Monday, May 11
Returning to the World Rapid & Blitz Championship in Doha, Magnus Carlsen isn't holding back – he has playfully resurrected the 'jeansgate' drama from last year in a recent social media post. With a nod to 'viral rage moments' and a commitment to tighter jeans, he teases a fun and defiant stance towards FIDE’s attire rules.
Mitchell Starc achieved a major milestone by taking his 100th Ashes wicket. He dismissed England's star batter Joe Root for a duck early in the match. This devastating spell put England on the back foot. Australia's bowlers showed strong pace and intensity. England's batting lineup faced early challenges on the first day of the Ashes series.
The FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa is nearing its end. Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has spoken out against criticism of the tournament's conditions. He highlights Goa's beauty and excellent hospitality. Gujrathi also discusses his friendship with Anish Giri and his own journey with burnout. He will next play in the Global Chess League 2025.
India A's Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign ended in a shocking Super Over loss to Bangladesh A, marred by a controversial decision to omit in-form batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite a late collapse from Bangladesh forcing the tie, India's Super Over batting imploded, scoring zero runs. This strategic blunder proved catastrophic, leading to their elimination.
Ben Stokes starred with a sensational five-wicket haul on a dramatic Ashes opening day in Perth, where a staggering 19 wickets tumbled. England, bowled out for 172 despite fifties from Brook and Pope, fought back with the ball. Australia faltered to 123 for 9, trailing by 49 at stumps, with Stokes leading the English charge.
Haryana's Nikhil Kashyap is the lone off-spinner in the top 20 wicket-takers’ list in this season's Ranji Trophy. With 24 wickets in five matches, the 25-year-old, in his debut season, has set the Ranji Trophy on fire. He is ninth on the leading wicket-takers list and, with his tall frame, is someone selectors can keep a close eye on for the future.
India's frequent batting order changes, particularly at number 3, have drawn criticism. Former batter Aakash Chopra questions the team's long-term vision, citing Washington Sundar's promotion over Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Chopra emphasizes prioritizing pure batting skills for the top order, suggesting recent experiments have been futile without clear strategy and consistency.
An off-field storm has erupted in the Ashes as former England spinner Monty Panesar fiercely responded to stand-in Australia skipper Steve Smith's mockery of his Celebrity Mastermind appearance. Panesar branded Smith's comments as proof of mental vulnerability, suggesting England had already gotten inside the Australian captain's head ahead of the series opener.
