News for 'player fitness'

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector MSK Prasad has questioned the consistent dropping of Sanju Samson from the T20I squad, calling it a 'big mistake' given his strong performances, while also defending head coach Gautam Gambhir against early criticism for recent series losses.

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.

'Leaving Rajasthan Royals was tough, but Dhoni, Ruturaj made CSK move easy'

'Leaving Rajasthan Royals was tough, but Dhoni, Ruturaj made CSK move easy'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has opened up about his challenging decision to leave Rajasthan Royals after over a decade, citing his strong bond with MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad as a key factor in his smooth transition to Chennai Super Kings.

FIFA World Cup: Canada sends clear warning ahead of Qatar clash

FIFA World Cup: Canada sends clear warning ahead of Qatar clash

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Canada's national football team is preparing for their World Cup Group B match against Qatar in Vancouver, aiming to improve on their opening draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Coach Jesse Marsch emphasizes setting the tone early and confirms Alphonso Davies' fitness for the crucial game.

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.

Women's Hockey Squad Announced For Asian Games With Olympic Dream

Women's Hockey Squad Announced For Asian Games With Olympic Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India has announced its 20-member women's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Led by Salima Tete, the team aims to secure a gold medal, which would qualify them for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising juniors, with minor changes from the recent FIH Nations Cup-winning team.

Good innovation: RCB coach Andy Flower supports IPL's Impact Player rule

Good innovation: RCB coach Andy Flower supports IPL's Impact Player rule

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower shares his perspective on the Impact Player rule in the IPL, Josh Hazlewood's fitness, and the team's strategy for the upcoming season.

Rohit, Hardik set for ODI return?

Rohit, Hardik set for ODI return?

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided an update on the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, who are awaiting clearance for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining injuries during the IPL.

'My Job Is With The Bat': Rohit Shuts Down Retirement Talk

'My Job Is With The Bat': Rohit Shuts Down Retirement Talk

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Rohit Sharma answered the retirement rumours in the best possible way - by smashing a record-breaking century at Lord's.

IPL 2026: Hazlewood confident of fitness, 'funky' variations pay off

IPL 2026: Hazlewood confident of fitness, 'funky' variations pay off

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Pacer Josh Hazlewood 'feels in good shape', adapts well to conditions in RCB win over LSG.

Why July 13 is special for Indian cricket

Why July 13 is special for Indian cricket

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former India Women's cricketer Reema Malhotra has hailed the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side's historic Test victory over England at Lord's, drawing parallels between their win and Sourav Ganguly's iconic balcony celebration in 2002, stating, 'July 13 has become a memorable date in Indian cricket history.'

Iyer Reflects On India's T20I Defeat, Calls It A Learning Curve

Iyer Reflects On India's T20I Defeat, Calls It A Learning Curve

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on the team's disastrous series losses to Ireland and England, admitting they failed to adapt to English conditions. Despite the setbacks, Iyer views the experience as a crucial learning opportunity for himself as a leader and for the team, especially concerning future overseas tours and World Cup preparations. He highlighted the need for better adaptation, improved fielding, and strategic team combinations.

Winning A Lord's Test Is Like Climbing Everest For The First Time

Winning A Lord's Test Is Like Climbing Everest For The First Time

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

For Team India's women cricketers, producing such a feat at Lord's -- the Home of Cricket -- will remain an achievement that can be recalled again and again with pride, notes K R Nayar.

FIFA World Cup: How 18-Year-Old Lamine Yamal Changed Everything for Spain

FIFA World Cup: How 18-Year-Old Lamine Yamal Changed Everything for Spain

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Spain returned to winning form with a strong 3-0 victory over Austria, as Lamine Yamal's return from injury proved key in lifting Luis de la Fuente's side back to their best.

Babar Azam Back As Pakistan's Test Captain!

Babar Azam Back As Pakistan's Test Captain!

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Babar Azam has returned to lead Pakistan's Test cricket team after Shan Masood was axed from the role.

Deschamps' Golden Era Ends in FIFA World Cup Heartbreak

Deschamps' Golden Era Ends in FIFA World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Didier Deschamps, who led France to their second world title in 2018 and established them as international football's most consistent major-tournament force, will be remembered for his unprecedented legacy despite recent semi-final defeats.

The Wait Is Over! Sooryavanshi Gets Emotional India Debut

The Wait Is Over! Sooryavanshi Gets Emotional India Debut

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Sooryavanshi, at just 15 years old, made his emotional T20I debut for India, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat. He received his maiden cap from Tilak Varma amidst applause from his teammates, marking a dream come true.

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

FIFA WC 2026, Round of 32: Favourites Belgium not taking Senegal lightly

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Belgium have their full squad available for the Round of 32 match against Senegal but are not taking Senegal for granted, said coach Rudy Garcia.

