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The ODI World Cup 2027 is nearly a year away, and India, who were the runners-up in the last edition in 2023, is looking to identify players in the series leading up to the tournament. One of the choices that India must make is between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Both players bowl left-arm orthodox spin and bat in the lower-middle order. Jadeja, however, is a better fielder than Axar and has more experience as well. India spin coach Sairaj Bahutule - on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies, which is scheduled for Wednesday (Sept. 30) in Guwahati - said in a press conference that the team will pick a player with more 'utility.'<h2>India spin coach Bahutule chimes in on Axar vs. Jadeja debate for ODI World Cup 2027</h2>Speaking to reporters in Guwahati on Tuesday (Sept. 29), Bahutule said: "For me, he [Jadeja] has always been a utility player. He is somebody who can contribute with the bat as well as with the ball. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months. I thought in the Test matches he bowled really well in Sri Lanka, as well as now in the first one-dayer. It is his first game after a long period, but he has done well."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-mens-cricket-final-joint-gold-medal-rain-rule-1790693421359">Men's Cricket at Asian Games: Gold medal to be shared in case of rain</a>On Axar, Bahutule said: "With Axar also being around, with the series or tournaments we play in the coming months, we will be able to assess who can be of utility. But Jaddu, with his batting skills and the experience he brings in, is definitely doing well, and I am sure he will be looked at in the coming time."<h2>Jadeja vs. Axar in ODIs</h2>While Jadeja has much more experience than Axar in ODIs, the last 12 months show a different picture. In the last year or so, Jadeja has picked up only one wicket in seven matches at an average of more than 350. In the first ODI against West Indies, Jadeja returned figures of 0/54 in 10 overs.As for Axar, he has taken eight wickets in his last six ODIs with a bowling average of 30.87, which is better than his career average of 32.73.

India must choose between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Jadeja offers experience and fielding, Axar has shown stronger recent bowling stats in their utility role debate.

The ODI World Cup 2027 is nearly a year away, and India, who were the runners-up in the last edition in 2023, is looking to identify players in the series leading up to the tournament. One of the choices that India must make is between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Both players bowl left-arm orthodox spin and bat in the lower-middle order. Jadeja, however, is a better fielder than Axar and has more experience as well. India spin coach Sairaj Bahutule - on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies, which is scheduled for Wednesday (Sept. 30) in Guwahati - said in a press conference that the team will pick a player with more 'utility.' India spin coach Bahutule chimes in on Axar vs. Jadeja debate for ODI World Cup 2027 Speaking to reporters in Guwahati on Tuesday (Sept. 29), Bahutule said: "For me, he [Jadeja] has always been a utility player. He is somebody who can contribute with the bat as well as with the ball. He has definitely improved as a bowler over the last six months. I thought in the Test matches he bowled really well in Sri Lanka, as well as now in the first one-dayer. It is his first game after a long period, but he has done well." Also Read - Men's Cricket at Asian Games: Gold medal to be shared in case of rain On Axar, Bahutule said: "With Axar also being around, with the series or tournaments we play in the coming months, we will be able to assess who can be of utility. But Jaddu, with his batting skills and the experience he brings in, is definitely doing well, and I am sure he will be looked at in the coming time." Jadeja vs. Axar in ODIs While Jadeja has much more experience than Axar in ODIs, the last 12 months show a different picture. In the last year or so, Jadeja has picked up only one wicket in seven matches at an average of more than 350. In the first ODI against West Indies, Jadeja returned figures of 0/54 in 10 overs. As for Axar, he has taken eight wickets in his last six ODIs with a bowling average of 30.87, which is better than his career average of 32.73.

India must choose between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Jadeja offers experience and fielding, Axar has shown stronger recent bowling stats in their utility role debate.

ODI World Cup 2027: Axar or Jadeja? India spin coach Bahutule on who will be picked

Lamine Yamal netted a brace as world champions Spain continued their winning start to the UEFA Nations League with a 4-1 success in Seville against Croatia on Tuesday, while Harry Kane scored as England won in the Czech Republic. The match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan was Spain's first home outing since lifting the World Cup in New York in July. La Roja captain Rodri was handed the trophy by 2010 winner and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, before presenting it to the ecstatic crowd.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wayne-rooney-man-utd-man-city-115-charges-stripped-titles-medals-1790693841695">Rooney insists Manchester United 'don't deserve' retrospective titles if Man City are stripped</a>"We were very excited to bring the trophy here," Yamal said. "To be able to win the game and bring it home is great."Spain's supporters did not have long to wait before their side provided further excitement in Andalusia as Yamal fired them into the lead inside 75 seconds.Dion Beljo nodded in Ivan Perisic's cross to briefly level the scores shortly before the half-hour, but Atletico defender Marc Pubill popped up at the other end three minutes later to head in a Yamal centre and restore the hosts' lead.After also scoring early in Spain's 3-2 win at Wembley against England last week to kickstart their Nations League campaign, Yamal brought his tally in the 2026/27 edition of the tournament to three as he put Spain two clear of Croatia in the 63rd minute with a precise finish at Dominik Livakovic's near post."Lamine is keen to keep developing and show the world the sort of footballer he is," Luis de la Fuente said of the 19-year-old star."We've enjoyed his magic in the service of the team. In the future, he'll be much more recognised for what he does and for his contribution to the team's play," the coach added of Yamal, who is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or.Nico Williams then put gloss on the result for Spain with a crisp step-over and finish with one minute remaining on the clock.With two wins from two, Spain lead Group A3 on six points, while Croatia sit third on three points, behind second-placed England on goal difference.<h2>'Deserved victory'</h2>In Prague, Thomas Tuchel's England got their first win of the group with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic thanks to second-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Kane.The home team kept England at bay in the first half at the Fortuna Arena despite being a man down after Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson in the 23rd minute."We played very professional, second half we stepped up... Deserved victory," Tuchel told ITV."Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators. It's an awkward one but we kept going, got a win and that's what counts."Barcelona winger Gordon broke the deadlock shortly after the break with a header from a cross served by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first England start in almost two years.It was Gordon's third goal in three games for England, including one against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final defeat and another against Spain.Kane, who also scored against Spain, gave England breathing space in the 69th minute, smashing the ball past Czech 'keeper Matej Kovar after it fell to him inside the box.England will travel to Rijeka to take on Croatia on Saturday, while Spain welcome the Czechs to Oviedo."The next match is important for us against a direct opponent and we want to win," Tuchel said to the BBC.Elsewhere, Scotland paid for an early red card at Hampden Park against Switzerland as the visitors ran out 3-0 winners in Group B1.Slovenia sit second in that pool after downing North Macedonia 2-0 in Ljubljana.

The match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan was Spain's first home outing since lifting the World Cup in New York in July. La Roja captain Rodri was handed the trophy by 2010 winner and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, before presenting it to the ecstatic crowd.

Lamine Yamal netted a brace as world champions Spain continued their winning start to the UEFA Nations League with a 4-1 success in Seville against Croatia on Tuesday, while Harry Kane scored as England won in the Czech Republic. The match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan was Spain's first home outing since lifting the World Cup in New York in July. La Roja captain Rodri was handed the trophy by 2010 winner and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, before presenting it to the ecstatic crowd. Also Read - Rooney insists Manchester United 'don't deserve' retrospective titles if Man City are stripped "We were very excited to bring the trophy here," Yamal said. "To be able to win the game and bring it home is great." Spain's supporters did not have long to wait before their side provided further excitement in Andalusia as Yamal fired them into the lead inside 75 seconds. Dion Beljo nodded in Ivan Perisic's cross to briefly level the scores shortly before the half-hour, but Atletico defender Marc Pubill popped up at the other end three minutes later to head in a Yamal centre and restore the hosts' lead. After also scoring early in Spain's 3-2 win at Wembley against England last week to kickstart their Nations League campaign, Yamal brought his tally in the 2026/27 edition of the tournament to three as he put Spain two clear of Croatia in the 63rd minute with a precise finish at Dominik Livakovic's near post. "Lamine is keen to keep developing and show the world the sort of footballer he is," Luis de la Fuente said of the 19-year-old star. "We've enjoyed his magic in the service of the team. In the future, he'll be much more recognised for what he does and for his contribution to the team's play," the coach added of Yamal, who is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or. Nico Williams then put gloss on the result for Spain with a crisp step-over and finish with one minute remaining on the clock. With two wins from two, Spain lead Group A3 on six points, while Croatia sit third on three points, behind second-placed England on goal difference. 'Deserved victory' In Prague, Thomas Tuchel's England got their first win of the group with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic thanks to second-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Kane. The home team kept England at bay in the first half at the Fortuna Arena despite being a man down after Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson in the 23rd minute. "We played very professional, second half we stepped up... Deserved victory," Tuchel told ITV. "Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators. It's an awkward one but we kept going, got a win and that's what counts." Barcelona winger Gordon broke the deadlock shortly after the break with a header from a cross served by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first England start in almost two years. It was Gordon's third goal in three games for England, including one against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final defeat and another against Spain. Kane, who also scored against Spain, gave England breathing space in the 69th minute, smashing the ball past Czech 'keeper Matej Kovar after it fell to him inside the box. England will travel to Rijeka to take on Croatia on Saturday, while Spain welcome the Czechs to Oviedo. "The next match is important for us against a direct opponent and we want to win," Tuchel said to the BBC. Elsewhere, Scotland paid for an early red card at Hampden Park against Switzerland as the visitors ran out 3-0 winners in Group B1. Slovenia sit second in that pool after downing North Macedonia 2-0 in Ljubljana.

The match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan was Spain's first home outing since lifting the World Cup in New York in July. La Roja captain Rodri was handed the trophy by 2010 winner and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, before presenting it to the ecstatic crowd.

Nations League: Yamal brace powers Spain to win over Croatia, Kane guides England to win against Czech Republic

Wayne Rooney insists his old club Manchester United do not deserve Premier League winners' medals if Manchester City are stripped of their titles for breaking financial rules. City are reported to have been found guilty of the vast majority of 115 financial misconduct charges brought against them by the Premier League. They have strenuously denied the charges and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak on Saturday said he is still confident of proving the club's innocence.&nbsp;City are expected to appeal against their eventual punishment, which is yet to be announced and could include a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a huge fine. There have also been calls for City to be stripped of their eight Premier League titles won since 2008.&nbsp;Rooney's former United team-mates Rio Ferdinand and David de Gea have said their old club should be awarded retrospective title wins.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-football-team-robbed-balochistan-highway-quetta-1790679144820">Karachi football team robbed on Balochistan highway; gunmen snatch phones and cash</a>&nbsp;Rooney, a five-time title winner, was a member of the United side that finished as runners-up in 2012 after Sergio Aguero's dramatic late winner for City against QPR on the final day of the season. But the ex-England striker does not believe United or any other team should be willing to accept medals after ending in second place.&nbsp;"I wouldn't feel comfortable about accepting another Premier League medal if I'm being honest, because I don't think we deserve it. We didn't do enough that season to win the league," Rooney told the "Stick to United" podcast on Tuesday. "I'm thinking as their players, they're there doing everything they can to win the Premier League title and in their minds they've done it."&nbsp;Rooney admitted he would be heartbroken if any of United's medals were ever taken away from him for something over which he had no control.&nbsp;"If that happened to me, if all of a sudden Manchester United had been doing the same and my Premier League medal had been taken away, I would be absolutely devastated," the 40-year-old said. "It might happen, they might take them away, but I wouldn't want it because I don't think as a team we deserved it that year because obviously we didn't finish first.&nbsp;"So when I see ex-team-mates and other people saying 'I want a medal'. I'm happy with the five I've won. I wouldn't want this one, just 15 years later you get a medal because City cheated.&nbsp;"Should they get it stripped for what the owners have done? Yeah, maybe, but I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting it."

Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United shouldn't be awarded retrospective Premier League titles if Manchester City are stripped of theirs over financial charges.

Wayne Rooney insists his old club Manchester United do not deserve Premier League winners' medals if Manchester City are stripped of their titles for breaking financial rules. City are reported to have been found guilty of the vast majority of 115 financial misconduct charges brought against them by the Premier League. They have strenuously denied the charges and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak on Saturday said he is still confident of proving the club's innocence. City are expected to appeal against their eventual punishment, which is yet to be announced and could include a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a huge fine. There have also been calls for City to be stripped of their eight Premier League titles won since 2008. Rooney's former United team-mates Rio Ferdinand and David de Gea have said their old club should be awarded retrospective title wins. Also read| Karachi football team robbed on Balochistan highway; gunmen snatch phones and cash Rooney, a five-time title winner, was a member of the United side that finished as runners-up in 2012 after Sergio Aguero's dramatic late winner for City against QPR on the final day of the season. But the ex-England striker does not believe United or any other team should be willing to accept medals after ending in second place. "I wouldn't feel comfortable about accepting another Premier League medal if I'm being honest, because I don't think we deserve it. We didn't do enough that season to win the league," Rooney told the "Stick to United" podcast on Tuesday. "I'm thinking as their players, they're there doing everything they can to win the Premier League title and in their minds they've done it." Rooney admitted he would be heartbroken if any of United's medals were ever taken away from him for something over which he had no control. "If that happened to me, if all of a sudden Manchester United had been doing the same and my Premier League medal had been taken away, I would be absolutely devastated," the 40-year-old said. "It might happen, they might take them away, but I wouldn't want it because I don't think as a team we deserved it that year because obviously we didn't finish first. "So when I see ex-team-mates and other people saying 'I want a medal'. I'm happy with the five I've won. I wouldn't want this one, just 15 years later you get a medal because City cheated. "Should they get it stripped for what the owners have done? Yeah, maybe, but I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting it."

Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United shouldn't be awarded retrospective Premier League titles if Manchester City are stripped of theirs over financial charges.

