The Times of India

Deepti Sharma on historic Test, India's total, bowling plans & England challenge

Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a unique milestone by scoring a fifty at Lord's. She became the first Indian to score fifties in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is there. Smriti Mandhana also contributed significantly with a score of 83 runs. India posted 285 runs in their first innings after a strong partnership. England finished the opening day on 21 for 1, trailing by 264 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar and Roger Federer shared a heartwarming reunion at Wimbledon this year. Shubman Gill also experienced the prestigious event from the Royal Box for the first time. Tendulkar also met with Brian Lara, recalling their famous cricket rivalries. Several other prominent athletes and sports figures attended the championships. Alexander Zverev secured his place in the Wimbledon final after a strong performance.

Los Angeles Knight Riders defeated San Francisco Unicorns by eleven runs in Dallas. This crucial victory propelled the Knight Riders into the top positions of the standings. Colin Munro and Andre Russell provided strong batting performances for the Knight Riders. Jason Holder and Andre Russell then starred with the ball to secure the win. The Knight Riders are now level on points with San Francisco and MI New York.

MI New York secured a remarkable 17-run victory against Seattle Orcas. Seattle appeared to be cruising towards victory after a strong start. MI New York's bowlers struck at regular intervals to trigger a collapse. Tajinder Dhillon's brilliant fifty and Kieron Pollard's all-round performance were key. This win significantly impacted the playoff race for both teams.

Neeraj Chopra's coach Jaiveer Chaudhary is missing from the final Indian contingent list. M Sreeshankar's coach and father, S Murali, also faces omission from the approved squad. Jadumani Singh's inclusion in boxing was cleared after initial clarification from the federation. The ministry approved a 191-member contingent for the upcoming Games. Officials not part of the approved list will travel at personal expense.

At least one prominent support staff member is likely to leave the Team India camp despite having an extension clause in the contract. The possible exits, unrelated to the recent T20I defeats, come amid dressing-room unease and growing differences between the coaching staff and selectors.

Prabhsimran Singh has finally earned his maiden India call-up after back-to-back impressive IPL seasons with Punjab Kings. In this exclusive interview, the opener recalls his father's emotional reaction, explains how consistency and converting starts into big scores changed his career, and reflects on the role of Shreyas Iyer, Ricky Ponting and Yuvraj Singh in shaping his journey to the Indian team.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur achieved 9000 international runs. She became the third Indian woman to reach this significant milestone. This landmark was achieved during her innings against England at Lord's. She joins Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana in this elite club. Harmanpreet has amassed 9045 runs in 374 international matches.

Mikel Merino scored another decisive late goal for Spain against Belgium. This victory propelled La Roja into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals. Merino's impactful substitute appearances have now made World Cup history. Spain will face France in their next crucial tournament match. The team's unbeaten run in regular time now extends significantly.

French referee Clment Turpin will officiate England's World Cup quarterfinal match. This experienced official has previously worked several high-profile tournament games. Turpin has overseen England in five previous victories and one draw. He was criticized by Thomas Tuchel after a Champions League match last year. Despite past criticism, Turpin remains a respected figure in football officiating.

Shubman Gill received a Royal Box invitation to Wimbledon 2026. He joined elite Indian captains previously hosted in the prestigious enclosure. Gill also met tennis legend Roger Federer and watched matches with Sachin Tendulkar. Earlier, he attended the British Grand Prix as a VIP guest. The Indian captain is currently in England for an ODI series.

Thomas Tuchel has urged England to play with courage and without fear ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway. The Three Lions boss also revealed FIFA has given no explanation for extending Jarell Quansahs suspension to two matches, leaving the defender unavailable as England bid to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo surprised IShowSpeed by gifting him the game-worn Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 CR7 Gold Scorpion boots from what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup campaign. The rare boots, reportedly one of only two pairs, were unveiled live on the streamers broadcast, creating one of the tournaments most emotional off-field moments.

Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium. Goalkeeper Unai Simon's record 650-minute shutout streak concluded when Charles De Ketelaere scored. Mikel Merino secured Spain's win with a late goal, his second crucial strike in the tournament. Belgium's hopes were dashed after their goalkeeper sustained an injury during the match. This victory extended Spain's impressive unbeaten run to thirty-seven games.

Members of India's ODI squad, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, are likely to begin practicing at Edgbaston for the three-match series. Over 200 kilometres away, the T20I setup will look to avoid yet another 'first'.

