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Rohit Sharma clears fitness test ahead of UK tour

Top batsman Rohit Sharma cleared a fitness test on Wednesday (20) and will join India's tour of the United Kingdom, bringing relief to selectors after two others recently failed to pass muster.

Sharma, whose inclusion in the limited-overs squad was considered vital for any hope of Indian success, passed the 'yo-yo' running exercise introduced to ensure players were up to scratch.


All eyes were on Sharma as he proved his endurance against the clock after pace spearhead Mohammed Shami and batsman Ambati Rayudu failed the same test despite already being chosen for the India squad.

Players are supposed to take the yo-yo test before selection under rules introduced by India's cricket board last year and a break in protocol for Shami has caused controversy.

Shami was chosen for the Test squad against Afghanistan last weekend without running the yo-yo. He was replaced in the one-off match by uncapped paceman Navdeep Saini after failing to prove his fitness.

Left-handed batsman Suresh Raina was called up for India's one-day international squad for England after Rayudu was found unfit.

Board administrator Vinod Rai said "there was no time to organise" the tests because the names of all prospective players for the tour had to be submitted for travel visas to the UK.

"Because of that, the cart was put before the horse and we will ensure that this doesn't happen from now on," he told AFP.

India will play two Twenty20 internationals in Ireland before travelling to England for a three-month tour starting with the first of three T20 matches on July 3.

The Virat Kohli-led side will also play three ODI matches and five Tests.

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British Asian drama 'Never Had A Chance' heads to Kingston International Film Festival

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British Asian drama 'Never Had A Chance' heads to Kingston International Film Festival

Highlights

  • Award-winning British Asian drama Never Had A Chance screens at Kingston International Film Festival on 5 June
  • The film is set across Hounslow, Heathrow, Southall and wider West London
  • Starring Amar Chaggar, it explores identity, friendship and survival within a Punjabi community
  • The project has already featured at several UK and international film festivals ahead of a wider cinema rollout

A West London story moves beyond its own streets

Independent films often speak about authenticity, but Never Had A Chance appears determined to stay rooted in the places and communities that shaped it. Set across areas including Hounslow, Heathrow and Southall, the British Asian drama is preparing for its next festival stop at the Kingston International Film Festival on 5 June before moving towards a broader UK cinema release.

Directed and produced by Jazz Bhalla of Reelistic Dreams, with producers Vikrant Chopra, Ben Pengilly and Rajinder Kochar also attached, the film has steadily built momentum through festival screenings in the UK and abroad.

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