Rooney insists Manchester United 'don't deserve' retrospective titles if Man City are stripped

The men’s cricket final at the Asian Games could see a joint gold medal winner if rain washes out the summit clash on Saturday. Unlike the previous edition in Hangzhou, China, where the Indian men’s team clinched the gold medal by virtue of their T20I rankings after rain abandoned the gold medal match against Afghanistan, the two finalists will share the ultimate prize between them this time. Likewise, the bronze medal match between two losing semifinalists would see a similar outcome in case of rain.&nbsp;“There are no reserve days scheduled for the men’s cricket final,” the Asian Games organising committee said in a statement to The Indian Express. “If the final is cancelled, both finalist teams will be awarded gold medals. If the bronze medal match is cancelled, both teams competing for third place will be awarded bronze medals.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohit-sharma-csk-bowling-coach-ipl-2027-zaheer-khan-1790684799235">Ex-CSK pacer Mohit Sharma set to join Chennai as bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027: Report</a>&nbsp;The clarification came shortly after rain disrupted all four quarterfinals, with higher-ranked teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, advancing to the semifinals to be played on Thursday. India and Afghanistan were scheduled to play the second quarterfinal, but rain interruption ruled out any cricket between them.&nbsp;India, however, has played just one game since arriving in Japan, taking on the Asian Games hosts in a one-off T20I on September 22 in Sano, which India narrowly won. Although rain had the last laugh during the quarterfinals, the weather forecast offers encouragement ahead of the medal matches, with no rainfall predicted in Nagoya on Saturday.&nbsp;India will face Sri Lanka in their semifinal match on Thursday, while Pakistan and Bangladesh will meet in the second knockout match later in the day. The final is scheduled for October 3 at the Korogi Sports Park.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India is fielding a full-strength side for the Asian Games, with T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer leading the team. The likes of ace quick Jasprit Bumrah and attacking opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have also made the cut, but persistent rain has restricted fireworks from India’s star-studded batting unit.&nbsp;Last week, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team won the gold medal by beating Sri Lanka in a lopsided contest.

If rain washes out the Asian Games men's cricket final, the two finalists will share the gold medal, unlike the previous Hangzhou edition where rankings decided the winner.

The men’s cricket final at the Asian Games could see a joint gold medal winner if rain washes out the summit clash on Saturday. Unlike the previous edition in Hangzhou, China, where the Indian men’s team clinched the gold medal by virtue of their T20I rankings after rain abandoned the gold medal match against Afghanistan, the two finalists will share the ultimate prize between them this time. Likewise, the bronze medal match between two losing semifinalists would see a similar outcome in case of rain. “There are no reserve days scheduled for the men’s cricket final,” the Asian Games organising committee said in a statement to The Indian Express. “If the final is cancelled, both finalist teams will be awarded gold medals. If the bronze medal match is cancelled, both teams competing for third place will be awarded bronze medals.” Also read| Ex-CSK pacer Mohit Sharma set to join Chennai as bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027: Report The clarification came shortly after rain disrupted all four quarterfinals, with higher-ranked teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, advancing to the semifinals to be played on Thursday. India and Afghanistan were scheduled to play the second quarterfinal, but rain interruption ruled out any cricket between them. India, however, has played just one game since arriving in Japan, taking on the Asian Games hosts in a one-off T20I on September 22 in Sano, which India narrowly won. Although rain had the last laugh during the quarterfinals, the weather forecast offers encouragement ahead of the medal matches, with no rainfall predicted in Nagoya on Saturday. India will face Sri Lanka in their semifinal match on Thursday, while Pakistan and Bangladesh will meet in the second knockout match later in the day. The final is scheduled for October 3 at the Korogi Sports Park. Meanwhile, India is fielding a full-strength side for the Asian Games, with T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer leading the team. The likes of ace quick Jasprit Bumrah and attacking opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have also made the cut, but persistent rain has restricted fireworks from India’s star-studded batting unit. Last week, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team won the gold medal by beating Sri Lanka in a lopsided contest.

If rain washes out the Asian Games men's cricket final, the two finalists will share the gold medal, unlike the previous Hangzhou edition where rankings decided the winner.

Men's Cricket at Asian Games: Gold medal to be shared in case of rain

India’s athletics contingent opened its gold medal account at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday (Sep 29), with the women’s 4x400m relay team capturing the country’s sixth gold medal. Hours after shooter Neeru Dhanda won India’s 5th gold medal with her record score of 28 in individual trap shooting, the women’s 4x400m relay team delivered a standout performance at the Games. With a finish of 3:29.69, the Indian women’s team won the country’s first gold medal in athletics at this competition. The quartet of Kiran, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj made the country proud, with Vithya bagging her third medal of the Games, having already won a silver in the 4x400m mixed relay and a bronze in the 400m hurdles.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-how-vithya-ramraj-broke-pt-usha-s-four-decade-old-400m-hurdle-record-1790663029184">Asian Games 2026: How Vithya Ramraj broke PT Usha's four-decade-old 400m hurdle record</a>&nbsp;While Bahrain won silver, China took home the bronze.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the men’s 4x400m relay, the Indian team finished third, bagging a bronze medal. India capped off this event with two medals, including a stunning gold in the women’s category.&nbsp;Read More| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-transport-chaos-south-korea-volleyball-wrong-venue-1790682219579">Asian Games Chaos: After Pakistan, South Korea latest team to arrive at wrong venue</a>&nbsp;Kiran started relatively slowly, handing over the baton in third place. Poovamma then made-up ground to move India into the lead before Prachi assured that Vithya received the baton in a similar position. Silver medalist in women’s 400m hurdles, Vithya produced a stunning show in the final to maintain the lead and win the race to hand India its first gold medal in track and field.<h2>Men’s team wins bronze</h2>The Indian men’s 4x400m relay saw the Indian quartet of Dharamveer Choudhary, Manu Theekkinil, Jay Kumar and Vishal Thennarasu finish in third place, bagging the bronze medal. While the Indian men’s team recorded a season-best of 3:00.32, Japan, who started in lane 7, won gold in 3:00.75; Qatar took home silver in 3:00.93.

India wins gold in the women's 4x400m relay and bronze in the men's event at the 2026 Asian Games following Neeru Dhanda's record-breaking win in shooting.

India’s athletics contingent opened its gold medal account at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday (Sep 29), with the women’s 4x400m relay team capturing the country’s sixth gold medal. Hours after shooter Neeru Dhanda won India’s 5th gold medal with her record score of 28 in individual trap shooting, the women’s 4x400m relay team delivered a standout performance at the Games. With a finish of 3:29.69, the Indian women’s team won the country’s first gold medal in athletics at this competition. The quartet of Kiran, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj made the country proud, with Vithya bagging her third medal of the Games, having already won a silver in the 4x400m mixed relay and a bronze in the 400m hurdles. Also read| Asian Games 2026: How Vithya Ramraj broke PT Usha's four-decade-old 400m hurdle record While Bahrain won silver, China took home the bronze. Meanwhile, in the men’s 4x400m relay, the Indian team finished third, bagging a bronze medal. India capped off this event with two medals, including a stunning gold in the women’s category. Read More| Asian Games Chaos: After Pakistan, South Korea latest team to arrive at wrong venue Kiran started relatively slowly, handing over the baton in third place. Poovamma then made-up ground to move India into the lead before Prachi assured that Vithya received the baton in a similar position. Silver medalist in women’s 400m hurdles, Vithya produced a stunning show in the final to maintain the lead and win the race to hand India its first gold medal in track and field. Men’s team wins bronze The Indian men’s 4x400m relay saw the Indian quartet of Dharamveer Choudhary, Manu Theekkinil, Jay Kumar and Vishal Thennarasu finish in third place, bagging the bronze medal. While the Indian men’s team recorded a season-best of 3:00.32, Japan, who started in lane 7, won gold in 3:00.75; Qatar took home silver in 3:00.93.

India wins gold in the women's 4x400m relay and bronze in the men's event at the 2026 Asian Games following Neeru Dhanda's record-breaking win in shooting.

Asian Games: Women’s 4x400m relay team delivers India’s 6th gold as men bag bronze

Former Chennai Super Kings seamer Mohit Sharma is the latest to join CSK as the new bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027, according to reports. Mohit, who has played four seasons with the franchise, will join newly appointed head coach Zaheer Khan as part of CSK’s backroom staff. Mohit will replace Eric Simmons, who held that role as part of Stephen Fleming’s coaching staff and departed after Fleming parted ways with the IPL giants after 18 years. Indications suggest that Mohit will officially put pen to paper to become the first to join Zaheer in CSK’s new coaching team.&nbsp;"Zaheer is in the process of finalising the support staff. He seems to have zeroed in on Mohit for the bowling coach role. That is my understanding," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said in a chat with Cricbuzz.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2027-mini-auction-check-full-player-retention-lists-slots-available-and-remaining-team-purses-1790649986081">WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Franchises announce retained and released players; check purse &amp; slot available</a>&nbsp;The right-arm seamer joined CSK in 2013 and played for three seasons before moving to Punjab Kings in 2016. Although he never won an IPL title with CSK, the joint-most successful IPL franchise alongside Mumbai Indians (MI) with five titles each, Mohit’s best season was 2014, when he returned with 23 wickets in 16 matches. He later returned to CSK for just one season in 2019, playing one game and picking up one wicket.&nbsp;Overall, Mohit has played 48 IPL matches for CSK, and also represented them 10 times across two seasons of the now-defunct Champions League T20 competition.&nbsp;Mohit, who last featured in the IPL as recently as the 2025 season, announced his retirement from all forms of the game in December last year.<h3>Hussey unlikely to continue as batting coach</h3>Michael Hussey, who was also part of CSK’s coaching staff for the longest time as a batting coach, is highly unlikely to continue in his role ahead of the next edition. Head coach Zaheer is currently in talks with three or four names before finalising CSK’s new batting coach.&nbsp;Meanwhile, CSK last lifted an IPL trophy in 2023 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, beating the then-defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final.

Ex-CSK pacer Mohit Sharma is set to join Chennai Super Kings as bowling coach for IPL 2027 alongside head coach Zaheer Khan. Get the latest details.

Former Chennai Super Kings seamer Mohit Sharma is the latest to join CSK as the new bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027, according to reports. Mohit, who has played four seasons with the franchise, will join newly appointed head coach Zaheer Khan as part of CSK’s backroom staff. Mohit will replace Eric Simmons, who held that role as part of Stephen Fleming’s coaching staff and departed after Fleming parted ways with the IPL giants after 18 years. Indications suggest that Mohit will officially put pen to paper to become the first to join Zaheer in CSK’s new coaching team. "Zaheer is in the process of finalising the support staff. He seems to have zeroed in on Mohit for the bowling coach role. That is my understanding," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said in a chat with Cricbuzz. Also read| WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Franchises announce retained and released players; check purse & slot available The right-arm seamer joined CSK in 2013 and played for three seasons before moving to Punjab Kings in 2016. Although he never won an IPL title with CSK, the joint-most successful IPL franchise alongside Mumbai Indians (MI) with five titles each, Mohit’s best season was 2014, when he returned with 23 wickets in 16 matches. He later returned to CSK for just one season in 2019, playing one game and picking up one wicket. Overall, Mohit has played 48 IPL matches for CSK, and also represented them 10 times across two seasons of the now-defunct Champions League T20 competition. Mohit, who last featured in the IPL as recently as the 2025 season, announced his retirement from all forms of the game in December last year. Hussey unlikely to continue as batting coach Michael Hussey, who was also part of CSK’s coaching staff for the longest time as a batting coach, is highly unlikely to continue in his role ahead of the next edition. Head coach Zaheer is currently in talks with three or four names before finalising CSK’s new batting coach. Meanwhile, CSK last lifted an IPL trophy in 2023 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, beating the then-defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final.

Ex-CSK pacer Mohit Sharma is set to join Chennai Super Kings as bowling coach for IPL 2027 alongside head coach Zaheer Khan. Get the latest details.

Ex-CSK pacer Mohit Sharma set to join Chennai as bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027: Report

Transport chaos at the ongoing 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya has hit South Korea just a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-pakistan-volleyball-bus-blunder-wrong-venue-1790593964979">Pakistan men’s volleyball team</a> suffered a similar fate. South Korea was the victim of another Games transport mix-up after an official bus carrying their men’s volleyball team arrived at a different venue, an hour away from where they should have been.&nbsp;The Games have been plagued by organisational issues since the start, with accommodation and transport for more than 17,000 athletes and officials exceeding Japan's original estimates by nearly 2,000, triggering widespread logistical mix-ups.&nbsp;The latest logistical issues forced South Korea’s volleyball team to cancel Monday’s practice ahead of their Taiwan match.&nbsp;"An organiser-provided shuttle bus took our team to Okazaki instead of its training venue in Inuyama yesterday morning," an official from the Korea Volleyball Association told AFP on Tuesday. "With too much time lost to turn back, the training was cancelled.&nbsp;"We lodged a formal complaint to the organisers through the KSOC," the official added, referring to South Korea's Olympic committee.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-football-team-robbed-balochistan-highway-quetta-1790679144820">Karachi football team robbed on Balochistan highway; gunmen snatch phones and cash</a>&nbsp;South Korea volleyball team beat Taiwan 3-1.&nbsp;Earlier, South Korea's men's basketball team missed their training ahead of their final against Japan last week when their bus failed to turn up. However, the mix-up did not affect their performance as they went on to win the title.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan volleyball team captain Murad Jehan called it “another mismanagement by Japan at the ongoing Asian Games" in an Instagram video uploaded from the bus.&nbsp;Speaking on the mix-up on two successive days, a spokesperson for the local organising committee said the Pakistan and South Korea teams had departed from the same accommodation, and that there was ‘an error in matching teams to vehicles.’&nbsp;"Each boarded a bus heading to the wrong destination. We sincerely apologise to both teams for the inconvenience," said Ayumi Sakamoto. "We caused great inconvenience, and the organising committee takes this seriously," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;"It is basic, but we will again make sure boarding teams and vehicle destinations are properly checked and displayed, and work to prevent a recurrence,” Sakamoto continued.

