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Indian batting legend Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday (Aug 24) announced his retirement from all forms of cricket as he dropped curtains on an illustrious playing career. Pujara, a veteran of the Indian game, bids farewell after a career spanning more than 15 years and will go down as one of India’s best middle-order batters. He represented Saurashtra in the domestic circuit, where he was again a batting legend, winning several honours.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field - it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of… <a href="https://t.co/p8yOd5tFyT">pic.twitter.com/p8yOd5tFyT</a>&mdash; Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1/status/1959491168439538000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pujara announces retirement</h2>"Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field - it's impossible to put into words what it truly meant," Pujara wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. "But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;A legend of the modern-day game, Pujara was considered Rahul Dravid’s successor in the middle order when the veteran announced his retirement in 2012. Over the years, the 37-year-old represented India in 103 matches, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with a best of unbeaten 206. He scored 19 hundreds and 35 fifties while donning the famous whites of Indian Test cricket.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;He also played in ODIs for India, where he had a brief career, scoring 51 runs in five matches with a best of 27. However, it was his Test form that made Pujara a feature in the Indian team, cementing his place for more than a decade.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;He saw a huge decline in form in recent years and was dropped from the Indian side after the South Africa tour in 2021-22. He did return to the side for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023, but that was the last time he represented India. &nbsp;&nbsp;Pujara did appear in domestic cricket for Saurashtra and in the County Cricket, but those spells were short-lived after dropping from the selection frame. He was spotted in the commentary box recently when India were on an England tour as the visitors were able to garner a 2-2 series draw.

Cheteshwar Pujara, a veteran of the Indian game, bids farewell after a career spanning more than 15 years and will go down as one of India’s best middle-order batters. 

Indian batting legend Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday (Aug 24) announced his retirement from all forms of cricket as he dropped curtains on an illustrious playing career. Pujara, a veteran of the Indian game, bids farewell after a career spanning more than 15 years and will go down as one of India’s best middle-order batters. He represented Saurashtra in the domestic circuit, where he was again a batting legend, winning several honours.

Cheteshwar Pujara, a veteran of the Indian game, bids farewell after a career spanning more than 15 years and will go down as one of India’s best middle-order batters.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement from all forms of cricket, drops curtains on illustrious playing career

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to welcome fresh bids for a new jersey sponsor after the Online Gaming Bill became a law in India on Friday (Aug 22). After the signature of the Honourable President of India, the law came into force on Friday, meaning there will be no more promotional acts for big companies that involve capital gain through gaming and other related activities. Now the BCCI is set to take a step forward and will end ties with Dream11, an online gaming promotional platform that currently serves as the lead sponsor of the jersey.<h2>BCCI to welcome fresh bid</h2>According to a report in NDTV, Dream11 is "not willing to continue its deal" with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, both have yet to make an official announcement.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;"If it's not permissible, we'll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government," BCCI Secretary Devajit Saiki said when quizzed on the current situation after the Online Gaming Bill was passed in both houses of the Parliament and then by the President.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;The report further states that BCCI will welcome new bids as soon as possible and a new sponsor could be on the team’s jersey as early as the West Indies home series. The series starts in the last week of September, meaning the board has one more month to finalise the deal and end the current contract with Dream11 on legal terms.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>What happens in the Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup?</h2>As things stand, if the contract is ended before the start of the Asia Cup 2025, then the Indian team will be without a sponsor for the tournament. It is reported that the jerseys for the Asia Cup are already printed, but BCCI will not allow their usage and instead will go without a sponsored jersey, which might lead to legal trouble with Dream11.&nbsp;On the other hand, ICC does not allow use of the main sponsor for any of its tournaments, meaning Dream11 was never going to feature on the team’s front side of the jersey during the Women’s World Cup. However, any usage of the sponsor on sleeves will also be cut down if BCCI legally exits the contract with Dream11 or finds a new sponsor.

The BCCI will welcome new bids as soon as possible and a new sponsor could be on the team’s jersey as early as the West Indies home series. The series starts in the last week of September, meaning the board has one more month to finalise the deal. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to welcome fresh bids for a new jersey sponsor after the Online Gaming Bill became a law in India on Friday (Aug 22). After the signature of the Honourable President of India, the law came into force on Friday, meaning there will be no more promotional acts for big companies that involve capital gain through gaming and other related activities. Now the BCCI is set to take a step forward and will end ties with Dream11, an online gaming promotional platform that currently serves as the lead sponsor of the jersey. BCCI to welcome fresh bid According to a report in NDTV, Dream11 is "not willing to continue its deal" with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, both have yet to make an official announcement. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) "If it's not permissible, we'll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government," BCCI Secretary Devajit Saiki said when quizzed on the current situation after the Online Gaming Bill was passed in both houses of the Parliament and then by the President. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out The report further states that BCCI will welcome new bids as soon as possible and a new sponsor could be on the team’s jersey as early as the West Indies home series. The series starts in the last week of September, meaning the board has one more month to finalise the deal and end the current contract with Dream11 on legal terms. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details What happens in the Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup? As things stand, if the contract is ended before the start of the Asia Cup 2025, then the Indian team will be without a sponsor for the tournament. It is reported that the jerseys for the Asia Cup are already printed, but BCCI will not allow their usage and instead will go without a sponsored jersey, which might lead to legal trouble with Dream11. On the other hand, ICC does not allow use of the main sponsor for any of its tournaments, meaning Dream11 was never going to feature on the team’s front side of the jersey during the Women’s World Cup. However, any usage of the sponsor on sleeves will also be cut down if BCCI legally exits the contract with Dream11 or finds a new sponsor.

The BCCI will welcome new bids as soon as possible and a new sponsor could be on the team’s jersey as early as the West Indies home series. The series starts in the last week of September, meaning the board has one more month to finalise the deal.&nbsp;

BCCI to invite fresh bids for lead jersey sponsor with Dream11 set to exit as Online Gaming Act rolls in - Report

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Saturday (Aug 23) inaugurated the brand new Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum in the premises of the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The occasion also served for the inauguration of the lifetime statues of Sharad Pawar, former ICC and BCCI president, and Sunil Gavaskar, 1983 World Cup winner. The honours come to both Pawar and Gavaskar have served both Indian cricket as well as Mumbai cricket for their contributions over the last few decades.<h2>MCA honours Pawar, Gavaskar</h2>Pawar, who has served as the head of the MCA in the past, brought a revolution in Indian cricket, bringing policies and administrative changes for the welfare of cricketers, umpires and those associated with the sport. He also served as the head of the BCCI and the ICC, again playing a crucial role in the development of cricket, not just in Mumbai but in the entire world. The highlight of the museum is a priceless collection of rare and iconic memorabilia gifted by Mumbai’s legendary cricketers, showcasing the rich legacy of Mumbai cricket and its lasting impact on Indian and world cricket.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;“I am truly honoured to have this museum named after me. Mumbai’s cricketing journey - from its maidans to the global stage - is a story of talent, dedication and passion. This museum celebrates that rich legacy and the many unsung heroes who have worked behind the scenes to support and grow the sport. I hope it continues to inspire future generations to carry forward the proud spirit of Mumbai cricket,” said Sharad Pawar, an incumbent Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, Gavaskar has been a legend of Indian cricket, playing a crucial role in the nation’s maiden World Cup win in 1983. He was previously honoured with a stand named after him in the Wankhede Stadium, but will now have a statue of his own. Gavaskar’s statue takes inspiration from his early 1970s playing style, where he is seen wearing a round cap and raising his bat.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;“I must say I’ve always considered myself a student of cricket history. In our playing days, there were no videos - only books and magazines. We learned from reading, from autobiographies, and from the written word. That’s why seeing this museum makes me genuinely happy. MCA has done a wonderful job, not just for Mumbai cricket but for Indian cricket as a whole. Young players who visit will find inspiration in the stories and history preserved here,” Gavaskar said during the event.

Sunil Gavaskar has been a legend of Indian cricket, playing a crucial role in the nation’s maiden World Cup win in 1983. He was previously honoured with a stand named after him in the Wankhede Stadium, but will now have a statue of his own.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Saturday (Aug 23) inaugurated the brand new Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum in the premises of the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The occasion also served for the inauguration of the lifetime statues of Sharad Pawar, former ICC and BCCI president, and Sunil Gavaskar, 1983 World Cup winner. The honours come to both Pawar and Gavaskar have served both Indian cricket as well as Mumbai cricket for their contributions over the last few decades. MCA honours Pawar, Gavaskar Pawar, who has served as the head of the MCA in the past, brought a revolution in Indian cricket, bringing policies and administrative changes for the welfare of cricketers, umpires and those associated with the sport. He also served as the head of the BCCI and the ICC, again playing a crucial role in the development of cricket, not just in Mumbai but in the entire world. The highlight of the museum is a priceless collection of rare and iconic memorabilia gifted by Mumbai’s legendary cricketers, showcasing the rich legacy of Mumbai cricket and its lasting impact on Indian and world cricket. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details “I am truly honoured to have this museum named after me. Mumbai’s cricketing journey - from its maidans to the global stage - is a story of talent, dedication and passion. This museum celebrates that rich legacy and the many unsung heroes who have worked behind the scenes to support and grow the sport. I hope it continues to inspire future generations to carry forward the proud spirit of Mumbai cricket,” said Sharad Pawar, an incumbent Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out On the other hand, Gavaskar has been a legend of Indian cricket, playing a crucial role in the nation’s maiden World Cup win in 1983. He was previously honoured with a stand named after him in the Wankhede Stadium, but will now have a statue of his own. Gavaskar’s statue takes inspiration from his early 1970s playing style, where he is seen wearing a round cap and raising his bat. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) “I must say I’ve always considered myself a student of cricket history. In our playing days, there were no videos - only books and magazines. We learned from reading, from autobiographies, and from the written word. That’s why seeing this museum makes me genuinely happy. MCA has done a wonderful job, not just for Mumbai cricket but for Indian cricket as a whole. Young players who visit will find inspiration in the stories and history preserved here,” Gavaskar said during the event.

Sunil Gavaskar has been a legend of Indian cricket, playing a crucial role in the nation’s maiden World Cup win in 1983. He was previously honoured with a stand named after him in the Wankhede Stadium, but will now have a statue of his own.

MCA honours former BCCI president Sharad Pawar, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar with lifetime statues

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was at it again on Saturday (Aug 23) as he registered his name in history books by scoring in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al-Ahli. By doing so, he became the first player to score 100 goals for four clubs from different countries, underlining why he is one of the modern-day greats. However, that milestone did not help Ronaldo avoid heartbreak as Al-Nassr lost on penalties to Al-Ahli, thus handing the Saudi Super Cup title to their arch-rivals.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">O Cristiano Ronaldo chegou aos 100 gols com a camisa do Al Nassr. Faltam 61 gols para o Gol 1000. <a href="https://t.co/EV18QC8qI3">pic.twitter.com/EV18QC8qI3</a>&mdash; DataFut (@DataFutebol) <a href="https://twitter.com/DataFutebol/status/1959236309223915936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Ronaldo adds another feather to his hat</h2>Playing in the final, the Portuguese striker was in good form and looked sharp whenever he was presented with the opportunity. However, it was a handball that led to the historic moment as Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr got a penalty after Ali Majrashi’s handball in the penalty area. The resulting penalty was converted by the 40-year-old as he slotted home his 100th goal for Al-Nassr.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;He became the first player to score 100 goals for four different clubs from four different nations. He is already Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals; the list also consists of 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, and 138 for Portugal.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;Back on the field, though, it did not take long for Al-Ahli to strike back as they scored the equaliser in first-half stoppage time. Franck Kessi slotted past the goalkeeper Bento after a well-weighted pass from Enzo Millot as both teams entered half-time 1-1.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;Both teams were cautious of not losing the match and were defensively disciplined. However, Al-Nassr again struck with eight minutes from time as Marcelo Brozovic capitlaised on a defensive error. Ronaldo and Co. were cruising to a 2-1 win, but Roger Ibaez scored for Al-Ahli from a Riyad Mahrez corner to take the match in penalties. The match did not have an extra penalty shootout, so Ronaldo and Co. needed to keep their cool.&nbsp;However, with five calmly taken penalties coupled with a miss from Al-Nassr handed Al-Ahli the Saudi Super Cup as Ronaldo’s landmark moment was drenched in sorrow. &nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 100 goals for four different clubs from four different nations. He is already Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals; the list also consists of 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, and 138 for Portugal.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was at it again on Saturday (Aug 23) as he registered his name in history books by scoring in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al-Ahli. By doing so, he became the first player to score 100 goals for four clubs from different countries, underlining why he is one of the modern-day greats. However, that milestone did not help Ronaldo avoid heartbreak as Al-Nassr lost on penalties to Al-Ahli, thus handing the Saudi Super Cup title to their arch-rivals.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 100 goals for four different clubs from four different nations. He is already Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals; the list also consists of 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, and 138 for Portugal.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo scores 100th goal for Al-Nassr in Saudi Super Cup, leaves heartbroken for THIS reason

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently slammed the BCCI for overlooking Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup 2025 squad.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently slammed the BCCI for overlooking Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup 2025 squad.

