Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

No side had ever defended the T20 World Cup title. Suryakumar Yadav’s boys did it first. At home, no less. Here is TOI’s report card of the 15 men who made it happen.GAUTAM GAMBHIR (COACH) – 9/10Two consecutive ICC trophies. The only man in history to win a T20 World Cup as player and coach. His biggest contribution was framing the team’s ideology to “not playing for milestones”. He backed Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy through their lean phase.JASPRIT BUMRAH – 10/10There is a reason Suryakumar Yadav called him a “national treasure”. India’s cheat code! Named Player of the Match in the final for figures of 4/15. Finished joint top wickettaker with 14 scalps and economy of 6.21 — remarkable on surfaces where everyone else bled runs. In the semifinal, he gave away just 14 runs across two overs in the death when England needed 69 off the last five overs.M: 8 | W: 14 | ER: 6.21 | Ave: 12.42 | SR: 12.00

SANJU SAMSON – 10/10When he got his chance, he dismantled the opposition bowling, narratives against him, and years of heartbreak. He kicked off his scoring spree with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal, then 89 against England in the semifinal, and another 89 in the final — becoming only the second batter to score three consecutive 80-plus scores at a T20 World Cup. His 89 was the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Was fittingly named Player of the Tournament.M: 5 | R: 321 | SR: 199.37 | Ave: 80.25 | 50s: 3ISHAN KISHAN – 9/10The comeback stories at this World Cup had a recurring theme. People who had been written off, coming back with a bang. His redemption arc was complete after smashing 54 off 25 in the final. His best performance came against Pakistan, leading the Indian charge with 77 off 40. He finished as the fourth-highest runscorer in the tournament.M: 9 | R: 317 | SR: 193.29 | Ave: 35.22 | 50s: 3HARDIK PANDYA – 8.5/10A reliable, clutch professional who showed up in the moments that mattered. Scored a halfcentury each against Namibia and Zimbabwe, but his best came in the semifinal against England, where he scored a rapid 27 off 12 that powered India to a 250-plus total. With the ball, his best came against Pakistan (2/16). In the semifinal, he bowled the 19th over for just nine runs, claiming 2/38 to halt England.M: 9 | R: 217 | SR: 160.74 | Ave: 27.12 | 50s: 2 Wkts: 9 | ER: 8.81 | BB: 2/16SHIVAM DUBE – 8/10Bailed India out of tough situations while batting down the order. His 31-ball 65 against the Netherlands helped India to 193 after struggling initially. In the final, he scored 24 runs in the final over, taking India to 255. Even in the semis against England, he played a clutch knock, hitting 43 off 25 and taking down the wily Adil Rashid.M: 9 | R: 235 | SR: 169.06 | Ave: 39.16 | 50s: 1 Wkts: 5 | ER: 14.12 | BB: 2/35AXAR PATEL – 8/10While he was not required with the bat, he came to the fore with the ball taking 11 wickets, often bowling clutch overs. In the final, he took 3/27. In the semis, two stunning catches from him changed the game entirely.M: 7 | R: 16 | SR: 106.66 | Ave: 5.33 | 50s: 0

India head coach Gautam Gambhir with captain Suryakumar Yadav. (Pic credit: BCCI)

