Sports / The Times of India
Akash Deep dedicated India's Edgbaston Test victory to his sister, who is battling cancer. Despite his family crisis, he claimed 10 wickets, the best by an Indian bowler in England. His U-19 coach, Saurasish Lahiri, revealed Akash's silent struggles and commitment to his sister's care, even during his India selection for the five-match series.
The highly anticipated third Test between England and India is set to begin at Lord's, with the series tied 1-1. England won the first Test, while India responded with a historic victory at Edgbaston. Lord's, known as the 'Home of Cricket,' will host this crucial match.
Following a dominant victory at Edgbaston, a confident India, led by Shubman Gill, prepares to face Ben Stokes' England in the crucial third Test at Lord's. With the Anderson-Trophy Trophy series tied at 1-1, India welcomes back Jasprit Bumrah. England contemplates multiple changes, potentially including Jofra Archer's return, as both teams gear up for a pivotal match.
India and England are gearing up for a pivotal third Test at Lord's, with the series evenly poised at 1-1. India banks on Jaiswal and Rahul's opening partnership, while Gill leads the batting lineup. Bumrah's return bolsters the pace attack.
India defeated England in the second Test at Edgbaston. The series is now tied 1-1. Michael Vaughan predicted England would win the series 3-1. Cheteshwar Pujara responded to Vaughan's prediction with a witty comment on social media. Wasim Jaffer also joined the banter. Shubman Gill and Akash Deep played key roles in India's victory.
R Ashwin believes Rishabh Pant has evolved beyond the 'newbie' tag and should be judged against top Test batters, not just wicketkeepers. He highlights Pant's superior defensive technique compared to Adam Gilchrist, advocating for his evaluation based on overall batting prowess.
Jannik Sinner sparked injury concerns at Wimbledon after cancelling a practice session and undergoing an MRI on his elbow following a fall in his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov. Despite the injury, Sinner is still scheduled to face Ben Shelton in the quarterfinal. Dimitrov, who retired due to a pectoral injury, was leading Sinner before his exit.
Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge from Laura Siegemund in a grueling three-set match to reach the Wimbledon semifinals. Despite Siegemund's unorthodox game and strategic time management, Sabalenka found her rhythm after a shaky start. Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz also secured their spots in the semifinals with straight-set victories over their respective opponents.
Concerns have arisen regarding the Dukes ball's rapid softening, impacting bowlers and favoring batsmen, as highlighted by India captain Shubman Gill. Manufacturer Dilip Jajodia attributes this to factors beyond production, including drier pitches due to modern preparation techniques and the increased prevalence of aggressive batting styles in all formats.
Sri Lanka clinched the ODI series against Bangladesh with a dominant 99-run victory, fueled by Kusal Mendis's brilliant 124. Mendis, named Player of the Series, anchored Sri Lanka's 285/7. Bangladesh faltered in their chase, collapsing for 186. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz lamented the lack of crucial partnerships. The teams now prepare for a three-match T20I series, starting Thursday in Pallekele.
Jasprit Bumrah's workload management has sparked debate, contrasting with Kapil Dev's era. Despite concerns, Bumrah has bowled extensively since his return, raising questions about potential burnout. While Cummins and Starc also endure heavy workloads, Mohammed Siraj's remarkable contribution often goes unnoticed, highlighting the imbalance in India's pace attack and the need for broader support to prevent injuries.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car crash in Spain. The accident occurred when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire. Spanish police are investigating the cause, focusing on excessive speed and tire marks, with a final report pending submission to the local court.
Following India's dominant 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, Australia's captain Pat Cummins playfully commented on the pitch conditions. Cummins, after his team's win against the West Indies, humorously noted the stark contrast between the surfaces, highlighting the bowler-unfriendly nature of the Edgbaston wicket, which he quipped was one of the flattest in England's history.
Ahead of the third Test at Lord's, Jasprit Bumrah fine-tuned his bowling with subtle adjustments to his run-up, focusing on easing the load on his body. After being wicketless in the previous Test, Bumrah appeared upbeat, benefiting from workload management and the strong performances of fellow pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
Wiaan Mulder's record-breaking 367* against Zimbabwe was overshadowed by his decision to declare, denying himself a shot at Brian Lara's 400*. This sparked criticism, notably from Chris Gayle, who argued Mulder missed a golden opportunity. Despite Mulder's rationale of respecting legends and coach's advice, Gayle insisted legends are made by chasing records.
R Ashwin has launched a strong critique against Ben Stokes' batting approach, questioning his achievements beyond the Headingley Ashes innings. Ashwin dissected Stokes' dismissal in the Edgbaston Test, highlighting technical flaws and criticizing England's aggressive mindset. He slammed England's attempt to chase 608 runs on the final day, deeming it 'hara-kiri' and a mockery of Test cricket.
