With Head Coach Gautam Gambhir flying back to India due to his mother’s ill health, former great VVS Laxman—currently NCA chief—has assumed interim coaching duties for the Indian cricket team ahead of the five-match Test series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds . Already on the ground in London with India’s Under‑19 and “A” sides, Laxman brings valuable continuity, having previously overseen team preparations during Gambhir’s absence in South Africa . Under his guidance, the new-look Test squad—captained by Shubman Gill and missing veterans Kohli and Sharma—will fine‑tune strategy in intra‑squad games ahead of the first Test. (PC: PTI)

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has offered candid advice to Shubman Gill, who steps up as India’s new Test captain for the five‑match series in England (June 20–Aug 4). While praising Gill’s talent, Ganguly stressed the importance of technical refinement particularly his defence and ability to handle seam and swing, especially against the new ball. Gill assumes leadership during a transition phase, with veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ashwin now retired. Ganguly remains optimistic but realistic: “Conditions are not where you just hit through the line, it’s going to be difficult upfront. Shubman has to play the new ball” (PC: CricTracker)

South Africa claimed their first ICC trophy since 1998 by defeating Australia in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s (June 11–14), chasing down 282 with a five-wicket win . Opener Aiden Markram's sublime 136 anchored the chase, complemented by captain Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66 . Kagiso Rabada’s match-turning nine wickets sealed the triumph . This landmark victory lifted South Africa’s longstanding "chokers" curse and ignited national euphoria, marking a watershed moment in Proteas cricket history. Their eight-match winning streak underscores a new era of resilience and global ambition. (PC: Sportskeeda)

India’s four-day intra-squad practice match against India A in Beckenham continues on Day 2, serving as crucial preparation ahead of the five‑Test England tour starting June 20. Captain Shubman Gill, in his first red-ball leadership role, impressed with a fluent half‑century on Day 1, alongside KL Rahul’s fifty and Shardul Thakur’s wicket-taking spell. Gill urged intensity in fielding and discipline in batting and bowling units. Tailenders Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh took batting drills, emphasising depth. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains under scrutiny after a modest start. Meanwhile, coach Gautam Gambhir returned to India due to a family emergency. (PC: X/BCCI)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar couldn’t contain his excitement as South Africa triumphed over India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s. Celebrating the historic win, Tendulkar posted on social media with sheer joy. Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh also joined the celebration, humorously addressing Australia, saying, “It’s okay to let go of one trophy.” The victory marks a significant moment in South African cricket history, being their maiden WTC title. The cricket fraternity, fans, and former players flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising the team’s grit and determination. The win also sparked renewed enthusiasm for the future of Test cricket globally. (PC: Jagran Josh, Facebook & Hindustan Times)

South Africa’s long-awaited ICC breakthrough came at Lord’s on June 14, 2025, as Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, veterans of the 2014 U‑19 triumph, delivered a masterclass to lift the World Test Championship title—ending a 27‑year drought. Markram’s blazing 136 in the chase, built on a shaky first innings duck, anchored a five‑wicket victory, with Kyle Verreynne sealing the win. Rabada was equally dominant, claiming nine wickets across both innings and dismantling Australia’s batting lineup. Temba Bavuma’s gritty 66 and David Bedingham’s solid contributions steadied early nerves. The Proteas shed their “chokers” tag with a performance rich in talent, composure and youthful vision finally realised on cricket’s grandest stage. (PC: The Telegraph, The Times of India & India Times)

King Charles III has conferred a knighthood on David Beckham, elevating him to Sir David Beckham—with his wife, Victoria, now Lady Beckham—as part of the 2025 Birthday Honours . The honour recognizes Beckham’s exceptional football career—including six Premier League titles with Manchester United, over 100 England caps (59 as captain), and pioneering roles in Spain, the U.S., and France—alongside his extensive charitable work as a UNICEF ambassador and involvement with The King’s Foundation . After receiving an OBE in 2003, Beckham’s knighthood marks the culmination of years of public service and sporting legacy. An investiture ceremony date will be announced. (PC: Getty Images)

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir unexpectedly returned home on June 12, 2025, after his mother suffered a heart attack on June 11 and was admitted to an ICU in New Delhi . Gambhir had been in England preparing the national squad and overseeing India A’s intra-squad match ahead of the five-Test series against England. With his absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, alongside Sitanshu Kotak and Morne Morkel, stepped in to oversee training. Gambhir will remain by his mother’s side, planning to rejoin the team in time for the first Test in Leeds commencing June 20. (PC: ANI)

India’s rising shooting star Suruchi Inder Singh secured the gold medal in the women’s 10 m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, marking her third consecutive World Cup gold in 2025 (following Buenos Aires and Lima) . Born in April 2006 in Haryana, Suruchi fired a clean final to top the podium, reinforcing her status as one of the world’s most promising young pistol shooters. Coached by Suresh Singh, she continues to build India’s strong showing in shooting and is expected to be a key contender in upcoming Olympics and qualification rounds. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir rushed back home from England due to a family emergency after his mother, Seema Gambhir, suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the ICU, as reported by RevSportz. He missed the India vs India A intra-squad match in Kent and is expected to rejoin the team ahead of the first Test against England in Leeds on June 20. Batting coach Sitangshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel are managing the squad in his absence. Gambhir’s leadership is crucial amid India's transition post the retirement of Ashwin, Rohit, and Kohli. Key selection dilemmas include Jadeja vs Kuldeep and seam options for English conditions. (PC: Crictoday)