SURYAKUMAR YADAV (CAPTAIN) – 7.5/10He led with clarity, instinct and energy. He read the game well and wasn’t afraid to back his bowlers or shuffle the batting order under pressure. But with the bat, he looked a shadow of his peak self. Scored a solitary half-century—an unbeaten 84 off 49 against USA—that saved India the early blushes.M: 9 | R: 242 | SR: 136.72 | Ave: 30.25 | 50s: 1TILAK VARMA – 7.5/10He started at No.3 but it didn’t work. Dropped down to the middle-order and suddenly he looked a different batter. A 16-ball unbeaten 44 against Zimbabwe stood out, a 15-ball 27 against Windies, and a 7-ball 21 against England in the semis, where he smashed three sixes off Jofra Archer, underscored his importance.Inns: 9 | Runs: 207 | SR: 154.47 | Ave: 29.57 | 50s: 0ARSHDEEP SINGH – 7.5/10On the high-scoring surfaces, he couldn’t quite replicate his 2024 heroics but still managed crucial performances in the semifinal against England and in the Super Eight game against Zimbabwe. The side trusted him throughout, and more often than not, he repaid that trust.M: 8 | W: 9 | ER: 8.46 | Ave: 28.22 | SR: 20 | BB: 2/24VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY – 7/10I t was a tournament of two halves. He took nine wickets in the group stage and bowled economically, but across the next five matches, he leaked runs at 11.84, picking up just five more wickets. But 14 wickets at a World Cup is not bad.M: 9 | W: 14 | ER: 9.25 | Ave: 20.50 | SR: 13.20 | BB: 3/7KULDEEP YADAV – 7/10Played just one match. Against Pakistan in Colombo, he delivered a tight three-over spell, taking 1/14. He watched the rest of the tournament from the dugout.M: 1 | W: 1 | ER: 4.66 | Ave: 14 | SR: 18 | BB: 1/14MOHAMMED SIRAJ – 7/10Called into the squad as a last-minute replacement for Harshit Rana, he played only the opening match against the USA and walked away with figures of 3/29, stepping in for Bumrah who was ill.M: 1 | W: 3 | ER: 7.25 | Ave: 9.66 | SR: 8 | BB: 3/29ABHISHEK SHARMA – 6/10This was supposed to be his World Cup but lived on the edge of a cliff for seven matches, collecting three ducks in his first three innings. Opposition off-spinners tied him in knots. There was noise about dropping him for the final. He silenced it most decisively, scoring the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls.M: 8 | R: 141 | SR: 158.42 | Ave: 17.62 | 50s: 2RINKU SINGH – 5/10His tournament was truncated and difficult. Batting in cameo roles that didn’t suit him, he lost his place in the XI by the business end. But every Indian fielding highlight featured him; he contributed as a substitute fielder and remained a warm presence in what was clearly a painful month, having lost his father midway through the tournament.M: 5 | R: 24 | SR: 82.75 | Ave: 8.00 | 50s: 0WASHINGTON SUNDAR – 5/10He featured in just two games, registering 0/36 against the Netherlands and 0/17 against South Africa with the ball. In the one innings he batted against the Proteas, he scored just 11 runs. He was the squad’s depth, used as cover.M: 2 | R: 11 | SR: 100.00 | Ave: 11.00 | 50s: 0 Wkts: 0 | ER: 8.83

Ryan Garcia believes it is clear who accomplished more between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather and Pacquiao are both legends of the sport, each achieving incredible things that some boxers could only dream of ever managing.

The pair famously met back in May 2015, though the bout didn’t live up to the pre-fight hype as Mayweather ran out a fairly comfortable unanimous decision winner.

Over a decade on, they are set to meet again, as they will square off for the second time in the first ever boxing event to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19, with the event broadcast live on Netflix.

Mayweather will be competing professionally for the first time since 2017, while Pacquiao has fought just once since 2021, a majority decision draw with the then-reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios last July.

The man who has since beaten Barrios is Garcia, who won the title with a dominant points victory in February, and he has weighed in on the debate that often presents itself regarding Mayweather and Pacquiao.

Boxing fans regularly go back and forth over who between the two men had the better career, but ‘King Ry’ was certain when revealing his answer.

“I feel like Manny has got the best career. Out of Floyd and that generation that they grew up on, I feel like I would rather have Pacquiao’s career.”

While Mayweather may have retired with a perfect 50-0 record, Pacquiao is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, and will be looking to gain revenge when he goes up against his long-term rival once again later this year.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the Reds can still reach the Champions League quarter-finals despite losing the first leg of their round-of-16 tie against Galatasaray.

However, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is confident the Turkish champions have what it takes to complete the task when both teams meet again in the second leg at Anfield.

Galatasaray secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory in the first leg played in Istanbul. Midfielder Mario Lemina scored the only goal early in the match after a clever assist from Osimhen, giving the home side a slight advantage ahead of the return leg in England.

Despite Liverpool’s defeat, Carragher still believes the Premier League club has the quality to turn things around at Anfield.

The former defender admitted Liverpool did not perform well in Istanbul but said he still expects them to progress to the next round.

Carragher explained that Liverpool struggled during the match and were especially poor in the second half, but he still feels the English side should be strong enough to beat Galatasaray over two legs.

He also expressed concern about Liverpool’s overall performances this season, saying the team has not played at the level many expected.

According to Carragher, the club invested heavily last summer with the aim of competing strongly in Europe and possibly winning the Champions League. Because of that investment, he expected Liverpool to perform at a much higher level this season.

He added that even if Liverpool manage to overturn the deficit and advance to the quarter-finals, he is unsure they can go much further in the competition.

