Ajinkya Rahane's terrific captaincy record has started discussions on captaincy style with fans and&nbsp;former cricketers comparing his leadership traits with full-time Indian captain Virat Kohli. While Rahane led Team India to a historic&nbsp;Test series win over Australia recently, Kohli will be back in-charge in the home series against England. A crucial cog in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indian side, Ravichandran Ashwin&nbsp;has now opened up about the captaincy style between Kohli and Rahane.&nbsp;

Rahane's calm and composed demeanour was lauded by many while his aggressive bowling and fielding changes&nbsp;helped India come back to the series to win it 2-1. However, Kohli's&nbsp;'in&nbsp;your face' and expressive approach have helped India win&nbsp;33 Test matches out of 56 in which Kohli has led Team India.&nbsp;

Ashwin, talking about Rahane and Kohli's captaincy, said that a captain and his achievements can be only good as the team while adding the Indian cricket team, in the past, has enjoyed great results due to quality players in the dressing room.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The veteran Indian spinner further said there is not much difference in the duo's captaincy style. Ashwin said that while Kohli is more expressive&nbsp;and communicative, Rahane is much quieter than him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-swashbuckling-rishabh-pant-decimated-australia-at-the-gabba-357703" hreflang="en">How swashbuckling Rishabh Pant decimated Australia at the Gabba</a>

"Rahane has led India in about five Tests and Kohli much more and that’s the first difference. I am totally blown away by the kind of comparisons people like to make when it comes to captaincy. All along it was about MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and their styles of leadership. People just want to pick on it and just talk about it because it makes the headlines,” Ashwin told The New Indian Express.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Kohli has a brilliant win percentage of 58.92 as a Test captain after leading India in 56 Tests including 33 wins, 13 defeats and 10 draws;&nbsp;Rahane is yet to lose a match as Indian Test captain after leading the side in five Tests with four wins and one draw.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Personally, I feel that as a captain your achievements can only be as good as the team that you get. I feel this Indian team has had some wonderful results in the past because of quality players and human beings in the dressing room. Virat and Rahane have been captain and vice-captain for as long as I can remember now. They lend great balance to the team,” Ashwin said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-disrespectful-kevin-pietersen-lashes-out-on-englands-possible-xi-against-india-359060" hreflang="en">'It’s disrespectful': Kevin Pietersen lashes out on England's possible XI against India</a>

"As soon as Virat left, it was just an extension and nobody had to tell Jinks how things had to be operated and it was an automatic transition that happened. For me, it was an extension of what’s been happening in the last 5 years. We have played under Jinks in the Dharamshala Test (Against Oz in 2017) and then the Test against Afghanistan and we know what to expect. When the players know what to expect, things get a lot easier. I wouldn’t say there is a distinct difference in their style of captaincy. It's just the people they are. Virat is more expressive, communicative and in your face while Jinks doesn’t do these three things. But the way they captain the side is pretty much similar,” the 34-year-old who picked up 12 wickets in three Tests in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 added.&nbsp;

Ajinkya Rahane's terrific captaincy record has started discussions on captaincy style with fans and former cricketers comparing his leadership traits with full-time Indian captain Virat Kohli.

Ajinkya Rahane's terrific captaincy record has started discussions on captaincy style with fans and former cricketers comparing his leadership traits with full-time Indian captain Virat Kohli. While Rahane led Team India to a historic Test series win over Australia recently, Kohli will be back in-charge in the home series against England. A crucial cog in the Indian side, Ravichandran Ashwin has now opened up about the captaincy style between Kohli and Rahane. Rahane's calm and composed demeanour was lauded by many while his aggressive bowling and fielding changes helped India come back to the series to win it 2-1. However, Kohli's 'in your face' and expressive approach have helped India win 33 Test matches out of 56 in which Kohli has led Team India. Ashwin, talking about Rahane and Kohli's captaincy, said that a captain and his achievements can be only good as the team while adding the Indian cricket team, in the past, has enjoyed great results due to quality players in the dressing room. The veteran Indian spinner further said there is not much difference in the duo's captaincy style. Ashwin said that while Kohli is more expressive and communicative, Rahane is much quieter than him. ALSO READ: How swashbuckling Rishabh Pant decimated Australia at the Gabba "Rahane has led India in about five Tests and Kohli much more and that’s the first difference. I am totally blown away by the kind of comparisons people like to make when it comes to captaincy. All along it was about MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and their styles of leadership. People just want to pick on it and just talk about it because it makes the headlines,” Ashwin told The New Indian Express. While Kohli has a brilliant win percentage of 58.92 as a Test captain after leading India in 56 Tests including 33 wins, 13 defeats and 10 draws; Rahane is yet to lose a match as Indian Test captain after leading the side in five Tests with four wins and one draw. "Personally, I feel that as a captain your achievements can only be as good as the team that you get. I feel this Indian team has had some wonderful results in the past because of quality players and human beings in the dressing room. Virat and Rahane have been captain and vice-captain for as long as I can remember now. They lend great balance to the team,” Ashwin said. ALSO READ: 'It’s disrespectful': Kevin Pietersen lashes out on England's possible XI against India "As soon as Virat left, it was just an extension and nobody had to tell Jinks how things had to be operated and it was an automatic transition that happened. For me, it was an extension of what’s been happening in the last 5 years. We have played under Jinks in the Dharamshala Test (Against Oz in 2017) and then the Test against Afghanistan and we know what to expect. When the players know what to expect, things get a lot easier. I wouldn’t say there is a distinct difference in their style of captaincy. It's just the people they are. Virat is more expressive, communicative and in your face while Jinks doesn’t do these three things. But the way they captain the side is pretty much similar,” the 34-year-old who picked up 12 wickets in three Tests in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 added.

How are Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane different as captains? R Ashwin gives his take

Hank Aaron, the baseball great who &nbsp;defied racist hatred to break Babe Ruth's cherished major league home run record, died Friday. He was 86.

The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's former club, and Major League Baseball said the beloved Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank" passed away Friday morning.

"We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin' Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game," MLB said in a statement.

In a glittering career, Aaron delighted fans with his poise and dazzling offensive skills to cement his place in baseball's pantheon.

Aaron's 715th career home run -- belted on April 8, 1974 -- broke the record Ruth had set nearly 40 years before.

A crowd of 53,775 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium celebrated the feat. But the build-up to the record-setting swing was a harrowing glimpse of the ugly underside of America.

Hate mail, death threats, even threats to Aaron's family had seen security around him tighten as he drew closer to the record over two seasons.

For inspiration, Aaron turned to trailblazing Jackie Robinson, the player who paved the way for blacks in the modern game.

"I thought that if he could stand up and take the abuse that he took, that I can do the same thing and be the same person, as long as God gave me the ability to play the game," Aaron once recalled.

"It was a time for me to stand up and be tall, to do what I was sent here to do."

Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama, one of eight children of Herbert and Estella Aaron.

A speech by Robinson at a recreation center sparked the 14-year-old Aaron's desire to be a major league ball player -- a goal he pursued through a semi-pro team, the Black Bears, while he was still in high school.

At 18, he was playing for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the last of the Negro Baseball League teams. He joined the Boston Braves in 1952, and played his first Major League Baseball game in 1954, after the club's move to Milwaukee.

Two decades of sustained excellence would follow in Milwaukee and through the Braves' move to Atlanta.

Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs -- establishing a record that would stand for 33 years when it was broken by Barry Bonds -- the drugs-tainted Giants slugger who would re-set the mark at 762.

Inextricably linked to baseball's most explosive feat, Hammerin' Hank was, in fact, far more than a slugger and MLB's Hank Aaron Award given for overall offensive excellence reflects the fact.

Earlier in that magical April 8, 1974 game, Aaron -- walked in his first at-bat -- scored the 2,063rd run of his career -- breaking the National League record set by Willie Mays.

He owns the major league record for most career runs-batted-in with 2,297 and as an outfielder won three Gold Glove awards for his fielding skills.

Aaron set a dozen major league records before he retired in 1976, heading into a career that would see him become one of baseball's first black upper-level executives when Braves owner Ted Turner appointed him vice president of player development.

Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 2002 President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors.

'Marvelous moment'&nbsp;

But he knew he would always be identified with home runs.

"No matter what it is," Aaron said, "they're going to always say 'Hank Aaron and a home run."

And one home run in particular.

On that night in Atlanta in 1974, Aaron watched a slider from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing find the dirt, then turned on a Downing fastball to send it high and right.

"It kept carrying and carrying," Downing recalled. When it cleared the fence, fireworks went off and Aaron rounded the bases, maintaining his composure even when two fans made it onto the field to congratulate him.

"What a marvelous moment for baseball," Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully said.

"What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia, what a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking the record of an all-time baseball idol." 
&nbsp;

Hank Aaron, the baseball great who defied racist hatred to break Babe Ruth's cherished major league home run record, died Friday. He was 86. The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's former club, and Major League Baseball said the beloved Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank" passed away Friday morning.

Hank Aaron, the baseball great who defied racist hatred to break Babe Ruth's cherished major league home run record, died Friday. He was 86. The Atlanta Braves, Aaron's former club, and Major League Baseball said the beloved Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank" passed away Friday morning. "We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin' Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game," MLB said in a statement. In a glittering career, Aaron delighted fans with his poise and dazzling offensive skills to cement his place in baseball's pantheon. Aaron's 715th career home run -- belted on April 8, 1974 -- broke the record Ruth had set nearly 40 years before. A crowd of 53,775 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium celebrated the feat. But the build-up to the record-setting swing was a harrowing glimpse of the ugly underside of America. Hate mail, death threats, even threats to Aaron's family had seen security around him tighten as he drew closer to the record over two seasons. For inspiration, Aaron turned to trailblazing Jackie Robinson, the player who paved the way for blacks in the modern game. "I thought that if he could stand up and take the abuse that he took, that I can do the same thing and be the same person, as long as God gave me the ability to play the game," Aaron once recalled. "It was a time for me to stand up and be tall, to do what I was sent here to do." Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama, one of eight children of Herbert and Estella Aaron. A speech by Robinson at a recreation center sparked the 14-year-old Aaron's desire to be a major league ball player -- a goal he pursued through a semi-pro team, the Black Bears, while he was still in high school. At 18, he was playing for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the last of the Negro Baseball League teams. He joined the Boston Braves in 1952, and played his first Major League Baseball game in 1954, after the club's move to Milwaukee. Two decades of sustained excellence would follow in Milwaukee and through the Braves' move to Atlanta. Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs -- establishing a record that would stand for 33 years when it was broken by Barry Bonds -- the drugs-tainted Giants slugger who would re-set the mark at 762. Inextricably linked to baseball's most explosive feat, Hammerin' Hank was, in fact, far more than a slugger and MLB's Hank Aaron Award given for overall offensive excellence reflects the fact. Earlier in that magical April 8, 1974 game, Aaron -- walked in his first at-bat -- scored the 2,063rd run of his career -- breaking the National League record set by Willie Mays. He owns the major league record for most career runs-batted-in with 2,297 and as an outfielder won three Gold Glove awards for his fielding skills. Aaron set a dozen major league records before he retired in 1976, heading into a career that would see him become one of baseball's first black upper-level executives when Braves owner Ted Turner appointed him vice president of player development. Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 2002 President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors. 'Marvelous moment' But he knew he would always be identified with home runs. "No matter what it is," Aaron said, "they're going to always say 'Hank Aaron and a home run." And one home run in particular. On that night in Atlanta in 1974, Aaron watched a slider from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing find the dirt, then turned on a Downing fastball to send it high and right. "It kept carrying and carrying," Downing recalled. When it cleared the fence, fireworks went off and Aaron rounded the bases, maintaining his composure even when two fans made it onto the field to congratulate him. "What a marvelous moment for baseball," Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully said. "What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia, what a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking the record of an all-time baseball idol."

Hank Aaron: baseball and civil rights icon dead at 86

England are set to tour India for a full-fledged series starting from February 4. India and England will lock horns in four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs in what promises to be enthralling series of cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

England will visit India after the completion of their ongoing two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While England have had a confidence booster after comfortably beating Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, India&nbsp;are&nbsp;on a high after their historic Test series triumph against Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-auction-likely-on-february-18-bcci-official-358588" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 auction likely on February 18: BCCI official</a>

The Test series will also witness the pink-ball Test (third Test) in the newly-built Sardar Patel Stadium as the venue in Ahmedabad gears up to host its maiden international fixture.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;gruelling&nbsp;tour will start with four Test matches, followed by five T20Is before ending it with a three-match ODI series.&nbsp;The squads for the first two Tests have been announced by both England and India.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beating-india-in-india-is-a-far-higher-thing-to-strive-former-england-spinner-graeme-swann-358551" hreflang="en">'Beating India in India is a far higher thing to strive': Former England spinner Graeme Swann</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3b9c69a1-6ce8-49e3-b23f-3b32663a57b2}{156}" paraid="1512110052" >India vs England: Squads&nbsp;</h2>

Team India squad for first two Tests: India squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;

England squad for first two Tests: Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris&nbsp;Woakes.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d7dbb78-3ba2-4b05-9024-3619d0734c3e}{45}" paraid="1583728904" >India vs England: Telecast and Live Streaming Details</h2>

The India-England series will be live on various channels of Star Sports. The live streaming of matches will be available on Hotstar.

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{50a41408-c45d-42d0-b2ec-9a0abb7a4137}{10}" paraid="768632653" role="heading" >England Tour of India: Full Schedule&nbsp;</h2>

Tests&nbsp;

Friday 5-9 February:&nbsp;1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Saturday 13-17 February:&nbsp;2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd&nbsp;Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Thursday 4-8 March: 4th&nbsp;Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

T20Is&nbsp;

Friday 12 March:&nbsp;1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Sunday 14 March:&nbsp;2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Tuesday 16 March:&nbsp;3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Thursday 18 March:&nbsp;4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Saturday 20 March:&nbsp;5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

ODIs&nbsp;

Tuesday 23 March:&nbsp;1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Friday 26 March:&nbsp;2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Sunday 28 March:&nbsp;3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Monday 29 March:&nbsp;Touring party departs India&nbsp;

&nbsp;

England are set to tour India for a full-fledged series starting from February 4. India and England will lock horns in four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs in what promises to be enthralling series of cricket.

England are set to tour India for a full-fledged series starting from February 4. India and England will lock horns in four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs in what promises to be enthralling series of cricket. England will visit India after the completion of their ongoing two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. While England have had a confidence booster after comfortably beating Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, India are on a high after their historic Test series triumph against Australia. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 auction likely on February 18: BCCI official The Test series will also witness the pink-ball Test (third Test) in the newly-built Sardar Patel Stadium as the venue in Ahmedabad gears up to host its maiden international fixture. The gruelling tour will start with four Test matches, followed by five T20Is before ending it with a three-match ODI series. The squads for the first two Tests have been announced by both England and India. ALSO READ: 'Beating India in India is a far higher thing to strive': Former England spinner Graeme Swann India vs England: Squads Team India squad for first two Tests: India squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur England squad for first two Tests: Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. India vs England: Telecast and Live Streaming Details The India-England series will be live on various channels of Star Sports. The live streaming of matches will be available on Hotstar. England Tour of India: Full Schedule Tests Friday 5-9 February: 1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Saturday 13-17 February: 2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 4-8 March: 4th Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad T20Is Friday 12 March: 1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Sunday 14 March: 2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Tuesday 16 March: 3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 18 March: 4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Saturday 20 March: 5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad ODIs Tuesday 23 March: 1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Friday 26 March: 2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Sunday 28 March: 3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Monday 29 March: Touring party departs India

India vs England: Full schedule, squads, telecast - All you need to know

Controversy has erupted after it was reported that tennis great Margaret Court is set to be awarded Australia's highest&nbsp;honour&nbsp;next week. Fans criticised&nbsp;the&nbsp;move&nbsp;because of Court's history of anti-gay views.&nbsp;

Court, who won 24 singles Grand Slam titles in her career and 40 doubles Grand Slams, is to be awarded a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia&nbsp;(AC) - the highest category of&nbsp;honour&nbsp;– after previously receiving the laurel in 2007, the media reported.&nbsp; The tennis great ultimately retrained as a Pentecostal pastor.&nbsp;

While Court's award has not been officially confirmed, Victoria state leader Daniel Andrews hinted about it on social media, without naming her as he said he didn't&nbsp;“want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen”.&nbsp;

“But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honor – I think it’s worth saying again: Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division,” Andrews said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-reacts-to-reports-of-tokyo-olympics-getting-cancelled-says-it-is-categorically-untrue-358581" hreflang="en">IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue'</a>

However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had&nbsp;no “official knowledge” of Court’s award.&nbsp;

“It is a system that&nbsp;recognises&nbsp;the full spectrum of individuals across this country,” Morrison said of the awards.&nbsp;

Court, in 2019, had&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;transgender athletes and called the teaching of LGBT material in schools the work of devil. The tennis great made the comments at the Perth church which she set up decades back and where she is a pastor now.&nbsp;

The 78-year-old was slammed by other tennis greats such as Martina Navratilova&nbsp;and John McEnroe as they said Court's name should be removed from the Melbourne Park&nbsp;showcourt&nbsp;and replaced with that of former world number one, Evonne Goolagong.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-korean-olympic-champion-seeks-heavier-sentence-for-sex-assault-coach-358498" hreflang="en">South Korean Olympic champion seeks heavier sentence for sex-assault coach</a>

“You name buildings after not what people just did on the court, but also off the court, the whole body of work,” Navratilova, an 18-times Grand Slam champion who is openly gay, said on the Tennis Channel at the time.&nbsp;

However, the duo had to apologise for&nbsp;a breach of “protocol” at the Australian Open after being taken to task by tournament organizers for an on-court protest against Court.

