Sports

Fast bowler Harshit Rana created a social media buzz after mocking the exaggerated acting in cricket reels circulating among fans. His humorous post drew praise and replies from senior players like R Ashwin and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, reflecting camaraderie and the joy of cricket beyond just the pitch. The lighthearted banter became viral and showcased the playful side of players engaging fans online.

Shubman Gill actively engaged with senior Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during practice sessions ahead of the Australia ODI series. He sought valuable batting tips, focusing on shot selection, mental resilience, and adaptation to different pitch conditions in Australia. This mentorship underscores a strategic effort by India’s top players to groom young talent for international success.

Amid pre-series discussions, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Rahul Dravid reportedly disagreed over specific team selections for India’s upcoming ODIs and T20Is. The debate focused on balancing experienced players with emerging talent. Despite brief tensions, both emphasized maintaining team stability before major international tournaments, underscoring robust internal decision-making frameworks within Indian cricket administration.

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh etched his name in record books by surpassing Rahul Dravid and Yashasvi Jaiswal in career averages after a career-best ODI performance. Rinku displayed incredible composure and hitting range, boosting India’s chase efficiently during the Australia tour. Analysts hailed his shot precision and field maturity, positioning him among the most reliable finishers in India’s current cricket line-up.

Indian badminton stars Gnana Datt, Bhavya Chhabra, Vishakha Toppo, Tanvi Sharma, and Unnati Hooda successfully progressed to the quarterfinal stage of the World Junior Championships, showcasing India’s emerging badminton talent. Their impressive performances display promising skills and mental strength, positioning India as a formidable contender in the global junior badminton circuit and raising expectations for future international success.

Cricket legends Matthew Hayden and AB de Villiers have voiced their support for Virat Kohli’s possible return to international cricket in the Australia ODI series. Both highlighted Kohli’s immense talent and resilience, expressing hope that this comeback is not his final appearance. Their praise underlines Kohli’s significant role in Indian cricket and the high expectations surrounding his future contributions as India aims to perform strongly on foreign soil.

Former cricketer Madan Lal backed young Indian talent Yashasvi Jaiswal to secure a permanent spot as an all-format player. Lal emphasized Jaiswal’s skill, temperament, and adaptability, urging selectors to provide consistent opportunities across Test, ODI, and T20 formats. This endorsement reflects faith in Jaiswal’s potential to be a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s future, amidst ongoing debates around squad selection.

Ten Indian Super League clubs have publicly criticized the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over delays in the tendering process for upcoming ISL seasons. The clubs allege a breach of trust and demand greater transparency and timely communication. This public dissatisfaction highlights underlying tensions between the governing body and participating teams amidst growing professional football ambitions in India.

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi publicly honoured young cricketing sensation Tilak Varma for his stellar contributions during the Asia Cup. Recognized for his impactful batting and commendable fielding, Tilak has rapidly become a fan favourite. Chiranjeevi’s gesture underscores the blend of sports and entertainment celebrating Indian cricket’s rising stars and their inspirational journeys.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli posted a cryptic message on social media before the India-Australia ODI series that sparked speculation about his playing future. The message, “The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up,” went viral as fans pondered if he hinted at participating in the 2027 World Cup. Kohli, who retired from Tests and T20Is in 2025, is expected to return for the ODIs, with strong support from mentor Dinesh Karthik.