Friday, July 10
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket after a remarkable 14-year career, amassing 9230 runs, including 30 centuries. He and his wife, Anushka Sharma, were spotted at the Mumbai airport shortly after the announcement. Kohli, India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins, expressed gratitude for the game and his experiences, stepping away with a heart full of gratitude.
Following the agreement between India and Pakistan, the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) have become the first Indian Premier League (IPL) team to restart training. The current table-toppers began their preparations on Sunday evening at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended on Friday after cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.
Michael Vaughan has ignited debate by advocating for Virat Kohli to captain India in the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20. Vaughan proposed Shubman Gill as Kohli's deputy, envisioning a blend of Kohli's experience and Gill's youthful talent to guide India through a transitional phase in Test leadership.
Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid in a thrilling 4-3 El Clasico, significantly boosting their La Liga title hopes. Despite a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick, Barcelona's Raphinha (2), Lamine Yamal, and Eric Garcia secured the win. This victory extends Barcelona's lead to seven points with three games left.
The India-Pakistan conflict has cast a shadow over the IPL, causing mixed reactions from overseas players. While some, like Punjab Kings' coach Ricky Ponting, are staying, others have left due to security concerns after a halted match. The BCCI is urging teams to reassemble for the remaining games, but some players are hesitant.
The cricketing fraternity is appealing to Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported Test retirement. Mohammad Kaif urged Kohli to play the upcoming England series, echoing sentiments from legends like Brian Lara and Navjot Singh Sidhu. They emphasised Kohli's importance to the team, especially with recent retirements, highlighting his invaluable experience and the nation's pride at stake.
India Women secured the Tri-Nation ODI series title, defeating Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final. Smriti Mandhana's brilliant century propelled India to a formidable 342/7. Sri Lanka's chase faltered against disciplined Indian bowling, with Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur leading the charge as they were eventually bowled out for 245.
