Tuesday, May 05
World number one Aryna Sabalenka expresses sadness over criticism of her exhibition match with Nick Kyrgios. She clarifies the event was for fun and to highlight tennis's appeal. The match, held in Dubai, drew attention but also sparked debate. Sabalenka insists it was not about gender equality but showcasing the sport. Other players like Iga Swiatek questioned its necessity.
Sanjay Manjrekar expressed disappointment over Virat Kohli's Test retirement, especially after Joe Root's recent century. He believes Kohli should have fought harder to overcome his lean patch in red-ball cricket, finding his decision to continue in ODIs more perplexing. Manjrekar feels Kohli's fitness suggested a comeback was possible, lamenting the loss of a great Test player.
During that long nine-month layoff from the game, it was India women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar who lifted the spirits of the Himachal pacer with some useful 'pep talk.' Eventually, Renuka played a key role in India's 2025 World Cup triumph.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shattered Rishabh Pant's record, smashing a 15-ball fifty to lead India U-19 to an eight-wicket win over South Africa U-19. His explosive 68 off 24 balls, including 10 sixes, set up the chase before rain revised the target. This dominant performance seals the series for India.
The New Zealand whitewash also marked the end of India’s dominant Test era, which had been safeguarded by leaders like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma for over a decade. The loss cost a once well-settled Indian side a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final. The latest setback against South Africa could similarly jeopardize India’s berth in the marquee one-off Test championship clash, depending on upcoming results.
Kolkata has become a vibrant hub for world chess, hosting an elite rapid and blitz tournament with roots tracing back to a Dutch steel company's initiative in 1938. This annual spectacle, now in its seventh edition, showcases top international and Indian talent, fostering a strong sporting culture and engaging a passionate audience.
Travis Head's explosive 163 and Steve Smith's steady 129 powered Australia to a commanding 134-run lead over England on day three. Head's third century of the series, coupled with Smith's maiden hundred, put Australia in a dominant position. England, already having lost the Ashes, struggled to contain the Australian batsmen.
Australia's Steven Smith has become cricket's highest run-scorer against England, surpassing Don Bradman with his 37th Test century. This remarkable achievement places him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in all-time international runs against a single opponent. Smith's masterclass at the SCG further solidified his dominance in the Ashes.
Following the BCCI's directive to release Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, Bangladesh have announced their withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026 in India due to security concerns. The government has also suspended IPL broadcasts, sparking debate about separating politics from cricket.
