News for 'former players'

BCCI Review Meeting: Gill, Gambhir, Agarkar discuss Rohit Sharma's ODI Future

BCCI Review Meeting: Gill, Gambhir, Agarkar discuss Rohit Sharma's ODI Future

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Rohit Sharma's ODI future was a major point of discussion during the review meeting, while also considering the recent fitness woes of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

India have fallen behind in WTC final race, says Rahul Dravid

India have fallen behind in WTC final race, says Rahul Dravid

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Former head coach Rahul Dravid believes India have 'fallen behind' in the World Test Championship final qualification race, highlighting the upcoming New Zealand series as a significant challenge for the young team.

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A 62-year-old cricket coach, Sumith Fernando, who mentored Kusal Mendis, died in Colombo following an altercation with two school players over drinking water during a match. A 17-year-old player has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.

World Cup winner Marcos Llorente announces shock international retirement

World Cup winner Marcos Llorente announces shock international retirement

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Spain's World Cup-winning defender Marcos Llorente, 31, has announced his retirement from international football after 27 caps, citing a deeply personal decision despite his young age and continued good form.

'Well deserved': Mithali's special message for Smriti Mandhana

'Well deserved': Mithali's special message for Smriti Mandhana

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats, achieving this milestone with a sensational 124-run innings against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Mithali Raj congratulated Mandhana on her achievement.

Nehra weighs in on Gill's leadership and Rohit-Kohli's 2027 World Cup chances

Nehra weighs in on Gill's leadership and Rohit-Kohli's 2027 World Cup chances

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

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.

Selectors to weigh Pant's white-ball comeback, Hardik's fitness for Windies series

Selectors to weigh Pant's white-ball comeback, Hardik's fitness for Windies series

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

National selectors are set to convene in New Delhi to finalise India's ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against West Indies, with Rishabh Pant's potential white-ball return and Hardik Pandya's fitness being the primary discussion points.

Manpreet Singh India's most-capped hockey player

Manpreet Singh India's most-capped hockey player

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Manpreet Singh on Wednesday became India's most-capped hockey player with his 413th appearance for the country during the FIH Pro League match against Germany in Rotterdam.

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Chelsea is undergoing a significant close-season transformation under new manager Xabi Alonso, with major signings like Morgan Rogers.

Teen Wonder Teodor Davidov adds a new spin to US Open with two-handed magic

Teen Wonder Teodor Davidov adds a new spin to US Open with two-handed magic

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Sixteen-year-old Teodor Davidov is captivating the US Open with his rare ability to serve from either hand and play without a backhand, adding unpredictability to his game.

'Footballing beauty': Inter Miami coach hails Lionel Messi

'Footballing beauty': Inter Miami coach hails Lionel Messi

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi scored four goals and provided an assist, leading Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over CF Montreal, snapping their five-game winless streak and topping the MLS scoring charts.

Haaland Stuns with Bold New Buzz Cut

Haaland Stuns with Bold New Buzz Cut

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Erling Haaland stunned fans by replacing his trademark flowing blonde locks with a buzz cut, sparking playful reactions from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pep Guardiola before Manchester City's opener.

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

If winning the National Championship does not help a player make the national team, what exactly is the value of becoming India's national champion?

I M Vijayan Hails Brazil's India Visit As Game Changer

I M Vijayan Hails Brazil's India Visit As Game Changer

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Indian football icon I M Vijayan has voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil international friendly in Kolkata on October 3. He believes the visit by the five-time World Cup champions will provide invaluable experience and lasting memories for young Indian players, significantly boosting the sport's profile and attracting global attention to Indian football.

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'.

Alcaraz Vomited Before Crashing Out Of US Open

Alcaraz Vomited Before Crashing Out Of US Open

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Carlos Alcaraz left fans stunned after appearing to vomit into his towel during his US Open clash with Ben Shelton.

'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm

'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Imran Khan's sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, alleged in a Sky Sports interview that there is a "blatant" attempt to kill their father in prison, describing his conditions as severely worsened and isolating.

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri expressed a mix of excitement and 'a little jealousy' about the national team's unprecedented opportunity to play against football giants Brazil and Uruguay in October 2026, an experience he never had in his two-decade career.

Can HIL do for hockey what IPL did for cricket?

Can HIL do for hockey what IPL did for cricket?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer believes the Indian team possesses the talent and infrastructure to become a dominant force in world hockey but stresses that 'they need to maintain consistency as a team' to realise their true potential.

15-Year-Old Delhi Teen Stuns World No 1 Magnus Carlsen

15-Year-Old Delhi Teen Stuns World No 1 Magnus Carlsen

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Fifteen-year-old Delhi chess prodigy Vandan Alankar Sawai stuns World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz tournament.

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Sports Ministry has suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India's recognition due to governance issues, including delayed elections, and has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport.

