Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India can win on any track, says Kohli

SKIPPER Virat Kohli said today (29) that India can win on all kinds of pitches against any side after the hosts hammered England in the third Test to take an unbeatable 2-0 series lead.

India, who are often criticised for preparing rank turners at home, savoured their eight-wicket win in the third Test at Mohali on a track which proved to be sporting.


The Indian bowlers put up a combined effort to counter the England batting from the very start after they bowled out the visitors for 283 in their first innings.

The world’s number-one ranked Test team played consistent cricket on all the four days of play as the character of the pitch did not seem to alter for the entire duration.

“It’s exactly been 12 months that I was asked a question about (are) we playing on ‘unfair pitches’ and the question has turned (on) itself,” Kohli said, referring to the pitch debate during last year’s South Africa series.

India won the four-match series against South Africa 3-0 with two games finishing inside three days on tracks, in Mohali and Nagpur, that turned square.

However the current five-match series has witnessed some good pitches in Rajkot, Visakhapatnam and Mohali with the hosts registering two straight wins after a hard-fought draw in the first game.

The wins against England have come after the hosts whitewashed New Zealand at home in September-October with the pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens assisting the fast bowlers.

“We did well to get results our way. Even when in Kolkata (against New Zealand), we showed that we don’t want dry square turners, we have enough skill to play good cricket and win against any team in the world,” said Kohli.

“That’s the belief we have created in the chang(ing) room. That can only happen when you are not bothered about what’s happening outside that door and focus on your own skills.”

Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami gave India some crucial wickets in the first and second innings as he returned with impressive match-figures of 5-100 in a spin dominated bowling line-up.

“He has become more aware of what he wants to do and what he has to do, to be a good Test bowler. He is making those important breakthroughs throughout the game, even Umesh (Yadav) as well,” Kohli said of his pacers.

Shami also got praise from England skipper Alastair Cook, who was not at all surprised by his good showing.

“We have always known he is a good bowler. Played a lot against him and his record in the sub-continent is actually excellent,” said Cook.

India are halfway through their bumper 13-test home season and Kohli was particularly happy with the depth of his bowling resources.

“It boosts your confidence up a notch when you have quality bowlers in reserve as well. As a captain you always feel you can ask your main guys to push themselves in every game,” he said.

“We still have (pacemen) Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar waiting for their chance, even spinner Amit Mishra is not playing. The good thing is whoever is playing is standing up and making his presence felt.”

The fourth match is in Mumbai and scheduled to start December 8.

More For You

Bengaluru youth train at Spurs

Kickstart players at at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground.

Bengaluru youth train at Spurs as part of development partnership

A GROUP of young footballers from Bengaluru trained at Tottenham Hotspur’s facilities in London this week as part of the club’s partnership with Kickstart FC.

The visit included technical training sessions delivered by Tottenham's Global Football Development coaches, health and nutrition workshops, and matches against grassroots teams in the UK. Former Spurs captain Ledley King conducted a coaching masterclass during the programme.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek Overcomes McNally to Enter Third Round

The third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek rallies past McNally to reach Wimbledon third round

Summary

     
  • Swiatek battles back: Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
  • Early scare: McNally, ranked 208, came from 1-4 down to take the first set, capitalising on Swiatek’s struggles on grass.
  • Swift turnaround: Swiatek raised her aggression in the second set, dominating the rest of the match and losing just three more games.
  • Grand Slam consistency: The 23-year-old became only the third woman this century to reach the third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams.
  • Familiar foe: Swiatek and McNally were former junior doubles partners, winning the French Open girls' title together in 2018.


Keep ReadingShow less
Akash-Deep-Getty

Akash Deep gave away 12 runs in his first over but returned to bowl a double-wicket maiden in his second. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

England in trouble after Gill’s double century and Akash Deep’s early strikes

INDIA captain Shubman Gill scored his first Test double century as India posted 587 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. England were 77-3 at stumps, trailing by 510 runs.

Gill’s 269 was the foundation of India’s innings, before stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep removed two England batters in consecutive balls. Deep is playing in this match as Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is being rested. Bumrah is set to play only three of the five matches in this series due to a back injury.

Keep ReadingShow less
Novak Djokovic

His pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace

Getty Images

Novak Djokovic cruising as seeded players recover at Wimbledon

Summary

  • Sinner cruises through to third round
  • Draper stunned by inspired Cilic
  • Sixth-seeded Serbian swats aside home favourite Evans
  • Holder Krejcikova battles past American Dolehide
  • Rybakina and Swiatek both progress into third round

Novak Djokovic showed signs that he is easing into the old routine at Wimbledon as the seven-times champion sauntered into the third round on Thursday while Barbora Krejcikova also made it through as her title defence continued.

World number one Jannik Sinner also eased into round three as his pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace, the Italian thrashing Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1 6-1 6-3.

Keep ReadingShow less
IND vs ENG

Shree Charani of India (2R) celebrates the wicket of Amy Jones during the 2nd women's T20 match between England and India in Bristol on July 1, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India look to clinch maiden women's T20I series win against England

INDIA will look to secure their first women’s T20I series win over England when they play the third match of the five-game series on Friday. India currently lead the series 2-0.

England will be without their captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has been ruled out of the match due to a left groin injury.

Keep ReadingShow less