Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India go for 'big match' experience in World Cup picks

INDIA on Monday (15) named a tried and tested squad for the World Cup led by Virat Kohli with selectors going for experience in all the slots for the marquee 50-over event.

Dinesh Karthik, 33, was given the second wicketkeeper's slot over rising 21-year-old star Rishabh Pant, ending days of speculation over the role.


Vijay Shankar's inclusion means he will probably be the first choice number four batsman, a position which India has struggle to fill permanently.

Karthik has not been on form in recent games, but selectors said they value his performance under pressure over the years.

"Definitely it's a case where we debated at length. We went ahead with Karthik because of his experience in big matches," chief selector M.S.K. Prasad told a news conference.

"We have seen Karthik finishing matches under pressure. Pant is full of talent, there's a lot of time for him and it's just unfortunate that he has missed out."

Karthik was part of the Indian squad for the 2007 World Cup but was overlooked for 2011 and 2015.

The selectors however made it clear that former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, 37, would remain first-choice wicketkeeper.

"In an important game, wicketkeeping is also important. Karthik will only play in case of an injury to Dhoni," Prasad said.

Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar said Pant could have been an exciting option but backed the selectors.

"On a morning when say, (Dhoni) has flu and can't play, you want somebody who is a better wicket-keeper. I think Karthik's wicketkeeping skills, more than anything, have won him this place," he told India Today.

The veteran Dhoni led India to World Cup glory at home in 2011 and would be playing in his fourth tournament.

All-rounder Shankar, who made his one-day debut this year, was also named for the tournament to be held in England and Wales and starts on May 30.

The 28-year-old would probably be the number four batsman, a position in the 15-member squad that had been difficult to fill, according to Prasad. India have tried 11 different number fours since 2017.

Shankar's "three-dimensional qualities" worked in his favour when pitted against Ambati Rayudu who has been struggling recently.

"Apart from his batting, he can bowl if the conditions are suitable. If the conditions are overcast, which we might encounter in England, he might bowl a bit and he's a fantastic fielder."

In the fast bowling department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was set to be back-up pacer to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in the big games.

India, ranked number two behind England in one-day games, reached the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup where they lost to Australia.

India squad:

Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, K.L. Rahul, Vijay Shankar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami.

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