Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka, attributing his success to a clear strategy against spin and a strong desire to convert big scores. He focused on developing specific plans for bowlers and maintaining full commitment to every shot, while also emphasising the importance of staying focused after reaching a century.
Gold loans accounted for 41 per cent of retail loan disbursements in FY26, up sharply from 18 per cent in FY23 and 20 per cent in FY24.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) CEO Raghuram Iyer announced a massive nationwide talent hunt targeting children aged 5 to 15 to identify and nurture future athletes, aiming for 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics.
For these startups, qcom is emerging as a launch and discovery platform, not simply a fulfilment channel.
Former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin has been acquitted of all charges by the Patiala House Court in a 22-year-old criminal case involving allegations of forgery and passport act violations, bringing him significant relief after years of stress.
Already, the knives are out for Gautam Gambhir because of his poor record as coach in Test matches, and a potential defeat in Sri Lanka could prove to be the killer blow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a comprehensive plan to empower India's youth, including training one crore youngsters in artificial intelligence skills and providing free online coaching for competitive examinations, aiming to position them at the forefront of the nation's journey to become a developed nation by 2047.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts will struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India without upsetting the team's overall balance, especially given their batting struggles.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get a golden chance to improve upon his none too impressive first class numbers when East Zone take on the severely inexperienced North East Zone in the quarter-final of the Duleep Trophy.
Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2030, ending speculation about his future. Despite recent performance clauses and links to other teams, Verstappen expressed his commitment to Red Bull, citing the team as a "second family."
Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.
Ajinkya Rahane has backed Rohit Sharma to play for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, urging the BCCI to give the veteran opener clarity over his future.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, along with other prominent sports personalities like VVS Laxman, Mithali Raj, and Suresh Raina, extended heartfelt wishes to the nation on its 80th Independence Day, celebrating India's freedom, diversity, and the spirit that unites its people.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik has emphasised the need for consistency and a clearly defined role for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test side, especially as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the end of his career. Kartik believes Kuldeep, despite being a match-winner, has not received the sustained backing needed to flourish in Test cricket under previous regimes.
Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.
Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, who recently returned from a career-threatening injury, is confident of achieving a 'big jump' soon and aims to upgrade his silver medal to gold at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
'Making a film -- good or bad -- is extremely hard work, involving hundreds of people and at least two years from idea to release. When the audience rejects it, it is known to push makers into depression. And then there is the danger of theatres stopping the screenings after week one if footfalls don't improve.'
Indian javelin thrower Rohit Yadav is preparing for the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. With a personal best of 87.05m and a focus on consistent performance, Yadav aims to leverage his experience and training, including support from the Inspire Institute of Sport, to deliver a strong showing on the international stage.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasised the crucial role wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will play in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, citing his experience and ability to guide younger players.
The World Cricketers' Association has lauded the formation of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association, a significant step for the game's professionalism and growth in the country. Led by white-ball captain Kusal Mendis, this new body aims to provide players with a stronger voice, particularly in negotiations regarding franchise cricket, and aligns with ongoing reforms in Sri Lanka Cricket.
South Africa's T20 captain Aiden Markram has withdrawn from The Hundred competition's Manchester Super Giants due to unspecified personal reasons. Jos Buttler will take over as captain, and Michael Bracewell will join as a replacement player.
Shubham Juyal, a silver medallist in para-athletics at the Commonwealth Games, has called for Indians to extend their support to all sports, not just cricket. The Lance Naik in the Indian Army expressed pride in representing Roorkee and shared his aspirations to meet Rishabh Pant and win a medal at the LA 2028 Paralympics, crediting the Indian Army and his family for his success.
The Supreme Court has stayed a Madras High Court order that had quashed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide government jobs to relatives of those who died in a stampede at Karur last year, questioning the locus standi of petitioners challenging government policy.
Sri Lanka fought back with seven wickets from Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha on rain-hit Day 2 of the first Test, but Devdutt Padikkal's superb 167 powered India to 460-9.
Former India and Karnataka pacer R Vinay Kumar has been appointed as the head coach for the Karnataka state cricket team, replacing Yere Goud. Kumar, who previously led Karnataka to multiple domestic titles, will aim to bring more silverware to the team, with Deepak Chougule and Mansur Ali Khan joining him in the coaching staff.
Shillong Lajong FC secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Mumbay FC in a Group E Durand Cup fixture, with Everbrightson Sana scoring twice. This win marks a perfect start for Lajong, placing them at the top of their group, while Mumbay FC remains at the bottom without points.
Bangladeshi cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, is willing to return from exile in the US to face charges, including murder, if the government guarantees his safety. He hopes to play a farewell series and represent Bangladesh in the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by Hasina's allies after her government's fall.
India's men's hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 3-1 victory over Wales in their Hockey World Cup opener. Harmanpreet, who scored two goals, expressed satisfaction with the win, emphasizing the importance of a strong start. Despite conceding a late goal, the team remains confident and focused on a podium finish.
'Being World No. 2 will give us good confidence when we compete at the Asian Games.'
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes India's recent Test struggles stem from the departure of senior players, emphasising the need for a core of seven to eight experienced cricketers in the longer format.
Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that captain Shubman Gill is fully prepared for the first Test against Sri Lanka, despite missing the initial days of the warm-up match due to a finger injury. Gill returned to score a quick 44, easing concerns and setting the stage for the upcoming two-match series.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a dominant 6-0 victory over CISF Protectors in the 135th Durand Cup, with Sahal Abdul Samad scoring a first-half hat-trick.
Rediff Movies columnist Dinesh Raheja's second book of poems ... Unfulfilled Desires will release on August 14.
Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has strongly criticised President Gianni Infantino's abandoned plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, labelling the proposal 'ludicrous' and urging FIFA to prioritise the interests of fans over profit.
Netflix India is significantly expanding its South Indian content, planning to release at least one Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam film every week for the rest of the year, featuring highly anticipated titles like Dhanush's OM - Chapter 1: Udhiram and Vijay Deverakonda's Ranabaali.
Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's future, asserting that players like Rohit and Virat Kohli are "untouchable" due to their immense body of work and massive fan following. Ashwin highlighted that dropping such star batters would cause a significant uproar, unlike the reaction to bowlers being left out. This comes as Rohit recently silenced critics with a century at Lord's amidst retirement rumours.
Indian javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh secured silver and bronze medals respectively at the Commonwealth Games, marking a historic 2-3 finish for India.
Ryan ten Doeschate has resigned as India's men's assistant coach after the England white-ball series, reportedly to join IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. He was a key part of the coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir, contributing to India's white-ball successes but also witnessing Test struggles.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its key policy rates for the fourth consecutive time, keeping the repo rate at 5.25 per cent, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed 152 points higher in a volatile session, recovering from an intraday dip.
Jewellery trends come and go but jhumkas have a permanent address in every desi girl's jewellery box.