420 runs, three centuries: Gunawardene hails Dinusha as major positive for Sri Lanka

420 runs, three centuries: Gunawardene hails Dinusha as major positive for Sri Lanka

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Avishka Gunawardene acknowledged India's dominance but hailed Sonal Dinusha's breakthrough, with the young batter scoring 420 runs, including three centuries, as a major positive for Sri Lanka.

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has expressed his deep disappointment and frustration over recurring nightclub incidents involving national team players, following fast bowler Brydon Carse's recent arrest and subsequent de-arrest. Root emphasised the team's commitment to building a strong culture and addressing off-field behaviour that detracts from their performance.

Wawrinka handed US Open wildcard after backlash

Wawrinka handed US Open wildcard after backlash

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has been granted a wildcard entry into the U.S. Open men's singles draw, following public demand after his initial exclusion. The 2016 champion, who had previously expressed his farewell to the tournament, will now compete in the year's final major.

'You train them to repeat it': Manjrekar slams ICC and BCCI

'You train them to repeat it': Manjrekar slams ICC and BCCI

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI over incidents involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, warning that leniency could encourage repeat behaviour.

Abdominal Injury Forces Joao Fonseca Out Of US Open

Abdominal Injury Forces Joao Fonseca Out Of US Open

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Brazilian tennis sensation Joao Fonseca has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming US Open due to an abdominal injury.

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A group of prominent seers in Ayodhya protested against former Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai, alleging embezzlement of offerings and demanding an impartial investigation. They also claimed police forcibly stopped their meeting, a charge denied by local authorities who stated the seers were asked to vacate a hotel room booked for stay, not a meeting. The seers vowed to launch a larger movement if their demands for action against those responsible are not met.

Indian Golf Premier League Resumes Season In Ras Al Khaimah

Indian Golf Premier League Resumes Season In Ras Al Khaimah

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The AM Green Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) is set to host its second event in the UAE, resuming its season at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah from September 23 to 25. This event, presented by Vimtra Chennai Lions GC, marks the league's return to the UAE after its debut in Dubai last December, featuring top golfers like Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Global Chess League: Kings Upset Pipers, Grandmasters Win Dramatically

Global Chess League: Kings Upset Pipers, Grandmasters Win Dramatically

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Global Chess League's halfway stage saw significant upsets and dramatic finishes, with Triveni Continental Kings defeating table-toppers Alpine APL Pipers. Ganges Grandmasters secured a crucial win against PBG Alaskan Knights due to a last-second time violation, while CheQ Mumba Masters maintained their strong performance. These results have intensified the competition for the top two positions.

Why India rose and Pakistan fell: Hockey great explains

Why India rose and Pakistan fell: Hockey great explains

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.

Rahul Dravid On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Induction Into Test Team: Need To Be Patient

Rahul Dravid On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Induction Into Test Team: Need To Be Patient

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Former India captain and Head Coach Rahul Dravid has advised a patient approach for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating he requires 'a couple of seasons of red-ball cricket' to establish himself in the longest format.

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh are under scrutiny for controversially dropping Sanat Sangwan, the Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer, for the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone, opting instead for Yash Dhull, who had a significantly poorer Ranji season.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

Sports Ministry Firm On Asian Games Tennis Selection Criteria

Sports Ministry Firm On Asian Games Tennis Selection Criteria

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Five Indian tennis players were excluded from the Asian Games squad because they did not meet the Sports Ministry's stringent international ranking criteria, a decision that has drawn criticism from veteran players like Rohan Bopanna but is being upheld by authorities to maintain administrative integrity.

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to review a controversial rule allowing DPL franchises to pick three local league players outside the auction, following widespread disrepute caused by the inclusion of cricketer Dev Chaudhary in the New Delhi Tigers squad.

BCCI Secretary Saikia Dismisses Rumours Over Rohit Sharma's Future

BCCI Secretary Saikia Dismisses Rumours Over Rohit Sharma's Future

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed recent speculations regarding Rohit Sharma's future, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract extension, and VVS Laxman's potential appointment as director of cricket, dismissing all rumours after a review meeting.

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a four-year deal. He has pledged to implement an attractive, dominant style of play while instilling a strong desire to win. Xavi aims to build a cohesive team from talented players and is ready to face the pressure of his new role, starting with a Nations League match against Germany.

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has announced there will be no team curfew for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, expressing trust in his players to act responsibly. This decision comes amidst recent scrutiny over the team's culture following several off-field incidents and player suspensions. Root, who returned to captaincy after Ben Stokes' retirement, believes players should be self-policing.

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.

What's Azharuddin Doing In London?

What's Azharuddin Doing In London?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is enjoying a summer holiday in London, reflecting on his special connection with England, where he made a historic Test debut with three consecutive centuries in 1984-1985 and later scored memorable knocks.