Court has maintained that she had been treated unfairly due to her views on&nbsp;“gay marriage and all of those areas”&nbsp;while&nbsp;emphasising&nbsp;that people should focus on her on-court achievements.&nbsp;

Controversy has erupted after it was reported that tennis great Margaret Court is set to be awarded Australia's highest honour next week. Fans criticised the move because of Court's history of anti-gay views.

Controversy has erupted after it was reported that tennis great Margaret Court is set to be awarded Australia's highest honour next week. Fans criticised the move because of Court's history of anti-gay views. Court, who won 24 singles Grand Slam titles in her career and 40 doubles Grand Slams, is to be awarded a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) - the highest category of honour – after previously receiving the laurel in 2007, the media reported. The tennis great ultimately retrained as a Pentecostal pastor. While Court's award has not been officially confirmed, Victoria state leader Daniel Andrews hinted about it on social media, without naming her as he said he didn't “want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen”. “But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honor – I think it’s worth saying again: Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division,” Andrews said. ALSO READ: IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue' However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had no “official knowledge” of Court’s award. “It is a system that recognises the full spectrum of individuals across this country,” Morrison said of the awards. Court, in 2019, had criticised transgender athletes and called the teaching of LGBT material in schools the work of devil. The tennis great made the comments at the Perth church which she set up decades back and where she is a pastor now. The 78-year-old was slammed by other tennis greats such as Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe as they said Court's name should be removed from the Melbourne Park showcourt and replaced with that of former world number one, Evonne Goolagong. ALSO READ: South Korean Olympic champion seeks heavier sentence for sex-assault coach “You name buildings after not what people just did on the court, but also off the court, the whole body of work,” Navratilova, an 18-times Grand Slam champion who is openly gay, said on the Tennis Channel at the time. However, the duo had to apologise for a breach of “protocol” at the Australian Open after being taken to task by tournament organizers for an on-court protest against Court. Court has maintained that she had been treated unfairly due to her views on “gay marriage and all of those areas” while emphasising that people should focus on her on-court achievements.

Expected Australia Day 2021 honour for Margaret Court stirs controversy

Burnley on Friday ensured Liverpool's first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> defeat at the Anfield after a whopping 68 matches as the&nbsp;Clarets defeated the Reds 0-1 in what was an enthralling game of football. While the tensions were high as Liverpool tried to break the deadlock, both the manager Sean Dyche and Klopp were involved in a heated exchange in the tunnel after referee Mike Dean blew the half-time whistle.&nbsp;

However, Dyche has insisted that he was entitled to "fight" for his side's interest as he said both the managers were fighting for their side and wanted to win the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Just two managers fighting for their side, wanting to win,"&nbsp;Dyche said when asked about the incident.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Dyche further said that he has got no problem with such altercations while praising Klopp and Liverpool.&nbsp;

"I’ve got no problem with that, he’s a&nbsp;top-class&nbsp;manager at a&nbsp;top-class&nbsp;football club and you are allowed to say your piece and fight for your side if you feel it’s appropriate, which I did. ‘That’s it for me, it’s a moment in time. End of."&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-coach-zidane-positive-for-covid-19-club-358608" hreflang="en">Real Madrid coach Zidane positive for Covid-19: club</a>

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Jurgen Klopp &amp; Sean Dyche exchange strong words in the tunnel at half-time 🤬 <a href="https://t.co/rvnGEWMBiX">pic.twitter.com/rvnGEWMBiX</a>
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Meanwhile, Klopp said that he didn't pick up the fight and started the bust-up with Dyche as he ended up by saying everything is good between the two.&nbsp;

"If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it,’ said the Liverpool boss. ‘I didn’t start it but it’s nothing, all good,” Klopp said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/massive-punch-in-the-face-klopp-after-liverpools-home-streak-ended-by-burnley-358421" hreflang="en">'Massive punch in the face': Klopp after Liverpool's home streak ended by Burnley</a>

Liverpool's 68-match unbeaten Premier League run at the Anfield came to an end after Ashley Barnes’ 83rd&nbsp;minute penalty after the forward was brought down by&nbsp;Reds' goalkeeper Allison.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barnes made no mistake and sent the ball to the bottom-right corner to open the scoring. Burnley held on to the win after extreme attacking pressure by the hosts to win the match.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Burnley on Friday ensured Liverpool's first Premier League defeat at the Anfield after a whopping 68 matches as the Clarets defeated the Reds 0-1 in what was an enthralling game of football.

Burnley on Friday ensured Liverpool's first Premier League defeat at the Anfield after a whopping 68 matches as the Clarets defeated the Reds 0-1 in what was an enthralling game of football. While the tensions were high as Liverpool tried to break the deadlock, both the manager Sean Dyche and Klopp were involved in a heated exchange in the tunnel after referee Mike Dean blew the half-time whistle. However, Dyche has insisted that he was entitled to "fight" for his side's interest as he said both the managers were fighting for their side and wanted to win the game. "Just two managers fighting for their side, wanting to win," Dyche said when asked about the incident. Dyche further said that he has got no problem with such altercations while praising Klopp and Liverpool. "I’ve got no problem with that, he’s a top-class manager at a top-class football club and you are allowed to say your piece and fight for your side if you feel it’s appropriate, which I did. ‘That’s it for me, it’s a moment in time. End of." ALSO READ: Real Madrid coach Zidane positive for Covid-19: club Jurgen Klopp & Sean Dyche exchange strong words in the tunnel at half-time 🤬 pic.twitter.com/rvnGEWMBiX — Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 21, 2021 × Meanwhile, Klopp said that he didn't pick up the fight and started the bust-up with Dyche as he ended up by saying everything is good between the two. "If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it,’ said the Liverpool boss. ‘I didn’t start it but it’s nothing, all good,” Klopp said. ALSO READ: 'Massive punch in the face': Klopp after Liverpool's home streak ended by Burnley Liverpool's 68-match unbeaten Premier League run at the Anfield came to an end after Ashley Barnes’ 83rd minute penalty after the forward was brought down by Reds' goalkeeper Allison. Barnes made no mistake and sent the ball to the bottom-right corner to open the scoring. Burnley held on to the win after extreme attacking pressure by the hosts to win the match.

Liverpool vs Burnley: Sean Dyche opens up on Jurgen Klopp tunnel bust-up

Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon thrashed Indian superstar PV Sindhu on Friday in a swift 21-13, 21-9 game, halting her ascent into the semi-finals of badminton's Thailand Open.

The two players -- both beloved in their home countries -- were expected to have a well-matched showdown, with Sindhu having beaten the fourth-seeded Thai player in their last encounter in 2018.&nbsp;

But she was no match for Ratchanok's swift and graceful defence, which left one of the world's highest-paid athlete rudderless by the second set.

"If I had won the first game, I think things would have been comparatively different," said Sindhu, who admitted it just wasn't her day.

Her disappointing show on court comes after last week's surprise early exit in first of three consecutive events in Bangkok that culminate in next week's World Tour finals.

Ratchanok will face top-ranked Tai Tzu-ying in the semi-finals, who will be attempting a comeback after her loss in last week's tournament finals to Spain's Carolina Marin.

Marin continued her winning streak Friday, disposing of Turkey's Neslihan Yigit in a quick 21-6, 21-15 victory.&nbsp;

But she said she was impressed with the 32nd-ranked Yigit -- the sole Turkish player to make the quarter-finals at a Super 100 tournament.

"I hope that more European players will be playing badminton at this level," Marin said.

She will be facing off in the semi-finals against South Korean An Se-young, a formidable teenager who was awarded "Most Promising Player" in 2019.&nbsp;

They already duelled in last week's tournament, with the more experienced Marin winning 21-18, 21-16.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old, ranked ninth in the world, said she would need to up her mental game in preparation for their showing on Saturday.

"If I want to win against Marin, I need to focus more than last time and have more confidence," An said, after she disposed of Thai player Pornpawee Chochuwong in a 21-15, 21-18 match full of smashes and attacks.

Meanwhile India's Sameer Verma put up a strong fight earlier in the day against third-ranked Anders Antonsen, whose return to the court comes after he suffered a twisted ankle in March.

The three-set thriller had both players dive-bombing for the shuttlecock before Antonsen eked out a 21-13, 19-21, 22-20 win.&nbsp;

"Sameer is a warrior. He fought really hard," said the third seed Dane, who admitted that Verma, ranked 31st in the world, came "very close" to beating him.

The athletes have been facing off under tight biosecurity because of the coronavirus pandemic, and without spectators, although the tournaments have been blighted by four positive coronavirus cases.

Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon thrashed Indian superstar PV Sindhu on Friday in a swift 21-13, 21-9 game, halting her ascent into the semi-finals of badminton's Thailand Open.

Former world champion Ratchanok Intanon thrashed Indian superstar PV Sindhu on Friday in a swift 21-13, 21-9 game, halting her ascent into the semi-finals of badminton's Thailand Open. The two players -- both beloved in their home countries -- were expected to have a well-matched showdown, with Sindhu having beaten the fourth-seeded Thai player in their last encounter in 2018. But she was no match for Ratchanok's swift and graceful defence, which left one of the world's highest-paid athlete rudderless by the second set. "If I had won the first game, I think things would have been comparatively different," said Sindhu, who admitted it just wasn't her day. Her disappointing show on court comes after last week's surprise early exit in first of three consecutive events in Bangkok that culminate in next week's World Tour finals. Ratchanok will face top-ranked Tai Tzu-ying in the semi-finals, who will be attempting a comeback after her loss in last week's tournament finals to Spain's Carolina Marin. Marin continued her winning streak Friday, disposing of Turkey's Neslihan Yigit in a quick 21-6, 21-15 victory. But she said she was impressed with the 32nd-ranked Yigit -- the sole Turkish player to make the quarter-finals at a Super 100 tournament. "I hope that more European players will be playing badminton at this level," Marin said. She will be facing off in the semi-finals against South Korean An Se-young, a formidable teenager who was awarded "Most Promising Player" in 2019. They already duelled in last week's tournament, with the more experienced Marin winning 21-18, 21-16. The 18-year-old, ranked ninth in the world, said she would need to up her mental game in preparation for their showing on Saturday. "If I want to win against Marin, I need to focus more than last time and have more confidence," An said, after she disposed of Thai player Pornpawee Chochuwong in a 21-15, 21-18 match full of smashes and attacks. Meanwhile India's Sameer Verma put up a strong fight earlier in the day against third-ranked Anders Antonsen, whose return to the court comes after he suffered a twisted ankle in March. The three-set thriller had both players dive-bombing for the shuttlecock before Antonsen eked out a 21-13, 19-21, 22-20 win. "Sameer is a warrior. He fought really hard," said the third seed Dane, who admitted that Verma, ranked 31st in the world, came "very close" to beating him. The athletes have been facing off under tight biosecurity because of the coronavirus pandemic, and without spectators, although the tournaments have been blighted by four positive coronavirus cases.

Former top-ranked Ratchanok thrashes Indian superstar PV Sindhu

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19, the Spanish club announced Friday.

The positive test comes a day before Madrid travel to Alaves in La Liga seeking to bounce back from an embarrassing midweek Copa del Rey exit.

"Real Madrid C.F. report that our coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19," the club said in a statement.

Zidane already had to self-isolate this month after coming into contact with a person infected with the virus.

He tested negative at the time and was able to oversee the team.

After successive defeats in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, the second a shock loss to third-tier Alcoyano, Zidane is again under pressure as Real Madrid try to reignite their La Liga title challenge away to Alaves.

Zidane's side are playing catch-up to Atletico Madrid after draws against struggling Elche and Osasuna, two of the league's bottom three, in recent weeks.

Alaves beat Madrid 2-1 in the capital in late November but have won just once in eight matches since, their slide into a relegation scrap costing coach Pablo Machin his job last week with former Spain international Abelardo Fernandez returning to take charge.

Real assistant coach David Bettoni said that Zidane was "fine" after his positive test, although "sad" not to be among the players.

"I spoke with the coach this morning and he is fine," said Bettoni.

"He was a little sad this morning not to be with us. He will not physically be with us, but we all know that he will be with us supporting.

"He will not be with us physically during tomorrow's game, but he will be with us to support the players, give his energy and help everyone."

Bettoni also played down talk of Zidane's future after their Copa del Rey embarrassment.

"You know the boss, he likes football, it's his passion. He is fortunate to coach this great club. In football it is a complicated time, but he is in good spirits," said Bettoni.

"I see him every morning with a smile, with joy, wanting to train. We want to carry on, we are fortunate to train at this club, so we enjoy them every day with our players."

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19, the Spanish club announced Friday. The positive test comes a day before Madrid travel to Alaves in La Liga seeking to bounce back from an embarrassing midweek Copa del Rey exit.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19, the Spanish club announced Friday. The positive test comes a day before Madrid travel to Alaves in La Liga seeking to bounce back from an embarrassing midweek Copa del Rey exit. "Real Madrid C.F. report that our coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for Covid-19," the club said in a statement. Zidane already had to self-isolate this month after coming into contact with a person infected with the virus. He tested negative at the time and was able to oversee the team. After successive defeats in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey, the second a shock loss to third-tier Alcoyano, Zidane is again under pressure as Real Madrid try to reignite their La Liga title challenge away to Alaves. Zidane's side are playing catch-up to Atletico Madrid after draws against struggling Elche and Osasuna, two of the league's bottom three, in recent weeks. Alaves beat Madrid 2-1 in the capital in late November but have won just once in eight matches since, their slide into a relegation scrap costing coach Pablo Machin his job last week with former Spain international Abelardo Fernandez returning to take charge. Real assistant coach David Bettoni said that Zidane was "fine" after his positive test, although "sad" not to be among the players. "I spoke with the coach this morning and he is fine," said Bettoni. "He was a little sad this morning not to be with us. He will not physically be with us, but we all know that he will be with us supporting. "He will not be with us physically during tomorrow's game, but he will be with us to support the players, give his energy and help everyone." Bettoni also played down talk of Zidane's future after their Copa del Rey embarrassment. "You know the boss, he likes football, it's his passion. He is fortunate to coach this great club. In football it is a complicated time, but he is in good spirits," said Bettoni. "I see him every morning with a smile, with joy, wanting to train. We want to carry on, we are fortunate to train at this club, so we enjoy them every day with our players."

Real Madrid coach Zidane positive for Covid-19: club

The players auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to be&nbsp;held on February 18, a BCCI official told PTI on Friday.&nbsp;With the IPL 2021 retention deadline passed and trading window set to end on February 4, the BCCI official has said that the IPL 2021 players auction will take place on February 18 while adding the venue for the same is&nbsp;yet to be decided.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The auction will be held on February 18. The venue is yet to be decided," the official said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The BCCI is also undecided on whether the IPL 2021 will be conducted in India or not. However, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has repeatedly&nbsp;emphasised&nbsp;that everything would be done to keep the lucrative T20 tournament at its home.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/just-continue-when-shardul-thakur-didnt-convey-ravi-shastris-message-to-vihari-and-ashwin-in-sydney-358569" hreflang="en">'Just continue!': When Shardul Thakur didn't convey Ravi Shastri's message to Vihari and Ashwin in Sydney</a>

IPL 2020 was taken abroad, to the United Arab Emirates, in September-November due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the BCCI successfully pulled off the multi-team tournament without a hitch.&nbsp;

Smooth conduct of India's full-fledged home series against England, scheduled to start from February 5,&nbsp;should pave the way for the cash-rich tournament to be held at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-yo-yo-bcci-introduces-new-fitness-test-for-team-india-358543" hreflang="en">After Yo-Yo, BCCI introduces new fitness test for Team India</a>

Meanwhile, elite players like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Morris among others were released from their respective franchise on the IPL 2021 retention deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians won the IPL 2020 after a splendid show in the UAE as the Rohit Sharma-led outfit lifted a record fifth IPL trophy.&nbsp;

The players auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to be held on February 18, a BCCI official told PTI on Friday. With the IPL 2021 retention deadline passed and trading window set to end on February 4, the BCCI official has said that the IPL 2021 players auction will take place on February 18 while adding the venue for the same is yet to be decided.

The players auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to be held on February 18, a BCCI official told PTI on Friday. With the IPL 2021 retention deadline passed and trading window set to end on February 4, the BCCI official has said that the IPL 2021 players auction will take place on February 18 while adding the venue for the same is yet to be decided. "The auction will be held on February 18. The venue is yet to be decided," the official said. The BCCI is also undecided on whether the IPL 2021 will be conducted in India or not. However, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has repeatedly emphasised that everything would be done to keep the lucrative T20 tournament at its home. ALSO READ: 'Just continue!': When Shardul Thakur didn't convey Ravi Shastri's message to Vihari and Ashwin in Sydney IPL 2020 was taken abroad, to the United Arab Emirates, in September-November due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the BCCI successfully pulled off the multi-team tournament without a hitch. Smooth conduct of India's full-fledged home series against England, scheduled to start from February 5, should pave the way for the cash-rich tournament to be held at home. ALSO READ: After Yo-Yo, BCCI introduces new fitness test for Team India Meanwhile, elite players like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Morris among others were released from their respective franchise on the IPL 2021 retention deadline. Mumbai Indians won the IPL 2020 after a splendid show in the UAE as the Rohit Sharma-led outfit lifted a record fifth IPL trophy.

