Brian Lara has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli, dismissing reports of the Indian star’s potential Test retirement. Lara believes Kohli’s continued presence is vital for Test cricket and predicts he will maintain a high average. With recent retirements in the Indian team, Kohli’s experience is seen as crucial during this transitional phase, as the cricket world awaits his decision.
Following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the BCCI is poised to resume the IPL 2025 by Thursday or Friday. Matches will be held across India, excluding Dharamsala, after the league’s suspension due to cross-border tensions. Overseas players will return to rejoin their teams, with the Delhi Capitals-Punjab Kings fixture potentially restarting.
Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported Test retirement, emphasizing the team’s need for his continued presence. Kohli, a pivotal figure in India’s Test dominance with over 9,000 runs, faces widespread appeals from fans and former players to extend his red-ball legacy.
Following the suspension of PSL 2025 due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions, Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain recounted the fear among foreign cricketers. Players like Daryl Mitchell vowed never to return to Pakistan after being safely evacuated to Dubai. Tom Curran was emotionally distraught, highlighting the severity of the situation, with a missile strike narrowly missing their departing flight.
Following the suspension of IPL 2025 due to escalating India-Pakistan border tensions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru confirmed their team’s safe return to Bengaluru, with players now heading home. The BCCI’s decision to halt the tournament stemmed from security concerns, leading to the cancellation of RCB’s match against LSG. Further details regarding the IPL’s continuation are expected soon.
With Rohit Sharma’s retirement and Virat Kohli’s expected departure, India faces a Test squad rebuild for the next World Test Championship cycle. KL Rahul is crucial in the middle order, while youngsters like Sai Sudharsan are making a strong case for selection.
In a shocking turn of events at the Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, the UAE defeated Qatar by 163 runs after all ten of their batters bizarrely retired out. Openers Esha Oza and Theertha Satish dominated with a 192-run partnership before the unusual strategy was implemented, reportedly due to a looming rain threat. Qatar then collapsed for just 29 runs.
At the BWF Taipei Open Super 300, Indian shuttlers Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda reached the semifinals. Shetty, a junior bronze medalist, lost to Chou Tien Chen, while Hooda, a previous Masters winner, was defeated by Tomoka Miyazaki. Despite strong starts and displays of skill, both Indians were overcome by their experienced opponents in closely contested matches.
Teenage sensation Anahat Singh delivered a stunning upset at the World Championship, defeating world No. 28 Marina Stefanoni in a thrilling five-game match. Abhay Singh also secured a notable victory, ousting world No. 25 Nicolas Mueller. Anahat now faces world No. 15 Fayrouz Aboelkheir, while Abhay is set to compete against world No.
Maheshwari Chauhan narrowly missed an Olympic medal. The shooter is using the loss as motivation. She faced another setback at the World Cup. Maheshwari is focused on future competitions. She aims to consistently reach finals and secure podium finishes. Her goals include the Asian Games and the World Championship. She is also aiming for the 2028 Olympics.