Sports

Shastri Selects His XI as India Prepares for a New Chapter in Test Cricket

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2025

With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, India embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of 25-year-old Shubman Gill. He will head an 18-member squad for a challenging first assignment: a five-match away series against World No. 2 England, kicking off a new World Test Championship cycle.

As the Indian team prepares for the opening Test at Leeds, which commences on June 20, former head coach Ravi Shastri advocates for a left-right combination at the top and supports KL Rahul’s promotion to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

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On The ICC Review, Shastri provided his insights on the ideal XI for the first match.

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“I see Yashasvi Jaiswal opening alongside KL Rahul, who is vital for this tour given his experience,” Shastri remarked, citing Rahul’s past performance in England.

“Last time India toured there, he opened the innings and scored a century, so I hope to see him take the crease again.”

For the critical No. 3 position, Shastri selected the uncapped Sai Sudharsan. “I believe Sai is very impressive and this tour will offer him valuable experience,” he mentioned.

In Shastri’s lineup, the new Test captain takes the No. 4 spot, with Gill stepping into the role after 32 Test matches. He was previously edged out of the lineup during India’s series in Australia but returned to No. 3 when Sharma was absent from the final Test.

Below the captain, Shastri sees Karun Nair, depending on current form, as a key inclusion, given Nair’s county experience and recent recall.

“Most likely, Karun Nair will bat at five, having not played for India for some time, closely followed by Rishabh Pant at six,” Shastri detailed.

Emphasizing Nair’s domestic consistency, Shastri noted, “He has put in considerable effort to return to the side and has been prolific in first-class cricket. I advised him to make a strong case for his selection.”

Shastri also outlined his preferred bowling lineup, highlighting Ravindra Jadeja as the first-choice spinner at No. 7 and discussing the seam-bowling all-rounder position.

“I would opt for three fast bowlers alongside Shardul Thakur. The choice between Shardul and Nitish Reddy will depend on their bowling load, considering Reddy’s ability to contribute significant overs.”

For the pace attack, Shastri chose experienced bowlers: “My three fast bowlers would be Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.”

However, he recognized that weather conditions could sway selections: “If it’s overcast in Leeds, there could be a case for including left-armer Arshdeep Singh. So it might be Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep, with Siraj and Bumrah expected to play as well.”

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.