News for 'player concerns'

Gill fitness, Rohit form: India's big ODI worries

Gill fitness, Rohit form: India's big ODI worries

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India is set to face England in the second ODI, aiming for a series victory, but concerns over Shubman Gill's fitness after he walked off injured in the first match, and Rohit Sharma's inconsistent batting form, are prominent. The team will also consider potential changes to the playing eleven.

T20 is here to stay, not too sure about ODIs, says Ashwin

T20 is here to stay, not too sure about ODIs, says Ashwin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a necessary addition in the existing assortment of franchise-based tourneys as the format is here to stay unlike ODIs, said Indian spin bowling legend Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday.

PCB probes Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman's fitness levels after World Cup concerns

PCB probes Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman's fitness levels after World Cup concerns

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is investigating the fitness levels of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman after concerns were raised about their condition during the T20 World Cup. A senior selector and the PCB medical panel have expressed doubts about their fitness, leading to an internal investigation.

Indian Shuttlers Face Early Exits At Canada Open

Indian Shuttlers Face Early Exits At Canada Open

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Indian badminton players, including Kidambi Srikanth, faced a challenging start at the Canada Open Super 300 event, with most shuttlers failing to advance past the opening round. Only Tanya Hemnath and Aakarshi Kashyap secured spots in the women's singles second round.

Govt bars telecom infra firms from overseas data transfer

Govt bars telecom infra firms from overseas data transfer

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's government has implemented stringent new regulations under the Telecommunications Act 2023, mandating that all communication infrastructure providers, including those utilising cloud-based networks, must store telecommunication data exclusively within the country, a move expected to significantly impact domestic data centre demand.

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's collective effort after their historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, a first for a U.S. player since 1930, though Christian Pulisic's calf injury raised concerns. Pochettino credited extended training time for the team's strong start.

Don't copy Sooryavanshi blindly, youngsters must find their own game: Hayden

Don't copy Sooryavanshi blindly, youngsters must find their own game: Hayden

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Matthew Hayden cautions young cricketers against blindly copying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting style, backs Shubman Gill's consistency, and raises concerns over the future of bilateral ODI cricket amid the franchise boom.

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

India Open Super 750 Dates Shift In New BWF Calendar

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced its World Tour Calendar for 2027 and 2028, featuring a 35-tournament global circuit. The India Open Super 750 will see its dates shifted to February 2027 and January 2028, while the Syed Modi India International has been downgraded to a Super 100 event. The new calendar also introduces a 3x15 scoring system and extended competition windows to enhance player welfare and global reach.

How Lenient Refereeing Is Driving World Cup's High-Intensity Play

How Lenient Refereeing Is Driving World Cup's High-Intensity Play

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

England ready for altitude, hostile crowd in Mexico World Cup clash

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England say they are relishing the challenge of facing hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca Stadium, with Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford insisting the hostile atmosphere will motivate the team in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kounde answers Yamal as favourite debate fuels war of words

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France defender Jules Kounde has brushed aside Spain star Lamine Yamal's comments that Les Bleus are not favourites ahead of La Roja at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the remarks do not bother him.

Coach Dragan Mihailovic's Vision For Indian Volleyball's Future

Coach Dragan Mihailovic's Vision For Indian Volleyball's Future

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India's men's volleyball team achieved an unbeaten run to the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup semi-finals, propelling them to World No. 42. Head coach Dragan Mihailovic attributes this success to discipline and a structured system but stresses the need for consistent international exposure, longer national camps, and a robust development pathway to sustain and build upon this momentum, especially amidst administrative uncertainty in Indian volleyball.

IPL 2026: Finch raises concern over fast-tracking Sooryavanshi into India's senior squad

IPL 2026: Finch raises concern over fast-tracking Sooryavanshi into India's senior squad

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch shares his views on fast-tracking young talent into the Indian cricket team, analyses Arshdeep Singh's bowling, and discusses IPL team strategies.

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.

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Belgium's dressing room erupted in celebration after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, with match-winner Youri Tielemans leading the festivities.

Sir Garfield Sobers leaves behind an unmatched cricket legacy

Sir Garfield Sobers leaves behind an unmatched cricket legacy

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Sobers excelled at many sports, including soccer and basketball, but cricket was his passion. His first memories of the sport were of playing in the road or on the beach, aged eight.

Indian Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 25% in June, Driven by Maruti, Tata, M&M

Indian Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 25% in June, Driven by Maruti, Tata, M&M

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Passenger vehicle sales in India are estimated to have surged by nearly 25 per cent in June 2024, reaching approximately 4 lakh units, with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors PV, and Mahindra & Mahindra leading the growth, despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and monsoon impact.

Manika Batra calls on PM, Sports Min on 'unfair' Asiad omission

Manika Batra calls on PM, Sports Min on 'unfair' Asiad omission

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Manika Batra took to X, voicing her concerns over the TTFI's decision on her non-inclusion in the Asian Games squad.

India's bowling lacks clarity in T20 World Cup: Mithali Raj

India's bowling lacks clarity in T20 World Cup: Mithali Raj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former India captain Mithali Raj has expressed concerns over the Indian women's cricket team's bowling department, citing a lack of "role clarity" ahead of crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches. She believes bowling is India's weakest link, especially with Shreyanka Patil's injury and an out-of-form seam attack, while praising the batting strength led by Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.