Yuvraj Singh lauded Shubman Gill's impressive Test captaincy debut, highlighting his match-winning performance at Edgbaston. Gill's double century and century in the second innings showcased his batting prowess, while his calm leadership and strategic decisions impressed many. Yuvraj, who mentored Gill, expressed immense pride in his progress and anticipates a bright future for him.
Rishabh Yadav and Jyothi Surekha Vennam of India shattered the mixed team world record at the 2025 Archery World Cup in Madrid, scoring 1431 points. Yadav and Vennam also topped the compound men's and women's qualification rounds, respectively, achieving their personal bests. Both archers have secured their spots on India's team for the Gwangju 2025 World Archery Championships.
Indian spinner R Ashwin has criticized Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' coaching approach, arguing its New Zealand-centric style is failing England. Ashwin highlights the differences between New Zealand and England pitches, emphasizing the importance of seam and swing in England.
Shubman Gill's career path shows striking similarities to Virat Kohli's. Both excelled in Under-19 World Cups and achieved centuries across all formats. They reached top ODI rankings and demonstrated consistent batting. Gill and Kohli share uncanny parallels in IPL performances and Test achievements. These coincidences highlight Gill's potential to inspire future cricketers, much like Kohli.
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft and co-owner of MLC franchise Seattle Orcas, highlights the excitement surrounding cricket globally. In this guest column, he reminisces about his childhood cricket experiences in Hyderabad and draws parallels between cricket and leadership. Microsoft's involvement with the Seattle Orcas and the England and Wales Cricket Board shows commitment to growing the sport.
Wiaan Mulder, in his debut as captain, led South Africa to a dominant innings victory over Zimbabwe, completing a two-test series sweep. Mulder's incredible performance included an unbeaten 367, contributing significantly to South Africa's imposing total. Zimbabwe struggled in both innings, succumbing to South Africa's strong bowling attack, extending their winless streak in Bulawayo.
Wiaan Mulder's declaration at 367*, just shy of Brian Lara's record, sparked debate after his promotion to No. 3 was previously questioned. Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan humorously recalled their doubts about Mulder's batting position. Mulder defended his decision, prioritizing team victory and honoring legends like Lara and Hashim Amla.
Cricket commentators recently shared their alternate career aspirations, revealing interesting insights beyond the cricket field. Nasser Hussain, known for his candor, imagined himself as a PE teacher. Mark Butcher, passionate about music, would have pursued a career in a band.
Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, made his Wimbledon debut amidst a break from preparing for the crucial third Test against England. He enjoyed the Round of 16 match alongside celebrities like Tom Cruise and Roger Federer. Pant expressed his admiration for Federer and Djokovic, while also predicting Carlos Alcaraz would clinch the Wimbledon title this year.
Amidst discussions about Kuldeep Yadav's absence, Kevin Pietersen advocates for his inclusion in India's playing XI for the Lord's Test, emphasizing the need for variation in the bowling attack. Pietersen, who mentored Yadav at Delhi Capitals, shared insights into their discussions about bowling tactics in England.
Yuvraj Singh's YouWeCan Foundation gala dinner in London saw a gathering of cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, and the Indian cricket team led by Gautam Gambhir. Virat Kohli made a surprise appearance, reminiscing about his Test retirement and praising Ravi Shastri's crucial support during his career.
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka booked their spots in the final four as Taylor Fritz defeated Karen Khachanov to reach his first Wimbledon semi-final. Amanda Anisimova also secured her spot in the semi-finals after beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Anisimova will now face Sabalenka in the next round.
Sourav Ganguly believes Shubman Gill, currently thriving as India's Test captain, will face increasing pressure. He highlighted the continuous emergence of talent in Indian cricket, citing Gill's phenomenal form and record-breaking potential. Ganguly emphasized the importance of a fresh start at Lord's and suggested a lively pitch would favor India's chances of securing 20 wickets.
Following Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's appearances, another cricketing icon joined the list of Indian cricket stars at Wimbledon. Rishabh Pant, Deepak Chahar, and Jaya Bhardwaj were also spotted, adding to the growing trend of Indian athletes attending the prestigious tournament alongside global sporting icons. Earlier, David Beckham and John Cena were also spotted in the Royal Box.
Following a travel day from Birmingham, India's cricket team held an optional practice session at Lord's Cricket Ground. Key players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were absent, while Jasprit Bumrah, returning for the third Test, bowled extensively and worked on his batting. The team, buoyed by their Edgbaston victory, aims to capitalise on Bumrah's return and the bowlers' form.
Sourav Ganguly, the celebrated former Indian cricket captain, celebrated his 53rd birthday on Tuesday, receiving warm wishes from former teammates like Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, and Suresh Raina. Known as 'Dada,' Ganguly is remembered for his impactful leadership and significant contributions to Indian cricket, including a memorable debut in 1996 and leading the team to numerous victories.