Carragher also questioned the balance of the squad, saying the team has struggled to find a consistent style of play this season.

While Carragher believes Liverpool will still qualify, Victor Osimhen is confident Galatasaray can cause more problems in the second leg.

The Nigerian striker played an important role in the first-leg victory by assisting Lemina’s goal and leading the attack with great energy.

Speaking after the match, Osimhen said he is very happy at Galatasaray and proud to wear the club’s shirt. He also praised the strong connection between the players and the supporters.

Osimhen added that the team showed they can compete with one of Europe’s biggest clubs and believes they can still hurt Liverpool in the return match.

Galatasaray will travel to Anfield hoping to protect their lead and reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in many years, while Liverpool will rely on their home support as they try to overturn the deficit.

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s yard got a taste of Buggsy’s ability before his purchase from the Ready To Run sale the previous year.

The son of Harry Angel justified the faith of his handlers and backers by taking out the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1000m) on his debut at Sandown last Wednesday.

Sandown Hillside Race 1 | Buggsy

The market support was spot on for the @MickPriceRacing debutant 👌🏻 @CWilliamsJockey

📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app

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REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/qwL8EF2McG

— Racing.com (@Racing) March 11, 2026

Last October’s $300,000 Inglis Ready To Run Sale purchase was given time off without delay.

Kent Jnr explained how the respite helped the two-year-old immensely, culminating in a Caulfield Heath trial conquest last month that readied him for the track.

Ridden by Craig Williams into the $2.20 favourite spot, Buggsy scored by 1-¼ lengths from Money Honey ($11), seeing off Macedon Mission ($71) by a neck for third.

“He was very well prepared by Hanover Lodge, but you can tell he lacks that race experience,” Kent Jnr said.

“He was off the bridle quite early but then had to dig deep and his best work was late.”

The colt will sharpen up with experience, but Kent Jnr was impressed by his adaptation to conditions at Sandown.

“He’s quite a busy brained horse at home,” Kent Jnr said.

“I think it’s testament to our system. He’s been to the Rosehill stable, transferred to the Cranbourne stable and that’s really brought him on, and he had a Caulfield trial as well.

“Craig’s so good with young horses. He gives them a good experience, gives invaluable feedback to us and the owners.

“I would say that would be the shortest he wants to go. He came off the bridle early and was strong past the post and you would imagine 1100 (metres) or 1200 would suit him better.”

Buggsy’s campaign direction will follow assessment of his recovery when walking out Thursday.

“That was a nice introduction, and I see no reason why he would train off,” Kent Jnr said.

“He’s a vibrant colt that eats very well and is full of energy, but tomorrow may tell a different story.

“Whatever the case he’s going to keep improving.”

Discover competitive racing betting markets for events like the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap at trusted betting sites.

He may still return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2026, but for the first time ever, safety Harrison Smith has been released. As a procedural matter on Wednesday, Minnesota cut Smith, who has yet to decide whether to return or retire.

Smith could still return, but the Vikings finally opened the door to a real transition plan.

Had Smith informed the team he planned to return for Year No. 15 before Wednesday, the Vikings could’ve merely reworked his contract. But Smith still needs time to lock in his choice.

Harrison Smith Release Isn’t the Final Word

Fans await Smith’s official “yes or no” on 2026.

On Paper, Vikings Release Smith

At this precise moment, Smith is no longer a Viking.

Vikings.com’s Craig Peters broke the news on Wednesday, “The Vikings on Wednesday announced a post-June 1 release of safety Harrison Smith. The procedural move, which spreads a cap hit over two seasons, does not indicate where Smith is at in his decision of whether to return for a 15th season in Minnesota.”

“The 37-year-old passed the 200-game threshold in 2025 and has started 203 of 207 regular-season games since joining the Vikings as a first-round pick in 2012. Smith has 39 career interceptions, the most among 2025 active NFL players, and 21.5 sacks.”

Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling added via tweet, “The Vikings will release Harrison Smith with a post-June 1 designation today, per source. It’s a procedural move, since Smith had a $25 million base salary guarantee for 2027 that was set to trigger later this week, but the Vikings would still welcome his return and they’ve talked with him about the move.”

“Smith has not made his decision about whether he’ll play a 15th season; this move will give him time to consider the choice while freeing a roster spot.”

Think of it this way: if Smith opts for retirement, March 11th will be the day that Minnesota formally cuts ties; if he returns, March 11th will mean nothing.

