News for 'BIT'

'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement

'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

England coach Brendon McCullum revealed he tried to convince Ben Stokes not to retire, calling the Test captain a "leader of men" whose leadership and presence will be impossible to replace as England prepare for a new era.

Sourav Ganguly urges patience as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi nears India debut

Sourav Ganguly urges patience as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi nears India debut

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Sourav Ganguly advised against placing excessive expectations on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster should be given time to settle into international cricket.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Argentina captain Lionel Messi to start on bench against Jordan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench for their final World Cup Group F match against Jordan.

Sinner, Djokovic Advance To Second Round At Wimbledon

Sinner, Djokovic Advance To Second Round At Wimbledon

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner survived an early scare in his Wimbledon title defence but the Italian shook off the rust and fought past Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3 on Monday to reach the second round.

Indrajit Lankesh: 'I Was A Bridge To Deepika Padukone's Glory'

Indrajit Lankesh: 'I Was A Bridge To Deepika Padukone's Glory'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

'It was only after Aishwarya ran for 100 days and became a massive hit that Shah Rukh Khan signed Deepika Padukone.'

India's Got Latent 2: 'Donald Trump' Steals The Show

India's Got Latent 2: 'Donald Trump' Steals The Show

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Not only is Samay Raina going the Kapil Sharma route by bringing celebrities as special guests on his show -- which also means he has to be careful that his jokes don't land them in trouble as well -- but he also has to promote sponsors blatantly, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is running out of words to describe Lionel Messi after the captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches during the 3-1 win over Jordan.

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Thierry Henry, including the UEFA, Belgium and several football figures questioned FIFA's late decision to suspend USA's Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban.

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has strongly criticised the United States for imposing travel restrictions on his team during the World Cup, claiming it unfairly hampered their preparation and performance.

Rested Or Dropped? What Next For Sanju Samson?

Rested Or Dropped? What Next For Sanju Samson?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

At 31, it would be too early and unwise to phase out a special talent like Sanju Samson, who despite the odd blip appears to be enjoying the best phase of his India career.

Lord's pitch not ideal for Test cricket's longevity: Stokes

Lord's pitch not ideal for Test cricket's longevity: Stokes

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

England captain Ben Stokes criticised the Lord's pitch after the first Test against New Zealand, saying bowler-friendly surfaces and four-day finishes are not ideal for Test cricket's long-term future.

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Neeraj Chopra reflects on injury-blighted Tokyo World Championships campaign

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Competing at last year's World Championships with a back injury was not a good decision, conceded seasoned Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra before assuring that he "feels fit" as he gears up for a delayed start to his season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday.

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Australia coach Shelley Nitschke hints at Phoebe Litchfield comeback for India clash

Jiya Shankar, Sreeleela's Shades Of Blue For Every Mood

Jiya Shankar, Sreeleela's Shades Of Blue For Every Mood

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Blue is one of those rare shades that can instantly define your mood and, quite ironically, even beat the blues for you.

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek eased past former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the Wimbledon third round, while Amanda Anisimova battled back to defeat Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought all-American contest.

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon for the first time since 2022, with fans eagerly awaiting the seven-time champion's comeback as she faces Australian teenager Maya Joint in a blockbuster first-round clash.

Virat Kohli's touching tribute to retiring Kane Williamson

Virat Kohli's touching tribute to retiring Kane Williamson

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Former India captain Virat Kohli congratulated New Zealand batting icon Kane Williamson, who called time on his career on Friday.

Technical tweaks make Nitish Reddy a better bowler

Technical tweaks make Nitish Reddy a better bowler

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Nitish Kumar Reddy's recent work on his bowling action and run-up has paid dividends and that improvement was visible in India's ODI series opener against Afghanistan in Dharamshala on Saturday.

Wimbledon 2026: Osaka turns up heat to power past Kasatkina; Sabalenka trounces Ostapenko

Wimbledon 2026: Osaka turns up heat to power past Kasatkina; Sabalenka trounces Ostapenko

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Naomi Osaka continued to make a statement at Wimbledon as she paired her flair off the court with growing confidence on it to dismiss unseeded Australian Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3 on Friday and reach the last 16 for the first time.

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran has offered advice to World Champion D Gukesh ahead of his title defence against Javokhir Sindarov. Sasikiran highlights Gukesh's tendency for time trouble due to complex play and suggests improving technique, speed, and defensive accuracy. He also advises Gukesh to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses, while acknowledging Sindarov's strong preparation and reliance on memory and speed.