Mikel Merino's late goal secured Spain's World Cup semifinal place. This victory also matched Argentina's record for the second-longest unbeaten run. Spain now holds a 36-game streak without defeat in international football. They are now one match away from Italy's all-time unbeaten record. Spain will face France in their next crucial semifinal match.

Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal has warned France ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, insisting La Roja have nothing to fear against Didier Deschamps side. The Barcelona star highlighted Spains recent victories over France, while both teams arrive unbeaten and in top form. With Yamal and Kylian Mbapp leading their attacks, a blockbuster clash awaits.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel has warned England that stopping Erling Haaland alone will not be enough in their World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway. He believes the Three Lions must target Martin degaard and cut off Norways supply line to their star striker. Friedel also praised Jude Bellinghams influence ahead of the crucial knockout clash.

Mikel Merino scored a late winner to secure Spain's World Cup semi-final spot. Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final match on Friday. They will now face tournament favorites France in their next game. Spain extended their impressive unbeaten run to thirty-seven matches. Belgium's eighteen-game undefeated streak concluded with this loss.

Max Verstappen has backed France to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing England's chances despite their quarter-final run. The Formula One champion praised Didier Deschamps' side as the tournament's strongest team after their win over Morocco. Verstappen also refused to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying their greatness cannot be directly compared.

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to make six FIFA World Cup appearances after featuring in Spain's quarter-final against Belgium at the 2026 tournament. The 18-year-old winger broke the teenage appearance record, added a World Cup goal to his achievements, and continued his remarkable rise after winning UEFA Euro 2024, surpassing milestones previously set by football's greatest young stars.

Englands FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway will make history with Ellie Goulding performing at half-time, marking the tournaments first official Super Bowl-style musical show during a knockout match. The performance reflects FIFAs push toward American-style sports entertainment, adding a new spectacle to one of the World Cups biggest fixtures before attention returns to the football.

Jannik Sinner stormed into the Wimbledon final with a straight-sets win over Novak Djokovic and will defend his title against Alexander Zverev. The German reached his maiden Wimbledon final after beating Arthur Fery, saying he believes he can win. Zverev also praised Fery's potential and applauded the Wimbledon crowd for its fair and electric support.

India posted 285 runs on the opening day of the historic women's Test match. Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma scored half-centuries for the visitors. England's spinners took wickets, causing a late Indian collapse before stumps. The hosts then lost an early wicket, finishing the day at 21/1. The match remains finely balanced heading into the second day.

Erling Haaland is making headlines as he propels Norway to an unforgettable World Cup quarter-final by scoring seven goals. Born in England but raised in Norway, his unique background sparks conversations. Haaland, an advocate for social justice, has a notable online presence. Football runs in his blood, as his father was a pro player, and he famously dabbled in rap.

Arthur Fery's dream Wimbledon run ended with a semifinal defeat to Alexander Zverev, but the 23-year-old British wildcard enjoyed a career-defining tournament. Reaching the last four more than doubled his previous career prize money of around 650,000 and is set to boost his ATP ranking. Zverev praised Fery, saying he is destined to achieve amazing things in tennis.

Vinicius Junior expressed deep disappointment following Brazil's World Cup elimination. The star forward thanked supporters for their unwavering belief and encouragement. Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title ended in the Round of 16. This marked their earliest exit from the tournament since nineteen ninety. Vinicius pledged to continue fighting for Brazil's return to football's summit.

Alexander Zverev reached his first Wimbledon final with a straight-sets win over British wildcard Arthur Fery, staying on course for a second consecutive Grand Slam title. The German said he believes he can beat either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the final. Zverev also praised Fery's potential and hailed the Wimbledon crowd for its fair and electric support.

Portugal have appointed Jorge Jesus as head coach following their World Cup exit, replacing Roberto Martinez. Backing Cristiano Ronaldo amid criticism, Jesus said the veteran will never be a problem and called him a symbol of Portuguese football. The 71-year-old, who recently coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, now begins rebuilding Portugal ahead of future international tournaments.

Sachin Tendulkar attended the Wimbledon men's singles semifinals on Friday, where commentators hailed him as perhaps the greatest batsman of all time. The cricket legend watched British wild card Arthur Fery face French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Centre Court. A regular Wimbledon visitor, Tendulkar once again drew attention as one of the event's high-profile guests.