Transport chaos continues at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya as South Korea’s volleyball team is taken to the wrong venue, forcing a cancelled practice.

Transport chaos at the ongoing 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya has hit South Korea just a day after Pakistan men’s volleyball team suffered a similar fate. South Korea was the victim of another Games transport mix-up after an official bus carrying their men’s volleyball team arrived at a different venue, an hour away from where they should have been. The Games have been plagued by organisational issues since the start, with accommodation and transport for more than 17,000 athletes and officials exceeding Japan's original estimates by nearly 2,000, triggering widespread logistical mix-ups. The latest logistical issues forced South Korea’s volleyball team to cancel Monday’s practice ahead of their Taiwan match. "An organiser-provided shuttle bus took our team to Okazaki instead of its training venue in Inuyama yesterday morning," an official from the Korea Volleyball Association told AFP on Tuesday. "With too much time lost to turn back, the training was cancelled. "We lodged a formal complaint to the organisers through the KSOC," the official added, referring to South Korea's Olympic committee. Also read| Karachi football team robbed on Balochistan highway; gunmen snatch phones and cash South Korea volleyball team beat Taiwan 3-1. Earlier, South Korea's men's basketball team missed their training ahead of their final against Japan last week when their bus failed to turn up. However, the mix-up did not affect their performance as they went on to win the title. Meanwhile, Pakistan volleyball team captain Murad Jehan called it “another mismanagement by Japan at the ongoing Asian Games" in an Instagram video uploaded from the bus. Speaking on the mix-up on two successive days, a spokesperson for the local organising committee said the Pakistan and South Korea teams had departed from the same accommodation, and that there was ‘an error in matching teams to vehicles.’ "Each boarded a bus heading to the wrong destination. We sincerely apologise to both teams for the inconvenience," said Ayumi Sakamoto. "We caused great inconvenience, and the organising committee takes this seriously," the spokesperson added. "It is basic, but we will again make sure boarding teams and vehicle destinations are properly checked and displayed, and work to prevent a recurrence,” Sakamoto continued.

Transport chaos continues at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya as South Korea’s volleyball team is taken to the wrong venue, forcing a cancelled practice.

Asian Games Chaos: After Pakistan, South Korea latest team to arrive at wrong venue

Logistical and security challenges continue to hit Pakistani sports. A day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-pakistan-volleyball-bus-blunder-wrong-venue-1790593964979">Pakistan men’s volleyball team arrived at the wrong location</a> during the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, delaying their match against Uzbekistan by 45 minutes, a Karachi football team was robbed at gunpoint on a highway in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. A football team was travelling from Karachi to Quetta to participate in the Chief Minister’s Gold Cup tournament when robbers snatched mobile phones and cash.&nbsp;Per a PTI report, nearly a dozen armed men held the Karachi District West team’s bus between Mastung and Sariab, and took away all valuables. The incident took place on Monday evening, leaving the travelling squad without any money. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the team manager, revealed that the armed men ordered all players to get off the bus before running away with their phones and cash.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-sri-lanka-to-face-india-and-bangladesh-up-against-pakistan-in-semis-1790655097664">Asian Games 2026: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis</a>&nbsp;"The armed men asked all the passengers to disembark from the bus and then took away all mobile phones, cash, and other valuables. They also butted some of the passengers,” he said.&nbsp;Upon reaching their destination, Quetta, the Karachi team informed Balochistan’s sports minister about the mishap, after which the minister provided the players with daily allowances, the PTI report read. Meanwhile, Muhammad Azam, secretary of the Sindh Football Association, an affiliated unit of the Pakistan Football Federation, said that the team travelled despite official warnings against using road and rail routes to Quetta.&nbsp;"We didn't send the Sindh team, and we advised all other clubs in Karachi to avoid going to Quetta by bus or train because of the security situation. The Karachi West team still went ahead, and what we feared happened," Muhammad Azam said.&nbsp;Azam continued, saying the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa football associations had also decided against sending their teams for the tournament. Moreover, this incident occurred just two days after two local cricketers were abducted from Dera Bugti.&nbsp;The PTI report also suggests that the highway connecting Mastung district to Quetta has become a hotspot for armed groups targeting travellers.

A Karachi football team was robbed at gunpoint in Balochistan on their way to Quetta. Get full details on the incident, security warnings, and updates.

Logistical and security challenges continue to hit Pakistani sports. A day after the Pakistan men’s volleyball team arrived at the wrong location during the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, delaying their match against Uzbekistan by 45 minutes, a Karachi football team was robbed at gunpoint on a highway in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. A football team was travelling from Karachi to Quetta to participate in the Chief Minister’s Gold Cup tournament when robbers snatched mobile phones and cash. Per a PTI report, nearly a dozen armed men held the Karachi District West team’s bus between Mastung and Sariab, and took away all valuables. The incident took place on Monday evening, leaving the travelling squad without any money. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the team manager, revealed that the armed men ordered all players to get off the bus before running away with their phones and cash. Also read| Asian Games 2026: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis "The armed men asked all the passengers to disembark from the bus and then took away all mobile phones, cash, and other valuables. They also butted some of the passengers,” he said. Upon reaching their destination, Quetta, the Karachi team informed Balochistan’s sports minister about the mishap, after which the minister provided the players with daily allowances, the PTI report read. Meanwhile, Muhammad Azam, secretary of the Sindh Football Association, an affiliated unit of the Pakistan Football Federation, said that the team travelled despite official warnings against using road and rail routes to Quetta. "We didn't send the Sindh team, and we advised all other clubs in Karachi to avoid going to Quetta by bus or train because of the security situation. The Karachi West team still went ahead, and what we feared happened," Muhammad Azam said. Azam continued, saying the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa football associations had also decided against sending their teams for the tournament. Moreover, this incident occurred just two days after two local cricketers were abducted from Dera Bugti. The PTI report also suggests that the highway connecting Mastung district to Quetta has become a hotspot for armed groups targeting travellers.

A Karachi football team was robbed at gunpoint in Balochistan on their way to Quetta. Get full details on the incident, security warnings, and updates.

Karachi football team robbed on Balochistan highway; gunmen snatch phones and cash

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently the biggest players in Indian cricket despite playing in only one format. After retiring from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025, Rohit and Kohli only play for India in the 50-over ODI format. Both players have led India in the past and are currently part of the ongoing three-match ODI series against the West Indies. In the first match of the series, played on Sunday (Sep 27), Kohli smashed a record-breaking 139 not out off 88 balls, while Rohit scored 32 in an opening wicket partnership of 74 runs with skipper Shubman Gill. India won the match by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.<h2>Rohit, Kohli speak on Ro-Ko tagline</h2>The duo is often referred to as "Ro-Ko" (Rohit-Kohli), and both players recently reacted to it in a conversation with JioStar.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-sri-lanka-to-face-india-and-bangladesh-up-against-pakistan-in-semis-1790655097664">Asian Games: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis</a>"I think we were together. This started, I think, when we were playing in Australia, or right after Australia when we came to India. That’s when this started, and whenever this plays on TV, we look at each other and laugh. Which is good, it’s fun," said Rohit about the name given to him and Kohli."Ro-Ko has a nice ring to it. It sounds nice, it sounds good, and people are having a lot of fun with it. Now that we only play one format, even from the broadcaster’s perspective, I’m sure it’s a very nice tagline to use – 'Oh, Ro-Ko aa gaye! They are back'," added Kohli.<h2>What next for Rohit and Kohli</h2>The duo will next be seen in the second ODI against the West Indies on Wednesday (Sep 30) in Guwahati, followed by the third and final ODI of the series in New Chandigarh on Saturday (Oct 3). Both players have stated their wish to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in nearly a year's time and is being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, now playing only ODIs, hit form against West Indies - Kohli scoring 139* in India's win. The duo laughed off their popular "Ro-Ko" tagline in a recent chat.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently the biggest players in Indian cricket despite playing in only one format. After retiring from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025, Rohit and Kohli only play for India in the 50-over ODI format. Both players have led India in the past and are currently part of the ongoing three-match ODI series against the West Indies. In the first match of the series, played on Sunday (Sep 27), Kohli smashed a record-breaking 139 not out off 88 balls, while Rohit scored 32 in an opening wicket partnership of 74 runs with skipper Shubman Gill. India won the match by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Rohit, Kohli speak on Ro-Ko tagline The duo is often referred to as "Ro-Ko" (Rohit-Kohli), and both players recently reacted to it in a conversation with JioStar. Also Read - Asian Games: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis "I think we were together. This started, I think, when we were playing in Australia, or right after Australia when we came to India. That’s when this started, and whenever this plays on TV, we look at each other and laugh. Which is good, it’s fun," said Rohit about the name given to him and Kohli. "Ro-Ko has a nice ring to it. It sounds nice, it sounds good, and people are having a lot of fun with it. Now that we only play one format, even from the broadcaster’s perspective, I’m sure it’s a very nice tagline to use – 'Oh, Ro-Ko aa gaye! They are back'," added Kohli. What next for Rohit and Kohli The duo will next be seen in the second ODI against the West Indies on Wednesday (Sep 30) in Guwahati, followed by the third and final ODI of the series in New Chandigarh on Saturday (Oct 3). Both players have stated their wish to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in nearly a year's time and is being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, now playing only ODIs, hit form against West Indies - Kohli scoring 139* in India's win. The duo laughed off their popular "Ro-Ko" tagline in a recent chat.

'They're back': India batters Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli react to popular 'Ro-Ko' nickname for pair

India's Neeru Dhanda shot for history on Tuesday (Sep 29) at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Japan, clinching the first individual gold medal for the country at this edition and India's fifth gold overall. Neeru won the women's trap individual gold and became the first Indian woman shooter ever to win a trap or skeet event gold at the Asian Games. She also created a new Asian and Asian Games record with a score of 28 in the final among the top eight players. Before winning the gold, Neeru had also won a silver in the women's trap team event, making it a double-medal day for her.<h2>How Neeru shot for gold in women's individual trap event</h2>Neeru came into the women's trap individual event on the back of the great form she showed in the team event, where she won silver alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer. In the individual qualifying, Neeru shot 24, 24, 24, 23, and 23 in the five rounds for a total of 118 to finish at the top.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Neeru Dhanda scripts a monumental chapter in Indian sports, becoming the FIRST Indian woman ever to win the GOLD medal in the Women’s Trap individual event at the Asian Games! Watch the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels &amp; Sony LIV.… <a href="https://t.co/0wCN7xHiQu">pic.twitter.com/0wCN7xHiQu</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2104836305473741105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the final among the top eight shooters, Neeru finished with a total score of 28 (5, 4, 5, 5, and 4) - a new Asian Record - surpassing the previous Asian record of 24. China's Yunong Sun won the silver with a total tally of 26 and Kuwait's hajar Abdulmalik took home the bronze with a totaly tally of 21.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-how-vithya-ramraj-broke-pt-usha-s-four-decade-old-400m-hurdle-record-1790663029184">Asian Games 2026: How Vithya Ramraj broke PT Usha's four-decade-old 400m hurdle record</a><h2>How NRAI officials reacted to Neeru's win</h2>NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, "What a day for Indian shooting. Neeru has been in phenomenal form all year, and to see her back up a team silver with an individual gold — and an Asian Games record — in the space of a few hours is truly special. Aashima and Manisha also played their part in getting us on the podium in the team event. This is a proud moment for the sport and for the country."NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh said, "Neeru's performance today reflects the depth we now have in our trap shooting program. To top qualification, help India to a team medal, and then close it out with gold in the individual final shows both consistency and composure under pressure. Credit to the coaching staff and the support systems that have gone into building this squad."&nbsp;

At the 2026 Asian Games, India's Neeru Dhanda won gold in women's individual trap shooting with an Asian Record score of 28. She also claimed team silver, making it a double-medal day.

India's Neeru Dhanda shot for history on Tuesday (Sep 29) at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Japan, clinching the first individual gold medal for the country at this edition and India's fifth gold overall. Neeru won the women's trap individual gold and became the first Indian woman shooter ever to win a trap or skeet event gold at the Asian Games. She also created a new Asian and Asian Games record with a score of 28 in the final among the top eight players. Before winning the gold, Neeru had also won a silver in the women's trap team event, making it a double-medal day for her. How Neeru shot for gold in women's individual trap event Neeru came into the women's trap individual event on the back of the great form she showed in the team event, where she won silver alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer. In the individual qualifying, Neeru shot 24, 24, 24, 23, and 23 in the five rounds for a total of 118 to finish at the top.

At the 2026 Asian Games, India's Neeru Dhanda won gold in women's individual trap shooting with an Asian Record score of 28. She also claimed team silver, making it a double-medal day.