IPL 2021 auction likely on February 18: BCCI official

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020&nbsp;getting cancelled&nbsp;as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-games-may-be-too-big-a-gamble-disease-expert-says-358262" hreflang="en">Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e26cd38-371c-46d9-b12d-5cf040f9145f}{210}" paraid="631709021" >Full statement by the International Olympic Committee on Tokyo Olympics:&nbsp;</h2>

We refer you to the strong and clear statement that the Japanese Government made today, saying that the report is "categorically untrue". Please find the statement here:&nbsp;

"Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue.&nbsp;

"At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo&nbsp;2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the&nbsp;programme&nbsp;and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020&nbsp;Organising&nbsp;Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer."&nbsp;

Together with its Japanese partners and friends, the IOC is fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 this year.&nbsp;

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IOC statement on media reports regarding Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://t.co/647pj5mx9U">pic.twitter.com/647pj5mx9U</a>
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1352574361425895425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-cancelled-japanese-government-issues-clarification-358428" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification</a>

Earlier, both Australia and United States Olympic Committees said that they are completely focused on the Games as scheduled after the report from The Times surfaced that&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, will be cancelled. The report further stated that the Japanese&nbsp;government&nbsp;is now looking to&nbsp;secure the quadrennial event in the next available year in 2032.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue".

The International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue". Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer". ALSO READ: Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says Full statement by the International Olympic Committee on Tokyo Olympics: We refer you to the strong and clear statement that the Japanese Government made today, saying that the report is "categorically untrue". Please find the statement here: "Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue. "At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the programme and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer. "We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer." Together with its Japanese partners and friends, the IOC is fully concentrated on and committed to the successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020 this year. IOC statement on media reports regarding Tokyo 2020 pic.twitter.com/647pj5mx9U — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) January 22, 2021 × ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification Earlier, both Australia and United States Olympic Committees said that they are completely focused on the Games as scheduled after the report from The Times surfaced that Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by a year due to the pandemic, will be cancelled. The report further stated that the Japanese government is now looking to secure the quadrennial event in the next available year in 2032.

IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue'

Team India's historic Test series win against Australia will be celebrated for ages.&nbsp;While the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1,&nbsp;the Indian team had to face numerous challenges during the series including quarantine restrictions, injuries to key players among other things.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India started off the Test series with a humiliating defeat in Adelaide where the visitors were bundled off for a record-low of 36. However, showing great grit and resilience, the Indian team bounced back to win the Melbourne Test, draw Sydney Test and end the series by breaching Australia's fortress the Gabba.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the wins in Melbourne and Gabba will be remembered for long, the heroic show in Sydney will never be forgotten by the Indian fans.&nbsp;

During a conversation with India's fielding coach R Sridhar, Ravichandran Ashwin, in his YouTube channel, revealed an interesting yet hilarious incident involving Shardul Thakur.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-father-is-a-farmer-and-all-our-life-we-are-taught-to-keep-trying-shardul-thakur-358521" hreflang="en">'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur</a>

While Ravichandran Ashwin, with a sore back, and Hanuma Vihari, with a torn hamstring, were battling out to save the Sydney Test on Day 5, Indian team management sent bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur to the ground to pass on a message for the duo in the middle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7ef9f08a-fbd3-4b68-8c68-1b58bd6abc08}{244}" paraid="984069920" >The full conversation between Ravichandran Ashwin and R Sridhar on Shardul Thakur conveying the message from the dressing room:</h2>

Ashwin: Already I was padded up and standing from the morning because of my back pain. And then suddenly there was talk of Jadeja batting. And then suddenly Shastri came and said 'Ash, go!' After I went in, there were multiple messages from Shastri. Take us through those.

Sridhar: At one end, the bounce was a bit uneven and you got hit. We were worried about two things - one, a batsman getting out. And two, if Ash was injured, there was only Ravi Shastri left to play! Lot of things at stake, so he sent a message through Shardul.

He called for Shardul and said 'go tell Ashwin that I told him to play Lyon and Vihari to play the pacers'.

Ashwin: We were oblivious to it. We were keeping on playing the same way, and Vihari came and said Ash I'm feeling a bit distracting, so let's rotate strike for a couple of overs. And we got a single. Vihari played off-spin, and after an over, he came and said I'm unable to move my feet! Somehow we survived.

Shardul came running in and said "they're talking a lot of things inside. But I won't tell you anything! You both are playing well, just continue!" We were wondering what kind of a message this is.

Sridhar: And we were thinking he conveyed the message to you guys! And then every ball became an event. You batted till tea, and then we started believing. We had 249 balls, and Shastri would say 'Shabash' after every ball.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-talks-about-ravichandran-ashwins-struggles-during-the-sydney-test-358506" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test</a>

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Ashwin and Vihari, battling injuries, defied all the odds to remain unbeaten on Day 5 of the Sydney Test to help India draw the Test. Courtesy the drawn Sydney Test, the series remained at 1-1 which also gave a window to the Indian team to go for the kill in Brisbane as they won the&nbsp;Test series 2-1.&nbsp;

Team India's historic Test series win against Australia will be celebrated for ages. While the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1, the Indian team had to face numerous challenges during the series including quarantine restrictions, injuries to key players among other things.

Team India's historic Test series win against Australia will be celebrated for ages. While the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1, the Indian team had to face numerous challenges during the series including quarantine restrictions, injuries to key players among other things. India started off the Test series with a humiliating defeat in Adelaide where the visitors were bundled off for a record-low of 36. However, showing great grit and resilience, the Indian team bounced back to win the Melbourne Test, draw Sydney Test and end the series by breaching Australia's fortress the Gabba. While the wins in Melbourne and Gabba will be remembered for long, the heroic show in Sydney will never be forgotten by the Indian fans. During a conversation with India's fielding coach R Sridhar, Ravichandran Ashwin, in his YouTube channel, revealed an interesting yet hilarious incident involving Shardul Thakur. ALSO READ: 'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur While Ravichandran Ashwin, with a sore back, and Hanuma Vihari, with a torn hamstring, were battling out to save the Sydney Test on Day 5, Indian team management sent bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur to the ground to pass on a message for the duo in the middle. The full conversation between Ravichandran Ashwin and R Sridhar on Shardul Thakur conveying the message from the dressing room: Ashwin: Already I was padded up and standing from the morning because of my back pain. And then suddenly there was talk of Jadeja batting. And then suddenly Shastri came and said 'Ash, go!' After I went in, there were multiple messages from Shastri. Take us through those. Sridhar: At one end, the bounce was a bit uneven and you got hit. We were worried about two things - one, a batsman getting out. And two, if Ash was injured, there was only Ravi Shastri left to play! Lot of things at stake, so he sent a message through Shardul. He called for Shardul and said 'go tell Ashwin that I told him to play Lyon and Vihari to play the pacers'. Ashwin: We were oblivious to it. We were keeping on playing the same way, and Vihari came and said Ash I'm feeling a bit distracting, so let's rotate strike for a couple of overs. And we got a single. Vihari played off-spin, and after an over, he came and said I'm unable to move my feet! Somehow we survived. Shardul came running in and said "they're talking a lot of things inside. But I won't tell you anything! You both are playing well, just continue!" We were wondering what kind of a message this is. Sridhar: And we were thinking he conveyed the message to you guys! And then every ball became an event. You batted till tea, and then we started believing. We had 249 balls, and Shastri would say 'Shabash' after every ball. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test × Ashwin and Vihari, battling injuries, defied all the odds to remain unbeaten on Day 5 of the Sydney Test to help India draw the Test. Courtesy the drawn Sydney Test, the series remained at 1-1 which also gave a window to the Indian team to go for the kill in Brisbane as they won the Test series 2-1.

'Just continue!': When Shardul Thakur didn't convey Ravi Shastri's message to Vihari and Ashwin in Sydney

Real Madrid's trust in Zinedine Zidane is being tested again after embarrassment in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday sparked fresh concerns about the club's present and future.&nbsp;

Humiliated in the cup by Segunda B's Alcoyano, a week after being outfought and largely outplayed in the Spanish Super Cup by Athletic Bilbao, Madrid find themselves in another slump.&nbsp;

Their season might well finish without a trophy, with Atletico Madrid marching on in La Liga and Europe's elite stretching the gap even further away from Spain's once formidable trio in the Champions League.&nbsp;

But more worrying is that this appears to be a squad now in desperate need of renovation and a team shorn of the strengths that took them to the title only six months ago.&nbsp;

The question is whether Zidane is the person for a rebuild, or even now if he wants to be. Asked if he still has the backing of the players on Wednesday, Zidane said: "I believe so, you have to ask them. We've done good things this season, apart from the last four games. Now we have La Liga and the Champions League and we have to work.&nbsp;

"Whether my message gets through, you have to ask them, I can't answer that."

Zidane has never been a coach to impose a clear identity, his numerous successes drawing suspicion in part because they seemed to arrive from nowhere, without a crescendo to give them more credibility.&nbsp;

But they were always built on a solid defence, a dependable core and a relentless will to win that meant close games became narrow victories and pressure periods brought a reaction.&nbsp;

Zidane needs another reaction now, starting at Mendizorrotza against Alaves on Saturday, like when Madrid won the Clasico at Camp Nou in October, and rattled off six victories on the bounce in December, each time after their coach's position had come under scrutiny.&nbsp;

The difference this time is not just the scale of the failure against Alcoyano - who have not played in the top flight in half a century - but that it left Zidane accused of ignoring the future too.&nbsp;

His reliance on a select core was underlined by the poor performances of fringe players like Isco, Marcelo and Eder Militao, who looked short of sharpness and, perhaps, motivation.

Even more jarring for those higher up the club may have been the struggles of Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde and Alvaro Odriozola, youngsters once circled as players that could be part of a new era.

And what about those not there? Luka Jovic was sent back on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt and scored twice for them in 28 minutes.

Or Martin Odegaard, who was recalled early from his loan at Real Sociedad only to be left searching this month for another exit. Sergio Reguilon is at Tottenham, Dani Ceballos at Arsenal.

Zidane has decelerated the transition, perhaps because it was by relying on the old guard that Real Madrid beat Barcelona to the league last term.

And when Zidane demanded change in the summer of 2019, his first transfer window after coming back, it was the club that failed to deliver.

Eden Hazard, Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Militao and Rodrygo were signed for around 300 million euros but only Mendy at left-back has consistently improved the first team. Zidane's priorities, like Paul Pogba, were overlooked.

Nobody could have predicted those arrivals would have to last Real Madrid two seasons, the pandemic strangling the club financially meaning there were no new signings last year.

But their lack of impact has been laid bare, the price of failing to update growing ever more costly.

Zidane has always been trusted to pull Madrid out of a mess but never to build something new. When they won the title last season, it papered over the cracks, a testament to his ability to manage and motivate but the need for renewal remained.

Zidane wanted change in exchange for coming back. The change the club is now pondering is their coach.

<h2>Fixtures&nbsp;(all times GMT)</h2>

Friday

Levante v Real Sociedad (2100)

Saturday

Huesca v Villarreal (1400), Sevilla v Cadiz (1615), Real Sociedad v Real Betis (1830), Alaves v Real Madrid (2100)

Sunday

Osasuna v Granada (1400), Elche v Barcelona (1615), Celta Vigo v Eibar (1830), Atletico Madrid (2100)

Monday

Athletic Club v Getafe

Real Madrid's trust in Zinedine Zidane is being tested again after embarrassment in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday sparked fresh concerns about the club's present and future.

Real Madrid's trust in Zinedine Zidane is being tested again after embarrassment in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday sparked fresh concerns about the club's present and future. Humiliated in the cup by Segunda B's Alcoyano, a week after being outfought and largely outplayed in the Spanish Super Cup by Athletic Bilbao, Madrid find themselves in another slump. Their season might well finish without a trophy, with Atletico Madrid marching on in La Liga and Europe's elite stretching the gap even further away from Spain's once formidable trio in the Champions League. But more worrying is that this appears to be a squad now in desperate need of renovation and a team shorn of the strengths that took them to the title only six months ago. The question is whether Zidane is the person for a rebuild, or even now if he wants to be. Asked if he still has the backing of the players on Wednesday, Zidane said: "I believe so, you have to ask them. We've done good things this season, apart from the last four games. Now we have La Liga and the Champions League and we have to work. "Whether my message gets through, you have to ask them, I can't answer that." Zidane has never been a coach to impose a clear identity, his numerous successes drawing suspicion in part because they seemed to arrive from nowhere, without a crescendo to give them more credibility. But they were always built on a solid defence, a dependable core and a relentless will to win that meant close games became narrow victories and pressure periods brought a reaction. Zidane needs another reaction now, starting at Mendizorrotza against Alaves on Saturday, like when Madrid won the Clasico at Camp Nou in October, and rattled off six victories on the bounce in December, each time after their coach's position had come under scrutiny. The difference this time is not just the scale of the failure against Alcoyano - who have not played in the top flight in half a century - but that it left Zidane accused of ignoring the future too. His reliance on a select core was underlined by the poor performances of fringe players like Isco, Marcelo and Eder Militao, who looked short of sharpness and, perhaps, motivation. Even more jarring for those higher up the club may have been the struggles of Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde and Alvaro Odriozola, youngsters once circled as players that could be part of a new era. And what about those not there? Luka Jovic was sent back on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt and scored twice for them in 28 minutes. Or Martin Odegaard, who was recalled early from his loan at Real Sociedad only to be left searching this month for another exit. Sergio Reguilon is at Tottenham, Dani Ceballos at Arsenal. Zidane has decelerated the transition, perhaps because it was by relying on the old guard that Real Madrid beat Barcelona to the league last term. And when Zidane demanded change in the summer of 2019, his first transfer window after coming back, it was the club that failed to deliver. Eden Hazard, Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Militao and Rodrygo were signed for around 300 million euros but only Mendy at left-back has consistently improved the first team. Zidane's priorities, like Paul Pogba, were overlooked. Nobody could have predicted those arrivals would have to last Real Madrid two seasons, the pandemic strangling the club financially meaning there were no new signings last year. But their lack of impact has been laid bare, the price of failing to update growing ever more costly. Zidane has always been trusted to pull Madrid out of a mess but never to build something new. When they won the title last season, it papered over the cracks, a testament to his ability to manage and motivate but the need for renewal remained. Zidane wanted change in exchange for coming back. The change the club is now pondering is their coach. Fixtures (all times GMT) Friday Levante v Real Sociedad (2100) Saturday Huesca v Villarreal (1400), Sevilla v Cadiz (1615), Real Sociedad v Real Betis (1830), Alaves v Real Madrid (2100) Sunday Osasuna v Granada (1400), Elche v Barcelona (1615), Celta Vigo v Eibar (1830), Atletico Madrid (2100) Monday Athletic Club v Getafe

Resistance to change leaves Madrid and Zidane pondering futures again

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new fitness test for the Indian cricket team. The new fitness test will be an addition to the already existing Yo-Yo test, that has played an important role in converting this Indian side into world-beaters.&nbsp;

The Yo-Yo fitness test has set fresh benchmarks in terms of fitness when it comes to Indian cricket and its introduction has helped Indian players become better on the field in all departments of the game.&nbsp;

The players who want to represent India will now have to clear another speed and endurance test over a distance of 2km in what will be a time-trial test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-father-is-a-farmer-and-all-our-life-we-are-taught-to-keep-trying-shardul-thakur-358521" hreflang="en">'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur</a>

According to a report in The Indian Express, the benchmark for the pace bowlers would be 8 minutes and 15 seconds whereas the batsmen, spinners and wicket-keepers would have to cover the 2km distance in 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Notably, the latest speed and endurance test doesn't replace the Yo-Yo test&nbsp;but will act as another assessment test.&nbsp;

“The Board felt that the current fitness standard played a huge role in getting our fitness to the next level. It is important to take our fitness level to another level now. The time trial exercise will help us to compete even better. The Board will keep updating the standards every year,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by the&nbsp;daily.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-reveals-rahul-dravids-message-after-sydney-heroics-358303" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics</a>

&nbsp;Elite athletes such as Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Manish Pandey among others would be expected to clear the new test in lesser time while the minimum score for the Yo-Yo test remains at 17.1&nbsp;

All the BCCI contracted players have been informed about the latest development and the criteria following necessary clearance from the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah. The new test&nbsp;will reportedly be carried out from the next series. However, the players who were a part of the Test series in Australia have been exempted from the speed and endurance test for the month of February but those who are in contention for the limited-overs series would be&nbsp;required&nbsp;to clear it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new fitness test for the Indian cricket team. The new fitness test will be an addition to the already existing Yo-Yo test, that has played an important role in converting this Indian side into world-beaters.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new fitness test for the Indian cricket team. The new fitness test will be an addition to the already existing Yo-Yo test, that has played an important role in converting this Indian side into world-beaters. The Yo-Yo fitness test has set fresh benchmarks in terms of fitness when it comes to Indian cricket and its introduction has helped Indian players become better on the field in all departments of the game. The players who want to represent India will now have to clear another speed and endurance test over a distance of 2km in what will be a time-trial test. ALSO READ: 'My father is a farmer and all our life we are taught to keep trying': Shardul Thakur According to a report in The Indian Express, the benchmark for the pace bowlers would be 8 minutes and 15 seconds whereas the batsmen, spinners and wicket-keepers would have to cover the 2km distance in 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Notably, the latest speed and endurance test doesn't replace the Yo-Yo test but will act as another assessment test. “The Board felt that the current fitness standard played a huge role in getting our fitness to the next level. It is important to take our fitness level to another level now. The time trial exercise will help us to compete even better. The Board will keep updating the standards every year,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by the daily. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics Elite athletes such as Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Manish Pandey among others would be expected to clear the new test in lesser time while the minimum score for the Yo-Yo test remains at 17.1 All the BCCI contracted players have been informed about the latest development and the criteria following necessary clearance from the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah. The new test will reportedly be carried out from the next series. However, the players who were a part of the Test series in Australia have been exempted from the speed and endurance test for the month of February but those who are in contention for the limited-overs series would be required to clear it.

