News for 'New Zealand'

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.

'36 Years Ago Today': Spin Great Anil Kumble Reflects His First Test Wicket

'36 Years Ago Today': Spin Great Anil Kumble Reflects His First Test Wicket

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble reflected on the 36th anniversary of his international debut, expressing deep gratitude for his 'truly special journey' that began with his first Test wicket, Allan Lamb.

How Yuvraj's prank nearly cost Ganguly his captaincy

How Yuvraj's prank nearly cost Ganguly his captaincy

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recounted an elaborate April Fool's Day prank in 2005 where he and Yuvraj Singh convinced then-captain Sourav Ganguly that he had publicly criticised his teammates, leading Ganguly to panic and offer to resign.

Lovepreet Singh settles for silver despite record lift in men's +110kg

Lovepreet Singh settles for silver despite record lift in men's +110kg

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

National record holder Lovepreet Singh secured a silver medal in the men's +110kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games, setting a new Games record in the snatch category. He finished just one kilogram behind New Zealand's David Andrew Liti, who claimed gold.

145 wickets: Sri Lanka's Galle spin duo awaits India

145 wickets: Sri Lanka's Galle spin duo awaits India

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have established the Galle International Cricket Stadium as their formidable stronghold, collectively taking 145 wickets, posing a significant challenge for visiting teams, especially India.

Gambhir's Big Survival Test In Sri Lanka

Gambhir's Big Survival Test In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Already, the knives are out for Gautam Gambhir because of his poor record as coach in Test matches, and a potential defeat in Sri Lanka could prove to be the killer blow.

Indian Swimmers Return Empty-Handed from Commonwealth Games

Indian Swimmers Return Empty-Handed from Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian swimmers Sajan Prakash and Aryan Nehra finished eighth in their respective finals at the Commonwealth Games, while para swimmer Swatik Patil secured fifth place in his event. Prakash competed in the men's 200m butterfly, Nehra in the men's 800m freestyle, and Patil in the men's 100m breaststroke SB9.

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Face Olympic Silver Medallists China In Crucial Opener

Women's Hockey World Cup: India Face Olympic Silver Medallists China In Crucial Opener

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's women's hockey team faces a challenging opening match against Olympic silver medallists China in the FIH Hockey World Cup. The crucial Pool D encounter in Amstelveen will set the tone for India's campaign, with both teams also set to meet at the upcoming Asian Games. India, buoyed by recent strong performances and an experienced squad, aims to improve on past World Cup finishes and secure a positive start against a formidable Chinese side.

Why Joe Root accepted England Test captaincy for 2nd stint

Why Joe Root accepted England Test captaincy for 2nd stint

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Joe Root has returned as England's Test captain, succeeding Ben Stokes, and cited Stephen Fleming's appointment as the new Test coach as a significant factor in his decision. Root expressed excitement about Fleming's vision for the team and their shared goal of building something special.

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India launched 'Suryapath Tiranga', a unique initiative involving over 50 Indian missions globally, to digitally relay images of the tricolour across multiple time zones, starting from Fiji, to mark the country's 80th Independence Day.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar 'Absolutely Ready' for India Recall, Eyes World Cup

Bhuvneshwar Kumar 'Absolutely Ready' for India Recall, Eyes World Cup

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has declared himself 'absolutely ready' for a potential recall to the Indian team, including for the World Cup, following spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin's endorsement for his return.

Ajinkya Rahane's Top 5 Career-Defining Test knocks

Ajinkya Rahane's Top 5 Career-Defining Test knocks

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

From his iconic Melbourne centuries to Lord's heroics, revisit Ajinkya Rahane's five greatest Test knocks that shaped his remarkable India career.

Unconventional Opener Travis Head Ready for India Test Challenge

Unconventional Opener Travis Head Ready for India Test Challenge

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'We're going to play in a lot of different conditions over the next 12 months. It's going to require different efforts. It may not look like the traditional thing all the time.'

World No 5 Sachin Siwach closes in on CWG boxing gold

World No 5 Sachin Siwach closes in on CWG boxing gold

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian boxers Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg), and Sachin Siwach (60kg) have advanced to the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal each. Their victories showcased strong performances against international competitors, with Sakshi and Siwach winning by unanimous decisions, and Arundhati securing a hard-fought 3-1 win.

Australia coach McDonald hints at Ben Stokes' Ashes return

Australia coach McDonald hints at Ben Stokes' Ashes return

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Australia coach Andrew McDonald believes former England captain Ben Stokes could be persuaded to reverse his Test retirement and feature in the Ashes 2027 series, said Australia coach Andrew McDonald.

Boxer Arundhati fights back to seal CWG medal

Boxer Arundhati fights back to seal CWG medal

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian boxers Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg) and Arundhati Choudhary secured their spots in the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal each. Sakshi dominated her bout with a 5-0 victory, while Arundhati fought hard for a 3-1 win.

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's standing in red-ball cricket faces a crucial test as the team embarks on a two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes the exploding popularity of T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, poses a significant threat to the future of bilateral international cricket, stating that '70 per cent (people are watching club cricket instead of international cricket)'.

