News for '-players-'

'Abhishek can be leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup'

'Abhishek can be leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The legendary Ricky Ponting has tipped India opener Abhishek Sharma to be a potential match-winner at the upcoming T20 World Cup, describing him as a "star" who could even emerge as the tournament's leading run-scorer.

Australian Open: Djokovic sees off Sinner, sets up Alcaraz title showdown

Australian Open: Djokovic sees off Sinner, sets up Alcaraz title showdown

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Vintage Djokovic dethrones Sinner to set up Alcaraz final at Australian Open

'Surprising that India's batters struggle against spin in Tests'

'Surprising that India's batters struggle against spin in Tests'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Former New Zealand player Ian Smith put down the Shubman Gill-led India's recent red ball struggles at home to their diminishing ability against spin.

Five Indian women nominated for 2025 BBC sports awards

Five Indian women nominated for 2025 BBC sports awards

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Harmanpreet Singh, Smriti Mandhana, Divya Deshmukh among five Indian stars nominated for BBC awards

Sabalenka vs Svitolina: No handshakes, high stakes in tense Aus Open semis

Sabalenka vs Svitolina: No handshakes, high stakes in tense Aus Open semis

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Aryna Sabalenka will aim to take a huge stride towards a third Australian Open title in four years when the Belarusian top seed clashes with Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on Thursday in a semi-final simmering with geopolitical tension.

Mary Kom Says Sorry to 'Male Community'

Mary Kom Says Sorry to 'Male Community'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Boxing legend M C Mary Kom has apologised to the 'male community' for her comments on a television show, explaining that her outburst was because of suppressing feelings inside her for a long time.

Tata Steel: Gukesh fights back as Erigaisi stumbles again

Tata Steel: Gukesh fights back as Erigaisi stumbles again

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

World champion D Gukesh stayed in the hunt with a clinical endgame win in Round 10 of the Tata Steel Masters, while Arjun Erigaisi slipped to another defeat and slid down the standings at Wijk Aan Zee.

Australian players question ICC over DRS inconsistencies

Australian players question ICC over DRS inconsistencies

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins also commented on the DRS controversy, noting that RTS appeared to be different from UltraEdge.

T20 World Cup: Nepal's Fearless Cricket Won Hearts

T20 World Cup: Nepal's Fearless Cricket Won Hearts

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

One marvelled at the freedom with which the Nepal batters played. They trusted their strokes, ran hard between the wickets, and refused to be overawed.

'I'd pick Rishabh Pant in my team any day of the week'

'I'd pick Rishabh Pant in my team any day of the week'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

For Ian Smith, a player of Rishabh Pant's calibre walks into any T20 side and hence the former New Zealand stumper finds it baffling that the keeper-batter hasn't been picked for the upcoming World Cup starting in less than three weeks' time.

Thailand Masters: Devika Sihag stuns top seed, enters semifinals

Thailand Masters: Devika Sihag stuns top seed, enters semifinals

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Devika Sihag stuns Supanida, enters Thailand Masters semifinals

Big blow to T20 World Cup: Bangladesh say NO to India travel

Big blow to T20 World Cup: Bangladesh say NO to India travel

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Bangladesh refused to send its national cricket team for the T20 World Cup in India, effectively paving the way for Scotland to take its place in the tournament roster after the ICC dismissed the country's demand for a change of venue.

Sinner rues missed chances as Djokovic halts his AO reign

Sinner rues missed chances as Djokovic halts his AO reign

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Jannik Sinner admits the Australian Open semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic hurt, but says he was not surprised by the 10-time champion's level after a gripping five-set battle.

It's getting hot, hot at the Australian Open!

It's getting hot, hot at the Australian Open!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Australian Open organisers invoked their extreme heat policy as temperatures soared at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, prompting the suspension of play on outer courts and the closure of roofs on the main showcourts.

I'll celebrate Kohli's wicket by touching his feet'

I'll celebrate Kohli's wicket by touching his feet'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

"I'll touch his feet": Punjab Kings' new signing Vishal Nishad reveals his humble celebration plan for Virat Kohli's wicket

Australia unfazed by rushed build-up ahead of Pakistan T20Is

Australia unfazed by rushed build-up ahead of Pakistan T20Is

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said the team is ready for the Pakistan T20I series despite a short, interrupted build-up, calling the tour vital preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs passes away

Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs passes away

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Michael Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008.

Celebrations erupt at captain Ayush Mhatre's home!

Celebrations erupt at captain Ayush Mhatre's home!

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Scenes of joy unfolded in Palghar as Ayush Mhatre led India to a record sixth U-19 World Cup title, with family and friends celebrating the historic 100-run win over England.

Tata Steel Masters Chess: Gukesh loses to Bluebaum; Erigaisi held

Tata Steel Masters Chess: Gukesh loses to Bluebaum; Erigaisi held

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

World champion D Gukesh resigned on his 37th turn against Germany's Matthias Bluebaum at Tata Steel Masters Chess.

Gaming Addiction: The Risks For Teens

Gaming Addiction: The Risks For Teens

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Experts warn of the dangers of online gaming addiction among adolescents, citing limited social interaction, blurred realities and the potential for tragic outcomes. Recent incidents highlight the need for awareness and intervention.

