Magnus Carlsen, the world's top-ranked chess player, has praised the rising stars of Indian chess, including D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi, highlighting the bright future of the sport in India. Carlsen secured a victory against Erigaisi in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, where he currently leads.
RJ Mahvash, recently linked to Yuzvendra Chahal, attended an IPL match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, sparking public interest due to Chahal's recent divorce. She shared photos in Punjab Kings colours and a cryptic message addressing relationship speculation, while disabling comments on her post. Mahvash and Chahal have consistently denied any romantic involvement, maintaining they are just friends.
Indian athletes shone at the Asian Athletics Championships, securing multiple medals. Gulveer Singh won gold in the 5,000m, breaking a championship record, adding to his 10,000m gold. Pooja created history in the high jump, while Nandini Agasara clinched gold in the heptathlon. Parul Chaudhary secured silver in the 3,000m steeplechase with a national record.
KL Rahul will travel to England ahead of the main Indian squad to acclimatise to the conditions before the five-Test series. He requested the BCCI to allow him to participate in the second India A game against England Lions. This decision was influenced by unfavourable weather in India, mirroring his preparation strategy before the Australia series.
Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians are set for a crucial IPL 2025 Eliminator in Mullanpur, both facing challenges with key player absences and inconsistent form. Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya aim to lead their teams to victory, navigating batting concerns and leveraging strong bowling lineups. The match will be influenced by Mullanpur's pitch conditions and potential weather disruptions.
The IPL 2025 Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Mullanpur faces rain concerns. While forecasts vary, the possibility of showers looms. A washout would see Gujarat advance to Qualifier 2 due to their higher league standing, eliminating Mumbai.
The French Open witnesses fervent crowd support for home players, creating a challenging atmosphere for visiting athletes. Players like Jakub Mensik and Quentin Halys have harnessed the energy, while Novak Djokovic acknowledges the partisan environment. The intensity of the crowd is a recurring debate, with Roland Garros and the US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium standing out for their boisterous fans.
Punjab Kings secured a spot in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 after topping the standings, ending an 11-year playoff drought. Their journey included impressive wins against teams like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, fueled by strong performances from Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh.
During a four-day match between Bangladesh and South Africa Emerging Teams, a physical altercation erupted between Tshepo Ntuli and Ripon Mondol after Mondol hit a six. The exchange escalated, involving shoves and helmet pulling, requiring umpire intervention. Tensions remained high, and the incident follows earlier suspensions in the one-day leg of the tour, prompting further investigation by cricket authorities.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been under scrutiny himself since the controversial run-out of Jos Buttler in IPL 2019, stood firmly in support of Lucknow Super Giants bowler Digvesh Rathi on Wednesday. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dissected the incident involving Rathi’s attempt to dismiss Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end during their IPL 2025 clash.
Seattle Orcas CEO Hemant Dua believes cricket will carve out a space for itself in the USA. He says if Major League Cricket (MLC) along with the other stakeholders can work hand in hand, then sky is the limit for cricket's expansion in the US. In a free-wheeling interview with TimesofIndia.com, Dua spoke at length about the various issues, the challenges, the ambition, and how MLC is taking its baby steps in the USA.
Haider Ali's journey from a small Pakistani village to the UAE national cricket team is a testament to his unwavering resilience. Overcoming obstacles like working as a waiter, selling fruits during the pandemic, and surviving a near-fatal accident, he persevered to chase his cricketing dream.
Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched a Qualifier 1 spot in IPL 2025, triumphing over Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets. Chasing a challenging 227-3, RCB's Jitesh Sharma's explosive 85 off 33 balls and key contributions from Virat Kohli and Mayank Agarwal secured the win.
Virender Sehwag playfully commented on Rohit Sharma's struggles in the IPL powerplay, noting that a slower start might help him stay at the crease longer, given his tendency to get out early. Rohit's recent form includes only three scores above 50 in 13 innings, with nine dismissals during the powerplay.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru aims for a top-two finish for the first time since 2016 as they face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league game. RCB needs a win to secure second place, while LSG, despite inconsistency, remains a dangerous opponent with key players returning. The pitch favors spinners and pace variations, with teams preferring to chase.
Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings are set for a crucial IPL 2025 match, both aiming for a top-two finish. Punjab Kings, currently second, risk dropping if they lose, while Mumbai Indians, with a strong Net Run Rate, have a good chance to secure a top spot.
JioHotstar has secured exclusive digital streaming rights for India's highly anticipated five-Test series against England, commencing on June 20. This agreement, part of a sublicensing deal with Sony Entertainment Network, ensures live digital access for fans. Sony retains television broadcast rights, while the partnership extends to the 2026 white-ball tour of England.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's spiritual journey continues with a visit to Ayodhya's Shree Hanuman Garhi temple, following their retreat to Vrindavan. Donning traditional white saropas, the couple's serene presence and devotion resonated with fans. This visit, amidst Kohli's IPL commitments, highlights their deepening connection to India's spiritual heritage and moments of reflection.