After Yo-Yo, BCCI introduces new fitness test for Team India

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur has lauded "warrior" Cheteshwar Pujara for his gritty and resolute show against Australia in the recently concluded four-match Test series. Pujara&nbsp;faced the most number of deliveries in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (928) and faced the heat of the Aussie pacers on some tough pitches in Australia.&nbsp;

While Pujara was the orchestrator of India's historic show in 2018-19, the top-order batsman continued his terrific run against Australia as he helped the visitors seal back-to-back series on Australian soil by ending up as the second-highest scorer for the team.&nbsp;

After receiving a grand welcome in Mumbai, Shardul recalled Pujara's breathtaking batting efforts in Australia.&nbsp;

ALSO REA:D&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-talks-about-ravichandran-ashwins-struggles-during-the-sydney-test-358506" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test</a>

"I think Pujara batted like an absolute warrior. In the dressing room, even though he was getting hit, we never felt that he wasn't confident. He was ready to take those blows."&nbsp;

While youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant based their game flow around Pujara's gritty knocks, India reaped the maximum rewards of two sides of the coin. Not only did Pujara suffered some tough blows to his body, but he also made sure that India&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in the games during the course of the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-the-great-batsman-or-a-mediocre-captain-bishan-singh-bedi-opines-358468" hreflang="en">'Virat Kohli the great batsman or a mediocre captain?': Bishan Singh Bedi opines</a>

Thakur&nbsp;added,&nbsp;"he was pretty solid in his&nbsp;defence. At times, he might have looked ugly while watching him on TV, but he played his role sensationally. He batted superbly. There was no sense of fear in us," he told the Times of India.&nbsp;

Shardul, who made a comeback into the Indian Test squad, made an instant impact as he wreaked havoc with the ball while also playing a crucial knock of 67 runs at the Gabba. Shardul ended up with seven wickets to help India defeat Australia by three wickets and conquer the fortress call the Gabba.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur has lauded "warrior" Cheteshwar Pujara for his gritty and resolute show against Australia in the recently concluded four-match Test series.

Indian pacer Shardul Thakur has lauded "warrior" Cheteshwar Pujara for his gritty and resolute show against Australia in the recently concluded four-match Test series. Pujara faced the most number of deliveries in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (928) and faced the heat of the Aussie pacers on some tough pitches in Australia. While Pujara was the orchestrator of India's historic show in 2018-19, the top-order batsman continued his terrific run against Australia as he helped the visitors seal back-to-back series on Australian soil by ending up as the second-highest scorer for the team. After receiving a grand welcome in Mumbai, Shardul recalled Pujara's breathtaking batting efforts in Australia. ALSO REA:D Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test "I think Pujara batted like an absolute warrior. In the dressing room, even though he was getting hit, we never felt that he wasn't confident. He was ready to take those blows." While youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant based their game flow around Pujara's gritty knocks, India reaped the maximum rewards of two sides of the coin. Not only did Pujara suffered some tough blows to his body, but he also made sure that India remain in the games during the course of the series. ALSO READ: 'Virat Kohli the great batsman or a mediocre captain?': Bishan Singh Bedi opines Thakur added, "he was pretty solid in his defence. At times, he might have looked ugly while watching him on TV, but he played his role sensationally. He batted superbly. There was no sense of fear in us," he told the Times of India. Shardul, who made a comeback into the Indian Test squad, made an instant impact as he wreaked havoc with the ball while also playing a crucial knock of 67 runs at the Gabba. Shardul ended up with seven wickets to help India defeat Australia by three wickets and conquer the fortress call the Gabba.

Shardul Thakur all praise for 'warrior' Cheteshwar Pujara after India's historic show in Australia

LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight road game with a 113-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

The victory opened a seven-game road trip for the NBA champion Lakers, who are hoping this is the beginning of another run of victories.&nbsp;

They had a five-game winning streak snapped in their most recent outing, a 115-113 loss to Golden State.

"Our motivation was not losing two in a row tonight. We were able to get that accomplished," said forward Anthony Davis.

James made a key three pointer and capped his night with an emphatic double clutch slam dunk as the Lakers improved to a NBA best 12-4 on the season after Thursday's gritty performance at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 23 points and Davis finished with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. Caldwell-Pope sank seven-of-10 threes as the Lakers went 19-of-37 from three-point range.

Going on a seven-game road trip might be a daunting task for some teams but not the Lakers, who have the best record in the league.

They have excelled away from Staples Center arena by compiling a franchise best 8-0 start on the road this season.

"It is coming along. We are just playing for each other," said Caldwell-Pope.

The Lakers bottled up reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds but had a career high nine turnovers.

"We've got to keep working, keep playing good basketball for longer periods of time, make shots, defend better, rebound the ball better," Antetokounmpo said. "Ultimately we've got to get better."

Jrue Holiday tallied 22 points and Khris Middleton scored 20 for the Bucks, who dropped their second straight game for the first time this season.

The Bucks led by as many as seven in the first quarter before taking a 33-29 lead into the second.

The Lakers started the fourth with a five-point lead, 86-81, but quickly extended that to 11 points. The Bucks took advantage of some sloppy Laker defence to go on a 9-0 run to close the gap to 98-96 with three minutes to go on a layup by Middleton.

But four-time MVP James and Alex Caruso each drained key three pointers in the final two minutes. James, who beat the shot clock with his three pointer, then put the game away in style by driving hard to the basket and dunking it with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth.

"There were stretches where we were really good on both ends of the court," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.&nbsp;

"We had a bad stretch, I felt like the last four or five minutes of the second quarter, on both ends of the court we were not good. We were not sharp like you need to be for 48 minutes."

&nbsp;

<h2>- Green ejected for yelling -</h2>

&nbsp;

Elsewhere, R.J. Barrett recorded a career best with 28 points, and the&nbsp;New York Knicks used a 40-point first quarter to build a lead they relinquished only momentarily in a 119-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Stephen Curry had a game-high 30 points for the Warriors, who were coming off back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.&nbsp;

The Warriors lost Draymond Green to a disputed technical ejection in the second quarter, when he appeared to be yelling at his own teammate&nbsp;James Wiseman -- but the officials saw it differently.

The Knicks outshot the Warriors 46.3 percent to 38.4 from the floor.

LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight road game with a 113-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight road game with a 113-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. The victory opened a seven-game road trip for the NBA champion Lakers, who are hoping this is the beginning of another run of victories. They had a five-game winning streak snapped in their most recent outing, a 115-113 loss to Golden State. "Our motivation was not losing two in a row tonight. We were able to get that accomplished," said forward Anthony Davis. James made a key three pointer and capped his night with an emphatic double clutch slam dunk as the Lakers improved to a NBA best 12-4 on the season after Thursday's gritty performance at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 23 points and Davis finished with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. Caldwell-Pope sank seven-of-10 threes as the Lakers went 19-of-37 from three-point range. Going on a seven-game road trip might be a daunting task for some teams but not the Lakers, who have the best record in the league. They have excelled away from Staples Center arena by compiling a franchise best 8-0 start on the road this season. "It is coming along. We are just playing for each other," said Caldwell-Pope. The Lakers bottled up reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds but had a career high nine turnovers. "We've got to keep working, keep playing good basketball for longer periods of time, make shots, defend better, rebound the ball better," Antetokounmpo said. "Ultimately we've got to get better." Jrue Holiday tallied 22 points and Khris Middleton scored 20 for the Bucks, who dropped their second straight game for the first time this season. The Bucks led by as many as seven in the first quarter before taking a 33-29 lead into the second. The Lakers started the fourth with a five-point lead, 86-81, but quickly extended that to 11 points. The Bucks took advantage of some sloppy Laker defence to go on a 9-0 run to close the gap to 98-96 with three minutes to go on a layup by Middleton. But four-time MVP James and Alex Caruso each drained key three pointers in the final two minutes. James, who beat the shot clock with his three pointer, then put the game away in style by driving hard to the basket and dunking it with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth. "There were stretches where we were really good on both ends of the court," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "We had a bad stretch, I felt like the last four or five minutes of the second quarter, on both ends of the court we were not good. We were not sharp like you need to be for 48 minutes." - Green ejected for yelling - Elsewhere, R.J. Barrett recorded a career best with 28 points, and the New York Knicks used a 40-point first quarter to build a lead they relinquished only momentarily in a 119-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry had a game-high 30 points for the Warriors, who were coming off back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors lost Draymond Green to a disputed technical ejection in the second quarter, when he appeared to be yelling at his own teammate James Wiseman -- but the officials saw it differently. The Knicks outshot the Warriors 46.3 percent to 38.4 from the floor.

James scores 34 as Lakers improve to 8-0 on the road

South Korean double Olympic champion skater Shim Suk-hee is seeking a heavier sentence for her former coach, her lawyer said Friday, after he was jailed for more than a decade for sexually assaulting her over several years.

The short track skater -- one of the country's top female sports stars -- went public in 2019 with accusations that Cho Jae-beom had sexually abused her over three years, starting when she was 17.

Her action confronted a culture of shame in the socially conservative South and prompted a series of athletes to come forward with similar allegations, leading to apologies from sporting authorities.

Cho was convicted and sentenced to 10 and a half years in jail by the Suwon District Court on Thursday, but Shim's lawyer said they will ask the court to impose a longer term.

Prosecutors had initially demanded 20 years in prison.

"As a victim, (Shim) hopes that an appeal by the prosecution will result in more severe punishment," Im Sang-hyeok, Shim's lawyer, told AFP.

The Suwon Prosecutor's Office told AFP that it will "thoroughly" consider the ruling and Shim's demand for a heavier penalty.

Now aged 23, Shim has four Olympic medals to her name, including relay golds at both Sochi 2014 and on home ice during the Pyeongchang Games four years later.

South Korea is a regional sporting powerhouse, regularly in the top 10 medal table places at both the summer and winter Olympics, with short-track speed skating providing many of its titles.

But in an already intensely competitive society where coaches hold immense sway over athletes' careers, the sport was long known to be rife with physical and verbal abuse.

Cho was sentenced to 18 months in jail in January 2019 on separate charges of physically abusing her -- violence that she told the court began when she was seven.

Shim exposed the truth out of a desire "to convince the world that no-one should ever again be victimised like her", her lawyer Im said, and hoped that the ruling "helps victims somewhere in our society to speak up in the future".

South Korean double Olympic champion skater Shim Suk-hee is seeking a heavier sentence for her former coach, her lawyer said Friday, after he was jailed for more than a decade for sexually assaulting her over several years.

South Korean double Olympic champion skater Shim Suk-hee is seeking a heavier sentence for her former coach, her lawyer said Friday, after he was jailed for more than a decade for sexually assaulting her over several years. The short track skater -- one of the country's top female sports stars -- went public in 2019 with accusations that Cho Jae-beom had sexually abused her over three years, starting when she was 17. Her action confronted a culture of shame in the socially conservative South and prompted a series of athletes to come forward with similar allegations, leading to apologies from sporting authorities. Cho was convicted and sentenced to 10 and a half years in jail by the Suwon District Court on Thursday, but Shim's lawyer said they will ask the court to impose a longer term. Prosecutors had initially demanded 20 years in prison. "As a victim, (Shim) hopes that an appeal by the prosecution will result in more severe punishment," Im Sang-hyeok, Shim's lawyer, told AFP. The Suwon Prosecutor's Office told AFP that it will "thoroughly" consider the ruling and Shim's demand for a heavier penalty. Now aged 23, Shim has four Olympic medals to her name, including relay golds at both Sochi 2014 and on home ice during the Pyeongchang Games four years later. South Korea is a regional sporting powerhouse, regularly in the top 10 medal table places at both the summer and winter Olympics, with short-track speed skating providing many of its titles. But in an already intensely competitive society where coaches hold immense sway over athletes' careers, the sport was long known to be rife with physical and verbal abuse. Cho was sentenced to 18 months in jail in January 2019 on separate charges of physically abusing her -- violence that she told the court began when she was seven. Shim exposed the truth out of a desire "to convince the world that no-one should ever again be victimised like her", her lawyer Im said, and hoped that the ruling "helps victims somewhere in our society to speak up in the future".

South Korean Olympic champion seeks heavier sentence for sex-assault coach

Ronald Koeman criticised his Barcelona players for missing two penalties on Thursday as they needed extra time to end the cup run of third-division side Cornella and reach the Copa del Rey last 16.

Goals from Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite in extra time sealed a 2-0 victory for Barca but only after Miralem Pjanic and Dembele had both failed to score penalties in normal time.

Pjanic and Dembele join a list of five Barcelona players to have missed penalties this season, along with Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Braithwaite.

"I don't understand because normally there are enough players who can score penalties," said Barca coach Koeman. "Maybe they are scary, I don't know.&nbsp;Several players have failed and, above all, if you score one of the two penalties, you calm down.

"You cannot miss two penalties as Barca players. It's not serious."

Barca were looking for a reaction on the back of their shock loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, when Messi was sent off for the club for the first time.

With Messi suspended, a rotated line-up laboured to victory after a third consecutive extra-time in eight days.

Pjanic missed the first penalty in the 39th minute after Ronald Araujo went down under a high foot from Albert Estelles, Cornella goalkeeper Ramon Juan diving low to his right.

Griezmann and Braithwaite both failed to finish early in the second half and then Griezmann blazed over on the volley after a clever free-kick from Pjanic.

Another penalty presented a golden opportunity in the 80th minute after another Estelles error, this time a handball. Dembele stepped up but the result was the same, his driven effort down the middle again kept out by Ramon Juan.

Cornella, who beat Atletico Madrid in the previous round, saw their resistance last only two minutes into extra time as the power of Dembele's shot from distance was too much for the keeper, who could only divert the ball in off the crossbar.

Estelles completed his nightmare night by being sent off before Braithwaite added a second on the counter-attack.

Ronald Koeman criticised his Barcelona players for missing two penalties on Thursday as they needed extra time to end the cup run of third-division side Cornella and reach the Copa del Rey last 16.

Ronald Koeman criticised his Barcelona players for missing two penalties on Thursday as they needed extra time to end the cup run of third-division side Cornella and reach the Copa del Rey last 16. Goals from Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite in extra time sealed a 2-0 victory for Barca but only after Miralem Pjanic and Dembele had both failed to score penalties in normal time. Pjanic and Dembele join a list of five Barcelona players to have missed penalties this season, along with Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Braithwaite. "I don't understand because normally there are enough players who can score penalties," said Barca coach Koeman. "Maybe they are scary, I don't know. Several players have failed and, above all, if you score one of the two penalties, you calm down. "You cannot miss two penalties as Barca players. It's not serious." Barca were looking for a reaction on the back of their shock loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, when Messi was sent off for the club for the first time. With Messi suspended, a rotated line-up laboured to victory after a third consecutive extra-time in eight days. Pjanic missed the first penalty in the 39th minute after Ronald Araujo went down under a high foot from Albert Estelles, Cornella goalkeeper Ramon Juan diving low to his right. Griezmann and Braithwaite both failed to finish early in the second half and then Griezmann blazed over on the volley after a clever free-kick from Pjanic. Another penalty presented a golden opportunity in the 80th minute after another Estelles error, this time a handball. Dembele stepped up but the result was the same, his driven effort down the middle again kept out by Ramon Juan. Cornella, who beat Atletico Madrid in the previous round, saw their resistance last only two minutes into extra time as the power of Dembele's shot from distance was too much for the keeper, who could only divert the ball in off the crossbar. Estelles completed his nightmare night by being sent off before Braithwaite added a second on the counter-attack.

Koeman says Barca 'not serious' after missing two penalties in cup win

With the deadline to retain players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mini-auction, franchises on Wednesday&nbsp;released some of their respective players&nbsp;to increase their purse before the auction. Teams are looking to bolster their squad for IPL 2021&nbsp;with mini-auction likely to take place in February.&nbsp;

With the list of retained and released players out ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction, let us take a look at some of the players who have been released by IPL franchises so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh started the day by announcing that his contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has come to an end. The veteran off-spinner, if available, will go straight to the mini-auction pool after spending a couple of seasons with the Yellow Army.&nbsp;

A Chennai Super Kings (CSK) source confirmed to WION that Suresh Raina has been retained by the franchise with the veteran southpaw all set to don the yellow jersey again after missing IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. The likes of Kedar Jadhav, Piyush Chawla,&nbsp;Murali Vijay have also been released by CSK as the MS Dhoni-led outfit look to bring new faces into the squad.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-release-harbhajan-singh-ahead-of-ipl-2021-mini-auction-357900" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings release Harbhajan Singh ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction</a>

The biggest released player ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction has arguably been&nbsp;Steve Smith as Rajasthan Royals have released the&nbsp;Australian batsman. Sanju Samson has been named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians have released the likes of Lasith Malinga and&nbsp;Sherfane&nbsp;Rutherford while Delhi Capitals have moved away from Sandeep&nbsp;Lamicchane, Mohit Sharma, Jason Roy and Alex Carey.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders have also decided to part ways with flamboyant English opener Tom Banton after buying him in IPL 2019 auction pool.&nbsp;They have also let go&nbsp;Chris Green, Siddesh Lad, Nikhil Naik and M Siddharth.

Chennai Super Kings have released Monu Singh as well.&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab have released Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Jimmy Neesham.

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ba11a142-7141-440a-a0e9-2375d483a0e8}{212}" paraid="1724536750" >Released players ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction:&nbsp;</h2>

Steve Smith,&nbsp;Lasith Malinga,&nbsp;Sherfane&nbsp;Rutherford,&nbsp;Sandeep&nbsp;Lamicchane,&nbsp;Mohit Sharma,&nbsp;Jason Roy,&nbsp;Alex Carey,&nbsp;Tom Banton,&nbsp;Piyush Chawla,&nbsp;Murali Vijay,&nbsp;Kedar Jadhav,&nbsp;Harbhajan Singh, Monu Singh, Daniel Sams (traded to RCB). Harshal Patel (traded to RCB), Chris Green, Nikhil Naik, M Siddharth, Siddesh Lad, Chris Morris, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Dube,&nbsp;Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, K Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jimmy Neesham,&nbsp;Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Isuru Udana, Dale Steyn,&nbsp;Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Mann, Parthiv Patel,&nbsp;James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan, Robin Uthappa (traded to CSK)

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ba11a142-7141-440a-a0e9-2375d483a0e8}{178}" paraid="210706058" >Retained players list of all IPL 2021 franchise:</h2>

List of retained players by Royal Challengers Bangalore:&nbsp;Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Siraj, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson

List of retained players by Chennai Super Kings: N Jagadeesan, R Gaikwad, KM Asif, R Jadeja, MS Dhoni, J Hazlewood, K Sharma, A Rayudu, S Raina, I Tahir, D Chahar, Faf du Plessis, S Thakur, M Santner, D Bravo, L Ngidi, S Curran, S Kishore.

