He was a storehouse of talent at the onset, a rare blend of grace and power, but for the better part of his 17-year-career, Yuvraj Singh has been an enigma as well as a paradox in Indian cricket.
Standing on the cusp of his 300th One-day International, it still remains a difficult task to describe Yuvraj in a nutshell.
He is only the fifth Indian cricketer -- after Mohammed Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid -- to achieve the rare milestone.
The 40 Test matches that he has played will not be able to tell the story of a cricketer, who, inarguably, will rank among India's greatest ever match-winners in limited overs cricket. And that list isn't too big.
Kapil Dev, Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are the names that immediately come to mind when one talks about match winners in the shorter versions. And that's the paradox.
At times, it seemed as if there were two Yuvraj's residing in one single player.
On one hand, there was a 'Yuvraj 1.0', who, as an 18- year- old, was not intimidated by Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie at their peak in his first ODI innings.
That was the Yuvraj, who won India a Natwest Trophy final at the 'Home of Cricket' when all seemed lost. And remember in 2002, chasing 320 plus total was a departure from the set norm of what were considered impossible in 50-over cricket back then.
And that was the Yuvraj, who scored a classic 139 at Sydney against an attack comprising Lee, Gillespie and Andy Bichel.
But then there was also the 'Yuvraj 2.0', which could never crack the Test code. Some attribute it to a lack of temperament while others say that his best years coincided with Ganguly's second coming in Test cricket and only one could have played at that No. 5 slot. And Ganguly, at that point, was a better Test player.
He showed, occasionally, flashes of brilliance but whenever the white ball would change to red SG, kookaburra or dukes, there was nothing princely about Yuvraj's batting.
The self doubts crept in while facing the spinners, especially off-break bowlers like Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan, who got the ball to turn away from the left- handers.
There were a couple of Test centuries against Pakistan, but never could he cement his place.
It was white ball cricket where he found his mojo, and Yuvraj held his own with his immense contribution in India's two World Cup triumphs.
The six sixes off Stuart Broad during the inaugural World T20 in 2007 was the catalyst for Lalit Modi to sell the 'Great Indian Dream' to the world -- the IPL -- that was flush with cash.
Winning the tournament helped it gain impetus and those sixes sown the seeds of an alternate brand of cricket.
But, strangely, Yuvraj could never become a T20 legend as his IPL stats can't even remotely match that of Suresh Raina.
But till T20 cricket is there, Yuvraj will stay in everyone's collective consciousness. That's why Yuvraj will remain an enigma!
And then came the big one 2011 World Cup. Mahendra Singh Dhoni's six has a recall value -- being shown million times -- just like Kapil Dev's catch off Vivian Richards in the 1983 final.
But, perhaps, one of the biggest reasons for India's victory was the 15 wickets and 300 odd runs that Yuvraj took.
As he went about his task Yuvraj coughed blood, couldn't eat, and was totally unaware that he was suffering from a rare germ cell cancer.
"He has been an inspiration, a champion on and off the field and you respect him for that," skipper Virat Kohli recently said about the senior-most cricketer in the team.
The battle against germ cell cancer was the biggest he has fought in his life. It was tougher than a Lee yorker or a James Anderson outswinger.
The phases of life that he has gone through, anyone else would have been happy to survive, but Yuvraj wanted to play on.
He made a comeback and it was an emotionally overwhelming feeling. But after every high, there is a low, and Yuvraj's was the 2014 World T20 final against Sri Lanka in Dhaka. He scored 11 off 21 balls and India lost the match as he couldn't accelerate.
As it often happens in Indian cricket, his epitaph was written and no one would have even bet a penny that he would make a comeback at 33.
But then he had made a comeback in T20 Internationals in Australia. People thought that the only version he could play.
But he had conviction, did the hard yards in Ranji Trophy and earned an ODI recall.
The 150 against England at Cuttack meant he would be on the plane to England.
He won't be prolific like he used to be in his younger days. You won't find him standing at point like a crouching tiger. With Ravindra Jadeja around, Kohli will rarely turn up to him to roll in some of his effective 'pie chuckers'.
But he will be present somewhere around - like strikers in a game of football - who will not do anything for 85 minutes but will do the needful in the 88th or 89th.
Yuvraj has that calibre and that is why he made a comeback to ODIs after nearly four years. It's time to doff that hat as he steps in for his 300th outing.
There were cricketers. And there was one Yuvraj Singh.
SACHIN TENDULKAR said "life has truly come full circle" after a portrait of him was unveiled at Lord's on Thursday.
Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen, scored 34,357 runs across Tests, one-day internationals and one T20 match for India during his international career from 1989 to 2013.
(Photo credit: PTI)
His total is over 6,000 runs more than the next highest of 28,016 scored by Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara.
In a post on X, Tendulkar recalled his first visit to Lord’s in 1988. "I remember standing near the pavilion, soaking in the history and dreaming quietly," he wrote.
