Mark Butcher urges India to prioritise winning the Edgbaston Test over managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, emphasising the importance of leveling the series after England’s Headingley victory. Despite Bumrah’s desire to play at Lord’s, Butcher believes his presence is crucial at Edgbaston. Captain Gill confirms Bumrah’s availability, with a decision pending pitch assessment.
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appointing Azhar Mahmood as the interim Test team coach. Akmal questioned the logic behind this decision, drawing parallels to Mickey Arthur’s controversial role.
An Indian delegation officially presented Ahmedabad’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bid emphasises the opportunity for young Indians to experience the Olympics at home, promoting the principle of global unity. However, the IOC has paused the host selection process for review due to members’ concerns about involvement.
Ahead of the crucial second Test against England, Team India grapples with team composition uncertainties. Coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill engaged in intense discussions, focusing on the bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah’s likely absence and the choice between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav add to the dilemma.
Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive unbeaten 78 propelled Seattle Orcas to a thrilling four-wicket victory over San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. Chasing 169, Hetmyer’s innings, studded with seven sixes, secured the win in the final over. Earlier, Krishnamurthi’s 41 helped Unicorns post 168/5.
Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa has broken into the world’s top-4, securing the India’s number-one rank after his UzChess Cup victory. Magnus Carlsen remains world number one, while D Gukesh slipped to sixth. Fabiano Caruana climbed to third, and Anish Giri re-entered the top-10. In a historic shift, no Russian player is in the top-10.
A silent handshake between World Champion D Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen ignited anticipation for their upcoming clash at the Grand Chess Tour in Zagreb. This follows Gukesh’s earlier classical win against Carlsen, fueling a generational rivalry. They will compete in rapid and blitz games, with Gukesh aiming to improve his speed chess skills.
Wimbledon witnessed a shocking start with a record number of top-10 seeds, including Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev, exiting in the first round. Novak Djokovic battled through a stomach issue with the help of ‘miracle pills,’ while Alexander Zverev openly discussed his struggles with loneliness and mental health on tour.
Ravichandran Ashwin has advised the Indian bowlers to prioritise building pressure over aggressively seeking wickets in the upcoming Test against England. He anticipates England will cautiously play Jasprit Bumrah and then aggressively target the other bowlers with their ‘Bazball’ approach. Ashwin suggests India adopt a more defensive and containment-focused strategy to counter England’s aggressive batting style.
Real Madrid secured a FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final spot, defeating Juventus 1-0, thanks to Gonzalo Garcia’s header. The victory sets up a clash with either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey. Kylian Mbappe’s return from illness boosted Madrid. Despite Juventus’ initial energy, Madrid’s pressure paid off. Coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s resilience in the face of fatigue and challenging conditions.