Tuesday, June 30
After Magnus Carlsen’s table-slam went viral following a loss to D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa called it an instinctive reaction — not ideal, but good for chess visibility. While praising Carlsen as the best, Praggnanandhaa reflected on his own breakthrough year, having won three major titles and rising to World No. 4 as he eyes a Candidates spot.
Shubman Gill's captaincy is under scrutiny following India's dramatic Test defeat in Leeds, despite dominating earlier phases of the match. Critics like David Lloyd point to tactical inexperience, while Alastair Cook urges patience, drawing parallels with Ben Stokes' initial leadership challenges.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius etched his name in South African cricket history by becoming the youngest to score a Test century, surpassing Graeme Pollock's record. His remarkable debut innings of 153 against Zimbabwe featured resilience after a controversial not-out decision and a shaky team start.
Smriti Mandhana celebrated her maiden T20I century, a remarkable 112, while captaining India against England at Trent Bridge, securing a 97-run victory. She acknowledged the format's challenges for her natural game and her ongoing efforts to enhance power-hitting. Mandhana also expressed confidence in fellow opener Shafali Verma's potential for a significant innings soon.
Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, has criticized FIFA for hosting the Club World Cup in the United States, citing weather-related disruptions. Saturday's match against Benfica was delayed for two hours due to lightning, ultimately lasting nearly five hours. Maresca questioned the suitability of the U.S. as a venue, pointing to extreme heat and multiple weather delays.
The Austrian Grand Prix faced a delayed start due to Carlos Sainz's car malfunction, leading to his eventual retirement. Lando Norris triumphed after a fierce battle with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished second. A first-lap collision forced Max Verstappen's retirement, shaking up the championship standings, with Piastri now leading Norris.
In 2024, Team India secured a memorable T20 World Cup victory, ending a decade-long drought in ICC knockouts. They remained unbeaten, defeating strong teams like Australia, Pakistan, and England. The final against South Africa saw India defend a total of 176, winning by seven runs.
Magnus Carlsen's Team Liquid welcomes the young Indian chess prodigy, R Praggnanandhaa, ahead of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Praggnanandhaa joins other Indian players in the esports arena, while Carlsen and other grandmasters have already secured their spots. Praggnanandhaa will compete in the Last Chance Qualifiers for a chance to participate in the tournament.
Steve Smith is poised to rejoin the Australian Test squad by Sunday for the second Test against West Indies in Grenada, following recovery from a finger injury. His return could bolster Australia's batting lineup, which showed vulnerabilities in the first Test. Smith has been progressing well in New York, and his participation hinges on his performance in upcoming net sessions.
Ravi Shastri predicts Shubman Gill will achieve great success as India's Test captain, praising his elegance and maturity. Shastri emphasizes the importance of giving Gill a three-year tenure to allow him to flourish. Prasidh Krishna highlights Gill's positive impact on the team, noting his effective bowler rotations and communication skills, creating a good atmosphere in the dressing room.