"Today, to have my portrait unveiled at this very place is a feeling that's hard to put into words. Life has truly come full circle. I’m grateful, and filled with wonderful memories."
I first visited Lord’s as a teenager in 1988, and returned in 1989 with the Star Cricket Club team.
I remember standing near the pavilion, soaking in the history and dreaming quietly.
Today, to have my portrait unveiled at this very place is a feeling that’s hard to put into… pic.twitter.com/ZC987eH8oZ — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2025
The portrait was created by Stuart Pearson Wright, based on a photograph taken by the artist at Tendulkar’s home in Mumbai 18 years ago. It was unveiled before the first day of the third Test between England and India.
It is the fifth portrait of an Indian player to be added to the collections of Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord's.
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Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft
Annabel Croft spotted courtside in statement Gucci trainers during Wimbledon
Paired the footwear with a pleated blue dress by Boss for a sporty yet polished look
The platform sole offered subtle height without compromising on comfort
White trainers remain a key smart-casual trend, suitable for a wide range of outfits
Annabel Croft embraces sporty style at Wimbledon
Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft made a notable appearance at Wimbledon this weekend, combining elegance with comfort through a smart-casual ensemble. Dressed in a pale blue pleated dress by Boss, she completed the look with Gucci platform trainers, blending classic tennis aesthetics with modern fashion.
The knife-pleat design of the dress referenced traditional tennis skirts, while the fitted T-shirt silhouette gave the outfit a distinctly athletic feel. Her trainers featured Gucci’s red and green web stripe, offering a designer twist on the classic white trainer trend.
Statement trainers with added comfort
Annabel’s shoes included a platform sole, providing extra height while maintaining the comfort expected from trainers. This style aligns with the ongoing sports-luxe trend, which combines fashion and function, and shows how white trainers can elevate polished outfits without relying on heels.
White trainers, in particular, have become a wardrobe staple, known for their versatility. Their neutral base makes them ideal for dressing down occasionwear or adding a casual element to otherwise formal outfits.
How to replicate the look
Annabel’s exact pair is the Gucci Ace Sneaker with Web, featuring a sleek white base and the brand’s signature red and green stripes. While her specific version includes a platform sole, Gucci offers several variations:
Gucci Ace Leather Low-Top Trainers: A timeless option with the same colour detailing and classic silhouette.
Gucci Re-Web Supreme Canvas Trainers: A subtle alternative with the brand’s stripe on the tongue and a sportier profile.
For similar looks at more accessible prices, other options include:
Reebok Club C 85: A retro-style low-top trainer with subtle red, white and green accents.
Gola Mark Cox Tennis Trainers: With off-white and green tones, this pair reflects a traditional tennis shoe aesthetic.
Veja Urca Trainers: Sustainable and minimalist, featuring the brand’s signature “V” for a pop of colour.
Fairfax & Favor Alexandra Platform: A more understated take with navy and tan detailing on a crisp white base.
White trainers: a year-round staple
White trainers continue to dominate fashion trends in 2025, especially as a go-to for smart-casual dressing. Their clean look pairs effortlessly with summer dresses, tailored trousers, or casual denim.
Although Croft’s Gucci pair makes a bold statement, the predominantly white design remains understated enough to be worn with a variety of outfits. The key to maintaining the look is regular cleaning and proper storage, as worn-in trainers can undermine their smart appeal.
Whether for a day at the tennis or a relaxed weekend outing, Annabel Croft’s Wimbledon footwear choice reinforces the timeless versatility of white trainers.
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Kendrick Lamar and SZA thrill Birmingham crowd with high-energy Grand National Tour show
Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their record-breaking Grand National Tour to Birmingham’s Villa Park on Thursday night.
The three-hour set featured solo performances, visual spectacles, and crowd-favourite duets like All the Stars and Gloria.
Kendrick arrived on stage in his signature GNX, delivering fiery performances from To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and his latest album GNX.
SZA stunned with hits from CTRL and SOS, transforming the stage into a fantasy landscape with high-energy vocals and choreography.
Two of the biggest names in rap and R&B, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, brought their much-anticipated Grand National Tour to Birmingham’s Villa Park on Thursday night, turning the historic stadium into a special musical experience. The pair, who previously wowed the world during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, performed a mix of solo tracks and duets across a three-hour set that left fans exhilarated.
The Grand National Tour, which has already broken records as the highest-grossing co-headline tour in history, continued its momentum in the UK. Following performances in Glasgow, Kendrick and SZA proved once again why they remain at the forefront of global music.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA commands the stage at Villa Park during his explosive opening setInstagram/grandnationaltour
Lamar kicks off with raw energy and lyrical precision
Kendrick Lamar opened the show with Wacced Out Murals, emerging in a black Buick GNX, the same car featured on the cover of his latest album. From the first beat, he commanded the crowd with his sharp delivery and intense presence. Tracks like King Kunta, Element, and DNA sent waves of energy through the crowd, while his Grammy-winning Drake diss Not Like Us received one of the loudest receptions of the night.
