Rishabh Pant’s jubilant somersault celebration after scoring a century against England at Headingley has stirred concern among medical professionals, particularly his orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. While fans admired the athletic move—reminiscent of his IPL stunts—Dr. Pardiwala called it “technically perfect but unnecessary,” especially considering Pant’s near-fatal car accident in December 2022. The crash left Pant with severe knee injuries, requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation. His return to Test cricket was hailed as a medical and sporting triumph. However, his surgeon emphasized caution, highlighting that while Pant’s recovery is inspiring, he must prioritize long-term health. (PC: NDTV)  

In a dominant performance at Trent Bridge, India defeated England by 97 runs in the first women’s T20I of the series. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front, scoring a breathtaking 112 off 62 balls—her maiden T20I century. This innings made her the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. India posted a commanding total of 210/5, their second-highest in T20Is. Debutant spinner Shree Charani impressed with figures of 4/12, dismantling the English batting line-up. England crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 113 in 14.5 overs. (PC: Reuters)

India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has “taken complete responsibility” for his underwhelming performance in the first Test at Leeds, where he conceded over 220 runs across both innings. In the first, he leaked 128 runs in 20 overs at an economy of 6.40 among the worst for an Indian bowler over that span. Although he claimed five wickets, the lengths were off, with pitches, slope, wind, and outfield speed cited as contributing factors. At a press conference, Prasidh acknowledged his inability to maintain ideal lengths and pledged to analyze his shortcomings, improve his control, and significantly reduce his economy next time. (PC: NDTV Sports)

India Women's cricket team posted a commanding 210‑5 in Trent Bridge’s opening T20I vs England, propelled by stand‑in captain Smriti Mandhana’s maiden T20I century. The southpaw blazed 112 off 62, laced with 15 fours and three sixes, reaching the milestone in just 51 balls and becoming only the second Indian woman after Harmanpreet Kaur to score a T20I hundred. Partnerships of 77 (with Shafali Verma) and 94 (with Harleen Deol) anchored the formidable total. England’s bowling fightback saw Lauren Bell snare 3/27. The series continues July 1 in Bristol, before three ODIs from July 16 in Southampton.

Neeraj Chopra has reclaimed the World No. 1 spot in men's javelin throw with 1445 points, according to the latest World Athletics rankings. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem is fourth with 1370 points. Chopra, who lost the top rank to Anderson Peters in September 2024, surged back with consistent performances this season—his highlights include breaching the 90m mark in Doha (90.23m) and clinching wins in Paris and Ostrava. “Finally, not mine, but the burden is off the shoulders of Indians,” Neeraj told RevSportz. He is currently training under javelin legend Zelezny and will next compete at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on July 5. (PC: HT)

On June 26, the ICC announced a series of significant updates to its Men’s international playing conditions. Test cricket will now feature a stop clock, giving fielders 60 seconds between overs—with two warnings allowed before a five‑run penalty, resetting every 80 overs . The saliva ban remains, but umpires are no longer required to change the ball unless its condition is significantly altered . Other changes include refined DRS rules for dual-mode dismissals and chronological reviews, mandatory catch fairness checks on no-balls, stricter handling of deliberate short runs, and trials of full-time injury replacements in first-class matches. (PC: The Hindu)

India’s U‑19 squad is set for a seven‑match tour of England, featuring five Youth ODIs (June 27–July 7) and two Youth Tests (July 12–15; July 20–23). The tour begins with a 50‑over warm‑up game at Loughborough on June 24. Ayush Mhatre, fresh off a strong IPL season, will lead the team with Abhigyan Kundu as vice‑captain. Spotlight shines on 14‑year‑old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals' breakout star, who amassed 252 runs in IPL 2025 at a dizzying strike rate. The announced schedule spans venues in Hove, Northampton, Worcester, Beckenham, and Chelmsford, with all matches starting at 11 am local time. (PC: Mint & News Bytes)

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher criticized Ravindra Jadeja's bowling in the first Test at Leeds, saying it was like “owning a hammer but punching nails…not landing the ball in the rough until it was too late” during India’s failed defense of 371 runs . Jadeja managed just 1 for 104 in 24 overs, allowing England’s batsmen, notably Ben Duckett, to exploit reverse sweeps . Butcher also faulted team selection, suggesting Kuldeep Yadav would have been preferable to Shardul Thakur, who underperformed with 2 wickets and low runs . India trails 0–1 in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy after a five‑wicket defeat. (PC: ICC)

Sir Gareth Southgate, 54, has been knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle on 25 June 2025, honoured for his outstanding contributions to English football . As England manager from 2016 to 2024, he led the team to consecutive European Championship finals (Euro 2020, Euro 2024), a FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2018, and a quarter-final in 2022 . Southgate, who formally resigned after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, described the knighthood as an “amazing honour”, admitting he was more emotional than expected . He becomes the fourth England manager to be knighted, joining Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.

Sir Gareth Southgate has been knighted for his services to football, receiving the honour from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. The 54-year-old former England manager led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, and the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Describing the moment as an “amazing honour,” he said he was more emotional than expected. Southgate, who stepped down after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the 2024 Euro final, reflected on breaking "so many barriers to winning." He becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, following Ramsey, Winterbottom and Robson. (PC: Sky News )