Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Liverpool FC reveal adidas-designed home and away kits for the 2025–26 season
Home kit features a traditional all-red design
Away kit includes historical detailing and a Liver bird shield emblem
Design inspired by Anfield’s Main Stand, first built in 1906
Both kits are now available for closer viewing through official club imagery
Classic red meets heritage-inspired design in Liverpool's new kits
Close-up images released by the club reveal finer details in both kitsLFC
Liverpool Football Club have officially unveiled their new adidas home and away kits for the 2025–26 season. The new designs highlight both tradition and heritage, incorporating clean lines and historical references.
The home kit sticks to the club’s roots with a simple and bold all-red colourway—an enduring symbol of Liverpool’s identity on the pitch.
In contrast, the away kit pays tribute to the club’s early history, with design cues drawn from Anfield’s Main Stand structure from 1906. Most notably, the kit features a Liver bird shield emblem, reflecting the architecture of that original stand.
The home kit sticks to the club’s roots with a simple and bold all-red colourwayLFC
Closer look reveals design craftsmanship
Close-up images released by the club reveal finer details in both kits. The texture, stitching, and subtle flourishes—particularly in the away shirt’s heritage elements—emphasise adidas’ craftsmanship and attention to detail.
An enduring symbol of Liverpool’s identity on the pitch.LFC
Supporters can now view both kits in full through Liverpool FC’s official channels, ahead of the upcoming season.
KHALID JAMIL made history on Friday (1) by becoming the first Indian to lead the national football team as head coach in 13 years, beating Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic to secure the position.
The last Indian to serve as head coach of the men's national team was Savio Medeira, who held the role from 2011 to 2012.
The 48-year-old Jamil, who famously guided unfancied Aizawl Football Club to the I-League title in 2017, faces the challenging task of reversing the struggling Indian team's declining fortunes.
A former India international currently managing Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, Jamil was selected by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee after being shortlisted by the technical committee led by legendary striker IM Vijayan.
An AFC Pro Licence Diploma holder, Jamil will succeed Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted company with the AIFF last month following India's recent struggles.
"The AIFF ExCo has picked Khalid Jamil as the new head coach, but his tenure has not yet been decided. We will do that after discussions with him and amongst ourselves," AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said after the meeting.
"Jamil wanted a three-year tenure. Some ExCo members said it could be one year or two years. But it will be a long-term tenure, maybe two or three years, and performance-based."
The AIFF president made it clear that Jamil will be a full-time national team head coach and will not be associated with any other club, unlike his predecessor Manolo who had played a dual role with ISL side FC Goa. "Jamil will only be head coach of the national team," Chaubey confirmed.
Jamil's first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29. He faces the tough task of reversing India's poor recent performances after losing 1-0 to lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, leaving the country in danger of missing out on qualifying for the continental showpiece in 2027.
Following the CAFA Nations Cup, India will play AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches against Singapore on 9 and 14 October.
The biggest achievement of Jamil's decade-long managerial career was leading Aizawl FC to the 2016-17 I-League title, upstaging big-spending giants like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC with a minimal budget. The unassuming Mumbaikar also guided NorthEast United (2020-21) and Jamshedpur FC (2024-25) to the ISL play-offs.
Jamil received strong support from football legends. Vijayan favoured an Indian coach, noting that the country had a much higher FIFA ranking with Indian coaches like Sukhwinder Singh and Syed Nayeemuddin.
"He (Vijayan) strongly recommended Khalid Jamil, as he has already been conferred with the AIFF's Men's Coach of the Year Award on two occasions (2023-24 and 2024-25)," the AIFF said in a release.
Former India coach Amrando Colaco, currently adviser to Chaubey, and technical committee vice-chairperson Shabir Ali also advocated for an Indian head coach.
"Colaco and Mr Ali expressed their views that the AIFF should prioritise selecting an Indian coach for the senior men's national team... they believe that Indian coaches need to be given a fair chance to prove themselves," the AIFF said.
