XI. The BCCI's long-term development project for spinners like Suthar highlights India's focus on building a potent spin attack for future challenges.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record-breaking IPL 2026 season earned him a maiden India call-up at just 15. The left-hander amassed 776 runs and smashed 72 sixes, dismantling bowling attacks with a unique technique that allows him to dominate length, short and full deliveries alike. While yorkers offered some control, his remarkable adaptability and power suggest Indian cricket may have uncovered a generational talent.

Ben Stokess England captaincy is under threat after he and Gus Atkinson allegedly broke a team curfew and became involved in a nightclub altercation following the win over New Zealand. The ECB is investigating, though sources say the players were not the aggressors. A security guard was injured, Stokes may miss the next Test, and Harry Brook is expected to captain.

England's preparations for the second Test against New Zealand are marred by controversy as captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Gus Atkinson face an investigation for an alleged breach of team protocols. The ECB confirmed an incident occurred at a nightclub early Monday morning, with further details pending the investigation's completion.

Japan placed second with three gold, three silver and five bronze medals. Argentina finished third, with its lone athlete Nabila Barraza winning two gold and three silver medals.

Hardik has been recovering from a back spasm, while Rohit sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL. Both players missed multiple matches during the tournament.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured ISL clubs that the 2026-27 season will proceed as scheduled after a key meeting involving clubs, AIFF officials and ex-chief Praful Patel. A new proposal favouring a club-led model, under which AIFF would receive Rs 15.4 crore higher than the projected earnings from the proposed Genius Sports partnership. Stadium costs also emerged as a topic of concern.

Manav Suthar's dream debut powers India to massive win over Afghanistan

India will play five T20Is and three ODIs in England between July 1 and July 19. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ECB has advanced the start times of three evening T20Is by one hour following discussions with broadcasters. The matches were originally scheduled to begin at 6.30 pm local time (11 pm IST), as announced last year. However, they will now start at 5.30 pm local time (10 pm IST), making them more viewer-friendly for Indian audiences.

In his prime, Alexander conquered much of the landmass known to ancient Greeks, which was still only 3-4% of the actual landmass of the world, and supposedly wept that there was no land left to conquer. His namesake, on the other hand, had another reason to weep: his inability to conquer the one territory that had kept defeating him, a Grand Slam.

Despite a record innings victory over Afghanistan, Sunil Gavaskar believes India's batting, not bowling, presents the biggest challenge. He urged the team to shed the 'transition' narrative and focus on maintaining Test cricket standards. Gavaskar highlighted the need for greater batting discipline and longer innings, warning against T20 mindset creeping into red-ball cricket.

The event, scheduled from June 9 to 11 at Lucknow Golf Club, marks the fifth stop of the 2026 NexGen season and carries added significance as a tribute to legendary Lucknow golfer Vijay Kumar, who passed away unexpectedly on April 28 at the age of 57.

India batting coach praises Manav Suthar after dominant performance vs Afghanistan

Manav Suthar made a dream Test debut for India. He earned Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. Suthar took seven wickets in the match. India secured a massive innings victory over Afghanistan. His debut effort is among the best by an Indian bowler. Suthar emphasized consistency and patience in Test cricket.

India captain Shubman Gill hailed his team's dominant innings-and-300-run victory over Afghanistan as a near-perfect performance, highlighting the bowlers' ability to secure 20 wickets. Gill emphasized the importance of posting substantial first-innings totals, like their 564/8 declared, and trusting the bowling attack. The win showcased India's promising future with a young squad.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Sunday, de Villiers said Sooryavanshi has the skill to succeed in Test cricket but questioned whether the teenager would want to take that path.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised debutant Manav Suthar's rapid rise, defended Rishabh Pant's attacking style, highlighted India's successful switch from IPL cricket to the red-ball format, and expressed excitement about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's immense potential while stressing the importance of players staying true to their natural game.

Manav Suthar on Sunday bagged a six-wicket haul in his debut Test outing. The 23-year-old, who was given the nod ahead of Harsh Dubey for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, became only the tenth Indian bowler and seventh Indian spinner to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut.

Manav Suthar made a dream Test debut, claiming seven wickets to guide India to a massive innings and 300-run victory over Afghanistan. The young spinner, named Player of the Match, emphasised patience and consistency as crucial for success in the longest format. His stellar performance, including a first-innings 6 for 33, set the stage for India's dominant win.

Greenstone Lobo predicts Virat Kohli's future | World Cup plans, retirement and more

India secured a historic innings and 300-run win against Afghanistan in the one-off Test. Debutant Manav Suthar impressed with a seven-wicket match haul. India's batsmen posted a massive total, forcing Afghanistan to follow on. This victory marks India's largest ever in Test cricket, showcasing a dominant performance.

The win surpassed India's previous biggest Test victory margin and was set up by a dominant bowling performance that saw them take 14 Afghanistan wickets on the third day.

Young spinner Manav Suthar made a sensational Test debut against Afghanistan, claiming six wickets for 33 runs. This remarkable performance places him in an elite group of Indian bowlers with a debut five-wicket haul, marking the best figures by an Indian on debut in 38 years and earning praise from R Ashwin.

Debutant Manav Suthar starred as India bowled out Afghanistan for 152 and enforced the follow-on in the lone Test. The left-arm spinner claimed 6 for 33, recording the second-best figures by an Indian on Test debut. Sunil Gavaskar praised Suthars accuracy, control and skill, saying his success came from precision and smart bowling rather than pitch assistance.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay honoured chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa with Rs 50 lakh and a memento after his historic Norway Chess triumph. The 20-year-old became the first Indian to win the title, defeating Magnus Carlsen twice and D. Gukesh. After starting poorly, he staged a remarkable comeback, winning four straight games to secure the championship.