List of retained players by Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Gayle, Pooran, Shami, Jordan, Mandeep, Mayank, Bishnoi, Prabhsimran, Hooda, Sarfaraz, Arshdeep, M Ashwin, Arshdeep, Porel,&nbsp;Harpreet

List of retained players by Sunrisers Hyderabad:&nbsp;David Warner (c), Abhishek Sharma, Basil Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Abdul Samad, Mitchell Marsh, Priyam Garg, Virat Singh

List of retained players by Kolkata Knight Riders:&nbsp;Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Eoin Morgan, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Yadav, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, Harry Gurney, Sandeep Warrier.

List of retained players by Rajasthan Royals:&nbsp;Robin Uthappa, Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Riyan Parag, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye, Ben Stokes, Tom Curran, Jos Buttler.

List of retained players by Mumbai Indians:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Saurabh Tiwary, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Hardik Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Anukul Roy, Ishan Kishan, Aditya Tare, Chris Lynn, Trent Boult, Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock.

List of retained players by Delhi Capitals:&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Rahane, Dhawan, Shaw, Pant, Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, Pravin Dubey, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, R. Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje. 
&nbsp;

With the deadline to retain players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mini-auction, franchises on Wednesday released some of their respective players to increase their purse before the auction.

With the deadline to retain players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mini-auction, franchises on Wednesday released some of their respective players to increase their purse before the auction. Teams are looking to bolster their squad for IPL 2021 with mini-auction likely to take place in February. With the list of retained and released players out ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction, let us take a look at some of the players who have been released by IPL franchises so far. Harbhajan Singh started the day by announcing that his contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has come to an end. The veteran off-spinner, if available, will go straight to the mini-auction pool after spending a couple of seasons with the Yellow Army. A Chennai Super Kings (CSK) source confirmed to WION that Suresh Raina has been retained by the franchise with the veteran southpaw all set to don the yellow jersey again after missing IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. The likes of Kedar Jadhav, Piyush Chawla, Murali Vijay have also been released by CSK as the MS Dhoni-led outfit look to bring new faces into the squad. ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings release Harbhajan Singh ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction The biggest released player ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction has arguably been Steve Smith as Rajasthan Royals have released the Australian batsman. Sanju Samson has been named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals. Mumbai Indians have released the likes of Lasith Malinga and Sherfane Rutherford while Delhi Capitals have moved away from Sandeep Lamicchane, Mohit Sharma, Jason Roy and Alex Carey. Kolkata Knight Riders have also decided to part ways with flamboyant English opener Tom Banton after buying him in IPL 2019 auction pool. They have also let go Chris Green, Siddesh Lad, Nikhil Naik and M Siddharth. Chennai Super Kings have released Monu Singh as well. Kings XI Punjab have released Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Jimmy Neesham. Released players ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction: Steve Smith, Lasith Malinga, Sherfane Rutherford, Sandeep Lamicchane, Mohit Sharma, Jason Roy, Alex Carey, Tom Banton, Piyush Chawla, Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, Harbhajan Singh, Monu Singh, Daniel Sams (traded to RCB). Harshal Patel (traded to RCB), Chris Green, Nikhil Naik, M Siddharth, Siddesh Lad, Chris Morris, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Dube, Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, K Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jimmy Neesham, Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Isuru Udana, Dale Steyn, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Mann, Parthiv Patel, James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan, Robin Uthappa (traded to CSK) Retained players list of all IPL 2021 franchise: List of retained players by Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Siraj, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson List of retained players by Chennai Super Kings: N Jagadeesan, R Gaikwad, KM Asif, R Jadeja, MS Dhoni, J Hazlewood, K Sharma, A Rayudu, S Raina, I Tahir, D Chahar, Faf du Plessis, S Thakur, M Santner, D Bravo, L Ngidi, S Curran, S Kishore. List of retained players by Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Gayle, Pooran, Shami, Jordan, Mandeep, Mayank, Bishnoi, Prabhsimran, Hooda, Sarfaraz, Arshdeep, M Ashwin, Arshdeep, Porel, Harpreet List of retained players by Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner (c), Abhishek Sharma, Basil Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Abdul Samad, Mitchell Marsh, Priyam Garg, Virat Singh List of retained players by Kolkata Knight Riders: Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Eoin Morgan, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Yadav, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, Harry Gurney, Sandeep Warrier. List of retained players by Rajasthan Royals: Robin Uthappa, Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Riyan Parag, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye, Ben Stokes, Tom Curran, Jos Buttler. List of retained players by Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Saurabh Tiwary, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Hardik Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Anukul Roy, Ishan Kishan, Aditya Tare, Chris Lynn, Trent Boult, Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock. List of retained players by Delhi Capitals: Shreyas Iyer, Rahane, Dhawan, Shaw, Pant, Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, Pravin Dubey, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, R. Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje.

IPL 2021: From Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell to Lasith Malinga - List of released players ahead of mini-auction

Czech football federation has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has not broken Josef Bican's all-time goalscoring record as they said the Portuguese stalwart will have to score 62 more goals to clinch the record.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Ronaldo netted his 760th&nbsp;goal for club and country in Juventus’ 2-0 victory against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup. According to previously documented record, Ronaldo had surpassed the Czech legend's record tally of 759 goals.&nbsp;

However, Czech football's governing body, soon after Juventus’ match, published a statement claiming that Bican's goal tally stands at 821, which means Ronaldo would have to score 62 more goals to become the top&nbsp;goalscorer&nbsp;in the history of football.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-citys-sergio-aguero-tests-positive-for-covid-19-358360" hreflang="en">Man City's Sergio Aguero tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"The History and Statistics committee of the Czech FA counted all the goals scored by the legendary Josef Bican and we can declare he scored 821 goals in official matches,"&nbsp;the Czech football federation&nbsp;tweeted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In a lengthy statement by Czech football federation, it is claimed that 821 is the "most accurate number possible” when it comes to Bican's goalscoring tally during the course of his career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The answer is - Josef Bican scored 821 goals in official matches," the statement read.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/breakaway-european-super-league-would-not-be-recognised-by-fifa-358353" hreflang="en">Breakaway European Super League 'would not be recognised' by FIFA</a>

"Goals from matches in the first and second leagues, national cups, the Central European Cup and national team selections are included. On the contrary, friendly matches are not included in the statistics, with the exception of the national team.&nbsp;

"It can be stated with full seriousness that this is a number that corresponds to the current state of the possibility of verifying all data, so it is the most accurate number possible."&nbsp;

In December 2020, Brazilian club Santon had disputed the claim that Lionel Messi broke Pele's long-standing record for a single club as they claimed that Pele's official goal stands at 1,091 and not 643.&nbsp;

Czech football federation has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has not broken Josef Bican's all-time goalscoring record as they said the Portuguese stalwart will have to score 62 more goals to clinch the record.

Czech football federation has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has not broken Josef Bican's all-time goalscoring record as they said the Portuguese stalwart will have to score 62 more goals to clinch the record. On Wednesday, Ronaldo netted his 760th goal for club and country in Juventus’ 2-0 victory against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup. According to previously documented record, Ronaldo had surpassed the Czech legend's record tally of 759 goals. However, Czech football's governing body, soon after Juventus’ match, published a statement claiming that Bican's goal tally stands at 821, which means Ronaldo would have to score 62 more goals to become the top goalscorer in the history of football. ALSO READ: Man City's Sergio Aguero tests positive for COVID-19 "The History and Statistics committee of the Czech FA counted all the goals scored by the legendary Josef Bican and we can declare he scored 821 goals in official matches," the Czech football federation tweeted. In a lengthy statement by Czech football federation, it is claimed that 821 is the "most accurate number possible” when it comes to Bican's goalscoring tally during the course of his career. "The answer is - Josef Bican scored 821 goals in official matches," the statement read. ALSO READ: Breakaway European Super League 'would not be recognised' by FIFA "Goals from matches in the first and second leagues, national cups, the Central European Cup and national team selections are included. On the contrary, friendly matches are not included in the statistics, with the exception of the national team. "It can be stated with full seriousness that this is a number that corresponds to the current state of the possibility of verifying all data, so it is the most accurate number possible." In December 2020, Brazilian club Santon had disputed the claim that Lionel Messi broke Pele's long-standing record for a single club as they claimed that Pele's official goal stands at 1,091 and not 643.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not broken Josef Bican's goalscoring record, claims Czech FA

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero on Thursday confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The Argentine star has struggled with injuries during the course of the ongoing 2020-21 season with a bad knee keeping him out for major&nbsp;part of the season. While Aguero returned fit to play for Man City again, the veteran came in close contact with a person&nbsp;-&nbsp;who had tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus&nbsp;– forcing the forward to go into isolation as per the health protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest development means Aguero would miss Man City's FA Cup tie against Cheltenham and Premier League matches against West Brom and Sheffield United.&nbsp;

Taking to social media platform Twitter, Aguero said he had some symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 while adding he is following doctor's instruction in a bid to recover quickly.&nbsp;

"After a close contact, I've been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I'm following doctor's orders for recovery. Take care,&nbsp;everyone!," Aguero&nbsp;tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/breakaway-european-super-league-would-not-be-recognised-by-fifa-358353" hreflang="en">Breakaway European Super League 'would not be recognised' by FIFA</a>

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After a close contact, I've been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I'm following doctor's orders for recovery. Take care, everyone!
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/1352251033179877377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, before Man City's Premier League match against Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola said the Blues need Aguero's quality in the league while adding the club will have to use the quality they have, at the moment, hinting at life without the Argentine forward.&nbsp;

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“We need him and we miss him because his numbers speak for themselves. He is the best striker in our history," Guardiola said.&nbsp;

“He can create and win games for himself. We could have complained (about being without him), but we did the opposite.&nbsp;We want him back, but we have to move forward, find alternatives, use the quality we have and move ­forward,” the Man City manager added.&nbsp;

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero on Thursday confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The Argentine star has struggled with injuries during the course of the ongoing 2020-21 season with a bad knee keeping him out for major part of the season.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero on Thursday confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The Argentine star has struggled with injuries during the course of the ongoing 2020-21 season with a bad knee keeping him out for major part of the season. While Aguero returned fit to play for Man City again, the veteran came in close contact with a person - who had tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus – forcing the forward to go into isolation as per the health protocols. The latest development means Aguero would miss Man City's FA Cup tie against Cheltenham and Premier League matches against West Brom and Sheffield United. Taking to social media platform Twitter, Aguero said he had some symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 while adding he is following doctor's instruction in a bid to recover quickly. "After a close contact, I've been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I'm following doctor's orders for recovery. Take care, everyone!," Aguero tweeted. ALSO READ: Breakaway European Super League 'would not be recognised' by FIFA After a close contact, I've been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I'm following doctor's orders for recovery. Take care, everyone! — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) January 21, 2021 × Earlier, before Man City's Premier League match against Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola said the Blues need Aguero's quality in the league while adding the club will have to use the quality they have, at the moment, hinting at life without the Argentine forward. ALSO READ: F1 CEO opens up about Lewis Hamilton's future with Mercedes “We need him and we miss him because his numbers speak for themselves. He is the best striker in our history," Guardiola said. “He can create and win games for himself. We could have complained (about being without him), but we did the opposite. We want him back, but we have to move forward, find alternatives, use the quality we have and move forward,” the Man City manager added.

Man City's Sergio Aguero tests positive for COVID-19

The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-member squad and six travelling reserves for the first and second Test matches against India starting on Friday February 5&nbsp;at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

England will be playing four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs in what will be a gruelling tour of India. The likes of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to the squad after being rested for their tour to Sri Lanka.

England Men’s Test Squad:

Joe Root&nbsp;(Yorkshire) (captain),&nbsp;Jofra Archer&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Moeen Ali&nbsp;(Worcestershire),&nbsp;James Anderson&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Dom Bess&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Stuart Broad&nbsp;(Nottinghamshire),&nbsp;Rory Burns&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Jos Buttler&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Zak Crawley&nbsp;(Kent),&nbsp;Ben Foakes&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Dan Lawrence&nbsp;(Essex),&nbsp;Jack Leach&nbsp;(Somerset),&nbsp;Dom Sibley&nbsp;(Warwickshire),&nbsp;Ben Stokes&nbsp;(Durham),&nbsp;Olly Stone&nbsp;(Warwickshire),&nbsp;Chris Woakes&nbsp;(Warwickshire).

Reserves:

James Bracey&nbsp;(Gloucestershire),&nbsp;Mason Crane&nbsp;(Hampshire),&nbsp;Saqib Mahmood&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Matthew Parkinson&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Ollie Robinson&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Amar Virdi&nbsp;(Surrey).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jofra-archer-ben-stokes-to-give-england-huge-boost-vs-india-england-captain-joe-root-358320" hreflang="en">Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes to give England 'huge boost' vs India: England captain Joe Root</a>

Jofra Archer, Rory Burns and Ben Stokes return to the squad. Archer and Stokes were rested for the Sri Lanka series and Burns was at home for the birth of his first child.

Surrey’s Ollie Pope will travel to India and will be added to the squad when passed fit. Pope is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in September during the Test series against Pakistan.

The National Selectors have provided a block of rest for Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood. The three players, who are currently in Sri Lanka, will miss the first and second Tests in India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inside-team-room-wear-that-36-all-out-like-a-badge-r-sridhar-recalls-raviship-and-more-358337" hreflang="en">Inside Team Room: Wear that 36 all out like a badge, R Sridhar recalls 'Raviship' and more</a>

This is consistent with the selection policy of finding a block of rest for all multi-format players at some point during post-Christmas winter schedule.

With Archer and Stokes returning, and subject to fitness of the rest of the squad, Somerset’s Craig Overton will return home after the Sri Lanka series.

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">England Tour of India: Full Schedule</h2>

Tests

Friday 5-9 February:&nbsp;1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Saturday 13-17 February:&nbsp;2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd&nbsp;Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

Thursday 4-8 March: 4th&nbsp;Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

T20Is

Friday 12 March:&nbsp;1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

Sunday 14 March:&nbsp;2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

Tuesday 16 March:&nbsp;3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

Thursday 18 March:&nbsp;4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

Saturday 20 March:&nbsp;5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

ODIs

Tuesday 23 March:&nbsp;1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune

Friday 26 March:&nbsp;2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune

Sunday 28 March:&nbsp;3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune

Monday 29 March:&nbsp;Touring party departs India

The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-member squad and six travelling reserves for the first and second Test matches against India starting on Friday February 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-member squad and six travelling reserves for the first and second Test matches against India starting on Friday February 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. England will be playing four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs in what will be a gruelling tour of India. The likes of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to the squad after being rested for their tour to Sri Lanka. England Men’s Test Squad: Joe Root (Yorkshire) (captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire). Reserves: James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Amar Virdi (Surrey). ALSO READ: Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes to give England 'huge boost' vs India: England captain Joe Root Jofra Archer, Rory Burns and Ben Stokes return to the squad. Archer and Stokes were rested for the Sri Lanka series and Burns was at home for the birth of his first child. Surrey’s Ollie Pope will travel to India and will be added to the squad when passed fit. Pope is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in September during the Test series against Pakistan. The National Selectors have provided a block of rest for Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood. The three players, who are currently in Sri Lanka, will miss the first and second Tests in India. ALSO READ: Inside Team Room: Wear that 36 all out like a badge, R Sridhar recalls 'Raviship' and more This is consistent with the selection policy of finding a block of rest for all multi-format players at some point during post-Christmas winter schedule. With Archer and Stokes returning, and subject to fitness of the rest of the squad, Somerset’s Craig Overton will return home after the Sri Lanka series. England Tour of India: Full Schedule Tests Friday 5-9 February: 1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Saturday 13-17 February: 2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 4-8 March: 4th Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad T20Is Friday 12 March: 1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Sunday 14 March: 2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Tuesday 16 March: 3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 18 March: 4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Saturday 20 March: 5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad ODIs Tuesday 23 March: 1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Friday 26 March: 2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Sunday 28 March: 3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Monday 29 March: Touring party departs India

England announce squad for first 2 Tests vs India as Archer, Stokes return

FIFA has gone on the offensive amid ongoing speculation about a European Super League, insisting that any breakaway by leading clubs "would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation" while players would risk being banned from the World Cup and other major tournaments if involved.

"Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a consequence not be allowed to participate in any competition organised by FIFA or their respective confederation," said Thursday's statement, signed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino along with the heads of all six continental confederations including UEFA.

The statement was a response to what it called "recent media speculation" about a breakaway by some of the world's richest clubs.

In October, outgoing Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu dropped a bombshell in a statement announcing his resignation, as he also claimed the club had accepted a proposal to join other clubs in "a future European Super League".

That followed reports in the UK that negotiations were nearing conclusion for the creation of a closed "European Premier League" of 18 clubs, backed by $6 billion of financing from major banks.

However, those reports came with discussions still ongoing about the future format of the UEFA Champions League, the world's most lucrative and prestigious club competition.

<h2>- 'Protect the existing model' -</h2>

The European Leagues organisation, which represents leagues in 29 countries across the continent, said it "unanimously" supported FIFA's statement and rejected any attempts to follow the North American franchise model for professional sports.