Former India players and current executive committee members Pinky Bompal Magar, Thongam Tababi Devi and Climax Lawrence also supported the decision.
"The house felt that since India are set to participate in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 later this month, followed by back-to-back AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October, Jamil would be a better option, since he has been working with Indian players on a regular basis," the AIFF explained.
The federation had received 170 applications, including from former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell.
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Shubman Gill makes his way back to the pavilion after being run out by Gus Atkinson during day one of the 5th Test between England and India at The Oval on July 31, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
GUS ATKINSON and Josh Tongue led England’s bowling as India reached 204-6 at stumps on the first day of the series decider at the Oval on Thursday.
Atkinson, playing on his Surrey home ground, took 2-31 in 19 overs and also ran out India captain Shubman Gill. Tongue, though inconsistent, delivered two key balls to finish with 2-47 in 13 overs. India need to win the match to level the five-Test series 2-2.
Karun Nair, returning to the side after being dropped following the third Test at Lord’s, was unbeaten on 52. Washington Sundar, who scored his maiden Test hundred in the previous match at Old Trafford, was on 19 not out at the close.
"It was a good day," Atkinson told the BBC. "There was pressure on the bowling side with the (helpful) conditions that were overhead. We didn't want to get too far ahead of ourselves."
Ollie Pope, captaining England in place of injured Ben Stokes, chose to bowl after winning the toss in overcast conditions on a green-tinged pitch.
Atkinson struck early, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw for two on review. Chris Woakes then dismissed KL Rahul for 14, the opener playing on while attempting a cut shot.
Gill came in with India at 38-2. He needed 53 more runs to surpass Sunil Gavaskar’s 1971 record of 774 runs in a series, but on 21 he was run out by Atkinson after slipping while attempting a risky single. Rain interrupted play with India at 85-3.
After the break, Sai Sudharsan, who made 38 off 108 balls, edged a late-moving Tongue delivery to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Ravindra Jadeja, out for nine, also edged Tongue to Smith after hitting a boundary the previous ball.
Dhruv Jurel, replacing the injured Rishabh Pant, was caught at second slip by Harry Brook off Atkinson for 19, leaving India at 153-6.
England suffered a setback late in the day when Woakes left the field with a shoulder injury while trying to stop a boundary. "It doesn't look great. I will be surprised if he takes any further part in the game," Atkinson said.
England said Woakes would be assessed overnight, with an update expected on Friday.
India made four changes, leaving out Jasprit Bumrah, who had been limited to three games in the series due to a back injury.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Captains Ollie Pope and Shubman Gill shake hands at the toss during day one of the 5th Test between England and India at The Oval on July 31, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test at the Oval on Thursday. England stand-in captain Ollie Pope won the toss and chose to field.
Bumrah, who has been managing a back injury this year, was limited to three matches in the current series.
The 31-year-old played his third game in the drawn third Test at Old Trafford, where he bowled 33 overs, taking two wickets while conceding 100 runs for the first time in a Test innings.
India, needing a win in south London to level the five-match series 2-2, opted not to play Bumrah in the decider.
Both teams made four changes each for the match, after a tight schedule of five Tests in 44 days.
Bumrah and pacer Anshul Kamboj were replaced by Akash Deep, who took 10 wickets in India’s third-Test win at Edgbaston, and Prasidh Krishna.
Karun Nair came in for Shardul Thakur, while Dhruv Jurel replaced wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who broke his foot in Manchester.
England announced their team on Wednesday. Captain Ben Stokes, the series’ leading wicket-taker, was ruled out with a shoulder injury from the third Test.
Jacob Bethell makes his first Test appearance of 2025, replacing Stokes.
Pacers Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton were included, with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse rested.
Liam Dawson was dropped, leaving England without a specialist spinner.
Teams
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (capt), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wkt), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wkt), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK), Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) TV Umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)
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Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and selector Ajit Agarkar look at the pitch during a net session at The Oval on July 30, 2025 in London.
