England seized control of the 4th Test in Manchester, scoring 319 runs on Day 3 to reach 544/7 and stretch their first-innings lead to 186. Joe Root starred with a majestic 150, surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. India’s bowling attack struggled, with Jasprit Bumrah and others lacking penetration. Captain Ben Stokes returned from cramps to finish unbeaten on 77, partnering Liam Dawson (21*). England's lower order is expected to push the lead further, putting India under pressure. The series hangs in the balance as Root's record-breaking knock may prove decisive in the outcome. (PC: India Today)

Former Barcelona midfielder and coach Xavi Hernandez reportedly submitted his application for the Indian national football team’s vacant head coach role—part of a pool of 170 applicants that included names like Harry Kewell, Robbie Fowler, Stephen Constantine, Stefan Tarkovic, and India’s Khalid Jamil . AIFF officials were reportedly “stunned” to see his high-profile name and noted his application lacked a contact number . However, his bid was rejected due to the high financial cost associated with hiring a coach of his global stature, which AIFF deemed beyond its budget. (PC: AFP)

England’s Joe Root overtook Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. During Day 3 of the IND vs ENG Manchester Test, Root smashed his 38th Test century, surpassing Ponting's 13,378 runs. Root now has 13,379 runs in 157 matches, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921. “The way his career has gone, there’s no reason he won’t surpass Tendulkar,” Ponting said. Root also equaled Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 38 hundreds and leads all active players in Test runs. Since stepping down as captain in 2022, Root has scored over 3,400 runs and remains vital in England’s Bazball era. (PC: India Today)

England seized control on Day 2 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, reaching 225/2 in response to India’s 358. Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) forged a dominant 166-run opening stand, dismantling India’s bowling attack. Debutant Anshul Kamboj and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket each. Rishabh Pant’s courageous 54, scored with a fractured foot, was a highlight of India’s innings. England captain Ben Stokes led with a five-wicket haul, his first in eight years. Joe Root and Ollie Pope remain unbeaten, poised to push for a lead. India’s bowlers must strike early on Day 3 to prevent England from running away with the match and potentially the series. (PC: The Times Of India)

Rishabh Pant has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first visiting wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket history to score 1,000 runs in England. This landmark was achieved during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester in July 2025, where Pant’s total reached 1,018 runs at an average of 44.26, including four centuries and four fifties. He is now the sixth Indian to reach this milestone in England, joining legends like Tendulkar and Dravid. However, Pant retired hurt due to a foot injury during the match, casting uncertainty on his immediate availability. (PC: AP)

India’s Rishabh Pant returned injured but delivered a brave 54-run knock on Day 2 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford. Limping visibly, he struck quick runs before Jofra Archer bowled him out. Ben Stokes led England’s bowling with 5/72 as India posted a respectable first-innings total. In reply, England dominated with openers Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84) adding 166 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Anshul Kamboj picked up one wicket each, but England ended strongly at 225/2, trailing by just 133 runs. The momentum firmly shifted to the hosts going into Day 3. (PC: NDTV)

Rishabh Pant made an emotional and unexpected return to the crease on Day 2 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford despite suffering a toe fracture. After Shardul Thakur’s dismissal, Pant limped out to loud applause, showing remarkable courage. India had resumed the day with hope but lost Ravindra Jadeja and Thakur early. Washington Sundar and Pant now try to stabilise the innings after India reached 312/6. Earlier, Sai Sudharsan impressed with 61. With the series at 1-2, India must win to stay alive. The BCCI confirmed Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets in Pant’s absence. (PC: X)

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against England after fracturing his toe during the Manchester Test. The injury occurred on Day 1 when Pant inside-edged a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes onto his foot while batting on 37. Scans confirmed a fracture, and he has been advised six weeks of rest. Dhruv Jurel will replace him as wicketkeeper but cannot bat. This setback adds to India’s injury woes, with Nitish Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh already unfit. Pant had been India’s top performer, scoring two centuries and a gritty 74 earlier in the series. (PC: X)

The Karnataka cabinet has approved the Justice D’Cunha commission report on the June 4 Bengaluru stampede that killed 11 people outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. The report held IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), KSCA, DNA Entertainment, and police officials directly responsible for "gross negligence." The event, celebrating RCB’s IPL win, lacked adequate crowd control, with only 79 police inside the stadium and none outside. No ambulances were present. The stampede also clashed with a nearby state event, worsening the chaos. Legal and departmental actions will follow against all named parties, including suspended senior police officers. Over 50 people were injured. (PC: India Today)

19‑year‑old IM Divya Deshmukh has etched history by reaching the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia — making her the first teenager in 34 years to secure a spot in the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament . Along her journey, she defeated top-tier opponents, including GM Zhu Jiner, GM D. Harika, and ex‑World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals . Her semifinal win also earned her a maiden Grandmaster norm . This breakthrough marks a historic moment for Indian and teenage chess. (PC: PTI)