5 records of Shreyas Iyer which no other Indian has achieved

Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two Arsenal goals as the Gunners gave Leeds a harsh lesson in the step up to the Premier League with a 5-0 win at the Emirates. Victory came at a cost for Mikel Arteta as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard hobbled off injured just eight days before Arsenal's trip to Liverpool. Arsenal edged ahead of north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table on goal difference, as the only two sides so far with a 100 percent record from their opening two games.&nbsp;Saka fired in a blistering strike from a narrow angle to double the home side's lead after Jurrien Timber opened the scoring.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayer-leverkusen-lose-on-erik-ten-hag-bundesliga-debut-hoffenheim-1755965429274">Bayer Leverkusen lose on Erik Ten Hag’s Bundesliga debut</a>&nbsp;Gyokeres was signed from Sporting Lisbon as the solution to Arsenal's need for a killer number nine. The Swede's ability to succeed in the Premier League has been questioned despite his prolific record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting. Gyokeres made his mark with a fine individual run and finish before Timber bundled in his second from another Declan Rice corner.&nbsp;Gyokeres rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the game.&nbsp;A day of celebration for the home fans began before kick-off when new £60 million ($81 million) signing Eberechi Ezi was paraded after he turned down a move to Tottenham.&nbsp;But the sight of captain Odegaard and talisman Saka leaving the field soured a routine win.&nbsp;Arsenal had to rely on their threat from set-pieces to grind out a 1-0 win at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.&nbsp;Despite a dominant start to the game, that was how the the Leeds defence was prized open. Timber had scored just twice in 52 Arsenal appearances before Saturday. The Dutch international doubled that tally as he firstly got his head to Rice's inviting delivery on 34 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Odegaard then made his departure after appearing to injure his shoulder falling heavily to the turf. Saka soon had the Emirates crowd back on their feet when he drilled Timber's pass high past Lucas Perri with his supposedly weaker right foot.&nbsp;Gyokeres had at one point been a target for Leeds during his days with Coventry in the Championship before making the move to Portugal.&nbsp;Arsenal's new £66 million signing showed the Yorkshire side what they missed as he scampered onto Riccardo Calafiori's ball over the top and cut inside before firing in at the near post.&nbsp;Saka missed nearly four months of last season with a hamstring injury.&nbsp;Worryingly for Arteta, the England international was holding the back of his left leg when he was replaced on 53 minutes.&nbsp;Arsenal added a fouth when Leeds failed to clear another Rice corner and Timber forced the ball over the line from close range.&nbsp;Arteta could then afford the luxury of handing a Premier League debut to 15-year-old Max Dowman. He became the second youngest ever player to play in the English top-flight after team-mate Ethan Nwaneri. Dowman's trickery won a penalty deep into stoppage time that Gyokeres gratefully dispatched.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Arsenal edged ahead of north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table on goal difference, as the only two sides so far with a 100 percent record from their opening two games.

Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two Arsenal goals as the Gunners gave Leeds a harsh lesson in the step up to the Premier League with a 5-0 win at the Emirates. Victory came at a cost for Mikel Arteta as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard hobbled off injured just eight days before Arsenal's trip to Liverpool. Arsenal edged ahead of north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table on goal difference, as the only two sides so far with a 100 percent record from their opening two games. Saka fired in a blistering strike from a narrow angle to double the home side's lead after Jurrien Timber opened the scoring. Also read | Bayer Leverkusen lose on Erik Ten Hag’s Bundesliga debut Gyokeres was signed from Sporting Lisbon as the solution to Arsenal's need for a killer number nine. The Swede's ability to succeed in the Premier League has been questioned despite his prolific record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting. Gyokeres made his mark with a fine individual run and finish before Timber bundled in his second from another Declan Rice corner. Gyokeres rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the game. A day of celebration for the home fans began before kick-off when new £60 million ($81 million) signing Eberechi Ezi was paraded after he turned down a move to Tottenham. But the sight of captain Odegaard and talisman Saka leaving the field soured a routine win. Arsenal had to rely on their threat from set-pieces to grind out a 1-0 win at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season. Despite a dominant start to the game, that was how the the Leeds defence was prized open. Timber had scored just twice in 52 Arsenal appearances before Saturday. The Dutch international doubled that tally as he firstly got his head to Rice's inviting delivery on 34 minutes. Odegaard then made his departure after appearing to injure his shoulder falling heavily to the turf. Saka soon had the Emirates crowd back on their feet when he drilled Timber's pass high past Lucas Perri with his supposedly weaker right foot. Gyokeres had at one point been a target for Leeds during his days with Coventry in the Championship before making the move to Portugal. Arsenal's new £66 million signing showed the Yorkshire side what they missed as he scampered onto Riccardo Calafiori's ball over the top and cut inside before firing in at the near post. Saka missed nearly four months of last season with a hamstring injury. Worryingly for Arteta, the England international was holding the back of his left leg when he was replaced on 53 minutes. Arsenal added a fouth when Leeds failed to clear another Rice corner and Timber forced the ball over the line from close range. Arteta could then afford the luxury of handing a Premier League debut to 15-year-old Max Dowman. He became the second youngest ever player to play in the English top-flight after team-mate Ethan Nwaneri. Dowman's trickery won a penalty deep into stoppage time that Gyokeres gratefully dispatched. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Arsenal edged ahead of north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table on goal difference, as the only two sides so far with a 100 percent record from their opening two games.

Viktor Gyokeres scores brace as Arsenal thrash Leeds to go on top of PL table

Ugly confrontations often make good stories, and former India opener Virender Sehwag is a pretty good storyteller. Recalling one of the instances from the past, when Australian great Greg Chappell was Team India’s head coach, Sehwag revealed the dressing room spat between the two over Sehwag’s bleak run with the bat. Recently speaking on a chat show, Sehwag revealed a conversation with Chappell, which later became ugly, only for then-Indian captain Rahul Dravid to intervene and separate the two. Sehwag admitted telling Dravid, ‘Ask your coach (Chappell) not to come near me.’&nbsp;Speaking on The Life Savers Show, Sehwag revealed (Chappell said to him), “If you don’t move your feet, you won’t score runs.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2025-ab-de-villiers-finds-shreyas-iyer-snub-as-weird-shares-thoughts-on-jasprit-bumrah-workload-management-1755964790199">Asia Cup: De Villiers finds Iyer’s snub as ‘weird’; shares thoughts on ‘Bumrah’s workload management’</a> &nbsp;Confident of his game, the dashing Indian opener reminded him of having scored over 6000 international runs with an average above 50, but Chappell was quick to respond, ‘Doesn’t matter.’ &nbsp;This conversation escalated, with Dravid intervening to pacify it. Even though Sehwag’s confidence and concentration remained intact, Chappell’s last warning (Make sure you score or I’ll drop you) before he walked out to bat motivated him to smash 184 by the end of two sessions. &nbsp;After returning to the pavilion, Sehwag told Dravid, ‘Tell your coach not to come near me,’ reflecting the mix of frustration and determination that helped fuel Sehwag’s knock.<h3>Sehwag’s glorious career &nbsp;</h3>There was none like Sehwag, never been. As much as he used to love taking the attack to the opposition from the ball one, he was equally good with his backfoot defence and against spin, making him a dangerous customer against even the best of bowlers. &nbsp;Although he peaked across formats, winning two ICC titles in each (2007 T20 WC and 2011 ODI WC), Sehwag was better off in Tests, in which he featured for India 104 times, scoring 8568 runs at an average close to 50 (49.34). He hit 23 hundreds, including two triple centuries – also the first ever and only Indian to date to achieve this feat.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even in the One-Dayers, Sehwag scored 8273 runs in 251 outings, hitting 15 tons, with his best being 219 against West Indies in 2011. Besides, Sehwag was the Indian captain in its first-ever T20I.&nbsp;

As much as he used to love taking the attack to the opposition from the ball one, he was equally good with his backfoot defence and against spin, making him a dangerous customer against even the best of bowlers.

Ugly confrontations often make good stories, and former India opener Virender Sehwag is a pretty good storyteller. Recalling one of the instances from the past, when Australian great Greg Chappell was Team India’s head coach, Sehwag revealed the dressing room spat between the two over Sehwag’s bleak run with the bat. Recently speaking on a chat show, Sehwag revealed a conversation with Chappell, which later became ugly, only for then-Indian captain Rahul Dravid to intervene and separate the two. Sehwag admitted telling Dravid, ‘Ask your coach (Chappell) not to come near me.’ Speaking on The Life Savers Show, Sehwag revealed (Chappell said to him), “If you don’t move your feet, you won’t score runs.” Also read | Asia Cup: De Villiers finds Iyer’s snub as ‘weird’; shares thoughts on ‘Bumrah’s workload management’ Confident of his game, the dashing Indian opener reminded him of having scored over 6000 international runs with an average above 50, but Chappell was quick to respond, ‘Doesn’t matter.’ This conversation escalated, with Dravid intervening to pacify it. Even though Sehwag’s confidence and concentration remained intact, Chappell’s last warning (Make sure you score or I’ll drop you) before he walked out to bat motivated him to smash 184 by the end of two sessions. After returning to the pavilion, Sehwag told Dravid, ‘Tell your coach not to come near me,’ reflecting the mix of frustration and determination that helped fuel Sehwag’s knock. Sehwag’s glorious career There was none like Sehwag, never been. As much as he used to love taking the attack to the opposition from the ball one, he was equally good with his backfoot defence and against spin, making him a dangerous customer against even the best of bowlers. Although he peaked across formats, winning two ICC titles in each (2007 T20 WC and 2011 ODI WC), Sehwag was better off in Tests, in which he featured for India 104 times, scoring 8568 runs at an average close to 50 (49.34). He hit 23 hundreds, including two triple centuries – also the first ever and only Indian to date to achieve this feat. Even in the One-Dayers, Sehwag scored 8273 runs in 251 outings, hitting 15 tons, with his best being 219 against West Indies in 2011. Besides, Sehwag was the Indian captain in its first-ever T20I.

As much as he used to love taking the attack to the opposition from the ball one, he was equally good with his backfoot defence and against spin, making him a dangerous customer against even the best of bowlers.

Sehwag recalls telling Rahul Dravid, ‘Tell your coach not to come near me’ - Know behind story

The final stop in tennis’s Grand Slam calendar has always carried a unique energy. The US Open is not just about crowns and prize money — it is about endurance in the humid August heat, the roar of the Arthur Ashe night crowd, and the ability to withstand chaos in the city that never sleeps. The 2025 edition promises all of that and more. With defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka under pressure, young contenders ready to pounce, and veterans preparing their farewell tours, this year’s US Open looks set to deliver a fortnight of drama worthy of its history.<h2>The Weight of Defending a Title</h2>For Jannik Sinner, 2024 was the year he finally stepped out of the shadow of potential and claimed the biggest prize in New York. The Italian has since risen to world no. 1, bringing a new consistency to his powerful baseline game. But the challenge of defending in New York is always immense. Unlike Wimbledon or Roland Garros, where traditions run deep, the US Open thrives on unpredictability. For Sinner, the spotlight will be blinding — can he back up his dominance, or will Flushing Meadows remind him how fickle success can be?&nbsp;On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka faces a mountain even higher. No woman since Serena Williams’ three-peat from 2012 to 2014 has managed to defend a US Open title. The Belarusian is the reigning queen of Flushing Meadows, but history has a cruel way of humbling champions here. Her power game thrives on hard courts, yet she knows better than anyone that pressure, expectation, and the depth of the women’s field make back-to-back glory a near-impossible task.&nbsp;If the men’s field has a central storyline, it is the growing rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Their matches over the past year have been box-office events, filled with momentum shifts, dazzling shot-making, and the sense that tennis is witnessing its next great duel. Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion, relishes the energy of New York. For him, it is about reclaiming the crown and proving that Sinner’s rise has not left him behind.&nbsp;And then there is Novak Djokovic, the ageless titan. Each tournament could be his last real shot at a Slam, yet time and again he finds ways to remind the tennis world of his genius. Though younger rivals now often outlast him in grueling five-setters, Djokovic’s tactical mind and resilience make him a dangerous presence no one wants in their draw. Alexander Zverev continues to hunt for that elusive Slam breakthrough, while Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton carry the hopes of American men desperate to see a homegrown champion again. Frances Tiafoe, a semifinalist two years ago, remains the crowd’s favorite showman, capable of igniting Ashe Stadium on any given night.&nbsp;If the men’s side feels like a duel with supporting actors, the women’s tournament is an ensemble drama with multiple headliners. Iga Świątek enters the Open on a hot streak, having conquered Wimbledon and Cincinnati. Her ability to absorb pace and turn defense into attack makes her the most complete player in the world, and she could very well leave New York with both the trophy and the No. 1 ranking.&nbsp;But this is also the tournament of Coco Gauff. Two years removed from her 2023 breakthrough title, the American teenager returns home with the weight of expectation and the full support of the crowd. For Gauff, New York is not just about performance — it is about continuing her journey as the face of American tennis. Naomi Osaka, back on the Slam stage, is another wildcard. A two-time US Open champion, she has the pedigree and the comfort of playing in New York. If she finds her rhythm, she could easily derail higher-ranked players. Emma Raducanu, who shocked the world in 2021, still carries unpredictability — if her fitness holds, she remains one of the most dangerous unseeded players in the field.&nbsp;Beyond them, the women’s draw carries layers of history. Petra Kvitová and Caroline Garcia will bid farewell at this Slam, ensuring emotional nights as fans salute their careers. Venus Williams, making yet another appearance, enters as the oldest woman to contest a US Open singles draw in decades — her mere presence adds gravitas.<h2>Farewells and Fresh Starts</h2>The US Open has always been a place where eras end and new ones begin. Pete Sampras retired here. Serena Williams said goodbye here. In 2025, it could be the last hurrah for a few household names, while simultaneously becoming the launching pad for the next generation. American men like Shelton and Fritz are desperate to seize the moment, while the likes of Mirra Andreeva on the women’s side represent the youthful wave that is already crashing into the sport’s upper tier. The Open thrives on chaos — that unexpected run to the semifinals, that teenager who topples a champion, that night when a crowd decides to carry a player on its shoulders. And in 2025, with so many narratives colliding, the stage seems set for plenty of those moments.<h2>What’s at Stake</h2><ul><li>For Sinner: A chance to prove that his No. 1 ranking is not just a number but a reign.</li><li>For Alcaraz: Redemption, and the reminder that he still belongs at the very top.</li><li>For Djokovic: Legacy — perhaps one last chapter in his storied career.</li><li>For Sabalenka: Breaking a decade-long curse and stamping herself as the game’s most dominant force.</li><li>For Swiątek: The opportunity to reclaim hard-court supremacy and the No. 1 throne.</li><li>For Gauff: The dream of a second US Open crown, this time as America’s established superstar.</li><li>For the veterans: A farewell under the Ashe lights, the kind of goodbye only New York can give.</li></ul><h2>The New York Factor</h2>More than any other Slam, the US Open feeds off its setting. The late-night finishes, the raucous New York crowd, the swirling humidity — they shape champions and crush pretenders. It is the Slam where endurance meets entertainment, where athletes must not only beat their opponents but also embrace the stage. For players like Gauff, Tiafoe, and Osaka, the crowd can feel like a third weapon. For others, the noise and chaos become hurdles to overcome.&nbsp;Over two weeks, from August 24 to September 7, Flushing Meadows will once again become tennis’s epicenter. Every night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium promises storylines, from Sinner’s march to Sabalenka’s defense, from Alcaraz’s hunger to Swiątek’s dominance, from emotional farewells to shocking breakthroughs. The US Open has always been the Slam of surprises. Yet one thing is certain in 2025: with legacies at stake, rivalries peaking, and a city that thrives on drama, this year’s edition will demand nothing less than greatness.