South African legend AB de Villiers lauded India's decision to select 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for international duty, calling it a rave and ight call. De Villiers believes Sooryavanshi possesses the talent to succeed across formats, though he acknowledged the unique challenges of Test cricket. The young prodigy's selection follows a dominant performance in IPL 2026.

India tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan, enforcing the follow-on after a dominant first innings. The morning session was marked by a significant DRS blunder from Afghanistan, where a batter walked off without a review, only for replays to show the decision would have been overturned. Debutant Manav Suthar impressed with six wickets.

Manav Suthar enjoyed a dream Test debut against Afghanistan, claiming 6/33. The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years. It is the best since Narendra Hirwani's 8/61 against West Indies in 1988. The left-arm spinner helped bowl Afghanistan out for 152 and joined an elite list featuring Hirwani, R Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali.

Australia face a white-ball tour of Bangladesh without key players Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, and Tanveer Sangha due to injury and personal leave. Josh Inglis will captain the ODI side, with Todd Murphy, Ollie Peake, and Matt Short earning call-ups as replacements.

Shreyas Iyer embraces his new role as India's T20I captain, vowing to remain true to his personality and competitive Mumbai upbringing. He believes his inherent winning mindset will guide him, seeing the captaincy as a significant challenge. This appointment marks a strong comeback for Iyer, who now leads the team after a period out of T20I plans.

New Zealand dropped from second to fourth in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings after a 115-run loss to England at Lords. Ollie Robinson starred as England secured a morale-boosting win despite remaining seventh in the table. Australia continue to lead the standings, while South Africa are second and Sri Lanka third. India are sixth, while Pakistan sit eighth, ahead of only West Indies.

Ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup in England, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur shut down a reporter asking if this was her final tournament, bluntly counter-questioning if she should retire. India is placed in a demanding Group A alongside heavyweights like Australia and South Africa, and begins its campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14.

Sourav Ganguly urges patience for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who earned an India call-up after a stellar IPL. Ganguly acknowledges the shift to international conditions and advises against immediate high expectations. The BCCI is supporting Sooryavanshi's transition by allowing his parents to accompany him on tours, ensuring his comfort in the senior setup.

D Gukesh's coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, acknowledges the young champion's aggressive style, stating it's integral to his identity and led to his world title. Despite recent criticisms, Gajewski believes Gukesh can return to the top, emphasizing that his current weaknesses were present even during his championship win, fueled by immense confidence.

Manav Suthar's Test debut against Afghanistan was the culmination of a six-to-seven-year focus on red-ball cricket. Moments before receiving India cap No. 319, the left-arm spinner called coach Dheeraj Sharma, who reminded him to trust his skills. Suthar responded with 28 runs and figures of 3/21 on debut. His coach reveals how Rahul Dravid's guidance, Shubman Gill's backing and a deliberate decision to prioritise Test cricket helped shape the spinner many in Rajasthan now call Rajasthan ka Jade

Florentino Prez has secured another four-year term as Real Madrid president, defeating Enrique Riquelme in the club elections. Prez pledged more success, hinted at major signings and backed Jos Mourinhos expected return as coach. Despite recent criticism and trophy droughts, he remains influential after leading Madrid to seven European Cups. Riquelme accepted defeat but vowed to challenge again in the future.

Alexander Zverev won his first Grand Slam title by defeating Flavio Cobolli in a five-set French Open final. The victory ended years of disappointment after three previous major final losses. Sachin Tendulkar praised Zverev, saying, Always felt he was a special player! Cobolli impressed with a strong challenge, but Zverev dominated the deciding set to claim the title.

Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmarks friendly against Ukraine and was taken to hospital for further tests. The Danish federation said he was conscious and doing well, while team doctor Morten Boesen said the pacemaker appeared to work as intended. The match was abandoned with Denmark leading 2-1. The incident recalled Eriksens cardiac arrest at Euro 2021 and remarkable recovery.

A mass shooting in Kansas City left nine people injured just days before England's arrival for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing renewed attention to tournament security preparations. Police stressed the incident was unrelated to the World Cup and occurred away from official venues. All victims are expected to survive as authorities continue investigating while teams prepare to arrive.

Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut against Afghanistan was marked by his family's early departure from the stadium due to nerves and superstition. Despite his father's absence during the crucial second day, Suthar delivered a stellar 3/21 spell, repaying the team management's faith. His father emphasized Manav's dedication and his childhood coach's guidance.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar voiced concerns over Jasprit Bumrah's inconsistent availability for national duty. He expressed confusion regarding Bumrah's career path, particularly his absence from upcoming T20I tours after a full IPL season. Manjrekar also revealed Bumrah was his preferred choice for T20 captaincy, a role now taken by others due to the pacer's limited commitments.

Alexander Zverev has finally won his first Grand Slam title. He defeated Flavio Cobolli in a thrilling French Open final. This victory marks a significant achievement for the German star. Zverev's win came after several previous near misses in major finals. The tournament saw early exits from top players, opening the path for Zverev.

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis' incredible 40-victory streak in pole vaulting was shattered at the Stockholm Diamond League. Australian Kurtis Marschall claimed a surprise win, marking Duplantis' first defeat since July 2023. Despite the rare loss on home soil, Duplantis graciously congratulated Marschall, who celebrated a career-defining triumph.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has acknowledged concerns regarding the inconsistent bounce of the Lord's pitch used for the opening Test between England and New Zealand. Despite significant investment in pitch preparation, challenging weather conditions contributed to the surface falling short of expected standards. The MCC is committed to implementing improvements outlined in its recent cricket strategy.