Karun Nair's Test career, marked by a memorable triple century against England, faced an unexpected halt. After domestic struggles and a plea for another chance, he revitalised his game. A stint with Northamptonshire in 2023 showcased his talent, followed by a strong 2024-25 domestic season, proving his resilience and earning him a renewed place in cricket.
Sai Sudharsan expressed immense joy and gratitude upon his Test selection, emphasizing his focus on patience and adapting to the red-ball format. Gujarat Titans, after their loss to LSG, are gearing up to face CSK, aiming to regain momentum and secure a top-two position before the playoffs. Concerns remain about GT's lower-middle order batting performance.
Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team as captain for the upcoming Test series in England. Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain. The squad of 18 members was announced by Ajit Agarkar. Jasprit Bumrah may not play all five Tests. India aims to win their first Test series in England since 2007.
Rajat Patidar and Pat Cummins faced fines for slow over-rates during their IPL match, with Patidar incurring a heavier penalty of Rs 24 lakh due to RCB's repeat offence. Cummins was fined Rs 12 lakh for SRH's first violation. The match saw SRH defeat RCB by 42 runs, as the IPL emphasizes over-rate penalties to maintain the pace of play.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old batting prodigy, impressed in the IPL 2025 with Rajasthan Royals, scoring 252 runs in seven innings, including a blazing century. His coach, Ashok Kumar, believes that if Suryavanshi focuses on fitness and fielding, he could be fast-tracked into India's senior T20I team within two years. Ashok Kumar, who coached Suryavanshi at the Bihar U19 and senior men’s teams, believes the youngster has what it takes to be fast-tracked into the senior T20I setup within two years — provided he focuses on fitness and fielding.
Dilip Vengsarkar expressed surprise at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test retirements, expecting them after the England tour. He acknowledged their significant contribution and the void they leave. Vengsarkar highlighted the opportunity for domestic players to step up and praised Shreyas Iyer's consistent performance across formats, deferring to selectors on replacements.
Gautam Gambhir has addressed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test retirements, terming them personal decisions deserving respect. Speaking before the England tour starting June 20, Gambhir acknowledged the void but highlighted the chance for younger players to step up. He referenced India's Champions Trophy win without Bumrah, emphasising the team's ability to succeed despite senior players' absence.
Lucknow Super Giants defeated Gujarat Titans by 33 runs, powered by Mitchell Marsh's stunning century. Despite the victory, LSG captain Rishabh Pant acknowledged the team's inconsistency and injury concerns that prevented them from reaching the playoffs. Pant highlighted that the team delivered a complete performance against GT, with Marsh's explosive innings and bowlers dismantling GT's top order.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal apologised to fans after their IPL 2025 playoff hopes were crushed by a 59-run defeat to Mumbai Indians. Jindal expressed disappointment on social media, acknowledging a poor second half of the season. Delhi, surprisingly, became the first IPL team to miss the playoffs after winning their initial four matches.
Mumbai Indians secured their playoff spot in IPL 2025 with a dominant victory over Delhi Capitals, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. To clinch a top-two position, MI must defeat Punjab Kings and hope for multiple losses from Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings in their remaining matches.
Tonight's crucial IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium faces a major threat: heavy rain. The India Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms and gusty winds, with an 80-90% chance of precipitation. A washout would benefit MI, but put DC in a precarious playoff position.
Jitesh Sharma, acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for 11 crore, shared insights into his relationship with Virat Kohli. Sharma revealed that Kohli has taught him tricks to improve his game ever since he joined RCB ahead of the 2025 IPL campaign. Sharma also said in a podcast that he's gotten advice on how to play when coming in at number 5 or 6.
A crucial IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium faces a rain threat, potentially impacting playoff qualification hopes. Forecasts predict thunderstorms, which could lead to a washout, awarding each team one point. This scenario favors Mumbai, who can secure qualification by winning their final match, while Delhi's chances become more challenging, relying on other results.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, the leadership mantle is up for grabs. Shubman Gill is poised to take over as Test captain, but it comes with a rider - who will be his deputy, a designated vice-captain, captain-in-waiting, or, in Indian cricketing history, a powerless foot-soldier.
Abhishek Sharma's explosive half-century and Heinrich Klaasen's composed innings propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, eliminating LSG from playoff contention. Despite Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram's fifties setting a strong foundation, Lucknow's late-over collapse proved costly. SRH successfully chased down the target, marking their first 200-plus chase at the Ekana Stadium.
An IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants saw a fiery confrontation between Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi, sparked by Rathi's aggressive celebrations. Both players faced penalties, with Rathi receiving a heavier fine and suspension.
Urvil Patel's explosive IPL debut for CSK has stunned many, smashing 31 off 11 balls with a record-breaking strike rate. His coach, Prakash Patani, revealed Urvil's rigorous training regime involving 200 daily sixes and intense gym sessions. Initially a pacer, Urvil transitioned to a wicket-keeper batter on his coach's advice.
Sunil Gavaskar criticized Gautam Gambhir for overshadowing Shreyas Iyer's captaincy during KKR's IPL 2024 victory, asserting that Iyer didn't receive due recognition. Gavaskar highlighted Iyer's significant role on the field, contrasting it with Gambhir's dugout presence. Currently captaining PBKS, Iyer is finally getting the credit he deserves, especially with Ricky Ponting as head coach.
England test skipper Ben Stokes has been out of action for around five months, ever since he tore his hamstring in the series against New Zealand. With recovering in time for the Zimbabwe series at the top of priorities, the all-rounder has chosen to give up alcohol to get back to his very best.
Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket, following Rohit Sharma's exit. Kohli, India's fourth-highest Test run-scorer, leaves a significant void. Ganguly acknowledged it's a personal decision but emphasized the selectors' crucial role in choosing the next Test captain, considering long-term implications and Bumrah's injury situation, ahead of the England series.
Virat Kohli's unexpected retirement from Test cricket has elicited varied reactions, with former coach Ravi Shastri suggesting mental fatigue. Sanjay Bangar, ex-batting coach, expressed sadness but respected Kohli's conviction, acknowledging his significant impact on Indian cricket. Kohli's 14-year Test career saw him amass 9,230 runs, transforming India into a formidable force.
Neeraj Chopra showcased his prowess at the Doha Diamond League, achieving a personal best of 90.23m, though finishing second to Julian Weber. Arshad Nadeem, however, was absent, strategically focusing on preparations for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi. Chopra's performance, guided by coach Jan Zelezny, signals strong momentum heading into the World Championships in Tokyo.
Manchester United suffered their 18th Premier League loss against Chelsea, intensifying pressure on Ruben Amorim. Roy Keane criticised the team's lack of qualities and the fans' acceptance of their struggles. Man Utd are 16th in the Premier League standings with one match to go.
MS Dhoni's fans can rejoice as sources suggest he may not retire after the current season. Despite CSK's struggles and external doubts, Dhoni hasn't indicated this is his last year. Insiders believe his presence is vital to guide the young core and restore the team's championship caliber.
Jadeja, at 36 years of age, will be one of India's most experienced players going into the England series. Will the CSK man be named captain or not is a question yet to be answered. However, his message of gratitude on Instagram has sparked discussion and debate on whether the record-holder in tests deserves control of the team.
IPL 2025 is set to resume with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Kolkata Knight Riders. Amidst heavy rain, RCB's Tim David entertained everyone with an impromptu swim on a waterlogged pitch cover. David has been a strong performer this season, scoring 186 runs. David has been in top form this season. In 11 matches, he has racked up 186 runs, including a blistering unbeaten 50, averaging a staggering 93 and striking at 194 — making him one of RCB’s most dangerous finishers in IPL 2025.
Following his surprising Test retirement, Virat Kohli is gearing up for the resumption of IPL 2025, spotted with wife Anushka Sharma en route to Bengaluru. Kohli, having recently visited Vrindavan, now shifts his focus to leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batting line-up as they prepare to host Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
The BCCI is yet to confirm the venues for the IPL 2025 playoffs and final, with Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium emerging as a strong contender to host the title clash. While Kolkata's Eden Gardens was initially scheduled, weather concerns and the need to avoid further delays are influencing the decision.
Prithvi Shaw's recent social media activity has stirred discussions. He posted a cryptic message before the Indian Premier League resumes. Shaw's career has faced challenges with form and fitness. He was dropped from Mumbai's team and went unsold in the IPL auction. Shashank Singh suggested Shaw improve his lifestyle. The message raises questions about Shaw's next steps.
The International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4 will commence on December 2, 2025, coinciding with UAE National Day, and conclude on January 4, 2026. This shift accommodates the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February-March 2026. Dubai Capitals are set to defend their title in the league, which has quickly become a premier destination for global T20 stars.
Yograj Singh expressed his disappointment over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test retirements, viewing it as a significant loss for Indian cricket. Drawing parallels to the 2011 transition, he believes both players had more to offer, emphasizing the need for experienced players to guide youngsters. He feels Rohit, in particular, could have benefited from consistent motivation to extend his career.