Friday, June 12
Mahendra Singh Dhoni addressed Chennai Super Kings' disappointing IPL season, acknowledging the need for a squad overhaul. Despite speculation about his retirement, Dhoni emphasised the importance of addressing the team's weaknesses and starting afresh next season. He highlighted the significance of consistent performance and learning from past mistakes to rebuild CSK's competitiveness.
The Oval witnessed a fiery Day 2 between India and England, marked by intense on-field exchanges and 16 fallen wickets. Prasidh Krishna's banter with Joe Root escalated, requiring umpire intervention, while KL Rahul questioned Kumar Dharmasena's involvement. Akash Deep's unusual send-off to Ben Duckett drew criticism from England's batting coach, Marcus Trescothick, highlighting the day's heightened tensions.
Glenn McGrath acknowledges Jasprit Bumrah's unique bowling style places extra stress on his body, leading to tough workload management decisions for India. McGrath emphasizes the need for Bumrah to play as much as possible due to his match-winning ability, but also highlights the importance of an off-season to prevent injuries.
Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been banned from technical areas for the remainder of the Leagues Cup and Inter Miami fined after Cheuko intervened in a postgame confrontation with Atlas players. The disciplinary committee cited improper conduct for Cheuko entering restricted areas without credentials.
England's batting coach downplayed on-field exchanges during a tense second day of the final Test, emphasizing the good spirit of the game. India's pacers fought back to dismiss England for 247, securing a narrow lead. Despite dropped catches and flared tempers, India ended the day at 75-2, holding a 52-run lead as the match remains finely poised.
Karun Nair marked his return to Test cricket after eight years with an unbeaten 52 on Day 1 of the fifth Test against England, his first fifty-plus score in nearly nine years. This comeback follows his remarkable 303 not out in 2016. Despite promising starts in previous matches, Nair's resilient innings helped India cross 200.
England's fielding woes resurfaced as Liam Dawson dropped Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was also earlier dropped by Harry Brook. India capitalized on these reprieves after dismissing England for 247, led by Siraj and Krishna's four-wicket hauls, restricting the host's lead to 23. India, aiming to level the series, will rely on Jaiswal to make the most of his second chance.
Divya Deshmukh's Grandmaster title highlights a gender disparity in Indian chess. Only four Indian women have achieved this rank, compared to over eighty men. Experts cite societal pressures, lack of support, and financial constraints as key factors. They emphasize the need for inclusive policies, coaching, and financial aid. This will encourage more women to pursue chess professionally.
