Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India face welcome dilemma with return of skipper Kohli

India face welcome dilemma with return of skipper Kohli

Virat Kohli will return to lead India in the second Test against top-ranked New Zealand on Friday, posing a welcome selection dilemma for the hosts.

The Mumbai clash will mark Kohli's return after he stepped down as Twenty20 captain at the end of the World Cup last month and took a short break.


Shreyas Iyer's 105 and 65 in his debut Test, which ended in a draw in Kanpur against the Black Caps, has made it tough for Indian selectors to decide on their final XI.

"I think it's a good problem to have," Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said Wednesday.

"We have so much talent -- speaks a lot about the state Indian cricket is in, and with youngsters coming up, we want to give them the opportunity.

"Someone like Shreyas comes in, gets a hundred and follows it up with a fifty, and that's fabulous. But sometimes you also have to go in with combinations that suit that particular wicket."

Ajinkya Rahane, who led India in the first Test of the two-match series, has struggled to score runs and averaged under 20 across 12 matches this year.

Top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has made promising starts but failed to convert them into bigger scores.

"We know that they (Rahane and Pujara) have a lot of experience behind them, they have played enough cricket," said Mhambrey.

"We also know as a team that they are one inning away from coming good, so as a team, we are backing them.

"We know the value they bring to the team."

- Emotional for Patel -

New Zealand, the world Test champions after beating India in the title clash in June, denied the hosts a win in an enthralling five days of play in the opening match.

The final pairing of Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel survived in dimming light as gutsy New Zealand held on for a memorable draw.

In Mumbai, Patel returns to his city of birth and where he played lot of cricket before his parents moved to New Zealand.

The 33-year-old spinner said he looked forward to playing at Wankhede Stadium, with many of his relatives watching from the stands.

"Definitely it is emotional," he said.

"I have come to Wankhede and watched a lot of IPL games... and I bowled to Mumbai a few times in their training sessions. It is pretty cool and quite nostalgic."

Patel, who has played 10 Tests for New Zealand since his 2018 debut, said it was the first time his relatives in Mumbai would be able to watch him play in person.

"Even back home my parents still haven't watched me play Test cricket," said the spinner, who claimed three wickets in the first match.

"Hopefully sometime soon they will be able to come and watch me as well."

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less