The BCCI is preparing a larger T20 player pool to field two India teams during overlapping schedules later this year. One side may play the Asian Games, while another could face West Indies in a T20 series. A board official said India needs a pool of 30 to 35 players ready for international duty. Shreyas Iyer is likely to captain one of the teams. The upcoming Ireland tour may include a bigger squad as part of the plan. Selectors are tracking strong IPL performers. The move aims to improve squad depth and help India manage a busy cricket calendar. (PC: NDTV)

Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be a major threat to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Powerplay at Eden Gardens. KKR are still winless after six matches and sit last on the table. RR are third with eight points from five games. Sooryavanshi has scored 200 runs from 76 balls this season. He has hit 36 boundaries, with 33 of them in the first six overs. KKR have struggled badly with the new ball. They have conceded 60 boundaries in 180 legal Powerplay balls, the worst rate in the league. If KKR stop Sooryavanshi early, they can bring their spinners into the game. (PC: HT)

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli sparked a social media frenzy after allegedly liking a photo of German influencer Lizzalazz on Instagram. The interaction quickly went viral, triggering memes and speculation before reports suggested the “like” was later removed. Reacting to the buzz, Lizzalazz said she only learned about it through news reports and felt “sorry” for Kohli over the unexpected attention. She also expressed gratitude for the support. The incident has reignited debates around accidental likes, algorithm glitches, and the intense scrutiny public figures face online for even minor social media activity.

The Hyrox Bengaluru 2026 drew around 9,000 participants to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, each paying over ₹9,000, generating more than ₹8 crore in revenue. The event featured high-intensity workouts combining running and functional exercises typically performed in gyms, sparking debate over the growing commercialisation of fitness in India. Critics argue Hyrox reflects a “status symbol” culture driven by social media validation, while supporters see it as a structured, competitive fitness movement gaining global traction. The turnout highlights shifting urban fitness trends, where curated experiences and community-driven challenges are increasingly valued over traditional gym routines, despite significantly higher participation costs. (PC: X via Divya George)

R Vaishali created history by winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, becoming the first Indian woman to claim the title. The 24-year-old secured victory with a composed final-round win over Kateryna Lagno. After a slow start, Vaishali mounted a steady comeback, staying calm under pressure to finish on top. Her triumph earns her a shot at the Women’s World Championship against reigning champion Ju Wenjun. Praised by Viswanathan Anand, the win signals India’s growing dominance, with representation in both men’s and women’s world title matches.

Mumbai Indians (MI) are facing growing scrutiny over their leadership decisions in IPL 2026, with former India cricketers and analysts questioning the franchise’s move to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain. A recent report highlights renewed criticism calling Rohit’s removal an “injustice” and urging MI management to reconsider its decision and restore balance within the team. The debate has intensified as MI continue to struggle for consistency this season, with multiple defeats affecting their playoff hopes. Critics argue that leadership instability and lack of clarity in team roles are impacting performance. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya remains under pressure to deliver results and silence doubts over his captaincy credentials amid mounting fan and expert backlash. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has taken collective responsibility after the team slumped to their fourth consecutive loss in Indian Premier League 2026. Mumbai Indians were defeated by Punjab Kings by seven wickets, continuing a worrying losing streak. Jayawardene stressed that the poor performance cannot be blamed on any individual, stating that players, coaching staff, and management must all take accountability. Hardik Pandya’s side has struggled with consistency, raising concerns as they slip down the points table and search for solutions. (PC: NDTV)

Nitish Kumar Reddy has acknowledged that he “overdid things” during his rapid rise in international cricket, highlighting the challenges of managing expectations and workload. After gaining prominence with a maiden Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2024, the all-rounder quickly progressed across formats, becoming a regular in India’s squad within a year. In a recent interview during Indian Premier League 2026, Reddy admitted that pushing himself too hard affected his approach. He now recognizes the importance of balancing performance with recovery and mental composure. His reflections underline the pressures faced by young cricketers and signal a more mature, self-aware phase in his career moving forward. 

Punjab Kings continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League 2026 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai posted a strong 195/6, powered by a शानदार century from Quinton de Kock, but their bowlers failed to defend the total. Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer led a clinical chase, both scoring crucial half-centuries and building a match-winning partnership. Punjab chased down the target in just 16.3 overs, exposing Mumbai’s bowling weaknesses and extending their losing streak. (PC: India Today)

R Vaishali made history by becoming the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, defeating Kateryna Lagno in the final round. The landmark victory secures Vaishali a place in the upcoming Women’s World Chess Championship match, where she will challenge reigning champion Ju Wenjun. Her triumph marks a major milestone for Indian chess, highlighting the country’s growing dominance in the global arena. Vaishali’s performance throughout the tournament showcased consistency, resilience, and elite-level strategy, firmly establishing her among the world’s top contenders in women’s chess. (PC: X)