News for 'former players'

Rahane blames 1 big mistake for Team India's Test decline

Rahane blames 1 big mistake for Team India's Test decline

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes India's recent Test struggles stem from the departure of senior players, emphasising the need for a core of seven to eight experienced cricketers in the longer format.

'Let him play': Rahane's big message to BCCI on Rohit

'Let him play': Rahane's big message to BCCI on Rohit

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Ajinkya Rahane has backed Rohit Sharma to play for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, urging the BCCI to give the veteran opener clarity over his future.

Farveez Maharoof: Gurnoor Brar could be India's 'X-Factor' in Sri Lanka Tests

Farveez Maharoof: Gurnoor Brar could be India's 'X-Factor' in Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof believes rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar could be the 'X-Factor' for India in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, suggesting he would be tempted to hand the 26-year-old his debut.

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has resigned from his position as head coach of the England Lions, opting to focus on his coaching commitments with Australia's Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Aaleina Sen Wins Gold At All India Independence Cup Karate

Aaleina Sen Wins Gold At All India Independence Cup Karate

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Durgapur's Aaleina Sen, an Under-11 karateka, won a gold medal in Kumite and a bronze in Kata at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship.

How Sonal Dinusha became India's latest spin nightmare

How Sonal Dinusha became India's latest spin nightmare

Rediff.com3 days ago

Sri Lankan all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who averaged 140 in the recent Test series against India, found solace and success in cricket as an escape from financial hardship. His journey, marked by dedication and a relentless work ethic, saw him rise from a child without a bat to a national hero, with coaches highlighting his unwavering commitment to the game.

'Bohot badhiya banda': Harbhajan reveals Gambhir's true side

'Bohot badhiya banda': Harbhajan reveals Gambhir's true side

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his bewilderment at the continuous criticism directed towards Gautam Gambhir since he assumed the role of national head coach, acknowledging that Gambhir's direct approach might not appeal to everyone.

Manas Dhamne gets maiden Davis Cup call-up for South Korea tie

Manas Dhamne gets maiden Davis Cup call-up for South Korea tie

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Manas Dhamne has received his first call-up to India's main Davis Cup squad for the Qualifiers Round 2 tie against South Korea in Seoul on September 18-19, joining a core team that recently secured a historic win over the Netherlands.

'They will come harder': Bangladesh ready for Australia

'They will come harder': Bangladesh ready for Australia

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has cautioned his team to expect a strong comeback from Australia in the second Test after their surprising nine-wicket victory in the series opener. Simmons emphasised the need for continued high performance, while Australia's captain Pat Cummins acknowledged their poor performance in the first match and confirmed team changes for the upcoming game in Mackay.

'If Rohit, Kohli score runs why should we look at their age?': Harbhajan

'If Rohit, Kohli score runs why should we look at their age?': Harbhajan

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

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.

Travis Head makes history with back-to-back Allan Border Medals

Travis Head makes history with back-to-back Allan Border Medals

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Australian batter Travis Head has become only the fifth player to win consecutive Allan Border Medals, edging out Alex Carey by a single vote for the country's top men's individual cricket award.

Top Golfers Tee Off At Coal India Open In Kolkata

Top Golfers Tee Off At Coal India Open In Kolkata

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The second edition of the Coal India Open golf tournament is set to begin in Kolkata, featuring a strong field of leading Indian and international professionals competing for a prize purse of Rs 1 crore. Defending champion Angad Cheema and other notable golfers will participate at the Tollygunge Club.

India-Pakistan's last Hockey World Cup meeting: The 4-1 win that made history

India-Pakistan's last Hockey World Cup meeting: The 4-1 win that made history

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Sixteen years ago, when India and Pakistan last met in a men's Hockey World Cup, the contest was more than just two arch-rivals facing each other. It was about settling an old score. And as the two teams prepare to meet again after 16 years, memories of that evening remain fresh for those who were part of it.

