Wednesday, May 13
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra suggests Yashasvi Jaiswal holds an edge over Shubman Gill for a spot in India's Asia Cup squad. Chopra highlights Jaiswal's aggressive T20 style aligns better with the team's needs. He also raises concerns about accommodating Gill without disrupting the team's balance, especially with Sanju Samson's role as an opener complicating the situation.
Levon Aronian of the United States emerged victorious at the St. Louis Rapid and Blitz tournament, securing the title with a dominant performance and a prize of USD 40,000. World Champion D Gukesh of India finished in a tied sixth position after a mixed performance.
Karsan Ghavri has strongly criticised the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, deeming it disrespectful to Tiger Pataudi's legacy. He believes both Sachin Tendulkar and the BCCI should have firmly opposed the change. Under the new name, the series ended 2-2 between India and England.
Steve Smith lauded Jacques Kallis as cricket's greatest player, while acknowledging Sachin Tendulkar as the best batter. Smith highlighted Kallis's all-round dominance and Tendulkar's unparalleled batting records. Smith himself is considered a modern great, with impressive Test statistics, placing him among the legends he admires.
Irfan Pathan revealed a heated exchange with Shahid Afridi during a 2006 flight from Karachi to Lahore. Afridi's initial taunt led to a verbal altercation, escalating when Pathan jokingly inquired about dog meat, implying Afridi had consumed it.
India's U20 women's rugby team, coached by Kiano Fourie, secured a historic bronze medal at the Asia Rugby U20 Championship 2025 in Rajgir, showcasing the potential of Indian women's rugby. Overcoming diversity, the team defeated Uzbekistan 12-5 in the bronze medal match.
Irfan Pathan has revealed the personal edge to his rivalry with Shahid Afridi, stemming from Afridi's dismissive comments about Pathan's identity early in his career. Pathan admitted that Afridi's words fueled his determination to dismiss him, which he achieved 11 times across formats, including key moments like the 2007 T20 World Cup final.
M Pranesh clinched the Challengers title at the Chennai Grand Masters 2025, securing a spot in next year's Masters. Vincent Keymer dominated the Masters section, defeating Ray Robson and earning ₹25 Lakhs. The tournament, now a leading classical chess event in India, saw significant final-day developments and determined participants for future competitions.
Jacob Bethell, the 21-year-old all-rounder, is set to become England's youngest-ever men's cricket captain, breaking a 136-year-old record. He will lead the team against Ireland in three Twenty20s in Dublin next month. England men's selector Luke Wright stated that Bethell's leadership qualities have impressed since joining the England squads, and this series will further develop his skills.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has mandated SRY gene tests for female athletes aiming to compete in the World Championships in Tokyo, following new regulations approved by World Athletics. This testing, starting with qualified athletes and those close to qualifying, will be conducted at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) to ensure compliance.