India bowling coach's unique drill for Prasidh Krishna at the Lord's | Exclusive visuals
How Jasprit Bumrah is preparing for Lord's Test - batting, bowling and lot of jokes!
Wimbledon 2025 has become a star-studded affair, drawing sporting icons from around the globe. Indian cricketer like Deepak Chahar, along with his wife Jaya Bhardwaj have become the most recent duo to turn heads at the Grand Slam. Recently, pictures of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma in the Royal Box had gone viral.
Ahead of India's Lord's Test, the pitch is expected to favor bowlers, especially in the initial sessions, with more life than previous matches. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak noted the green tinge and potential for low first-innings scores. The iconic Lord's slope presents a unique challenge, requiring batsmen to adjust their technique to counter the ball's movement.
Sixteen-year-old Tanvi Sharma, a badminton player from Punjab, made history at the US Open 2025, becoming the youngest Indian to reach a BWF World Tour Final. Despite losing to Beiwen Zhang, Sharma's impressive run, defeating higher-ranked opponents, inspires many. She balances rigorous training with her studies, fueled by her mother's support.
South Africa completed a dominant Test series victory over Zimbabwe, winning the second match by an innings and 236 runs despite fielding a weakened team. Wiaan Mulder's record-breaking 367 not out propelled South Africa to a massive first-innings total. Zimbabwe showed brief resistance but collapsed after lunch, succumbing to South Africa's strong bowling attack.
Ahead of the crucial Lord's Test, the green pitch has sparked intense speculation. Coach Gautam Gambhir and his staff meticulously analyzed the surface, hinting at a strategy favoring India's pace bowlers. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the green tinge, anticipating an advantage for pacers ahead of the 3rd Test on Thursday.
Exclusive first look of green Lord's pitch: Intense chat of Gautam Gambhir with coaching staff
Despite a mixed run after his world championship win, Gukesh D showed resilience at Norway Chess, securing a notable victory against Magnus Carlsen. His long-time mentor, Viswanathan Anand, upgraded Gukesh's performance assessment, acknowledging his resourcefulness. Anand highlighted areas for improvement, particularly decision-making in games. Gukesh currently leads the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025, demonstrating his ongoing competitive spirit.
Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda, a Paris Olympics quarterfinalist, faces a provisional suspension by NADA after testing positive for prohibited substances. The Wrestling Federation of India has instructed her to leave the national camp. Her suspension began on July 7, and she now faces a UWW suspension until July 7, 2026.
Ahead of the Lord's Test, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak anticipates a green pitch favouring bowlers, emphasising the importance of mindset for Indian batters. He credits the players' skill for their scoring ability and acknowledges Shubman Gill's outstanding performance, attributing it to his mindset and technical adjustments. India aims to maintain their momentum despite the expected challenges.
After a dominant victory in Edgbaston, India leveled the series 1-1 against England, setting the stage for a crucial third Test at Lord's. Historically, England holds a significant advantage at this iconic venue, but India aims to build on their recent success. The upcoming match promises high stakes as India seeks to overcome past records and continue their momentum.
From Edgbaston to Lords | Chasing the 3rd Test | Travel Vlog
Michael Atherton critiqued Ben Stokes' declining batting form and leadership amidst England's defeat to India, highlighting Stokes' lack of preparation due to his limited playing schedule. He also highlighted how his counterpart Shubman Gill has been acing his new role as India skipper. India and England lock horns again on Thursday at Lord's.
Former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad, who was born in Gujarat before migrating to Karachi, expressed his longing to revisit his birthplace, Junagadh. Despite visa challenges and past scheduling conflicts, the 81-year-old fondly remembers his connections to India, including his friendship with Bishan Singh Bedi, who significantly influenced his leg-spin bowling.
Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler have identified a potential weakness in Shubman Gill's technique, despite his recent dominant form. They suggest Jofra Archer, with his ability to nip the ball back, could trouble the Indian captain in the upcoming Lord's Test. Buttler recalls Archer dismissing Gill in the IPL with a similar delivery, offering England a possible strategy.
Abhishek Sharma revealed a practice that he started after being inspired by Shikhar Dhawan, which helped him stay grounded during IPL 2025. This habit played a crucial role in his mental preparation. Sharma's remarkable innings of 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings is the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.
Former England seamer James Anderson suggests including Jofra Archer for the crucial Lord's Test against India after their Edgbaston defeat. Archer, returning from a long absence, is deemed ready by coach Brendon McCullum. England eyes team changes, considering Gus Atkinson and Jacob Bethell, though Bethell won't replace primary spinner Shoaib Bashir.