"In the European football pyramid, every player has the opportunity to play in a club which can qualify from the base of the pyramid to the very top of professional football," European Leagues president Lars-Christer Olsson said in a statement.

"This is the foundation of the model and the main reason for football's success.

"We are determined to protect the existing model and how football is organised in Europe and the way the industry works for professional football."

Meanwhile, FIFA remains focused on plans for an expanded, 24-team Club World Cup, championed by Infantino.

The competition was due to take place for the first time this year in China but was put back to a later date after Euro 2020 and the Copa America were postponed to June and July 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The delayed 2020 edition of the Club World Cup will go ahead next month in its existing format, involving only the champions of each confederation -- minus New Zealand's Auckland City of Oceania who withdrew due to complications caused by the pandemic -- plus the champions of the host nation Qatar.

"As per the FIFA and confederations statutes, all competitions should be organised or recognised by the relevant body at their respective level, by FIFA at the global level and by the confederations at the continental level," FIFA said.

"In this respect, the confederations recognise the FIFA Club World Cup, in its current and new format, as the only worldwide club competition while FIFA recognises the club competitions organised by the confederations as the only club continental competitions."

FIFA has gone on the offensive amid ongoing speculation about a European Super League, insisting that any breakaway by leading clubs "would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation" while players would risk being banned from the World Cup and other major tournaments if involved.

FIFA has gone on the offensive amid ongoing speculation about a European Super League, insisting that any breakaway by leading clubs "would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation" while players would risk being banned from the World Cup and other major tournaments if involved. "Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a consequence not be allowed to participate in any competition organised by FIFA or their respective confederation," said Thursday's statement, signed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino along with the heads of all six continental confederations including UEFA. The statement was a response to what it called "recent media speculation" about a breakaway by some of the world's richest clubs. In October, outgoing Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu dropped a bombshell in a statement announcing his resignation, as he also claimed the club had accepted a proposal to join other clubs in "a future European Super League". That followed reports in the UK that negotiations were nearing conclusion for the creation of a closed "European Premier League" of 18 clubs, backed by $6 billion of financing from major banks. However, those reports came with discussions still ongoing about the future format of the UEFA Champions League, the world's most lucrative and prestigious club competition. - 'Protect the existing model' - The European Leagues organisation, which represents leagues in 29 countries across the continent, said it "unanimously" supported FIFA's statement and rejected any attempts to follow the North American franchise model for professional sports. "In the European football pyramid, every player has the opportunity to play in a club which can qualify from the base of the pyramid to the very top of professional football," European Leagues president Lars-Christer Olsson said in a statement. "This is the foundation of the model and the main reason for football's success. "We are determined to protect the existing model and how football is organised in Europe and the way the industry works for professional football." Meanwhile, FIFA remains focused on plans for an expanded, 24-team Club World Cup, championed by Infantino. The competition was due to take place for the first time this year in China but was put back to a later date after Euro 2020 and the Copa America were postponed to June and July 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The delayed 2020 edition of the Club World Cup will go ahead next month in its existing format, involving only the champions of each confederation -- minus New Zealand's Auckland City of Oceania who withdrew due to complications caused by the pandemic -- plus the champions of the host nation Qatar. "As per the FIFA and confederations statutes, all competitions should be organised or recognised by the relevant body at their respective level, by FIFA at the global level and by the confederations at the continental level," FIFA said. "In this respect, the confederations recognise the FIFA Club World Cup, in its current and new format, as the only worldwide club competition while FIFA recognises the club competitions organised by the confederations as the only club continental competitions."

Breakaway European Super League 'would not be recognised' by FIFA

He "aged 10 years in about one hour" thanks to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Team India's long-serving fielding coach R Sridhar was in the thick of things as side battled adversity after adversity before their "unreal" Test series win over a mighty Australia.

And in an exclusive conversation with PTI, he opened up about the emotional roller-coaster that the tour was. "When Rishabh and Washy (Washington Sundar) were batting, I wasn't able to cope up with tension," Sridhar said after reaching his home in Hyderabad, still trying to calm the nerves after that surreal final day in Brisbane.

"My heart rate was 120 on fitness app and couldn't help telling Rohit that main ek ghante mein 10 saal buddha ho gaya," he joked. An integral part of the Indian team set-up, Sridhar opened about the tour in an elaborate chat, asserting it will be difficult to surpass what the team went through in the past one month -- from hitting the nadir to reaching the zenith.

He touched upon the many highlights of the intense trip -- from coach Ravi Shastri's inspiring speech after the 36 all-out disaster in Adelaide to Hanuma Vihari's "miracle" batting at Sydney to the stunner in Brisbane.

<h2>36 all out and the aftermath:</h2>

"After 36 all-out, you didn't know what's next. Then Ravi (Shastri) bhai gathered the team and said: 'Wear this 36 like a badge on your sleeves and you will be a great team'. "After 40 days, it was gospel truth. Also we had five meetings in two days after the Adelaide Test finished on the third evening. Virat (Kohli), Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) and the coaching staff discussed combination and Virat gave some lovely suggestions for the MCG Test before leaving.

"I don't think there could have been a better execution in Melbourne," he recalled the events leading up to the turnaround in Melbourne, where India won to draw level.

<h2>Hanuma Vihari and the Sydney Heist:</h2>

"At tea time in Sydney, Vihari had his feet stretched wide as Nitin Patel strapped his hamstring and other physio administered painkillers. I went up to him and told Vihari, 'You owe the next two hours to your team as this team has backed you at every juncture.'

"...And after those 250 balls when he came back, he could barely walk, he fell down on the chair as I went to hug him. He said: 'Sir you asked for it. This is the best I could do in this situation.' I could just mutter 'thank you.' Sridhar said Vihari's fitness took a hit as he wasn't a part of the IPL like most other Indian players last year.

"His hamstring injury is multi-factorial. Firstly, he wasn't playing IPL like others, so general fitness level was a bit less than other guys which I told him and then he stood at short leg for three Tests which also contributed to injury. But what he did in Sydney gave us belief that we could do it in Brisbane.

"Vihari is an intense, young man. He is not your normal, jovial kind of a guy. He can go into a shell very soon, and that's his strength also and it helped him in Sydney. "Despite being on heavy dose of painkillers, which could make you a bit drowsy, he actually pulled off a miracle in Sydney. So when we got there in Brisbane, we had the belief that we could do it."

<h2>The Brisbane Chase on final day:</h2>

"We didn't want to complicate anything with Rishabh and Washy and it was their own plan. They had very valid excellent plan which was based on their abilities and belief. "When you see what they were executing, the last thing you want to do is send in information and at such times, less is more. Ajinkya and Ravi bhai said, 'Just leave these two alone. Whatever happens, we would take it, we came so far brilliantly'."

<h2>T Natarajan didn't carry his bat or pads to the tour:</h2>

"You know Nattu didn't carry a bat. He had his bowling spikes and trainers because he came as a net bowler and was supposed to bowl. He had to borrow one from either Washy or Ash (R Ashwin) when he was named in the squad.

"But that was the beauty. He was not any usual net bowler. (Strength and Conditioning coach) Nick Webb and (trainer) Soham (Desai) had proper strength and conditioning plan for all our net bowlers and they were an integral part of dressing room."

<h2>Talent called Washington:&nbsp;</h2>

"We kept him here after white ball games because we didn't want Ash to bowl too much at the nets but Nathan Lyon was always going to be an integral part of the Aussie line-up so we needed our batsmen to get net sessions.

"We used Washy to bowl into the rough. When Washy would bowl to our top order at nets, I would go and tell him 'Washy, give the ball over-spin because that's the need of the hour on Australian pitches, up (pitching it up) and over spin as you have to put your whole body behind the ball, because it requires energy.'

"We would tell Washy, that you may not be the lead off-spinner, but when India come back again in 2025, who knows you might be leading the spin attack with Kuldeep. Also even when he was not in original squad, he would bat for 30 minutes every day."

<h2>Leadership will now be known as 'Ravi Ship':</h2>

"Before the Brisbane Test started, Ravi bhai had one mantra, 'Nattu is no less than (Jasprit) Bumrah and Washy is no less than Ashwin, and that will be your mindset'. If you two are crossing that boundary line wearing that India cap, you are no less than the person next to you.

"Please quote me, it is unfair that you needed India's greatest Test victory to understand Ravi Shastri's contribution to Indian cricket. He was Indian cricket's 'Go To Man', when NCA needed restructuring in 2007, when IPL was conceptualised, when India needed a stop gap coach in 2007 after the World Cup exit, and also in 2014 when a Team Director was needed."

<h2>And finally, a Champagne spray and game of TT:</h2>

We had a flight next morning. So first we had to pack our bags and then we went to the team room for celebration. 90 per cent people don't drink so it was just spraying champagne and then some games of table tennis which the boys enjoyed.

He "aged 10 years in about one hour" thanks to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Team India's long-serving fielding coach R Sridhar was in the thick of things as side battled adversity after adversity before their "unreal" Test series win over a mighty Australia.

He "aged 10 years in about one hour" thanks to Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Team India's long-serving fielding coach R Sridhar was in the thick of things as side battled adversity after adversity before their "unreal" Test series win over a mighty Australia. And in an exclusive conversation with PTI, he opened up about the emotional roller-coaster that the tour was. "When Rishabh and Washy (Washington Sundar) were batting, I wasn't able to cope up with tension," Sridhar said after reaching his home in Hyderabad, still trying to calm the nerves after that surreal final day in Brisbane. "My heart rate was 120 on fitness app and couldn't help telling Rohit that main ek ghante mein 10 saal buddha ho gaya," he joked. An integral part of the Indian team set-up, Sridhar opened about the tour in an elaborate chat, asserting it will be difficult to surpass what the team went through in the past one month -- from hitting the nadir to reaching the zenith. He touched upon the many highlights of the intense trip -- from coach Ravi Shastri's inspiring speech after the 36 all-out disaster in Adelaide to Hanuma Vihari's "miracle" batting at Sydney to the stunner in Brisbane. 36 all out and the aftermath: "After 36 all-out, you didn't know what's next. Then Ravi (Shastri) bhai gathered the team and said: 'Wear this 36 like a badge on your sleeves and you will be a great team'. "After 40 days, it was gospel truth. Also we had five meetings in two days after the Adelaide Test finished on the third evening. Virat (Kohli), Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) and the coaching staff discussed combination and Virat gave some lovely suggestions for the MCG Test before leaving. "I don't think there could have been a better execution in Melbourne," he recalled the events leading up to the turnaround in Melbourne, where India won to draw level. Hanuma Vihari and the Sydney Heist: "At tea time in Sydney, Vihari had his feet stretched wide as Nitin Patel strapped his hamstring and other physio administered painkillers. I went up to him and told Vihari, 'You owe the next two hours to your team as this team has backed you at every juncture.' "...And after those 250 balls when he came back, he could barely walk, he fell down on the chair as I went to hug him. He said: 'Sir you asked for it. This is the best I could do in this situation.' I could just mutter 'thank you.' Sridhar said Vihari's fitness took a hit as he wasn't a part of the IPL like most other Indian players last year. "His hamstring injury is multi-factorial. Firstly, he wasn't playing IPL like others, so general fitness level was a bit less than other guys which I told him and then he stood at short leg for three Tests which also contributed to injury. But what he did in Sydney gave us belief that we could do it in Brisbane. "Vihari is an intense, young man. He is not your normal, jovial kind of a guy. He can go into a shell very soon, and that's his strength also and it helped him in Sydney. "Despite being on heavy dose of painkillers, which could make you a bit drowsy, he actually pulled off a miracle in Sydney. So when we got there in Brisbane, we had the belief that we could do it." The Brisbane Chase on final day: "We didn't want to complicate anything with Rishabh and Washy and it was their own plan. They had very valid excellent plan which was based on their abilities and belief. "When you see what they were executing, the last thing you want to do is send in information and at such times, less is more. Ajinkya and Ravi bhai said, 'Just leave these two alone. Whatever happens, we would take it, we came so far brilliantly'." T Natarajan didn't carry his bat or pads to the tour: "You know Nattu didn't carry a bat. He had his bowling spikes and trainers because he came as a net bowler and was supposed to bowl. He had to borrow one from either Washy or Ash (R Ashwin) when he was named in the squad. "But that was the beauty. He was not any usual net bowler. (Strength and Conditioning coach) Nick Webb and (trainer) Soham (Desai) had proper strength and conditioning plan for all our net bowlers and they were an integral part of dressing room." Talent called Washington: "We kept him here after white ball games because we didn't want Ash to bowl too much at the nets but Nathan Lyon was always going to be an integral part of the Aussie line-up so we needed our batsmen to get net sessions. "We used Washy to bowl into the rough. When Washy would bowl to our top order at nets, I would go and tell him 'Washy, give the ball over-spin because that's the need of the hour on Australian pitches, up (pitching it up) and over spin as you have to put your whole body behind the ball, because it requires energy.' "We would tell Washy, that you may not be the lead off-spinner, but when India come back again in 2025, who knows you might be leading the spin attack with Kuldeep. Also even when he was not in original squad, he would bat for 30 minutes every day." Leadership will now be known as 'Ravi Ship': "Before the Brisbane Test started, Ravi bhai had one mantra, 'Nattu is no less than (Jasprit) Bumrah and Washy is no less than Ashwin, and that will be your mindset'. If you two are crossing that boundary line wearing that India cap, you are no less than the person next to you. "Please quote me, it is unfair that you needed India's greatest Test victory to understand Ravi Shastri's contribution to Indian cricket. He was Indian cricket's 'Go To Man', when NCA needed restructuring in 2007, when IPL was conceptualised, when India needed a stop gap coach in 2007 after the World Cup exit, and also in 2014 when a Team Director was needed." And finally, a Champagne spray and game of TT: We had a flight next morning. So first we had to pack our bags and then we went to the team room for celebration. 90 per cent people don't drink so it was just spraying champagne and then some games of table tennis which the boys enjoyed.

Inside Team Room: Wear that 36 all out like a badge, R Sridhar recalls 'Raviship' and more

New Formula 1 CEO Stefano&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;has said that he is unsure whether seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract with Mercedes. Hamilton is out of contract currently and is yet to agree fresh terms with Mercedes&nbsp;to continue in 2021 and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the start of new F1 season less than two months away,&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;revealed that he has had talks with Hamilton about his future during the winter break while conceding that the Briton hasn't told him whether he will&nbsp;pen&nbsp;a&nbsp;new deal with Mercedes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I have spoken with Lewis, we talked during the Christmas period,”&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;told Sky Sport Italia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“He is preparing. He is not telling me if he will sign or not sign the renewal with Mercedes.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a>

&nbsp;While Hamilton continues to train ahead of the new season, reports suggest that Mercedes are confident over a new deal.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;expressed his doubts on whether Hamilton would call time on his F1 career when he has the golden opportunity to lift an unprecedented eighth F1 world title.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"He has a great opportunity, not only speaking in terms of sports, to be the strongest in the world,” he explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-games-may-be-too-big-a-gamble-disease-expert-says-358262" hreflang="en">Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says</a>

“He also has the opportunity to continue to have a role that goes beyond the sporting dimension, and he will be able to do so also in the future.&nbsp;

"To be champion is one thing, but it’s another to do it in another dimension.&nbsp;

“So&nbsp;I am convinced and I hope, as an interested party, that everything can be resolved quickly.”&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton is currently the winner at 15 different circuits in Formula 1:&nbsp;Red Bull Ring, Budapest, Barcelona, Spa, Mugello,&nbsp;Nürburgring,&nbsp;Portimao, Imola, Istanbul, Shanghai, Monaco, Montreal, Paul Ricard, Mexico City, Indianapolis&nbsp;

New Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said that he is unsure whether seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract with Mercedes. Hamilton is out of contract currently and is yet to agree fresh terms with Mercedes to continue in 2021 and beyond.

New Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said that he is unsure whether seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract with Mercedes. Hamilton is out of contract currently and is yet to agree fresh terms with Mercedes to continue in 2021 and beyond. With the start of new F1 season less than two months away, Domenicali revealed that he has had talks with Hamilton about his future during the winter break while conceding that the Briton hasn't told him whether he will pen a new deal with Mercedes. “I have spoken with Lewis, we talked during the Christmas period,” Domenicali told Sky Sport Italia. “He is preparing. He is not telling me if he will sign or not sign the renewal with Mercedes.” ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 While Hamilton continues to train ahead of the new season, reports suggest that Mercedes are confident over a new deal. However, Domenicali expressed his doubts on whether Hamilton would call time on his F1 career when he has the golden opportunity to lift an unprecedented eighth F1 world title. "He has a great opportunity, not only speaking in terms of sports, to be the strongest in the world,” he explained. ALSO READ: Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says “He also has the opportunity to continue to have a role that goes beyond the sporting dimension, and he will be able to do so also in the future. "To be champion is one thing, but it’s another to do it in another dimension. “So I am convinced and I hope, as an interested party, that everything can be resolved quickly.” Lewis Hamilton is currently the winner at 15 different circuits in Formula 1: Red Bull Ring, Budapest, Barcelona, Spa, Mugello, Nürburgring, Portimao, Imola, Istanbul, Shanghai, Monaco, Montreal, Paul Ricard, Mexico City, Indianapolis

F1 CEO opens up about Lewis Hamilton's future with Mercedes

England's red-ball captain Joe Root on Thursday confirmed that Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will return to the squad for their Test series against India, starting from February 5, as he said that the duo will give the visitors a&nbsp;"major boost”.&nbsp;

Both Stokes and Archer are the missing names from England's ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka due to rotation during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

England, despite missing two of their biggest stars, defeated Sri Lanka in the first Test comprehensively and lead the two-match series 1-0. After the completion of Sri Lanka tour, England will head straight to India, who&nbsp;have been boosted by their historic Test&nbsp;series&nbsp;win&nbsp;against Australia this week, to lock horns in a full-fledged series including four Test matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-reveals-rahul-dravids-message-after-sydney-heroics-358303" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics</a>

"I expect India to be full of confidence and in their own conditions, they are a very good team. They play some very good cricket,"&nbsp;Root&nbsp;told reporters.&nbsp;

"We have to be at our absolute best. But that's an exciting prospect for us, a great opportunity for us, it's a great way to aid our development as a side.&nbsp;

"And we will be going there fully expecting to try and win that series. But we have got a lot of hard work to do before we get there. We got a big Test match here."&nbsp;

&nbsp;Root slammed an incredible 228 to help England win the opening Test by seven wickets in Galle. The visitors also announced that James Anderson will be replacing Stuart Broad in the playing XI for the second Test.&nbsp;

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"You speak to any side in the world, those two guys coming back into it would give the squad a huge boost and it's certainly the case for us," said Root.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We (will be) excited to see them back in and around the squad. Hopefully, they are full of energy and ready to go when they get here."&nbsp;&nbsp;

England&nbsp;are set to&nbsp;travel to India from Sri Lanka with the first Test scheduled in Chennai on February 5. The visitors&nbsp;will also play five T20I&nbsp;matches and three&nbsp;ODIs.&nbsp;

England's red-ball captain Joe Root on Thursday confirmed that Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will return to the squad for their Test series against India, starting from February 5, as he said that the duo will give the visitors a "major boost”.