Asian Games 2026: Shooter Neeru Dhanda sets Asian record to clinch India’s first individual gold

Indian hurdler Vithya Ramraj created history at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 on Monday (Sep 28). Although she won a bronze in the women's 400m hurdles event, she broke former sprinter PT Usha's national record in the race. Usha had run the race in 55.42 seconds at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and Ramraj did it in 54.75 seconds in Nagoya, Japan, overtaking the former Olympian's 42-year-old record. Usha, who now heads the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), was one of the first Indian women athletes who inspired a generation to take up the sport.<h2>How Ramraj broke PT Usha's record</h2>Ramraj had won the bronze in the last edition of the games in the same event back in 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The sprinter had come very close to breaking Usha's record in Hangzhou, equalling her timing of 55.42 seconds. This time, though, Ramraj made sure she broke the record.Speaking on how she managed to break the record, Ramraj, as quoted by news agency PTI, said: "Everyone has been asking me because I had not gone under 55 seconds for three years. My coach Nehpal Singh Rathore told me to go fast, then maintain it through the sixth hurdle. From the sixth hurdle to the finish line, it was all out."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-sri-lanka-to-face-india-and-bangladesh-up-against-pakistan-in-semis-1790655097664">Asian Games 2026: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis</a>"The medal is in our hands, but time is not. This race will not come again. Today was my day, so I was going for the timing, not the medal. My coach said we would go under 54 seconds. I did it, and I am so happy. The timing was so good, so I am very happy," she said on winning the medal.India had also won the bronze medal in the same event in 2018 at the Jakarta Asian Games as well, when Anu Raghavan clinched the medal.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">𝐀 𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑! 🥉 Vithya Ramraj clocks 54.75s to break PT Usha’s 40-year-old mark and take Bronze in the Women’s 400m Hurdles! ⚡ Watch the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels &amp; Sony LIV.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonySportsNetwork</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonyLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonyLIV</a>… <a href="https://t.co/RHsB0gL0A5">pic.twitter.com/RHsB0gL0A5</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2104533439617892390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>PT Usha reacts to Ramraj breaking her national record</h2>After Ramraj broke her record, IOA chief Usha congratulated the sprinter in a post on X, which read: "Congratulations Vithya!! Records are meant to be broken &amp; there is no greater reward for an athlete than to see the next generation go beyond the boundaries we once set. Vithya Ramraj breaking my 42-year-old national record in the 400m hurdles is an incredibly special moment."As athletes, we compete to challenge ourselves, to push limits &amp; ultimately, to leave the sport better than we found it. When a young athlete comes along &amp; surpasses a milestone that has stood for decades, it is a moment of pride not just for the athlete, but for the sport too."&nbsp;

At the 2026 Asian Games, Indian hurdler Vithya Ramraj won bronze in the women's 400m hurdles. Her time of 54.75s broke PT Usha's 42-year-old national record, drawing praise from the IOA chief.

Indian hurdler Vithya Ramraj created history at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 on Monday (Sep 28). Although she won a bronze in the women's 400m hurdles event, she broke former sprinter PT Usha's national record in the race. Usha had run the race in 55.42 seconds at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and Ramraj did it in 54.75 seconds in Nagoya, Japan, overtaking the former Olympian's 42-year-old record. Usha, who now heads the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), was one of the first Indian women athletes who inspired a generation to take up the sport. How Ramraj broke PT Usha's record Ramraj had won the bronze in the last edition of the games in the same event back in 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The sprinter had come very close to breaking Usha's record in Hangzhou, equalling her timing of 55.42 seconds. This time, though, Ramraj made sure she broke the record. Speaking on how she managed to break the record, Ramraj, as quoted by news agency PTI, said: "Everyone has been asking me because I had not gone under 55 seconds for three years. My coach Nehpal Singh Rathore told me to go fast, then maintain it through the sixth hurdle. From the sixth hurdle to the finish line, it was all out." Also Read - Asian Games 2026: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis "The medal is in our hands, but time is not. This race will not come again. Today was my day, so I was going for the timing, not the medal. My coach said we would go under 54 seconds. I did it, and I am so happy. The timing was so good, so I am very happy," she said on winning the medal. India had also won the bronze medal in the same event in 2018 at the Jakarta Asian Games as well, when Anu Raghavan clinched the medal.

At the 2026 Asian Games, Indian hurdler Vithya Ramraj won bronze in the women's 400m hurdles. Her time of 54.75s broke PT Usha's 42-year-old national record, drawing praise from the IOA chief.

Asian Games 2026: How Vithya Ramraj broke PT Usha's four-decade-old 400m hurdle record

The Asian Games 2026 men's cricket event continues to be marred by consistent rain, with the remaining two quarter-finals also getting washed out without a ball being bowled. On Tuesday (Sep 29), Sri Lanka were set to face Nepal in the first quarter-final of the day at Nisshin, and Bangladesh were up against Malaysia. Both matches, however, were abandoned due to persistent rain, which started well before the toss. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced to the semis by virtue of their higher seedings in the ICC T20I rankings. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were also among the four seeded teams, along with India and Pakistan, that were given direct entry into the quarter-finals.<h2>Asian Games 2026 men's cricket semis</h2>Bangladesh will now face Pakistan in the first semi-final on Thursday (Oct 1), while India will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on the same day. In the event of rain again playing spoilsport during the semis, the higher-seeded team in the ICC T20I rankings will advance to the final.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2027-mini-auction-check-full-player-retention-lists-slots-available-and-remaining-team-purses-1790649986081">WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Franchises announce retained and released players; check purse &amp; slot available</a>Between Pakistan and Bangladesh, a washout of the match or a no-result will propel Pakistan into the final of the event. In the second semi-final, India will move on to the final over Sri Lanka by virtue of their higher ICC T20I ranking in case the match gets abandoned due to rain or any other reason.<h2>Can India and Pakistan face off in the Asian Games 2026 final?</h2>India, the defending gold medallist, can face arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Asian Games men's cricket event in the scenarios below:A: India beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan beat Bangladesh B: India move to the final over Sri Lanka in case of a washout and Pakistan beat Bangladesh C: India beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan move to the final over Bangladesh in case of a no-result/washout D: India and Pakistan move to the final in case of both semis getting abandoned.

Rain washed out the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket quarter-finals. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced via higher rankings. India face Sri Lanka and Pakistan play Bangladesh in the semis on Oct 1.

The Asian Games 2026 men's cricket event continues to be marred by consistent rain, with the remaining two quarter-finals also getting washed out without a ball being bowled. On Tuesday (Sep 29), Sri Lanka were set to face Nepal in the first quarter-final of the day at Nisshin, and Bangladesh were up against Malaysia. Both matches, however, were abandoned due to persistent rain, which started well before the toss. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced to the semis by virtue of their higher seedings in the ICC T20I rankings. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were also among the four seeded teams, along with India and Pakistan, that were given direct entry into the quarter-finals. Asian Games 2026 men's cricket semis Bangladesh will now face Pakistan in the first semi-final on Thursday (Oct 1), while India will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on the same day. In the event of rain again playing spoilsport during the semis, the higher-seeded team in the ICC T20I rankings will advance to the final. Also Read - WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Franchises announce retained and released players; check purse & slot available Between Pakistan and Bangladesh, a washout of the match or a no-result will propel Pakistan into the final of the event. In the second semi-final, India will move on to the final over Sri Lanka by virtue of their higher ICC T20I ranking in case the match gets abandoned due to rain or any other reason. Can India and Pakistan face off in the Asian Games 2026 final? India, the defending gold medallist, can face arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Asian Games men's cricket event in the scenarios below: A: India beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan beat Bangladesh B: India move to the final over Sri Lanka in case of a washout and Pakistan beat Bangladesh C: India beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan move to the final over Bangladesh in case of a no-result/washout D: India and Pakistan move to the final in case of both semis getting abandoned.

Rain washed out the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket quarter-finals. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced via higher rankings. India face Sri Lanka and Pakistan play Bangladesh in the semis on Oct 1.

Asian Games 2026: Sri Lanka to face India and Bangladesh up against Pakistan in semis

The five Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals - have announced the list of players retained and released ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. The WPL 2027 auction will take place on October 28 in Kochi, Kerala. The upcoming season is scheduled to be played from January 14 to February 7. At the auction, 27 slots are open to be filled.<h2>List of players released and retained by WPL teams</h2>A franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in the squad, with the UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians having a maximum of 7 slots each to fill. Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 5 slots each to fill, while Gujarat Giants have only three slots available to fill. Below is the list of players retained and released by all the WPL teams:

WPL 2027 mini-auction to take place on October 28 in Kochi, Kerala

<h3>Gujarat Giants</h3>Players released: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ayushi Soni, Titas Sadhu, Shivani Singh Players retained: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Tanuja Kanwer, Yastika Bhatia<h3>Royal Challengers Bengaluru</h3>Players released: Grace Harris, Linsey Smith, D Hemalatha, Gautami Naik Players retained: Ellyse Perry, Georgia Voll, Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Prathyoosha Kumar, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana<h3>Mumbai Indians</h3>Players released: Milly Illingworth, G Kamalini, Kranthi Reddy, Poonam Khemnar, Saika Ishaque, Triveni Vasistha Players retained: Melie Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nicola Carey, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur, Rahila Firdous, S Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Vaishnavi Sharma<h3>UP Warriorz</h3>Players released: Amy Jones, Charli Knott, Chloe Tryon, Deandra Dottin, Asha Sobhana, G Trisha, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat, Suman Meena Players retained: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Tara Norris, Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh<h3>Delhi Capitals</h3>Players released: Alana King, Lizelle Lee, Sneh Rana, Taniya Bhatia, Pragati Singh, Eddla Srujana Players retained: Annabel Sutherland, Chinelle Henry, Laura Wolvaardt, Lucy Hamilton, Marizanne Kapp, Deeya Yadav, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mamatha Madiwala, Minnu Mani, N Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Niki Prasad, Shafali Verma<h2>Purse and slots available for all teams</h2>UP Warriorz have the highest purse left - INR 3.65 crore, followed by Gujarat Giants (INR 1.25 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 1.15 crore), Delhi Capitals (INR 1.10 crore), and Mumbai Indians (INR 1 crore). Below are the slots available for each franchise for the WPL 2027 auction: UP Warriorz: 7 slots (2 overseas) Mumbai Indians: 7 slots (1 overseas) Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 5 slots (2 overseas) Delhi Capitals: 5 slots (1 overseas) Gujarat Giants: 3 slots (1 overseas)&nbsp;

Ahead of the WPL 2027 auction on Oct 27 in Kochi, 5 teams retained and released players. UPW has the highest purse (₹3.65 Cr). 27 total slots are open for the Jan 14–Feb 7 season.

The five Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals - have announced the list of players retained and released ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. The WPL 2027 auction will take place on October 28 in Kochi, Kerala. The upcoming season is scheduled to be played from January 14 to February 7. At the auction, 27 slots are open to be filled. List of players released and retained by WPL teams A franchise can have a maximum of 18 players in the squad, with the UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians having a maximum of 7 slots each to fill. Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 5 slots each to fill, while Gujarat Giants have only three slots available to fill. Below is the list of players retained and released by all the WPL teams:

Ahead of the WPL 2027 auction on Oct 28 in Kochi, 5 teams retained and released players. UPW has the highest purse (₹3.65 Cr). 27 total slots are open for the Jan 14–Feb 7 season.

WPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Franchises announce retained and released players; check purse & slot available

Italy crushed Turkey 4-1 in the Bursa rain to drag themselves into contention in Nations League Group A1, as leaders France struck late to win 1-0 in Belgium on Monday. In Brussels, both teams had wasted chances before Michael Olise scampered through the home defence after 88 minutes and drilled a shot inside the post.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tale-of-two-goats-ronaldo-benched-in-portugal-win-as-messi-s-stunning-free-kick-can-t-save-inter-miami-1790581563312">Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning goal can't save Inter Miami</a>"He is a pure talent and he loves to just play. You can see it. He feels the game. I am pleased to be at his side," France coach Zinedine Zidane told broadcaster TF1.Olise's goal gave Zidane a second victory to start his long-awaited debut as France coach.Roberto Mancini's return to run Italy had ended in Roman jeers on Friday as Italy lost their opener at home to Belgium.His team dazzled in the downpour in the first half in Turkey."The players all put in an excellent performance today. It was a tough match and we approached it in the right way, staying high up the pitch and playing aggressively throughout the game," Mancini told Italian television at the final whistle.The hosts quickly slid three goals behind with errors in their muddy goalmouth.Twice Altay Bayindir struggled to reach low cross-shots from the right.After nine minutes, the Celta Vigo goalkeeper scooped a drive from Pio Esposito round the post.From the corner, Bursa-born fullback Zeki Celik, who plays for Juventus in Italy, swung wildly at a low near-post cross deflecting the ball to Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan centre back lunged to fire into the roof of the net.After 23 minutes, Bayindir flapped an identical cross-shot from Michael Kayode into the path of Lazio's Davide Frattesi, who tucked the ball home.Intricate Italian passing around the penalty area repeatedly found a player free on the right of box.<h2>'To my grandmother'</h2>When Brentford's Kayode again ran into that space, his shot for the near post eluded the plunging Bayindir.Turkey gave the restless crowd hope in the 47th minute when Gianluigi Donnarumma was drawn to Oguz Aydin beyond the far post. He found Baris Yilmaz who gleefully drilled into an empty net.The comeback lasted five minutes. Tottenham's Sandro Tonali, in space, hit the post but Pio Esposito dived to nod home the rebound.After the game the Inter Milan striker's thoughts turned to family."I dedicate today's goal to my grandmother, who is going through a difficult time," said Pio Esposito who was playing alongside older brother Sebastiano of Sassuolo who was making his Italy debut."Sharing the pitch with him was incredibly moving; I tried to support him before the match without putting too much pressure on him. Let's hope we get to wear these colours together many more times."Galatasaray attacker Yilmaz then curled a shot home but Aydin of Besiktas, bouncing up and down in front of Man City's Donnarumma, was offside.Monday's slick display may ease the pressure on Mancini, while piling it on his former Sampdoria club-mate and fellow ex-Italian international Vincenzo Montella.Montella led Turkey to the quarter finals at Euro 2024 but his side finished bottom of their group at the summer's World Cup.<h2>'Fresh and ready'</h2>For their next match Italy visit the Stade de France on Friday."We'll try to recover our strength and be ready for the match in Paris," Mancini told Italian media. "I'm confident. We've got plenty of young players who are fresh and ready."Zidane, who was without injured captain Kylian Mbappe, made nine changes from his opening win over Turkey, was thinking along the same lines."We need a rest now. We have done a lot of travelling and not much training or resting," said Zidane, adding he was happy with his team."We were really good in every department. Against a really good Belgium side who made us suffer we held out, we played really well, and we were brave."