Aahana-Danish's Dhurandhar Holiday In The UK

Aahana-Danish's Dhurandhar Holiday In The UK

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Aahana Kumra shares lovely pictures with Danish Pandor from their trip to the UK.

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani reckons selectors missed an opportunity by leaving teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the Ireland T20Is, and says he should now be backed for the white-ball series against England, starting on Wednesday (July 1).

Dev Meena's Coach-Inspired Record-Breaking Spree Continues

Dev Meena's Coach-Inspired Record-Breaking Spree Continues

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh pole vaulter Dev Meena has broken the national record for the fifth time in two years, clearing 5.46m at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships. He credited his coach, Ghanshyam Yadav, for consistently pushing him to aim for national records. Meena also successfully breached the Asian Games qualifying mark and has been named in the Indian squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

What We Think Rashmika Is Ordering At The Bar

What We Think Rashmika Is Ordering At The Bar

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

If Diya from Cocktail 2 walked into a bar, she'd probably skip the cocktails and order a cute mocktail instead. That's exactly the vibe Rashmika Mandanna brings to the table with her sunshine, mischief and girl-next-door charm.

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to open for India in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, despite ongoing scrutiny. Gavaskar believes the England ODI series will be a crucial platform for Sharma to demonstrate his consistent performance. He also touched upon the continuous pressure on senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, emphasising the need for consistent delivery and physical fitness as they age. Additionally, Gavaskar commented on Ben Stokes' surprising retirement timing.

All Eyes on Sinner, Sabalenka at Wimbledon

All Eyes on Sinner, Sabalenka at Wimbledon

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Wimbledon begins on Monday, with defending champion Jannik Sinner chasing a fifth Grand Slam title and women's top seed Aryna Sabalenka chasing her first major of the year.

2nd T20I: England spoil Sooryavanshi's big day with four-wicket victory

2nd T20I: England spoil Sooryavanshi's big day with four-wicket victory

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's much-anticipated India debut ends with 14 off 10 balls as Tilak Varma's explosive final over lifts India to 190/7 against England in the second T20I at Old Trafford.

'Always United': Ronaldo Sends Message as Portugal Back Captain Amid Criticism

'Always United': Ronaldo Sends Message as Portugal Back Captain Amid Criticism

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo called for unity ahead of Portugal's crucial World Cup clash against Uzbekistan, while teammate Ruben Dias dismissed criticism of the veteran forward following a difficult tournament opener.

Madhoo: 'I Miss What I Do In Front Of The Camera'

Madhoo: 'I Miss What I Do In Front Of The Camera'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Once an artist, always an artist. That identity, I realised about myself only when I stopped working.'

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that Indian fencers will secure medals at the upcoming Asian Games and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He emphasized the need to popularize fencing in India, highlighting its potential to capture the youth's imagination and its significant medal opportunities at the Olympics. Rijiju also commented on the government's non-interference policy regarding sports federations' internal affairs, specifically addressing the Manika Batra selection issue.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

National record holder Gulveer fails to breach Asian Games qualifying time in 5000m

National record holder Gulveer fails to breach Asian Games qualifying time in 5000m

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Gulveer Singh, the reigning Asian champion and national record holder, failed to meet the Asian Games qualifying standard in the men's 5000m race at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.

Gueye double keeps five-star Senegal's World Cup hopes alive

Gueye double keeps five-star Senegal's World Cup hopes alive

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Senegal kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive in dominant fashion on Friday with a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, who were eliminated from the tournament.

Adah Sharma Is The Governor Of Quirk!

Adah Sharma Is The Governor Of Quirk!

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Adah Sharma has never been one to play it safe. While most people use accessories as finishing touches, she often turns them into the main event.

Diana Edulji On India's Tough Road To T20 World Cup Semifinals

Diana Edulji On India's Tough Road To T20 World Cup Semifinals

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Former India captain Diana Edulji believes the Indian women's cricket team faces a significant challenge to qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals after their recent loss to South Africa. She highlighted the team's need to win their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Australia and discussed the team's T20 playing style.

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

FIFA World Cup: Germany Players, Coach Divided After Shock Ecuador Defeat

FIFA World Cup: Germany Players, Coach Divided After Shock Ecuador Defeat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Germany's 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the World Cup knockout stage sparked a disagreement between coach Julian Nagelsmann and players Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav. While the players felt Ecuador 'wanted it more', Nagelsmann strongly rejected this assessment, urging the team to learn and improve for their next match.

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ambati Rayudu says India's 0-2 T20I series loss to Ireland was the result of poor preparation for challenging conditions, urges Tilak Varma to improve against slow bowling, and advises patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.