Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India to be wary of tricky twilight conditions at upcoming Test: Sharma

Indian players will have to focus more on their batting during challenging twilight conditions in a pink ball day-night Test against England later this week, opener Rohit Sharma said Sunday.

Sharma's comments came on the heels of India's disastrous show in their last pink ball match against Australia in December.


The vaunted Indian side was skittled out for 36 -- their lowest-ever score in Test cricket -- as Australia romped home to an eight-wicket victory.

India and England are tied 1-1 in the current series and the third match beginning Wednesday will see the home team contesting in a day-night game once again.

The match will go ahead at Ahmedabad's revamped Sardar Patel stadium, the largest cricket venue in the world with a seating capacity of 110,000.

Sharma, who missed December's Adelaide game with an injury, said the conditions become tougher for batsmen when the sun is just about to set.

"It's a little challenging because the weather and light suddenly changes. You have to focus slightly more," he said.

"All our batters are aware that they have to be mindful of this session."

Stakes are high in the game for both India and England, who are vying with Australia to make it to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship at Lord's in June.

New Zealand have already qualified for the final.

But Sharma said India would try not to think too much about making it to the final and instead focus on the matches at hand.

"We are happy to qualify and play the final (at Lord's) but there are little steps to take before that. We have to focus on the two Test matches and see what happens after that," he said.

"It is important not to focus too far ahead as it adds too much pressure. We must stay in the present and focus on the job at hand."

The swashbuckling batsman also defended the turning pitch that India dished out for the second Test in Chennai.

"Pitch is same for both the teams, I don't know why it is discussed so much. Everyone takes advantage of home conditions."

More For You

Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rugby Premier League

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. (Photo: Rugby Premier League India)

Rugby Premier League India

Rugby Premier League aims to revive Indian rugby through new sevens league

NEARLY 150 years after the closure of the Calcutta Football Club led to the creation of rugby's oldest international trophy, a new sevens-format league has been launched this month to help revive the sport in India.

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. The tournament follows rule variations suited to television broadcasts.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Beckham

Beckham’s arm surgery linked to an old injury from a 2003 football match

Getty Images

David Beckham hospitalised for arm surgery after years of pain from old football injury

Quick highlights:

  • David Beckham had surgery on his right arm following years of discomfort from a 2003 injury.
  • Victoria Beckham posted a hospital photo with the caption “Get well soon Daddy.”
  • Doctors removed a pin that failed to dissolve from an earlier procedure.
  • Fans flooded social media with support as Beckham begins recovery.

David Beckham has undergone surgery on his right arm after enduring years of pain from an old football injury. The former England captain was admitted to hospital this week, where doctors corrected a long-standing issue stemming from a 2003 match against South Africa. Beckham is now recovering, with his wife Victoria offering fans a glimpse into his post-op condition through an Instagram update.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jofra Archer

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Getty Images

Jofra Archer recalled for second Test against India

JOFRA ARCHER has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India, marking his return to the Test side after more than four years.

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Keep ReadingShow less