India should only focus on winning their match T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday without worrying about the net run rate, says former all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.
Indian men's and women's table tennis teams began their 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships campaign with dominant 3-0 victories over Zimbabwe and Maldives respectively. The hosts showcased strong performances, with key players like Manav Thakkar, Harmeet Desai, Payas Jain, Sutirtha Mukherjee, Yashaswini Ghorpade, and Swastika Ghosh securing comfortable wins. Other nations also saw action, including a surprising close call for top-seeded Singapore against Sri Lanka.
Kris Srikkanth backs 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to become a world cricket superstar, citing his fearless batting, Duleep Trophy heroics, IPL dominance and potential across all three formats.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has criticised the Indian cricket team's selection policy, particularly regarding the T20I debuts of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the inconsistent opportunities given to Sanju Samson. Jaffer believes Sooryavanshi was rushed into the team due to media hype, while Samson deserves a more consistent run.
India's interim head coach VVS Laxman on Sunday said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's game awareness has "skyrocketed" in the last six months, with the teenage batting sensation's growing maturity helping him handle pressure situations in the early stages of his international career.
New Zealand completed their biggest win in Test cricket with a crushing innings and 359-run victory over Zimbabwe to clinch the series 2-0 in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Former India cricketer Farokh Engineer has strongly advocated for teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be drafted into India's ODI squad as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma, ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledges the pressure on India ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup Super Eights match against Zimbabwe, emphasising the team's need to handle expectations and regain momentum.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, currently recovering from injury, visited the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala with his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, sporting a tonsured head that has sparked speculation among fans.
Abhishek Sharma scored a sensational 233 runs off just 91 balls, including 25 sixes, in a senior inter-district One-day match in Punjab. This explosive knock comes at a crucial time for the left-hander, who has been struggling for form in international T20I cricket despite his past success and destructive batting ability.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has lauded young Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting his courage, mental strength, and ability to perform under pressure. Hayden believes the 15-year-old has the potential to excel in both short and long formats of cricket, despite his recent T20I and IPL successes. Sooryavanshi's impressive performances, including a Player of the Series award in T20Is and a record-breaking IPL season, underscore his immense talent.
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.
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.
Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma dropped to tied 41st after a three-over 75 in the third round of the Nexo Championship. South Africa's Shaun Norris took a commanding two-shot lead after equalling the course record with a nine-under 66.
Jos Buttler goes past Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-getter T20s during the Men's Hundred match between Manchester Super Giants' (MSG) match against Welsh Fire.
Afghanistan defeated Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI, securing direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup is provisionally scheduled to be held from October 4 to November 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.
Rookie pacer Ashok Sharma credits the mentorship of Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, along with advice from Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, for his evolution as a bowler and his selection for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe.
New Zealand resumed overnight on 92-0 and eased past Zimbabwe's first innings total of 149 before their innings ended on 307-9, with all-rounder Nathan Smith retiring hurt with an abdominal strain.
VVS Laxman is reportedly being considered to replace Ajit Agarkar as the chief selector for the BCCI, whose extended tenure ends next month.
Yuvraj Singh has praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's talent but highlighted his weakness against the moving ball, urging him to improve this aspect. Former coach Ravi Shastri also lauded Sooryavanshi's fearless approach and potential as a game-changer for India.
New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets to win first Test
England's Harry Brook and India's Shreyas Iyer have made significant advancements in the ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings, with Brook entering the top 10 and Iyer rocketing 62 spots.
Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi acknowledges a period of 'several ups and downs' over the past four months but asserts his confidence remains high as he prepares for the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey has been named as the replacement for the injured Washington Sundar in India's squad for the third and final One Day International against England. Sundar sustained a right hamstring injury during the second ODI and will undergo recuperation. The series is currently level at 1-1, with India aiming for a victory.
Nissanka's cameo guides Sri Lanka to 4 wicket win over Zimbabwe in 1st T20I
India pacer Mayank Yadav has described the two-year injury-enforced absence from international cricket as the most difficult phase of his young career, admitting that battling repeated setbacks at the age of 22-23 tested him mentally.
'Bosch is new to the international scene, but he's really fit in well. To see him conquer both facets (bat and ball) in this Test was really special.'
Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra has offered insights into Shubman Gill's captaincy style, comparing him to Hardik Pandya and noting Gill's reserved yet keen approach to leadership. Nehra also discussed the uncertain future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating it's too early to predict. He also touched upon his own coaching ambitions and reflected on past World Cup losses.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has clarified that Sanju Samson has received full clarity regarding his role after being dropped from the playing XI for the ongoing T20I series against England.
Zimbabwe, sent in to bat, posted 175 for seven thanks to opener Brian Bennett's sparkling 81. But the home side couldn't contain Sri Lanka's late assault.
Following a stunning T20I series triumph against World champions India, Ireland coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil has strongly defended his decision to drop several established players for upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama. Jamil stated that selections were based purely on merit and performance, part of a long-term strategy to build a team for the 2027 Asian Cup qualification. He also praised former captain Sunil Chhetri but ruled out his return.
Zimbabwe have appointed former England batter Gary Ballance as a coaching consultant for a four-day test against their hosts in Nottingham this month, officials said on Tuesday.
Indian batter Tilak Varma has defended his batting approach during the recent tours of Ireland and England, stating that his strike rate was dictated by match situations and team requirements rather than personal preference. He emphasised his commitment to adapting his game, whether it means aggressive hitting or anchoring the innings, based on the team's needs, especially when wickets were falling frequently.
Pathum Nissanka scored his seventh one-day international century with 122 from 136 balls as Sri Lanka defeated hosts Zimbabwe by five wickets to clinch the two-game series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test win on Australian soil and stunning the No. 1-ranked Test side.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, emphasising that performance, not age, should be the primary criterion for selection.
According to former India coach Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development must balance white-ball success with sustained red-ball exposure, giving the teenager time, patience and experience to eventually become a Test cricketer.