Australian greats back Cameron Green for bigger role in Test batting order

Australian greats back Cameron Green for bigger role in Test batting order

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Former Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Kerry O'Keeffe praised Cameron Green for his fighting century against Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin on Sunday, despite Australia suffering a nine-wicket defeat.

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has defended the CoE against criticism regarding slow player recovery, stating that cricketers are not 'machines' and rehabilitation timelines can vary.

First openly gay active NBA player, Jason Collins dies at 47

First openly gay active NBA player, Jason Collins dies at 47

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Jason Collins died brain cancer 'after a valiant fight with glioblastoma'.

Uruguay hands Diego Forlan top coaching role

Uruguay hands Diego Forlan top coaching role

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward, has been named the new head coach for Uruguay's senior and Under-20 national football teams. He replaces Marcelo Bielsa, who left after Uruguay's early exit from the World Cup. Forlan, a celebrated player and 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner, will bring his experience and leadership to the role, starting with the Under-20 squad.

John Abraham, Jonty Rhodes Unveil Rotterdam Dockers Jersey for European T20 Premier League

John Abraham, Jonty Rhodes Unveil Rotterdam Dockers Jersey for European T20 Premier League

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Bollywood actor John Abraham and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes unveiled the Rotterdam Dockers' team jersey for the inaugural European T20 Premier League, a new tournament featuring six city-based franchises across Europe.

15 Movies To Watch Before Avengers: Doomsday

15 Movies To Watch Before Avengers: Doomsday

Rediff.com5 days ago

Marvel has unveiled its list of essential movies and one show to watch before the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday.

AI Effect: 'Nearly 3 Million Jobs Are At Risk In India'

AI Effect: 'Nearly 3 Million Jobs Are At Risk In India'

Rediff.com3 days ago

In the next 36 months nearly 25 to 40 per cent of jobs will be under threat from AI and job losses are inevitable.

Doping scandal hits Indian athletics: Swapna Barman provisionally suspended

Doping scandal hits Indian athletics: Swapna Barman provisionally suspended

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India's first Asian Games gold-winning heptathlete, Swapna Barman, has been provisionally suspended by NADA after testing positive for the banned substance Boldenone. This disciplinary action proceeds despite her recent retirement announcement. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat doping in Indian sports, with other athletes also facing bans.

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.

Sreejesh: 'We have played in blue in almost every major tournament'

Sreejesh: 'We have played in blue in almost every major tournament'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Legendary Indian hockey player P R Sreejesh has urged the men's team to ignore the ongoing jersey colour controversy and focus on ending the 50-year World Cup medal drought. He dismissed concerns about the saffron jersey, noting past colour changes, but questioned the visibility argument. Sreejesh emphasised that if players approved the change, the debate should cease, and politics should be kept out of sports. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform despite the off-field distractions.

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.

'Ayush has nothing to lose against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi'

'Ayush has nothing to lose against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty's coach, Sagar Chopda, believes that the Indian shuttler's challenging World Championships opener against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi could work in his favour, citing Shi Yu Qi's recent form and the home crowd advantage.

India's young guns ready for BWF World Championships

India's young guns ready for BWF World Championships

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Simran Singhi, and Kavipriya Selvam are set to make their BWF World Championships debut as India hosts the prestigious badminton event after 17 years, offering a significant platform for these rising stars.

Rohit, Kohli will add value to India's 2027 World Cup squad: Dhawan

Rohit, Kohli will add value to India's 2027 World Cup squad: Dhawan

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has expressed strong confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ability to contribute significantly to India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, stating they will 'add great value to the team and help India win the World Cup'.

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'

Australian Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

Australian Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, from a sample taken during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June. The volatile Australian owned up to his "huge mistake" in a public apology, citing the physical and mental toll of recent injuries.

Praggnanandhaa seals Grand Chess Tour Final spot

Praggnanandhaa seals Grand Chess Tour Final spot

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has moved into a joint lead with American Wesley So at the Sinquefield Cup after a decisive victory over France's Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, securing his spot in the Grand Finale.