England batter Jordan Cox shared disappointment regarding Virat Kohli's privacy issues. Secret photographs of the former India captain surfaced online after a London meeting. Cox noted that hundreds of people passed by without interruption during their catch-up. He expressed sympathy for Kohli's inability to live a normal life away from cricket. Cox also praised Kohli's selfless nature and mentorship during their IPL stint.

Bruno Fernandes said he was sad, frustrated, and disappointed after Portugal's 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain ended their World Cup campaign. The Manchester United captain admitted he expected more from the talented squad and thanked his teammates, coaching staff and Portuguese fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament despite the disappointing exit.

As Norway cheers for its football team's remarkable journey to the World Cup quarter-finals, fans have adopted a rowing celebration that reflects their Viking roots. This captivating sync has turned heads during the tournament, yet one vigilant fan finds fault with the tribute, suggesting it's a misrepresentation of history and too closely resembles Iceland's beloved clap. His muted protest serves to challenge the celebration's genuine connection to Viking legacy.

England captain Harry Brook seeks a series whitewash against India. A victory in the final match will complete a memorable 4-0 triumph. This win could also see England replace India at the top. The team has already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead. They head into the final T20I full of confidence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, gifting Steve Waugh a framed photo from their meeting nearly 20 years ago. The leaders unveiled a sports cooperation roadmap and backed stronger sporting ties. Albanese also announced Chennai will host the first-ever Big Bash League match outside Australia during the 2026-27 season.

New T20I captain Shreyas Iyer faces scrutiny after two series defeats. Former selector Saba Karim urges Iyer to assert his captaincy identity. Karim questioned batting order decisions, specifically Shivam Dube's placement at number five. He noted this differed from Iyer's IPL tactical approach. Leadership and communication are crucial for captains in pressure situations.

Smriti Mandhana celebrated her 300th international appearance during India's historic women's Test at Lord's, becoming the youngest woman to reach the milestone. She reflected on overcoming doubts after the 2017 World Cup and said Lord's was the perfect venue for the occasion. Mandhana also stressed moving on from setbacks and returning to basics while preparing for red-ball cricket.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah shared an emotional message with fans after their World Cup exit. He promised to do everything in his power for Egyptian football's international success. The Pharaohs achieved a historic World Cup journey, topping their qualifying group. They secured their first knockout victory against Australia in a penalty shootout. Their dream run concluded with a narrow defeat against Argentina in the Round of 16.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India will review the men's T20I team's performance. This detailed review will commence immediately after the ongoing England tour concludes. The team has faced significant challenges during their recent white-ball matches. Problems will be identified and addressed following the series' conclusion. Team India aims to rectify issues and improve future team performances.

Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar detailed Virat Kohli's intense preparation methods. Kohli repeatedly practiced in Mumbai to simulate English swing and moisture. This meticulous work helped Indian batsmen succeed in England previously. The team now faces a challenging ODI series after a T20 disappointment. Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to lead the batting attack.

Kylian Mbappe made history with ten or more goal contributions across two FIFA World Cups. He became the youngest player to reach twenty World Cup appearances and goals. Mbappe also rejoined Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings. His performance helped France secure a two-nil victory against Morocco. France now advances to face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals.

Norway's Erling Haaland encouraged fans to search his name on Google. This action revealed an animated Viking Row celebration, a popular tradition. Haaland also revived his forgotten rap career with a new song remix. He has scored seven goals in the FIFA World Cup tournament. Norway now faces England in the quarter-finals after a historic win.

England secured an emphatic three-nil series victory over India in the T20I matches. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his profound disappointment and speechlessness following the defeat. Captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the team's shortcomings in all aspects of the game. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted India's underperformance in foreign conditions.

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate expressed disappointment with the team's overseas T20I results. The team has now lost consecutive bilateral T20I series against England and Ireland. Ten Doeschate emphasised the need for players to accept underachievement in foreign conditions. He urged the squad to focus on excelling in challenging overseas environments for future tournaments. India aims to avoid a whitewash in the final T20I against England.

Ryan ten Doeschate on India's batting woes, Shreyas Iyer and the captaincy debate

Morocco's coach questioned a handball in Kylian Mbapp's goal during their World Cup quarter-final loss. He admitted France deserved their victory after a difficult first half for his team. Morocco struggled with possession transitions and lacked creativity against the strong French side. Despite the defeat, the coach believes his team is closing the gap on elite nations.