Friday, May 08
India cricketer Smriti Mandhana has confirmed her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal is called off, following weeks of speculation. Teammate Jemimah Rodrigues has provided significant emotional support throughout the ordeal. Mandhana, however, remains focused on her cricket career, emphasising her commitment to representing India.
Shakib Al Hasan has admitted that extreme physical fatigue pushed him to intentionally chuck during an English County match for Surrey — a move that ultimately led to his bowling suspension. The left-arm spinner was banned from bowling in all competitions governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after independent testing at Loughborough University in December last year deemed his action illegal.
Australia secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over England at The Gabba, taking a 2-0 Ashes lead. Stand-in captain Steve Smith playfully deflected questions about a heated on-field exchange with Jofra Archer, stating it was 'none of your business'. The win was bolstered by strong performances from Mitchell Starc and a maiden five-wicket haul from Michael Neser.
Providing weight to the senior contingent, Virat Kohli emerged Player of the Series in the ODIs against South Africa, scoring two centuries and a fifty — a swift return to the highs he consistently reached from 2015 onwards. Rohit Sharma added a couple of fifties, underlining his enduring touch and class.
Defending champions Germany decisively ended India's Junior World Cup campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory in the semifinals. Despite a spirited effort, India's hopes were dashed by Germany's clinical finishing, with Lukas Kossel netting twice. India will now vie for bronze against Argentina, while Germany advances to face Spain in the final.
Former Indian opener Murali Vijay lauded MS Dhoni's unique leadership and instinctive decision-making, citing the 2007 T20 World Cup final over to Joginder Sharma as a prime example. Vijay highlighted Dhoni's powerful hitting and mental strength, emphasising his unparalleled range and out-of-the-box approach that led to India's victory. Dhoni will continue with CSK in the IPL until 2026.
South Africa's coach Shukri Conrad regrets using the word "grovel," acknowledging it overshadowed their historic Test win over India. He clarified no malice was intended, aiming only to describe India's defensive approach. Conrad also expressed disappointment in missing a chance to win both Test and ODI series, highlighting learnings from Indian stars like Kohli and Sharma for his young squad.
