News for '-champions'

T20 World Cup: 'India Won't Reach Semis'

T20 World Cup: 'India Won't Reach Semis'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir predicts India will not reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, despite their strong group stage performance.

Marsh Says Australia 'Respect Noise' After T20 WC Exit

Marsh Says Australia 'Respect Noise' After T20 WC Exit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh says team respects criticism after shock T20 World Cup exit, with Cricket Australia set to conduct a forensic review.

Australia humiliated by Ecuador in Davis Cup qualifier

Australia humiliated by Ecuador in Davis Cup qualifier

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

With Australia's number one Alex De Minaur opting out of the tie in Quito, the 28-times champions crashed out when Rinky Hijikata and Jordan Thompson were beaten 7-6(5) 6-4 by Gonzalo Escobar and Diego Hidalgo in the decisive doubles rubber.

Sumit Nagal Crashes Out of Chennai Open Challenger

Sumit Nagal Crashes Out of Chennai Open Challenger

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

India No. 1 Sumit Nagal exited the Chennai Open ATP Challenger after a three-set defeat to Russia's Petr Bar Biryukov in the second round.

T20 World Cup: India vs Pak: SKY recreates Tariq's bowling action in practice

T20 World Cup: India vs Pak: SKY recreates Tariq's bowling action in practice

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

India's cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is focusing on Pakistan's spin bowler Usman Tariq and his unorthodox bowling action during practice sessions in preparation for their T20 World Cup match.

T20 World Cup: Coach Stuart Law warns Nepal's players over social media

T20 World Cup: Coach Stuart Law warns Nepal's players over social media

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Nepal head coach Stuart Law expressed disappointment over the team's 10-wicket defeat to debutants Italy, saying players had "not shown commitment".

Pakistan to play for place in Super 8s; Namibia for pride

Pakistan to play for place in Super 8s; Namibia for pride

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Pakistan, after a defeat against India, face Namibia in a must-win match to qualify for the Super 8s. Their fragile batting and Shaheen Afridi's form are key concerns, while Namibia aims to play spoiler.

Historic! Jammu and Kashmir outclass Bengal to enter first Ranji Trophy final

Historic! Jammu and Kashmir outclass Bengal to enter first Ranji Trophy final

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Jammu and Kashmir outclassed Bengal by six wickets to advance to a historic first ever Ranji Trophy final appearance on Wednesday.

T20 World Cup: England wary of Windies after Nepal scare

T20 World Cup: England wary of Windies after Nepal scare

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

England and West Indies, both former champions, prepare for a critical Group C match in the T20 World Cup after contrasting performances in their opening games. England seeks a more convincing win after a narrow escape against Nepal, while the West Indies aim to continue their strong start.

Badminton Nationals: Surya, Rithvik Emerge Champions

Badminton Nationals: Surya, Rithvik Emerge Champions

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Surya, Rithvik claim women's and men's titles in National Badminton Championships

T20 World Cup: When The Tiranga Inspires SKY's Team To Soar

T20 World Cup: When The Tiranga Inspires SKY's Team To Soar

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The sight of the Tricolour fluttering in the stands sharpens the resolve of the players. It feels as though the flag has been stitched out of the hopes and heartbeat of Indian fans.

SA Not Fixated On Individuals Ahead Of India Super 8 Test

SA Not Fixated On Individuals Ahead Of India Super 8 Test

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

South Africa say Ahmedabad familiarity and recent India series help preparation for T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash.

T20 World Cup: Will Abhishek Sharma Score His First Run?

T20 World Cup: Will Abhishek Sharma Score His First Run?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

What Abhishek should understand is that what defines a good cricketer is not the duck, but how he responds to it and overcomes it.

Will Australia include Steve Smith for crucial Sri Lanka clash?

Will Australia include Steve Smith for crucial Sri Lanka clash?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Injury-hit Australia are considering including veteran Steve Smith to strengthen their batting line-up for the crucial T20 World Cup Group B match against Sri Lanka. Australia needs to win to secure a spot in the Super Eights after a defeat to Zimbabwe.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

Lando Norris: The Gen Z Champion Who Silenced His Doubters

Lando Norris: The Gen Z Champion Who Silenced His Doubters

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Mocked, misjudged, written off, Lando Norris's carves own road to F1 Glory

Meet Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who argued against Trump's tariffs

Meet Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who argued against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Neal Katyal, an accomplished Indian-American lawyer, triumphed in a landmark Supreme Court case against Donald Trump's tariffs, championing the Constitution and the rights of American small businesses.

J&K star Auqib Nabi not fazed by Ranji Trophy final

J&K star Auqib Nabi not fazed by Ranji Trophy final

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Auqib Nabi, Jammu and Kashmir's key bowler, is focused on performing well in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, aiming to leverage his adaptive skills and contribute to his team's success.

English Premier League: Arsenal thrash Spurs; Liverpool grab late win at Forest

English Premier League: Arsenal thrash Spurs; Liverpool grab late win at Forest

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Eberechi Eze timed his return to the Arsenal scoresheet to perfection with two goals in a 4-1 derby rout of Tottenham Hotspur.

Super 8s: Varun Key But Team Pressure Vital For SA Test

Super 8s: Varun Key But Team Pressure Vital For SA Test

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India bowling coach Morne Morkel backs Varun Chakaravarthy as a key strike bowler, stresses collective pressure ahead of T20 World Cup Super 8 clash vs South Africa.