England's red-ball captain Joe Root on Thursday confirmed that Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will return to the squad for their Test series against India, starting from February 5, as he said that the duo will give the visitors a "major boost”. Both Stokes and Archer are the missing names from England's ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka due to rotation during the COVID-19 pandemic. England, despite missing two of their biggest stars, defeated Sri Lanka in the first Test comprehensively and lead the two-match series 1-0. After the completion of Sri Lanka tour, England will head straight to India, who have been boosted by their historic Test series win against Australia this week, to lock horns in a full-fledged series including four Test matches. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics "I expect India to be full of confidence and in their own conditions, they are a very good team. They play some very good cricket," Root told reporters. "We have to be at our absolute best. But that's an exciting prospect for us, a great opportunity for us, it's a great way to aid our development as a side. "And we will be going there fully expecting to try and win that series. But we have got a lot of hard work to do before we get there. We got a big Test match here." Root slammed an incredible 228 to help England win the opening Test by seven wickets in Galle. The visitors also announced that James Anderson will be replacing Stuart Broad in the playing XI for the second Test. ALSO READ: India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series "You speak to any side in the world, those two guys coming back into it would give the squad a huge boost and it's certainly the case for us," said Root. "We (will be) excited to see them back in and around the squad. Hopefully, they are full of energy and ready to go when they get here." England are set to travel to India from Sri Lanka with the first Test scheduled in Chennai on February 5. The visitors will also play five T20I matches and three ODIs.

Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes to give England 'huge boost' vs India: England captain Joe Root

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari defied all odds to stitch an unbeaten knock with Ravichandran Ashwin to help Team India draw the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Hanuma, battling a hamstring injury, first got it going along with Cheteshwar Pujara, before batting for more than three hours with Ashwin, who himself was struggling with a sore back.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After India's historic achievement of winning back-to-back Test series on Australian soil, Vihari has credited former Indian captain Rahul Dravid for bridging the gap between domestic and international players.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Vihari's heroics on Day 5 of the Sydney Test, Dravid messaged the Indian batsman to laud him for his efforts.&nbsp;

"Even after the Sydney Test, it was nice of him to send me a text. He said ‘Very well done, you did a great job’. That is the person he is and I respect him for that," Vihari told&nbsp;Sports Today.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-siraj-drives-straight-to-his-fathers-grave-after-landing-in-india-pays-his-last-respects-358296" hreflang="en">Mohammed Siraj drives straight to his father's grave after landing in India, pays his last respects</a>

Vihari further praised Dravid for giving chances to youngsters during India A tours as he said it made the players ready for international cricket.&nbsp;

"I mean, after getting picked in the India A side. Those who were there in the side, Siraj, Saini, Shubman, Mayank, everyone who were part of that side played a lot of cricket together in India A. Also, in the last 3-4 years, we played many India A tours and he was the coach (Rahul Dravid). I don’t think we played so many India A tours before. So that bridged the gap between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian team. We made the progress quickly. That’s the reason why we are playing our first game or the second game, we are ready for the challenge. We are not behind any other players. He made it possible.&nbsp;

"As youngsters, we have to give a lot of credit to him, the way he let us express our game. When we play under him, it always feels like he is more of a mentor than a coach. He is always there whenever we need him.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-ravindra-jadeja-ruled-out-of-england-test-series-358289" hreflang="en">India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series</a>

"Even in the last Australia tour, I made a call to him, saying ‘Sir, I am making my debut’. He said ‘you have done exceptionally well in Ranji Trophy, in India A, so you’re ready to play’. That’s the confidence he gave me," Vihari said.&nbsp;

Vihari is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehabilitation and will miss the home series against England starting from February 5 due to the hamstring tear. He is expected to be back in contention before India's tour of England later in the&nbsp;year.&nbsp;

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari defied all odds to stitch an unbeaten knock with Ravichandran Ashwin to help Team India draw the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari defied all odds to stitch an unbeaten knock with Ravichandran Ashwin to help Team India draw the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Hanuma, battling a hamstring injury, first got it going along with Cheteshwar Pujara, before batting for more than three hours with Ashwin, who himself was struggling with a sore back. After India's historic achievement of winning back-to-back Test series on Australian soil, Vihari has credited former Indian captain Rahul Dravid for bridging the gap between domestic and international players. After Vihari's heroics on Day 5 of the Sydney Test, Dravid messaged the Indian batsman to laud him for his efforts. "Even after the Sydney Test, it was nice of him to send me a text. He said ‘Very well done, you did a great job’. That is the person he is and I respect him for that," Vihari told Sports Today. ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj drives straight to his father's grave after landing in India, pays his last respects Vihari further praised Dravid for giving chances to youngsters during India A tours as he said it made the players ready for international cricket. "I mean, after getting picked in the India A side. Those who were there in the side, Siraj, Saini, Shubman, Mayank, everyone who were part of that side played a lot of cricket together in India A. Also, in the last 3-4 years, we played many India A tours and he was the coach (Rahul Dravid). I don’t think we played so many India A tours before. So that bridged the gap between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian team. We made the progress quickly. That’s the reason why we are playing our first game or the second game, we are ready for the challenge. We are not behind any other players. He made it possible. "As youngsters, we have to give a lot of credit to him, the way he let us express our game. When we play under him, it always feels like he is more of a mentor than a coach. He is always there whenever we need him. ALSO READ: India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series "Even in the last Australia tour, I made a call to him, saying ‘Sir, I am making my debut’. He said ‘you have done exceptionally well in Ranji Trophy, in India A, so you’re ready to play’. That’s the confidence he gave me," Vihari said. Vihari is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his rehabilitation and will miss the home series against England starting from February 5 due to the hamstring tear. He is expected to be back in contention before India's tour of England later in the year.

Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday landed in India after a&nbsp;gruelling&nbsp;tour of Australia and drove straight to his father's graveyard to pay his last respects to his departed father Mohammed Ghouse. Siraj's 53-year-old father had passed away on November 20 due to lung ailment, a week after Siraj landed in Australia with the Indian team.&nbsp;

Siraj's father breathed his last while his son was fulfilling his national duties for the Indian cricket team. While the youngster had the opportunity to return back and stay with his family, Siraj chose to stay back with the team&nbsp;instead of heading back to India.&nbsp;

While players went home after earning a well-deserved rest ahead of the England series, the 26-year-old, who was India's highest wicket-taker in the Test series against Australia, drove straight from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in&nbsp;Shamshabad&nbsp;to the graveyard of his father in Khairtabad to pay last respects to his father Ghouse, TOI reported.&nbsp;

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"I lost the biggest supporter of my life. He was the person who supported me the most in my pursuit of a cricket career. It's a great loss for me," Siraj had said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Even though he is not in the world, he'll always be with me," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Even though my mother and I would quite often scold Siraj for neglecting his studies and wasting his time playing cricket, my father never said a word to him. In fact, he encouraged him to go and play. He used to tell Siraj not to worry and that he will do whatever possible to help him play the game. Today, my father was proved right," Siraj's brother Mohammed Ismail&nbsp;was quoted as saying by TOI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-play-for-so-long-you-get-used-to-getting-hit-cheteshwar-pujara-talks-about-the-gabba-experience-358232" hreflang="en">'You play for so long, you get used to getting hit': Cheteshwar Pujara talks about the Gabba experience</a>

Siraj laid flowers on his father's grave and offered prayers before spending some time at the grave. He then left to his home in Al-Hasnath&nbsp;Colony in Toli Chowki.&nbsp;

"Siraj arrived around 9 in the morning and from there he went straight to the graveyard. His father would have been very proud to see Siraj do so exceedingly well in Test cricket, especially against the Australians on their home ground. Siraj would have been happier if he had been able to hug his father on his return and share his success stories but destiny seems to have other plans," said Siraj's closest friend Mohammed Shafi, who had accompanied him to the graveyard&nbsp;told TOI.&nbsp;

Siraj ended up with 13 wickets in the series in what was a fitting tribute to his departed father.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday landed in India after a gruelling tour of Australia and drove straight to his father's graveyard to pay his last respects to his departed father Mohammed Ghouse.

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj on Thursday landed in India after a gruelling tour of Australia and drove straight to his father's graveyard to pay his last respects to his departed father Mohammed Ghouse. Siraj's 53-year-old father had passed away on November 20 due to lung ailment, a week after Siraj landed in Australia with the Indian team. Siraj's father breathed his last while his son was fulfilling his national duties for the Indian cricket team. While the youngster had the opportunity to return back and stay with his family, Siraj chose to stay back with the team instead of heading back to India. While players went home after earning a well-deserved rest ahead of the England series, the 26-year-old, who was India's highest wicket-taker in the Test series against Australia, drove straight from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad to the graveyard of his father in Khairtabad to pay last respects to his father Ghouse, TOI reported. ALSO READ: India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series "I lost the biggest supporter of my life. He was the person who supported me the most in my pursuit of a cricket career. It's a great loss for me," Siraj had said. "Even though he is not in the world, he'll always be with me," he added. "Even though my mother and I would quite often scold Siraj for neglecting his studies and wasting his time playing cricket, my father never said a word to him. In fact, he encouraged him to go and play. He used to tell Siraj not to worry and that he will do whatever possible to help him play the game. Today, my father was proved right," Siraj's brother Mohammed Ismail was quoted as saying by TOI. ALSO READ: 'You play for so long, you get used to getting hit': Cheteshwar Pujara talks about the Gabba experience Siraj laid flowers on his father's grave and offered prayers before spending some time at the grave. He then left to his home in Al-Hasnath Colony in Toli Chowki. "Siraj arrived around 9 in the morning and from there he went straight to the graveyard. His father would have been very proud to see Siraj do so exceedingly well in Test cricket, especially against the Australians on their home ground. Siraj would have been happier if he had been able to hug his father on his return and share his success stories but destiny seems to have other plans," said Siraj's closest friend Mohammed Shafi, who had accompanied him to the graveyard told TOI. Siraj ended up with 13 wickets in the series in what was a fitting tribute to his departed father.

Mohammed Siraj drives straight to his father's grave after landing in India, pays his last respects

Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the four-match home Test series against England, scheduled to start from February 5. Jadeja had dislocated his left thumb during the Sydney Test against Australia and underwent a surgery Down&nbsp;Under. However, the swashbuckling all-rounder would need six weeks to recover, ruling him out of the much-awaited Test series against England.&nbsp;

The BCCI selectors will take a call on Jadeja's availability for the shorter formats later. India&nbsp;are&nbsp;scheduled to play four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs against England with the first two Tests set to be hosted by Chennai while remaining two will be hosted by Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“He is out of Test series and he will take more than six weeks to recover completely. The selectors will take a call later, whether to include him in the team for the shorter formats,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.&nbsp;

Jadeja will further travel to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-play-for-so-long-you-get-used-to-getting-hit-cheteshwar-pujara-talks-about-the-gabba-experience-358232" hreflang="en">'You play for so long, you get used to getting hit': Cheteshwar Pujara talks about the Gabba experience</a>

The Indian Test players will have to undergo three days of quarantine after reaching Chennai on January 27. They will be allowed to train and use the gym after completing hard quarantine.&nbsp;

The BCCI has even requested the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to check with the authorities on whether 50 per cent crowd capacity will be allowed at the&nbsp;Chepauk&nbsp;Stadium for the Test matches against England.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-from-steve-smith-glenn-maxwell-to-lasith-malinga-list-of-released-players-ahead-of-mini-auction-357972" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: From Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell to Lasith Malinga - List of released players ahead of mini-auction</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fdcf2abe-d0a2-4e94-a611-159f4ba1551e}{148}" paraid="215096431" >England tour of India – Full Schedule:&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{101}" paraid="398681622" >India vs England, 1st Test: February 5-9 in Chennai&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{119}" paraid="355640834" >India vs England, 2nd Test: February 13-17 in Chennai&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{137}" paraid="1818389654" >India vs England, 3rd Test: February 24-28 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{155}" paraid="566029164" >India vs England, 4th Test: March 4-8 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{173}" paraid="1965680686" >India vs England, 1st T20I: March 12 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{191}" paraid="644229623" >India vs England, 2nd T20I: March 14 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{209}" paraid="604005136" >India vs England, 3rd T20I: March 16 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{227}" paraid="2052419394" >India vs England, 4th T20I: March 18 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{95f32626-ad8f-4410-831b-816a6a58f839}{245}" paraid="1571783911" >India vs England, 5th T20I: March 20 in Ahmedabad&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{461be3ab-5830-4603-9eb9-9aba826aacb1}{8}" paraid="2046867545" >India vs England, 1st ODI: March 2 in Pune&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{461be3ab-5830-4603-9eb9-9aba826aacb1}{26}" paraid="1382482373" >India vs England, 2nd ODI: March 26 in Pune&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li lang="EN-US" paraeid="{461be3ab-5830-4603-9eb9-9aba826aacb1}{44}" paraid="738692707" >India vs England, 3rd ODI: March 28 in Pune&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the four-match home Test series against England, scheduled to start from February 5. Jadeja had dislocated his left thumb during the Sydney Test against Australia and underwent a surgery Down Under.

Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the four-match home Test series against England, scheduled to start from February 5. Jadeja had dislocated his left thumb during the Sydney Test against Australia and underwent a surgery Down Under. However, the swashbuckling all-rounder would need six weeks to recover, ruling him out of the much-awaited Test series against England. The BCCI selectors will take a call on Jadeja's availability for the shorter formats later. India are scheduled to play four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs against England with the first two Tests set to be hosted by Chennai while remaining two will be hosted by Ahmedabad. “He is out of Test series and he will take more than six weeks to recover completely. The selectors will take a call later, whether to include him in the team for the shorter formats,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express. Jadeja will further travel to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. ALSO READ: 'You play for so long, you get used to getting hit': Cheteshwar Pujara talks about the Gabba experience The Indian Test players will have to undergo three days of quarantine after reaching Chennai on January 27. They will be allowed to train and use the gym after completing hard quarantine. The BCCI has even requested the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to check with the authorities on whether 50 per cent crowd capacity will be allowed at the Chepauk Stadium for the Test matches against England. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: From Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell to Lasith Malinga - List of released players ahead of mini-auction England tour of India – Full Schedule: India vs England, 1st Test: February 5-9 in Chennai India vs England, 2nd Test: February 13-17 in Chennai India vs England, 3rd Test: February 24-28 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 4th Test: March 4-8 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 1st T20I: March 12 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 2nd T20I: March 14 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 3rd T20I: March 16 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 4th T20I: March 18 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 5th T20I: March 20 in Ahmedabad India vs England, 1st ODI: March 2 in Pune India vs England, 2nd ODI: March 26 in Pune India vs England, 3rd ODI: March 28 in Pune

India's Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of England Test series

Paul Pogba produced a moment of magic as Manchester United came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 and reclaim the Premier League lead on Wednesday, ending Manchester City's short stay at the top.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's in-form team started the match third in the table after 24 hours of chopping and changing at the summit.

The win sent the Red Devils two points clear and equalled the club record of 17 Premier League away games without defeat set by the treble-winning side of 1999.

United were forced to dig deep after Ademola Lookman punished them for an untidy start before Edinson Cavani pulled them level with a poacher's goal later in the first half.

Pogba -- back in the starting line-up in recent weeks after a spell on the periphery of Solskjaer's team -- put United in front with a stunning left-foot curling effort from outside the area in the second half.

United have now won seven Premier League games after going behind this season.

"Fantastic goal by Paul and we had some other chances to finish the game but of course when it is just one goal, and the players they put on, it is going to be like heart in your mouth," Solskjaer told BT Sport.

But the Norwegian refused to be drawn on a title challenge, even though United are top at the halfway point of the season.

"It is always going to be talked about when you are halfway through and top of the league but we are not thinking about this," he added. "We just have to go one game at a time. It is such an unpredictable season."

<h2>- Thrilling race -</h2>

The Premier League race is shaping up to be a thriller, with just eight points separating United from seventh-placed West Ham.

United knew they had to respond after City beat Aston Villa 2-0 earlier on Wednesday to leapfrog Leicester, who topped the table after their 2-0 win against Chelsea the previous evening.

But the defensive discipline they showed in their goalless draw against Liverpool on Sunday was absent in the early minutes and they paid the price.

