Sports

India’s 19-year-old chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the FIDE Women’s World Cup final. In a five-hour battle, she defeated third seed Tan Zhongyi, securing her first GM norm, a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, and $35,000. “I just need sleep,” she said.

Aakash Chopra voiced significant apprehension regarding Rishabh Pant’s injury during the fourth Test, labeling it potentially “serious.” Pant retired hurt after a blow to his foot, raising concerns about his return. Chopra cautioned that Pant’s absence, particularly with the new ball approaching, could severely impact India’s chances, emphasising the need for a substantial first-innings score…

Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised India’s team management for promoting Karun Nair to No. 3, arguing it negatively impacted his mindset. Ashwin praised Sai Sudharsan’s composed 61 in the fourth Test, highlighting his solidity and mental strength. Ashwin believes Sudharsan should own the No. 3 spot and also pointed out a technical area for improvement in…

At Old Trafford, India opted for an extra seamer due to overcast conditions, a decision that saw Shardul Thakur included in the playing XI. Sai Sudharsan’s impressive 61 stabilized the innings after Jaiswal and Rahul’s solid start, but a late collapse, triggered by Pant’s injury and Sudharsan’s dismissal, left India at 264/4.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan’s on-field camaraderie was highlighted during the fourth Test, with Jaiswal offering advice after a risky run. Sudharsan capitalized on his opportunity, scoring a fifty in his comeback game. India reached 264 for four at stumps, with contributions from KL Rahul and Jaiswal, while Jadeja and Thakur remained at the crease.

India’s Rishabh Pant suffered a painful foot injury during the fourth Test against England, casting a shadow over their campaign. After being struck on his right foot, Pant was visibly in agony and unable to put weight on it, raising concerns about a potential metatarsal injury.

Following Rishabh Pant’s foot injury during the fourth Test, Michael Vaughan suggested allowing substitutions for clear injuries to maintain competitive balance. Alastair Cook disagreed, raising concerns about potential abuse with less severe injuries like bruises. Pant sustained the injury while attempting a reverse sweep, leading to his retirement and raising questions about substitution rules.

Shubman Gill recently criticized England’s “spirit of the game” following a delay in their batsmen taking the field during the Lord’s Test. Nasser Hussain questioned Gill’s comments, but Dinesh Karthik defended Gill, emphasizing that the issue was the delay, not actions during the over.

Rishabh Pant’s innings was cut short on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England after a painful blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse-sweep. Scans were immediately conducted, and the BCCI is monitoring his progress. His injury has rattled the Indian camp, with Sai Sudharsan expressing concern. Liam Dawson from the England…