Manav Suthar has impressed in his first three Test matches, taking 23 wickets. His ability to generate drift and deceive batters is a significant strength. Ajinkya Rahane noted Suthar's effectiveness regardless of pitch conditions and his quick learning. Suthar's adaptability strengthens his prospects for a larger role in India's spin attack. The team faces a challenging series in New Zealand with different conditions.from Sports News: Cricket Live Scorecard, Latest Cricket News, Football, NBA, NFL, WWE, NHL, MLB News & More https://ift.tt/8CvjT25
José Mourinho has backed Kylian Mbappé for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that individual brilliance should outweigh team trophies. Mbappé’s record-breaking World Cup, plus his prolific La Liga and Champions League campaigns, strengthens his case. Mourinho insists the award should recognise the world’s best player rather than automatically rewarding those who win the Champions League or World Cup.
Jose Mourinho has challenged the traditional Ballon d’Or criteria, arguing that the award should recognise individual greatness rather than simply major trophies. The Real Madrid manager believes several of his players belong among the world’s elite, with Kylian Mbappé emerging as a leading contender after a remarkable 2025-26 season and outstanding World Cup performance.
India's ambitions for World Test Championship qualification took a blow following a drawn Test match in Colombo. This result denied them a chance to sweep the series against Sri Lanka. Cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth expressed concerns about the implications for the team's future. With only seven matches left, India must secure victories in at least six to stay in contention for the title.
India's spirited hockey fightback concluded with heartbreak against Belgium. The teams played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. Belgium ultimately prevailed in a tense penalty shootout after the match. India had initially taken the lead through Abhishek's early field goal. Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to force the shootout, but Belgium won.
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly requested to be substituted at half-time during Al-Nassr’s 3-2 comeback win over Al-Ettifaq, with Saudi journalist Khalid Al-Shanif claiming the star was “crying intensely” afterward. Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo was always scheduled to play 45 minutes as his fitness is managed. Ronaldo then watched from the bench as Al-Nassr overturned a two-goal deficit.
In a remarkable display of skill and tenacity, R Praggnanandhaa clinched victory at the Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis, overturning a daunting six-point deficit against renowned competitor Fabiano Caruana. This landmark win not only made him the first Indian champion of the Grand Chess Tour but also earned him a hefty prize of $200,000, solidifying his status in the chess world.
The Champions League draw is set, with 36 teams facing eight league-phase opponents each. Arsenal meet Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while Manchester City face PSG and Barcelona. Liverpool draw Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, and Manchester United return with Bayern Munich. Aston Villa also face PSG and Barcelona, setting up a league phase packed with blockbuster fixtures.
UEFA is seeking evidence in the United States as it considers criminal proceedings in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. UEFA alleges the proposal undervalued FIFA’s commercial assets, was developed secretly, and could have harmed FIFA and its members. The dispute intensifies pressure on Infantino ahead of FIFA’s 2027 presidential election.
India's prospects in the second Test against Sri Lanka loom uncertain as rain delays threaten their World Test Championship ambitions. A draw would see India slipping to fifth place, jeopardizing their path to the finals. With limited matches left, the team must secure victories to enhance their standing and continue competing at the highest level in the championships.
FIFA’s mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup have sparked criticism for disrupting match flow and turning halves into “quarters.” Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster fears commercial incentives could see similar breaks introduced in the Champions League and eventually the Premier League, despite the Premier League rejecting mandatory breaks for 2026-27.