Italy beat Turkey 4-1 with goals from Bastoni, Frattesi, Kayode, and Esposito, easing pressure on Roberto Mancini. Meanwhile, Michael Olise scored late to give Zinedine Zidane’s France a 1-0 win in Belgium.

Italy crushed Turkey 4-1 in the Bursa rain to drag themselves into contention in Nations League Group A1, as leaders France struck late to win 1-0 in Belgium on Monday. In Brussels, both teams had wasted chances before Michael Olise scampered through the home defence after 88 minutes and drilled a shot inside the post. Also Read - Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning goal can't save Inter Miami "He is a pure talent and he loves to just play. You can see it. He feels the game. I am pleased to be at his side," France coach Zinedine Zidane told broadcaster TF1. Olise's goal gave Zidane a second victory to start his long-awaited debut as France coach. Roberto Mancini's return to run Italy had ended in Roman jeers on Friday as Italy lost their opener at home to Belgium. His team dazzled in the downpour in the first half in Turkey. "The players all put in an excellent performance today. It was a tough match and we approached it in the right way, staying high up the pitch and playing aggressively throughout the game," Mancini told Italian television at the final whistle. The hosts quickly slid three goals behind with errors in their muddy goalmouth. Twice Altay Bayindir struggled to reach low cross-shots from the right. After nine minutes, the Celta Vigo goalkeeper scooped a drive from Pio Esposito round the post. From the corner, Bursa-born fullback Zeki Celik, who plays for Juventus in Italy, swung wildly at a low near-post cross deflecting the ball to Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan centre back lunged to fire into the roof of the net. After 23 minutes, Bayindir flapped an identical cross-shot from Michael Kayode into the path of Lazio's Davide Frattesi, who tucked the ball home. Intricate Italian passing around the penalty area repeatedly found a player free on the right of box. 'To my grandmother' When Brentford's Kayode again ran into that space, his shot for the near post eluded the plunging Bayindir. Turkey gave the restless crowd hope in the 47th minute when Gianluigi Donnarumma was drawn to Oguz Aydin beyond the far post. He found Baris Yilmaz who gleefully drilled into an empty net. The comeback lasted five minutes. Tottenham's Sandro Tonali, in space, hit the post but Pio Esposito dived to nod home the rebound. After the game the Inter Milan striker's thoughts turned to family. "I dedicate today's goal to my grandmother, who is going through a difficult time," said Pio Esposito who was playing alongside older brother Sebastiano of Sassuolo who was making his Italy debut. "Sharing the pitch with him was incredibly moving; I tried to support him before the match without putting too much pressure on him. Let's hope we get to wear these colours together many more times." Galatasaray attacker Yilmaz then curled a shot home but Aydin of Besiktas, bouncing up and down in front of Man City's Donnarumma, was offside. Monday's slick display may ease the pressure on Mancini, while piling it on his former Sampdoria club-mate and fellow ex-Italian international Vincenzo Montella. Montella led Turkey to the quarter finals at Euro 2024 but his side finished bottom of their group at the summer's World Cup. 'Fresh and ready' For their next match Italy visit the Stade de France on Friday. "We'll try to recover our strength and be ready for the match in Paris," Mancini told Italian media. "I'm confident. We've got plenty of young players who are fresh and ready." Zidane, who was without injured captain Kylian Mbappe, made nine changes from his opening win over Turkey, was thinking along the same lines. "We need a rest now. We have done a lot of travelling and not much training or resting," said Zidane, adding he was happy with his team. "We were really good in every department. Against a really good Belgium side who made us suffer we held out, we played really well, and we were brave."

Italy beat Turkey 4-1 with goals from Bastoni, Frattesi, Kayode, and Esposito, easing pressure on Roberto Mancini. Meanwhile, Michael Olise scored late to give Zinedine Zidane’s France a 1-0 win in Belgium.

UEFA Nations League: Italy crush Turkey, France beat Belgium with late winner

The countdown has begun as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) will jointly announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on Thursday (Oct 1) in Cape Town. The event, which also marks one year until the 14-team tournament, will kick off ticket ballot registrations. As previously reported, the World Cup will begin on October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti, and conclude on November 21.&nbsp;Of the 14 participating teams in the ODI World Cup, 10 will be determined by September 30, the cut-off qualification date. While two of those 10 nations are the hosts – South Africa and Zimbabwe, the remaining eight will qualify based on the ICC ODI rankings. The four pending teams, however, will advance through the qualifying process and will be listed as Qualifier 1, 2, 3 and 4. Along with South Africa and Zimbabwe, Namibia is a joint host; however, unlike the other two, it does not qualify automatically and must earn its spot through the qualifiers.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-55th-odi-century-15k-runs-kevin-pietersen-genius-1790598883067">'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred</a>&nbsp;As things stand, eight teams that have qualified for the World Cup by virtue of their ODI rankings are India (1), New Zealand (2), Pakistan (4), Australia (5), England (6), Sri Lanka (7), Afghanistan (8) and Bangladesh (9). While Bangladesh, ranked ninth, has sneaked through, South Africa (3) earned their place as the tournament’s co-hosts.&nbsp;The West Indies, however, will have to qualify through the qualifiers, scheduled early next year.&nbsp;Although tickets will not be available for immediate purchase on Thursday, fans can register for the ticket ballot starting October 1.<h2>ICC ODI World Cup Schedule</h2>According to an ICC release, the next ODI World Cup will be divided into three rounds before the semifinals and final. The competition will begin with a Super Series featuring the three lowest-ranked of the 14 qualified teams (12th, 13th, and 14th) in a round-robin format. The top team will advance to the next stage.&nbsp;The next round will have 30 matches featuring 12 teams, divided into two groups of six, playing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across the two groups, will advance to the Super 7 stage.&nbsp;The final stage (Super 7 stage), after which the knockouts begin, will consist of 21 round-robin matches, with the top four sides progressing to the semifinals. While the top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, the second-ranked side will meet the third-placed team. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the final for the coveted World Cup trophy.

The ICC and CSA will announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on October 1 in Cape Town. Get details on qualified teams, dates, and ticket ballot info.

The countdown has begun as the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) will jointly announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on Thursday (Oct 1) in Cape Town. The event, which also marks one year until the 14-team tournament, will kick off ticket ballot registrations. As previously reported, the World Cup will begin on October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti, and conclude on November 21. Of the 14 participating teams in the ODI World Cup, 10 will be determined by September 30, the cut-off qualification date. While two of those 10 nations are the hosts – South Africa and Zimbabwe, the remaining eight will qualify based on the ICC ODI rankings. The four pending teams, however, will advance through the qualifying process and will be listed as Qualifier 1, 2, 3 and 4. Along with South Africa and Zimbabwe, Namibia is a joint host; however, unlike the other two, it does not qualify automatically and must earn its spot through the qualifiers. Also read| 'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred As things stand, eight teams that have qualified for the World Cup by virtue of their ODI rankings are India (1), New Zealand (2), Pakistan (4), Australia (5), England (6), Sri Lanka (7), Afghanistan (8) and Bangladesh (9). While Bangladesh, ranked ninth, has sneaked through, South Africa (3) earned their place as the tournament’s co-hosts. The West Indies, however, will have to qualify through the qualifiers, scheduled early next year. Although tickets will not be available for immediate purchase on Thursday, fans can register for the ticket ballot starting October 1. ICC ODI World Cup Schedule According to an ICC release, the next ODI World Cup will be divided into three rounds before the semifinals and final. The competition will begin with a Super Series featuring the three lowest-ranked of the 14 qualified teams (12th, 13th, and 14th) in a round-robin format. The top team will advance to the next stage. The next round will have 30 matches featuring 12 teams, divided into two groups of six, playing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across the two groups, will advance to the Super 7 stage. The final stage (Super 7 stage), after which the knockouts begin, will consist of 21 round-robin matches, with the top four sides progressing to the semifinals. While the top-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, the second-ranked side will meet the third-placed team. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the final for the coveted World Cup trophy.

The ICC and CSA will announce the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on October 1 in Cape Town. Get details on qualified teams, dates, and ticket ballot info.

Countdown Begins: ICC, CSA to release 2027 ODI World Cup schedule on October 1 - Report

India won eight medals on day 9 of the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, while the boxers ensured more in the coming days with a thrilling showing on Monday. Meanwhile, the Indian men’s hockey team thrashed Bangladesh 10-0 in their Pool A match to set up a mouth-watering clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinal on October 1.<h2>Boxers promise more medals</h2>After three boxers won their respective quarterfinal bouts, India is at least assured of three medals at the Asian Games. While Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain beat South Korea's Seong Suyeon in the women's 75kg quarterfinal, Priya also confirmed her podium finish by beating Tajikistan's Mijgona Samadova in the women's 60kg quarterfinal.&nbsp;In the men’s 90kg quarterfinal, India’s Kapil Pokhariya beat South Korea's Kim Gichae to ensure India's third medal in this discipline.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-day-9-india-8-medals-athletics-javelin-1790608281731">Asian Games, Day 9: India clinch 8 medals as athletics &amp; javelin stars shine</a><h3>India vs Pakistan in Men’s Hockey Semis</h3>The Indian men’s hockey team produced a blistering performance to thrash Bangladesh 10-0 in their scheduled Pool A match on Monday, setting up the blockbuster India vs Pakistan match in the Games semifinal.&nbsp;Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick, with Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sanjay, Abhishek and Mandeep Singh also contributing.&nbsp;The defending champions topped Pool A with five wins in five contested matches, and a +45 goal difference.&nbsp;Malaysia and South Korea will face off in the other semifinal.<h3>Near Misses</h3>While India had its most successful day at the Games, there were several near misses too, with medal hope Avinash Sable finishing fourth in the men’s 3000m steeplechase being the biggest heartbreak. His season-best of 8:21.67 wasn’t enough, as Japan’s Ryuji Miura took home the gold in a Games record 8:17.36.&nbsp;In the women’s discus throw, India’s Seema Kaliramna narrowly missed out on a podium finish, finishing fourth with a personal best of 59.88m.Even in the women’s 4x100m relay, India finished fourth.&nbsp;In the men’s 400m hurdles, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan finished seventh, while India's women's 25m pistol team of Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat finished fifth.&nbsp;Despite winning eight medals on Monday, which raised India’s tally to 45, India failed to maintain its place in the top 10 standings.

India clinched eight medals on Day 9 of the 2026 Asian Games, set up a semifinal hockey clash against Pakistan, and guaranteed three boxing medals in Nagoya. 

India won eight medals on day 9 of the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, while the boxers ensured more in the coming days with a thrilling showing on Monday. Meanwhile, the Indian men’s hockey team thrashed Bangladesh 10-0 in their Pool A match to set up a mouth-watering clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinal on October 1. Boxers promise more medals After three boxers won their respective quarterfinal bouts, India is at least assured of three medals at the Asian Games. While Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain beat South Korea's Seong Suyeon in the women's 75kg quarterfinal, Priya also confirmed her podium finish by beating Tajikistan's Mijgona Samadova in the women's 60kg quarterfinal. In the men’s 90kg quarterfinal, India’s Kapil Pokhariya beat South Korea's Kim Gichae to ensure India's third medal in this discipline. Also read| Asian Games, Day 9: India clinch 8 medals as athletics & javelin stars shine India vs Pakistan in Men’s Hockey Semis The Indian men’s hockey team produced a blistering performance to thrash Bangladesh 10-0 in their scheduled Pool A match on Monday, setting up the blockbuster India vs Pakistan match in the Games semifinal. Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick, with Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sanjay, Abhishek and Mandeep Singh also contributing. The defending champions topped Pool A with five wins in five contested matches, and a +45 goal difference. Malaysia and South Korea will face off in the other semifinal. Near Misses While India had its most successful day at the Games, there were several near misses too, with medal hope Avinash Sable finishing fourth in the men’s 3000m steeplechase being the biggest heartbreak. His season-best of 8:21.67 wasn’t enough, as Japan’s Ryuji Miura took home the gold in a Games record 8:17.36. In the women’s discus throw, India’s Seema Kaliramna narrowly missed out on a podium finish, finishing fourth with a personal best of 59.88m. Even in the women’s 4x100m relay, India finished fourth. In the men’s 400m hurdles, Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan finished seventh, while India's women's 25m pistol team of Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat finished fifth. Despite winning eight medals on Monday, which raised India’s tally to 45, India failed to maintain its place in the top 10 standings.

India clinched eight medals on Day 9 of the 2026 Asian Games, set up a semifinal hockey clash against Pakistan, and guaranteed three boxing medals in Nagoya.&nbsp;

Asian Games 2026: India to face Pakistan in hockey semis; boxers guarantee medals

Monday, September 28, was India’s most successful day at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with India winning eight medals, including four silver and four bronze. Athletics boomed for India, and so did shooting and Kurash, while boxers ensured more medals in the coming days. The Indian men’s cricket team also reached the semifinal following a washout against Afghanistan in the quarterfinal by virtue of being the higher-ranked team. Moreover, a double podium finish in the men’s javelin final boosted India's medal tally, while Vithya Ramraj made headlines by breaking PT Usha's 42-year-old record.&nbsp;While Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav won a javelin double, Murali Sreeshankar took home silver in the long jump. Gulveer Singh won his second silver medal of the Games, and Esha Singh finished second in the women's 25m pistol. Vithya, Parul Chaudhary and Pincky Balhara won bronze medals to raise the medal tally to eight for the day.<h2>Javelin Double in Neeraj’s Absence</h2>Despite missing the two-time Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra, India had a double podium finish in the men’s javelin, with Yashvir Singh (85.72m) and Rohit Yadav (84.35m) finishing second and third, respectively. Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games gold medalist Rumesh Pathirage won the gold medal with an 88.55m throw.&nbsp;Gulveer continued his impressive run at the Games by winning his second silver medal. After finishing second in the 10,000m, Gulveer clocked a personal best of 3:36.72 in the 1500m final. The Japanese pair of Kazuto Iizawa and Nagiya Mori took home the gold and bronze medals, respectively, with fellow Indian Yoonus Shah finishing ninth.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-pakistan-volleyball-bus-blunder-wrong-venue-1790593964979">Asian Games: Pakistan volleyball match delayed after bus reaches wrong venue</a>&nbsp;Murali Sreeshankar missed out on a long jump Asiad gold, with his best effort of 8.07m earning him a silver medal. Murali injured himself during the fourth attempt and did not participate further. India's Solomon David finished seventh with 7.70m.&nbsp;The women’s athletics pair, Parul Chaudhary and Vithya Ramraj, won bronze medals. While Parul clocked 15:14.61 to finish third in the women's 5000m — adding another bronze after her steeplechase medal — Vithya set a personal best of 54.75 seconds to win bronze in the 400m hurdles, breaking PT Usha's 42-year-old record. Anu Raghavan, meanwhile, finished fifth with a personal best of 55.88 seconds.&nbsp;In shooting, India’s cornerstone discipline at the Asian Games, world No. 1 in women’s 25m pistol Esha Singh won silver. Although she secured the same score as China’s Xiao Jiaruixuan, Esha lost her shot at the gold medal after the deciding shoot-off.&nbsp;Elsewhere, Pincky Balhara also added a bronze in women's -78kg kurash. The Indian combat sport athlete beat South Korea's Garam Lim in the quarterfinal before losing 0-5 to another South Korean, Sumin Mo, in the semifinal. It was Balhara's second Asian Games medal, eight years after her silver at Jakarta 2018.

