Tuesday, June 23
Young Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh triumphed over compatriot Harika Dronavalli in a thrilling tie-break, securing a spot in the FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals on Monday. Her victory sets up a clash with former world champion Tan Zhongyi of China. Grandmaster Koneru Humpy also advanced, guaranteeing India two players in the semifinals and a historic moment for Indian chess.
Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian off-spinner, expressed deep regret over the 2008 IPL incident where he slapped S. Sreesanth. He revealed a heart-wrenching encounter with Sreesanth's daughter, who expressed her dislike for him due to the incident.
Mohammed Siraj expresses his disappointment over India's narrow loss at Lord's. He recalls his dismissal and the emotions running high during the match. Siraj mentions his verbal exchange with Joe Root. He says he was trying to distract the batter. Siraj confirms he will maintain his aggressive approach in the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Former England pacer Steve Harmison feels that India might consider playing three spinners in their playing XI for the fourth Test against England in Manchester starting on Wednesday. India picked two spinners, namely Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the last two Tests in Edgbaston and at Lord's, winning the first and facing defeat at Lord's.
Ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England, Mohammed Siraj confirmed Jasprit Bumrah's participation while Akash Deep's fitness remains under assessment due to a groin issue. Siraj, a standout performer with 13 wickets in 3 matches, expressed his desire to seize opportunities and play for the country.
Monty Panesar believes India possesses a strong chance of winning the fourth Test against England if they concentrate on the fundamentals and effectively utilize the pitch conditions at Old Trafford. Trailing 1-2 in the series, India aims to level the score in Manchester with a win, to set up a thrilling series finale at The Oval.
Indian equestrian Anush Agarwalla, bound for the Paris Olympics, achieved his first dressage victory at the Jubilaumsturnier Hofgeismar Open riding Floriana. Scoring 69.891 percent, Agarwalla topped the competition, surpassing German riders Pia Piotrowski and Katharina Hemmer. This win marks Agarwalla and Floriana's initial success at the S level, achieved in only their second competition together.
Team India might debut fast bowler Anshul Kamboj in the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Kamboj practiced under the watchful eyes of coach Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel during Monday's net session. With Arshdeep Singh injured and Akash Deep potentially unfit, Kamboj could fill the void in India's depleted pace attack for this must-win match.
A major controversy has struck the Indian badminton squad at the World University Games in Germany, as administrative errors barred half the team from competing. Officials failed to properly register all twelve players, leading to accusations of career sabotage. Despite the setback, the six athletes who did compete secured a bronze medal.
The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, visited Manchester United amidst their Test series against England. Gautam Gambhir engaged in insightful discussions with the Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, focusing on team culture and adaptability. Both Gambhir and Gill emphasized the similar mindsets required in cricket and football, highlighting the importance of players adapting to team needs.