Why Is Sanju Samson Always The First To Be Dropped?

Why Is Sanju Samson Always The First To Be Dropped?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson's biggest opponent isn't the opposition, it's the selection committee. Samson has never been given a long rope; all he receives is a thin thread.

Hasaranga, Pathirana face uncertainty over IPL 2026 participation

Hasaranga, Pathirana face uncertainty over IPL 2026 participation

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana yet to take SLC-mandated fitness tests

Afghanistan put three-foreign-league cap for top players

Afghanistan put three-foreign-league cap for top players

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

'This measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national duties.'

Super-sub Torres stars as Spain down 10-man Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026 title

Super-sub Torres stars as Spain down 10-man Argentina to win FIFA World Cup 2026 title

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

It's goalless at half-time in the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New York on Sunday.

Why Hardik Pandya Is Making Bengaluru His New Training Hub

Why Hardik Pandya Is Making Bengaluru His New Training Hub

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made the unprecedented move of permanently shifting his training base to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. This decision aims to leverage the COE's facilities for injury rehabilitation and skills training throughout his career, marking a significant shift from traditional player practices.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.

Can Brazil finally crack Norway? Haaland stands between Selecao and history

Can Brazil finally crack Norway? Haaland stands between Selecao and history

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Brazil take on bogey team Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, aiming for their first-ever victory over the Scandinavians as Erling Haaland leads Norway's bid for another historic upset.

When Garry Sobers Hit My Questions For Six

When Garry Sobers Hit My Questions For Six

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

I was armed with two dictaphones -- and a bottle of whisky that the editor had paid for, to lubricate the conversation.

Back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he's a 20-year investment, says Sivaramakrishnan

Back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he's a 20-year investment, says Sivaramakrishnan

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

At 15, a talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play right through the year without being rested as it would help him learn from mistakes while gaining invaluable experience in all conditions, former India spinner L Sivaramakrishnan said on Sunday.

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite the impressive performance of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Morkel stressed the importance of showing faith in established players who have performed well previously, while also acknowledging the excitement around new talents like Sooryavanshi and pacer Prince Yadav.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Yuvraj Singh Sees 'Terminator' Evolution In Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Yuvraj Singh Sees 'Terminator' Evolution In Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Yuvraj Singh used a 'Terminator' analogy to describe the evolution of fearless Indian batters, comparing himself, Abhishek Sharma, and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to different versions of the iconic character. He expressed his desire to mentor Sooryavanshi, highlighting the youngster's potential and the changing landscape of cricket.

What Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Learnt From IPL 2026

What Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Learnt From IPL 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old batting sensation, reflects on his record-breaking IPL 2026 season, highlighting the importance of adapting to game situations, remaining calm under pressure, and focusing on fitness.

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.

Gill opens up on Jaiswal's ODI future

Gill opens up on Jaiswal's ODI future

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Skipper Shubman Gill on Saturday hoped that "phenomenal" Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue to churn out big performances to keep himself in contention in India's ODI scheme of things.

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

'I've still got a little bit left in the tank': Joshna eyes seventh Asian Games

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian squash veteran Joshna Chinappa, set to become the first Indian to compete in seven Asian Games, reveals she still has 'a little bit left in the tank' to add to her five continental medals and harbours hopes of participating in the sport's Olympic debut in 2028, provided her body holds up.

Ounahi's Double Propels Morocco Into World Cup Last Eight

Ounahi's Double Propels Morocco Into World Cup Last Eight

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring two goals, to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time. The victory ended Canada's tournament run.

Rohit Sharma needs no proof: Dinesh Lad dismisses critics, counters Saba Karim

Rohit Sharma needs no proof: Dinesh Lad dismisses critics, counters Saba Karim

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Dinesh Lad, the formative coach of former India captain Rohit Sharma, believes the batter should ignore critics questioning his fitness and form, and simply enjoy his game to return stronger in his favourite World Cup format next year.

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.

How super-sub Merino delivers when Spain needs him most...

How super-sub Merino delivers when Spain needs him most...

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, has once again proven to be Spain's late-game hero, scoring an 88th-minute winner against Belgium to send his team into the World Cup semi-finals. This follows his stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the last 16. Merino attributes his consistent clutch performances to thorough preparation, embodying the collective spirit praised by coach Luis de la Fuente.

Rohit Sharma Still Has Unfinished Business

Rohit Sharma Still Has Unfinished Business

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Hitman still probably hurts over missing World Cup glory in 2011 and his stellar career rightfully deserves one last hurrah at the ODI World Cup.

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Two senior Indian volleyball players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad, citing concerns over incompetent coaches, poor facilities, and politics within the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).