India enjoyed a prolific Day 9 at the 2026 Asian Games, winning eight medals led by a javelin double podium and Vithya Ramraj's record-breaking run.

Monday, September 28, was India’s most successful day at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with India winning eight medals, including four silver and four bronze. Athletics boomed for India, and so did shooting and Kurash, while boxers ensured more medals in the coming days. The Indian men’s cricket team also reached the semifinal following a washout against Afghanistan in the quarterfinal by virtue of being the higher-ranked team. Moreover, a double podium finish in the men’s javelin final boosted India's medal tally, while Vithya Ramraj made headlines by breaking PT Usha's 42-year-old record. While Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav won a javelin double, Murali Sreeshankar took home silver in the long jump. Gulveer Singh won his second silver medal of the Games, and Esha Singh finished second in the women's 25m pistol. Vithya, Parul Chaudhary and Pincky Balhara won bronze medals to raise the medal tally to eight for the day. Javelin Double in Neeraj’s Absence Despite missing the two-time Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra, India had a double podium finish in the men’s javelin, with Yashvir Singh (85.72m) and Rohit Yadav (84.35m) finishing second and third, respectively. Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games gold medalist Rumesh Pathirage won the gold medal with an 88.55m throw. Gulveer continued his impressive run at the Games by winning his second silver medal. After finishing second in the 10,000m, Gulveer clocked a personal best of 3:36.72 in the 1500m final. The Japanese pair of Kazuto Iizawa and Nagiya Mori took home the gold and bronze medals, respectively, with fellow Indian Yoonus Shah finishing ninth. Also read| Asian Games: Pakistan volleyball match delayed after bus reaches wrong venue Murali Sreeshankar missed out on a long jump Asiad gold, with his best effort of 8.07m earning him a silver medal. Murali injured himself during the fourth attempt and did not participate further. India's Solomon David finished seventh with 7.70m. The women’s athletics pair, Parul Chaudhary and Vithya Ramraj, won bronze medals. While Parul clocked 15:14.61 to finish third in the women's 5000m — adding another bronze after her steeplechase medal — Vithya set a personal best of 54.75 seconds to win bronze in the 400m hurdles, breaking PT Usha's 42-year-old record. Anu Raghavan, meanwhile, finished fifth with a personal best of 55.88 seconds. In shooting, India’s cornerstone discipline at the Asian Games, world No. 1 in women’s 25m pistol Esha Singh won silver. Although she secured the same score as China’s Xiao Jiaruixuan, Esha lost her shot at the gold medal after the deciding shoot-off. Elsewhere, Pincky Balhara also added a bronze in women's -78kg kurash. The Indian combat sport athlete beat South Korea's Garam Lim in the quarterfinal before losing 0-5 to another South Korean, Sumin Mo, in the semifinal. It was Balhara's second Asian Games medal, eight years after her silver at Jakarta 2018.

India enjoyed a prolific Day 9 at the 2026 Asian Games, winning eight medals led by a javelin double podium and Vithya Ramraj's record-breaking run.

Asian Games, Day 9: India clinch 8 medals as athletics & javelin stars shine

Seasoned English batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan with a hamstring injury he sustained midway through the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley last Thursday. The latest injury also casts doubts over his participation in the white-ball series in Australia that follows. England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has handpicked Jordan Cox to replace Buttler with the gloves and in the middle order for England ODIs and T20Is for the next two months.&nbsp;Buttler pulled up his hamstring in England’s defeat in the second One-Dayer. Having retired hurt earlier, Buttler returned to resume his innings but failed to guide his team across the winning line. Although the ECB awaits the extent of his injury, McCullum wasted no time in revealing that Buttler would likely miss England’s next two white-ball assignments in October and November.&nbsp;"I thought it was quite a Jos Buttler innings today," McCullum said of Cox's 76 off 52 balls at The Oval in the final ODI, which England won by 223 runs to claim the three-match series 2-1.&nbsp;"He will get the opportunity in Pakistan, which is exciting for him. Whilst it's disappointing not to have Jos, it's going to be good for us to see where we're at, because between now and 14 months' time, lots of things are going to go wrong.&nbsp;"There's going to be lots of selections that you think would happen, and teams that you think will be the best teams to play against opposition, but someone will get injured, or there'll be a scheduling situation. You have to almost catastrophise these things a little bit in order to prepare yourself as best as possible for that World Cup in 14 months' time,” the head coach noted.&nbsp;Happy with the squad depth despite missing several first-team players out with respective injuries, including Jacob Bethell (knee), Sam Curran (groin), Adil Rashid (hand) and Buttler (hamstring), McCullum said, "Whilst you don't want those injuries to happen, it does give you a good line on where you're at with some of the depth in your squad.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-55th-odi-century-15k-runs-kevin-pietersen-genius-1790598883067">'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Sunday’s ODI at The Oval brought England’s home season to a close, which McCullum called ‘eventful’. Barring the Test series loss to New Zealand at home, which also coincided with Ben Stokes’ international retirement, England tasted success against Pakistan in the Test series and Sri Lanka in the white-ball leg.&nbsp;"It's been eventful, but it's been a great summer in many respects," he said. "I genuinely feel right now, at the end of the summer, that English cricket is actually in a really good place. I'm biased because he's a great mate of mine, but I think he's a great coach and he's going to do an incredible job alongside Joe Root, in Stephen Fleming, [who is] now at the helm of the Test side.&nbsp;"And the performances and development of the ODI and T20 sides across the summer has been something which has been incredibly encouraging. Harry Brook's development as a leader on the field and his growth as a person off it has been superb, and overall, I feel as if while it's been an eventful few months, I feel like [English cricket] is in a really good space,” McCullum concluded.&nbsp;England will select their squad for the Pakistan tri-series on Monday (Sep 28), and announce it publicly later this week. England’s first match of the series will be against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20.

Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Jordan Cox has been named as his replacement in the middle overs. Read details.

Seasoned English batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan with a hamstring injury he sustained midway through the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley last Thursday. The latest injury also casts doubts over his participation in the white-ball series in Australia that follows. England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has handpicked Jordan Cox to replace Buttler with the gloves and in the middle order for England ODIs and T20Is for the next two months. Buttler pulled up his hamstring in England’s defeat in the second One-Dayer. Having retired hurt earlier, Buttler returned to resume his innings but failed to guide his team across the winning line. Although the ECB awaits the extent of his injury, McCullum wasted no time in revealing that Buttler would likely miss England’s next two white-ball assignments in October and November. "I thought it was quite a Jos Buttler innings today," McCullum said of Cox's 76 off 52 balls at The Oval in the final ODI, which England won by 223 runs to claim the three-match series 2-1. "He will get the opportunity in Pakistan, which is exciting for him. Whilst it's disappointing not to have Jos, it's going to be good for us to see where we're at, because between now and 14 months' time, lots of things are going to go wrong. "There's going to be lots of selections that you think would happen, and teams that you think will be the best teams to play against opposition, but someone will get injured, or there'll be a scheduling situation. You have to almost catastrophise these things a little bit in order to prepare yourself as best as possible for that World Cup in 14 months' time,” the head coach noted. Happy with the squad depth despite missing several first-team players out with respective injuries, including Jacob Bethell (knee), Sam Curran (groin), Adil Rashid (hand) and Buttler (hamstring), McCullum said, "Whilst you don't want those injuries to happen, it does give you a good line on where you're at with some of the depth in your squad.” Also read| 'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred Meanwhile, Sunday’s ODI at The Oval brought England’s home season to a close, which McCullum called ‘eventful’. Barring the Test series loss to New Zealand at home, which also coincided with Ben Stokes’ international retirement, England tasted success against Pakistan in the Test series and Sri Lanka in the white-ball leg. "It's been eventful, but it's been a great summer in many respects," he said. "I genuinely feel right now, at the end of the summer, that English cricket is actually in a really good place. I'm biased because he's a great mate of mine, but I think he's a great coach and he's going to do an incredible job alongside Joe Root, in Stephen Fleming, [who is] now at the helm of the Test side. "And the performances and development of the ODI and T20 sides across the summer has been something which has been incredibly encouraging. Harry Brook's development as a leader on the field and his growth as a person off it has been superb, and overall, I feel as if while it's been an eventful few months, I feel like [English cricket] is in a really good space,” McCullum concluded. England will select their squad for the Pakistan tri-series on Monday (Sep 28), and announce it publicly later this week. England’s first match of the series will be against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20.

Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England's upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Jordan Cox has been named as his replacement in the middle overs. Read details.

Jos Buttler ruled out of ODI tri-series in Pakistan with hamstring injury

Virat Kohli unleashed his best in the ODI series opener against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), smashing an unbeaten 139 – his 55th One-Day century, and helping land the first punch in this three-match series. The talismanic batter also completed 15,000 runs in the 50-over format, becoming only the second batter after his idol and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and the quickest ever to do so (innings-wise). He broke several records in his match-winning outing in Thiruvananthapuram and won a million hearts, including that of the newly appointed England white-ball mentor, Kevin Pietersen.&nbsp;Having played against and alongside (in the IPL) each other back in the day, KP knows Kohli’s mettle and couldn’t help but shower praise on Kohli’s record knock.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-kohli-breaks-sachin-s-most-runs-in-one-country-record-with-unbeaten-139-as-india-thump-west-indies-by-8-wickets-1790566082815">IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets</a>&nbsp;“55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! &nbsp;&nbsp;55?!?!?!?!&nbsp;&nbsp;Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games.&nbsp;&nbsp;He Is A Genius, and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️” KP wrote on his X handle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! 55?!?!?!?! Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games. He Is A Genius and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️&mdash; Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://x.com/KP24/status/2104489360263672293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kohli was on song in his first ODI game since losing the Lord’s One-Day in July this year. Coming into bat following Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, Kohli stitched a 151-run stand with captain Shubman Gill to keep India’s nose ahead in the run chase. While Gill also continued his rich vein of form with his 10th One-Day hundred, Kohli’s 55th ODI century stole all the limelight.&nbsp;Unlike how he used to shape his innings during run chases previously, Kohli hit fifth gear from the word go, smashing nine sixes and 10 fours in his breathtaking knock. He remained unbeaten on 139 off just 88 balls at a strike rate of 157.95.&nbsp;"I promised myself I'm going to play positively because I can," Kohli said in the post-match presser. "So I'm going to continue to play like that, but, you know, not be reckless. There is a fine line, which as a professional, as an experienced player, I should have the ability to execute in this way without, you know, playing reckless shots and get the team through."&nbsp;"I think to follow a free mind, you need a fit body. So for me, it works the other way around. I stay physically fit, and then I'm able to visualise the game in the way that I want to play, which allows me the best chance to go out there and execute in the way that I did tonight,” said Player of the Match Kohli.&nbsp;India and the West Indies will meet in the second ODI on Wednesday (Sep 30) in Guwahati.

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 to complete his 55th ODI century and pass 15,000 runs against the West Indies. England mentor Kevin Pietersen dubbed him a 'genius.'

Virat Kohli unleashed his best in the ODI series opener against the West Indies on Sunday (Sep 27), smashing an unbeaten 139 – his 55th One-Day century, and helping land the first punch in this three-match series. The talismanic batter also completed 15,000 runs in the 50-over format, becoming only the second batter after his idol and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and the quickest ever to do so (innings-wise). He broke several records in his match-winning outing in Thiruvananthapuram and won a million hearts, including that of the newly appointed England white-ball mentor, Kevin Pietersen. Having played against and alongside (in the IPL) each other back in the day, KP knows Kohli’s mettle and couldn’t help but shower praise on Kohli’s record knock. Also read| IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets “55 ODI 100s for Virat!!!! 55?!?!?!?! Many cricketers have good careers by just playing 55 games. He Is A Genius, and I’m buzzing for him! ❤️” KP wrote on his X handle.

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 to complete his 55th ODI century and pass 15,000 runs against the West Indies. England mentor Kevin Pietersen dubbed him a 'genius.'

