India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the preferred opening pair, while urging Yashasvi Jaiswal to continue working hard for his opportunities. Kotak also highlighted the invaluable experience of senior players like Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja in preparing the team for the 2027 World Cup, emphasising a series-by-series planning approach. He also confirmed Shubman Gill's fitness for the upcoming match.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the first 'Odisha T-20 League CM Trophy' at Barabati Stadium, aiming to provide a platform for cricketing talents. The league, with ambassadors like Suresh Raina, seeks to identify rural talent and is supported by a significant government investment of Rs 4,124 crore for sports infrastructure development, including new stadiums and the renovation of Barabati Stadium.
China's communist party has expelled two senior military officials, including General Zhang Youxia, the highest-ranking People's Liberation Army officer, for serious discipline and law violations.
Sawan Barwal secured an unexpected silver medal in the Asian Games marathon, shattering his own national record with a time of 2:11:37.
Star Indian batter Smriti Mandhana discusses the team's future aspirations after securing a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal. She emphasises the need for continuous improvement over the next two years to prepare for the tougher competition expected at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, highlighting the unique pride of contributing to India's overall medal tally.
'I hate sympathy,' says India's vice-captain and top-ranked batter Smriti Mandhana.
Defending champions India, after two dominant wins, are set to face a significant challenge against South Korea in their third Pool A match at the Asian Games. The team aims to secure a gold medal to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, overcoming recent World Cup disappointment. Despite strong offensive performances, concerns remain regarding penalty corner conversions and defensive solidity as they prepare for tougher opponents.
'I like to make films where I am also conflicted. I don't want to make films with themes that I am sure about because then it easily becomes agenda-driven.'
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.
Indian shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Chauhan's quest for an individual medal at the Asian Games was hampered by a malfunctioning match button during the 50m rifle 3-position final. The technical glitch disrupted his concentration and cost him crucial points in the prone series, leading to a fifth-place finish despite being a strong medal contender.
Lovepreet Gill, Punjabi model and actress, is making a significant impact as a strong contestant on Bigg Boss 20.
India secured a narrow two-run victory against Japan in a rain-hit T20 International, but the win was overshadowed by a controversial decision in the final over where an on-field umpire reversed a wide call following protests from Indian players.
Hunkkaar: The Roar is a fairly familiar fight for justice that builds far too many flimsy narratives around its core conflict, runs out of ammunition and speaks out of turn in a needlessly cussing tone, notes Sukanya Verma.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.
'I have seen all the storms and floods. I have crawled and reached here.'
Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.
Jay Meena has won India's first-ever soft tennis medal at the Asian Games, securing a bronze after a hard-fought semifinal loss to Japan's Takuya Kurosaka. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian soft tennis.
Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has voiced strong support for batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, asserting that their talent and skills are beyond doubt. He believes the duo, set to return for the ODI series against West Indies, should continue playing for India as long as they perform, dismissing age as a factor. Sharma also expressed confidence in the Indian women's team winning gold at the Asian Games.
The reigning champions Indian men's chess team suffered a significant 1.5-2.5 defeat against Uzbekistan in the sixth round of the 46th Chess Olympiad, losing their lead. While key players like Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi, and Gukesh drew their matches, Nihal Sarin's loss to Nodirbek Yakubboev proved decisive. This setback leaves the Indian men needing a strong comeback, while the Indian women's team showed promise against the USA.
Indian kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat, known as the 'High Flyer' for his six-foot jumps, shared the origin of his nickname and his journey in the sport. He also expressed pride in being a flag bearer and India's ambition to defend its Asian Games gold medal in kabaddi.
India's singles players Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh face challenging conditions in their Davis Cup Qualifier Round 2 tie against South Korea. The hosts have prepared a slow, low-bounce court with heavy balls to negate India's strengths. Captain Rohit Rajpal is confident in the team's ability to adapt and strategize, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and exposing younger players to high-pressure situations.
Former New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has identified KL Rahul as India's primary batter for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, praising his batting style and anticipating challenging cold conditions for the late October-November tour.
Rohit Rajpal, India's Davis Cup captain, has hinted at stepping down from his role despite his contract running until 2026, stating that "every good thing comes to an end." He expressed readiness to ensure a smooth transition for his successor and believes a new captain could offer fresh perspectives. Rajpal also outlined his vision for Indian tennis, which includes a player-centric approach and a bid for the AITA presidency, aiming to develop talent and bring major international tournaments back to India.
Indian wrestler Antim Panghal, a two-time senior World medallist and U-20 world champion, expresses her ambition to create records that will never be broken. She reveals her motivation stems from her family and coaches, not personal glory, and discusses her evolving strategy and rigorous preparation for upcoming competitions.
New South Wales (NSW) has strongly criticised Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to proceed with a "self-determination" model for Big Bash League (BBL) privatisation, warning of potential threats to investment in grassroots cricket and long-term implications for the sport. NSW, which operates two BBL clubs, expressed disappointment over the lack of alignment across Australian cricket and highlighted unfulfilled conditions for the sale process.
The Indian women's cricket team secured their eighth Women's Asia Cup title, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, a triumph that has garnered widespread congratulations from top Indian leaders.
Ambitious India out to match Hangzhou benchmark in Nagoya.
An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.
The Indian men's cricket team is facing kit sizing issues and accommodation concerns ahead of their departure for the Asian Games. While most kit problems are being resolved, the BCCI has proactively arranged its own hotel for the team in Nagoya, Japan, due to reported delays and inadequate facilities for other athletes.
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.
'Manoj Kumarji had tears in his eyes after hearing my dad sing Mera Rang De Basanti Chola. He said, 'This is my voice for my desh bhakti songs".'
At 17, Dipanshi is set to make her Asian Games debut in wrestling, bringing a unique life philosophy that prioritises being a good person over just athletic success. Despite lacking senior-level experience, the three-time Asian championship gold medallist is embracing the challenge with curiosity, learning from top competitors and Japanese coaching, while aiming to forge her own identity in the sport.
Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal was forced to withdraw from the Asian Games after blacking out during a solo weight-cutting session, citing a lack of support staff. He expressed disappointment but also pride in the team's overall medal performance despite logistical challenges and his late inclusion in the squad.
'The FFI jury said Gondhal is the best film in terms of overall quality -- the sound, background music and cinematography.' 'In every aspect, I don't think this film can be compared to other Indian films. This may sound like overconfidence, but we know what we have done.'
Teqball has made its Asian Games debut in Nagoya, bringing together football skills, acrobatics and the fast-paced rallies of table tennis.
I have to thank the 1980s for its soul-stirring music. It added so much melody and cheer to my life -- there hasn't been so much lovely music like that since, recalls Vaihayasi Pande Daniel.
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.
Seventeen-year-old English midfielder Floyd Samba made a sensational senior debut for Manchester City, scoring two goals and earning the man of the match award in their 5-0 League Cup victory over Norwich City.
Hosts Anil Kapoor and Rohit Sharma bring their own brand of charm and humour to two new game shows that promise to make your weekends more entertaining, observes Divya Nair.
