News for 'former players'

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Australia's assistant coach Hayden Foxe states that the Socceroos are mature enough to handle media hype and social media comments ahead of their World Cup match against co-hosts the United States. Despite being written off by some US commentators, the team is confident after a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Turkey 2-0. Players are focused on the upcoming game, drawing motivation from past criticisms while remaining grounded.

Haaland plays the underdog card against England ahead of FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash

Haaland plays the underdog card against England ahead of FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Norway's star striker Erling Haaland is attempting to pile pressure on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash, labelling them 'clear favourites' and urging the media to amplify expectations on the English squad.

Former World No. 3 Tsitsipas' free fall continues with Munich exit

Former World No. 3 Tsitsipas' free fall continues with Munich exit

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Stefanos Tsitsipas' struggles continue with a first-round exit in Munich, as injuries and inconsistent form see his ranking drop to its lowest in eight years.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Former India captain Anjum Chopra hailed Deepti Sharma as one of cricket's most influential all-rounders after her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, while also highlighting the importance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign.

FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Mbappe's France refuse to take Paraguay lightly

FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Mbappe's France refuse to take Paraguay lightly

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France arrive in Philadelphia as the World Cup's most feared attacking force, but Kylian Mbappe and coach Didier Deschamps have warned that acclaim, records and a seemingly clear path mean little if they fail to stay grounded against Paraguay in Saturday's last-16 clash.

Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Arrives On OTT This July

Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Arrives On OTT This July

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It's a rainy July, and the best way to enjoy it is to curl up on your couch and watch the telly.

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Modric vs Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup: Legends set for epic battle

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Portugal and Croatia face off in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash in Toronto on Thursday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both eyeing a deep World Cup run in what could be the final chapter of their legendary international careers.

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that Indian fencers will secure medals at the upcoming Asian Games and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He emphasized the need to popularize fencing in India, highlighting its potential to capture the youth's imagination and its significant medal opportunities at the Olympics. Rijiju also commented on the government's non-interference policy regarding sports federations' internal affairs, specifically addressing the Manika Batra selection issue.

Pant takes massive pay cut, returns to DC in swap with Kuldeep

Pant takes massive pay cut, returns to DC in swap with Kuldeep

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lucknow had signed Pant for a tournament-record $3.21 million in the player auction before the 2025 season and put the wicketkeeper-batsman in charge of the squad.

Serena Williams Faces Unknown Aussie On Wimbledon Return

Serena Williams Faces Unknown Aussie On Wimbledon Return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon, facing Australia's Maya Joint in the first round.

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde in round of 32 clash

FIFA World Cup: Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde in round of 32 clash

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Following a dominant group stage performance, Argentina is now preparing to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

'Recipe For Disaster': Pakistan hockey players shocked as PHF names new coach

'Recipe For Disaster': Pakistan hockey players shocked as PHF names new coach

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has replaced head coach Colin Batch with Manzoor ul Hasan, a move that has surprised players ahead of the FIH Pro Nations League and the World Cup.

Buttler Smashes Century As England Demolish India To Complete 4-0 T20I Series Whitewash

Buttler Smashes Century As England Demolish India To Complete 4-0 T20I Series Whitewash

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Jos Buttler rolled back the years with a blistering century, while skipper Harry Brook hammered a quickfire 95 as England annihilated an out-of-sorts India by 56 runs in the fifth and final T20 International.

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Pakistan's cricket selectors have opted for a significantly revamped pace attack for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. Key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, and veteran spinner Nauman Ali have been dropped, making way for a mix of experienced and uncapped bowlers. This decision aims to build a squad better suited for Test cricket and future tours.

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.

Hyderabad Toofans Appoint Paul Revington As Head Coach

Hyderabad Toofans Appoint Paul Revington As Head Coach

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former England coach Paul Revington has been appointed as the head coach of Hyderabad Toofans for the upcoming Hockey India League season. Revington aims to build a championship-winning culture and develop Indian talent, leveraging the team's past success as bronze and silver medallists.

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Messi's March Through History Continues With World Cup Goals Record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, nearing 39, has broken the World Cup all-time goal-scoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Marta and Miroslav Klose. This latest achievement adds to his illustrious career, which includes numerous club and international titles, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.

Tendulkar a great example for Sooryavanshi to emulate: Dilip Vengsarkar

Tendulkar a great example for Sooryavanshi to emulate: Dilip Vengsarkar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays some unreal shots with his hand-eye coordination, which makes his batting unbelievable, says former India captain and chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar.

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner's Wimbledon title defence gathered pace on Friday as the world number one swept aside American Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-3 6-4 to enter the fourth round and reinforce his status as the man to beat at the All England Club.