'A Genius': England cricket mentor Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's record 55th ODI hundred

In a massive boost for South Africa, their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been included in the 18-man preliminary squad for the three-match Test series against Australia starting October 9 in Durban. Rabada is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during winter training, with his availability for the first Test to be determined after an intra-squad match next week.&nbsp;"We will give it [final decision on Rabada] as much time as humanly possible, but we also don't want to take a call based on desperation," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said on Monday. "Based on how the three-day match plays out, a day or two after that, I reckon we will make a call."&nbsp;Besides Rabada, fellow paceman Anrich Nortje has also earned a surprise recall to the squad, having last played a Test match three years ago, although Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka, all suffering from hamstring issues, have not been picked.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-aus-2nd-odi-pat-cummins-return-josh-inglis-finger-injury-1790490768208">SA vs AUS 2026: Pat Cummins set for ODI return as broken finger clouds Inglis’ Test hopes</a>&nbsp;"Anrich is as pedantic and professional as they come. He has got spreadsheets that detail all of the work that he has done. I'm very comfortable that he has done all the necessary work," Conrad said. "We've just got to look at the intensity that it's done in. We've got to look at whether a Test match is the best introduction back to the international fold."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, who returned to the South African colours for the recent ODI against Australia at Kingsmead last week, has also been picked for the red-ball leg, having last played a Test match in November 2024. Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Dane Paterson, all of whom were part of South Africa's World Test Championship final squad, make up the rest of the fast-bowling department.<h2>Brevis Sidelined as 'Clay-Court Specialist</h2>The hosts, however, have retained their core batting group for the marquee Test series against the Aussies, the first on their soil since 2018. While Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped batter picked, Conrad shared his thoughts on Dewald Brevis missing the cut. Calling him the Rafael Nadal of South African cricket, Conrad was blunt in his assessment of the Baby AB, saying he is not the best Test batter as of now.&nbsp;"On the batting front, we've stuck with our core group," Conrad said. "It's great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA A side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity. We're looking forward to having him in the Test environment."&nbsp;On Brevis, the head coach said, "It's a long summer, so I am sure we will see [Brevis] at some stage. The blunt answer is that I don't think he is one of the best batters in Test cricket for us. I think there are other guys for us in South African conditions. Brevis is probably more suited to us playing in Test cricket in the subcontinent.&nbsp;"ODI cricket is a different story. You will see him at some stage. In Tests, he is a bit of a Rafael Nadal. He is a clay-court specialist,” he continued.<h3>South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for Australia Tests:&nbsp;</h3>Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have been named in South Africa's 18-man Test squad to face Australia, while coach Shukri Conrad addresses Dewald Brevis's omission.

In a massive boost for South Africa, their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been included in the 18-man preliminary squad for the three-match Test series against Australia starting October 9 in Durban. Rabada is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during winter training, with his availability for the first Test to be determined after an intra-squad match next week. "We will give it [final decision on Rabada] as much time as humanly possible, but we also don't want to take a call based on desperation," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said on Monday. "Based on how the three-day match plays out, a day or two after that, I reckon we will make a call." Besides Rabada, fellow paceman Anrich Nortje has also earned a surprise recall to the squad, having last played a Test match three years ago, although Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka, all suffering from hamstring issues, have not been picked. Also read| SA vs AUS 2026: Pat Cummins set for ODI return as broken finger clouds Inglis’ Test hopes "Anrich is as pedantic and professional as they come. He has got spreadsheets that detail all of the work that he has done. I'm very comfortable that he has done all the necessary work," Conrad said. "We've just got to look at the intensity that it's done in. We've got to look at whether a Test match is the best introduction back to the international fold." Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, who returned to the South African colours for the recent ODI against Australia at Kingsmead last week, has also been picked for the red-ball leg, having last played a Test match in November 2024. Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Dane Paterson, all of whom were part of South Africa's World Test Championship final squad, make up the rest of the fast-bowling department. Brevis Sidelined as 'Clay-Court Specialist The hosts, however, have retained their core batting group for the marquee Test series against the Aussies, the first on their soil since 2018. While Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped batter picked, Conrad shared his thoughts on Dewald Brevis missing the cut. Calling him the Rafael Nadal of South African cricket, Conrad was blunt in his assessment of the Baby AB, saying he is not the best Test batter as of now. "On the batting front, we've stuck with our core group," Conrad said. "It's great to have Marques in the squad. The way he has led the SA A side, both as captain and through his performances with the bat, has earned him this opportunity. We're looking forward to having him in the Test environment." On Brevis, the head coach said, "It's a long summer, so I am sure we will see [Brevis] at some stage. The blunt answer is that I don't think he is one of the best batters in Test cricket for us. I think there are other guys for us in South African conditions. Brevis is probably more suited to us playing in Test cricket in the subcontinent. "ODI cricket is a different story. You will see him at some stage. In Tests, he is a bit of a Rafael Nadal. He is a clay-court specialist,” he continued. South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for Australia Tests: Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have been named in South Africa's 18-man Test squad to face Australia, while coach Shukri Conrad addresses Dewald Brevis's omission.

SA vs AUS: Rabada named in 18-man preliminary squad; Nortje in line for Test return

Organisational issues at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games generated fresh headlines on Monday (Sep 28) after an official bus carrying the Pakistan volleyball team arrived at the wrong venue, delaying their group game against Uzbekistan by 45 minutes. Pakistan captain Murad Jehan slammed the Games’ organising management, saying the driver’s fault created an embarrassing situation for the Men in Green. Moreover, the players were forced to change into their kit on the moving bus to avoid wasting more time upon arrival at the right venue.&nbsp;"This is another mismanagement by Japan at the ongoing Asian Games," Pakistan captain Murad Jehan said in an Instagram video made from the bus. "We have a very important game, and the bus driver does not know in which gymnasium we are going to play," he said in the clip with a caption reading, "Embarrassing situation at Japan Asian Games 2026. Totally unfair."&nbsp;"We couldn't expect this in Japan. There is a lot of mismanagement,” he added.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-pakistan-through-to-semis-without-playing-a-ball-1790569585127">Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final?</a>&nbsp;The official Games bus carrying Pakistan’s entourage was supposed to reach an arena in Okazaki, which is southeast of Nagoya; instead, the vehicle mistakenly took them to another Games venue staging volleyball matches about an hour’s drive away.&nbsp;"As a result, the team arrived late at the correct competition venue, and we were required to delay the match by 45 minutes," said an official Games communiqué.&nbsp;Pakistan won the match 3-0.<h3>Wider Transportation &amp; Housing Complaints</h3>Meanwhile, the latest incident put further pressure on the organising committee after hundreds of athletes complained about the smaller accommodation and transport services. Several teams have also complained about buses sometimes arriving at incorrect times or even not at all.&nbsp;In one such instance, the South Korean men’s basketball team failed to turn up for a light practice ahead of the final against Japan after a bus that was supposed to take them did not arrive at all.

Pakistan's Asian Games volleyball match against Uzbekistan was delayed by 45 minutes after their team bus was driven to the wrong venue. Read the latest.

Organisational issues at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games generated fresh headlines on Monday (Sep 28) after an official bus carrying the Pakistan volleyball team arrived at the wrong venue, delaying their group game against Uzbekistan by 45 minutes. Pakistan captain Murad Jehan slammed the Games’ organising management, saying the driver’s fault created an embarrassing situation for the Men in Green. Moreover, the players were forced to change into their kit on the moving bus to avoid wasting more time upon arrival at the right venue. "This is another mismanagement by Japan at the ongoing Asian Games," Pakistan captain Murad Jehan said in an Instagram video made from the bus. "We have a very important game, and the bus driver does not know in which gymnasium we are going to play," he said in the clip with a caption reading, "Embarrassing situation at Japan Asian Games 2026. Totally unfair." "We couldn't expect this in Japan. There is a lot of mismanagement,” he added. Also read| Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final? The official Games bus carrying Pakistan’s entourage was supposed to reach an arena in Okazaki, which is southeast of Nagoya; instead, the vehicle mistakenly took them to another Games venue staging volleyball matches about an hour’s drive away. "As a result, the team arrived late at the correct competition venue, and we were required to delay the match by 45 minutes," said an official Games communiqué. Pakistan won the match 3-0. Wider Transportation & Housing Complaints Meanwhile, the latest incident put further pressure on the organising committee after hundreds of athletes complained about the smaller accommodation and transport services. Several teams have also complained about buses sometimes arriving at incorrect times or even not at all. In one such instance, the South Korean men’s basketball team failed to turn up for a light practice ahead of the final against Japan after a bus that was supposed to take them did not arrive at all.

Pakistan's Asian Games volleyball match against Uzbekistan was delayed by 45 minutes after their team bus was driven to the wrong venue. Read the latest.

Asian Games: Pakistan volleyball match delayed after bus reaches wrong venue

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old chess prodigy, has become the youngest player to earn the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title. Bodhana achieved the milestone during the ongoing 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. She surpassed Kateryna Lagno to become the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster. Lagno, who has played for both Ukraine and Russia, had achieved the feat back in 2002 at the age of 12 and held the record for more than two decades.<h2>Who is Bodhana Sivanandan?</h2>Bodhana is a schoolgirl who lives in northwest London's Harrow. She was born on March 7, 2015, to Indian parents who moved to the UK in 2007. The Indian-origin chess prodigy started playing chess during the COVID-19 pandemic and was initially fascinated by how the pieces looked.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tale-of-two-goats-ronaldo-benched-in-portugal-win-as-messi-s-stunning-free-kick-can-t-save-inter-miami-1790581563312">Tale of two GOATs: Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning free-kick can't save Inter Miami</a>"I was fascinated by how the pieces looked, especially the knight and the queen, and I wanted to use them as toys outside of chess," she had said in one of her previous interviews, as reported by GB News. She learned to play chess by watching YouTube tutorials during the early days.She participated in her first tournament at the Harrow Chess Club in July 2021 and later won all her matches at the European Schools Championship a year later at the age of 7.In August 2025, Bodhana became the youngest female chess player ever to beat a Grandmaster, defeating 60-year-old Peter Wells in the last round of the 2025 British Chess Championship in Liverpool at the age of 10.In August 2023, she was also invited by then-UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to 10 Downing Street during the announcement of a funding plan to support chess in the UK.In August 2026, Bodhana became Britain's youngest-ever women's champion at the British Chess Championship by defeating 14-year-old WGM Trisha Kanyamarala.

At 11, British-Indian prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest Woman Grandmaster in chess history. Playing at the Chess Olympiad, she broke Kateryna Lagno’s 24-year record.

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old chess prodigy, has become the youngest player to earn the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title. Bodhana achieved the milestone during the ongoing 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. She surpassed Kateryna Lagno to become the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster. Lagno, who has played for both Ukraine and Russia, had achieved the feat back in 2002 at the age of 12 and held the record for more than two decades. Who is Bodhana Sivanandan? Bodhana is a schoolgirl who lives in northwest London's Harrow. She was born on March 7, 2015, to Indian parents who moved to the UK in 2007. The Indian-origin chess prodigy started playing chess during the COVID-19 pandemic and was initially fascinated by how the pieces looked. Also Read - Tale of two GOATs: Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning free-kick can't save Inter Miami "I was fascinated by how the pieces looked, especially the knight and the queen, and I wanted to use them as toys outside of chess," she had said in one of her previous interviews, as reported by GB News. She learned to play chess by watching YouTube tutorials during the early days. She participated in her first tournament at the Harrow Chess Club in July 2021 and later won all her matches at the European Schools Championship a year later at the age of 7. In August 2025, Bodhana became the youngest female chess player ever to beat a Grandmaster, defeating 60-year-old Peter Wells in the last round of the 2025 British Chess Championship in Liverpool at the age of 10. In August 2023, she was also invited by then-UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to 10 Downing Street during the announcement of a funding plan to support chess in the UK. In August 2026, Bodhana became Britain's youngest-ever women's champion at the British Chess Championship by defeating 14-year-old WGM Trisha Kanyamarala.

At 11, British-Indian prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest Woman Grandmaster in chess history. Playing at the Chess Olympiad, she broke Kateryna Lagno’s 24-year record.

Meet Bodhana Sivanandan: 11-year-old Indian-origin British schoolgirl becomes youngest to earn Woman Grandmaster title

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently the biggest footballers who continue to play the game. Messi, however, retired recently from international football for Argentina and now only plays for Inter Miami in the USA's Major League Soccer (MLS). Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to play international football for Portugal even at 41. The two footballers, although having a juxtaposed day on Sunday (Sep 27), saw Ronaldo spend the time on the bench during Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Norway, while Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal for Inter Miami, albeit in a loss.<h2>Ronaldo sits out Portugal's win in Nations League</h2>In the UEFA Nations League match played on Sunday (Sep 27) between Portugal and Norway, Ronaldo, who has 979 goals to his name, spent the entire match on the bench. Portugal, however, won the match to make it two wins in two games. For Portugal, Joao Felix scored in the 17th minute to put them 1-0 ahead at half-time. Norway's Erling Haaland then scored the equalizer in the 51st minute, but Goncalo Ramos scored the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute, which proved to be the winner.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-wins-11th-consecutive-presidents-cup-with-17-13-win-over-internationals-1790563534481">USA wins 11th consecutive Presidents Cup with 17-13 win over Internationals</a><h2>Messi scores, but Inter Miami lose</h2>Messi, on the other hand, had a different day than Ronaldo. The former Argentina player scored the equalizer for Inter Miami in the 33rd minute of their MLS match against the Columbus Crew on Sunday (Sep 27). Messi took the free kick near the right side of the Crew's touch line and sent the ball curling into the far top corner of the net at an impossible angle. Have a look at the goal below:

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Messi's goal, however, couldn't save Inter Miami from a loss, as the Crew's Jamal Thiare scored in 90+9 minutes to win the thriller for his team.