How a 1973 World Cup semifinal defined India-Pakistan hockey rivalry

How a 1973 World Cup semifinal defined India-Pakistan hockey rivalry

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Wagener Stadium, site of a historic 1973 India-Pakistan hockey World Cup semifinal, is set to host another clash between the arch-rivals. Former captain M P Ganesh recounts the intense 1-0 victory for India in 1973, highlighting the fierce competition and political undertones of the era.

Andrew Flintoff's Son Rocky Blasts Maiden Professional Century For Lancashire

Andrew Flintoff's Son Rocky Blasts Maiden Professional Century For Lancashire

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, scored his first senior professional century for Lancashire in their One-Day Cup victory over Somerset.

Complicated FIH Hockey World Cup Format Draws Criticism

Complicated FIH Hockey World Cup Format Draws Criticism

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The current FIH Hockey World Cup format, featuring a crossover pool system where first-round results carry forward, is causing widespread confusion among teams, fans, and media. Many stakeholders believe the complex system detracts from the game's excitement, shifts focus to mathematical calculations, and potentially favours larger teams, leading to calls for a simpler structure.

'Can't play forever': Rohit's 2027 World Cup future in doubt

'Can't play forever': Rohit's 2027 World Cup future in doubt

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has commented on Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket, particularly concerning the 2027 World Cup. Hayden believes Sharma's decision will hinge on his continued hunger and energy, given his retirement from Tests and T20Is, and the demanding schedule of both IPL and ODI cricket. Despite age-related questions, Sharma has continued to deliver strong performances, notably a century against England.

Saina Nehwal urges India to prioritise medal tally for true sporting nation status

Saina Nehwal urges India to prioritise medal tally for true sporting nation status

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Former world No. 1 shuttler Saina Nehwal has stated that India's true measure as a 'sporting nation' will be its position in the global medals tally, not just hosting major tournaments. She highlighted the significant progress made by women in sports but emphasised the need for better financial backing, sponsorships, and comprehensive support systems including psychologists and proper coaching from an early age to nurture more champions.

2nd Test: Bowlers rock SL after Jurel ton propels India to 503 for 9 on Day 2

2nd Test: Bowlers rock SL after Jurel ton propels India to 503 for 9 on Day 2

Rediff.com7 days ago

Dhruv Jurel notched up an unbeaten 115 to propel India to a commanding 509 for 8 before they declared the first innings against Sri Lanka on day two of the second Test in Colombo.

Gujarat Titans Reject Hardik Pandya's Return Over Captaincy Demand

Gujarat Titans Reject Hardik Pandya's Return Over Captaincy Demand

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Hardik Pandya's potential return to Gujarat Titans was reportedly rejected after he made his move conditional on being reinstated as captain, a demand the franchise, including current captain Shubman Gill, declined.

Duleep Trophy: Gharami, Shahbaz hit tons after Sooryavanshi, Ishan's flop show

Duleep Trophy: Gharami, Shahbaz hit tons after Sooryavanshi, Ishan's flop show

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Teen batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored just eight runs on his Duleep Trophy debut for East Zone before Sudip Gharami and Shahbaz Ahmed hit hundreds to power them to 355 for 6 against North East.

Maharashtra's Tulsani, Karnataka's Kalbhairav Shine At National Ranking TT

Maharashtra's Tulsani, Karnataka's Kalbhairav Shine At National Ranking TT

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Prateek Tulsani of Maharashtra clinched the U-15 boys' title, while Tanishka Kalbhairav of Karnataka secured the U-11 girls' title at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships. Tulsani delivered a commanding performance, whereas Kalbhairav showed remarkable resilience to win her final.

Chouhan's Hole-In-One Secures Lead At Coal India Open

Chouhan's Hole-In-One Secures Lead At Coal India Open

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Om Prakash Chouhan has taken the opening-round lead at the Rs 1 crore Coal India Open in Kolkata, delivering a spectacular eight-under 62. His impressive performance included a hole-in-one and an eagle, giving him a one-shot advantage over former Asian Tour winner Ajeetesh Sandhu.