News for 'PLAYER'

Ukraine-Russia conflict looms over Roland Garros

Ukraine-Russia conflict looms over Roland Garros

Rediff.com7 days ago

The claycourts of Roland Garros were transformed into a complex geopolitical chessboard on Tuesday as they produced a French Open semi-final lineup featuring a number of emotionally charged matches in the shadow of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Rediff.com2 days ago

David Beckham has tipped Japan as a dark horse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while backing England to end their 60-year wait for glory. The former captain also highlighted France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil as title contenders.

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's men's Under-18 hockey team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to win the Asia Cup title, with Ashish Purti scoring a hat-trick. Captain Ketan Kushwaha also scored, while Hockey India announced cash awards for the gold-winning men's team and the bronze-winning women's U-18 team.

Who is Manav Suthar? India's new Test debutant

Who is Manav Suthar? India's new Test debutant

Rediff.com4 days ago

Rajasthan all-rounder Manav Suthar has made his Test debut for India against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, becoming the 319th player to represent the country in Test cricket.

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Rediff.com2 days ago

With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.

Loss to Bangladesh forces PCB to consider coaching and captaincy changes

Loss to Bangladesh forces PCB to consider coaching and captaincy changes

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering sacking Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Shan Masood following a 0-2 series defeat against Bangladesh. The board is also in talks with former players Younis Khan and Muhammad Hafeez for key positions, including chief selector and a role in the international cricket department.

India seek redemption and silverware against defending champs Bangladesh

India seek redemption and silverware against defending champs Bangladesh

Rediff.com4 days ago

Five-time champions India take on defending champions Bangladesh in the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 final, with the hosts aiming to end a seven-year title drought and reclaim regional supremacy.

World Cup 2026 fans hit by FIFA's surprise bottle ban

World Cup 2026 fans hit by FIFA's surprise bottle ban

Rediff.com6 days ago

FIFA has announced a last-minute change to its Stadium Code of Conduct, prohibiting reusable water bottles and other containers at World Cup venues due to safety concerns. This decision, aimed at preventing injury, has raised questions among fans about coping with heat, though FIFA states measures like cooling stations will be in place.

How RCB Built A Winning Team At The IPL Auction

How RCB Built A Winning Team At The IPL Auction

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, discusses the importance of strategic team building at the IPL auction and the team's focus on skill and character in player selection.

Patidar refuses to copy Dhoni, Rohit before IPL 2026 final

Patidar refuses to copy Dhoni, Rohit before IPL 2026 final

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, discusses his leadership philosophy ahead of the IPL final, emphasising authenticity and focusing on guiding his team to victory rather than emulating other captains.

Kapil Dev Urges Gaganjeet Bhullar To Rejoin PGTI

Kapil Dev Urges Gaganjeet Bhullar To Rejoin PGTI

Rediff.com29 May 2026

PGTI president Kapil Dev wants star golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar to leave Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), a private league, and rejoin PGTI to play for India again, says its CEO Amanpreet Johl.

PSG celebrate European dominance at French Open

PSG celebrate European dominance at French Open

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Paris St Germain players presented their Champions League trophies to the French Open crowd on Monday, two days after winning Europe's premium club competition for the second time in a row.

India Women Rout Korea; Win Women's Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Bronze

India Women Rout Korea; Win Women's Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Bronze

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian women's U18 hockey team secured the bronze medal at the Asia Cup, defeating Korea 3-0.

Why Gukesh Is Favoured To Retain World Chess Title

Why Gukesh Is Favoured To Retain World Chess Title

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Anemone Kulczak, the chief arbiter at Norway Chess, believes reigning world champion D Gukesh remains the clear favourite to defend his crown later this year.

Gautam Gambhir Welcomes ICC's Pink Ball Decision For Day Tests

Gautam Gambhir Welcomes ICC's Pink Ball Decision For Day Tests

Rediff.com5 days ago

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has endorsed the ICC's new rule allowing pink balls in day Tests to mitigate bad light issues, seeing it as a crucial opportunity for teams to secure results, especially with World Test Championship implications.

Rishabh Pant embraces responsibility ahead of Test landmark

Rishabh Pant embraces responsibility ahead of Test landmark

Rediff.com5 days ago

During India's training session ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, Rishabh Pant appeared more measured, both in body language and intent, seemingly heeding the advice of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Nepal apologise after Bhutan batter's 'timed out' dismissal

Nepal apologise after Bhutan batter's 'timed out' dismissal

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Cricket Association of Nepal apologised after its players got a Bhutan batter 'timed out' in Thursday's ACC Women's Premier Cup match, saying the dismissal was within the laws but did not reflect the spirit of the game it wanted to uphold.

India's Golf Team Set For Asian Games Challenge

India's Golf Team Set For Asian Games Challenge

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian Golf Union has announced a six-member team for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, featuring experienced players like Aditi Ashok and Yuvraj Sandhu, with high hopes for podium finishes given India's strong history in the sport at the Games.

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to miss upcoming Test series against West Indies and England due to workload management, a decision he is reportedly unhappy about. This move aims to focus him on white-ball cricket and provide opportunities for other pacers.

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Former India doubles player Purav Raja has called for a complete clean-up of Indian tennis administration, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency at all levels. He also questioned the eligibility of some office-bearers in the 2024 elections.

India concede late to settle for draw with Tajikistan in second friendly

India concede late to settle for draw with Tajikistan in second friendly

Rediff.com18 hours ago

India's national football team played out a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in their second international friendly. Vikram Partap Singh scored for India, but a late penalty conceded by a defensive lapse allowed Tajikistan to equalise. This match, following a 1-3 loss in the first friendly, is part of India's preparations for future international assignments.

