Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma is on the cusp of several significant international records during the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, including reaching 21,000 international runs and becoming the first opener to score 5,000 runs in SENA conditions.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has advised Babar Azam to seek specialised batting help in Australia or South Africa to overcome his prolonged slump. Babar's struggles were evident in the recent tri-series final, and he faces pressure to regain form ahead of upcoming series and the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite support from some former players.
Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are the only Indian cricketers in the top 10 of the latest ICC Test batting rankings, holding eighth and tenth positions respectively. Afghanistan's Rahmat Shah made history by becoming the first player from his country to enter the top 10 in any ICC Test Player Rankings category, climbing to seventh after a century against Zimbabwe. Jasprit Bumrah remains fifth in Test bowlers' rankings, while Ravindra Jadeja is second in all-rounders. Recent ODI rankings also saw Indian bowlers Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Gurnoor Brar making gains.
Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian achieved his career-best first-class figures of 8/81 in the Ranji Trophy, attributing his success to lessons learned from experiences with Australian great Nathan Lyon and Indian star Ravindra Jadeja during tours and as a net bowler. He also discussed the challenges of bowling with the Kookaburra ball and his continuous efforts to improve his variations and accuracy.
Jannik Sinner targets an Australian Open return after a knee injury layoff but insists on following recovery protocols without rushing, while welcoming Magnus Norman into his coaching team.
Indian men's hockey chief coach Craig Fulton emphasizes continental dominance as a crucial step towards global success, despite the team's disappointing World Cup record. Under his leadership since May 2023, India has secured back-to-back Asian Games gold medals and three successive Asian Champions Trophy titles, laying a strong foundation. Fulton aims to leverage early qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to systematically plan and expose younger players to international competition, with a long-term goal of podium finishes.
World number two Aryna Sabalenka and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva both secured victories in their opening matches at the WTA Finals. Sabalenka battled past Karolina Muchova in a tough two-set encounter, while Andreeva delivered a dominant performance against Elina Svitolina, winning in straight sets.
Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt received a two-match suspension for breaching prescription medication requirements outside competition, with Cricket Australia confirming no performance-enhancing intent as she accepted the sanction and apologised.
Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel lauded Mohammed Shami's contribution to the Indian dressing room, stating that Shami helped him understand the team's philosophy and "Indian language" during his early days as bowling coach. Morkel expressed sadness over Shami's Test retirement but noted his continued involvement in white-ball cricket.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disappointment over Mohammed Shami's Test retirement, believing the veteran pacer had more to contribute. Shastri questioned the repeated concerns over Shami's fitness, citing his strong performances in domestic cricket for Bengal as proof of his capability to continue playing for India in the longest format.
Virat Kohli has surprisingly named his 43-run innings against England in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final as his most cherished ODI knock, prioritising it over numerous iconic centuries and match-winning performances.
The viral 'Clicky Ponting' amateur cricketer received a two-year cricket ban for allegedly deceiving umpires, while Saltburn Cricket Club was fined, relegated and docked 60 points.
Bravery, mastery and timing were among his greatest qualities. We have seen batters hit plenty of sixes, but Glenn Maxwell would leave spectators wondering where he would dispatch the next delivery, notes K R Nayar.
Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy due to ongoing fitness issues, including a shin injury and back spasms. His brother Krunal Pandya will captain the Baroda squad. This absence raises concerns for India's T20 World Cup preparations.
Japan's Masatora Kawano and Australia's Rebecca Henderson have established new world records in the men's and women's marathon race walks, respectively, at the All Japan Race Walking meet in Takahata.
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award following her impressive performances in both batting and bowling against Zimbabwe. She scored an unbeaten 106 and took five wickets in the ODI series, and contributed with 49 runs and two wickets in the T20Is. Other nominees include Marco Jansen, Arafat Minhas, Shai Hope, Annabel Sutherland, and Sobhana Mostary.
Australian batter Steve Smith has become the third Australian and 12th overall player to reach 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the ongoing second Test against South Africa. He achieved this milestone in 226 innings, placing him among an elite group of batters. The article also details the match situation where South Africa has enforced a follow-on against Australia.
The numbers don't settle it. Bumrah has the lower average and is harder to score off. Rabada has the bigger pile, the ten-wicket matches, and a winning team behind him.
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has become the world No. 1 batter in T20 Internationals, according to the latest ICC rankings.
Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have completed a four-player trade ahead of IPL 2027, seeing Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards move to CSK, while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis join SRH.
Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa against Australia, with Gerald Coetzee recalled, Kagiso Rabada injured, and Dewald Brevis omitted as the Proteas strengthen World Cup preparations.
A recent study has uncovered a new natural process contributing to extreme heatwaves in mid-latitudes, including northwestern India. This process involves a complex interaction between soil moisture, atmospheric pressure, and temperature, which, once a critical temperature threshold is exceeded, creates a vicious cycle leading to even higher temperatures. The findings suggest that current climate models may underestimate future heatwave risks.
India all-rounder Prema Rawat has set a new world record for the fastest half-century in women's T20 cricket, achieving the milestone in just 14 balls during a Senior Women's T20 Trophy match in Pune.
India's bowling attack, featuring several inexperienced players, is a major concern ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with key pacers rested for upcoming Test matches and the World Test Championship.
At 44, James Anderson is exploring a 2027 move to Surrey after Lancashire declined to renew his contract, with the veteran fast bowler keen to extend his illustrious career.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the use of pink balls in day-time Test matches on a trial basis, aiming to mitigate the frequent loss of overs due to fading light in the final session. This decision, applicable to series starting from October 1, allows for mutual agreement between teams to use the pink ball for the entire duration of a Test.
Spanish golfer Ana Pelaez Trevino secured her second Ladies European Tour victory at the 2026 Aramco China Championship, firing a flawless final round of 64 which included a spectacular hole-in-one. Indian golfer Pranavi Urs finished the week at Par, recording rounds of 73-72-73-74.
The climate finance battle once again exposes the deep divide between rich and developing nations.
Usman Khawaja has revealed that the entire Australian team, including players and support staff, was aware of the 2018 ball-tampering incident. This contradicts the long-held belief that only Steven Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were responsible. Khawaja claims he urged the team to take collective responsibility at the time and expressed disappointment that only three players bore the brunt of the blame.
India's ODI captain Shubman Gill has clarified the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah from the New Zealand ODIs, prioritising the upcoming Test series, and explained India's strategy of preferring taller bowlers for their pace attack.
England coach Brendon McCullum has lauded Harry Brook's leadership and tactical awareness, despite the team's failure to reach the final of the one-day international tri-series in Pakistan, stating the young captain grew significantly from the challenging assignment.
New Zealander Zack Swanwick has taken a two-stroke lead in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship after a second consecutive four-under 67 in Saturday's third round. Swanwick is now seven under par, ahead of defending champion Fifa Laopakdee and fellow Kiwi Cooper Moore. Indian golfers Anshul Mishra, Arkesh Bhatia, and Ribhav Verma missed the cut. Swanwick, a University of Florida junior, expressed confidence heading into the final round, aiming to become the first New Zealander to win the event.
Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith's intense rivalry has reignited as South Africa and Australia head into a decisive third Test in Cape Town. Rabada's recent dismissal of Smith in the second Test, coupled with their history from the 2018 series marked by controversy, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter. Both players acknowledge the competitive spirit, with Smith reflecting on his past ban.
Atul Wassan questioned age bias in Indian cricket, saying Mohammed Shami deserved a respectful Test farewell and could have served India for another couple of seasons despite injury setbacks.
Veteran Australian pace bowler Scott Boland delivered a stellar performance in his first Test since January, taking 4-31 against South Africa in Gqeberha, leaving the hosts struggling at 97 for 5 and giving Australia a strong advantage in the series.
Lorenzo Musetti stunned newly crowned world number one Alexander Zverev 7-6(5), 6-2 at the Paris Masters, spoiling the German's first match following his rise to the rankings summit.
Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become ODI cricket's highest run-scorer in chases with 8,741 runs, while equalling Ricky Ponting and breaching 13,000 runs at number three.
Australia A has announced a 14-member squad for their upcoming series against India A in Puducherry. The tour, featuring both four-day and one-day matches, is crucial for exposing players to subcontinental conditions and preparing them for future senior team tours to India, including a Test series next year. The squad includes several players with prior international experience.
South African captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the pressure of being World Test Champions after their series-levelling win against Australia. He highlighted the team's realisation of facing strong opposition and praised key performances from himself, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. The victory sets up an exciting series decider in Cape Town.
Tilak Varma, India's 24-year-old batting sensation, has rapidly established himself as a formidable force in T20 cricket. This article highlights his journey from a promising Mumbai Indians talent to a key player for India, showcasing his remarkable records including a hat-trick of T20 centuries, being the first Indian to cross 150 runs in T20s, and his exceptional performance in successful run-chases and knockout matches.