US Open 2025: The stage is set for sensational New York nights and epic tennis fights

The final stop in tennis’s Grand Slam calendar has always carried a unique energy. The US Open is not just about crowns and prize money — it is about endurance in the humid August heat, the roar of the Arthur Ashe night crowd, and the ability to withstand chaos in the city that never sleeps. The 2025 edition promises all of that and more. With defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka under pressure, young contenders ready to pounce, and veterans preparing their farewell tours, this year’s US Open looks set to deliver a fortnight of drama worthy of its history. The Weight of Defending a Title For Jannik Sinner, 2024 was the year he finally stepped out of the shadow of potential and claimed the biggest prize in New York. The Italian has since risen to world no. 1, bringing a new consistency to his powerful baseline game. But the challenge of defending in New York is always immense. Unlike Wimbledon or Roland Garros, where traditions run deep, the US Open thrives on unpredictability. For Sinner, the spotlight will be blinding — can he back up his dominance, or will Flushing Meadows remind him how fickle success can be? On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka faces a mountain even higher. No woman since Serena Williams’ three-peat from 2012 to 2014 has managed to defend a US Open title. The Belarusian is the reigning queen of Flushing Meadows, but history has a cruel way of humbling champions here. Her power game thrives on hard courts, yet she knows better than anyone that pressure, expectation, and the depth of the women’s field make back-to-back glory a near-impossible task. If the men’s field has a central storyline, it is the growing rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Their matches over the past year have been box-office events, filled with momentum shifts, dazzling shot-making, and the sense that tennis is witnessing its next great duel. Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion, relishes the energy of New York. For him, it is about reclaiming the crown and proving that Sinner’s rise has not left him behind. And then there is Novak Djokovic, the ageless titan. Each tournament could be his last real shot at a Slam, yet time and again he finds ways to remind the tennis world of his genius. Though younger rivals now often outlast him in grueling five-setters, Djokovic’s tactical mind and resilience make him a dangerous presence no one wants in their draw. Alexander Zverev continues to hunt for that elusive Slam breakthrough, while Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton carry the hopes of American men desperate to see a homegrown champion again. Frances Tiafoe, a semifinalist two years ago, remains the crowd’s favorite showman, capable of igniting Ashe Stadium on any given night. If the men’s side feels like a duel with supporting actors, the women’s tournament is an ensemble drama with multiple headliners. Iga Świątek enters the Open on a hot streak, having conquered Wimbledon and Cincinnati. Her ability to absorb pace and turn defense into attack makes her the most complete player in the world, and she could very well leave New York with both the trophy and the No. 1 ranking. But this is also the tournament of Coco Gauff. Two years removed from her 2023 breakthrough title, the American teenager returns home with the weight of expectation and the full support of the crowd. For Gauff, New York is not just about performance — it is about continuing her journey as the face of American tennis. Naomi Osaka, back on the Slam stage, is another wildcard. A two-time US Open champion, she has the pedigree and the comfort of playing in New York. If she finds her rhythm, she could easily derail higher-ranked players. Emma Raducanu, who shocked the world in 2021, still carries unpredictability — if her fitness holds, she remains one of the most dangerous unseeded players in the field. Beyond them, the women’s draw carries layers of history. Petra Kvitová and Caroline Garcia will bid farewell at this Slam, ensuring emotional nights as fans salute their careers. Venus Williams, making yet another appearance, enters as the oldest woman to contest a US Open singles draw in decades — her mere presence adds gravitas. Farewells and Fresh Starts The US Open has always been a place where eras end and new ones begin. Pete Sampras retired here. Serena Williams said goodbye here. In 2025, it could be the last hurrah for a few household names, while simultaneously becoming the launching pad for the next generation. American men like Shelton and Fritz are desperate to seize the moment, while the likes of Mirra Andreeva on the women’s side represent the youthful wave that is already crashing into the sport’s upper tier. The Open thrives on chaos — that unexpected run to the semifinals, that teenager who topples a champion, that night when a crowd decides to carry a player on its shoulders. And in 2025, with so many narratives colliding, the stage seems set for plenty of those moments. What’s at Stake For Sinner: A chance to prove that his No. 1 ranking is not just a number but a reign. For Alcaraz: Redemption, and the reminder that he still belongs at the very top. For Djokovic: Legacy — perhaps one last chapter in his storied career. For Sabalenka: Breaking a decade-long curse and stamping herself as the game’s most dominant force. For Swiątek: The opportunity to reclaim hard-court supremacy and the No. 1 throne. For Gauff: The dream of a second US Open crown, this time as America’s established superstar. For the veterans: A farewell under the Ashe lights, the kind of goodbye only New York can give. The New York Factor More than any other Slam, the US Open feeds off its setting. The late-night finishes, the raucous New York crowd, the swirling humidity — they shape champions and crush pretenders. It is the Slam where endurance meets entertainment, where athletes must not only beat their opponents but also embrace the stage. For players like Gauff, Tiafoe, and Osaka, the crowd can feel like a third weapon. For others, the noise and chaos become hurdles to overcome. Over two weeks, from August 24 to September 7, Flushing Meadows will once again become tennis’s epicenter. Every night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium promises storylines, from Sinner’s march to Sabalenka’s defense, from Alcaraz’s hunger to Swiątek’s dominance, from emotional farewells to shocking breakthroughs. The US Open has always been the Slam of surprises. Yet one thing is certain in 2025: with legacies at stake, rivalries peaking, and a city that thrives on drama, this year’s edition will demand nothing less than greatness.

The US Open 2025 is scheduled to start from Sunday &nbsp;(August 24). Ben Shelton will play his first match against Ignacio Buse, while Emma Raducanu will face Ena Shibahara in first round

Bayer Leverkusen let a one-goal lead slip to lose 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim in new coach Erik Ten Hag's Bundesliga debut on Saturday (Aug 23). Taking over from Xabi Alonso in the summer and overseeing a radically restructured side after several high-profile exits, the former Manchester United manager cut a frustrated figure on the sideline. Leverkusen hit the lead after six minutes when Jarell Quansah, who arrived from Liverpool this summer, headed in an Alex Grimaldo free kick.&nbsp;Hoffenheim, who finished just one spot above the relegation placings last season, levelled with 25 minutes played, Fisnik Asllani taking advantage of a defensive error from Quansah.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-tottenham-hotspur-sink-manchester-city-to-go-on-top-of-standings-after-two-games-1755958163359">Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games</a>&nbsp;Tim Lemperle put the visitors ahead after 52 minutes. He was given too much time by Leverkusen's defence and skidded a low shot across the grass and into the corner.&nbsp;Leverkusen lost just three league games in the past two seasons, but there would be no late heroics. The defeat showed the scale of the rebuild Ten Hag has on his hands.&nbsp;Eintracht Frankfurt proved they still know their way to the goal without departed striker Hugo Ekitike, thumping Werder Bremen 4-1 at home, Jean-Matteo Bahoya scoring a brace before half-time.&nbsp;Now at Liverpool, Ekitike scored 15 and added eight assists in the league last season, but youngsters Bahoya, Can Uzun and Ansgar Knauff all scored for the home side in a dominant victory.&nbsp;Bremen pulled one back through Justin Njinmah in the second half, but rarely troubled the hosts.&nbsp;German Cup holders Stuttgart were beaten by Union Berlin, who won 2-1 thanks to a first-half double from debutant Ilyas Ansah.&nbsp;Back in Berlin for the first time since winning the cup final in May, Stuttgart hit the woodwork twice and had a stoppage-time equaliser to Nick Woltemade ruled out for offside.&nbsp;Elsewhere, Augsburg won 3-1 at Freiburg and Wolfsburg won by the same scoreline at Heidenheim.&nbsp;On Friday, defending champions Bayern Munich exploded in their season opener, beating RB Leipzig 6-0 at home, with Harry Kane scoring a second-half hat trick.&nbsp;Later on Saturday, Borussia Dortmund start their Bundesliga campaign away at St Pauli.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Leverkusen lost just three league games in the past two seasons, but there would be no late heroics. The defeat showed the scale of the rebuild Ten Hag has on his hands.

Bayer Leverkusen let a one-goal lead slip to lose 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim in new coach Erik Ten Hag's Bundesliga debut on Saturday (Aug 23). Taking over from Xabi Alonso in the summer and overseeing a radically restructured side after several high-profile exits, the former Manchester United manager cut a frustrated figure on the sideline. Leverkusen hit the lead after six minutes when Jarell Quansah, who arrived from Liverpool this summer, headed in an Alex Grimaldo free kick. Hoffenheim, who finished just one spot above the relegation placings last season, levelled with 25 minutes played, Fisnik Asllani taking advantage of a defensive error from Quansah. Also read | Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games Tim Lemperle put the visitors ahead after 52 minutes. He was given too much time by Leverkusen's defence and skidded a low shot across the grass and into the corner. Leverkusen lost just three league games in the past two seasons, but there would be no late heroics. The defeat showed the scale of the rebuild Ten Hag has on his hands. Eintracht Frankfurt proved they still know their way to the goal without departed striker Hugo Ekitike, thumping Werder Bremen 4-1 at home, Jean-Matteo Bahoya scoring a brace before half-time. Now at Liverpool, Ekitike scored 15 and added eight assists in the league last season, but youngsters Bahoya, Can Uzun and Ansgar Knauff all scored for the home side in a dominant victory. Bremen pulled one back through Justin Njinmah in the second half, but rarely troubled the hosts. German Cup holders Stuttgart were beaten by Union Berlin, who won 2-1 thanks to a first-half double from debutant Ilyas Ansah. Back in Berlin for the first time since winning the cup final in May, Stuttgart hit the woodwork twice and had a stoppage-time equaliser to Nick Woltemade ruled out for offside. Elsewhere, Augsburg won 3-1 at Freiburg and Wolfsburg won by the same scoreline at Heidenheim. On Friday, defending champions Bayern Munich exploded in their season opener, beating RB Leipzig 6-0 at home, with Harry Kane scoring a second-half hat trick. Later on Saturday, Borussia Dortmund start their Bundesliga campaign away at St Pauli. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Leverkusen lost just three league games in the past two seasons, but there would be no late heroics. The defeat showed the scale of the rebuild Ten Hag has on his hands.

Bayer Leverkusen lose on Erik Ten Hag’s Bundesliga debut

For a man known to dominate bowlers with ease, Mumbai’s traffic turned out to be a far trickier opponent for Rohit Sharma. The Indian captain was spotted driving his bright red Lamborghini Urus SE through the city’s packed streets on Saturday (August 23), only to end up at a complete standstill like thousands of other commuters. It was an unusual sight—one of the world’s finest cricketers behind the wheel of one of the world’s fastest SUVs, going nowhere on the city’s jammed roads.&nbsp;&nbsp;When fans noticed him waiting patiently at the signal, Rohit acknowledged them with a smile and and a cheerful thumbs-up. A small gesture, but one that instantly won hearts. The video went viral quickly on social media platforms. A user took it to X and wrote, “Rohit Sharma got stuck in Mumbai traffic in his new Lamborghini, but he still didn’t forget to wave to his fans while heading home after finishing training. The man with golden heart @ImRo45.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Rohit Sharma got stuck in Mumbai traffic in his new Lamborghini, but he still didn’t forget to wave to his fans while heading home after finishing training.❤️ The man with golden heart <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/ioJvh93h7b">pic.twitter.com/ioJvh93h7b</a>&mdash; 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) <a href="https://twitter.com/rushiii_12/status/1958975876391215272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier this month, India’s ODI skipper Rohit Sharma welcomed a new set of wheels into his garage — a red Lamborghini Urus. The car was delivered to him in Mumbai recently, shortly after he gave away his previous Urus as part of a fan contest. What instantly caught attention, though, was the car’s registration number — 3015. Fans were quick to crack the code, realising the digits carry a personal touch. The “30” signifies December 30, the birthday of Rohit’s daughter Samaira, while “15” stands for November 15, the birthday of his son Ahaan. Put together, the digits also add up to 45, the jersey number the ‘Hitman’ proudly dons for India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cristiano-ronaldo-becomes-first-player-in-history-to-1755958715854">Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player in HISTORY to...</a>&nbsp;Interestingly, Rohit’s previous Lamborghini had the number 264, a tribute to his record-breaking highest individual ODI score. With the new number plate, the India captain has now mixed both his cricketing milestones and his family’s special dates into his automotive choices.

WATCH | Rohit Sharma gets stuck in Mumbai traffic in his Lamborghini. What happens next will SHOCK you

For a man known to dominate bowlers with ease, Mumbai’s traffic turned out to be a far trickier opponent for Rohit Sharma. The Indian captain was spotted driving his bright red Lamborghini Urus SE through the city’s packed streets on Saturday (August 23), only to end up at a complete standstill like thousands of other commuters. It was an unusual sight—one of the world’s finest cricketers behind the wheel of one of the world’s fastest SUVs, going nowhere on the city’s jammed roads. When fans noticed him waiting patiently at the signal, Rohit acknowledged them with a smile and and a cheerful thumbs-up. A small gesture, but one that instantly won hearts. The video went viral quickly on social media platforms. A user took it to X and wrote, “Rohit Sharma got stuck in Mumbai traffic in his new Lamborghini, but he still didn’t forget to wave to his fans while heading home after finishing training. The man with golden heart @ImRo45.”