ENGLAND and India will meet at the Oval on Thursday for the fifth and final Test of a tightly contested series. The hosts lead 2-1, while India will look to level the contest after forcing a draw in Manchester.
England captain Ben Stokes will miss the fifth and final Test against India at the Oval starting Thursday due to a shoulder injury. Vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead the side with England holding a 2-1 lead in the series.
Stokes has been England’s most influential player in the series, bowling 140 overs and taking 17 wickets, the highest tally on either side. However, scans revealed a significant tear in his right shoulder. The England and Wales Cricket Board said he could require up to 10 weeks to recover.
"I am obviously disappointed to not be able to finish the series," Stokes said on Wednesday. "I have got a decent tear of one of the (shoulder) muscles I can't pronounce. Bowling was ruled out as soon as we got the scan results."
India captain Shubman Gill said Stokes’ absence would be felt. "A big miss definitely for England," he said. "Whenever he comes on to bowl or in to bat, he always makes things interesting. He always makes something happen."
England have made four changes for the decider. Jacob Bethell will debut, replacing Stokes as the spin-bowling all-rounder. Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come in, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are rested. Liam Dawson has been dropped, leaving Bethell and Joe Root with spin duties.
India weigh Bumrah's workload
India will decide whether to play Jasprit Bumrah, who has already featured in three Tests despite a back injury earlier this year. Bumrah bowled 33 overs on a slow Old Trafford pitch and has had little recovery time.
Coach Gautam Gambhir said all of India’s quicks, including Akash Deep, are fit for the finale. Deep took 10 wickets in the second Test win at Edgbaston but suffered a groin injury at Lord’s.
England’s bowling options tested
England’s bowlers struggled in Manchester, taking only four wickets in India’s second innings as the visitors batted out 143 overs to secure a draw. With Stokes missing, the hosts will rely heavily on their pace attack.
Gill closes in on record
Shubman Gill continues to lead India’s batting. The 25-year-old scored his fourth century of the series in Manchester, rescuing India from 0-2 with a knock of 103 off 238 balls. He has already set a new record for most runs by an India batter in a series against England with 722, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 712 in 2023/24.
Gill could break Sunil Gavaskar’s all-time India series record of 774 runs set against the West Indies in 1971. However, he will be without vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who fractured his foot in Manchester.
Series goes to the wire
The five-Test series, played over less than seven weeks, has taken a toll on both teams. Every match has gone the distance.
India’s defiance in the fourth Test has kept the contest alive, with the visitors aiming to level the series 2-2 and England seeking to secure a home win before their Ashes tour in November.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Media reports said Gambhir appeared to raise his finger at Fortis and told him not to tell him what to do after being asked to keep a distance from the wicket.
INDIA head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated exchange with Surrey's head of ground staff, Lee Fortis, during a pitch inspection at the Oval, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred as India prepared for the fifth and final test of the five-match series against England, starting Thursday at Surrey County Cricket Club's stadium. England lead the series 2-1.
Media reports said Gambhir appeared to raise his finger at Fortis and told him not to tell him what to do after being asked to keep a distance from the wicket.
VIDEO | Indian team's head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having verbal spat with chief curator Lee Fortis at The Oval Cricket Ground in London ahead of the last Test match of the series starting Thursday.
Kotak described the situation at a press conference, saying, "When we went to see the wicket ... they sent someone to tell us to stay 2.5 metres away from the pitch, which was a little surprising. It's a cricket wicket, there's a five-day test starting the day after, and we were wearing joggers. So it was a bit awkward. We all know that curators are a little over-protective ... but at the end of the day it's a cricket pitch, not an antique that you can't touch."
Fortis played down the incident when speaking to journalists. "There's nothing more to add ... we have nothing to hide here," he said. Surrey declined to comment further.
Kotak added that India players and staff had ensured no damage was caused to the playing surface during their practice session earlier on Tuesday.
The heated exchange has added to the tension in what has been a competitive series. India, who drew the fourth test, need a win at the Oval to level the series.