News for 'XI'

Remembering Garry Sobers: The Greatest Cricketer Ever

Remembering Garry Sobers: The Greatest Cricketer Ever

Rediff.com3 days ago

Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, passed away just days before his 90th birthday, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that included a significant connection with India both on and off the field.

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

'Keep Hormuz open': Xi Jinping steps in as Iran asserts control

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open for normal passage of ships, describing it as an 'international waterway' amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.

Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Sanju Samson's Exclusion In England T20

Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Sanju Samson's Exclusion In England T20

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the team management's decision to drop T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson for the second T20 against England, calling it "bizarre" despite the debut of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India lost the match, trailing 0-1 in the five-match series.

'Is This How You Groom Players?' Srikkanth Slams Iyer

'Is This How You Groom Players?' Srikkanth Slams Iyer

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The decision to bring in and then drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during India's T20I series against England has raised eyebrows, and former captain Kris Srikkanth has shared his disappointment over the way the youngster was handled.

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Rediff.com4 days ago

Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side following another pre-mature exit from the World Cup, former captain legendary Mithali Raj said.

'Tilak Varma is clueless': Srikkanth backs Samson over him

'Tilak Varma is clueless': Srikkanth backs Samson over him

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India's T20I team is facing significant challenges under its new leadership, with captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma under scrutiny after consecutive series losses in the UK. The team's poor performance, especially after a recent T20 World Cup win, has led to questions about player selections and management decisions, particularly concerning Tilak Varma's form and role.

Trump to visit China in May to meet Xi

Trump to visit China in May to meet Xi

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump will travel to China in May for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, following a postponement due to the war in Iran. The White House has announced the new dates and indicated a reciprocal visit to Washington DC is planned.

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Rediff.com6 days ago

Poland's Secretary of State, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in late 2022, highlighting Modi's significant influence on the Russian leader.

Gavaskar To BCCI: Give India Stars Month's Break

Gavaskar To BCCI: Give India Stars Month's Break

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to give India's senior cricketers a mandatory one-month break every year, warning that excessive rotation is devaluing the India cap and affecting both players and fans.

Sooryavanshi must start from the first match against England: Gavaskar

Sooryavanshi must start from the first match against England: Gavaskar

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly backed young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in playing XI from the first game in the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting on Wednesday.

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called for Shreyas Iyer to assert his authority as captain in international cricket, criticising his tactical decisions in recent T20I losses against Ireland and England. Karim also suggested crucial batting order changes, advocating for Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge to be included in the playing XI to address India's struggles with English conditions and middle-order scoring.

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).

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Can Brazil finally crack Norway? Haaland stands between Selecao and history

Can Brazil finally crack Norway? Haaland stands between Selecao and history

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Brazil take on bogey team Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, aiming for their first-ever victory over the Scandinavians as Erling Haaland leads Norway's bid for another historic upset.

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh has advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the upcoming T20 series opener against England. Singh believes Sooryavanshi, who was in stellar form in the IPL and for India A, should be given an opportunity to debut, potentially becoming India's youngest cricketer.

Trump calls Modi a 'very tough cookie', 'great leader'

Trump calls Modi a 'very tough cookie', 'great leader'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Former US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great leader' and 'tough guy' who has been in power for over 12 years, placing him alongside China's President Xi Jinping as leaders he admires for their power and ability to execute.

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held "constructive" talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, focusing on the normalisation of bilateral ties. The discussions reviewed recent developments and progress towards rebuilding trust after the eastern Ladakh border standoff. Both sides have implemented measures, including disengagement pacts and high-level meetings, to improve relations.

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After yet another failure for Sanju Samson -- his third in a row -- 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could make his India debut in the second T20I against England on Saturday.

Rashid denies Rohit fifty, Jaiswal fails to impress

Rashid denies Rohit fifty, Jaiswal fails to impress

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 48 by Rashid Khan, while Yashasvi Jaiswal's return to the ODI side ended in disappointment as he was out cheaply. Both Indian openers failed to convert their starts in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow.