In a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, the 38-year-old Indian cricketer was spotted stuck in traffic after he was was on his way to home from training session

AB de Villiers is the latest to comment on Shreyas Iyer's situation in Indian Cricket. Not for the first and clearly not for the last has a star batter (in the Indian batting line-up) found himself in such a tight spot, with plenty having already gone through it. After failing to find a place in India’s potent 15-man squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, Iyer received massive support from social media users, former cricketers and even broadcasters, with ex-South Africa captain AB de Villiers being the latest to share his views on the same, calling this whole episode ‘weird’. He, however, also commented on all talks around Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management.&nbsp;De Villiers was adamant on not finding any cricketing reason behind Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the eight-team tournament, starting September 9 in the UAE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-to-host-44-matches-as-csa-confirms-venues-and-roadmap-for-2027-odi-world-cup-1755950772280">South Africa to host 44 matches as CSA confirms venues, roadmap for 2027 ODI World Cup</a> &nbsp;Iyer led two different IPL teams to the final in successive years, even winning a title with one (KKR in 2024). With the bat in hand, he scored over 600 runs in the past season for the Punjab Kings, guiding them to only their second IPL final to date. Although he was also handy in helping India clinch its record third Champions Trophy title early this year, Iyer seemed to have failed to impress the selectors. &nbsp;"It is tough, guys. I was just going through the squad. I was thinking, where can we fit Shreyas in? I think Shreyas will be the most upset because he's played some really good cricket over the last few years. He's matured a lot, he's shown a lot of leadership qualities. But who knows what is going on behind closed doors? Not me. Not you guys. Maybe not even Shreyas knows,” De Villiers said during a live chat on X. &nbsp;"Sometimes, when it's a 50-50 call between two players, I would always lean towards the guy I feel offers more from a team perspective off the field. Does he add value in the team room? Does he uplift others, or does he drain energy? Maybe it's got something to do with that. I'm just honestly taking a complete guess,” he continued.<h3>De Villiers on Bumrah &nbsp;</h3>Bumrah was the talking point on India’s last Test tour of the UK, which ended with both teams sharing honours. The ace quick played just three matches on that tour, as also suggested by the NCA and team doctors to manage his workload better, returning with 14 wickets, including breaking several bowling records. &nbsp;Considering his persistent back injuries, the management would be careful with his playing time in the 2025 Asia Cup, with De Villiers thinking on the same lines. &nbsp;“Great to see him in the squad, fit and ready to go. I don’t think he will play all the games,” De Villiers said of Bumrah’s playing time in the UAE. “I saw reports saying he will be earmarked for the games that matter, and I love that about the selectors being proactive. That’s how you should be managing your senior and most impactful players.” &nbsp;“It’s not like they are picking and choosing. There’s just so much cricket these days. For your older guys, their work has taken its toll over the years. Once you start managing these players, you will get the best out of them, and I love it that they’ve started doing that with Jasprit Bumrah,” he added.

The former South African captain was adamant on not finding any cricketing reason behind Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the eight-team tournament, starting September 9 in the UAE. 

AB de Villiers is the latest to comment on Shreyas Iyer's situation in Indian Cricket. Not for the first and clearly not for the last has a star batter (in the Indian batting line-up) found himself in such a tight spot, with plenty having already gone through it. After failing to find a place in India’s potent 15-man squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, Iyer received massive support from social media users, former cricketers and even broadcasters, with ex-South Africa captain AB de Villiers being the latest to share his views on the same, calling this whole episode ‘weird’. He, however, also commented on all talks around Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management. De Villiers was adamant on not finding any cricketing reason behind Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the eight-team tournament, starting September 9 in the UAE. Also read | South Africa to host 44 matches as CSA confirms venues, roadmap for 2027 ODI World Cup Iyer led two different IPL teams to the final in successive years, even winning a title with one (KKR in 2024). With the bat in hand, he scored over 600 runs in the past season for the Punjab Kings, guiding them to only their second IPL final to date. Although he was also handy in helping India clinch its record third Champions Trophy title early this year, Iyer seemed to have failed to impress the selectors. "It is tough, guys. I was just going through the squad. I was thinking, where can we fit Shreyas in? I think Shreyas will be the most upset because he's played some really good cricket over the last few years. He's matured a lot, he's shown a lot of leadership qualities. But who knows what is going on behind closed doors? Not me. Not you guys. Maybe not even Shreyas knows,” De Villiers said during a live chat on X. "Sometimes, when it's a 50-50 call between two players, I would always lean towards the guy I feel offers more from a team perspective off the field. Does he add value in the team room? Does he uplift others, or does he drain energy? Maybe it's got something to do with that. I'm just honestly taking a complete guess,” he continued. De Villiers on Bumrah Bumrah was the talking point on India’s last Test tour of the UK, which ended with both teams sharing honours. The ace quick played just three matches on that tour, as also suggested by the NCA and team doctors to manage his workload better, returning with 14 wickets, including breaking several bowling records. Considering his persistent back injuries, the management would be careful with his playing time in the 2025 Asia Cup, with De Villiers thinking on the same lines. “Great to see him in the squad, fit and ready to go. I don’t think he will play all the games,” De Villiers said of Bumrah’s playing time in the UAE. “I saw reports saying he will be earmarked for the games that matter, and I love that about the selectors being proactive. That’s how you should be managing your senior and most impactful players.” “It’s not like they are picking and choosing. There’s just so much cricket these days. For your older guys, their work has taken its toll over the years. Once you start managing these players, you will get the best out of them, and I love it that they’ve started doing that with Jasprit Bumrah,” he added.

The former South African captain was adamant on not finding any cricketing reason behind Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from the eight-team tournament, starting September 9 in the UAE.&nbsp;

Asia Cup: De Villiers finds Iyer’s snub as ‘weird’; shares thoughts on ‘Bumrah’s workload management’

Remember the name — Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward and a five-time Ballon d'Or winner has just added another chapter to his extraordinary career by scoring his 100th goal for his current club: Al-Nassr FC. In doing so, Ronaldo has achieved what no other footballer in history has managed — he has become the only player to score 100 or more goals for four different clubs and his national team.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-tottenham-hotspur-sink-manchester-city-to-go-on-top-of-standings-after-two-games-1755958163359">Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games</a><h2>Breaking records</h2>Football has seen legends come and go, but Ronaldo’s consistency across countries, clubs, and competitions sets him apart. From Sporting Lisbon’s raw teenager to Manchester United’s rising star, Real Madrid’s record-breaker, Juventus’ talisman, and now the prolific scorer at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has rewritten the definition of longevity and adaptability. Each move was met with skepticism, yet he turned every challenge into an opportunity to shatter records.<h2>The Four-Club Century</h2>To score 100 goals for one club is a dream few footballers achieve; to do it for four different clubs plus his national side is a milestone likely to remain unmatched for generations. His tally includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>145 goals for Manchester United, where he first rose to stardom.</li><li>A staggering 451 goals for Real Madrid, making him their all-time leading scorer.</li><li>101 goals for Juventus, proving he could still dominate Serie A.</li><li>Now, 100 and counting for Al-Nassr FC.</li><li>138 international goals for Portugal, the most in men’s international football.</li></ul>What makes this achievement remarkable is not just the number of goals, but the context. Ronaldo has adapted to different leagues, different teammates, different managers, and different tactical demands — yet the end result has remained the same: goals. His ability to reinvent himself, whether as a dazzling winger, a clinical striker, or a poacher in the box, has kept him at the pinnacle for two decades.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/durand-cup-final-northeast-united-fc-are-crowned-champions-beat-diamond-harbour-fc-6-1-to-successfully-defend-title-1755955047110">Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title</a>&nbsp;Ronaldo’s 100-goal milestone at his latest club is not just another statistic — it’s a reminder of his relentless pursuit of greatness. Records may be broken in the future, but the sheer scale of his multi-club dominance makes his legacy unique. Even as debates over the “greatest of all time” continue, Ronaldo ensures his name is forever etched in football’s golden pages.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player in HISTORY to...

Remember the name — Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward and a five-time Ballon d'Or winner has just added another chapter to his extraordinary career by scoring his 100th goal for his current club: Al-Nassr FC. In doing so, Ronaldo has achieved what no other footballer in history has managed — he has become the only player to score 100 or more goals for four different clubs and his national team. Also Read: Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games Breaking records Football has seen legends come and go, but Ronaldo’s consistency across countries, clubs, and competitions sets him apart. From Sporting Lisbon’s raw teenager to Manchester United’s rising star, Real Madrid’s record-breaker, Juventus’ talisman, and now the prolific scorer at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has rewritten the definition of longevity and adaptability. Each move was met with skepticism, yet he turned every challenge into an opportunity to shatter records. The Four-Club Century To score 100 goals for one club is a dream few footballers achieve; to do it for four different clubs plus his national side is a milestone likely to remain unmatched for generations. His tally includes: 145 goals for Manchester United, where he first rose to stardom. A staggering 451 goals for Real Madrid, making him their all-time leading scorer. 101 goals for Juventus, proving he could still dominate Serie A. Now, 100 and counting for Al-Nassr FC. 138 international goals for Portugal, the most in men’s international football. What makes this achievement remarkable is not just the number of goals, but the context. Ronaldo has adapted to different leagues, different teammates, different managers, and different tactical demands — yet the end result has remained the same: goals. His ability to reinvent himself, whether as a dazzling winger, a clinical striker, or a poacher in the box, has kept him at the pinnacle for two decades. Also Read: Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title Ronaldo’s 100-goal milestone at his latest club is not just another statistic — it’s a reminder of his relentless pursuit of greatness. Records may be broken in the future, but the sheer scale of his multi-club dominance makes his legacy unique. Even as debates over the “greatest of all time” continue, Ronaldo ensures his name is forever etched in football’s golden pages.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scripted yet another record. The 40-year-old forward has played for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus

Manchester City's troubles from last season were exposed once more in a humbling 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday (Aug 23) that raised questions over their quest to regain the Premier League title. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge. City's run of four consecutive titles came to a spectacular end last season as they finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal.&nbsp;A 4-0 thrashing of Wolves on the opening weekend of the campaign showed glimpses of a new-look City back to their best. However, a series of defensive issues remain unresolved, while manager Pep Guardiola must decide on who will be his number one goalkeeper going forward after a day to forget for James Trafford.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/durand-cup-final-northeast-united-fc-are-crowned-champions-beat-diamond-harbour-fc-6-1-to-successfully-defend-title-1755955047110">Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title</a>&nbsp;The England international retained his place in goal despite the return to fitness of Ederson. The Brazilian is reportedly on the verge of joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, which would free up City to make a move for out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain 'keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.&nbsp;City's failure to get those deals done before the final week of the transfer window came back to haunt them in a familiar tale for Guardiola's men against Tottenham.&nbsp;In the last 13 Premier League meetings between the sides, City have won just four despite several changes of management at Spurs in that time.Frank is the latest man in the Tottenham dugout and has made a highly impressive start.&nbsp;Spurs were minutes away from beating PSG in the UEFA Super Cup before losing on penalties, and have taken maximum points from their opening two Premier League games without conceding.&nbsp;Omar Marmoush's return was one of two City changes as Ballon d'Or winner Rodri had to settle for a place on the bench. Marmoush flashed a shot across goal and was then denied by Guglielmo Vicario with City's best chance before conceding. City's high-line was easily exposed in an embarrassing early exit from the Club World Cup to Saudi side Al-Hilal last month, and is an issue Guardiola still has to resolve.&nbsp;Tottenham took the lead on 35 minutes when Mohammed Kudus fed Richarlison, and he squared for Johnson to power past Trafford. An offside flag briefly halted Spurs' joy until a VAR review showed the slipping Ruben Dias had played Richarlison onside.&nbsp;City then completely lost their composure for the period before half-time.&nbsp;Trafford was fortunate to avoid being punished after rushing outside his box to block from Kudus. But the 22-year-old then endured a moment which might cost him the chance to be Guardiola's number one this season. Trafford's attempted pass to Nico Gonzalez inside his own box was intercepted by Pape Mate Sarr, and even though the goalkeeper recovered to deny Richarlison, Palhinha smashed home the rebound.&nbsp;Erling Haaland had the chance to reduce City's arrears in first-half stoppage time, but headed over to sum up a tough afternoon for the Norwegian.&nbsp;Spurs let a two-goal lead slip late on against PSG in Frank's first game in charge, but rarely looked in danger of suffering a similar fate.&nbsp;Haaland wasted City's other big opportunity to gain a foothold when he overhit a pass to Rayan Cherki with just Vicario to beat. But City fell to defeat with a whimper and could have been further punished on the counter-attack when Trafford made good saves to deny Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in stoppage time.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge.

Manchester City's troubles from last season were exposed once more in a humbling 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday (Aug 23) that raised questions over their quest to regain the Premier League title. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge. City's run of four consecutive titles came to a spectacular end last season as they finished a distant third behind Liverpool and Arsenal. A 4-0 thrashing of Wolves on the opening weekend of the campaign showed glimpses of a new-look City back to their best. However, a series of defensive issues remain unresolved, while manager Pep Guardiola must decide on who will be his number one goalkeeper going forward after a day to forget for James Trafford. Also read | Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title The England international retained his place in goal despite the return to fitness of Ederson. The Brazilian is reportedly on the verge of joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, which would free up City to make a move for out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain 'keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. City's failure to get those deals done before the final week of the transfer window came back to haunt them in a familiar tale for Guardiola's men against Tottenham. In the last 13 Premier League meetings between the sides, City have won just four despite several changes of management at Spurs in that time. Frank is the latest man in the Tottenham dugout and has made a highly impressive start. Spurs were minutes away from beating PSG in the UEFA Super Cup before losing on penalties, and have taken maximum points from their opening two Premier League games without conceding. Omar Marmoush's return was one of two City changes as Ballon d'Or winner Rodri had to settle for a place on the bench. Marmoush flashed a shot across goal and was then denied by Guglielmo Vicario with City's best chance before conceding. City's high-line was easily exposed in an embarrassing early exit from the Club World Cup to Saudi side Al-Hilal last month, and is an issue Guardiola still has to resolve. Tottenham took the lead on 35 minutes when Mohammed Kudus fed Richarlison, and he squared for Johnson to power past Trafford. An offside flag briefly halted Spurs' joy until a VAR review showed the slipping Ruben Dias had played Richarlison onside. City then completely lost their composure for the period before half-time. Trafford was fortunate to avoid being punished after rushing outside his box to block from Kudus. But the 22-year-old then endured a moment which might cost him the chance to be Guardiola's number one this season. Trafford's attempted pass to Nico Gonzalez inside his own box was intercepted by Pape Mate Sarr, and even though the goalkeeper recovered to deny Richarlison, Palhinha smashed home the rebound. Erling Haaland had the chance to reduce City's arrears in first-half stoppage time, but headed over to sum up a tough afternoon for the Norwegian. Spurs let a two-goal lead slip late on against PSG in Frank's first game in charge, but rarely looked in danger of suffering a similar fate. Haaland wasted City's other big opportunity to gain a foothold when he overhit a pass to Rayan Cherki with just Vicario to beat. But City fell to defeat with a whimper and could have been further punished on the counter-attack when Trafford made good saves to deny Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in stoppage time. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck for the Europa League winners just before half-time as Spurs went top of the table, making it a perfect start for Thomas Frank after two league games in charge.