Brazil's Defence A Major Worry Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Opener

Brazil's Defence A Major Worry Ahead Of FIFA World Cup Opener

Rediff.com8 hours ago

Brazil is facing significant defensive challenges, particularly at right-back, ahead of their World Cup opener against Morocco.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has God-gifted talent like Tendulkar, Kohli: Madan Lal

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has God-gifted talent like Tendulkar, Kohli: Madan Lal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Madan Lal believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the talent and mindset of cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, advocating for his inclusion in the national team.

Brothers face off at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Brothers face off at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com1 days ago

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature four sets of brothers playing for different countries.

Why Shubman Gill Is Prioritising Test And ODI Cricket

Why Shubman Gill Is Prioritising Test And ODI Cricket

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian selection committee has advised Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to prioritise red-ball and 50-over cricket until the 2027 ODI World Cup to manage his workload and ensure freshness for major ICC assignments, despite his strong IPL performance.

Wesley Out Of Brazil World Cup Squad, Ederson Called Up

Wesley Out Of Brazil World Cup Squad, Ederson Called Up

Rediff.com2 days ago

Brazilian defender Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup squad due to a left thigh muscle injury sustained during a friendly match.

One costly mistake denied Cobolli Grand Slam glory

One costly mistake denied Cobolli Grand Slam glory

Rediff.com2 days ago

Flavio Cobolli left everything on Court Philippe Chatrier as he chased a first Grand Slam title on Sunday, but the Italian admitted the pressure of playing on the biggest stage ultimately proved decisive in a heartbreaking defeat.

Suthar makes dream debut as India outplay sorry Afghanistan

Suthar makes dream debut as India outplay sorry Afghanistan

Rediff.com2 days ago

Manav Suthar took 7 wickets as India recorded their biggest Test victory with an innings and 300 runs against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Monday.

Ishant Sharma's coach blasts BCCI's selection policy, bats for Auqib Nabi

Ishant Sharma's coach blasts BCCI's selection policy, bats for Auqib Nabi

Rediff.com6 days ago

Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma's coach, Shravan Kumar, has criticised the national selectors for not including pace sensation Auqib Nabi in the Indian team's playing XI for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. Kumar highlighted Nabi's exceptional performance of 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, which was instrumental in Jammu & Kashmir's maiden title triumph, arguing that such achievements should not be overlooked by relegating him to a backup role.

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

FIFA World Cup: Can 'liberated' Messi lead Argentina to an encore?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.

Hyderabad To Host Archery Premier League Season 2 In October

Hyderabad To Host Archery Premier League Season 2 In October

Rediff.com37 minutes ago

The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) will be held in Hyderabad from October 8-18, featuring 48 Indian and international archers across six franchises. The tournament aims to bolster India's Olympic medal prospects in archery.

From ambitious teenager to historic finalist: Chwalinska's dream Paris journey

From ambitious teenager to historic finalist: Chwalinska's dream Paris journey

Rediff.com4 days ago

Maja Chwalinska's incredible run as the first qualifier to reach a French Open final in the professional era marks the fulfilment of an ambition the Polish 24-year-old has chased with relentless passion and discipline for over a decade.

IPL 2027: Hardik Trade, Coaching Shake-Up: What's Next For LSG?

IPL 2027: Hardik Trade, Coaching Shake-Up: What's Next For LSG?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Lucknow Super Giants face a crucial rebuilding phase after finishing last in IPL 2026 and Rishabh Pant stepping down as captain. From auction strategy and potential Hardik Pandya interest to coaching changes and retention plans, here's what lies ahead for LSG before IPL 2027.

Padikkal left waiting as Gambhir backs Sai Sudharsan

Padikkal left waiting as Gambhir backs Sai Sudharsan

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed the team's Test strategy, indicating a preference for Sai Sudharsan at the No.3 spot and plans to develop four spinners for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Gambhir also addressed Rishabh Pant's vice-captaincy, stressing the need for better game situation awareness.

America set to catch 'Lamine Fever' as Spain chase another WC title

America set to catch 'Lamine Fever' as Spain chase another WC title

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Lamine Yamal exploded into view at 16 and became an integral part of Spain's record fourth European Championship triumph in 2024.

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The start of the West Asia conflict has led to a sharp increase in crude-linked raw material prices, pushing up the price of helmets across the country.

Mandhana Opens Up On Menstruation In Cricket

Mandhana Opens Up On Menstruation In Cricket

Rediff.com1 days ago

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has candidly discussed the challenges of managing menstruation while playing professional cricket, highlighting an often-unspoken issue in women's sports. She shared a personal experience during a Test match and emphasised the need for cricket's rules and administration to evolve to better support female athletes.

RCB's IPL 2026 Triumph: Best Birthday Gift For Captain Rajat Patidar!

RCB's IPL 2026 Triumph: Best Birthday Gift For Captain Rajat Patidar!

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second IPL title, with captain Rajat Patidar emphasising the team's dominant performance throughout the season.

Bengaluru Celebrates RCB's IPL Title Triumph In The 'Right Spirit'

Bengaluru Celebrates RCB's IPL Title Triumph In The 'Right Spirit'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans celebrated their team's IPL victory peacefully in Bengaluru, with police ensuring celebrations remained under control.

How India dominated Afghanistan on hot day at Mullanpur

How India dominated Afghanistan on hot day at Mullanpur

Rediff.com3 days ago

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill struck centuries as India dominated Afghanistan on a sweltering opening day in Mullanpur, finishing at 368/3 in the one-off Test after Rahul's third consecutive Test ton.