Carlsen wins inaugural Freestyle Chess World Championship

Carlsen wins inaugural Freestyle Chess World Championship

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Magnus Carlsen has won the first FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship, defeating Fabiano Caruana in the final match held in Germany.

Ranji Trophy Final: Don't Take Jammu And Kashmir Lightly: Former Captain Vinay Kumar Warns Karnataka

Ranji Trophy Final: Don't Take Jammu And Kashmir Lightly: Former Captain Vinay Kumar Warns Karnataka

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Former India pacer R Vinay Kumar said the enviable batting riches in their line-up will give Karnataka a huge upper hand over maiden entrants Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy final.

T20 World Cup: Rain Threat For India Vs Pakistan Match In Colombo

T20 World Cup: Rain Threat For India Vs Pakistan Match In Colombo

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology issued a special bulletin on Friday morning, warning the public about possibility of rain in Colombo on Sunday.

India brace for fresh Test from familiar foe South Africa in Super 8s

India brace for fresh Test from familiar foe South Africa in Super 8s

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

India and South Africa will face off in their opening Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup. The match will test India's batting line-up against South Africa's formidable bowling attack.

Ranji semis: Can J&K, Uttarakhand continue dream run?

Ranji semis: Can J&K, Uttarakhand continue dream run?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand will look to extend their dream runs when they take on heavyweights Bengal and Karnataka respectively in the Ranji Trophy semifinals.

T20 WC: England eye Super 8s as plucky Italy beckon

T20 WC: England eye Super 8s as plucky Italy beckon

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

England aim to seal Super Eights qualification against T20 World Cup debutants Italy at Eden Gardens, as the historic football rivalry adds spice to their Group C clash.

T20 WC: England edge Italy, seal Super 8s spot

T20 WC: England edge Italy, seal Super 8s spot

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

England finally rediscovered their attacking mojo, riding on an explosive start and a splendid late surge from Will Jacks to post a challenging 202 for seven against Italy in their must-win Group C clash, in Kolkata, on Monday.

Frustrated Mbappe questions Real Madrid's desire

Frustrated Mbappe questions Real Madrid's desire

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Kylian Mbappe criticised Real Madrid's lack of hunger and consistency after their 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica, saying champions must show desire every time as Real slipped into the playoffs.

Chennai Open: Rawat upsets Noguchi; Nagal, Sasikumar through

Chennai Open: Rawat upsets Noguchi; Nagal, Sasikumar through

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Sumit Nagal and Mukund Sasikumar secured victories, while Sidharth Rawat delivered a stunning upset at the Chennai Open ATP Challenger.

Uncertain future for Italy's cricketers despite T20 World Cup heroics

Uncertain future for Italy's cricketers despite T20 World Cup heroics

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Stand-in captain Harry Manenti expressed frustration over Italy's lack of regular cricket opportunities after their T20 World Cup debut, highlighting the risk of stalled progress for Associate nations.

Tendulkar, Kohli lead tributes to U19 World champs!

Tendulkar, Kohli lead tributes to U19 World champs!

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

India's record sixth U-19 World Cup win drew praise from Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and cricket legends worldwide after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's stunning 175 sealed a 100-run victory over England.

AI summit in Delhi: Modi welcomes global leaders

AI summit in Delhi: Modi welcomes global leaders

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi champions India as a leader in the artificial intelligence revolution, emphasising the nation's ambition and responsibility at the India AI Impact Expo 2026.

'A golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K'

'A golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

J&K CM congratulates cricket team after historic entry into Ranji Trophy final

Messi injured! Inter Miami's season opener in danger?

Messi injured! Inter Miami's season opener in danger?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi did not participate in training on Wednesday due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring, with his injury leading to the postponement of what was supposed to be the reigning MLS Cup champions' preseason finale.

Karnataka close in on Ranji final spot, Uttarakhand struggle

Karnataka close in on Ranji final spot, Uttarakhand struggle

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Karnataka amassed a huge first-innings total and put Uttarakhand under pressure on Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy semifinal match.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi praise team on Under-19 WC win

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi praise team on Under-19 WC win

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi congratulated India's U-19 team after their record sixth World Cup win, powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stunning 175 against England in the final.

T20 WC: Rain won't stop India-Pak showdown, says SKY

T20 WC: Rain won't stop India-Pak showdown, says SKY

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav says the team is focused on preparing for their T20 World Cup clash with Pakistan despite concerns about potential rain disruptions.

T20 World Cup: 'No need to panic': Head after Aussie collapse

T20 World Cup: 'No need to panic': Head after Aussie collapse

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Australia were dealt an early blow in their quest to reach the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after the depleted former champions crashed to a 23-run defeat by Zimbabwe in Colombo on Friday.

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka vs Oman: Can hosts overcome Hasaranga blow?

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka vs Oman: Can hosts overcome Hasaranga blow?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka will need to address batting inconsistencies and adjust their bowling strategy in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga as they prepare to face Oman in a crucial T20 World Cup Group B match.

Serena Williams eligible to return to tennis; comeback unclear

Serena Williams eligible to return to tennis; comeback unclear

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Serena Williams has been listed as eligible to return to tennis by the ITIA, fueling speculation about a possible comeback after rejoining the anti-doping testing pool.