Ronaldo was benched in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. Meanwhile, Messi scored a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami, but couldn't prevent a 2-1 MLS loss to Columbus Crew.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently the biggest footballers who continue to play the game. Messi, however, retired recently from international football for Argentina and now only plays for Inter Miami in the USA's Major League Soccer (MLS). Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to play international football for Portugal even at 41. The two footballers, although having a juxtaposed day on Sunday (Sep 27), saw Ronaldo spend the time on the bench during Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Norway, while Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal for Inter Miami, albeit in a loss. Ronaldo sits out Portugal's win in Nations League In the UEFA Nations League match played on Sunday (Sep 27) between Portugal and Norway, Ronaldo, who has 979 goals to his name, spent the entire match on the bench. Portugal, however, won the match to make it two wins in two games. For Portugal, Joao Felix scored in the 17th minute to put them 1-0 ahead at half-time. Norway's Erling Haaland then scored the equalizer in the 51st minute, but Goncalo Ramos scored the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute, which proved to be the winner. Also Read - USA wins 11th consecutive Presidents Cup with 17-13 win over Internationals Messi scores, but Inter Miami lose Messi, on the other hand, had a different day than Ronaldo. The former Argentina player scored the equalizer for Inter Miami in the 33rd minute of their MLS match against the Columbus Crew on Sunday (Sep 27). Messi took the free kick near the right side of the Crew's touch line and sent the ball curling into the far top corner of the net at an impossible angle. Have a look at the goal below:

Ronaldo was benched in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. Meanwhile, Messi scored a stunning free-kick for Inter Miami, but couldn't prevent a 2-1 MLS loss to Columbus Crew.

Tale of two GOATs: Ronaldo benched in Portugal win as Messi's stunning free-kick can't save Inter Miami

Virat Kohli is an enigma when it comes to chasing, and the veteran India batter showed his class once again on Sunday (Sep 27), scoring 139 not out off 88 balls in an 8-wicket win against the West Indies. Kohli broke multiple records during his innings, including scoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-kohli-breaks-sachin-s-most-runs-in-one-country-record-with-unbeaten-139-as-india-thump-west-indies-by-8-wickets-1790566082815">most runs in a single country</a>. In his post-match presentation, Kohli, who has only played the 50-over format for India since retiring from Tests in May 2025, spoke about how he manages to score runs with ease even at the age of 37.<h2>How Kohli keeps scoring centuries for fun</h2>After winning the match for India with back-to-back sixes, Kohli spoke to the broadcaster at length. During the conversation, the batter revealed how he manages to deliver peak performance even in the late stage of his career. Since retiring from Tests in 2025, Kohli has played 20 ODIs and scored 1,174 runs - the third-most behind Joe Root (1,381) and Daryl Mitchell (1,234). Kohli's average during this period has been 73, along with 7 fifties and 5 hundreds - the most hundreds by any player.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-pakistan-through-to-semis-without-playing-a-ball-1790569585127">Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final?</a>"It's all about staying mentally fresh, in the present moment, expressing myself out there. To follow a free mind, you need a fit body. Then I can visualize my game and execute it the way I did tonight," Kohli said.Speaking on his 2027 ODI World Cup plans, Kohli added: "The World Cup is a year away; I know what my goal is. I just needed to work on different aspects of the game... Run from boundary to boundary, show intensity, keep ticking those boxes, I just want to enjoy every day."<h2>All milestones Kohli achieved during his century vs West Indies</h2>Kohli's ton against the West Indies was his 55th in ODIs - already the highest by any player in the format - and his 60th in List A cricket, joint-most along with Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli also crossed 15,000 ODI runs during the innings and became only the second player to do so besides Sachin, who leads the tally with 18,426 runs.The ton was also Kohli's 86th in international cricket, leaving him 14 short of Sachin's record of 100 international tons.

Virat Kohli’s 139* off 88 led India to an 8-wicket win over WI. He hit 9 sixes, passed 15k ODI runs, tied Sachin with 60 List A tons, & set a record with 7,006 ODI runs in India.

Virat Kohli is an enigma when it comes to chasing, and the veteran India batter showed his class once again on Sunday (Sep 27), scoring 139 not out off 88 balls in an 8-wicket win against the West Indies. Kohli broke multiple records during his innings, including scoring the most runs in a single country. In his post-match presentation, Kohli, who has only played the 50-over format for India since retiring from Tests in May 2025, spoke about how he manages to score runs with ease even at the age of 37. How Kohli keeps scoring centuries for fun After winning the match for India with back-to-back sixes, Kohli spoke to the broadcaster at length. During the conversation, the batter revealed how he manages to deliver peak performance even in the late stage of his career. Since retiring from Tests in 2025, Kohli has played 20 ODIs and scored 1,174 runs - the third-most behind Joe Root (1,381) and Daryl Mitchell (1,234). Kohli's average during this period has been 73, along with 7 fifties and 5 hundreds - the most hundreds by any player. Also Read - Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final? "It's all about staying mentally fresh, in the present moment, expressing myself out there. To follow a free mind, you need a fit body. Then I can visualize my game and execute it the way I did tonight," Kohli said. Speaking on his 2027 ODI World Cup plans, Kohli added: "The World Cup is a year away; I know what my goal is. I just needed to work on different aspects of the game... Run from boundary to boundary, show intensity, keep ticking those boxes, I just want to enjoy every day." All milestones Kohli achieved during his century vs West Indies Kohli's ton against the West Indies was his 55th in ODIs - already the highest by any player in the format - and his 60th in List A cricket, joint-most along with Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli also crossed 15,000 ODI runs during the innings and became only the second player to do so besides Sachin, who leads the tally with 18,426 runs. The ton was also Kohli's 86th in international cricket, leaving him 14 short of Sachin's record of 100 international tons.

Virat Kohli’s 139* off 88 led India to an 8-wicket win over WI. He hit 9 sixes, passed 15k ODI runs, tied Sachin with 60 List A tons, &amp; set a record with 7,006 ODI runs in India.

'I know what my goal is': Virat Kohli shares what keeps him going on at 37

India and Pakistan, two of the four seeded teams in Asian Games men's cricket, have made it through to the semis without having to bat or bowl a single ball. Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong in the quarter-final and India was up against Afghanistan on Monday (Sep 28) at Nisshin, but the matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Pakistan will now play the winners of the fourth quarter-final, to be played between Bangladesh and Malaysia, on Thursday (Oct 1), and India will play the winner of Nepal vs Sri Lanka, also on Thursday (Oct 1).<h2>Why India and Pakistan advanced after rain washed out Asian Games QFs</h2>Hong Kong made it to the quarter-finals after finishing in the top two of Group B, which also had Malaysia and Oman. Pakistan, meanwhile, was given direct entry into the QFs along with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka based on their rankings. India, meanwhile, was scheduled to play Afghanistan, who qualified through Group A along with Nepal.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-odi-kohli-breaks-sachin-s-most-runs-in-one-country-record-with-unbeaten-139-as-india-thump-west-indies-by-8-wickets-1790566082815">IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets</a>As per the Asian Games 2026 playing conditions, in case of a washout, the team with the higher ICC ranking advances to the next round; hence Pakistan, which ranks higher than Hong Kong, and India, which is placed above Afghanistan, made it to the semis despite the matches being abandoned without a ball being bowled.<h2>Will Pakistan face India in the Asian Games?</h2>India vs Pakistan is always a contest for which billions wait across the world. The scheduling of the Asian Games, however, leaves fans hoping for too many things to go their way for an India vs Pakistan match. The arch-rivals were given direct entry into the quarter-finals along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong and India was slated to play against Afghanistan.In the semis, Pakistan will play the winner of Bangladesh vs Malaysia, and India will face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Nepal. The two teams will face off in the final only if both of them manage to win their respective semis. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday (Oct 3).

India and Pakistan reached the Asian Games cricket semis after rain abandoned their QFs against Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Higher rankings advanced both teams; they can only meet in the final.

India and Pakistan, two of the four seeded teams in Asian Games men's cricket, have made it through to the semis without having to bat or bowl a single ball. Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong in the quarter-final and India was up against Afghanistan on Monday (Sep 28) at Nisshin, but the matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Pakistan will now play the winners of the fourth quarter-final, to be played between Bangladesh and Malaysia, on Thursday (Oct 1), and India will play the winner of Nepal vs Sri Lanka, also on Thursday (Oct 1). Why India and Pakistan advanced after rain washed out Asian Games QFs Hong Kong made it to the quarter-finals after finishing in the top two of Group B, which also had Malaysia and Oman. Pakistan, meanwhile, was given direct entry into the QFs along with India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka based on their rankings. India, meanwhile, was scheduled to play Afghanistan, who qualified through Group A along with Nepal. Also Read - IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets As per the Asian Games 2026 playing conditions, in case of a washout, the team with the higher ICC ranking advances to the next round; hence Pakistan, which ranks higher than Hong Kong, and India, which is placed above Afghanistan, made it to the semis despite the matches being abandoned without a ball being bowled. Will Pakistan face India in the Asian Games? India vs Pakistan is always a contest for which billions wait across the world. The scheduling of the Asian Games, however, leaves fans hoping for too many things to go their way for an India vs Pakistan match. The arch-rivals were given direct entry into the quarter-finals along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan was scheduled to play Hong Kong and India was slated to play against Afghanistan. In the semis, Pakistan will play the winner of Bangladesh vs Malaysia, and India will face the winner of Sri Lanka vs Nepal. The two teams will face off in the final only if both of them manage to win their respective semis. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday (Oct 3).

India and Pakistan reached the Asian Games cricket semis after rain abandoned their QFs against Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Higher rankings advanced both teams; they can only meet in the final.

Asian Games 2026: India, Pakistan through to semis without playing a ball - setup for a blockbuster final?

Virat Kohli proved once again why he is called the ODI chase master as India beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI on Sunday (Sep 27) in Thiruvananthapuram. Chasing 296, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls and took the team home with a couple of sixes and 50 balls to spare. During the innings, Kohli, who plays mostly 50-over format cricket for India, crossed 15,000 ODI runs - only the second player ever to do so after Sachin Tendulkar (18,426). This was Kohli's 55th ODI ton - already a record in the format - and he hit nine sixes in the innings, the highest for him in an ODI.<h2>Kohli masterclass thumps West Indies</h2>Chasing 296, India started strong with skipper Shubman Gill adding 74 runs for the first wicket with former skipper Rohit Sharma (32), who was the first wicket to fall. Gill and Kohli then added 151 runs for the second wicket before Gill got out for 110 - his 10th ODI hundred. Needing 71 runs off the last 16 overs, Kohli scored the bulk of the runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the other end, who remained not out on 13 off 16 balls.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-vs-afghanistan-quarterfinal-rain-washout-rules-predicted-xi-1790501105330">Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal?</a>Earlier, the West Indies were asked to bat first after losing the toss. The visitors started with a 135-run opening partnership between John Campbell (62) and Justin Greaves (101) before Kuldeep Yadav reeled them in. No other West Indies batter could cross the 25-run mark after the openers except Amir Jangoo, who scored an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls. Kuldeep finished with 4/40 in 10 overs, while Prasidh Krishna took 2/60 and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up 1/45.<h2>Records Kohli broke with his hundred against West Indies</h2>After scoring the match-winning hundred, Kohli told broadcasters: "I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and, you know, play a gear higher and that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help, you know, anything that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL. It's really helped me a lot to play with a free mind and I think that's what's working for me." Below are the records Kohli broke during his innings:Kohli's 7,006 ODI runs in India are the most for a player in a single country, going past Sachin Tendulkar's 6,976 runs, also in India.Kohli now has 60 List A tons, the same as Sachin Tendulkar.Kohli (15,080) is only the second player ever to score 15,000+ ODI runs, behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426).This was Kohli's 10th ODI hundred against the West Indies, the joint-most by a player against a single country, equalling his own record of 10 ODI tons against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 139 (88) led India to an 8-wicket win over West Indies. He hit 9 sixes, completed 15,000 ODI runs, and logged his 55th ton as India chased 296 with 50 balls to spare.

Virat Kohli proved once again why he is called the ODI chase master as India beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI on Sunday (Sep 27) in Thiruvananthapuram. Chasing 296, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls and took the team home with a couple of sixes and 50 balls to spare. During the innings, Kohli, who plays mostly 50-over format cricket for India, crossed 15,000 ODI runs - only the second player ever to do so after Sachin Tendulkar (18,426). This was Kohli's 55th ODI ton - already a record in the format - and he hit nine sixes in the innings, the highest for him in an ODI. Kohli masterclass thumps West Indies Chasing 296, India started strong with skipper Shubman Gill adding 74 runs for the first wicket with former skipper Rohit Sharma (32), who was the first wicket to fall. Gill and Kohli then added 151 runs for the second wicket before Gill got out for 110 - his 10th ODI hundred. Needing 71 runs off the last 16 overs, Kohli scored the bulk of the runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the other end, who remained not out on 13 off 16 balls. Also Read - Asian Games: What happens if rain washes out India vs Afghanistan quarterfinal? Earlier, the West Indies were asked to bat first after losing the toss. The visitors started with a 135-run opening partnership between John Campbell (62) and Justin Greaves (101) before Kuldeep Yadav reeled them in. No other West Indies batter could cross the 25-run mark after the openers except Amir Jangoo, who scored an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls. Kuldeep finished with 4/40 in 10 overs, while Prasidh Krishna took 2/60 and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up 1/45. Records Kohli broke with his hundred against West Indies After scoring the match-winning hundred, Kohli told broadcasters: "I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and, you know, play a gear higher and that was exciting for me to work on. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help, you know, anything that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL. It's really helped me a lot to play with a free mind and I think that's what's working for me." Below are the records Kohli broke during his innings: Kohli's 7,006 ODI runs in India are the most for a player in a single country, going past Sachin Tendulkar's 6,976 runs, also in India. Kohli now has 60 List A tons, the same as Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli (15,080) is only the second player ever to score 15,000+ ODI runs, behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426). This was Kohli's 10th ODI hundred against the West Indies, the joint-most by a player against a single country, equalling his own record of 10 ODI tons against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 139 (88) led India to an 8-wicket win over West Indies. He hit 9 sixes, completed 15,000 ODI runs, and logged his 55th ton as India chased 296 with 50 balls to spare.

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets

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IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli's record-breaking 139 not out leads India to big win