Premier League: Spurs sink Manchester City to go on top of standings after two games

It was a five-star performance. Defending champions NorthEast United FC beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend their Durand Cup title on Saturday (August 23). The final match was being played at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium in West Bengal. For NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), Asheer Akhtar (30'),Parthib Gogoi (45+1'), Thoi Singh (50'), Jairo Bustara (81'), Mayakkannan Gaitan (86') and Ajaraie (90+4') found the back of the net. Two goals came in the first half of the game for NEUFC, while Mikel Kortazar (68') was the lone goal scorer for Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2025-can-aryna-sabalenka-break-the-defending-champion-jynx-last-player-to-defend-was-1755951992305">US Open 2025: Can Aryna Sabalenka break the defending champion jynx? Last player to defend was...</a><h2>NEUFC defends their Durand Cup title</h2>Durand Cup is also Asia's oldest football tournament and this year it was the 134th edition of the tournament. The NEUFC club is owned by renowned Bollywood actor John Abraham. NEUFC, also known as ‘The Highlanders’ had beaten Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2024 by a score of 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time.&nbsp;Coming to the match, both the teams showed aggressive approach right from the get go. DHFC got a freekick in the 21st minute of the game but the team could not capitalise on the opportunity. At the half-hour mark, Asheer Akhtar gave NEUFC lead. Just before the referee was about to blow the whistle to signal the end of the first half, Parthib Gogoi scored a sublime goal to extend NEUFC's lead. Going into the half-time, NEUFC led DHFC by 2-0.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-sa-2025-marco-jansen-returns-for-t20is-uncertainty-looms-over-injured-rabada-but-coach-conrad-is-hopeful-keshav-maharaj-1755955607005">ENG vs SA 2025: Jansen returns for T20Is; uncertainty looms over injured Rabada but coach Conrad is hopeful</a><h2>A stellar performance by The Highlanders</h2>At the beginning of the second half, NEUFC played with the same momentum and tried to keep DHFC at bay. Just five minutes into the second half, Thoi Singh added third goal to take the game away from DHFC. DHFC continued to find ways to find the back of the net but were unable to. However, Mikel Kortazar (68') pulled one back for the Diamond Harbour FC. In the last ten minutes of the game, Jairo Bustara and Mayakkannan Gaitan added two more goals. In the last minute of the game, NEUFC were awarded penalty which was easily converted by Ajaraie.

Durand Cup final: NorthEast United FC are crowned champions; beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend title

It was a five-star performance. Defending champions NorthEast United FC beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 to successfully defend their Durand Cup title on Saturday (August 23). The final match was being played at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium in West Bengal. For NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), Asheer Akhtar (30'),Parthib Gogoi (45+1'), Thoi Singh (50'), Jairo Bustara (81'), Mayakkannan Gaitan (86') and Ajaraie (90+4') found the back of the net. Two goals came in the first half of the game for NEUFC, while Mikel Kortazar (68') was the lone goal scorer for Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC). Also Read: US Open 2025: Can Aryna Sabalenka break the defending champion jynx? Last player to defend was... NEUFC defends their Durand Cup title Durand Cup is also Asia's oldest football tournament and this year it was the 134th edition of the tournament. The NEUFC club is owned by renowned Bollywood actor John Abraham. NEUFC, also known as ‘The Highlanders’ had beaten Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2024 by a score of 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time. Coming to the match, both the teams showed aggressive approach right from the get go. DHFC got a freekick in the 21st minute of the game but the team could not capitalise on the opportunity. At the half-hour mark, Asheer Akhtar gave NEUFC lead. Just before the referee was about to blow the whistle to signal the end of the first half, Parthib Gogoi scored a sublime goal to extend NEUFC's lead. Going into the half-time, NEUFC led DHFC by 2-0. Also Read: ENG vs SA 2025: Jansen returns for T20Is; uncertainty looms over injured Rabada but coach Conrad is hopeful A stellar performance by The Highlanders At the beginning of the second half, NEUFC played with the same momentum and tried to keep DHFC at bay. Just five minutes into the second half, Thoi Singh added third goal to take the game away from DHFC. DHFC continued to find ways to find the back of the net but were unable to. However, Mikel Kortazar (68') pulled one back for the Diamond Harbour FC. In the last ten minutes of the game, Jairo Bustara and Mayakkannan Gaitan added two more goals. In the last minute of the game, NEUFC were awarded penalty which was easily converted by Ajaraie.

For NorthEast United FC, Asheer Akhtar, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh, Jairo Bustara, Mayakkannan Gaitan and Ajaraie were the goal scorers. Two goals came in the first half of the game for NEUFC, while Mikel Kortazar was the lone goal scorer for DHFC

South Africa has included all-rounder Marco Jansen for the three-match away T20Is against England starting next month. Jansen, who last featured in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, missed all action since with a thumb injury, while seamer Lizaad Williams, also recalled to the 15-man squad, hasn’t played any cricket since October 2024 after undergoing knee surgery. The Proteas, however, have also included the ranked-number-one ODI bowler, Keshav Maharaj, to the T20I side after dropping him for newcomers for the last two series against Zimbabwe and Australia. Meanwhile, the addition of veteran batter David Miller further boosts South Africa’s T20I side against the hosts.&nbsp;While Miller missed the recently concluded away white-ball series against Australia, with CSA permitting him to honour his franchise commitments (playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred), Donovan Ferreira, also part of the Oval Invincibles at the competition, will link up with South Africa’s T20I side for the England series.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-to-host-44-matches-as-csa-confirms-venues-and-roadmap-for-2027-odi-world-cup-1755950772280">South Africa to host 44 matches as CSA confirms venues, roadmap for 2027 ODI World Cup</a> &nbsp;On the other hand, seamer Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Australian series due to an ankle injury, is part of the series, with head coach Shukri Conrad hopeful of being fit in time for the T20Is that follow the One-Dayers. Although the ODI series will kick off (the series), all focus remains on the three T20Is, considering the Proteas are working on finalising their squad before next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. &nbsp;"We are hopeful that he will be available for part of the ODI series," Conrad said of Rabada’s unavailability. "But we are prioritising T20I cricket and will take a conservative approach. We won't rush him back." &nbsp;Meanwhile, there is no room for Rassie van der Dussen, the left-arm spinner George Linde, leggie Nqaba Peter, and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for a suspect bowling action during the Aussie tour and will undergo testing in Brisbane next week. &nbsp;Besides, speaking of the ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, who missed the previous ODI against Australia, which South Africa won and clinched the series, coach Conrad said they will continue to manage his workload. Bavuma, however, is expected to play Sunday’s (Aug 24) dead-rubber in Mackay.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Proteas will fly to the UK from Australia on Monday (Aug 25), with the first of the three ODIs scheduled in Leeds on Tuesday (Sep 2). &nbsp;South Africa's squad for England ODIs -&nbsp;&nbsp;Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs &nbsp;South Africa squad for England T20Is -&nbsp;&nbsp;Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams

David Miller, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj - all returned to South Africa's T20I squad for the away English tour starting next month. 

South Africa has included all-rounder Marco Jansen for the three-match away T20Is against England starting next month. Jansen, who last featured in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, missed all action since with a thumb injury, while seamer Lizaad Williams, also recalled to the 15-man squad, hasn’t played any cricket since October 2024 after undergoing knee surgery. The Proteas, however, have also included the ranked-number-one ODI bowler, Keshav Maharaj, to the T20I side after dropping him for newcomers for the last two series against Zimbabwe and Australia. Meanwhile, the addition of veteran batter David Miller further boosts South Africa’s T20I side against the hosts. While Miller missed the recently concluded away white-ball series against Australia, with CSA permitting him to honour his franchise commitments (playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred), Donovan Ferreira, also part of the Oval Invincibles at the competition, will link up with South Africa’s T20I side for the England series. Also read | South Africa to host 44 matches as CSA confirms venues, roadmap for 2027 ODI World Cup On the other hand, seamer Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Australian series due to an ankle injury, is part of the series, with head coach Shukri Conrad hopeful of being fit in time for the T20Is that follow the One-Dayers. Although the ODI series will kick off (the series), all focus remains on the three T20Is, considering the Proteas are working on finalising their squad before next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. "We are hopeful that he will be available for part of the ODI series," Conrad said of Rabada’s unavailability. "But we are prioritising T20I cricket and will take a conservative approach. We won't rush him back." Meanwhile, there is no room for Rassie van der Dussen, the left-arm spinner George Linde, leggie Nqaba Peter, and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for a suspect bowling action during the Aussie tour and will undergo testing in Brisbane next week. Besides, speaking of the ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, who missed the previous ODI against Australia, which South Africa won and clinched the series, coach Conrad said they will continue to manage his workload. Bavuma, however, is expected to play Sunday’s (Aug 24) dead-rubber in Mackay. The Proteas will fly to the UK from Australia on Monday (Aug 25), with the first of the three ODIs scheduled in Leeds on Tuesday (Sep 2). South Africa's squad for England ODIs - Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs South Africa squad for England T20Is - Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams

David Miller, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj - all returned to South Africa's T20I squad for the away English tour starting next month.&nbsp;

ENG vs SA 2025: Jansen returns for T20Is; uncertainty looms over injured Rabada but coach Conrad is hopeful

When Aryna Sabalenka walks out on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, she carries not just the burden of defending a title but also the weight of a peculiar curse. Since Serena Williams’ last successful defense in 2014, no woman has managed to win back-to-back US Open title. Every champion since—whether it was Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, or Sloane Stephens—has stumbled the following year, unable to cope with the dual pressures of expectation and a relentlessly competitive field.&nbsp;That makes Sabalenka’s mission unique. The defending champion tag brings with it a spotlight that can magnify every weakness. Rivals study you harder, the media narrative hovers over every match, and the crowd waits to see whether you can measure up to your own past. The Belarusian isn’t just playing opponents—she’s playing against history, against fatigue, and against the whispers that defending in New York is nearly impossible.&nbsp;What makes the US Open especially unforgiving is its atmosphere. The noise, the late-night battles under floodlights, and the unpredictable rhythm of New York all test a player’s resilience. Many champions have struggled to reset after reaching the summit here. Osaka, for instance, won in 2018 and 2020 but fell prey to inconsistency and emotional struggles soon after. Stephens, the 2017 champion, could not maintain her momentum. Raducanu, whose fairytale 2021 run electrified tennis, has since battled injuries and dips in form. Defending this title requires not just talent but an ability to thrive under chaos—something Sabalenka is still sculpting into her game.<h2>From Frustration to Opportunity</h2>For Sabalenka, 2025 has been a season of almosts. She reached finals, contested semifinals, but missed the catharsis of major victories. Each loss was a reminder of both her potential and her volatility. Earlier in her career, such near-misses might have derailed her, feeding doubts and frustrations. This year, however, her approach feels different. She has spoken about the importance of mental resets, skipped tournaments to prioritize recovery, and leaned on performance data to understand her body’s needs better.&nbsp;This maturity could be her sharpest weapon in New York. At her best, Sabalenka’s power game is overwhelming. Her first serve is one of the most destructive in women’s tennis, her groundstrokes flatten out rallies, and when confidence flows, she bulldozes opponents. The question has always been whether she can balance that aggression with composure when matches tighten. Her journey this season suggests she has been working toward that balance deliberately.&nbsp;But the field is fierce. Iga Swiatek, fresh from reclaiming dominance at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, remains the most consistent force in women’s tennis. Coco Gauff, last year’s finalist, will have the full backing of the home crowd. Behind them is a younger generation—Mirra Andreeva, Victoria Mboko, Amanda Anisimova—eager to announce themselves on the biggest stage. The margin for error is razor thin, and Sabalenka will need to channel frustration into fuel, especially&nbsp;if she faces a high-stakes clash against one of these hungry challengers.<h2>What Is Really at Stake?</h2>The US Open represents more than just a trophy for Sabalenka. It’s her chance to reshape the story of her season. So&nbsp;far, 2025 has been about what she almost achieved. New York offers her one final, defining opportunity to turn those near-misses into a lasting legacy. Winning here would silence questions about her consistency, solidify her hold on the No. 1 ranking, and mark her out as a champion who can sustain excellence—not just taste it in flashes.&nbsp;Defending a Slam is one of the hardest tasks in tennis. It’s about proving that your first triumph was not the peak but the beginning of an era. Sabalenka’s quest mirrors that of many before her who faltered under this challenge. If she succeeds, she will do more than break a decade-long jinx; she will position herself alongside the greats who redefined eras through consistency.&nbsp;Yet even if she falls short, how she fights in New York will set the tone for her future. Another early exit could fuel doubts about whether she can convert talent into dynasty. A deep run, even without the title, would still underline her resilience and readiness to keep pushing boundaries. For now, the mission is clear. Aryna Sabalenka has the power, the ranking, and the experience. What remains to be seen is whether she can stitch it all together under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows. If she does, this US Open won’t just be a defense—it will be a statement.

US Open 2025: Can Aryna Sabalenka break the defending champion jynx? Last player to defend was...

When Aryna Sabalenka walks out on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, she carries not just the burden of defending a title but also the weight of a peculiar curse. Since Serena Williams’ last successful defense in 2014, no woman has managed to win back-to-back US Open title. Every champion since—whether it was Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, or Sloane Stephens—has stumbled the following year, unable to cope with the dual pressures of expectation and a relentlessly competitive field. That makes Sabalenka’s mission unique. The defending champion tag brings with it a spotlight that can magnify every weakness. Rivals study you harder, the media narrative hovers over every match, and the crowd waits to see whether you can measure up to your own past. The Belarusian isn’t just playing opponents—she’s playing against history, against fatigue, and against the whispers that defending in New York is nearly impossible. What makes the US Open especially unforgiving is its atmosphere. The noise, the late-night battles under floodlights, and the unpredictable rhythm of New York all test a player’s resilience. Many champions have struggled to reset after reaching the summit here. Osaka, for instance, won in 2018 and 2020 but fell prey to inconsistency and emotional struggles soon after. Stephens, the 2017 champion, could not maintain her momentum. Raducanu, whose fairytale 2021 run electrified tennis, has since battled injuries and dips in form. Defending this title requires not just talent but an ability to thrive under chaos—something Sabalenka is still sculpting into her game. From Frustration to Opportunity For Sabalenka, 2025 has been a season of almosts. She reached finals, contested semifinals, but missed the catharsis of major victories. Each loss was a reminder of both her potential and her volatility. Earlier in her career, such near-misses might have derailed her, feeding doubts and frustrations. This year, however, her approach feels different. She has spoken about the importance of mental resets, skipped tournaments to prioritize recovery, and leaned on performance data to understand her body’s needs better. This maturity could be her sharpest weapon in New York. At her best, Sabalenka’s power game is overwhelming. Her first serve is one of the most destructive in women’s tennis, her groundstrokes flatten out rallies, and when confidence flows, she bulldozes opponents. The question has always been whether she can balance that aggression with composure when matches tighten. Her journey this season suggests she has been working toward that balance deliberately. But the field is fierce. Iga Swiatek, fresh from reclaiming dominance at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, remains the most consistent force in women’s tennis. Coco Gauff, last year’s finalist, will have the full backing of the home crowd. Behind them is a younger generation—Mirra Andreeva, Victoria Mboko, Amanda Anisimova—eager to announce themselves on the biggest stage. The margin for error is razor thin, and Sabalenka will need to channel frustration into fuel, especially if she faces a high-stakes clash against one of these hungry challengers. What Is Really at Stake? The US Open represents more than just a trophy for Sabalenka. It’s her chance to reshape the story of her season. So far, 2025 has been about what she almost achieved. New York offers her one final, defining opportunity to turn those near-misses into a lasting legacy. Winning here would silence questions about her consistency, solidify her hold on the No. 1 ranking, and mark her out as a champion who can sustain excellence—not just taste it in flashes. Defending a Slam is one of the hardest tasks in tennis. It’s about proving that your first triumph was not the peak but the beginning of an era. Sabalenka’s quest mirrors that of many before her who faltered under this challenge. If she succeeds, she will do more than break a decade-long jinx; she will position herself alongside the greats who redefined eras through consistency. Yet even if she falls short, how she fights in New York will set the tone for her future. Another early exit could fuel doubts about whether she can convert talent into dynasty. A deep run, even without the title, would still underline her resilience and readiness to keep pushing boundaries. For now, the mission is clear. Aryna Sabalenka has the power, the ranking, and the experience. What remains to be seen is whether she can stitch it all together under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows. If she does, this US Open won’t just be a defense—it will be a statement.

The Belarusian tennis player will start her campaign against Swiss tennis player Rebeka Masarova on Sunday (August 24) in the opening round of the tournament

From Virat Kohli to Joe Root, here's a look at the top six highest-paid cricketers by national contracts.

From Virat Kohli to Joe Root, here's a look at the top six highest-paid cricketers by national contracts.

From Virat Kohli to Joe Root, 6 highest-paid cricketers by national contracts

Indian all-rounder Rinku Singh recently grabbed headlines with his explosive batting performance in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh T20 League. He smashed an incredible 108 runs off just 48 deliveries, thrilling cricket fans with his powerful sixes and quick scoring. He also earned himself a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, where fans expect him to continue hitting boundaries all over the park.&nbsp;Rinku’s journey to cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. Born into a humble family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku faced many challenges early in life. Despite the hardships, Rinku worked hard and climbed the ranks of domestic cricket. Today, he is recognised as one of India’s most promising cricketers, known for his fearless batting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-athletes-with-most-followers-on-instagram-kohli-ranks-fourth-check-who-tops-the-list-1755851784214">Top 10 athletes with most followers on Instagram: Kohli ranks fourth, check who tops the list</a>&nbsp;Rinku doesn't shine on the field, but even off it.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-sachin-tendulkar-to-virat-kohli-who-is-indian-with-most-odi-world-cup-appearances-javagal-srinath-mohammad-azharduddin-ms-dhoni-1755935570610">Which Indian player has made most ODI World Cup appearances? Elite list consists of THESE&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Thanks to his growing reputation and consistent performances, Rinku Singh’s estimated net worth in 2025 stands at around Rs. 20 crore (approximately $2.4 million USD). His wealth comes from various sources, including his cricket earnings, brand endorsements and smart investments.<h3>Breaking Down Rinku Singh’s Net Worth</h3><ol><li>BCCI Contract: Rinku holds a Grade C central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), earning about ₹1 crore per year.</li><li>IPL Earnings: His biggest financial boost came through the Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rinku’s performances boosted his IPL value. For IPL 2025, KKR retained him with a whopping ₹13 crore contract, up from just ₹55 lakh in earlier seasons.&nbsp;</li><li>Brand Endorsements: Rinku has attracted several brand deals, including endorsements with cricket equipment makers and lifestyle brands, earning him additional income each year.</li><li>Investments: He has wisely invested in real estate in his hometown, owning residential plots and farmland, adding to his wealth.</li></ol>

Rinku Singh’s story underlines hard work and determination, inspiring many young athletes across India. With a bright future both on and off the field, Rinku is poised to set to become a big name in Indian cricket.

Rinku Singh’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at ₹20 crore, driven by his BCCI contract, ₹13 crore IPL deal with KKR, brand endorsements and real estate investments in Aligarh.

Indian all-rounder Rinku Singh recently grabbed headlines with his explosive batting performance in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh T20 League. He smashed an incredible 108 runs off just 48 deliveries, thrilling cricket fans with his powerful sixes and quick scoring. He also earned himself a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, where fans expect him to continue hitting boundaries all over the park. Rinku’s journey to cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. Born into a humble family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku faced many challenges early in life. Despite the hardships, Rinku worked hard and climbed the ranks of domestic cricket. Today, he is recognised as one of India’s most promising cricketers, known for his fearless batting. Also read | Top 10 athletes with most followers on Instagram: Kohli ranks fourth, check who tops the list Rinku doesn't shine on the field, but even off it. Also read | Which Indian player has made most ODI World Cup appearances? Elite list consists of THESE Thanks to his growing reputation and consistent performances, Rinku Singh’s estimated net worth in 2025 stands at around Rs. 20 crore (approximately $2.4 million USD). His wealth comes from various sources, including his cricket earnings, brand endorsements and smart investments. Breaking Down Rinku Singh’s Net Worth BCCI Contract: Rinku holds a Grade C central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), earning about ₹1 crore per year. IPL Earnings: His biggest financial boost came through the Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rinku’s performances boosted his IPL value. For IPL 2025, KKR retained him with a whopping ₹13 crore contract, up from just ₹55 lakh in earlier seasons. Brand Endorsements: Rinku has attracted several brand deals, including endorsements with cricket equipment makers and lifestyle brands, earning him additional income each year. Investments: He has wisely invested in real estate in his hometown, owning residential plots and farmland, adding to his wealth.

Rinku Singh’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at ₹20 crore, driven by his BCCI contract, ₹13 crore IPL deal with KKR, brand endorsements and real estate investments in Aligarh.

What is Rinku Singh’s net worth in 2025? A look at his income, IPL salary, and assets

When U Mumba take the mat in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League on August 30, they will do so wearing a special jersey paying tribute to their iconic 2015 championship triumph. Launched on Friday (Aug 22) to mark the 10-year anniversary of that maiden title. The jersey symbolises one of the league’s most dominant campaigns while also heralding a new era of fitness-driven preparation.&nbsp;To commemorate this milestone, U Mumba unveiled a Season 12 jersey inspired by the iconic Season 2 championship kit. The design stays true to the team’s orange-and-black identity while weaving in modern elements, including a nod to Mumbai’s Airport, symbolising a bridge between past triumphs and future ambitions. Alongside the tribute, the franchise signalled its forward drive, investing in a fierce new fitness push through an intensive 50-day pre-season camp to prepare the team for the upcoming campaign, the longest in the team's history.&nbsp;That camp, led by strength and conditioning coach Pratiek Ninawe–a former international sprinter uniquely bringing sprint mechanics and explosive movement science into multiple sports–was built to turn raw strength into match-day impact. Players began with mobility and assessment work to fix individual gaps, before stepping up to strength drills that pushed them past the 110 kg squat mark, endurance sessions to build engine, and sprint work to sharpen agility and explosive power.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;“Although I wasn’t part of the 2015 campaign, that victory led by Anup Kumar is etched in kabaddi history and remains a huge source of inspiration for us. Wearing a jersey that pays tribute to that triumph reminds us of the standards U Mumba has always set. As captain, my focus is on carrying forward that legacy with this new group, combining the experience of our seniors with the energy of our youngsters, and chasing our second PKL title this season,” Sunil Kumar, captain of U Mumba, said during the presser.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;“The Season 2 championship was a breakthrough. It validated the commercial and cultural potential of kabaddi at a national scale. For us at U Mumba, it underlined the importance of building professional structures, investing in people and approaching sport with the same rigor as any other business. It was one of the most memorable runs in the League's history and a decade later, that win still shapes our approach: sustainable growth, long-term value creation and leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond trophies,” team owner Ronnie Screwvala added.&nbsp;With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results. The franchise has been a factory for homegrown talent, many of whom have gone on to represent India, while also driving kabaddi’s rise across the country. Now, that tradition of shaping the sport extends to how the game is played physically, pioneering modern fitness methods rarely seen in kabaddi. By pairing its player development track record with cutting-edge conditioning, U Mumba is setting new standards for preparation and performance in the league.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results. 

When U Mumba take the mat in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League on August 30, they will do so wearing a special jersey paying tribute to their iconic 2015 championship triumph. Launched on Friday (Aug 22) to mark the 10-year anniversary of that maiden title. The jersey symbolises one of the league’s most dominant campaigns while also heralding a new era of fitness-driven preparation. To commemorate this milestone, U Mumba unveiled a Season 12 jersey inspired by the iconic Season 2 championship kit. The design stays true to the team’s orange-and-black identity while weaving in modern elements, including a nod to Mumbai’s Airport, symbolising a bridge between past triumphs and future ambitions. Alongside the tribute, the franchise signalled its forward drive, investing in a fierce new fitness push through an intensive 50-day pre-season camp to prepare the team for the upcoming campaign, the longest in the team's history. That camp, led by strength and conditioning coach Pratiek Ninawe–a former international sprinter uniquely bringing sprint mechanics and explosive movement science into multiple sports–was built to turn raw strength into match-day impact. Players began with mobility and assessment work to fix individual gaps, before stepping up to strength drills that pushed them past the 110 kg squat mark, endurance sessions to build engine, and sprint work to sharpen agility and explosive power. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details “Although I wasn’t part of the 2015 campaign, that victory led by Anup Kumar is etched in kabaddi history and remains a huge source of inspiration for us. Wearing a jersey that pays tribute to that triumph reminds us of the standards U Mumba has always set. As captain, my focus is on carrying forward that legacy with this new group, combining the experience of our seniors with the energy of our youngsters, and chasing our second PKL title this season,” Sunil Kumar, captain of U Mumba, said during the presser. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out “The Season 2 championship was a breakthrough. It validated the commercial and cultural potential of kabaddi at a national scale. For us at U Mumba, it underlined the importance of building professional structures, investing in people and approaching sport with the same rigor as any other business. It was one of the most memorable runs in the League's history and a decade later, that win still shapes our approach: sustainable growth, long-term value creation and leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond trophies,” team owner Ronnie Screwvala added. With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results. The franchise has been a factory for homegrown talent, many of whom have gone on to represent India, while also driving kabaddi’s rise across the country. Now, that tradition of shaping the sport extends to how the game is played physically, pioneering modern fitness methods rarely seen in kabaddi. By pairing its player development track record with cutting-edge conditioning, U Mumba is setting new standards for preparation and performance in the league. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results.&nbsp;

Pro Kabaddi League: U Mumba unveil season 12 jersey paying homage to title win

The 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa is more than two years away, but the co-host, Cricket South Africa (CSA), has unveiled the venues and roadmap for the same. While South Africa will host the major chunk of matches, 44, Namibia and Zimbabwe, the remaining two hosts, will stage a combined ten games. The announcement has come alongside the formation of this tournament's Local Organising Committee Board (LOCB), chaired by the former South African cabinet minister Trevor Manuel. While stressing on delivering ‘a bold and unifying event’, CSA listed out eight South African cities that will host the cricket carnival.&nbsp;Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl are the eight designated cities that form the tournament’s core, with Zimbabwe and Namibia also playing a central role in making the return of a major ICC event on African soil after 23 years a massive success.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bcci-vice-president-rajeev-shukla-confirms-virat-rohit-s-availability-for-odis-says-no-need-to-1755928174501">BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirms Virat, Rohit's availability for ODIs, says ‘no need to...’</a> &nbsp;Besides, looking at the prospects of a home ODI WC, CSA President Rihan sees this as a sought-after chance to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging the ones who are already there through digital innovation. &nbsp;"Twenty-four years have passed since the last ICC CWC tournament took place on African soil. This makes the 2027 CWC a sought-after opportunity to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging existing fans through digital innovation, connecting with the African continent, and the world,” Richards said, as quoted by Times of India (TOI). &nbsp;Pearl Maphoshe, CSA Board’s chairperson, highlighted the broader vision laid by LOCB chair Trevor Manuel, who brings years of experience and expertise to his new role, which also emphasises ensuring discipline and strategy in governance. &nbsp;“CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Africa—diverse, inclusive, and united. The tournament will be vibrantly different in its style and atmosphere, and its experiences. It will provide players, fans and partners with the most unique, unforgettable experience,” Maphoshe noted. &nbsp;Meanwhile, CSA also noted that the forthcoming ODI World Cup will not only be about cricketing excellence but also about expanding the game’s reach. With Zimbabwe, Namibia, and lesser-known venues in South Africa hosting crucial matches, the CSA hopes to showcase both the continent’s cricketing depth and its cultural richness.

Contrary to how many teams (10) participated in the previous edition in India, 14 teams, divided into two groups, will partake in the 2027 edition of the 50-over World Cup.