Why Suryansh Shedge's call-up could change everything

Why Suryansh Shedge's call-up could change everything

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Suryansh Shedge's India call-up may have come as a "lucky break", but the young all-rounder has been urged to treat it as a learning opportunity by soaking in everything inside a dressing room full of experienced players and young leaders.

Indian-Origin Bodhana Sivanandan Is UK's No. 1 Women's Chess Player

Indian-Origin Bodhana Sivanandan Is UK's No. 1 Women's Chess Player

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

At just 11 years old, Bodhana Sivanandan has become Great Britain's No 1 Women's Chess player dethroning four-time British Women's Champion Lan Yao.

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce's NYC Wedding: All The Details

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce's NYC Wedding: All The Details

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Singer Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are reportedly already married after a private ceremony, with their grand Madison Square Garden celebration now underway.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Portugal and Croatia's World Cup last-32 clash on Thursday could be Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric's final game on soccer's biggest stage, and the massive moment will unfold at the tournament's smallest venue.

France coach Deschamps backs Mbappe to break World Cup scoring record

France coach Deschamps backs Mbappe to break World Cup scoring record

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Every time he beats his own record, he does have the capacity to up his ante.'

Rishabh Pant must check his flamboyance and work on 'vulnerable' temperament: Kirmani

Rishabh Pant must check his flamboyance and work on 'vulnerable' temperament: Kirmani

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Former India cricketer Syed Kirmani says wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant needs to check his flamboyance, work on his physical fitness and "vulnerable" temperament if he wishes to play all formats for the country again.

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur, 27, has received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20 International tour of Zimbabwe, a dream he shared with his late father.

WPL, WC triumph driving India's growing depth in women's cricket, says Hussain

WPL, WC triumph driving India's growing depth in women's cricket, says Hussain

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Nasser Hussain says India's Women's Premier League and ODI World Cup triumph have created an "unstoppable force" in women's cricket, boosting talent depth and inspiring the next generation of players.

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.

Wimbledon 2026: Injured Chwalinska suffers first-round exit; Andreeva, Sabalenka cruise

Wimbledon 2026: Injured Chwalinska suffers first-round exit; Andreeva, Sabalenka cruise

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska crashed out of Wimbledon in the opening round following a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Thai qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday after the Pole fell and hurt herself while on match point.

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that India's roadmap for the 2027 World Cup, including discussions on senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is confidential and not for public consumption. He also clarified that the BCCI adheres strictly to the Government of India's policies regarding bilateral tours, such as the potential resumption of ties with Bangladesh, without concern for the political situation in other countries.

'Don't know how Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was provoked, he is a composed kid'

'Don't know how Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was provoked, he is a composed kid'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule on Tuesday said that while it was difficult to know what provoked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's on-field altercation with a Sri Lanka A player.

Chouhan, Srikanth, Devika Advance To US Open Semifinals

Chouhan, Srikanth, Devika Advance To US Open Semifinals

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Young Indian shuttler Rounak Chouhan continued his impressive run at the US Open badminton tournament, defeating Misha Zilberman to reach his first BWF World Tour Super 300 semifinal. Devika Sihag also advanced by upsetting third seed Riko Gunji, and former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth secured his spot in the semifinals, raising hopes for an all-India final.

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ambati Rayudu says India's 0-2 T20I series loss to Ireland was the result of poor preparation for challenging conditions, urges Tilak Varma to improve against slow bowling, and advises patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Former World No 4, Japan's Nishikori to hang up his racquet

Former World No 4, Japan's Nishikori to hang up his racquet

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Kei Nishikori announces he will retire after the 2026 season, ending a historic career that saw him become Japan's first Grand Slam finalist.

Mammooty, Vijay Amritraj among 2nd batch of Padma award honorees

Mammooty, Vijay Amritraj among 2nd batch of Padma award honorees

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma awards upon 65 eminent personalities, including tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, actor Mammootty, and singer Alka Yagnik, in the second civil investiture ceremony. The awards recognised contributions across various fields, with Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories.

Protesters in US call on FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup

Protesters in US call on FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Instead of pride, many Iranian-Americans feel shame about the Iran team's participation in the World Cup and are demanding that FIFA boots the country out of the competition, protesters said in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

3rd ODI: Afghanistan coach Mooney calls for batting resilience against India

3rd ODI: Afghanistan coach Mooney calls for batting resilience against India

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Afghanistan fielding coach John Mooney has urged his team's batters to focus on building longer innings and avoiding soft dismissals against India. He also called for bowlers to be more disciplined, while expressing hope for spin assistance from the Chennai pitch in the upcoming third ODI.

Why protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood is as important as his cricket

Why protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood is as important as his cricket

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

As India awaits Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's senior debut, experts urge cricket to remember the 15-year-old is still a child, highlighting the challenges of balancing extraordinary talent, growing fame and emotional well-being.

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York