Tensions flared ahead of the final India-England Test as Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in a heated exchange with Oval curator Lee Fortis. The disagreement arose from restrictions placed on the Indian team’s access to the pitch, specifically regarding the distance they were allowed to stand and the curator’s objections to their presence.
Monty Panesar has criticized Ben Stokes’ conduct during the fourth Test against India, labeling his attempt to prematurely call a draw as “classless.” Stokes approached Ravindra Jadeja for a handshake, but Jadeja refused and completed his century, along with Washington Sundar. Panesar believes Stokes’ gesture contributes to a negative perception of the England team.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have reportedly parted ways with their head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun. Arun, formerly with the Indian team, is rumored to be joining the Chennai Super Kings, though CSK officials deny this. Despite leading KKR to an IPL title in 2024, Pandit’s team finished eighth in 2025, leading to the changes.
Tensions flared between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval’s pitch curator Lee Fortis during a training session, sparked by disagreements over pitch access and conduct. The situation escalated, requiring intervention from India’s batting coach. This incident follows a series of on-field disagreements throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, highlighting the intense atmosphere surrounding the matches.
A heated exchange occurred between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval curator Lee Fortis regarding practice pitch conditions, prompting intervention from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Fortis remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the disagreement. In team news, Arshdeep Singh is set to make his Test debut as India aims to level the series against England in the fifth and final Test.
Nat Sciver-Brunt has regained the top spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, surpassing Smriti Mandhana after a strong showing against India. Harmanpreet Kaur jumped ten places to 11th, while Orla Prendergast’s impressive performance against Zimbabwe propelled her into the top 10 all-rounders. Deepti Sharma remains fourth in the bowling rankings, led by Sophie Ecclestone.
Washington Sundar’s maiden international century, along with Ravindra Jadeja’s ton, helped India draw the fourth Test against England, keeping the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy alive. After India was reduced to 0/2, Rahul and Gill’s partnership set the stage for Sundar and Jadeja’s unbeaten stand. Sundar’s coach highlights his resilience and work ethic, overcoming past injuries to achieve this milestone.
19-year-old Divya Deshmukh on Monday, won the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia. She defeated Koneru Humpy in the final. This victory secured her final Grandmaster norm. She is now the fourth Indian woman to become a GM. Divya’s performance showcased preparation and fearless play. This win marks a significant step for Indian chess.
Arshdeep Singh is poised to make his Test debut for India in the fifth Test against England, having recovered from a hand injury. The team management had planned to include him in the previous Tests, and his inclusion will likely lead to a rejig of the bowling combination, potentially alongside Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
KL Rahul has shone brightly in the Test series against England, effectively filling the void left by Rohit Sharma. He has amassed 511 runs, including two centuries, averaging an impressive 63.88. Aakash Chopra lauded Rahul’s disciplined approach and vital contributions with Yashasvi Jaiswal, ensuring India hasn’t felt Rohit’s absence at the top.