Even with rapid-fire verses and complex lyricism, Lamar’s performance never faltered. The audience often struggled to keep pace with his delivery, but the enthusiasm never waned. His storytelling, stage presence, and the layered visuals, many in stark black and white, set a powerful tone.
After Kendrick’s solo set, SZA joined the stage with *30 for 30*, marking the first of many seamless transitions between the two artists. Dressed in flowing ensembles that matched her dreamlike set design, complete with vines, dancers in insect-like costumes, and even a pair of wings for Nobody Gets Me, she took fans through her evolving discography.
From older favourites like Love Galore and Broken Clocks to newer tracks off SOS Deluxe like Scorsese Baby Daddy and Kitchen, SZA showcased her growth as a performer. Her vocals were pitch-perfect, even when altered from the studio versions, and her choreography added a new layer to her emotive style.
The moments where Kendrick and SZA shared the stage proved the most unforgettable. Their rendition of All the Stars, performed on rising platforms against a golden sunset, felt almost cinematic. Fans roared as Kendrick asked, “You feeling the energy?” and SZA followed up with, “You feeling the love?”
Later, the pair closed with Luther and Gloria, the latter acting as a fitting tribute to their mutual respect as artists and collaborators. While some audience members left early to beat the traffic, those who stayed were rewarded with a moving finale.
Logistics, crowd vibes, and the Villa Park experience
Doors opened at 4:30 pm, with support from DJ Mustard warming up the crowd under the July sun. Roads around the venue were closed off, and fans were advised to take public transport or shuttle services due to limited parking. Security was tight, with bag checks and restrictions on items like food, drink, and umbrellas.
Despite some sound quality issues and occasional sightline problems due to the stage layout, the energy in the stadium never dropped. The crowd, a mix of longtime fans and younger newcomers, remained vocal and engaged throughout.
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Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England
Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups
Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend
Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.
The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.
According to the Met Office, this is the third heatwave of the summer and while temperatures may not surpass July’s earlier peak of 34.7°C, this wave is expected to be more widespread.
Increased health risks for vulnerable groups
The UKHSA has warned of a likely increase in illness and mortality, especially among older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The agency advises the public to keep cool, stay hydrated and check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) echoed these concerns. Its policy director Steve Cole said:
“Heat is no longer just a holiday perk, it’s a growing public health risk. We’re seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.”
Hosepipe bans come into force
As the dry spell continues, hosepipe bans are being introduced in multiple areas to manage water supply. Yorkshire Water implemented restrictions on Sunday, while South East Water confirmed similar measures would begin in Kent and Sussex from 18 July.
Under the restrictions, residents are banned from using hosepipes to:
Water gardens or plants
Clean vehicles
Fill swimming or paddling pools
Top up ponds or clean outdoor surfaces
Yorkshire Water said the ban was necessary to protect supplies, with dry conditions expected to persist. South East Water reported record levels of drinking water demand since May, leaving reservoirs and underground stores under pressure.
Customers who breach the restrictions could face fines of up to £1,000.
Official advice during the heatwave
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions during the heatwave. Recommended steps include:
Drinking water regularly
Staying in the shade during peak sun hours
Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing
Using high-factor sunscreen
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation, with updated forecasts expected throughout the weekend. This latest heatwave adds to growing concerns about climate resilience and health risks associated with prolonged periods of extreme weather in the UK.
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One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear
Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer
Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast
Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.
One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.
Sightings have also been reported in Shoebury, Clacton, Felixstowe, and Lowestoft, with many locals surprised by the sheer volume of insects.
Locals share surprise at ‘millions’ of beetles
A local resident from St Osyth described the scene:
“There were just millions of them. I was just in shock, really, because I've never seen that many ladybirds all together at once. There was loads flying about. One landed on my face, and other ones were landing on my dogs."
The insects, which belong to the beetle family Coccinellidae, appeared to cluster in warm areas along the coast, particularly on wood, vegetation, and man-made objects on the beach.
Link to high temperatures and past infestations
This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record in the UK, with temperatures forecast to reach 34°C in some parts over the weekend. June 2025 was already recorded as England’s warmest June ever, and the second hottest UK-wide since records began in 1884, according to the Met Office.
Hot summers have previously caused surges in ladybird numbers. In 1976, a prolonged heatwave led to an infamous nationwide infestation. According to the British Entomological and Natural History Society, an estimated 23 billion ladybirds swarmed southern and eastern England that year.
Species information and identification
While the ladybirds currently being seen are believed to be native red species, they are occasionally confused with the Asian lady beetle, which was introduced to the UK in 2004. The Asian species, originally used in North America to control aphids, has since established itself in parts of Britain.