Dilip Sardesai Gate Board Unveiled At Wankhede Stadium

Dilip Sardesai Gate Board Unveiled At Wankhede Stadium

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has honoured the late batting great Dilip Sardesai by unveiling the 'Dilip Sardesai Gate No. 3 Board' at the Wankhede Stadium on his 86th birth anniversary.

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

Afghanistan secure 2027 World Cup spot, West Indies to play qualifiers

Afghanistan secure 2027 World Cup spot, West Indies to play qualifiers

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Afghanistan has secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup after defeating Ireland, while the West Indies, ranked 10th, will once again have to navigate qualifiers for the third consecutive edition of the tournament.

Did Gambhir's Absence In Zimbabwe Help India? Fans Think So

Did Gambhir's Absence In Zimbabwe Help India? Fans Think So

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Following India's dominant T20I victory over Zimbabwe, social media erupted with fan discussions, with many attributing the team's relaxed performance to Gautam Gambhir's absence and V V S Laxman's oversight, while others cautioned against overreacting to a single match.

Cox, Lawrence named in England squad for Pakistan Tests

Cox, Lawrence named in England squad for Pakistan Tests

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Joe Root will captain England on a permanent basis for the first time since 2022 in the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, with Jordan Cox taking the number three spot due to Jacob Bethell's injury and Dan Lawrence earning a recall.

CWG 2026: India's wait for men's shot put medal continues as Toor, Gill miss podium

CWG 2026: India's wait for men's shot put medal continues as Toor, Gill miss podium

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's long wait for a maiden Commonwealth Games medal in men's shot put continued as Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Samardeep Singh Gill finished fifth and seventh respectively in the final in Glasgow on Thursday.

ICC ODI Rankings: Rohit closes in on Kohli; Gill stays second

ICC ODI Rankings: Rohit closes in on Kohli; Gill stays second

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

England batters Joe Root and Ben Duckett have made significant advancements in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings following their instrumental performances in England's first ODI series victory over India since 2018.

'Is he the leader?': Kartik's big Kuldeep question

'Is he the leader?': Kartik's big Kuldeep question

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has emphasised the need for consistency and a clearly defined role for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test side, especially as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the end of his career. Kartik believes Kuldeep, despite being a match-winner, has not received the sustained backing needed to flourish in Test cricket under previous regimes.

The Harsh Reality Of Leaving Home Behind

The Harsh Reality Of Leaving Home Behind

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Families don't really break apart in a single moment, they just quietly stop fitting under one roof, notes Binu Alex.

Gambhir suffers big blow as trusted coach steps down

Gambhir suffers big blow as trusted coach steps down

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Ryan ten Doeschate has resigned as India's men's assistant coach after the England white-ball series, reportedly to join IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. He was a key part of the coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir, contributing to India's white-ball successes but also witnessing Test struggles.

Why Sri Lanka could be key to Jadeja's 400-wicket chase

Why Sri Lanka could be key to Jadeja's 400-wicket chase

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to make his return to Test cricket against Sri Lanka, a team he has historically performed well against, bringing significant experience in both batting and bowling to the Indian squad.

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

New Zealand delay launch of new T20 competition amid scheduling challenges

New Zealand delay launch of new T20 competition amid scheduling challenges

Rediff.com11 May 2026

NZ20 organisers initially planned to launch a six-team league of privately owned franchises for the coming summer but had agreed to hold off in part due to the international schedule, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said.

India, New Zealand sign FTA to boost trade, investment

India, New Zealand sign FTA to boost trade, investment

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

India and New Zealand have signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at significantly boosting bilateral commerce and investments, providing duty-free access for 100 per cent of India's exports to New Zealand and securing duty-free inputs for India's manufacturing sector.

IPL Stays in Australia's Plans, But Workload Comes First

IPL Stays in Australia's Plans, But Workload Comes First

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald discusses how the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be integrated into the national team's demanding international schedule, emphasising the need for workload management, especially for fast bowlers. He highlights the IPL's benefits for player development while acknowledging the challenges of a packed calendar including major Test series and ICC events.

India's Table Tennis Teams Start Strong at Commonwealth Championships

India's Table Tennis Teams Start Strong at Commonwealth Championships

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's top-seeded men's and women's table tennis teams secured identical 3-0 victories over Zimbabwe and Maldives, respectively, marking a commanding start to their campaign at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships in New Delhi.

BCCI bids emotional farewell to two India coaches

BCCI bids emotional farewell to two India coaches

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The BCCI has thanked assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip after the duo's successful stints with Team India came to an end, acknowledging their behind-the-scenes role in the team's achievements.

Williamson back as New Zealand name strong squad for England tour

Williamson back as New Zealand name strong squad for England tour

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson return to New Zealand's Test squad for tours of Ireland and England, with Jamieson back after a long injury layoff.

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, chief of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), confirmed that the search for a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine is ongoing, nearly 18 months after Nitin Patel's departure, despite mounting injury cases among Indian cricketers.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: Latest Medal Tally And Standings

Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: Latest Medal Tally And Standings

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The medals tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Why Ravindra Jadeja Could Be India's Key Weapon In Sri Lanka Tests

Why Ravindra Jadeja Could Be India's Key Weapon In Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Batting great Cheteshwar Pujara believes veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja's recent shift to a more aggressive, wicket-taking mindset in red-ball cricket will make him a vital player for India during the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka.