Viral video shows cross falling on Colombia priest, no official confirmation | WATCH

Rafale Marine fighter begins flight trials in Goa ahead of Indian Navy induction

Ranbir Kapoor apologises for Dussehra speech slip, clarifies remark at Ramayana event

Meta slapped with $25 billion fine in New Mexico over Facebook data practices, company plans appeal

WATCH: Woman IPS officer fires several rounds of AK-47, ignites debate online

EU probes Booking.com under Digital Services Act

Pakistan signs another defence pact even as Makkah Alliance shows no teeth. This time, it's  with Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey

Ilhan Omar breaks silence over alleged marriage to her brother; Trump thinks it's 'really good answer'

US-Iran war: Bibi, Trump gamble on new Iran war to save themselves in polls

From Agni-V to Project Kusha: How are India’s indigenous missile systems and defence shield reshaping modern warfare

'It's a crime not to see this scene': Tehran puts Trump 'behind bars'

Will Rohit and Kohli play ODI World Cup 2027? BCCI president Manhas says board 'not in a position to comment'

Why websites around the world are suddenly going offline? What you need to know about PHP

US midterms 2026: What polls and prediction markets indicate about Congress

'You are a dummy, you are a stupid person': Trump loses temper with CNN, ABC reporters after questions about Russia sanctions

China's dancing robot turns violent bodyguard, lifts cars and fights intruders - Watch

16-foot doomsday fish in Chile triggers fears that the next earthquake is coming

US to get 850 F-35 stealth fighter jets under 10-year Pentagon-Lockheed deal

Are the US and Israel preparing for another major attack on Iran? Here's what report claims

Priyanka Chopra celebrates Dussehra 2026 with Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie | See pics

New OTT releases this week (October 19-25, 2026): Gajab Raat to Chaar Yaar-8 titles to watch during Dussehra week on Netflix, Prime Video and more

‘I caution the president...’: Trump’s ex-press secretary warns after Zacharia’s exit

'Father of all bombs' vs 'mother of all bombs': Iran threatens US with new weapon as Trump hints at MOAB strike

Diljit Dosanjh's Oct 30 Delhi show hits roadblock, Delhi Police denies permission

Australia police arrest former national 100m champ Jake Doran for alleged child abuse

'Gyanu must go': CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka after release, despite Jantar Mantar protest undertaking

Kolkata airport: CISF detects ₹1.13 crore in US dollars hidden in bags of 2 Bangkok-bound passengers

Feds obtain DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar married her brother: Report

US midterms 2026: Trump's approval rating hits record low as Democrats gain ground

Lionel Messi suffered the heaviest defeat of his MLS career as Inter Miami crashed to a 4-1 loss against Minnesota United on Saturday.
The Argentine scored in the second half but Miami's defence was once again exposed as they fell to a fourth defeat in their last five games in all competitions -- a run which has seen them concede 14 goals.
With Luis Suarez injured, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano opted to play without a recognised target striker with Messi floating in front of a five-man midfield.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane fired Minnesota ahead in the 32nd minute after Miami's defence was exposed by a clever pass from Joaqu&iacute;n Pereyra to Carlos Harvey, who picked out the South African international striker in the box.
Messi provided the first real reminder of his presence six minutes later when he worked some space in a crowded area but his low right-foot shot was harmless.
Minnesota doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when a long throw from Michael Boxall was headed on by Nicolas Romero and Anthony Markanich nodded home at the back post.
Messi struck three minutes after the interval when he was found in the box by Jordi Alba and provided his characteristic killer first touch and deadly finish to reduce the deficit.
But Minnesota responded magnificently -- Tani Oluwaseyi headed a corner goalwards and Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt headed into his own net.
Then the excellent Oluwaseyi held off Noah Allen before slipping the ball inside to Robin Lod and the Finnish midfielder made no mistake with a perfect side-foot finish from the edge of the box.
Former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder Mascherano, who said his plans had to been impacted by stand-in forward Fafa Picault suffering a migraine before the game, was disappointed with the way his team had failed to react to a threat they had been ready for.
"It's a tough loss for us. We knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, in transitions, on set pieces, and they hurt us in (exactly) the way we had prepared for the game and that's what worries me the most," he said.
"If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me. All on me. If the coach does not convince them or transmit what he is looking for, all the responsibility falls on the coach."
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-ceasefire-bcci-likely-to-resume-ipl-2025-from-next-week-report-cricket-operation-sindoor-overseas-players-9055897" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India-Pak ceasefire: BCCI likely to resume IPL 2025 from next week - Report</a>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Red Bulls hammer Galaxy</h2>
The New York Red Bulls gained revenge over the Los Angeles Galaxy for beating them in last season's MLS Cup final in extraordinarily emphatic fashion as they hammered the champions 7-0.
The Galaxy look nothing like champions and remain bottom of the Western Conference without a win and with just three points from 12 games.
Greg Vanney's side, robbed of star midfielder Riqui Puig due to long term injury, were also without wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil but their problems were at the other end of the field.
German forward Eric Choupa-Moting scored twice and Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg added a brace, including a superb curling free-kick, as the Red Bulls rampaged over the hapless Galaxy defence.
Local-born teenager Frankie Westfield looked to have given the Philadelphia Union a big win over the Columbus Crew with a 64th minute thunderbolt, his first goal in MLS.
But the Crew grabbed a stoppage time leveller from Sean Zawadski for a 2-2 draw, which maintains their unbeaten record on the road.
The Crew are second in the Eastern Conference with the Union third and Miami in fourth spot.&nbsp;
Cincinnati remain top of the East after a 2-1 win over Austin.
San Diego continued their impressive start to life in MLS with a 2-1 win at St. Louis with goals from Milan Iloski and Danish winger Anders Dreyer.
Nashville's strong season continued with a 2-1 win over Charlotte thanks to a volley from Hany Mukhtar and a powerfully driven 54th-minute winner from Canadian winger Jacob Shaffelburg.
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.

Lionel Messi suffered the heaviest defeat of his MLS career as Inter Miami crashed to a 4-1 loss against Minnesota United on Saturday (May 10). World | Football | Sports

Lionel Messi suffered the heaviest defeat of his MLS career as Inter Miami crashed to a 4-1 loss against Minnesota United on Saturday. The Argentine scored in the second half but Miami's defence was once again exposed as they fell to a fourth defeat in their last five games in all competitions -- a run which has seen them concede 14 goals. With Luis Suarez injured, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano opted to play without a recognised target striker with Messi floating in front of a five-man midfield. Bongokuhle Hlongwane fired Minnesota ahead in the 32nd minute after Miami's defence was exposed by a clever pass from Joaquín Pereyra to Carlos Harvey, who picked out the South African international striker in the box. Messi provided the first real reminder of his presence six minutes later when he worked some space in a crowded area but his low right-foot shot was harmless. Minnesota doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when a long throw from Michael Boxall was headed on by Nicolas Romero and Anthony Markanich nodded home at the back post. Messi struck three minutes after the interval when he was found in the box by Jordi Alba and provided his characteristic killer first touch and deadly finish to reduce the deficit. But Minnesota responded magnificently -- Tani Oluwaseyi headed a corner goalwards and Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt headed into his own net. Then the excellent Oluwaseyi held off Noah Allen before slipping the ball inside to Robin Lod and the Finnish midfielder made no mistake with a perfect side-foot finish from the edge of the box. Former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder Mascherano, who said his plans had to been impacted by stand-in forward Fafa Picault suffering a migraine before the game, was disappointed with the way his team had failed to react to a threat they had been ready for. "It's a tough loss for us. We knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, in transitions, on set pieces, and they hurt us in (exactly) the way we had prepared for the game and that's what worries me the most," he said. "If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me. All on me. If the coach does not convince them or transmit what he is looking for, all the responsibility falls on the coach." ALSO READ | India-Pak ceasefire: BCCI likely to resume IPL 2025 from next week - Report Red Bulls hammer Galaxy The New York Red Bulls gained revenge over the Los Angeles Galaxy for beating them in last season's MLS Cup final in extraordinarily emphatic fashion as they hammered the champions 7-0. The Galaxy look nothing like champions and remain bottom of the Western Conference without a win and with just three points from 12 games. Greg Vanney's side, robbed of star midfielder Riqui Puig due to long term injury, were also without wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil but their problems were at the other end of the field. German forward Eric Choupa-Moting scored twice and Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg added a brace, including a superb curling free-kick, as the Red Bulls rampaged over the hapless Galaxy defence. Local-born teenager Frankie Westfield looked to have given the Philadelphia Union a big win over the Columbus Crew with a 64th minute thunderbolt, his first goal in MLS. But the Crew grabbed a stoppage time leveller from Sean Zawadski for a 2-2 draw, which maintains their unbeaten record on the road. The Crew are second in the Eastern Conference with the Union third and Miami in fourth spot. Cincinnati remain top of the East after a 2-1 win over Austin. San Diego continued their impressive start to life in MLS with a 2-1 win at St. Louis with goals from Milan Iloski and Danish winger Anders Dreyer. Nashville's strong season continued with a 2-1 win over Charlotte thanks to a volley from Hany Mukhtar and a powerfully driven 54th-minute winner from Canadian winger Jacob Shaffelburg. 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.

Lionel Messi suffers worst defeat in MLS as Inter Miami fall again

Harry Kane opened the scoring ahead of lifting his first career silverware as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0, with veteran Thomas Mueller playing his last home game for the club.
Bayern officially won the title on Sunday when defending champions Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 2-2 draw at Freiburg, but were presented with the Bundesliga shield in front of their home fans at full-time.
Dripping wet after being showered with beer by teammates, Kane said the title win was "an incredible feeling," and hoped it would be "the first of many".
"It's been lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice in between, for moments like this -- to enjoy it with the team, enjoy it with the fans. I'm loving every minute," said the England captain.
Kane opened the scoring 31 minutes in, heading in a curling Michael Olise shot for his 25th goal of the league campaign.
With Bayern lacking their usual energy, Gladbach had several chances to equalise but were let down by poor finishing. Olise tapped in from close range to score a goal of his own in the final minute, sealing the occasion.
In his 750th game in all competitions for the club, Mueller -- who will leave Bayern after 25 years in the summer -- went close to scoring but had his shot saved in the 57th minute.&nbsp;
The 35-year-old was subbed off with seven minutes remaining, hugging his teammates as reserves and members of staff rushed to form a guard of honour. Mueller won a record 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues at Bayern.&nbsp;
Speaking with Sky Germany, Mueller said: "I can't really work it through in my mind at the moment," but said he was touched by "75,000 hearts which were beating just a little bit for me".
Kane said he was "proud" to play with Mueller, calling the veteran "a legend in football and a legend at this club".
Kane's long-time England and Tottenham teammate Eric Dier, who will join Monaco in the summer, was also given a send-off before the match.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-ceasefire-bcci-likely-to-resume-ipl-2025-from-next-week-report-cricket-operation-sindoor-overseas-players-9055897" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India-Pak ceasefire: BCCI likely to resume IPL 2025 from next week - Report</a>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Leipzig 'disappointed', Bochum and Kiel relegated</h2>
RB Leipzig's top-four hopes were dashed with a goalless draw at Werder Bremen as Holstein Kiel and Bochum were relegated from the Bundesliga after both fell to home defeats.
Leipzig had only missed the Champions League once in eight seasons since their debut promotion in 2017 but struggled against a Bremen side pushing for a return to Europe after a 15-year absence.
Leipzig's Xavi Simons went closest to scoring, hitting the post with 68 minutes gone and forcing a save from goalie Michael Zetterer two minutes later.
"It's extremely disappointing," Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner said.
"It's matchday 33 and we didn't make it. There's no point sugarcoating it -- we don't deserve the Champions League."&nbsp;
The result means Jurgen Klopp, the new football chief at owners Red Bull, will oversee his first off-season without the promise of the Champions League.
Leipzig need to beat Stuttgart in their final match to have any hope of reaching the Europa League, while Bremen's European hopes are now purely mathematical given their poor goal difference.
Heidenheim's 3-0 win at Union Berlin on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Adrian Beck and a Jan Schoeppner goal, secured at least the relegation play-off spot for the 16th-placed side.
Kiel, promoted to the top flight for the first time this season, needed to win to keep their hopes alive and scored first but conceded twice to go down 2-1 against Freiburg.&nbsp;
Lasse Rosenboom's counter-attacking opener was cancelled out by a Johan Manzambi equaliser just before half-time.&nbsp;
Lucas Hoeler replaced Manzambi at half-time and scored early in the second period, heading in from close range to give Freiburg the lead.&nbsp;
The victory puts Freiburg in pole position to play Champions League for the first time next season.&nbsp;
Freiburg sit four points clear of Borussia Dortmund, who have two games to play.
Bochum's four-year stint in the Bundesliga came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Mainz, who scored through Germany duo Nadiem Amiri and Jonathan Burkardt, along with Phillipp Mwene and Paul Nebel.
Bochum, who had just two points in December but kept their hopes alive with a run of good results including wins over Bayern Munich and Dortmund, picked up just two points from their last eight games.
Bayer Leverkusen host Dortmund on Sunday in coach Xabi Alonso's last home game with the club.
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.

Bayern officially won the title on Sunday when defending champions Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 2-2 draw at Freiburg, but were presented with the Bundesliga shield on Saturday. Football | Sports

Harry Kane opened the scoring ahead of lifting his first career silverware as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0, with veteran Thomas Mueller playing his last home game for the club. Bayern officially won the title on Sunday when defending champions Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 2-2 draw at Freiburg, but were presented with the Bundesliga shield in front of their home fans at full-time. Dripping wet after being showered with beer by teammates, Kane said the title win was "an incredible feeling," and hoped it would be "the first of many". "It's been lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice in between, for moments like this -- to enjoy it with the team, enjoy it with the fans. I'm loving every minute," said the England captain. Kane opened the scoring 31 minutes in, heading in a curling Michael Olise shot for his 25th goal of the league campaign. With Bayern lacking their usual energy, Gladbach had several chances to equalise but were let down by poor finishing. Olise tapped in from close range to score a goal of his own in the final minute, sealing the occasion. In his 750th game in all competitions for the club, Mueller -- who will leave Bayern after 25 years in the summer -- went close to scoring but had his shot saved in the 57th minute. The 35-year-old was subbed off with seven minutes remaining, hugging his teammates as reserves and members of staff rushed to form a guard of honour. Mueller won a record 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues at Bayern. Speaking with Sky Germany, Mueller said: "I can't really work it through in my mind at the moment," but said he was touched by "75,000 hearts which were beating just a little bit for me". Kane said he was "proud" to play with Mueller, calling the veteran "a legend in football and a legend at this club". Kane's long-time England and Tottenham teammate Eric Dier, who will join Monaco in the summer, was also given a send-off before the match. ALSO READ | India-Pak ceasefire: BCCI likely to resume IPL 2025 from next week - Report Leipzig 'disappointed', Bochum and Kiel relegated RB Leipzig's top-four hopes were dashed with a goalless draw at Werder Bremen as Holstein Kiel and Bochum were relegated from the Bundesliga after both fell to home defeats. Leipzig had only missed the Champions League once in eight seasons since their debut promotion in 2017 but struggled against a Bremen side pushing for a return to Europe after a 15-year absence. Leipzig's Xavi Simons went closest to scoring, hitting the post with 68 minutes gone and forcing a save from goalie Michael Zetterer two minutes later. "It's extremely disappointing," Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner said. "It's matchday 33 and we didn't make it. There's no point sugarcoating it -- we don't deserve the Champions League." The result means Jurgen Klopp, the new football chief at owners Red Bull, will oversee his first off-season without the promise of the Champions League. Leipzig need to beat Stuttgart in their final match to have any hope of reaching the Europa League, while Bremen's European hopes are now purely mathematical given their poor goal difference. Heidenheim's 3-0 win at Union Berlin on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Adrian Beck and a Jan Schoeppner goal, secured at least the relegation play-off spot for the 16th-placed side. Kiel, promoted to the top flight for the first time this season, needed to win to keep their hopes alive and scored first but conceded twice to go down 2-1 against Freiburg. Lasse Rosenboom's counter-attacking opener was cancelled out by a Johan Manzambi equaliser just before half-time. Lucas Hoeler replaced Manzambi at half-time and scored early in the second period, heading in from close range to give Freiburg the lead. The victory puts Freiburg in pole position to play Champions League for the first time next season. Freiburg sit four points clear of Borussia Dortmund, who have two games to play. Bochum's four-year stint in the Bundesliga came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Mainz, who scored through Germany duo Nadiem Amiri and Jonathan Burkardt, along with Phillipp Mwene and Paul Nebel. Bochum, who had just two points in December but kept their hopes alive with a run of good results including wins over Bayern Munich and Dortmund, picked up just two points from their last eight games. Bayer Leverkusen host Dortmund on Sunday in coach Xabi Alonso's last home game with the club. 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.

Harry Kane lifts first career title as Bayern Munich end home season with fitting win over Gladbach

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/iga-swiatek?page=2" rel="dofollow">Iga Swiatek</a> was dumped out of the Italian Open on Saturday after the reigning Rome champion suffered a shock 6-1, 7-5 defeat at the hands of Danielle Collins, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jannik-sinner" rel="dofollow">Jannik Sinner</a> prepares for his return to action from a contested doping ban.
World number two Swiatek was hunting a fourth title at the Foro Italico but failed to get past the third round of the last major tournament before the French Open following an uncharacteristically bad display against unfancied Collins.
Veteran Collins, 31, will now face one of Elina Svitolina or fellow American Hailey Baptiste in the last 16 as the world number 35 hunts an unlikely second WTA 1000 title after winning in Miami last year.
"In my mind, I was kind of like, well, even though the last couple times we've played, she's beaten me, I've played some of my best tennis in those matches. So that gave me confidence," Collins told reporters.
Swiatek's early exit is a major shock as the Pole usually dominates her rivals on clay and has a hugely impressive record in the Italian capital.
The manner of her defeat is another worrying sign ahead of Roland Garros as she was also thrashed in straight sets by Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open earlier this month.
Swiatek was barely recognisable from the player who has won four French Open titles, being broken four times in the first set and failing to impose herself at all on Collins, against whom she had previously won eight of nine meetings.
The 23-year-old's elimination opens up her side of the women's draw with Naomi Osaka, who could have been her opponent in the quarter-finals, taking on Marie Bouzkova later on Saturday.
Osaka, who is still finding form after a 15-month break from tennis, will face fifth seed Madison Keys in the last 16 if she gets past Bouzkova.
Jasmine Paolini delighted the Rome crowd by sweeping aside Ons Jabeur in straight sets to set up a last-16 clash with Jelena Ostapenko.
<h2><hl2>Sinner mania</hl2></h2>
Italian star Sinner will take partisan centre court packed with over 10,000 fans on Saturday evening against Argentina's Mariano Navone, hoping to shake off the cobwebs as he eyes a run at Roland Garros later this month.
The world number one said before his first training session in Rome that he was just hoping to get past his second round clash with Navone and see where his game is, after an enforced three months on the sidelines.
Sinner hasn't swung a racket in a tournament since claiming his third Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in January, due to a suspension agreed with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February.
His rise to the top of the game in 2024, when he won eight titles including his first two Slams and the ATP Finals, was dogged by the controversy which followed his two positive tests for traces of clostebol in March last year.
Both WADA and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), who initially cleared Sinner in August, accepted he was accidentally contaminated with the banned substance by his physiotherapist.
Italian fans on centre court were given cause to celebrate in the morning by Rome-born Matteo Berrettini beating Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in his first match at his home tournament in four years.
Former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini, who withdrew from the Madrid Open with the latest in a long line of abdominal injuries, will face Madrid champion Casper Ruud in the third round, with the Norwegian beating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Andrey Rublev was dumped out at the first attempt by Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, to continue his poor form since winning in Dubai back in February.
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz also exited after going down 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) to fellow American Marcos Giron.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.
&nbsp;

Swiatek's early exit is a major shock as the Pole usually dominates her rivals on clay and has a hugely impressive record in the Italian capital. Sports, Tennis

Iga Swiatek was dumped out of the Italian Open on Saturday after the reigning Rome champion suffered a shock 6-1, 7-5 defeat at the hands of Danielle Collins, as Jannik Sinner prepares for his return to action from a contested doping ban. World number two Swiatek was hunting a fourth title at the Foro Italico but failed to get past the third round of the last major tournament before the French Open following an uncharacteristically bad display against unfancied Collins. Veteran Collins, 31, will now face one of Elina Svitolina or fellow American Hailey Baptiste in the last 16 as the world number 35 hunts an unlikely second WTA 1000 title after winning in Miami last year. "In my mind, I was kind of like, well, even though the last couple times we've played, she's beaten me, I've played some of my best tennis in those matches. So that gave me confidence," Collins told reporters. Swiatek's early exit is a major shock as the Pole usually dominates her rivals on clay and has a hugely impressive record in the Italian capital. The manner of her defeat is another worrying sign ahead of Roland Garros as she was also thrashed in straight sets by Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open earlier this month. Swiatek was barely recognisable from the player who has won four French Open titles, being broken four times in the first set and failing to impose herself at all on Collins, against whom she had previously won eight of nine meetings. The 23-year-old's elimination opens up her side of the women's draw with Naomi Osaka, who could have been her opponent in the quarter-finals, taking on Marie Bouzkova later on Saturday. Osaka, who is still finding form after a 15-month break from tennis, will face fifth seed Madison Keys in the last 16 if she gets past Bouzkova. Jasmine Paolini delighted the Rome crowd by sweeping aside Ons Jabeur in straight sets to set up a last-16 clash with Jelena Ostapenko. Sinner mania Italian star Sinner will take partisan centre court packed with over 10,000 fans on Saturday evening against Argentina's Mariano Navone, hoping to shake off the cobwebs as he eyes a run at Roland Garros later this month. The world number one said before his first training session in Rome that he was just hoping to get past his second round clash with Navone and see where his game is, after an enforced three months on the sidelines. Sinner hasn't swung a racket in a tournament since claiming his third Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in January, due to a suspension agreed with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February. His rise to the top of the game in 2024, when he won eight titles including his first two Slams and the ATP Finals, was dogged by the controversy which followed his two positive tests for traces of clostebol in March last year. Both WADA and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), who initially cleared Sinner in August, accepted he was accidentally contaminated with the banned substance by his physiotherapist. Italian fans on centre court were given cause to celebrate in the morning by Rome-born Matteo Berrettini beating Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in his first match at his home tournament in four years. Former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini, who withdrew from the Madrid Open with the latest in a long line of abdominal injuries, will face Madrid champion Casper Ruud in the third round, with the Norwegian beating Alexander Bublik 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Andrey Rublev was dumped out at the first attempt by Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, to continue his poor form since winning in Dubai back in February. Fourth seed Taylor Fritz also exited after going down 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) to fellow American Marcos Giron. 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.

Iga Swiatek's Rome title defence ends early as Sinner set for hero's return

Southampton claimed a precious point against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/manchester-city" rel="dofollow">Manchester City</a> on Saturday to move past the Premier League record-low mark of 11 points.
The goalless draw at St Mary's took the already-relegated Saints to 12 points, one more than Derby mustered in the 2007/08 campaign.
City dominated possession and had 26 shots to Southampton's two, but were unable to find a way past Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-says-manchester-city-season-has-been-toughest-in-management-9053497" rel="dofollow">Pep Guardiola says Manchester City season has been toughest in management</a>
"Delighted. We're not happy about how the season has gone, but we're happy we've avoided that record," said Ramsdale.
"We're under no illusions that it's not a great points tally. The fans are happy in the sun, smiling.
"Everyone knows it's been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief."
Pep Guardiola's men, dethroned as English champions by Liverpool, would have moved level on points with second-placed Arsenal had they won.
But third-placed City remain well-placed to finish in the top five, which would secure qualification for next season's Champions League.
With two games to play, they are four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, though their rivals have a game in hand.
Even Erling Haaland, back for his first match since late March, could not find a way to break the deadlock against Saints, who have won just two league games all season.
Stoppage time proved agonising for home fans, with City substitute Omar Marmoush denied only by the crossbar, before the full-time whistle ensured Southampton would not be making unwanted history.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

Manchester City dominated possession and had 26 shots to Southampton's two, but were unable to find a way past Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Sports, Football

Southampton claimed a precious point against Manchester City on Saturday to move past the Premier League record-low mark of 11 points. The goalless draw at St Mary's took the already-relegated Saints to 12 points, one more than Derby mustered in the 2007/08 campaign. City dominated possession and had 26 shots to Southampton's two, but were unable to find a way past Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Also read | Pep Guardiola says Manchester City season has been toughest in management "Delighted. We're not happy about how the season has gone, but we're happy we've avoided that record," said Ramsdale. "We're under no illusions that it's not a great points tally. The fans are happy in the sun, smiling. "Everyone knows it's been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief." Pep Guardiola's men, dethroned as English champions by Liverpool, would have moved level on points with second-placed Arsenal had they won. But third-placed City remain well-placed to finish in the top five, which would secure qualification for next season's Champions League. With two games to play, they are four points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, though their rivals have a game in hand. Even Erling Haaland, back for his first match since late March, could not find a way to break the deadlock against Saints, who have won just two league games all season. Stoppage time proved agonising for home fans, with City substitute Omar Marmoush denied only by the crossbar, before the full-time whistle ensured Southampton would not be making unwanted history. 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.

Southampton avoid Premier League 'worst-ever' tag with Manchester City draw

Things continue to turn worse for Pakistan. Days after India launched 'Operation Sindoor&rsquo; in response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, dark clouds began hovering over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/psl" rel="dofollow">PSL 2025</a> owing to prevailing cross-border tensions with India. Although PSL's foreign contingent reached Dubai safely, Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain recalled how panic gripped the overseas players.
India launched a series of precise strikes on nine selected targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (Pok), neutralising several terror camps and launchpads in the wee hours on Wednesday (May 7), after which the situation got grim in the country, forcing the PCB to move the tournament out of Pakistan.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-operation-sindoor-we-will-blast-delhis-cricket-stadium-ddca-receives-bomb-threat-amid-ipl-2025-suspension-arun-jaitley-report-9051958" rel="dofollow">Indo-Pak war: 'We will blast...,' Delhi cricket stadium receives bomb threat amid IPL 2025 suspension - Report</a>
After reports of PCB seeking the Emirates Cricket Board&rsquo;s (ECB) approval over staging their remaining matches in the country, which the UAE denied, they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indo-pak-war-operation-sindoor-cricket-pcb-forced-to-postpone-psl-2025-after-failing-to-crack-deal-with-uae-cricket-report-9053216" rel="dofollow">forcefully postponed PSL 2025 indefinitely</a>. Their board, however, ensured that all foreign players reached their homes safely, with several other cricket boards, including the BCB and ECB, wanting to bring back their cricketers at the earliest.
However, upon landing in Dubai, all overseas players were relieved.&nbsp;
Reflecting on what it was like being struck in Pakistan during the war-like situation, Rashid said all foreign players were frightened and that New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell vowed never to return to the country after this.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Foreign players like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, Tom Curran&hellip; all of them were so frightened&hellip; Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me that he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. Overall, they were all horrified,&rdquo; said Rishad at Dubai Airport, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The leg-spinner also revealed that England all-rounder Tom Curran began crying, and it was tough for everyone to control it.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He (Tom Curran) went to the airport but heard that the airport was closed. Then he started crying like a little child, that it took two or three people to handle him,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Everyone back home</h2>
Unlike IPL 2025, which the BCCI also suspended for security concerns but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-ceasefire-bcci-likely-to-resume-ipl-2025-from-next-week-report-cricket-operation-sindoor-overseas-players-9055897" rel="dofollow">might resume soon (as early as next week)</a>, the chances of PSL 2025 not getting underway are higher; all, however, depend on the rising tensions between the arch-rivals.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, all foreign players in PSL 2025 were flown out to the UAE, from where they will head to their respective destinations.&nbsp;
Besides, Rashid also confirmed that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi wanted to host the remainder of the tournament, scheduled to conclude on May 18, in Karachi, but because the players raised safety concerns with him, it unfolded like this.

Although PSL's foreign contingent reached Dubai safely earlier, Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain recalled how panic gripped the overseas players. Sports, Cricket

Things continue to turn worse for Pakistan. Days after India launched 'Operation Sindoor’ in response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, dark clouds began hovering over PSL 2025 owing to prevailing cross-border tensions with India. Although PSL's foreign contingent reached Dubai safely, Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain recalled how panic gripped the overseas players. India launched a series of precise strikes on nine selected targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (Pok), neutralising several terror camps and launchpads in the wee hours on Wednesday (May 7), after which the situation got grim in the country, forcing the PCB to move the tournament out of Pakistan. Also read | Indo-Pak war: 'We will blast...,' Delhi cricket stadium receives bomb threat amid IPL 2025 suspension - Report After reports of PCB seeking the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) approval over staging their remaining matches in the country, which the UAE denied, they forcefully postponed PSL 2025 indefinitely. Their board, however, ensured that all foreign players reached their homes safely, with several other cricket boards, including the BCB and ECB, wanting to bring back their cricketers at the earliest. However, upon landing in Dubai, all overseas players were relieved. Reflecting on what it was like being struck in Pakistan during the war-like situation, Rashid said all foreign players were frightened and that New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell vowed never to return to the country after this. “Foreign players like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, Tom Curran… all of them were so frightened… Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me that he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. Overall, they were all horrified,” said Rishad at Dubai Airport, as quoted by Cricbuzz. The leg-spinner also revealed that England all-rounder Tom Curran began crying, and it was tough for everyone to control it. “He (Tom Curran) went to the airport but heard that the airport was closed. Then he started crying like a little child, that it took two or three people to handle him,” he added. Everyone back home Unlike IPL 2025, which the BCCI also suspended for security concerns but might resume soon (as early as next week), the chances of PSL 2025 not getting underway are higher; all, however, depend on the rising tensions between the arch-rivals. Meanwhile, all foreign players in PSL 2025 were flown out to the UAE, from where they will head to their respective destinations. Besides, Rashid also confirmed that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi wanted to host the remainder of the tournament, scheduled to conclude on May 18, in Karachi, but because the players raised safety concerns with him, it unfolded like this.

‘Would never go to Pakistan again’, BAN spinner recalls how panic gripped foreign players in PSL 2025

Of all the strangest things that ever unfolded in cricket, never before has a team retired out ten batters in an innings anywhere. But now this has happened. In a Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier game between UAE and Qatar in Bangkok, the UAE retired their ten batters for 192 for zero in 16 overs, making it the first instance in a men&rsquo;s or women&rsquo;s international cricket match.
UAE then dismissed Qatar for a paltry 29 while chasing, where they registered seven ducks to seal a massive 163-run win. Meanwhile, 15 ducks across both innings, including eight from the UAE and seven from Qatar, are the most recorded in a women's T20I game.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prominent-indian-cricket-figure-to-persuade-virat-kohli-to-do-u-turn-on-test-retirement-talks-report-9055540" rel="dofollow">Prominent Indian cricket figure to persuade Virat Kohli to do U-Turn on Test retirement talks &ndash; Report</a>
UAE won the toss and elected to bat first. Its openers - Esha Oza and the captain, Theertha Satish, added a massive 192 for the first wicket, with Oza hitting an unbeaten 113 and the skipper remaining unbeaten on 74, all inside 16 overs.&nbsp;
Since teams are not allowed to declare in limited-overs cricket, the UAE decided to pull off a first-of-its-kind by retiring out ten batters, the two at the crease and the remaining ones yet to come out and bat.&nbsp;
As a result, the UAE were all out for 192 in 16 overs.
While that was Oza&rsquo;s fourth T20I hundred, Satish raced to her fifty in 31 balls. The right-handed opener Oza smashed 14 fours and five sixes in her knock, and the left-handed Satish collected 11 fours.
<h3>Records!</h3>
Qatar, in reply, could last for just over 11 overs (11.1 overs), with only three of their batters managing to put scores on the board, while the remaining seven got out on zeroes.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indo-pak-war-operation-sindoor-cricket-pcb-forced-to-postpone-psl-2025-after-failing-to-crack-deal-with-uae-cricket-report-9053216" rel="dofollow">Indo-Pak War: PCB forced to postpone PSL 2025 after failing to crack deal with UAE Cricket &ndash; Report</a>
Qatar opener Rizpha Bano Emmanuel was their top scorer, hitting 20.
All UAE bowlers returned with wickets, but the left-arm spinner Michelle Botha was the best, picking three for 11.&nbsp;

The UAE dismissed Qatar for a paltry 29 while chasing to seal a massive 163-run win in the Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier. Sports, Cricket

Of all the strangest things that ever unfolded in cricket, never before has a team retired out ten batters in an innings anywhere. But now this has happened. In a Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier game between UAE and Qatar in Bangkok, the UAE retired their ten batters for 192 for zero in 16 overs, making it the first instance in a men’s or women’s international cricket match. UAE then dismissed Qatar for a paltry 29 while chasing, where they registered seven ducks to seal a massive 163-run win. Meanwhile, 15 ducks across both innings, including eight from the UAE and seven from Qatar, are the most recorded in a women's T20I game. Also read | Prominent Indian cricket figure to persuade Virat Kohli to do U-Turn on Test retirement talks – Report UAE won the toss and elected to bat first. Its openers - Esha Oza and the captain, Theertha Satish, added a massive 192 for the first wicket, with Oza hitting an unbeaten 113 and the skipper remaining unbeaten on 74, all inside 16 overs. Since teams are not allowed to declare in limited-overs cricket, the UAE decided to pull off a first-of-its-kind by retiring out ten batters, the two at the crease and the remaining ones yet to come out and bat. As a result, the UAE were all out for 192 in 16 overs. While that was Oza’s fourth T20I hundred, Satish raced to her fifty in 31 balls. The right-handed opener Oza smashed 14 fours and five sixes in her knock, and the left-handed Satish collected 11 fours. Records! Qatar, in reply, could last for just over 11 overs (11.1 overs), with only three of their batters managing to put scores on the board, while the remaining seven got out on zeroes. Also read | Indo-Pak War: PCB forced to postpone PSL 2025 after failing to crack deal with UAE Cricket – Report Qatar opener Rizpha Bano Emmanuel was their top scorer, hitting 20. All UAE bowlers returned with wickets, but the left-arm spinner Michelle Botha was the best, picking three for 11.

Ten UAE batters retired out in STRANGE record in Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/hansi-flick" rel="dofollow">Hansi Flick</a> called on his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/barcelona" rel="dofollow">Barcelona</a> players to brush off their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-league" rel="dofollow">Champions League</a> semi-final elimination and bounce back strongly against Real Madrid on Sunday in a vital La Liga Clasico.
Barca lead the Spanish top flight by four points ahead of rivals and defending champions Real Madrid, with four matches remaining.
The Catalans were ousted in Europe on Tuesday by Inter Milan, ending dreams of a potential quadruple.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/fifa-approves-expansion-of-womens-world-cup-to-48-teams-starting-with-2031-edition-women-football-football-worldcup-football-9054537" rel="dofollow">FIFA approves expansion of Women&rsquo;s World Cup to 48 teams starting with 2031 edition</a>
"We spoke about what they (the players) are thinking, what they are feeling, it's important in a group that we speak about that," Flick told a news conference Saturday.
"Everyone knows that in a Clasico you have to be on your highest level, that's what we have to do.
"We want to be active, we want to see the team (play) with intensity on the pitch, dominant as normal, and we know it's a really fantastic team from Real (against us)."
Barcelona have beaten Real Madrid in all three Clasicos played this season, beginning with a 4-0 win in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu in October.
The Catalans then thrashed Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January and edged them 3-2 in extra time in the Copa del Rey final in April.
Even if Barcelona lost, they would still be top of the table by a point, but Flick said his team was out to defeat Los Blancos again.
"We always go into the match to win the match, doesn't matter about the table," he added.
"(We'll) focus on this match, give everything to get three points...
"The Clasico is important for our fans, everyone, for Barca, for the players, for me, my coaching staff, it's great to play against them and compete against them."
Barcelona were handed a boost as Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado were passed fit to play on Saturday after injury.
Midfielder Casado has been missing for almost two months after a knee ligament injury, while Balde missed the last month with a hamstring problem.
Robert Lewandowski returned from injury to play as a substitute against Inter on Tuesday.
Flick said all three players were more likely to be on the bench on Sunday than to be selected as starters.
"After this match, we have three more matches," noted the coach.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.
&nbsp;

FC Barcelona lead the Spanish top flight La Liga by four points ahead of rivals and defending champions Real Madrid, with four matches remaining. Sports, Football

Hansi Flick called on his Barcelona players to brush off their Champions League semi-final elimination and bounce back strongly against Real Madrid on Sunday in a vital La Liga Clasico. Barca lead the Spanish top flight by four points ahead of rivals and defending champions Real Madrid, with four matches remaining. The Catalans were ousted in Europe on Tuesday by Inter Milan, ending dreams of a potential quadruple. Also read | FIFA approves expansion of Women’s World Cup to 48 teams starting with 2031 edition "We spoke about what they (the players) are thinking, what they are feeling, it's important in a group that we speak about that," Flick told a news conference Saturday. "Everyone knows that in a Clasico you have to be on your highest level, that's what we have to do. "We want to be active, we want to see the team (play) with intensity on the pitch, dominant as normal, and we know it's a really fantastic team from Real (against us)." Barcelona have beaten Real Madrid in all three Clasicos played this season, beginning with a 4-0 win in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu in October. The Catalans then thrashed Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January and edged them 3-2 in extra time in the Copa del Rey final in April. Even if Barcelona lost, they would still be top of the table by a point, but Flick said his team was out to defeat Los Blancos again. "We always go into the match to win the match, doesn't matter about the table," he added. "(We'll) focus on this match, give everything to get three points... "The Clasico is important for our fans, everyone, for Barca, for the players, for me, my coaching staff, it's great to play against them and compete against them." Barcelona were handed a boost as Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado were passed fit to play on Saturday after injury. Midfielder Casado has been missing for almost two months after a knee ligament injury, while Balde missed the last month with a hamstring problem. Robert Lewandowski returned from injury to play as a substitute against Inter on Tuesday. Flick said all three players were more likely to be on the bench on Sunday than to be selected as starters. "After this match, we have three more matches," noted the coach. 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.

Hansi Flick wants 'dominant' Barcelona in vital La Liga Clasico

India displayed a strong performance at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=archery" rel="dofollow">Archery</a> World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Saturday (10 May), securing three medals - gold in the men&rsquo;s compound team event, silver in the women&rsquo;s team event and bronze in the mixed team competition.
The men&rsquo;s team- Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, and Rishabh Yadav -clinched the gold with a composed and consistent display, defeating Mexico 232-228 in the final. They defeated Denmark 232-231 in a tight semifinal.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-cricket-ipl-2025-all-pbks-dc-bound-players-reach-delhi-safely-from-dharamsala-bcci-thanks-indian-railways-9053292" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">IPL 2025 - All PBKS-DC-bound players reach Delhi safely from Dharamsala, BCCI thanks Indian Railways</a>
The men's team, which topped the qualification leaderboard with 2134, received the first round bye and began their campaign with a 239-232 quarterfinal win over Great Britain.
In the women&rsquo;s compound final, the Indian trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Madhura Dhamangaonkar and Chikitha Taniparthi had to settle for silver after a 221&ndash;234 defeat to a dominant Mexican team. Despite the one-sided result, the Indian women impressed throughout the tournament and secured a well-earned podium finish.
The women's team, which had also received a bye in the opening round after topping the qualification with 2114 points, reached the gold medal match by outshooting Great Britain 232-230, in a lineup that included world number one Ella Gibson, following their 232-229 quarterfinal win over eighth-ranked Kazakhstan.
Adding to India&rsquo;s medal haul, the compound mixed team of Abhishek Verma and Madhura Dhamangaonkar claimed bronze with a win over Malaysia in a low-scoring third-place match.
These results highlight India&rsquo;s growing depth and consistency in compound archery on the global stage. With compound archery set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics - featuring only a mixed team event - India&rsquo;s recent performances offer encouraging signs in their pursuit of a historic first Olympic medal in the sport.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

India displayed a strong performance at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Saturday, securing three medals - gold in the men’s compound team event, silver in the women’s team event and bronze in the mixed team competition. Sports

India displayed a strong performance at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Saturday (10 May), securing three medals - gold in the men’s compound team event, silver in the women’s team event and bronze in the mixed team competition. The men’s team- Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, and Rishabh Yadav -clinched the gold with a composed and consistent display, defeating Mexico 232-228 in the final. They defeated Denmark 232-231 in a tight semifinal. Also Read | IPL 2025 - All PBKS-DC-bound players reach Delhi safely from Dharamsala, BCCI thanks Indian Railways The men's team, which topped the qualification leaderboard with 2134, received the first round bye and began their campaign with a 239-232 quarterfinal win over Great Britain. In the women’s compound final, the Indian trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Madhura Dhamangaonkar and Chikitha Taniparthi had to settle for silver after a 221–234 defeat to a dominant Mexican team. Despite the one-sided result, the Indian women impressed throughout the tournament and secured a well-earned podium finish. The women's team, which had also received a bye in the opening round after topping the qualification with 2114 points, reached the gold medal match by outshooting Great Britain 232-230, in a lineup that included world number one Ella Gibson, following their 232-229 quarterfinal win over eighth-ranked Kazakhstan. Adding to India’s medal haul, the compound mixed team of Abhishek Verma and Madhura Dhamangaonkar claimed bronze with a win over Malaysia in a low-scoring third-place match. These results highlight India’s growing depth and consistency in compound archery on the global stage. With compound archery set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics - featuring only a mixed team event - India’s recent performances offer encouraging signs in their pursuit of a historic first Olympic medal in the sport. 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.

India bag gold, silver and bronze at Archery World Cup Stage 2

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pep-guardiola" rel="dofollow">Pep Guardiola</a> admits this season has been the toughest of his 16-year managerial career as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/manchester-city" rel="dofollow">Manchester City</a>'s Premier League title challenge collapsed and they exited the Champions League early.
The Spaniard has experienced little but success in glittering spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City.&nbsp;But after four successive Premier League triumphs, City's form nosedived from late October onwards.
They can still finish the campaign with a top-five spot and the FA Cup, while they have an additional shot at silverware at the Club World Cup.
But even if they end on a high note, it will not change Guardiola's verdict of the season as a whole.
"It's been the most difficult, that's for sure," said the 54-year-old, whose team exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid in the knockout phase playoffs.
"It's been more demanding -- much more. When you don't win, it's more demanding emotionally and (in terms of) preparing and the moods and everything.
"It's been more difficult than the previous seasons when we played for the titles."
Injuries, particularly to midfielder Rodri, have been a huge factor in City's decline, while a number of individuals have suffered a drop in form.
Guardiola does not absolve himself from blame.
"We had a lot of injuries, we didn't have the energy," he said. "We tried most of the time, but we were not able to do it.
"I didn't find the way to let them feel comfortable and winning the games."
Guardiola, whose third-placed side travel to relegated Southampton on Saturday, admitted City's high standards had slipped.
"But, even with that, I would say, it could be worse. I was not good enough to find a way, but we didn't give up," he said.
"We're still fighting to qualify for the Champions League -- that is a big, big prize -- and the FA Cup."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.
&nbsp;

Manchester City can still finish the campaign with a top-five spot and the FA Cup, while they have an additional shot at silverware at the Club World Cup. Sports Football

Pep Guardiola admits this season has been the toughest of his 16-year managerial career as Manchester City's Premier League title challenge collapsed and they exited the Champions League early. The Spaniard has experienced little but success in glittering spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City. But after four successive Premier League triumphs, City's form nosedived from late October onwards. They can still finish the campaign with a top-five spot and the FA Cup, while they have an additional shot at silverware at the Club World Cup. But even if they end on a high note, it will not change Guardiola's verdict of the season as a whole. "It's been the most difficult, that's for sure," said the 54-year-old, whose team exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid in the knockout phase playoffs. "It's been more demanding -- much more. When you don't win, it's more demanding emotionally and (in terms of) preparing and the moods and everything. "It's been more difficult than the previous seasons when we played for the titles." Injuries, particularly to midfielder Rodri, have been a huge factor in City's decline, while a number of individuals have suffered a drop in form. Guardiola does not absolve himself from blame. "We had a lot of injuries, we didn't have the energy," he said. "We tried most of the time, but we were not able to do it. "I didn't find the way to let them feel comfortable and winning the games." Guardiola, whose third-placed side travel to relegated Southampton on Saturday, admitted City's high standards had slipped. "But, even with that, I would say, it could be worse. I was not good enough to find a way, but we didn't give up," he said. "We're still fighting to qualify for the Champions League -- that is a big, big prize -- and the FA Cup." 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.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City season has been toughest in management

The BCCI has picked a prominent cricketing figure in an attempt to persuade star batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> to reconsider his Test retirement talks. On Saturday, reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-test-cricket-retirement-news-9053637" rel="dofollow">Kohli considering stepping aside from Tests</a> broke the internet, with sources close to the information revealing the veteran batter has expressed his desire to do away with this format to the Indian Cricket Board.
A Cricbuzz report suggests that the meeting between Kohli and the unnamed highly influential personality will take place before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a> selectors sit to pick the squad for the away England tour. While it remains undisclosed where the squad announcement meeting takes place, the report adds that BCCI will plan a media conference to reveal the new Test captain. Such reports have come after the Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced his shock Test retirement early this week.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-did-virat-kohli-hint-at-test-retirement-during-australian-tour-down-under-heres-what-we-know-bgt-202425-9055164" rel="dofollow">Did Virat Kohli hint at Test retirement during Australian tour Down Under? Here&rsquo;s what we know</a>
Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors will announce the India A squad for the England tour sooner.&nbsp;
The report also read that there may have been some meetings between Rohit and that prominent personality before the veteran opener decided to call it quits in Test cricket.
Although there remains no certainty whether Kohli will reconsider his Test retirement call after meeting the highly influential figure, the BCCI is optimistic that the person chosen to speak with Kohli could have some influence. The board, however, remains keen to understand the reason behind Kohli&rsquo;s call to step aside from this format.&nbsp;
<h2>Numbers and records</h2>
Ace batter Kohli hasn&rsquo;t been in the best form in Test cricket in the past five years. Averaging well above 50 at one time, his runs and average dipped, yet he continued to dominate bowlers in his favourite format.&nbsp;
As things stand, Kohli averages close to 46, shy of around 770 runs from the 10,000-mark in Test cricket. He has played 123 Tests, leading the Indian Team in 68 games. Under his leadership, India scaled unbelievable heights, winning the Test series Down Under for the first time in 2018/19, besides claiming the top spot in the ICC Test rankings.
Meanwhile, Kohli plies his trade for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025, the tournament the BCCI suspended for a week amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;
Now that both countries have agreed to a ceasefire, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, it remains to be seen when the remainder of the season resumes.&nbsp;

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), however, remains keen to understand the reason behind Virat Kohli’s decision to step aside from this format. Sports, Cricket

The BCCI has picked a prominent cricketing figure in an attempt to persuade star batter Virat Kohli to reconsider his Test retirement talks. On Saturday, reports of Kohli considering stepping aside from Tests broke the internet, with sources close to the information revealing the veteran batter has expressed his desire to do away with this format to the Indian Cricket Board. A Cricbuzz report suggests that the meeting between Kohli and the unnamed highly influential personality will take place before the BCCI selectors sit to pick the squad for the away England tour. While it remains undisclosed where the squad announcement meeting takes place, the report adds that BCCI will plan a media conference to reveal the new Test captain. Such reports have come after the Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced his shock Test retirement early this week. Also read | Did Virat Kohli hint at Test retirement during Australian tour Down Under? Here’s what we know Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors will announce the India A squad for the England tour sooner. The report also read that there may have been some meetings between Rohit and that prominent personality before the veteran opener decided to call it quits in Test cricket. Although there remains no certainty whether Kohli will reconsider his Test retirement call after meeting the highly influential figure, the BCCI is optimistic that the person chosen to speak with Kohli could have some influence. The board, however, remains keen to understand the reason behind Kohli’s call to step aside from this format. Numbers and records Ace batter Kohli hasn’t been in the best form in Test cricket in the past five years. Averaging well above 50 at one time, his runs and average dipped, yet he continued to dominate bowlers in his favourite format. As things stand, Kohli averages close to 46, shy of around 770 runs from the 10,000-mark in Test cricket. He has played 123 Tests, leading the Indian Team in 68 games. Under his leadership, India scaled unbelievable heights, winning the Test series Down Under for the first time in 2018/19, besides claiming the top spot in the ICC Test rankings. Meanwhile, Kohli plies his trade for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025, the tournament the BCCI suspended for a week amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Now that both countries have agreed to a ceasefire, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, it remains to be seen when the remainder of the season resumes.

Prominent Indian cricket figure to persuade Virat Kohli to do U-Turn on Test retirement talks – Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli" rel="dofollow">Virat Kohli</a> has shocked the cricket world after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-test-cricket-retirement-news-9053637" rel="dofollow">expressing his desire to retire from Test cricket</a> ahead of India&rsquo;s first international assignment &ndash; the away England Tests, since IPL 2025. The Indian batting great is said to have informed BCCI officials about his decision to step aside from red-ball cricket, with the latest reports suggesting that he even dropped hints about this to his teammates during the away Australian tour Down Under, which India lost 1-3, conceding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/border-gavaskar-trophy" rel="dofollow">BGT</a> for the first time in a decade.
A Times of India (TOI) report claims that on several occasions during India&rsquo;s horrendous tour of Australia, Kohli hinted at doing away with Test cricket, but no one took it seriously. Kohli began the five-match series with a banger, smashing a second-inning hundred in the series opener in Perth and helping India strike the first blow. That, however, was Kohli&rsquo;s and Team India&rsquo;s last hurrah moment on the tour, as they lost three of the four remaining matches.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-cricket-ipl-2025-all-pbks-dc-bound-players-reach-delhi-safely-from-dharamsala-bcci-thanks-indian-railways-9053292" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025 - All PBKS-DC-bound players reach Delhi safely from Dharamsala, BCCI thanks Indian Railways</a>
Kohli also suffered the wrath of poor outings on what he called his last Australian Test tour. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 100 in the first Test but could manage 90 more across eight innings, amassing just 190 in nine outings.
<h2>Kohli to teammates &ndash; &lsquo;I am done&rsquo;</h2>
Even before the discussions around squad selection for the away five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 in Leeds were underway, Kohli expressed his intentions of discontinuing playing Tests to BCCI officials, the discussions of which were going on for around a month.&nbsp;
While his decision surprised all stakeholders of Indian Cricket, including BCCI office bearers and those close to him, Kohli has made up his mind. The report read that the BCCI is eager to have him on the flight to the UK for this crucial Test series, also considering Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s shock Test retirement lately, but the ball seems to be in Kohli&rsquo;s court now.&nbsp;
However, what&rsquo;s surprising here is that Kohli expressed his desire to become the Indian Test captain once again, having previously led and scaled Indian Cricket to imperious heights, with the BCCI selectors putting this idea under the mat. Their reason for deciding against doing so is to pick a captain for the future, with ace batter Shubman Gill leading the race to replace Rohit as Team India&rsquo;s new Test captain.&nbsp;
"A new WTC cycle is starting. Future and continuity has to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can't be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two Test series haven't been ideal for the team, and the England series is very crucial," a source close to the information revealed earlier, as also quoted by the TOI.&nbsp;

In 123 Tests, Virat Kohli has scored 9230 runs, averaging 46.85. He scored 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with his best being an unbeaten 254. Sports, Cricket

Virat Kohli has shocked the cricket world after expressing his desire to retire from Test cricket ahead of India’s first international assignment – the away England Tests, since IPL 2025. The Indian batting great is said to have informed BCCI officials about his decision to step aside from red-ball cricket, with the latest reports suggesting that he even dropped hints about this to his teammates during the away Australian tour Down Under, which India lost 1-3, conceding the BGT for the first time in a decade. A Times of India (TOI) report claims that on several occasions during India’s horrendous tour of Australia, Kohli hinted at doing away with Test cricket, but no one took it seriously. Kohli began the five-match series with a banger, smashing a second-inning hundred in the series opener in Perth and helping India strike the first blow. That, however, was Kohli’s and Team India’s last hurrah moment on the tour, as they lost three of the four remaining matches. Also read | IPL 2025 - All PBKS-DC-bound players reach Delhi safely from Dharamsala, BCCI thanks Indian Railways Kohli also suffered the wrath of poor outings on what he called his last Australian Test tour. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 100 in the first Test but could manage 90 more across eight innings, amassing just 190 in nine outings. Kohli to teammates – ‘I am done’ Even before the discussions around squad selection for the away five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 in Leeds were underway, Kohli expressed his intentions of discontinuing playing Tests to BCCI officials, the discussions of which were going on for around a month. While his decision surprised all stakeholders of Indian Cricket, including BCCI office bearers and those close to him, Kohli has made up his mind. The report read that the BCCI is eager to have him on the flight to the UK for this crucial Test series, also considering Rohit Sharma’s shock Test retirement lately, but the ball seems to be in Kohli’s court now. However, what’s surprising here is that Kohli expressed his desire to become the Indian Test captain once again, having previously led and scaled Indian Cricket to imperious heights, with the BCCI selectors putting this idea under the mat. Their reason for deciding against doing so is to pick a captain for the future, with ace batter Shubman Gill leading the race to replace Rohit as Team India’s new Test captain. "A new WTC cycle is starting. Future and continuity has to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can't be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two Test series haven't been ideal for the team, and the England series is very crucial," a source close to the information revealed earlier, as also quoted by the TOI.

Did Virat Kohli hint at Test retirement during Australian tour Down Under? Here’s what we know

Virat Kohli is following in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma and has expressed the desire to retire from Test cricket, according to reports. He has informed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his intentions, and that he would like to finalise things before the tour of England, which begins on 20 June. However, the board is trying to convince him to reconsider the decision.
Reports suggest that Virat reached out to the board a few days back. If he goes ahead with it, Virat won't be available for the five-match Test series in England. A senior BCCI official is in talks with the cricketer to stay, especially since Sharma has also hung up his boots.
Rohit quit Test cricket with immediate effect. The selection committee is expected to pick the squad for the the Test series in England some time towards the end of May. It would mark the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for India.&nbsp;
Notably, both Rohit and Virat bid adieu to T20 internationals after India won the World Cup in Barbados last year.&nbsp;
Kohli didn't taste much success in the 2024-25 Test season. He had a particularly abysmal run during the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. Kohli managed to score just 186 runs across five Tests. Of these, 100 came in the first Test in Perth, while he hit a measly 86 over the next four Test. Notably, he is the fifth-highest run-getter in the history of the Border-Gavaskar series.
In the last five years, he has scored only 1,990 runs in 37 games with just three hundreds.
Kohli recently opened up about his struggles. &nbsp;&ldquo;Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, then you start burdening yourself way more&hellip; And then you start thinking about things, like &lsquo;I&rsquo;ve got two or three days left on this tour, I need to make an impact now&rsquo;. And you start getting more desperate. That&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;ve surely experienced in Australia as well," he said at an RCB event in March.
Kohli has played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries.

Reports suggest that Virat reached out to the board a few days back. If he goes ahead with it, Virat won't be available for the five-match Test series in England. Cricket Sports

Virat Kohli is following in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma and has expressed the desire to retire from Test cricket, according to reports. He has informed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his intentions, and that he would like to finalise things before the tour of England, which begins on 20 June. However, the board is trying to convince him to reconsider the decision. Reports suggest that Virat reached out to the board a few days back. If he goes ahead with it, Virat won't be available for the five-match Test series in England. A senior BCCI official is in talks with the cricketer to stay, especially since Sharma has also hung up his boots. Rohit quit Test cricket with immediate effect. The selection committee is expected to pick the squad for the the Test series in England some time towards the end of May. It would mark the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for India. Notably, both Rohit and Virat bid adieu to T20 internationals after India won the World Cup in Barbados last year. Kohli didn't taste much success in the 2024-25 Test season. He had a particularly abysmal run during the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. Kohli managed to score just 186 runs across five Tests. Of these, 100 came in the first Test in Perth, while he hit a measly 86 over the next four Test. Notably, he is the fifth-highest run-getter in the history of the Border-Gavaskar series. In the last five years, he has scored only 1,990 runs in 37 games with just three hundreds. Kohli recently opened up about his struggles. “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, then you start burdening yourself way more… And then you start thinking about things, like ‘I’ve got two or three days left on this tour, I need to make an impact now’. And you start getting more desperate. That’s something I’ve surely experienced in Australia as well," he said at an RCB event in March. Kohli has played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries.

Virat Kohli tells BCCI he wants to quit Test cricket, board urges him to reconsider

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has forcefully postponed the ongoing PSL 2025 after failing to crack a deal with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) over hosting the remainder of their matches in their country, per the latest report. This development came hours after its counterpart, the BCCI, suspended IPL 2025 amid escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
The 10th edition of the PSL was moved out of Pakistan following prevailing tensions between the arch-rivals. The remaining eight matches, scheduled in Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore, were later said to be relocated to the UAE; however, strong speculations over a failed deal between both clubs, as carried out by Cricbuzz, forced the PCB to put the tournament on hold.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-operation-sindoor-we-will-blast-delhis-cricket-stadium-ddca-receives-bomb-threat-amid-ipl-2025-suspension-arun-jaitley-report-9051958" rel="dofollow">Indo-Pak war: 'We will blast...,' Delhi cricket stadium receives bomb threat amid IPL 2025 suspension - Report</a>
"The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif," a PCB statement read, as quoted by the outlet.
Unlike PSL, now postponed to a further date, undisclosed yet, the BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week owing to a war-like situation between both countries.
Meanwhile, almost two weeks after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight in India&rsquo;s Kashmir, the Indian Armed Forces carried out &lsquo;Operation Sindoor&rsquo;, launching a series of precise strikes on nine selected targets in Pakistan and Pakised Occupied Kashmir (PoK), neutralising several terror camps and launchpads on wee hours on Wednesday (May 7).
In response, Pakistan launched a cowardly attack aimed at several Indian cities late on Thursday (May 8), launching a barrage of drones and missiles, all neutralised by the Indian Air Defence System.
<h2>Players&rsquo; safety is paramount</h2>
After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-ipl-2025-pbks-dc-game-called-off-midway-due-to-significant-technical-failure-india-pakistan-war-9049396" rel="dofollow">PBKS vs DC match in Dharamsala was halted on Thursday due to security concerns</a>, and also considering how the fans evacuated the HPCA stadium soon after, panic gripped the two IPL teams, who returned to Delhi via a special train arranged by the Indian Cricket Board.
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mah2o0x1-6vs8r1hl-pjazkg25">
Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RailMinIndia</a>, for arranging a special Vande Bharat train on such short notice to ferry the players, support staff, commentators, production crew members, and operations staff to New Delhi. We deeply appreciate your swift response. 🙌🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AshwiniVaishnaw</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> |&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/tUwzc5nGWD">pic.twitter.com/tUwzc5nGWD</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1920879231191351649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
However, the safety of all players and staff members, including everyone involved in the backend of staging this tournament, remained paramount for the BCCI, which decided to stay put with all proceedings.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-players-to-head-home-as-panic-grips-ipl-2025-amid-ongoing-india-pakistan-tensions-9052446" rel="dofollow">Foreign players to head home as panic grips IPL 2025 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions</a>
Although the board officials said they will monitor the situation before announcing the remainder of the IPL 2025 schedule, several reports stated that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-cricket-no-asia-cup-2025-this-year-as-bcci-could-use-that-window-to-stage-remainder-of-ipl-2025-report-9051654" rel="dofollow">BCCI is planning to host the pending 25 games during the September window</a> by scrapping India&rsquo;s tour of Bangladesh and the Asia Cup 2025, if the need arises.&nbsp;

Unlike PSL, now postponed to a further date, undisclosed yet, the BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week owing to a war-like situation between both countries. Sports Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has forcefully postponed the ongoing PSL 2025 after failing to crack a deal with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) over hosting the remainder of their matches in their country, per the latest report. This development came hours after its counterpart, the BCCI, suspended IPL 2025 amid escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The 10th edition of the PSL was moved out of Pakistan following prevailing tensions between the arch-rivals. The remaining eight matches, scheduled in Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore, were later said to be relocated to the UAE; however, strong speculations over a failed deal between both clubs, as carried out by Cricbuzz, forced the PCB to put the tournament on hold. Also read | Indo-Pak war: 'We will blast...,' Delhi cricket stadium receives bomb threat amid IPL 2025 suspension - Report "The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif," a PCB statement read, as quoted by the outlet. Unlike PSL, now postponed to a further date, undisclosed yet, the BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for a week owing to a war-like situation between both countries. Meanwhile, almost two weeks after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight in India’s Kashmir, the Indian Armed Forces carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’, launching a series of precise strikes on nine selected targets in Pakistan and Pakised Occupied Kashmir (PoK), neutralising several terror camps and launchpads on wee hours on Wednesday (May 7). In response, Pakistan launched a cowardly attack aimed at several Indian cities late on Thursday (May 8), launching a barrage of drones and missiles, all neutralised by the Indian Air Defence System. Players’ safety is paramount After the PBKS vs DC match in Dharamsala was halted on Thursday due to security concerns, and also considering how the fans evacuated the HPCA stadium soon after, panic gripped the two IPL teams, who returned to Delhi via a special train arranged by the Indian Cricket Board. Watch Video – Thank you, @RailMinIndia, for arranging a special Vande Bharat train on such short notice to ferry the players, support staff, commentators, production crew members, and operations staff to New Delhi. We deeply appreciate your swift response. 🙌🏽@AshwiniVaishnaw | @JayShah |… pic.twitter.com/tUwzc5nGWD — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 9, 2025 However, the safety of all players and staff members, including everyone involved in the backend of staging this tournament, remained paramount for the BCCI, which decided to stay put with all proceedings. Also read | Foreign players to head home as panic grips IPL 2025 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions Although the board officials said they will monitor the situation before announcing the remainder of the IPL 2025 schedule, several reports stated that the BCCI is planning to host the pending 25 games during the September window by scrapping India’s tour of Bangladesh and the Asia Cup 2025, if the need arises.

Indo-Pak War: PCB forced to postpone PSL 2025 after failing to crack deal with UAE Cricket – Report

Indian ODI captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=rohit+sharma" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rohit Sharma</a> announced his retirement from Test cricket recently. But many are unaware of the fact that despite Rohit being a natural opener in white-ball cricket, he didn&rsquo;t get to open in Test matches until 2019. For six years after making his debut in 2013, Rohit played as a middle-order batter in the longest format of the game.
During that time, he showed glimpses of the skillset required in Test cricket but couldn&rsquo;t hold on to a permanent spot in the playing eleven. He scored 1,585 runs playing as a middle-order batter in 20 matches, with three centuries and 10 fifties. But something always seemed to be missing as he was seen as a white ball star.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-players-to-head-home-as-panic-grips-ipl-2025-amid-ongoing-india-pakistan-tensions-9052446" rel="dofollow">Foreign players to head home as panic grips IPL 2025 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions</a>
<h2>Rohit - The opener in Test cricket</h2>
The scenario changed in 2019 when one phone call from the team management gave Rohit a new role as a Test opener. It was a bold move, but it turned out to be a game-changer. Hitman grabbed the opportunity with both hands as&nbsp;he scored centuries in both innings in Visakhapatnam in his first outing as an opener and followed it up with a double hundred in the same series against South Africa. Adding to it, he scored 2,716 runs as an opener, including nine hundreds, two fifties, and even a double century. He looked more confident, solid, and in control while facing the new ball.
The real test of Rohit as an opener was when India toured England for a five-match test series in 2021-22. He rose to the occasion and scored 127 at the Oval and 83 at the Lord's. He was the third-highest run getter in that series, scoring 368 runs in eight innings with an average of over 50.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-batter-travis-heads-three-word-praise-for-rohit-sharma-on-test-retirement-captain-9052928" rel="dofollow">Travis Head&rsquo;s &lsquo;three-word&rsquo; praise for Rohit Sharma on Test retirement</a>
Interestingly, Rohit played 67 Tests in total for India. The first 20 were as a middle-order batter, and the rest 47 matches saw him bat at the top of the order, where he truly belonged. Also, all 12 of Rohit&rsquo;s Test hundreds came in matches that India won, a record no other batter has achieved.
He also became India&rsquo;s leading run-scorer across the first three cycles of the World Test Championship. In 2022, he was named Test captain and led the team to the 2023 WTC Final against Australia. But towards the end, both his form with the bat and as a leader dipped as India lost 0-3 to New Zealand at home in 2024 and 1-3 in Australia.
Despite the setback, Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s Test story is one of patience, belief, and adapting to the conditions. That one call in 2019 didn&rsquo;t just change his role; it gave him a second life in Test cricket, and he truly made it count.

Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket recently. But many are unaware of the fact that despite Rohit being a natural opener in white-ball cricket, he didn’t get to open in Test matches until 2019. Sports

Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket recently. But many are unaware of the fact that despite Rohit being a natural opener in white-ball cricket, he didn’t get to open in Test matches until 2019. For six years after making his debut in 2013, Rohit played as a middle-order batter in the longest format of the game. During that time, he showed glimpses of the skillset required in Test cricket but couldn’t hold on to a permanent spot in the playing eleven. He scored 1,585 runs playing as a middle-order batter in 20 matches, with three centuries and 10 fifties. But something always seemed to be missing as he was seen as a white ball star. Also Read | Foreign players to head home as panic grips IPL 2025 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions Rohit - The opener in Test cricket The scenario changed in 2019 when one phone call from the team management gave Rohit a new role as a Test opener. It was a bold move, but it turned out to be a game-changer. Hitman grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he scored centuries in both innings in Visakhapatnam in his first outing as an opener and followed it up with a double hundred in the same series against South Africa. Adding to it, he scored 2,716 runs as an opener, including nine hundreds, two fifties, and even a double century. He looked more confident, solid, and in control while facing the new ball. The real test of Rohit as an opener was when India toured England for a five-match test series in 2021-22. He rose to the occasion and scored 127 at the Oval and 83 at the Lord's. He was the third-highest run getter in that series, scoring 368 runs in eight innings with an average of over 50. Also read | Travis Head’s ‘three-word’ praise for Rohit Sharma on Test retirement Interestingly, Rohit played 67 Tests in total for India. The first 20 were as a middle-order batter, and the rest 47 matches saw him bat at the top of the order, where he truly belonged. Also, all 12 of Rohit’s Test hundreds came in matches that India won, a record no other batter has achieved. He also became India’s leading run-scorer across the first three cycles of the World Test Championship. In 2022, he was named Test captain and led the team to the 2023 WTC Final against Australia. But towards the end, both his form with the bat and as a leader dipped as India lost 0-3 to New Zealand at home in 2024 and 1-3 in Australia. Despite the setback, Rohit Sharma’s Test story is one of patience, belief, and adapting to the conditions. That one call in 2019 didn’t just change his role; it gave him a second life in Test cricket, and he truly made it count.

How one call in 2019 changed Rohit Sharma’s Test career

Australia batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/travis-head" rel="dofollow">Travis Head</a>&rsquo;s &lsquo;three-word&rsquo; praise for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a>, who recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohit-sharma-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9045477" rel="dofollow">announced his Test retirement</a>, has won the internet. Head and Rohit share an on-field camaraderie that is loved by everyone off it, with the Aussie white-ball opener taking it to his social media handle X to post for Rohit.
Amidst escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, Rohit shocked the cricket world with a Test retirement call just before India&rsquo;s first international assignment post-IPL 2025 &ndash; the away Test tour of England. Rohit was earlier said to be retaining his place as Team India captain for England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds; however, the selectors decided against sticking with him as the Test captain, forcing a rushed retirement.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-players-to-head-home-as-panic-grips-ipl-2025-amid-ongoing-india-pakistan-tensions-9052446" rel="dofollow">Foreign players to head home as panic grips IPL 2025 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions</a>
Now that Rohit is done with Tests and T20Is, having already announced his retirement from the shortest format following winning the T20 World Cup in the Americas last year, the One-Day format is the only one he will continue to play. Although he has no ambitions of doing away with his IPL commitments for the Mumbai Indians, Rohit&rsquo;s cricket future hangs by a thin thread.
Plenty of tributes came in from the cricketing fraternity, let alone from India only, with former, current and upcoming cricketers sending in best wishes. One included from Rohit&rsquo;s India teammate Abhishek Sharma, who wrote, &lsquo;Thank you for everything big brother&rsquo;, to which Head reposted it, writing, &lsquo;What a player&rsquo;.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-magysds6-o4avx67y-mwbsl2dq">
What a player 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/rMnUvam0Xw">https://t.co/rMnUvam0Xw</a>
&mdash; Travis head (@TravisHead24) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravisHead24/status/1920775046336762078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>No bad-blood</h2>
Since Rohit Sharma took over the all-format captaincy from Virat Kohli in late 2022, India played four ICC finals, losing two &ndash; the WTC Final 2023 and the final of the home ODI World Cup at home, to Australia, and the sole reason behind it was Travis Head.
While Head slammed his maiden WTC Final hundred against India at the Oval, scoring a match-winning 163 in the first innings, his 137 in the final against the Men in Blue broke a billion hearts. The left-handed opener came close to completing a hat-trick of match-winning knocks against India in ICC events (during the T20 WC league game), scoring 76, but failed to help his team cross the line in that game.
Even during Rohit&rsquo;s final Test series against Australia Down Under, Head was the top run-getter, scoring 448 runs in five matches, averaging 56. He hit two centuries, including 152 in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia completed a 3-1 win over India, winning the BGT for the first time in a decade.

Amidst escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, Rohit shocked the cricket world with a Test retirement call just before England series. Sports Cricket

Australia batter Travis Head’s ‘three-word’ praise for Rohit Sharma, who recently announced his Test retirement, has won the internet. Head and Rohit share an on-field camaraderie that is loved by everyone off it, with the Aussie white-ball opener taking it to his social media handle X to post for Rohit. Amidst escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, Rohit shocked the cricket world with a Test retirement call just before India’s first international assignment post-IPL 2025 – the away Test tour of England. Rohit was earlier said to be retaining his place as Team India captain for England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds; however, the selectors decided against sticking with him as the Test captain, forcing a rushed retirement. Also read | Foreign players to head home as panic grips IPL 2025 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions Now that Rohit is done with Tests and T20Is, having already announced his retirement from the shortest format following winning the T20 World Cup in the Americas last year, the One-Day format is the only one he will continue to play. Although he has no ambitions of doing away with his IPL commitments for the Mumbai Indians, Rohit’s cricket future hangs by a thin thread. Plenty of tributes came in from the cricketing fraternity, let alone from India only, with former, current and upcoming cricketers sending in best wishes. One included from Rohit’s India teammate Abhishek Sharma, who wrote, ‘Thank you for everything big brother’, to which Head reposted it, writing, ‘What a player’. What a player 🙌 https://t.co/rMnUvam0Xw — Travis head (@TravisHead24) May 9, 2025 No bad-blood Since Rohit Sharma took over the all-format captaincy from Virat Kohli in late 2022, India played four ICC finals, losing two – the WTC Final 2023 and the final of the home ODI World Cup at home, to Australia, and the sole reason behind it was Travis Head. While Head slammed his maiden WTC Final hundred against India at the Oval, scoring a match-winning 163 in the first innings, his 137 in the final against the Men in Blue broke a billion hearts. The left-handed opener came close to completing a hat-trick of match-winning knocks against India in ICC events (during the T20 WC league game), scoring 76, but failed to help his team cross the line in that game. Even during Rohit’s final Test series against Australia Down Under, Head was the top run-getter, scoring 448 runs in five matches, averaging 56. He hit two centuries, including 152 in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia completed a 3-1 win over India, winning the BGT for the first time in a decade.

Travis Head’s ‘three-word’ praise for Rohit Sharma on Test retirement

Bayer Leverkusen coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/xabi-alonso" rel="dofollow">Xabi Alonso</a> confirmed Friday he will leave the club at the end of the season, amid reports linking him to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Alonso said it was "the right moment" to announce the exit, but did not confirm his next post, saying it was "not the right moment to talk too much about the future".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-captain-manuel-neuer-to-return-for-muellers-munich-farewell-9051544" rel="dofollow">Bayern captain Manuel Neuer to return for Mueller's Munich farewell</a>
Spanish and German media reported Friday that the 43-year-old has already agreed to join Real and will link up with the Spanish giants after the Club World Cup, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, with a compensation payment of around 12 million euros ($13.5 million) to be paid to Leverkusen.
Taking over in October 2022, Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24, the first Bundesliga title in the club's history.
In March 2024, Alonso declared he would stay with the club despite reported interest from Liverpool, Real and Bayern Munich, all of whom he represented as a player.
Alonso will be in the home dugout for the final time on Sunday against Borussia Dortmund, before his last match as Leverkusen coach away at Mainz.
"We have to enjoy this moment, with mixed emotions. I spoke this morning to the players, the staff, who have been with me during this unbelievable, fantastic three years," Alonso said.
"And now it's the moment to share it on Sunday, especially with the fans, in the stadium on Sunday, where I lived great emotions and where I have become what I am right now.
"Football is about the moment, and I think is a good moment for everyone. Let's enjoy it until the last moment. We can be happy and proud of what we have achieved, always with the good feeling we're taking the club in the right direction."
Leverkusen's title defence ended with their 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Sunday, which confirmed Bayern as this season's title winners. Alonso's side will finish in second spot regardless of the results in their final two matches.
<h2><hl2>League and Cup double</hl2></h2>
Alonso joined in October 2022, with Leverkusen hovering dangerously close to the relegation spots. The Basque immediately put the club back on track; by the end of the season, Leverkusen had risen to fifth, while making the Europa League semi-finals.
After bringing in several key pieces in the off-season, including midfielder Granit Xhaka, striker Victor Boniface and full-back Alex Grimaldo, Alonso piloted Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double -- the first in German football history.
In bringing Leverkusen their first league title, Alonso helped shatter the unwanted 'Neverkusen' moniker given to the club after five second-place finishes, three German Cup final losses and defeat in the 2002 Champions League final.
In 2024-25, Leverkusen pushed Bayern until last weekend in the league and remain on track for their second-best points total.
Alonso's men were eliminated from the German Cup semi-final by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld and by Bayern in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Taking over in October 2022, Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24, the first Bundesliga title in the club's history. Sports Football

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso confirmed Friday he will leave the club at the end of the season, amid reports linking him to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Alonso said it was "the right moment" to announce the exit, but did not confirm his next post, saying it was "not the right moment to talk too much about the future". Also read | Bayern captain Manuel Neuer to return for Mueller's Munich farewell Spanish and German media reported Friday that the 43-year-old has already agreed to join Real and will link up with the Spanish giants after the Club World Cup, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, with a compensation payment of around 12 million euros ($13.5 million) to be paid to Leverkusen. Taking over in October 2022, Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24, the first Bundesliga title in the club's history. In March 2024, Alonso declared he would stay with the club despite reported interest from Liverpool, Real and Bayern Munich, all of whom he represented as a player. Alonso will be in the home dugout for the final time on Sunday against Borussia Dortmund, before his last match as Leverkusen coach away at Mainz. "We have to enjoy this moment, with mixed emotions. I spoke this morning to the players, the staff, who have been with me during this unbelievable, fantastic three years," Alonso said. "And now it's the moment to share it on Sunday, especially with the fans, in the stadium on Sunday, where I lived great emotions and where I have become what I am right now. "Football is about the moment, and I think is a good moment for everyone. Let's enjoy it until the last moment. We can be happy and proud of what we have achieved, always with the good feeling we're taking the club in the right direction." Leverkusen's title defence ended with their 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Sunday, which confirmed Bayern as this season's title winners. Alonso's side will finish in second spot regardless of the results in their final two matches. League and Cup double Alonso joined in October 2022, with Leverkusen hovering dangerously close to the relegation spots. The Basque immediately put the club back on track; by the end of the season, Leverkusen had risen to fifth, while making the Europa League semi-finals. After bringing in several key pieces in the off-season, including midfielder Granit Xhaka, striker Victor Boniface and full-back Alex Grimaldo, Alonso piloted Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double -- the first in German football history. In bringing Leverkusen their first league title, Alonso helped shatter the unwanted 'Neverkusen' moniker given to the club after five second-place finishes, three German Cup final losses and defeat in the 2002 Champions League final. In 2024-25, Leverkusen pushed Bayern until last weekend in the league and remain on track for their second-best points total. Alonso's men were eliminated from the German Cup semi-final by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld and by Bayern in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Xabi Alonso confirms Bayer Leverkusen exit at season end amid Real Madrid talks

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has appointed Shukri Conrad as the new head coach of the South African men&rsquo;s cricket team in all formats. The announcement was made by the official X handle of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=cricket+south+africa" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">CSA</a> on Friday (9 May).
Conrad, who was already in charge of the Test team, will now also lead the ODI and T20I sides. He has replaced Rob Walter, who stepped down at the end of April 2025.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-magqdloq-1k5x1mxa-aufjvz64">
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shukri Conrad as the Proteas Men&rsquo;s all-format head coach. Conrad, who has led the Test side since January 2023, will now take charge of the white-ball formats starting with the T20 International tri-series&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/zXNoutPnKE">pic.twitter.com/zXNoutPnKE</a>
&mdash; Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProteasMenCSA/status/1920772051620483181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-applaud-indian-armed-forces-amid-border-tensions-with-pakistan-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-attack-indo-pak-war-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-9051006" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma applaud Indian Armed Forces amid border tensions with Pakistan</a>
Conrad has done phenomenally well with the Test side. Under his leadership, South Africa made it to the final of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=world+test+championship" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">World Test Championship (WTC)</a> for the 2023-25 cycle. Now, CSA has trusted him with the full-time role across all formats until the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
"I'm truly honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team across all three formats," Conrad said in a CSA statement.
"Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of my cricket journey, and to now oversee the white-ball teams as well is something unbelievably special. I'm genuinely excited about the prospects that lie ahead. South African cricket has incredible white- ball talent, from the calibre of our senior players to the emerging group of juniors aspiring to represent the Proteas. There's a strong foundation to build on, and I believe we have what it takes to achieve something special," the newly appointed Head coach added.
<h2>Up for the challenge!</h2>
The new all-format coach also spoke about the tight schedule for the Proteas.
&ldquo;We have a busy time coming up,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s the WTC final next month, the T20 World Cup in 2026, and then the 50-over World Cup in 2027. Planning will be key so we can manage the players and field strong teams in every format.&rdquo;
Next month, South Africa will play Australia in the WTC final at Lord&rsquo;s Stadium in London. The team, led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=temba+bavuma" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Temba Bavuma</a>, topped the WTC points table with eight wins from 12 matches and a points percentage of 69.44%. South Africa has a chance to create history and end their 27-year-long ICC trophy drought. They had last won the 1998 Champions Trophy.
With Conrad&rsquo;s appointment, South Africa hopes to build a strong team across formats and bring home the ICC Test mace next month

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has appointed Shukri Conrad as the new head coach of the South African men’s cricket team in all formats. The announcement was made by the official X handle of CSA on Friday (9 May). Sports

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has appointed Shukri Conrad as the new head coach of the South African men’s cricket team in all formats. The announcement was made by the official X handle of CSA on Friday (9 May). Conrad, who was already in charge of the Test team, will now also lead the ODI and T20I sides. He has replaced Rob Walter, who stepped down at the end of April 2025. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shukri Conrad as the Proteas Men’s all-format head coach. Conrad, who has led the Test side since January 2023, will now take charge of the white-ball formats starting with the T20 International tri-series… pic.twitter.com/zXNoutPnKE — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) May 9, 2025 Also Read | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma applaud Indian Armed Forces amid border tensions with Pakistan Conrad has done phenomenally well with the Test side. Under his leadership, South Africa made it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) for the 2023-25 cycle. Now, CSA has trusted him with the full-time role across all formats until the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. "I'm truly honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team across all three formats," Conrad said in a CSA statement. "Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of my cricket journey, and to now oversee the white-ball teams as well is something unbelievably special. I'm genuinely excited about the prospects that lie ahead. South African cricket has incredible white- ball talent, from the calibre of our senior players to the emerging group of juniors aspiring to represent the Proteas. There's a strong foundation to build on, and I believe we have what it takes to achieve something special," the newly appointed Head coach added. Up for the challenge! The new all-format coach also spoke about the tight schedule for the Proteas. “We have a busy time coming up,” he said. “There’s the WTC final next month, the T20 World Cup in 2026, and then the 50-over World Cup in 2027. Planning will be key so we can manage the players and field strong teams in every format.” Next month, South Africa will play Australia in the WTC final at Lord’s Stadium in London. The team, led by Temba Bavuma, topped the WTC points table with eight wins from 12 matches and a points percentage of 69.44%. South Africa has a chance to create history and end their 27-year-long ICC trophy drought. They had last won the 1998 Champions Trophy. With Conrad’s appointment, South Africa hopes to build a strong team across formats and bring home the ICC Test mace next month

Cricket South Africa appoint new white-ball head coach ahead of packed calendar

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer will return after a two-month absence alongside veteran Thomas Muller, who will play his last home game with the club on Saturday.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany confirmed Neuer would return from injury for the home game against Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/excessive-transfer-fees-make-it-tough-to-sign-arnolds-like-for-like-replacement-says-liverpool-boss-slot-9052035" rel="dofollow">Excessive transfer fees make it tough to sign Arnold&rsquo;s like-for-like replacement, says Liverpool boss Slot</a>
Bayern, who clinched their 34th German title last weekend, will be presented with the Bundesliga shield after the match, with striker Harry Kane set to lift team silverware for the first time in his career.
"If everything goes well, Manuel Neuer will be back tomorrow," Kompany said.
Neuer, 39, injured his calf muscle while celebrating a goal in Bayern's Champions League last 16 win over Bayer Leverkusen in March and has missed 11 games.
Asked if Mueller, who will leave in the summer after 25 years at the club, would start in his final home game, Kompany joked, "I'm not stupid... I don't want to spoil the party."
Bayern hold an eight-point lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with two games remaining.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Bayern coach Kompany confirmed Neuer would return from injury for the home game against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Sports Football

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer will return after a two-month absence alongside veteran Thomas Muller, who will play his last home game with the club on Saturday. Speaking to the media on Friday, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany confirmed Neuer would return from injury for the home game against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Also read | Excessive transfer fees make it tough to sign Arnold’s like-for-like replacement, says Liverpool boss Slot Bayern, who clinched their 34th German title last weekend, will be presented with the Bundesliga shield after the match, with striker Harry Kane set to lift team silverware for the first time in his career. "If everything goes well, Manuel Neuer will be back tomorrow," Kompany said. Neuer, 39, injured his calf muscle while celebrating a goal in Bayern's Champions League last 16 win over Bayer Leverkusen in March and has missed 11 games. Asked if Mueller, who will leave in the summer after 25 years at the club, would start in his final home game, Kompany joked, "I'm not stupid... I don't want to spoil the party." Bayern hold an eight-point lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with two games remaining. 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.

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer to return for Mueller's Munich farewell

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/liverpool" rel="dofollow">Liverpool</a> boss Arne Slot has warned that excessive transfer fees could prevent him from signing a tailor-made replacement for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trent-alexander-arnold" rel="dofollow">Trent Alexander-Arnold</a>.<o:p></o:p>
The England right-back, whose contract expires in June, announced on Monday he would be leaving Liverpool, a club he has been with since he was a young boy, with the 26-year-old saying it was "easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life".<o:p></o:p>
Alexander-Arnold's future has been the subject of intense speculation this season, with the defender widely tipped to join Spanish giants Real Madrid after helping Liverpool win this season's Premier League. <o:p></o:p>
His exit leaves Liverpool short of cover in his position, with 21-year-old Conor Bradley, who has made 54 senior appearances, now their only recognised right-back.<o:p></o:p>
"I think it would be a surprise if I were to tell you now, &lsquo;Yes, we are looking at this and looking at that," Slot told a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's game at home to Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League. "We don't talk about contracts here, so we don't talk about the positions or if we want to improve the team in certain areas."<o:p></o:p>
The Dutchman added: "That's the most difficult thing for a club like Liverpool if you just won the league, is that it is not easy to find better players than we already have.<o:p></o:p>
"And if they are other, then they still need to be affordable and need to want to come.<o:p></o:p>
"That last thing is mostly not a problem, by the way, but transfer fees sometimes are."<o:p></o:p>
Slot confirmed Bradley will start Sunday&rsquo;s match at home to Arsenal, but insisted that was not a reaction to Alexander-Arnold's announcement, as the Republic of Ireland international would have been in the team for Chelsea last weekend had he been fully fit.<o:p></o:p>
<h2>'Not here to tell fans how to react'</h2>
And while Alexander-Arnold's decision to end his 20-year association with Liverpool has provoked contrasting reactions among supporters and pundits, Slot said it was not his job to tell fans how they should feel about the situation.<o:p></o:p>
Slot, in his first season at Anfield after replacing charismatic manager Jurgen Klopp, has yet to speak directly to Alexander-Arnold since the announcement, only communicating via WhatsApp. But he intends to hold face-to-face talks on Friday in order to gauge how the player is feeling about the fallout from his decision.<o:p></o:p>
"That people have an opinion about us, if it is Trent or me or someone else, is not new for anyone," said Slot. "Probably it&rsquo;s a bit more now for him than he is used to, and probably a bit more negative, but I don't follow all of this. I am not here to tell the fans how they should react.<o:p></o:p>
"We are all disappointed, but Trent is the first one also who he said he would prefer us as a team and a club not to be too much distracted by this announcement."<o:p></o:p>
He added: "I am hoping all the energy on Sunday goes to the players and less as possible to Trent&ndash;&ndash; unless it is positive, then they can do whatever they want.<o:p></o:p>
"I worked at clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where every season, a very good player or multiple very good players left the club, so I am a bit more used to it.<o:p></o:p>
"But the experience I have &ndash; and by the way, this club as well &ndash;is that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up, and that probably will happen now."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

Arnold's exit leaves Liverpool short of cover in his position, with Conor Bradley, with 54 senior appearances, now their only recognised right-back. Sports, Football

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has warned that excessive transfer fees could prevent him from signing a tailor-made replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England right-back, whose contract expires in June, announced on Monday he would be leaving Liverpool, a club he has been with since he was a young boy, with the 26-year-old saying it was "easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life". Alexander-Arnold's future has been the subject of intense speculation this season, with the defender widely tipped to join Spanish giants Real Madrid after helping Liverpool win this season's Premier League. His exit leaves Liverpool short of cover in his position, with 21-year-old Conor Bradley, who has made 54 senior appearances, now their only recognised right-back. "I think it would be a surprise if I were to tell you now, ‘Yes, we are looking at this and looking at that," Slot told a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's game at home to Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League. "We don't talk about contracts here, so we don't talk about the positions or if we want to improve the team in certain areas." The Dutchman added: "That's the most difficult thing for a club like Liverpool if you just won the league, is that it is not easy to find better players than we already have. "And if they are other, then they still need to be affordable and need to want to come. "That last thing is mostly not a problem, by the way, but transfer fees sometimes are." Slot confirmed Bradley will start Sunday’s match at home to Arsenal, but insisted that was not a reaction to Alexander-Arnold's announcement, as the Republic of Ireland international would have been in the team for Chelsea last weekend had he been fully fit. 'Not here to tell fans how to react' And while Alexander-Arnold's decision to end his 20-year association with Liverpool has provoked contrasting reactions among supporters and pundits, Slot said it was not his job to tell fans how they should feel about the situation. Slot, in his first season at Anfield after replacing charismatic manager Jurgen Klopp, has yet to speak directly to Alexander-Arnold since the announcement, only communicating via WhatsApp. But he intends to hold face-to-face talks on Friday in order to gauge how the player is feeling about the fallout from his decision. "That people have an opinion about us, if it is Trent or me or someone else, is not new for anyone," said Slot. "Probably it’s a bit more now for him than he is used to, and probably a bit more negative, but I don't follow all of this. I am not here to tell the fans how they should react. "We are all disappointed, but Trent is the first one also who he said he would prefer us as a team and a club not to be too much distracted by this announcement." He added: "I am hoping all the energy on Sunday goes to the players and less as possible to Trent–– unless it is positive, then they can do whatever they want. "I worked at clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where every season, a very good player or multiple very good players left the club, so I am a bit more used to it. "But the experience I have – and by the way, this club as well –is that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up, and that probably will happen now." 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.

Excessive transfer fees make it tough to sign Arnold’s like-for-like replacement, says Liverpool boss Slot

Iga Swiatek dismissed Elisabetta Cocciaretto in just 52 minutes as she opened her account at the Italian Open on Thursday.
World number two Swiatek came to Italy on the back of a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.
But the 23-year-old Pole dropped just a single game in winning 6-1, 6-0 against Italian Cocciaretto to move onto a third-round meeting with American Danielle Collins.
<h2>Iga Swiatek makes fast start</h2>
"I felt like the ball was kind of listening to me today and I had full control over the match, so it's always pretty comfortable to play a match like that," Swiatek said.
"You just need to continue the work you've been doing and not expect that it's going to happen more often."
Swiatek is a three-time winner of the Italian Open and is using the clay court tournament as a key step towards her defence of her French Open title, but she is yet to win a tournament this season.
In another second-round match, former world number one Naomi Osaka came from behind to overcome lucky loser Viktorija Golubic 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, cheered on by her home crowd, was a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 winner against Lulu Sun of New Zealand and will face Ons Jabeur in round three after the Tunisian benefited from a walkover against Petra Kvitova.
American third seed Jessica Pegula eased into the third round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. She will next face Elise Mertens after the 25th seed Belgian beat Suzan Lamens in three sets.
Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the USA also progressed following a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win against France's Varvara Gracheva.
Madrid Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina got underway with a win as she bested Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).
Men's world number one Jannik Sinner will make his return to competition after a three-month doping ban by facing Mariano Navone on Saturday after the Argentinian beat Federico Cina 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-latest-news-we-are-proud-neeraj-chopra-reacts-on-indian-defence-forcesswift-reply-to-pakistani-attack-9049871" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak War | 'We are proud,' Neeraj Chopra reacts on Indian defence forces' swift reply to Pakistani attack</a>
Elsewhere in the men's draw, Hungarian Fabian Marozsan eliminated up-and-coming Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets.
Since earning his first Tour-level title in Buenos Aires in February, 18-year-old Fonseca has struggled on the red dirt in Europe with early exits at the Madrid Open and the challenger event in Estoril.
Italian showman Fabio Fognini bowed out of his home Masters event for the final time as the 37-year-old went down 6-2, 6-3 to Briton Jacob Fearnley.
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.

World number two Swiatek came to Italy on the back of a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. Tennis | Sports

Iga Swiatek dismissed Elisabetta Cocciaretto in just 52 minutes as she opened her account at the Italian Open on Thursday. World number two Swiatek came to Italy on the back of a demoralising straight-sets defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. But the 23-year-old Pole dropped just a single game in winning 6-1, 6-0 against Italian Cocciaretto to move onto a third-round meeting with American Danielle Collins. Iga Swiatek makes fast start "I felt like the ball was kind of listening to me today and I had full control over the match, so it's always pretty comfortable to play a match like that," Swiatek said. "You just need to continue the work you've been doing and not expect that it's going to happen more often." Swiatek is a three-time winner of the Italian Open and is using the clay court tournament as a key step towards her defence of her French Open title, but she is yet to win a tournament this season. In another second-round match, former world number one Naomi Osaka came from behind to overcome lucky loser Viktorija Golubic 2-6, 7-5, 6-1. Sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, cheered on by her home crowd, was a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 winner against Lulu Sun of New Zealand and will face Ons Jabeur in round three after the Tunisian benefited from a walkover against Petra Kvitova. American third seed Jessica Pegula eased into the third round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. She will next face Elise Mertens after the 25th seed Belgian beat Suzan Lamens in three sets. Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the USA also progressed following a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win against France's Varvara Gracheva. Madrid Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina got underway with a win as she bested Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Men's world number one Jannik Sinner will make his return to competition after a three-month doping ban by facing Mariano Navone on Saturday after the Argentinian beat Federico Cina 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday. ALSO READ | Indo-Pak War | 'We are proud,' Neeraj Chopra reacts on Indian defence forces' swift reply to Pakistani attack Elsewhere in the men's draw, Hungarian Fabian Marozsan eliminated up-and-coming Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets. Since earning his first Tour-level title in Buenos Aires in February, 18-year-old Fonseca has struggled on the red dirt in Europe with early exits at the Madrid Open and the challenger event in Estoril. Italian showman Fabio Fognini bowed out of his home Masters event for the final time as the 37-year-old went down 6-2, 6-3 to Briton Jacob Fearnley. 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.

Italian Open: Iga Swiatek makes fast start, beats Elisabetta Cocciaretto in 52 minutes

England players featuring in the ongoing edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league" rel="dofollow">Pakistan Super League</a> are contemplating leaving the country midway through PSL 2025 after the Indian Armed Forces carried out &lsquo;Operation Sindoor&rsquo;, launching a series of precise strikes on nine selected targets in Pakistan and Pakised Occupied Kashmir (PoK), neutralising several terror camps and launchpads.
These &lsquo;focused, measured and non-escalators' strikes, as confirmed by the Indian Ministry of Defence, were revert to the Pahalgam terror attack in India&rsquo;s Kashmir late last month when Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight, all tourists from India and abroad.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-ipl-2025-dharamsala-chandigarh-airport-closure-behind-pbks-mi-venue-change-in-ipl-2025-details-inside-ahmedabad-9048394" rel="dofollow">Chandigarh airport closure behind PBKS-MI venue change in IPL 2025? Details inside</a>
Meanwhile, as reported by the Telegraph Sport, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, hours after India launched &lsquo;Operation Sindoor&rsquo; in the wee hours, to discuss the situation. Several England nationals are part of PSL 2025, including seven players and two backroom staff members.
While the seven cricketers are James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, the remaining two coaching members are Ravi Bopara and Alexendra Hartley, part of PSL teams.
"Several are exploring their options and could return home," the Telegraph Sport reported, quoting an unnamed agent representing foreign players in Pakistan. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s business as usual, but obviously, if anything else happens in the next 24 hours, you&rsquo;d imagine people will just want to leave," the agent continued.
In contrast, ten England players are part of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, currently underway across several cities in India. Off them, the best performing is Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Jos Buttler, who has scored 500 runs in 11 innings thus far this season. Among the English bowlers, Rajasthan Royals seamer Jofra Archer leads the chart with 11 wickets in 12 matches thus far.
<h2>BCB eyeing to bring back two cricketers</h2>
Not only the ECB but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is trying to bring home their two cricketers involved in the PSL - Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, from Pakistan.
Per Cricbuzz, the BCB is monitoring their cricketers&rsquo; condition in the country after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/india-pak-war-amid-escalating-tensions-pakistan-cricket-board-urges-psl-players-to-leave-rawalpindi-reports-9048114" rel="dofollow">drone strike near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</a> on Thursday afternoon (May 8) threw PSL 2025 into uncertainty, forcing PCB to postpone two matches, raising serious concerns surrounding the safety of overseas players, including Bangladesh and English players.&nbsp;
The report also claims that both cricketers are unwilling to stay back for the ongoing PSL 2025.
"The Board is working closely with both the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission to make certain that the cricketers feel safe and secure during their stay in Pakistan. Furthermore, the BCB is coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure that all arrangments are in place to facilitate the eventual departure of the players from Pakistan in a timely and secure manner," BCB said in a statement on Thursday.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board informed that they are in constant communication with both the players. "The BCB attaches the highest priority to the safety and security of its players," it added.

Nine cricketers, seven from England and two from Bangladesh are contemplating returning home from Pakistan midway through Pakistan Super League (PSL). Sports Cricket

England players featuring in the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League are contemplating leaving the country midway through PSL 2025 after the Indian Armed Forces carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’, launching a series of precise strikes on nine selected targets in Pakistan and Pakised Occupied Kashmir (PoK), neutralising several terror camps and launchpads. These ‘focused, measured and non-escalators' strikes, as confirmed by the Indian Ministry of Defence, were revert to the Pahalgam terror attack in India’s Kashmir late last month when Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight, all tourists from India and abroad. Also read | Chandigarh airport closure behind PBKS-MI venue change in IPL 2025? Details inside Meanwhile, as reported by the Telegraph Sport, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, hours after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the wee hours, to discuss the situation. Several England nationals are part of PSL 2025, including seven players and two backroom staff members. While the seven cricketers are James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, the remaining two coaching members are Ravi Bopara and Alexendra Hartley, part of PSL teams. "Several are exploring their options and could return home," the Telegraph Sport reported, quoting an unnamed agent representing foreign players in Pakistan. “It’s business as usual, but obviously, if anything else happens in the next 24 hours, you’d imagine people will just want to leave," the agent continued. In contrast, ten England players are part of IPL 2025, currently underway across several cities in India. Off them, the best performing is Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Jos Buttler, who has scored 500 runs in 11 innings thus far this season. Among the English bowlers, Rajasthan Royals seamer Jofra Archer leads the chart with 11 wickets in 12 matches thus far. BCB eyeing to bring back two cricketers Not only the ECB but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is trying to bring home their two cricketers involved in the PSL - Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, from Pakistan. Per Cricbuzz, the BCB is monitoring their cricketers’ condition in the country after a drone strike near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday afternoon (May 8) threw PSL 2025 into uncertainty, forcing PCB to postpone two matches, raising serious concerns surrounding the safety of overseas players, including Bangladesh and English players. The report also claims that both cricketers are unwilling to stay back for the ongoing PSL 2025. "The Board is working closely with both the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission to make certain that the cricketers feel safe and secure during their stay in Pakistan. Furthermore, the BCB is coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure that all arrangments are in place to facilitate the eventual departure of the players from Pakistan in a timely and secure manner," BCB said in a statement on Thursday. The Bangladesh Cricket Board informed that they are in constant communication with both the players. "The BCB attaches the highest priority to the safety and security of its players," it added.

Operation Sindoor: England, Bangladesh players explore options to leave Pakistan midway through PSL 2025

Ace batter Shubman Gill leads the race to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> as Team India&rsquo;s new Test captain. Tipped to play as Rohit&rsquo;s deputy on India&rsquo;s next international assignment &ndash; the away Test tour of England starting June 20 in Leeds, Gill will now succeed him as the new Test skipper after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohit-sharma-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9045477" rel="dofollow">veteran batter announced his shock Test retirement</a> on Wednesday (May 7).
Picking Gill as Rohit&rsquo;s right replacement comes on the back of discussions around Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s unavailability throughout the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to manage his workload management. Bumrah was the Test vice-captain on India's previous away tour to Australia and even captained the team in two Tests &ndash; first and last, in Rohit&rsquo;s absence.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-ipl-2025-dharamsala-chandigarh-airport-closure-behind-pbks-mi-venue-change-in-ipl-2025-details-inside-ahmedabad-9048394" rel="dofollow">Chandigarh airport closure behind PBKS-MI venue change in IPL 2025? Details inside</a>
Meanwhile, Rohit&rsquo;s Test captaincy came under scrutiny after he lost two back-to-back Test series, first against New Zealand at home and then to Australia Down Under, conceding India&rsquo;s chance of making it to their third straight WTC Final.&nbsp;
Although Rohit missed the series opener against Australia (in Perth) for personal reasons, he sat out of the playing XI for the final Test at the SCG owing to a series of poor performances with the bat, hitting just 31 runs across five innings while batting at different positions.
Per the latest reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will pick the squad for England Tests later this month.
<h2>Why Gill?</h2>
Besides Gill, 25, the <a href="5%20Players%20who%20can%20succeed%20Rohit%20Sharma%20as%20new%20Test%20captain%20-%20one%20name%20will%20shock%20you" rel="dofollow">selection committee also has plenty of options</a> in regulars like KL Rahul, gloveman Rishabh Pant and even Bumrah, and even though his chances are minute given his workload management, they might pick Gill, considering the long-term view in mind.&nbsp;
Though Kohli also captained India briefly during the Sydney Test when Rohit and Bumrah were absent for different reasons, the selectors and the veteran batter are believed to be on the same page to pick someone else, someone new for the next WTC cycle.
Gill, hereby, emerges as the standout option.&nbsp;
The right-handed batter has been a regular in the longer formats since his Test debut during the 2020 Melbourne Test. Already a superstar in his age category, having recently won the Under-19 World Cup (in 2018), Gill emerged as a top batter in the past five years, gaining prominence and a reputation as a reliable batter.&nbsp;
Though he had never led India in Tests and ODIs, having only captained five times in international cricket, all during the away Zimbabwe T20Is mid-last year, Gill&rsquo;s credentials as Gujarat Titans&rsquo; (GT) captain in IPL 2025 are helping his case.&nbsp;
Under Gill&rsquo;s captaincy, GT is leading the points table with eight wins in 11 contested matches, needing just one win from the remaining three league matches to confirm their playoff participation this season.

Rohit’s Test captaincy came under scrutiny after he lost two back-to-back Test series, first against New Zealand at home and then to Australia Down Under. Sports Cricket

Ace batter Shubman Gill leads the race to replace Rohit Sharma as Team India’s new Test captain. Tipped to play as Rohit’s deputy on India’s next international assignment – the away Test tour of England starting June 20 in Leeds, Gill will now succeed him as the new Test skipper after the veteran batter announced his shock Test retirement on Wednesday (May 7). Picking Gill as Rohit’s right replacement comes on the back of discussions around Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability throughout the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to manage his workload management. Bumrah was the Test vice-captain on India's previous away tour to Australia and even captained the team in two Tests – first and last, in Rohit’s absence. Also read | Chandigarh airport closure behind PBKS-MI venue change in IPL 2025? Details inside Meanwhile, Rohit’s Test captaincy came under scrutiny after he lost two back-to-back Test series, first against New Zealand at home and then to Australia Down Under, conceding India’s chance of making it to their third straight WTC Final. Although Rohit missed the series opener against Australia (in Perth) for personal reasons, he sat out of the playing XI for the final Test at the SCG owing to a series of poor performances with the bat, hitting just 31 runs across five innings while batting at different positions. Per the latest reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will pick the squad for England Tests later this month. Why Gill? Besides Gill, 25, the selection committee also has plenty of options in regulars like KL Rahul, gloveman Rishabh Pant and even Bumrah, and even though his chances are minute given his workload management, they might pick Gill, considering the long-term view in mind. Though Kohli also captained India briefly during the Sydney Test when Rohit and Bumrah were absent for different reasons, the selectors and the veteran batter are believed to be on the same page to pick someone else, someone new for the next WTC cycle. Gill, hereby, emerges as the standout option. The right-handed batter has been a regular in the longer formats since his Test debut during the 2020 Melbourne Test. Already a superstar in his age category, having recently won the Under-19 World Cup (in 2018), Gill emerged as a top batter in the past five years, gaining prominence and a reputation as a reliable batter. Though he had never led India in Tests and ODIs, having only captained five times in international cricket, all during the away Zimbabwe T20Is mid-last year, Gill’s credentials as Gujarat Titans’ (GT) captain in IPL 2025 are helping his case. Under Gill’s captaincy, GT is leading the points table with eight wins in 11 contested matches, needing just one win from the remaining three league matches to confirm their playoff participation this season.

Shubman Gill emerges front runner to take up India’s Test captaincy after Rohit's retirement

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-titans" rel="dofollow">Gujarat Titans (GT)</a> seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/prasidh-krishna" rel="dofollow">Prasidh Krishna</a> is on the course of having his best IPL season, having already picked 16 wickets from eight contested matches this year. Alongside his India teammate and frontline quick, Mohammed Siraj, who is also enjoying a fruitful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, Krishna explained how one IPL rule change helped turn the tables around for them and the pacers overall this season.
Considering that seven fast bowlers headline the list of the top 10 most wicket-takers thus far in IPL 2025, including the Purple cap holder, RCB's Josh Hazlewood, something must have clicked for them. Though the improved batting conditions and the flat wickets on offer have helped batters amass massive scores this time, much like always, the speedsters have had their way too.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-look-away-cricketers-ipl-2025-is-expanding-to-94-matches-a-season-from-2028-onwards-report-9011130" rel="dofollow">Look away, cricketers! IPL is expanding to 94 matches a season from 2028 onwards - Report</a>
With GT yet to play six group matches in IPL 2025, Krishna has a real chance of bettering his best-ever tally (22 wickets in IPL 2022); speaking on what changed this time, the lanky seamer said the IPL revoking the saliva ban has been a booster for him and the pace-bowling department this season.
After the IPL decided to lift the saliva ban imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb the spread of the deadly virus, the bowlers began using it to their advantage, with the pacers benefitting big time throughout their spells, mainly at the death.&nbsp;
Speaking ahead of GT&rsquo;s crucial away clash against the Rajasthan Royals, Krishna said,&nbsp;
&ldquo;It has played a bit of a part because if you look at what the ball does with the saliva on it, even if it means that one out of the 120 balls tears in a little more, that means you get a wicket that&rsquo;s an extra dot ball,&rdquo; Prasidh Krishna said.
&ldquo;And if that happens at a crucial stage when the right batsman gets out, that means you slow down the run rate, and you get the momentum back. So, it has a chain reaction kind of a thing. And it definitely helped the bowlers,&rdquo; the GT quick continued.
<h2>GT is closer to playoff berth</h2>
The former IPL champions, Gujarat, are placed second on the points table with six wins from eight contested matches, bagging 12 points. Though two more teams &ndash; Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have similar points, they have played two and one game more, respectively.&nbsp;
Needing at least 16 points to punch their IPL 2025 playoff berth, GT must win two of the six remaining matches, strengthening their chances of chasing their second IPL title.&nbsp;

Though the improved batting conditions and the flat wickets have helped batters amass massive scores in IPL 2025, the pacers have had their way too. Sports, Cricket

Gujarat Titans (GT) seamer Prasidh Krishna is on the course of having his best IPL season, having already picked 16 wickets from eight contested matches this year. Alongside his India teammate and frontline quick, Mohammed Siraj, who is also enjoying a fruitful IPL 2025, Krishna explained how one IPL rule change helped turn the tables around for them and the pacers overall this season. Considering that seven fast bowlers headline the list of the top 10 most wicket-takers thus far in IPL 2025, including the Purple cap holder, RCB's Josh Hazlewood, something must have clicked for them. Though the improved batting conditions and the flat wickets on offer have helped batters amass massive scores this time, much like always, the speedsters have had their way too. Also read | Look away, cricketers! IPL is expanding to 94 matches a season from 2028 onwards - Report With GT yet to play six group matches in IPL 2025, Krishna has a real chance of bettering his best-ever tally (22 wickets in IPL 2022); speaking on what changed this time, the lanky seamer said the IPL revoking the saliva ban has been a booster for him and the pace-bowling department this season. After the IPL decided to lift the saliva ban imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb the spread of the deadly virus, the bowlers began using it to their advantage, with the pacers benefitting big time throughout their spells, mainly at the death. Speaking ahead of GT’s crucial away clash against the Rajasthan Royals, Krishna said, “It has played a bit of a part because if you look at what the ball does with the saliva on it, even if it means that one out of the 120 balls tears in a little more, that means you get a wicket that’s an extra dot ball,” Prasidh Krishna said. “And if that happens at a crucial stage when the right batsman gets out, that means you slow down the run rate, and you get the momentum back. So, it has a chain reaction kind of a thing. And it definitely helped the bowlers,” the GT quick continued. GT is closer to playoff berth The former IPL champions, Gujarat, are placed second on the points table with six wins from eight contested matches, bagging 12 points. Though two more teams – Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have similar points, they have played two and one game more, respectively. Needing at least 16 points to punch their IPL 2025 playoff berth, GT must win two of the six remaining matches, strengthening their chances of chasing their second IPL title.

GT seamer Prasidh Krishna explains how one IPL rule change turned the tables for pacers this season

French police arrested 43 people in the capital and three others were injured by a car after football club Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal to reach the Champions League final, authorities said Thursday.
<h2>Dozens arrested in Paris</h2>
Rowdy celebrations erupted in Paris Wednesday after PSG beat their English rivals 2-1 to advance to the final and a shot at the club's first Champions League title.
Three people were injured when a car crashed into them near the capital's iconic Champs-Elysees avenue as PSG fans celebrated, police said, adding the "circumstances... remain unclear at this stage".
One of those injured was in critical condition, they said.
Videos posted on social media showed the car was then set on fire.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohit-sharma-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9045477" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket</a>
AFP journalists saw two burned-out vehicles near the Champs-Elysees.
Crowds of fans without tickets massed outside the Parc des Princes stadium during the match.
Police intervened to restore the flow of traffic after raucous celebrations erupted, but reported "no major incidents" outside the stadium.
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.

Rowdy celebrations erupted in Paris Wednesday after PSG beat their English rivals 2-1 to advance to the final and a shot at the club's first Champions League title. World | Football | Sports

French police arrested 43 people in the capital and three others were injured by a car after football club Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal to reach the Champions League final, authorities said Thursday. Dozens arrested in Paris Rowdy celebrations erupted in Paris Wednesday after PSG beat their English rivals 2-1 to advance to the final and a shot at the club's first Champions League title. Three people were injured when a car crashed into them near the capital's iconic Champs-Elysees avenue as PSG fans celebrated, police said, adding the "circumstances... remain unclear at this stage". One of those injured was in critical condition, they said. Videos posted on social media showed the car was then set on fire. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket AFP journalists saw two burned-out vehicles near the Champs-Elysees. Crowds of fans without tickets massed outside the Parc des Princes stadium during the match. Police intervened to restore the flow of traffic after raucous celebrations erupted, but reported "no major incidents" outside the stadium. 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.

Dozens arrested, three hurt by car in Paris after PSG beat Arsenal in Champions League

India great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni" rel="dofollow">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> will not rush into a decision about retirement when the Indian Premier League (IPL) ends this month, saying he will listen to his body as his 44th birthday approaches.
MS Dhoni was speaking after a trademark late cameo with the bat, including a final-over six, helped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings</a> beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders" rel="dofollow">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> on Wednesday night in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>.&nbsp;
Chennai are bottom of the IPL and out of the playoffs, leaving Dhoni -- who last played for India in 2019 -- potentially two games away from the end of a glittering career.
"After this IPL is over I have to work hard for another six to eight months to see if my body can take this pressure," Dhoni, whose birthday is in July, told reporters.
"Nothing to decide now."
The 2011 World Cup winning captain was the biggest draw for the Kolkata crowd, who gave the veteran a huge ovation on what could have been his final appearance at the famous Eden Gardens stadium.
"The love and affection I have seen is excellent. A lot of them don't know when it is going to be my last time," the wicketkeeper said.
"So they want to come and see me play."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

MS Dhoni was speaking after a trademark late cameo with the bat, including a final-over six, helped Chennai beat Kolkata on Wednesday night. Sports Cricket

India great Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not rush into a decision about retirement when the Indian Premier League (IPL) ends this month, saying he will listen to his body as his 44th birthday approaches. MS Dhoni was speaking after a trademark late cameo with the bat, including a final-over six, helped Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday night in IPL 2025. Chennai are bottom of the IPL and out of the playoffs, leaving Dhoni -- who last played for India in 2019 -- potentially two games away from the end of a glittering career. "After this IPL is over I have to work hard for another six to eight months to see if my body can take this pressure," Dhoni, whose birthday is in July, told reporters. "Nothing to decide now." The 2011 World Cup winning captain was the biggest draw for the Kolkata crowd, who gave the veteran a huge ovation on what could have been his final appearance at the famous Eden Gardens stadium. "The love and affection I have seen is excellent. A lot of them don't know when it is going to be my last time," the wicketkeeper said. "So they want to come and see me play." 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.

IPL 2025: CSK captain MS Dhoni says 'nothing to decide now' over retirement plans

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insisted his team deserved their place in the Champions League final and were determined to go on and lift the trophy after winning their last-four tie against Arsenal on Wednesday.
"Over the two legs we scored more goals than them and in football it's the most important thing, but Arsenal played a great game and we suffered a lot," the Spaniard said after PSG's 2-1 win in the second leg in Paris secured a 3-1 aggregate triumph.
Goals either side of half-time by Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi put the French champions out of sight in the tie before Bukayo Saka pulled one back for Arsenal, while PSG's Vitinha had a penalty saved.
However, the hosts needed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to make several vital saves and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta claimed his team had been better over the two legs.
"It is the match in which we suffered the most (in the Champions League) but we deserve to get to the final," added Luis Enrique.
PSG will now face Inter Milan in the final in Munich on May 31 after an extraordinary run in the competition which has also seen them knock out two other Premier League sides in Liverpool and Aston Villa.
It comes after they had been in real danger of elimination due to a poor run of results in the league phase -- they lost three of their first five matches, including a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.
That meant they came 15th out of 36 teams and finished eight points behind the best team, Liverpool.
"I think throughout the competition it is clear that the results are what counts, we know that, but in the league phase there is no doubt we deserved nine points more," Luis Enrique claimed.
"The fact we had such a difficult set of fixtures in the league phase helped the team improve and grow.
"The statistics showed we were one of the best teams in Europe, and when we started to be more clinical, in a short competition, I think we have showed that we deserve to be in the final."
It will be PSG's second Champions League final, five years after they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.
Last year, in Luis Enrique's first season with the club, they were beaten in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund.
"There is no logic in football, but the first day I was here I said the objective was to work towards being able to make history, and that is our objective, to be the first to win this so-desired trophy," for PSG, added the former Barcelona coach, who turns 55 on Thursday.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

Last year, in Luis Enrique's first season with the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the side was beaten in the UCL semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund. Sports Football

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insisted his team deserved their place in the Champions League final and were determined to go on and lift the trophy after winning their last-four tie against Arsenal on Wednesday. "Over the two legs we scored more goals than them and in football it's the most important thing, but Arsenal played a great game and we suffered a lot," the Spaniard said after PSG's 2-1 win in the second leg in Paris secured a 3-1 aggregate triumph. Goals either side of half-time by Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi put the French champions out of sight in the tie before Bukayo Saka pulled one back for Arsenal, while PSG's Vitinha had a penalty saved. However, the hosts needed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to make several vital saves and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta claimed his team had been better over the two legs. "It is the match in which we suffered the most (in the Champions League) but we deserve to get to the final," added Luis Enrique. PSG will now face Inter Milan in the final in Munich on May 31 after an extraordinary run in the competition which has also seen them knock out two other Premier League sides in Liverpool and Aston Villa. It comes after they had been in real danger of elimination due to a poor run of results in the league phase -- they lost three of their first five matches, including a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal. That meant they came 15th out of 36 teams and finished eight points behind the best team, Liverpool. "I think throughout the competition it is clear that the results are what counts, we know that, but in the league phase there is no doubt we deserved nine points more," Luis Enrique claimed. "The fact we had such a difficult set of fixtures in the league phase helped the team improve and grow. "The statistics showed we were one of the best teams in Europe, and when we started to be more clinical, in a short competition, I think we have showed that we deserve to be in the final." It will be PSG's second Champions League final, five years after they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Lisbon. Last year, in Luis Enrique's first season with the club, they were beaten in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund. "There is no logic in football, but the first day I was here I said the objective was to work towards being able to make history, and that is our objective, to be the first to win this so-desired trophy," for PSG, added the former Barcelona coach, who turns 55 on Thursday. 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.

PSG are deserving Champions League finalists, says coach Luis Enrique

sports

Sports, News on Sports, stories on Sports, articles on Sports, Sports stories at Wion, Sports news, Sports latest news