Ashmita Chaliha Continues Strong Comeback At Macau Open

Ashmita Chaliha Continues Strong Comeback At Macau Open

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha has advanced to the women's singles semifinals of the Macau Open Super 300 tournament, defeating Kim Min Sun. This marks her first BWF tour event semifinal this year, following a successful return from injury. However, compatriot Anmol Kharb was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his talent to that of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Dev emphasised that Sooryavanshi's ability, not his age, should be the primary factor in his selection for the national team, while also cautioning against excessive hype around the 15-year-old.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur needs to stop thinking about the wickets falling around her and focus on playing her natural attacking game, believes former pacer Shikha Pandey, who says the batter can transform into a completely different player once she gets settled at the crease.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ready for international cricket but...'

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ready for international cricket but...'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has stated that 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket, but must follow the established process for selection.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson heads into the second T20I against England with his place under the spotlight, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits in the wings after another underwhelming outing from the India opener.

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.

Who's In Virat Kohli's All-Time RCB XI?

Who's In Virat Kohli's All-Time RCB XI?

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

West Indian Chris Gayle was Virat Kohli's choice of opener in T20 cricket.

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A Chinese official stated that India and China should view each other as cooperative partners and opportunities for development, not rivals or threats. This statement came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments on the independent and strong ties Russia maintains with both nations, emphasising non-interference in India-China relations.

India's Macau Open Campaign Ends As Chaliha Falls In Semis

India's Macau Open Campaign Ends As Chaliha Falls In Semis

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha's campaign at the Macau Open Super 300 badminton tournament concluded after she lost to South Korea's Park Ga Eun in straight games in the women's singles semifinals. This defeat marked the end of India's challenge in the tournament.

Should Harmanpreet continue as India's T20 captain?

Should Harmanpreet continue as India's T20 captain?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign ended in another group-stage exit, putting Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy under scrutiny and exposing issues with team selection, batting approach, bowling balance and fielding that could trigger a major reset.

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Beijing clearly intends to extend the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Bangladesh as part of its larger Maritime Belt and Road Initiative to boost its Indian Ocean presence.

Women's T20 World Cup: Pakistan's campaign in crisis amid reports of dressing-room turmoil

Women's T20 World Cup: Pakistan's campaign in crisis amid reports of dressing-room turmoil

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Pakistan women's cricket team is reportedly facing significant internal disagreements and a tense environment during the Women's T20 World Cup in England. Amidst a winless streak, reports highlight clashes between team mentor Wahab Riaz and captain Fatima Sana over selection and disciplinary matters, alongside broader issues of team groupings and coaching frustrations. This mirrors past problems in Pakistani cricket, exacerbated by frequent coaching changes.

Can Jemimah Rodrigues Repeat Her Big-Tournament Heroics?

Can Jemimah Rodrigues Repeat Her Big-Tournament Heroics?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India's path to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals has become more challenging following a defeat to South Africa.

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Dhaka and Beijing on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation on the management of the Teesta and other rivers and signed 13 agreements to bolster bilateral ties following talks between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

India Aim to Seal Series While Testing New Combinations Against Afghanistan

India Aim to Seal Series While Testing New Combinations Against Afghanistan

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India will look to seal the ODI series against Afghanistan while continuing to test combinations for the 2027 World Cup, with Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal among those pushing for opportunities in the second match.

Ireland T20Is: Batting coach Kotak urges fairness amid Sooryavanshi selection buzz

Ireland T20Is: Batting coach Kotak urges fairness amid Sooryavanshi selection buzz

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak discussed the potential debut of 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the T20 series opener against Ireland. While acknowledging Sooryavanshi's talent, Kotak emphasised that a player scoring runs should not be benched to accommodate a new talent, highlighting the challenge of team selection with abundant talent in Indian cricket. He also touched upon captain Shreyas Iyer's leadership and the BCCI's system for nurturing young players.

Sreesanth Challenges Harbhajan To Boxing Match

Sreesanth Challenges Harbhajan To Boxing Match

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'I am challenging you, Bhajji. If you have a problem with the slap thing and me... come into the ring.'

India women confident about T20 World Cup despite England setback

India women confident about T20 World Cup despite England setback

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India's build-up for the Women's T20 World Cup suffered a setback after hosts England came from behind to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make India Debut in First T20I Vs Ireland?

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make India Debut in First T20I Vs Ireland?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Vaobhav Sooryavanshi, 15, stands a chance to become India's youngest international cricketer, potentially breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record.