The 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa is more than two years away, but the co-host, Cricket South Africa (CSA), has unveiled the venues and roadmap for the same. While South Africa will host the major chunk of matches, 44, Namibia and Zimbabwe, the remaining two hosts, will stage a combined ten games. The announcement has come alongside the formation of this tournament's Local Organising Committee Board (LOCB), chaired by the former South African cabinet minister Trevor Manuel. While stressing on delivering ‘a bold and unifying event’, CSA listed out eight South African cities that will host the cricket carnival. Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl are the eight designated cities that form the tournament’s core, with Zimbabwe and Namibia also playing a central role in making the return of a major ICC event on African soil after 23 years a massive success. Also read | BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirms Virat, Rohit's availability for ODIs, says ‘no need to...’ Besides, looking at the prospects of a home ODI WC, CSA President Rihan sees this as a sought-after chance to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging the ones who are already there through digital innovation. "Twenty-four years have passed since the last ICC CWC tournament took place on African soil. This makes the 2027 CWC a sought-after opportunity to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging existing fans through digital innovation, connecting with the African continent, and the world,” Richards said, as quoted by Times of India (TOI). Pearl Maphoshe, CSA Board’s chairperson, highlighted the broader vision laid by LOCB chair Trevor Manuel, who brings years of experience and expertise to his new role, which also emphasises ensuring discipline and strategy in governance. “CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Africa—diverse, inclusive, and united. The tournament will be vibrantly different in its style and atmosphere, and its experiences. It will provide players, fans and partners with the most unique, unforgettable experience,” Maphoshe noted. Meanwhile, CSA also noted that the forthcoming ODI World Cup will not only be about cricketing excellence but also about expanding the game’s reach. With Zimbabwe, Namibia, and lesser-known venues in South Africa hosting crucial matches, the CSA hopes to showcase both the continent’s cricketing depth and its cultural richness.

Contrary to how many teams (10) participated in the previous edition in India, 14 teams, divided into two groups, will partake in the 2027 edition of the 50-over World Cup.

South Africa to host 44 matches as CSA confirms venues, roadmap for 2027 ODI World Cup

Lyle Menendez has been denied parole in California, just weeks after his brother Erik faced the same decision. The ruling means that both brothers, who have been serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, will remain behind bars with no possibility of release. The Menendez brothers were convicted in the mid-1990s for the killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside the family’s Beverly Hills mansion. Jose, a wealthy entertainment executive, and Kitty, a former beauty queen, were shot multiple times with shotguns in an attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-i-want-to-be-the-first-ayush-not-the-next-priyansh-doseja-on-his-journey-1755945060846">WION Exclusive — 'I want to be the first Ayush, not the next Priyansh Arya': Doseja on his journey</a><h2>Erik and Lyle have spent decades in prison</h2>The trials, which were televised and closely followed, turned into a national spectacle. The brothers confessed to the killings but claimed they acted out of fear after years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of their father. Prosecutors, however, argued that the crime was motivated by greed, pointing to the brothers’ lavish spending in the months after the murders. After two separate juries deadlocked in the first trial, the pair were convicted of first-degree murder in a retrial and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Now in their 50s, both Lyle and Erik have spent more than three decades in prison. Over the years, their story has resurfaced repeatedly in documentaries, podcasts, and dramatised TV shows, keeping public interest alive in the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-2026-fifa-world-cup-draw-to-take-place-at-kennedy-centre-says-us-president-donald-trump-1755882370656">'2026 FIFA World Cup draw to take place at Kennedy Center', says US President Donald Trump</a><h2>What was the case?</h2>The Menendez case goes back to August 20, 1989, when Jose and Kitty Menendez were shot to death inside their Beverly Hills house. Their sons, Lyle and Erik, were later arrested and charged with the murders. At their trial, the brothers confessed to carrying out the killings but argued that they acted out of desperation. They claimed their father, Jose, had subjected them to years of physical and sexual abuse, while their mother, Kitty, turned a blind eye. The defense painted the murders as a reaction to fear and trauma. Prosecutors, however, presented a very different picture, arguing that the killings were motivated by greed. They pointed out how the brothers spent lavishly in the months after the murders, buying luxury items and enjoying a lifestyle funded by their parents’ fortune.&nbsp;The first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to agree on a verdict. A retrial in 1996, however, led to both brothers being convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Lyle Menendez denied parole, joins brother Eric in serving life for parents’ murder. What was the case?

Lyle Menendez has been denied parole in California, just weeks after his brother Erik faced the same decision. The ruling means that both brothers, who have been serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, will remain behind bars with no possibility of release. The Menendez brothers were convicted in the mid-1990s for the killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside the family’s Beverly Hills mansion. Jose, a wealthy entertainment executive, and Kitty, a former beauty queen, were shot multiple times with shotguns in an attack. Also Read: WION Exclusive — 'I want to be the first Ayush, not the next Priyansh Arya': Doseja on his journey Erik and Lyle have spent decades in prison The trials, which were televised and closely followed, turned into a national spectacle. The brothers confessed to the killings but claimed they acted out of fear after years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of their father. Prosecutors, however, argued that the crime was motivated by greed, pointing to the brothers’ lavish spending in the months after the murders. After two separate juries deadlocked in the first trial, the pair were convicted of first-degree murder in a retrial and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Now in their 50s, both Lyle and Erik have spent more than three decades in prison. Over the years, their story has resurfaced repeatedly in documentaries, podcasts, and dramatised TV shows, keeping public interest alive in the case. Also Read: '2026 FIFA World Cup draw to take place at Kennedy Center', says US President Donald Trump What was the case? The Menendez case goes back to August 20, 1989, when Jose and Kitty Menendez were shot to death inside their Beverly Hills house. Their sons, Lyle and Erik, were later arrested and charged with the murders. At their trial, the brothers confessed to carrying out the killings but argued that they acted out of desperation. They claimed their father, Jose, had subjected them to years of physical and sexual abuse, while their mother, Kitty, turned a blind eye. The defense painted the murders as a reaction to fear and trauma. Prosecutors, however, presented a very different picture, arguing that the killings were motivated by greed. They pointed out how the brothers spent lavishly in the months after the murders, buying luxury items and enjoying a lifestyle funded by their parents’ fortune. The first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to agree on a verdict. A retrial in 1996, however, led to both brothers being convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The Menendez brothers were convicted of killing their parents (Jose and Mary) in 1989 at their Beverly Hills residence.

Lyle Menendez denied parole, joins brother Erik in serving life for parents’ murder. What was the case?

In the high-stakes world of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where young cricketers are constantly pushing to be noticed by scouts and selectors, West Delhi Lions’ batter Ayush Doseja is quietly scripting his own story. The 22-year-old, the only player retained by his franchise this season, admits that far from adding pressure, the trust reposed in him has been a confidence booster. “We played well in the first two matches but then our batting faltered,” he reflected on the season so far in an exclusive conversation with WION. “We sat down, clarified everyone’s roles, and now the picture is clearer. Hopefully, we can execute better and push for the playoffs.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-bowlers-fastest-to-400-t20-wickets-rashid-khan-imran-tahir-wahab-riaz-mohammad-amir-shakib-al-hasan-1755853991296">From Imran Tahir to Mohammad Amir, 5 bowlers fastest to 400 T20 wickets</a><h2>‘Worked on my shortcomings’</h2>Doseja, who has been steadily building a reputation as a complete player across formats, spent the off-season addressing what he felt were shortcomings in his T20 game. “I worked a lot in white-ball cricket—especially hitting spinners and practicing against side-armers. At the same time, my red-ball preparation continued. My goal has always been to become a three-format player,” he shared.&nbsp;That hard work showed when he smashed a blistering century off just 52 balls earlier this season. Yet, his approach remains rooted in game awareness. “I always try to play the situation. If we’re chasing a big total, I take responsibility and build the innings. That day, we lost early wickets, so I batted positively. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the game, but if I get that chance again, I will 100% finish it,” he said with conviction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bcci-vice-president-rajeev-shukla-confirms-virat-rohit-s-availability-for-odis-says-no-need-to-1755928174501">BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirms Virat, Rohit's availability for ODIs, says 'no need to...'</a>&nbsp;With Indian Premier League (IPL) scouts frequently attending DPL matches, the tournament has become a launchpad for bigger opportunities. But Doseja insists he doesn’t let that thought cloud his mind. “I stay in the present and give my best in every game. If I perform, selection will follow,” he said. The young batter is already drawing comparisons with last season’s breakout star Priyansh Arya—a tag he politely brushes aside. “Priyansh is a very good player and we practice together, but I don’t want to be the next Priyansh Arya. I want to be the first Ayush Doseja.”&nbsp;If an IPL call-up comes, Doseja doesn’t have a preference, though his admiration for Virat Kohli means Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains close to his heart. “Virat has always been my idol. I’ve even had the chance to briefly meet him, though sadly I was injured at the time,” he recalled. Looking ahead, Doseja’s ambitions stretch far beyond franchise cricket. “Every cricketer dreams of wearing the India jersey. For me, the ultimate goal is to play Test cricket for India. Red-ball cricket tests you mentally and physically over days, and I love that challenge,” he signed off.

WION Exclusive I want to be the first Ayush not the next Priyansh Doseja on his journey

In the high-stakes world of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where young cricketers are constantly pushing to be noticed by scouts and selectors, West Delhi Lions’ batter Ayush Doseja is quietly scripting his own story. The 22-year-old, the only player retained by his franchise this season, admits that far from adding pressure, the trust reposed in him has been a confidence booster. “We played well in the first two matches but then our batting faltered,” he reflected on the season so far in an exclusive conversation with WION. “We sat down, clarified everyone’s roles, and now the picture is clearer. Hopefully, we can execute better and push for the playoffs.” Also Read: From Imran Tahir to Mohammad Amir, 5 bowlers fastest to 400 T20 wickets ‘Worked on my shortcomings’ Doseja, who has been steadily building a reputation as a complete player across formats, spent the off-season addressing what he felt were shortcomings in his T20 game. “I worked a lot in white-ball cricket—especially hitting spinners and practicing against side-armers. At the same time, my red-ball preparation continued. My goal has always been to become a three-format player,” he shared. That hard work showed when he smashed a blistering century off just 52 balls earlier this season. Yet, his approach remains rooted in game awareness. “I always try to play the situation. If we’re chasing a big total, I take responsibility and build the innings. That day, we lost early wickets, so I batted positively. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the game, but if I get that chance again, I will 100% finish it,” he said with conviction. Also Read: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirms Virat, Rohit's availability for ODIs, says 'no need to...' With Indian Premier League (IPL) scouts frequently attending DPL matches, the tournament has become a launchpad for bigger opportunities. But Doseja insists he doesn’t let that thought cloud his mind. “I stay in the present and give my best in every game. If I perform, selection will follow,” he said. The young batter is already drawing comparisons with last season’s breakout star Priyansh Arya—a tag he politely brushes aside. “Priyansh is a very good player and we practice together, but I don’t want to be the next Priyansh Arya. I want to be the first Ayush Doseja.” If an IPL call-up comes, Doseja doesn’t have a preference, though his admiration for Virat Kohli means Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains close to his heart. “Virat has always been my idol. I’ve even had the chance to briefly meet him, though sadly I was injured at the time,” he recalled. Looking ahead, Doseja’s ambitions stretch far beyond franchise cricket. “Every cricketer dreams of wearing the India jersey. For me, the ultimate goal is to play Test cricket for India. Red-ball cricket tests you mentally and physically over days, and I love that challenge,” he signed off.

The 22-year-old left-hand batter represents the West Delhi Lions franchise in the Delhi Premier League. So far, he has 240 runs from seven matches in the ongoing edition of the league

WION Exclusive — 'I want to be the first Ayush, not the next Priyansh Arya': Doseja on his journey

The Mizoram Football Association in collaboration with Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC), on Saturday (Aug 23) launched the fourth season of RFYC Naupang League. After three successful seasons, Mizoram’s flagship grassroots football initiative returns with a bigger format, more matches, and enhanced development opportunities for young players, coaches, and referees.&nbsp;Spanning nine months, this season is projected to feature over 2,600 matches across the four districts of Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei. The league continues to provide one of the most comprehensive and competitive platforms for boys and girls from the ages of U6 up to U14, while further reinforcing football’s role as a catalyst for community development in Mizoram.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;Speaking on the launch of the new season, Mumbai City FC &amp; Indian national football team’s Mizo star Lallianzuala Chhangte said, “Mizoram's love for football runs deep - it's part of our identity. From streets to schools, passion, discipline, and community support push young players forward. The culture breeds competitiveness and humility, essential for success.&nbsp;“A consistent, well-structured league like RFYC Naupang League gives kids a platform to grow in a competitive yet safe environment, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for football. I'm happy the RFYC Naupang League is giving them this opportunity!”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a><h2>Key Additions in Season 4</h2>Expansion in Aizawl: 16 additional age-group teams included, contributing to 270+ extra matches across the season.&nbsp;New Competitive Formats: The Aizawl leg will adopt a fresh structure, introducing the Naupang Cup and Emerging Cup alongside the traditional league phase.&nbsp;Bigger Finale: The season-ending Inter-District Championship (IDCH) will see the inclusion of two more age group teams and 16 additional matches, making the finale more competitive than ever.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;Training &amp; Talent Development: Aizawl and Champhai districts will host 20+ additional days of Weekly Training and Emerging Talent sessions, while Kolasib and Lunglei will see more dedicated training camps, with an increased number of sessions in both locations.Coach &amp; Referee Development: Expanded programmes will continue to upskill local coaches and referees through coaching license courses, referee license courses, and workshops led by RFYC, strengthening Mizoram's grassroots football ecosystem.&nbsp;The RFYC Naupang League has already established itself as a community-driven year-round football festival, combining competitive matches with initiatives that promote discipline, character, and responsibility among children in line with the academy’s motto – Child First, Player Second, while also generating employment and capacity-building opportunities for adults.&nbsp;The season will culminate in the Inter-District Championship in Aizawl, bringing together the best teams across all four districts for a high-intensity finale. With its expanded scope and innovative formats, Season 4 promises to be the most inclusive and impactful edition of the RFYC Naupang League yet.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spanning nine months, this season is projected to feature over 2,600 matches across the four districts of Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei.

