India’s Spin Woes Exposed as New Zealand Levels ODI Series

Rajkot: India’s second ODI against New Zealand ended in a 285-run chase for the visitors, leaving the series tied 1-1 and raising tough questions about India’s spin strategy. The spotlight fell squarely on India’s two-spinner combination, which struggled to contain a dominant New Zealand middle order led by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 131. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged that execution, rather than effort, cost India the match. He suggested that team management may have misread the pitch conditions, which became more favorable for spin later in the evening. Spin Strategy…

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Neymar Extends Santos Contract Until 2026, Keeps World Cup Comeback Dream Alive

Brasilia: Brazilian football star Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026, the club confirmed on Tuesday, as the 33-year-old forward continues his bid to return to full fitness and push for a place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Neymar rejoined his boyhood club Santos in January 2025 and played a decisive role in helping them retain their place in Brazil’s top division. The forward found form at a crucial stage of the season, scoring five goals in the final five matches…

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Dhruv Jurel Replaces Injured Rishabh Pant for New Zealand ODI Series

Mumbai: Dhruv Jurel has been named as the injury replacement for Rishabh Pant in India’s squad for the three-match one-day international series against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed. Pant has been ruled out of the series after sustaining a right-side strain during a practice session at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday. According to the BCCI, the wicketkeeper-batter experienced sudden discomfort in his right lateral abdominal region while batting in the nets. He was immediately taken for medical evaluation,…

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At 37, Virat Kohli Redefines His ODI Game to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Mumbai: At an age when most cricketers begin to slow down, Virat Kohli is doing the opposite—reshaping his one-day international game to remain a decisive force for India. The veteran batter showcased this evolution with a match-winning innings against New Zealand, underlining how adaptability has become the cornerstone of his longevity. Batting at number three, Kohli struck a fluent 93 off 91 balls as India successfully chased a challenging target of 301, sealing a four-wicket win in Vadodara. After the early loss of Rohit Sharma, Kohli chose intent over caution,…

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DURBAN’S SUPER GIANTS WIN A THRILLER AT ST GEORGE’S PARK TO STAY IN PLAYOFFS CONTENTION

Gqeberha: SA20 served up yet another nail-biting encounter on Sunday with Durban’s Super Giants edging home by two wickets over Sunrisers Eastern Cape at St George’s Park. DSG’s victory with three balls to spare not only kept their playoff chances alive and kicking by moving past MI Cape Town into fifth place, but it has also created a bun fight at the top of the League table. Only four points separate first-placed Sunrisers (19) and Paarl Royals (15) in fourth place, although the Royals have played one game less. Super…

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“Batting at Number Five and Six Has Helped Me Understand My Game More” – KL Rahul

Mumbai: India secured a thrilling win in the 1st ODI against New Zealand, led by Virat Kohli’s brilliant 93, Shubman Gill’s crucial fifty, and KL Rahul’s composed finishing. Speaking on JioHotstar’s Amul Cricket Live, Rahul, along with JioStar experts Irfan Pathan and Aakash Chopra, reflected on India’s middle-order mastery and the impact of experience and adaptability in high-pressure chases. KL Rahul explained how batting in the middle order has refined his understanding of the game: “I walk in and look at the scoreboard to see what’s needed. Opening gives you…

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“Nandni Sharma’s Five-Wicket Haul and Hat-Trick Kept Delhi Capitals in the Game” – Saba Karim

Mumbai: The TATA WPL 2026 delivered yet another nail-biting contest as Gujarat Giants narrowly defeated Delhi Capitals, featuring standout individual performances and edge-of-the-seat moments. Speaking on JioStar’s Match Centre Live, experts Saba Karim, Anjum Chopra, and Katey Martin highlighted key contributions from Sophie Devine, Nandni Sharma, and emerging Indian talent, reflecting on the increasing quality and competitiveness of the league. Saba Karim praised Devine’s calm under pressure in the final over: “Hats off to Sophie Devine for keeping her nerve. Defending just seven runs in the last over, she dismissed…

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Champions Back Champions in JioStar’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Film

Mumbai: JioStar, the official broadcast and digital partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026, has unveiled a unique campaign that flips the script: reigning ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup champions Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma are rallying support for India’s men’s team in a first-of-its-kind promotional film. The film opens with Rodrigues reflecting on India’s historic Women’s World Cup victory, before calling on fans to shift focus to the men’s team as they chase glory. Verma and Sharma join in, emphasizing that…

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“Would Love to See Another Masterclass from Nadine de Klerk” – Katey Martin

Mumbai: JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live recently featured expert analysis from Katey Martin and Anjum Chopra ahead of the exciting clash between UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Katey Martin predicted a high-intensity encounter, praising UP Warriorz’s match-winners and backing them to respond strongly after their season opener. “The first game was about UP coming together as a team. Meg Lanning is a new captain, figuring out her resources and how to use them. We might see different bowling roles in the powerplay this time. UP have so many match-winners—I…

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Anurag Singh, Ashmita Chandra Win Gold at KIBG 2026 as Competitive Open Water Swimming Gains Ground in India

New Delhi: For decades, open water swimming in India was largely associated with endurance-driven expeditions—solitary, grueling journeys aimed at conquering challenges such as the English Channel or marathon sea swims. Legendary swimmers like Mihir Sen and Bula Choudhury etched their names into history by transforming these feats into symbols of courage and resolve. Routes such as Dharamtar to the Gateway of India became aspirational milestones for aspiring swimmers. Over time, however, regulatory changes—such as age restrictions for English Channel attempts—curtailed opportunities for young talents, shifting many athletes away from the…

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