The last time England’s “Bazballers” faced Kuldeep Yadav, they found it tough to pick his length, variations, and to some extent, loop as well. He took 19 wickets in four Test matches on a “true wicket,” not a rank-turner, and turned the tide towards India after they were trailing 0-1 in the five-match series. Although Kuldeep won’t have fond memories of England, where he had a forgettable experience at Lord’s in 2018, at 30, with more maturity and improved skillsets, he can be India’s trump card.
Defending champions KKR faltered in IPL 2025 after Gautam Gambhir’s exit as mentor and Shreyas Iyer’s departure. Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy couldn’t replicate the previous success, with key players like Narine and Russell underperforming. The team struggled to find replacements for Starc and Salt, leading to a disappointing season.
Virender Sehwag playfully commented on Rohit Sharma’s struggles in the IPL powerplay, noting that a slower start might help him stay at the crease longer, given his tendency to get out early. Rohit’s recent form includes only three scores above 50 in 13 innings, with nine dismissals during the powerplay.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru aims for a top-two finish for the first time since 2016 as they face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league game. RCB needs a win to secure second place, while LSG, despite inconsistency, remains a dangerous opponent with key players returning. The pitch favors spinners and pace variations, with teams preferring to chase.
Punjab Kings secured a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 after defeating Mumbai Indians by seven wickets, marking their first playoff appearance in 11 years. Priyansh Arya’s composed innings and Josh Inglis’ explosive half-century propelled Punjab to victory. A viral moment occurred when Mumbai owner Akash Ambani was seen in conversation with Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer during the match.
Magnus Carlsen defeated D Gukesh in the Norway Chess tournament, showcasing his endgame skills. Hikaru Nakamura also secured a win against Fabiano Caruana. Arjun Erigaisi triumphed over Wei Yi in an Armageddon game after a draw. In the women’s category, Koneru Humpy defeated R. Vaishali in an all-Indian match.
Anil Kumble supports Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s Test captain despite acknowledging the difference between franchise and national leadership. Kumble recognises the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin will mark a significant transition for the team and fans.
Rafael Nadal’s tribute at the French Open was a memorable event, highlighted by the presence of his greatest rivals: Federer, Djokovic, and Murray. Nadal shared anecdotes about their camaraderie and the competitive spirit that pushed them to achieve greatness. He expressed gratitude for the permanent imprint on Court Philippe Chatrier, a deeply emotional moment solidifying his legacy.
Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings, lauded Shreyas Iyer’s exceptional leadership as captain, highlighting his synergy with coach Ricky Ponting. She expressed excitement about playing the qualifier in Mullanpur and emphasized the team’s unwavering focus on winning for their loyal fans. Zinta acknowledged the uncontrollable aspects of the game but praised the team’s dynamic.