The Mizoram Football Association in collaboration with Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC), on Saturday (Aug 23) launched the fourth season of RFYC Naupang League. After three successful seasons, Mizoram’s flagship grassroots football initiative returns with a bigger format, more matches, and enhanced development opportunities for young players, coaches, and referees. Spanning nine months, this season is projected to feature over 2,600 matches across the four districts of Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei. The league continues to provide one of the most comprehensive and competitive platforms for boys and girls from the ages of U6 up to U14, while further reinforcing football’s role as a catalyst for community development in Mizoram. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Speaking on the launch of the new season, Mumbai City FC & Indian national football team’s Mizo star Lallianzuala Chhangte said, “Mizoram's love for football runs deep - it's part of our identity. From streets to schools, passion, discipline, and community support push young players forward. The culture breeds competitiveness and humility, essential for success. “A consistent, well-structured league like RFYC Naupang League gives kids a platform to grow in a competitive yet safe environment, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for football. I'm happy the RFYC Naupang League is giving them this opportunity!” ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Key Additions in Season 4 Expansion in Aizawl: 16 additional age-group teams included, contributing to 270+ extra matches across the season. New Competitive Formats: The Aizawl leg will adopt a fresh structure, introducing the Naupang Cup and Emerging Cup alongside the traditional league phase. Bigger Finale: The season-ending Inter-District Championship (IDCH) will see the inclusion of two more age group teams and 16 additional matches, making the finale more competitive than ever. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Training & Talent Development: Aizawl and Champhai districts will host 20+ additional days of Weekly Training and Emerging Talent sessions, while Kolasib and Lunglei will see more dedicated training camps, with an increased number of sessions in both locations. Coach & Referee Development: Expanded programmes will continue to upskill local coaches and referees through coaching license courses, referee license courses, and workshops led by RFYC, strengthening Mizoram's grassroots football ecosystem. The RFYC Naupang League has already established itself as a community-driven year-round football festival, combining competitive matches with initiatives that promote discipline, character, and responsibility among children in line with the academy’s motto – Child First, Player Second, while also generating employment and capacity-building opportunities for adults. The season will culminate in the Inter-District Championship in Aizawl, bringing together the best teams across all four districts for a high-intensity finale. With its expanded scope and innovative formats, Season 4 promises to be the most inclusive and impactful edition of the RFYC Naupang League yet. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spanning nine months, this season is projected to feature over 2,600 matches across the four districts of Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei.

'Mizoram's love for football runs deep': Lallianzuala Chhangte full of praise for Naupang League

Indian shooters maintained their sensational form as pair of Arjun Babuta and Elavenil Valarivan bagged gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team at the Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Saturday (August 23). The Indian duo was tested sternly by China's Dingke Lu and Xinlu Peng in the final but refused to buckle under pressure. Despite being behind in the initial rounds, Babuta and Valarivan mounted a stunning comeback to finish 17-11.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-man-city-vs-spurs-all-you-need-to-know-kick-off-time-live-streaming-team-news-prediction-and-other-key-details-1755921927702">Man City vs Spurs: All you need to know - Kick-off time, live streaming, team news, prediction and other key details</a><h2>Sensational Elavenil Valarivan</h2>For Elavenil, this win was another feather in an already a stellar campaign. The 26-year-old had already won the women's 10m air rifle individual gold, cementing her place as one of India's most reliable performers at the world stage. Arjun Babuta, on the other hand, displayed his maturing as a world-level marksman, with this medal solidifying his position as a pivotal part of India's shooting team going into major international events. In the 10m air rifle individual event, she shot 253.6 points to secure the top spot, just ahead of China’s Peng Xinlu (253.0) and Korea’s Kwon Eunji (231.2). The victory marked her maiden continental crown. Having already competed at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Elavenil has repeatedly proven her composure on big stages, reinforcing her reputation as one of Asia’s leading shooters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-argentina-fa-confirms-lionel-messi-s-visit-to-kerala-legendary-forward-to-play-friendly-match-in-november-1755924763025">Argentina FA confirms Lionel Messi's visit to Kerala, legendary forward to play friendly match in November</a>&nbsp;India is comfortably leading the medal tally with 39 medals so far, which includes 21 gold, eight silver and 10 bronze. China is at second position with 19 medals, including nine gold and host Kazakhstan is at third a total of 11 medals, including five gold and six silver.

Asian Shooting Championship: Arjun-Elavenil shoot gold in 10m air rifle mixed team event

Indian shooters maintained their sensational form as pair of Arjun Babuta and Elavenil Valarivan bagged gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team at the Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Saturday (August 23). The Indian duo was tested sternly by China's Dingke Lu and Xinlu Peng in the final but refused to buckle under pressure. Despite being behind in the initial rounds, Babuta and Valarivan mounted a stunning comeback to finish 17-11. Also Read: Man City vs Spurs: All you need to know - Kick-off time, live streaming, team news, prediction and other key details Sensational Elavenil Valarivan For Elavenil, this win was another feather in an already a stellar campaign. The 26-year-old had already won the women's 10m air rifle individual gold, cementing her place as one of India's most reliable performers at the world stage. Arjun Babuta, on the other hand, displayed his maturing as a world-level marksman, with this medal solidifying his position as a pivotal part of India's shooting team going into major international events. In the 10m air rifle individual event, she shot 253.6 points to secure the top spot, just ahead of China’s Peng Xinlu (253.0) and Korea’s Kwon Eunji (231.2). The victory marked her maiden continental crown. Having already competed at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Elavenil has repeatedly proven her composure on big stages, reinforcing her reputation as one of Asia’s leading shooters. Also Read: Argentina FA confirms Lionel Messi's visit to Kerala, legendary forward to play friendly match in November India is comfortably leading the medal tally with 39 medals so far, which includes 21 gold, eight silver and 10 bronze. China is at second position with 19 medals, including nine gold and host Kazakhstan is at third a total of 11 medals, including five gold and six silver.

Overall, India has a total of 39 medals so far, including 21 gold, eight silver and 10 bronze. China is at second place with overall 19 medals, including nine gold

Winning the ICC ODI World Cup is the highest achievement in a cricketer’s white-ball career. It’s a tournament that truly tests a player’s skill, consistency and mental strength. The format requires teams to excel in the league stage, then bring their A-game to the knockouts, and ultimately handle the pressure of the grand finale. Since its inception in 1975, the ICC Cricket World Cup has been the biggest stage in international white-ball cricket.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-india-pakistan-stars-who-made-history-with-a-wicket-on-their-first-odi-ball-mahboob-ulhaq-kumar-ramesh-muqeem-1755686741989">5 India-Pakistan stars who made history with a wicket in their first ODI ball</a>&nbsp;Over the years, many great players have played in multiple World Cups. The one who has played the most matches is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. He played in five World Cups between 1996 and 2011, featuring in 46 matches: the most by any player in ODI World Cup history. Ponting also has the rare achievement of winning the World Cup three times, including twice as captain.<h2>Now, if we ask, which Indian player has played the most number of World Cup matches?</h2>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-five-indians-with-most-runs-in-odi-cricket-only-one-left-hander-in-the-list-guess-who-1754559030147"> Meet five Indians with most runs in ODI cricket: Only one left-hander in the list, guess who?</a>&nbsp;The answer is none other than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar played in six World Cups for India from 1992 to 2011, appearing in 45 matches, just one short of Ponting’s record. He won the World Cup in 2011, which was also his final appearance in the tournament. But his journey wasn’t easy. In 2003, he had to face heartbreak in the final against Australia, despite being the top scorer (673 runs) &nbsp;of that tournament.<h2>Indian players with most ODI World Cup appearances</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sr.No</td><td>Name of player</td><td>Matches played</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Sachin Tendulkar&nbsp;</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Virat Kohli</td><td>37</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Javagal Srinath</td><td>34</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Mohammad Azharuddin</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>MS Dhoni</td><td>29</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-to-tour-australia-in-late-2025-for-3-odis-and-5-t20is-series-opener-on-october-19-check-the-entire-schedule-inside-cricket-sports-australia-1748418939104">India to tour Australia in late 2025 for white ball series. Check schedule inside</a>&nbsp;Across his six World Cups, Tendulkar scored a record 2,278 runs, the most by any batter in World Cup history. He scored 6 centuries and 21 fifty-plus scores, another world record. Out of these, 1,516 runs came in matches that India won, including 3 centuries and 12 half-centuries.

This elite list also includes modern-day great Virat Kohli, who stands second with 37 World Cup matches. He is followed by Javgal Srinath with 34 matches. Former Indian captains Mohammad Azharuddin and MS Dhoni rank fourth and fifth with 30 and 29 matches respectively. Interestingly, Kohli is still an active player and has a strong chance to surpass the top spot. He needs just nine more matches to overtake the current leader.

India’s top ODI World Cup appearance-maker played 45 matches across six editions and was part of the 2011 winning squad, holding records for most runs and fifties in ODI World Cup history. The list consists of top names like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Javgal Srinath and MS Dhoni.

Winning the ICC ODI World Cup is the highest achievement in a cricketer’s white-ball career. It’s a tournament that truly tests a player’s skill, consistency and mental strength. The format requires teams to excel in the league stage, then bring their A-game to the knockouts, and ultimately handle the pressure of the grand finale. Since its inception in 1975, the ICC Cricket World Cup has been the biggest stage in international white-ball cricket. Also read | 5 India-Pakistan stars who made history with a wicket in their first ODI ball Over the years, many great players have played in multiple World Cups. The one who has played the most matches is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. He played in five World Cups between 1996 and 2011, featuring in 46 matches: the most by any player in ODI World Cup history. Ponting also has the rare achievement of winning the World Cup three times, including twice as captain. Now, if we ask, which Indian player has played the most number of World Cup matches? Also read | Meet five Indians with most runs in ODI cricket: Only one left-hander in the list, guess who? The answer is none other than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar played in six World Cups for India from 1992 to 2011, appearing in 45 matches, just one short of Ponting’s record. He won the World Cup in 2011, which was also his final appearance in the tournament. But his journey wasn’t easy. In 2003, he had to face heartbreak in the final against Australia, despite being the top scorer (673 runs) of that tournament. Indian players with most ODI World Cup appearances

India’s top ODI World Cup appearance-maker played 45 matches across six editions and was part of the 2011 winning squad, holding records for most runs and fifties in ODI World Cup history.

Which Indian player has made most ODI World Cup appearances? Elite list consists of THESE names

Former tennis world number one Novak Djokovic says the expansion of most ATP Masters 1000 events to 12 days makes them "just way too long for me" as he focuses on his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.&nbsp;"To be quite frank with you, I don't enjoy the two-week Masters events anymore," Djokovic said Friday as he spoke to reporters before the Sunday start of the US Open -- the last Grand Slam of 2025.&nbsp;"It's just way too long for me. My focus is mostly on the Slams, and I have said that before.&nbsp;"But I also like other tournaments. I'd like to play more of the other tournaments, but I just, we have currently informally, unofficially, 12 Grand Slams a year when you think about it.&nbsp;"Grand Slam is two weeks and the other Masters events are almost two weeks, as well."At 38, the former world number one says his priorities have changed in the latter stages of his career.&nbsp;"I'm not chasing the rankings or building up my points or defending, et cetera," Djokovic said. "I just don't think about it anymore.&nbsp;"For me, it's really about where do I find motivation and joy? Where will I be inspired to play the best tennis? And where do I care to be, really, and play?"&nbsp;With family now at the forefront of his life, Djokovic said, he is less willing to miss out on major personal milestones.&nbsp;He noted that his daughter's birthday falls on September 2, when he could find himself playing in the US Open quarter-finals.&nbsp;"But those are types of things that I really don't want to be missing anymore," he said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>Throwing the first pitch</h2>Djokovic, long an advocate for player input in matters such as scheduling and player compensation, said he does not see how the Masters 1000s -- which shifted this year from one-week to 12-days -- could go back to the previous format.&nbsp;Canada and Cincinnati in the run-up to the US Open became 12-day events this year."In the end of the day, when the players needed to be active and when there was a time of negotiations and decision-making, players weren't participating enough," he said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;Djokovic himself has not played since a comprehensive semi-final loss to currently world number one Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July.&nbsp;He acknowledged that he is coming in "cold" in terms of match play, but said he had been training hard as he eyes a return to the later stages of the US Open.&nbsp;A four-time winner in Flushing Meadows, Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2017 when he lost to Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the third round of last year's tournament.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;But this week Djokovic has taken some time to explore New York as well, notably throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Yankees baseball game.&nbsp;"It was a great experience," said Djokovic, adding that he met Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.&nbsp;He also thought he acquitted himself well with his pitch.&nbsp;"I didn't throw that accurate, but it still wasn't as embarrassing I think as some of the other guys I saw in the past."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Novak Djokovic, long an advocate for player input in matters such as scheduling and player compensation, said he does not see how the Masters 1000s -- which shifted this year from one-week to 12-days -- could go back to the previous format.

Former tennis world number one Novak Djokovic says the expansion of most ATP Masters 1000 events to 12 days makes them "just way too long for me" as he focuses on his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title. "To be quite frank with you, I don't enjoy the two-week Masters events anymore," Djokovic said Friday as he spoke to reporters before the Sunday start of the US Open -- the last Grand Slam of 2025. "It's just way too long for me. My focus is mostly on the Slams, and I have said that before. "But I also like other tournaments. I'd like to play more of the other tournaments, but I just, we have currently informally, unofficially, 12 Grand Slams a year when you think about it. "Grand Slam is two weeks and the other Masters events are almost two weeks, as well." At 38, the former world number one says his priorities have changed in the latter stages of his career. "I'm not chasing the rankings or building up my points or defending, et cetera," Djokovic said. "I just don't think about it anymore. "For me, it's really about where do I find motivation and joy? Where will I be inspired to play the best tennis? And where do I care to be, really, and play?" With family now at the forefront of his life, Djokovic said, he is less willing to miss out on major personal milestones. He noted that his daughter's birthday falls on September 2, when he could find himself playing in the US Open quarter-finals. "But those are types of things that I really don't want to be missing anymore," he said. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Throwing the first pitch Djokovic, long an advocate for player input in matters such as scheduling and player compensation, said he does not see how the Masters 1000s -- which shifted this year from one-week to 12-days -- could go back to the previous format. Canada and Cincinnati in the run-up to the US Open became 12-day events this year. "In the end of the day, when the players needed to be active and when there was a time of negotiations and decision-making, players weren't participating enough," he said. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Djokovic himself has not played since a comprehensive semi-final loss to currently world number one Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July. He acknowledged that he is coming in "cold" in terms of match play, but said he had been training hard as he eyes a return to the later stages of the US Open. A four-time winner in Flushing Meadows, Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2017 when he lost to Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the third round of last year's tournament. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) But this week Djokovic has taken some time to explore New York as well, notably throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Yankees baseball game. "It was a great experience," said Djokovic, adding that he met Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. He also thought he acquitted himself well with his pitch. "I didn't throw that accurate, but it still wasn't as embarrassing I think as some of the other guys I saw in the past." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Novak Djokovic, long an advocate for player input in matters such as scheduling and player compensation, said he does not see how the Masters 1000s -- which shifted this year from one-week to 12-days -- could go back to the previous format.

Novak Djokovic narrows focus in pursuit of 25th Grand Slam ahead of US Open 2025

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Which Indian player has made most ODI World Cup appearances? Details here

Novak Djokovic narrows focus in pursuit of 25th Grand Slam ahead of US Open 2025