Monday, June 22
Prime Minister Modi announced the 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025' during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, emphasizing integrating sports into schools and colleges and supporting sports startups. The policy aims to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse, focusing on grassroots development, infrastructure, and technology.
Shikhar Dhawan faced scrutiny after a reporter questioned his participation in a potential India-Pakistan semi-final at the World Championship of Legends, a query he rebuffed due to his earlier withdrawal from a league match against Pakistan. This decision, influenced by public backlash, drew criticism from Pakistani ex-cricketers, adding tension to the possibility of a high-stakes semi-final clash.
Team India faces a tense final day in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, trailing by 137 runs. The weather forecast predicts rain, potentially disrupting play and influencing the match's outcome. While rain could help India secure a draw, intermittent breaks might favour England's pace attack, posing a challenge to India's batting lineup.
Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Ben Stokes for his conduct in offering a draw before the final hour, labeling it as behaving like a 'spoiled kid.' Jonathan Trott defended Stokes, citing common practice in England, but Manjrekar countered that the world doesn't play cricket the 'English way.
England's captain, Ben Stokes, offered a draw in the fourth Test, aiming to conserve his bowlers for an upcoming match due to fatigue. India declined, as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were approaching personal milestones. Jadeja later completed his century, and India's captain defended the decision, highlighting the importance of individual achievements.
Sanjay Manjrekar lauded KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's resilient 174-run partnership against England, highlighting their restraint and mental fortitude after India's shaky start. Despite their aggressive IPL backgrounds, they curbed instincts to bat time, showcasing remarkable discipline. Experts emphasise the critical nature of the first 30 minutes and the new ball on Day 5 for India's survival.
England dominated India in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, with Joe Root's impressive 150 putting them in a commanding lead. Jonathan Trott highlighted India's bowling struggles, particularly the lack of support for Bumrah. Shubman Gill faced a tough captaincy challenge on his first England tour. Sanjay Manjrekar urged India to fight back, despite the uneven bounce of the pitch.
India's batting coach Shitanshu Kotak lauded KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's resilient partnership on Day 4 against England, expressing optimism for saving the Test despite a 137-run deficit. Kotak confirmed Rishabh Pant will bat, while deflecting questions on Karun Nair's omission, emphasizing the team's focus on taking the final day hour by hour.
