In a surprise twist, India’s 2025 World Junior Champion Pranav Venkatesh has earned a wildcard entry to the prestigious 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss after defeating Kazakhstan’s GM Kazybek Nogerbek 1.5–0.5 in an unpublicised ‘Asian Wildcard Match’ in Al Ain, UAE. Pranav, who narrowly missed qualifying by rating, now joins an elite field chasing a spot in the 2026 Candidates.
R Ashwin has criticized Shubman Gill’s captaincy and Gautam Gambhir’s coaching during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, citing a “lack of game awareness.” Ashwin pointed out missed opportunities to utilize spinners effectively, particularly Washington Sundar, which he believes contributed to England’s advantage.
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is sidelined indefinitely due to a right leg muscle injury sustained during a Leagues Cup match against Necaxa. Medical tests confirmed the injury, and his return depends on his progress and response to treatment. Messi’s absence poses a challenge for Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign and their position in the Eastern Conference.
Nasser Hussain praises the feisty Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, highlighting memorable moments and the competitive spirit between the teams. He appreciates the series’ watchability and impact on Test cricket. However, Hussain criticizes the pitches for being too batting-friendly and the inconsistent scheduling with odd gaps between matches, suggesting a more balanced approach.
Stuart Broad criticized officials for halting play early on Day 4 of the fifth Test between India and England due to bad light, with England needing 35 runs to win and India requiring three wickets. Broad felt the decision was lazy, denying supporters a finish. England closed at 339 for 6, chasing 374, with Prasidh Krishna taking three wickets.
Hulk Hogan’s relationship with his daughter Brooke was strained before his death, with her husband, Steven Oleksy, revealing Hogan showed no interest in meeting his newborn twins, despite Brooke’s efforts to reconnect. The couple had moved to Florida to support Hogan, but he remained distant, leaving Brooke heartbroken by unanswered attempts to reconcile.
Hans Niemann sparked controversy by contrasting India’s robust support system for chess players with the alleged shortcomings of the American chess federation. This followed Divya Deshmukh’s historic FIDE Women’s World Cup win, celebrated with significant government recognition and financial rewards in India. Niemann suggests the diverging approaches will have clear consequences for chess talent development in the coming years.
England are on the verge of securing a series victory against India in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, needing just 35 runs with four wickets remaining. Joe Root and Harry Brook’s formidable partnership has put England in a commanding position. Sunil Gavaskar emphasises that only a win for India can level the series and acknowledge their superiority.
During the tense fourth day of the fifth Test, India’s captain Shubman Gill was overheard on the stump mic urging the injured Akash Deep to return to bowling. This occurred as England’s Joe Root and Harry Brook formed a formidable partnership, pushing England closer to victory. England ended the day at 339/6, needing only 35 more runs to win.
Jasprit Bumrah missed the fifth Test against England because of a knee injury. This decision was precautionary. Bumrah had a good series, taking 14 wickets. His absence raised concerns given his injury history. His participation in the Asia Cup and West Indies series is uncertain. England moved closer to a series win, with Joe Root and Harry Brook scoring centuries.