BCCI to hold review meeting after India's dismal T20 series against England, Ireland

BCCI to hold review meeting after India's dismal T20 series against England, Ireland

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The BCCI will conduct a review meeting after India's T20 series against England concludes on July 19, following poor performances against both England and Ireland, but has stated it will not make any 'knee-jerk' decisions regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir's future.

Is VAR Ruining The FIFA World Cup?

Is VAR Ruining The FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The 2026 World Cup has been marred by widespread controversy surrounding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with coaches, players, and fans criticising its application, consistency, and impact on match outcomes, leading to a significant increase in interventions and red cards.

FIFA World Cup: 'We were second best': France coach's honest verdict

FIFA World Cup: 'We were second best': France coach's honest verdict

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side were 'outclassed' by Spain in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat, highlighting technical, tactical, and physical shortcomings that ended their quest for a third title.

Pakistan Cricket Board Reassures on Overseas Players' PSL Travel Plans Despite Regional Conflicts

Pakistan Cricket Board Reassures on Overseas Players' PSL Travel Plans Despite Regional Conflicts

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed concerns regarding the travel plans of overseas players for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite ongoing regional tensions. The 11th edition of the PSL is set to begin on March 26 and will feature an increased number of foreign players, particularly from Australia.

FIFA World Cup: What France's chess post really means before Morocco

FIFA World Cup: What France's chess post really means before Morocco

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.

Vikram-1, India's first privately-built orbital rocket, to lift off on July 18

Vikram-1, India's first privately-built orbital rocket, to lift off on July 18

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Skyroot Aerospace is set to launch the maiden test flight of its orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, from SDSC-SHAR on July 18, marking a significant milestone for India's private sector in the global launch business.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut? Shreyas Iyer finally breaks silence

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut? Shreyas Iyer finally breaks silence

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer addressed the media ahead of the T20I series opener against England, discussing team selection, particularly the potential debut of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Iyer emphasised the importance of backing experienced players who won the T20 World Cup and reflected on India's recent series loss to Ireland, highlighting lessons learned for the upcoming challenging series in England.

World Cup 2026 fans hit by FIFA's surprise bottle ban

World Cup 2026 fans hit by FIFA's surprise bottle ban

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

FIFA has announced a last-minute change to its Stadium Code of Conduct, prohibiting reusable water bottles and other containers at World Cup venues due to safety concerns. This decision, aimed at preventing injury, has raised questions among fans about coping with heat, though FIFA states measures like cooling stations will be in place.

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt hits out at VAR after Argentina heartbreak

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt hits out at VAR after Argentina heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Egyptian Football Association on Wednesday criticised refereeing decisions in Egypt's dramatic 3-2 World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Argentina, saying it would not remain silent over what it described as the improper use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

IPL 2026: Captains voice reservations on Impact Player rule's future

IPL 2026: Captains voice reservations on Impact Player rule's future

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

IPL captains have voiced concerns about the Impact Player rule, which has been extended until 2027, during a meeting in Mumbai. The rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during a match, has sparked debate among players and fans, with some arguing it hampers the development of all-rounders.

'I Hope to See Many More Singhs at World Cup': Sarpreet Inspires Next Gen

'I Hope to See Many More Singhs at World Cup': Sarpreet Inspires Next Gen

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh, the first Sikh footballer to play at a FIFA World Cup, hopes his historic appearance will inspire more players of Indian and South Asian heritage to reach football's biggest stage.

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to open for India in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, despite ongoing scrutiny. Gavaskar believes the England ODI series will be a crucial platform for Sharma to demonstrate his consistent performance. He also touched upon the continuous pressure on senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, emphasising the need for consistent delivery and physical fitness as they age. Additionally, Gavaskar commented on Ben Stokes' surprising retirement timing.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet wants India to sharpen fielding ahead of Australia test

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet wants India to sharpen fielding ahead of Australia test

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged fielding shortcomings despite her team's T20 World Cup victory over Bangladesh. She expressed confidence in the team's ability to improve and looked forward to the challenging match against Australia. Player of the Match Shafali Verma also shared her satisfaction with her performance.

Pakistan Super League grapples with player withdrawals amid IPL lure

Pakistan Super League grapples with player withdrawals amid IPL lure

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is facing logistical and contractual challenges as several overseas players withdraw to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which offers more lucrative contracts. The PCB is considering actions against players breaching contracts but fears deterring future talent.

Greg Chappell voices concerns over Cameron Green's form ahead of IPL 2026

Greg Chappell voices concerns over Cameron Green's form ahead of IPL 2026

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Australia's batting great Greg Chappell expressed concerns about the batting form of all-rounder Cameron Green, ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

India's All-Rounder Nitish Reddy Sidelined From UK Tour

India's All-Rounder Nitish Reddy Sidelined From UK Tour

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Indian all-rounder Nitish Reddy has been ruled out of the upcoming white ball tour of the UK due to a quadriceps injury sustained during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan. He will require a minimum of four weeks for rehabilitation.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

I've always been an attacking player: Ajinkya Rahane amid criticism

I've always been an attacking player: Ajinkya Rahane amid criticism

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Ajinkya Rahane defends his batting approach amid criticism in IPL 2026, saying he has evolved into an attacking player while focusing on team roles for KKR.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

I Celebrated My Birthday With Messi. No, Really.

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

When I planned my 27th birthday trip to Kerala, I had a very clear vision in mind. There would be beaches. There would be the backwaters. There would be long boat rides, cute cafs and perhaps a fancy dinner overlooking the water. What I did not anticipate was celebrating my birthday with Lionel Messi.