Sabalenka, Rybakina renew fierce rivalry in Australian Open title showdown

Sabalenka, Rybakina renew fierce rivalry in Australian Open title showdown

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sabalenka primed for Rybakina rematch with eyes on third Australian Open crown

17-year-old Anahat Singh scripts history with maiden title

17-year-old Anahat Singh scripts history with maiden title

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Teen squash prodigy Anahat Singh upset top seed Georgina Kennedy to win her first PSA Bronze title at the Squash On Fire Open in Washington.

T20 World Cup: Malinga, Mendis in Sri Lanka's squad; Dhanajaya de Silva dropped

T20 World Cup: Malinga, Mendis in Sri Lanka's squad; Dhanajaya de Silva dropped

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

All-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead a strong Sri Lankan side for the T20 World Cup, featuring key players including Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka.

T20 World Cup: Pakistan boycott drama: Netherlands eye big opening upset

T20 World Cup: Pakistan boycott drama: Netherlands eye big opening upset

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Netherlands opener Max O'Dowd says his team is focused on winning its T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan, unconcerned by any perceived pressure on the Pakistani side.

Mumbai, Ideal Venue To Kick Off T20 World Cup

Mumbai, Ideal Venue To Kick Off T20 World Cup

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Indian cricket is entering the T20 World Cup inspired not just by its legends, but by a fearless new generation that is already winning World Cups.

Will India Fast-Track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Will India Fast-Track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's stunning performance in the Under-19 World Cup final has led to calls for the young cricketer to be fast-tracked into the senior Indian team, with former cricketers drawing comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

T20 World Cup: Hetmyer, Shepherd fire West Indies to victory against Scotland

T20 World Cup: Hetmyer, Shepherd fire West Indies to victory against Scotland

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Shimron Hetmyer's brilliant counter-attack with the bat and Romario Shepherd's hat-trick powered West Indies to an emphatic 35-run victory against Scotland.

Thailand Masters: Baruah stuns second seed, storms into quarters

Thailand Masters: Baruah stuns second seed, storms into quarters

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

India's Isharani Baruah upset second seed Sung Shuo Yun of South Korea to enter the women's singles quarterfinals of the Thailand Masters badminton event, Bangkok, on Thursday.

'She made winners, I made errors': Sabalenka on AO loss

'She made winners, I made errors': Sabalenka on AO loss

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Aryna Sabalenka fell 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to Elena Rybakina on Saturday, the Russia-born Kazakh turning the tables on the Belarusian who beat her for the 2023 title.

Siraj opens up on T20I comeback and success against USA

Siraj opens up on T20I comeback and success against USA

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj discusses his preparation for the T20 World Cup, his strategy against the USA, and the team's confidence during Saturday's match at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

T20 World Cup: 'Fearless Abhishek Amazing To Watch'

T20 World Cup: 'Fearless Abhishek Amazing To Watch'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Abhishek Sharma has proved to be unstoppable with the bat for India in T20 Internationals, hitting 1297 runs in 33 matches at a strike rate of 194.74.

Ranji Trophy: Mumbai crumble as Karnataka seize control

Ranji Trophy: Mumbai crumble as Karnataka seize control

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Karnataka's bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Vidwath Kaverappa, and Shreyas Gopal dismantled Mumbai's batting lineup, while Mayank Agarwal's half-century put Karnataka in a commanding position on the first day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match.

T20 World Cup: Will Ishan Kishan Open Against USA?

T20 World Cup: Will Ishan Kishan Open Against USA?

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the opening match against USA?

Dhoni backs India as T20 World Cup favourites

Dhoni backs India as T20 World Cup favourites

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes defending champions India are the most dangerous team at the T20 World Cup, praising their depth and experience while warning that dew could play a decisive role.

Bethell, Jacks spin England to series sweep vs SL

Bethell, Jacks spin England to series sweep vs SL

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

England spinners seal Sri Lanka series sweep ahead of T20 World Cup

SAFF Cup: India crush Bhutan, eye title vs Bangladesh

SAFF Cup: India crush Bhutan, eye title vs Bangladesh

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Indian Under-17 women's team crushed Bhutan 8-0 in its last round-robin fixture of the SAFF Under-19 Women's Championship to set up a summit showdown with Bangladesh at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium

How Sindhu inspired Devika Sihag to Thailand Masters title

How Sindhu inspired Devika Sihag to Thailand Masters title

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Devika Sihag, who won the Thailand Masters Super 300 title last week, acknowledged the role of PV Sindhu and coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama in her triumph

ED chargesheets online gaming app WinZO over Rs 734 cr scam

ED chargesheets online gaming app WinZO over Rs 734 cr scam

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against real-money online gaming app WinZO and its promoters, alleging the company used bots and AI to manipulate game algorithms, leading to significant financial losses for users.

Is Serena Williams Planning A Comeback?

Is Serena Williams Planning A Comeback?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Serena Williams fuels comeback speculation with TV interview

T20 World Cup: 'Pakistan knows it can't win against India'

T20 World Cup: 'Pakistan knows it can't win against India'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Pakistan are avoiding playing against India because they are aware they can't win against them, said 1983 World Cup winning all-rounder Kirti Azad.