Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has endorsed all-rounder Axar Patel for a spot in the upcoming Champions Trophy, suggesting that he could potentially fill the crucial role of a left-handed batter in the middle order. Manjrekar highlighted Axar's impressive batting performance in the first ODI against England, where he hit a quickfire 52 off just 47 balls, and praised his ability to play spin. He also hinted that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant may have to wait for his chance due to Axar's emergence. The Indian team could potentially make a couple of changes for the 2nd ODI, with captain Virat Kohli returning from injury and potentially pushing young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal down the order.
Rishabh Pant and Adidas: A Rising Partnership
Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant has recently partnered with sportswear giant Adidas, marking a significant milestone in his career. The partnership is a testament to Pant's growing stature in the sporting world and his potential as a global icon.
Background:
Rishabh Pant is a 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who has quickly become one of the most exciting players in Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and fearless approach, Pant has played a key role in India's recent successes, including their Test series win in Australia in 2021.
Adidas, on the other hand, is one of the world's leading sports brands, with a rich history of sponsoring top athletes and teams across various disciplines. The company is known for its innovative products and marketing campaigns.
The Partnership:
The partnership between Rishabh Pant and Adidas was announced in March 2022. Pant will become an official brand ambassador for Adidas, representing the company's products and campaigns worldwide. In addition, Adidas will provide Pant with exclusive training and recovery gear to support his performance on the field.
Benefits:
The partnership is mutually beneficial for both parties. For Pant, it provides access to a global sportswear brand and its resources, helping him elevate his brand and reach a wider audience. For Adidas, Pant's association adds a rising star to their roster of athletes, further strengthening their image as a supporter of Indian sports.
FAQs:
Pant will primarily endorse Adidas's cricket-specific footwear, apparel, and accessories.
The duration of the partnership has not been officially disclosed.
Pant may continue to have existing endorsements with other brands outside of the sports sector.
No, several Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni, have previously endorsed Adidas.
Axar Patel's impressive batting performance in recent matches has put pressure on Pant's spot in the Indian middle order. However, it is still too early to say whether Pant will be dropped for the Champions Trophy. The team's final decision will likely depend on the specific match conditions and the form of both players.
Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes has finally weighed in on the ongoing debate about whether New Zealand's Glenn Phillips is a better fielder than him. This comes after Phillips' impressive fielding performances during the Champions Trophy, where he took three stunning catches to dismiss top batters. Despite being 55 years old, Rhodes proved he still has what it takes as he delivered a brilliant effort in the International Masters League.
India triumphed over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, claiming the title for the third time in history. Captain Rohit Sharma's superb batting performance, scoring 76 runs in the summit clash, helped India chase down the 252-run target with ease. Indian stars, including Rohit and Shubman Gill, made significant contributions and secured a 100% win record under Rohit's leadership.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav shares his praise for ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma after India defeats New Zealand in a nail-biting final to win the Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit's instrumental 76 from 83 balls helped India maintain control over the required run rate. Despite a comeback attempt from the Kiwis, India's in-form middle order ensured a calm and collected victory. Amidst rumors of retirement, Rohit confidently states that he has no plans to retire from the 50-over format and is focused on continuing India's success in future tournaments.
The Indian men’s cricket team has made history by winning their seventh ICC title, firmly establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in world cricket. From their first win in 1983 with Kapil Dev’s team to their most recent victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, India has consistently shown their dominance in the sport. Led by captains like Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly, let’s take a look at the team’s remarkable journey and all their World Cup wins.
Thirteen individuals have been detained in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh following violent confrontations that took place during a celebratory rally for the Indian cricket team's triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy final. The clashes were instigated after stone-throwing occurred, prompting authorities to take action and arrest those involved. The town of Mhow, located near Indore, was the site of the violent incident.
Despite their differences, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's distinct styles proved to be crucial in India's triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy. In the final, Shreyas took risks while Rahul opted for a safe approach, but both players performed their roles perfectly. Shreyas overcame a past setback where he nearly gave up cricket, while Rahul dealt with the fallout from a controversial TV show appearance. Together, they make a formidable duo for the Indian team.
After the Indian cricket team emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, business leaders and tech moguls alike showered the team with praise. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called them "legends", while Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani declared it the realization of a billion dreams. Mahindra group chairman Anand Mahindra even shared the definition of "champions" to aptly describe the team's exceptional performance. All in all, it was a proud and historic moment for India as the Men in Blue lifted the trophy for the third time, making the nation shine on the world stage once again.
Football fans are in for a treat this Sunday as Manchester United take on Arsenal in a crucial Premier League match. Sky customers can catch all the action live at 4pm on Sky Sports or through the Sky Sports app, while non-Sky customers can stream the game with a NOW Day or Month pass. United, currently in 15th place, will be looking to secure their first back-to-back league wins this season, while second-placed Arsenal will be aiming to close the gap with leaders Liverpool.
Despite being the official hosts of the Champions Trophy final, none of the members of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were present during the presentation ceremony. This has raised speculations about their dissatisfaction with the tournament being held in Dubai instead of Lahore. Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment and questioned the absence of the board during such a significant event. Meanwhile, India clinched the title for the third time after defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final.
Rohit Sharma and his team have once again proven their dominance in world cricket by becoming the first side to win the Champions Trophy thrice. Led by Sharma, India's win against New Zealand in the 2025 final was not only a memorable achievement, but also marked their fourth consecutive ICC final in less than two years. This triumph also solidifies Sharma's position as the second-most successful Indian captain in ICC events, with only MS Dhoni ahead of him.