United were punished in the fifth minute when Lookman sprang the offside trap, collecting a ball over the top from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The forward had time to pick his spot and gave Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea no chance, striking the ball into the bottom corner with his right foot.

The away side settled and were level in the 21st minute through Cavani, moments after Bruno Fernandes had hit the inside of the post.

Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to hold a Fernandes cross from the left, spilling the ball into the path of the veteran Uruguayan, who made no mistake with a left-footed finish from close range.

The increasingly influential Fernandes tested Areola from distance as United began to flex their muscles without creating many clear-cut chances.

Fulham made a bright start to the second period as United again struggled to find openings.

But in the 65th minute Pogba broke the deadlock, creating space before producing an unstoppable drive past a diving Areola.

The Frenchman said he had been "really mad" after failing to convert a late chance against Liverpool.

"It was a beautiful goal and beautiful win," he said. "It wasn't my favourite goal ever but it was still beautiful."

As the second half wore on, United faced some nervy moments.

De Gea was forced to make a smart save with his legs from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who blasted another chance over the bar.

And United had their hearts in their mouths when Aleksandar Mitrovic's header deflected off Eric Bailly and inches wide of the post deep into time added on.

Defeat for Fulham leaves them third from bottom, four points from safety.

Paul Pogba produced a moment of magic as Manchester United came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 and reclaim the Premier League lead on Wednesday, ending Manchester City's short stay at the top.

Paul Pogba produced a moment of magic as Manchester United came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 and reclaim the Premier League lead on Wednesday, ending Manchester City's short stay at the top. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's in-form team started the match third in the table after 24 hours of chopping and changing at the summit. The win sent the Red Devils two points clear and equalled the club record of 17 Premier League away games without defeat set by the treble-winning side of 1999. United were forced to dig deep after Ademola Lookman punished them for an untidy start before Edinson Cavani pulled them level with a poacher's goal later in the first half. Pogba -- back in the starting line-up in recent weeks after a spell on the periphery of Solskjaer's team -- put United in front with a stunning left-foot curling effort from outside the area in the second half. United have now won seven Premier League games after going behind this season. "Fantastic goal by Paul and we had some other chances to finish the game but of course when it is just one goal, and the players they put on, it is going to be like heart in your mouth," Solskjaer told BT Sport. But the Norwegian refused to be drawn on a title challenge, even though United are top at the halfway point of the season. "It is always going to be talked about when you are halfway through and top of the league but we are not thinking about this," he added. "We just have to go one game at a time. It is such an unpredictable season." - Thrilling race - The Premier League race is shaping up to be a thriller, with just eight points separating United from seventh-placed West Ham. United knew they had to respond after City beat Aston Villa 2-0 earlier on Wednesday to leapfrog Leicester, who topped the table after their 2-0 win against Chelsea the previous evening. But the defensive discipline they showed in their goalless draw against Liverpool on Sunday was absent in the early minutes and they paid the price. United were punished in the fifth minute when Lookman sprang the offside trap, collecting a ball over the top from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The forward had time to pick his spot and gave Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea no chance, striking the ball into the bottom corner with his right foot. The away side settled and were level in the 21st minute through Cavani, moments after Bruno Fernandes had hit the inside of the post. Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to hold a Fernandes cross from the left, spilling the ball into the path of the veteran Uruguayan, who made no mistake with a left-footed finish from close range. The increasingly influential Fernandes tested Areola from distance as United began to flex their muscles without creating many clear-cut chances. Fulham made a bright start to the second period as United again struggled to find openings. But in the 65th minute Pogba broke the deadlock, creating space before producing an unstoppable drive past a diving Areola. The Frenchman said he had been "really mad" after failing to convert a late chance against Liverpool. "It was a beautiful goal and beautiful win," he said. "It wasn't my favourite goal ever but it was still beautiful." As the second half wore on, United faced some nervy moments. De Gea was forced to make a smart save with his legs from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who blasted another chance over the bar. And United had their hearts in their mouths when Aleksandar Mitrovic's header deflected off Eric Bailly and inches wide of the post deep into time added on. Defeat for Fulham leaves them third from bottom, four points from safety.

Pogba fires Man Utd back to Premier League summit

Andrea Pirlo won his first trophy as a coach on Wednesday as Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo blasted in his 20th goal of the season following a corner on 64 minutes in Reggio Emilia, before Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty and Alvaro Morata added a second deep into injury time.

Pirlo, 41, clinched his first silverware five months after taking over at his former club where he won four league titles.

"Winning a first title (as a coach) is a great joy, different from that felt as a player, it's even more beautiful," said Pirlo, who lifted the trophy three times as a player with Juventus and AC Milan.

Juventus won the annual trophy, played between the league champions and Italian Cup holders, for the ninth time, having finished runners-up last year to Lazio.

"This trophy is very important because it can give us confidence for the rest of our season," said Ronaldo.

Juventus sit fifth in the league, 10 points behind leaders AC Milan, after losing 2-0 to second-placed Inter Milan last weekend.

"The Scudetto is possible, Milan and Inter are very strong, but there are still a lot of games to be played and we can still do it," added Ronaldo.

It was the first meeting between Pirlo and Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso, who won the 2006 World Cup together and spent a decade as AC Milan teammates, winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns together.

<h2>- 'Sorry for Gattuso' -</h2>

They have not faced off this season after Napoli refused to travel to Turin for their October league match because of coronavirus cases -- a fixture which has still to be played.

"I'm sorry for Gennaro Gattuso, but we wanted to react after the defeat against Inter Milan," said Pirlo.&nbsp;

"We bet a lot on the pride of the players, we wanted to show that we were a team."

Juventus received a boost hours before kick-off with Juan Cuadrado recovering from coronavirus and starting for the first time in two weeks.

Napoli had the best chance of the first half in the Mapei Stadium, with Juve keeper Wojciech Szczsesny demonstrating quick reflexes to save Hirving Lozano's diving header just before the half-hour mark.

Federico Bernardeschi came off the bench after the break in place of Federico Chiesa and immediately had an impact.

Juventus piled on the pressure after an hour when Ronaldo was sent through on goal and defender Kostas Manolas almost deflected the ball into his own net.

But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the most of the resulting corner, with the ball bouncing off Tiemoue Bakayoko and into the path of the unmarked Portuguese forward to fire in his 20th goal of the season.

Napoli had a chance to equalise from the spot after Weston McKennie fouled Dries Mertens, but Insigne wasted the opportunity by dragging a woeful effort wide.

Szczsesny pulled off another late save before a last-gasp Morata goal sealed victory.

"We all lost together, not because of Lorenzo's penalty. Let's move on," said Gattuso, 43, whose side beat Juventus in last season's Italian Cup.

"In the first half there was a bit of fear.&nbsp;I don't remember Juve's serious chances today.

"We could have done better, but the match is very similar to the one seven months ago. In fact, we suffered more seven months ago than today."

Andrea Pirlo won his first trophy as a coach on Wednesday as Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo blasted in his 20th goal of the season following a corner on 64 minutes in Reggio Emilia, before Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty and Alvaro Morata added a second deep into injury time.

Andrea Pirlo won his first trophy as a coach on Wednesday as Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo blasted in his 20th goal of the season following a corner on 64 minutes in Reggio Emilia, before Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty and Alvaro Morata added a second deep into injury time. Pirlo, 41, clinched his first silverware five months after taking over at his former club where he won four league titles. "Winning a first title (as a coach) is a great joy, different from that felt as a player, it's even more beautiful," said Pirlo, who lifted the trophy three times as a player with Juventus and AC Milan. Juventus won the annual trophy, played between the league champions and Italian Cup holders, for the ninth time, having finished runners-up last year to Lazio. "This trophy is very important because it can give us confidence for the rest of our season," said Ronaldo. Juventus sit fifth in the league, 10 points behind leaders AC Milan, after losing 2-0 to second-placed Inter Milan last weekend. "The Scudetto is possible, Milan and Inter are very strong, but there are still a lot of games to be played and we can still do it," added Ronaldo. It was the first meeting between Pirlo and Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso, who won the 2006 World Cup together and spent a decade as AC Milan teammates, winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns together. - 'Sorry for Gattuso' - They have not faced off this season after Napoli refused to travel to Turin for their October league match because of coronavirus cases -- a fixture which has still to be played. "I'm sorry for Gennaro Gattuso, but we wanted to react after the defeat against Inter Milan," said Pirlo. "We bet a lot on the pride of the players, we wanted to show that we were a team." Juventus received a boost hours before kick-off with Juan Cuadrado recovering from coronavirus and starting for the first time in two weeks. Napoli had the best chance of the first half in the Mapei Stadium, with Juve keeper Wojciech Szczsesny demonstrating quick reflexes to save Hirving Lozano's diving header just before the half-hour mark. Federico Bernardeschi came off the bench after the break in place of Federico Chiesa and immediately had an impact. Juventus piled on the pressure after an hour when Ronaldo was sent through on goal and defender Kostas Manolas almost deflected the ball into his own net. But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the most of the resulting corner, with the ball bouncing off Tiemoue Bakayoko and into the path of the unmarked Portuguese forward to fire in his 20th goal of the season. Napoli had a chance to equalise from the spot after Weston McKennie fouled Dries Mertens, but Insigne wasted the opportunity by dragging a woeful effort wide. Szczsesny pulled off another late save before a last-gasp Morata goal sealed victory. "We all lost together, not because of Lorenzo's penalty. Let's move on," said Gattuso, 43, whose side beat Juventus in last season's Italian Cup. "In the first half there was a bit of fear. I don't remember Juve's serious chances today. "We could have done better, but the match is very similar to the one seven months ago. In fact, we suffered more seven months ago than today."

Pirlo wins first trophy as Juventus beat Napoli in Italian Super Cup

Cricket Australia on Wednesday saluted the Indian team's "resilience, courage and skill" during its historic Test series win over the hosts and expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the "sacrifices" it made to ensure a smooth conduct of the epic contest. A second-string Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, braved all odds to defeat a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba here to win the four-Test series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Tuesday in Brisbane.

"On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia, we congratulate Team India for their resilience, courage and skill demonstrated in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a series that will be talked about for generations to come," CA wrote in a Thank You note to the BCCI.

The note, written by CA interim CEO Nick Hockley and Chair Earl Eddings, was addressed to "friends in Indian cricket", the BCCI, acknowledging the role played by the Sourav Ganguly-led board in successfully completing the tour amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Australian cricket will forever be grateful to the BCCI for their friendship, trust and commitment in helping to deliver a series that has brought joy to many millions of people around the world at a time they needed it most," the letter read.

"The unique challenges of international touring during a global pandemic are considerable and we thank India's players, coaches and support staff for all they have given. "Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men's teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty20 International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever competed," it added.

The CA officials said that the BCCI's cooperation was crucial to making the tour a hit. The series gave the financially struggling CA a major boost with an expected revenue of 300 million Australian dollars.

The two teams brushed aside some unsavoury controversies like the racist chants against Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah by the crowd in the Sydney Test, to ensure that the focus remained firmly on cricket. "Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of international sport's greatest ambassadors."

"We will never forget the sacrifices made by our friends at the BCCI that made all this possible," they said.

The note also appreciated the contributions of all other stakeholders, saying the series witnessed many enthralling contests between players of the two sides.

"From the sublime fast bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, to the wonderful batting of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith, to the exciting debuts of Shubman Gill and Cameroon Green - and much, much more - the past two months of cricket have been absolutely enthralling.

"May we also take this opportunity to thank everyone who played their part to deliver this memorable series -- governments, health officials, venues, broadcast and commercial partners, cricket associations, players, match officials, staff and their families."

India's tour of Australia started nearly two months back with three ODIs which the visitors lost 1-2 before pocketing the T20 series 2-0.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday saluted the Indian team's "resilience, courage and skill" during its historic Test series win over the hosts and expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the "sacrifices" it made to ensure a smooth conduct of the epic contest.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday saluted the Indian team's "resilience, courage and skill" during its historic Test series win over the hosts and expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the "sacrifices" it made to ensure a smooth conduct of the epic contest. A second-string Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, braved all odds to defeat a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba here to win the four-Test series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Tuesday in Brisbane. "On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia, we congratulate Team India for their resilience, courage and skill demonstrated in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a series that will be talked about for generations to come," CA wrote in a Thank You note to the BCCI. The note, written by CA interim CEO Nick Hockley and Chair Earl Eddings, was addressed to "friends in Indian cricket", the BCCI, acknowledging the role played by the Sourav Ganguly-led board in successfully completing the tour amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Australian cricket will forever be grateful to the BCCI for their friendship, trust and commitment in helping to deliver a series that has brought joy to many millions of people around the world at a time they needed it most," the letter read. "The unique challenges of international touring during a global pandemic are considerable and we thank India's players, coaches and support staff for all they have given. "Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men's teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty20 International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever competed," it added. The CA officials said that the BCCI's cooperation was crucial to making the tour a hit. The series gave the financially struggling CA a major boost with an expected revenue of 300 million Australian dollars. The two teams brushed aside some unsavoury controversies like the racist chants against Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah by the crowd in the Sydney Test, to ensure that the focus remained firmly on cricket. "Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of international sport's greatest ambassadors." "We will never forget the sacrifices made by our friends at the BCCI that made all this possible," they said. The note also appreciated the contributions of all other stakeholders, saying the series witnessed many enthralling contests between players of the two sides. "From the sublime fast bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, to the wonderful batting of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith, to the exciting debuts of Shubman Gill and Cameroon Green - and much, much more - the past two months of cricket have been absolutely enthralling. "May we also take this opportunity to thank everyone who played their part to deliver this memorable series -- governments, health officials, venues, broadcast and commercial partners, cricket associations, players, match officials, staff and their families." India's tour of Australia started nearly two months back with three ODIs which the visitors lost 1-2 before pocketing the T20 series 2-0.

Cricket Australia thanks BCCI on successful tour, salutes Team India's 'courage and skill'

JSW Sports, the sports arm of the $13 billion JSW Group conglomerate, on Thursday announced the addition of India’s star cricketer, Rishabh Pant, to its growing talent management roster. The&nbsp;multi-year association between the two parties will see JSW Sports manage all commercial interests&nbsp;and marketing rights&nbsp;of the 23-year-old cricketer, who most recently played a starring role in India’s magnificent Test series win in Australia.

As part of the association, JSW Sports will manage the athlete’s image positioning and all his commercial engagements, including brand endorsements and appearances, social media monetisation and business deals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-hailed-as-immortals-australia-under-fire-after-gabba-stunner-357893" hreflang="en">India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner</a>

Ever since its inception in 2012, JSW Sports has worked towards maximizing India’s sporting potential by working with&nbsp;promising&nbsp;Indian talents&nbsp;across&nbsp;Olympic sports, football and kabaddi including Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and wrestling star Bajrang Punia. Adding an established, yet young cricketer like Rishabh Pant to its Talent Representation Division, JSW Sports aims to kick-start a new part of their business which focuses solely on talent representation and management.

Welcoming Rishabh Pant to the organisation,&nbsp;Mr. Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sports, said, “I think what the world has seen Rishabh do at 23 is just the tip of the iceberg. We have always adopted a holistic approach to all our business verticals and we will continue to do that for ‘Brand Rishabh’ through this relationship. He truly is a special talent and we are confident that he has all the ingredients to become a global sporting icon.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-hero-rishabh-pant-hails-dream-series-after-australia-upset-357726" hreflang="en">India hero Rishabh Pant hails 'dream series' after Australia upset</a>

Expressing his delight at signing on with JSW Sports, Rishabh Pant said, “I have had a close relationship with the JSW Group and am excited to embark on this new journey with JSW Sports. I have tremendous respect for the work they have been doing to promote sports in India and have seen their dedication towards helping create and sustain a sporting culture in India. After having had a detailed conversation with them, I felt this was the right choice for me at this stage of my career and I am excited to be represented by them.”

JSW Sports, the sports arm of the $13 billion JSW Group conglomerate, on Thursday announced the addition of India’s star cricketer, Rishabh Pant, to its growing talent management roster.

JSW Sports, the sports arm of the $13 billion JSW Group conglomerate, on Thursday announced the addition of India’s star cricketer, Rishabh Pant, to its growing talent management roster. The multi-year association between the two parties will see JSW Sports manage all commercial interests and marketing rights of the 23-year-old cricketer, who most recently played a starring role in India’s magnificent Test series win in Australia. As part of the association, JSW Sports will manage the athlete’s image positioning and all his commercial engagements, including brand endorsements and appearances, social media monetisation and business deals. ALSO READ: India hailed as 'Immortals', Australia under fire after Gabba stunner Ever since its inception in 2012, JSW Sports has worked towards maximizing India’s sporting potential by working with promising Indian talents across Olympic sports, football and kabaddi including Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and wrestling star Bajrang Punia. Adding an established, yet young cricketer like Rishabh Pant to its Talent Representation Division, JSW Sports aims to kick-start a new part of their business which focuses solely on talent representation and management. Welcoming Rishabh Pant to the organisation, Mr. Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sports, said, “I think what the world has seen Rishabh do at 23 is just the tip of the iceberg. We have always adopted a holistic approach to all our business verticals and we will continue to do that for ‘Brand Rishabh’ through this relationship. He truly is a special talent and we are confident that he has all the ingredients to become a global sporting icon.” ALSO READ: India hero Rishabh Pant hails 'dream series' after Australia upset Expressing his delight at signing on with JSW Sports, Rishabh Pant said, “I have had a close relationship with the JSW Group and am excited to embark on this new journey with JSW Sports. I have tremendous respect for the work they have been doing to promote sports in India and have seen their dedication towards helping create and sustain a sporting culture in India. After having had a detailed conversation with them, I felt this was the right choice for me at this stage of my career and I am excited to be represented by them.”

JSW Sports signs cricketer Rishabh Pant on Exclusive Talent Management Contract

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