Smith Is “50/50”

Smith sure sounded like a man on the verge of retirement in early January. Vikings fans actually had a farewell party for Smith in Week 18 when his team toppled the suddenly lowly Detroit Lions. He said after the game that he was “leaning one way” on retirement or a return, but left the door open — somewhat cryptically.

Fast forward to March, and Smith is still undecided. One source told VikingsTerritory last week that Smith was “50/50” about returning and that he “has a hard time walking away.”

Kevin O’Connell said in December that he wanted Smith back: “I’ve been nudge-nudging and kind of catching him, picking my spots to keep on saying, ‘I know you’re having a lot of fun doing it. One of the best to ever do it in this uniform, man. He’s remarkable. He’s one of my absolute, all-time favorites.”

In fact, Smith seemed to get better as the 2025 campaign wore on. He battled a mysterious ailment to start the season but finished the year on a high note with a couple of interceptions.

Waiting on the QB Outcome?

On the other hand, perhaps Smith cannot stomach the idea of Minnesota winning a Super Bowl without him the moment he retires. In that vein, he may be watching the team’s quarterback decision — just like you — weighing the realism of hoisting a Lombardi next season with J.J. McCarthy at the helm versus somebody else.

Meanwhile, on the same day that Minnesota “released” Smith, the Arizona Cardinals cut Kyler Murray after seven seasons, and he’s now tentatively expected to sign a one-year deal with the Vikings, so long as the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have a trick up their sleeve.

There’s a small chance that Smith sees the eventual Murray signing — the writing is on the wall for it — and presses the go-button on his final season in 2026. Minnesota won nine games last year with the league’s fifth-worst quarterback production. Murray could be the main elixir.

The Safety Need Question as a Matter of Roster Planning

The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to offer a strong class of safeties, making it a good opportunity for teams seeking talent at the position. With several proven veterans also potentially available, teams will have options. Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman would make sense in Round 1 as a direct Smith replacement.

Keep an eye on younger vets like Jaquan Brisker, too, from free agency, who remains available at the time of this article’s publication.

For the Vikings, planning for the future beyond Smith is a pressing concern. While Smith could return for a 15th season, perhaps in a limited role, the Vikings must prioritize their long-term strategy in the coming weeks. Their past decisions, such as allowing Camryn Bynum to leave last offseason, should serve as a cautionary example.

If Minnesota decides to secure its future at the safety position, the time is now. It’s an offseason priority whether Smith stays or goes.

Should Smith return and play at least five games, he will pass Carl Eller and Fred Cox on the Vikings’ all-time games played list, leaving the franchise for good with the third-most behind Jim Marshall and Mick Tingelhoff.

Just weeks after joining the U.S Men’s Olympic hockey team in the locker room to celebrate their Gold Medal victory in Italy, FBI director Kash Patel is celebrating what he sees as another athletic milestone.

“I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” said Patel in a statement released today by the UFC. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth — helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people.”

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The training will provide insight into UFC fighters’ training methods as well as fighting techniques and tactics. It will take place at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico on March 15 and 16 and is for “academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world.”

Patel first floated the idea in a teleconference with the heads of the FBI’s 55 field offices just after he took charge at the Bureau last year.

UFC CEO Dana White is a longtime supporter of President Trump, having spoken at the RNC in 2024 and at Trump’s victory rally in 2025. The duo have also announced a UFC fight at the White House on Trump’s birthday.

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Patel was effusive in his praise for White and his organization.

“Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry and we’re extremely honored to be partnered with him, the professionals, and the UFC,” said the FBI director. “We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her.”

Per a UFC press release, the effort is “part of an overall initiative by the FBI to provide its agents with exciting, innovative training options and to constantly look for opportunities to revamp and improve their preparation.”

Among the fighters involved are current interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethe, the first UFC BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape and mixed martial arts legend Renzo Gracie.

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“I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” said White. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes…and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.”

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WNBA fans are so happy to see Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese playing together for Team USA in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament. Clark and Reese helped the United States win its first game of the tournament on Wednesday against Senegal.

Late in the fourth quarter, Clark and Reese were on the floor together to finish the game. Reese was at the free-throw line to shoot two shots, making the first one. She reached out to get daps from her teammates, including the Indiana Fever guard who ran all the way from the other side of the court.

Reese finished the 110-46 win with six points, eight rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes. Clark dropped a double-double in her first competitive game since July, when she re-aggravated a groin injury. She had 17 points and 12 assists in 19 minutes.

WNBA fans were happy to see the chemistry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While the media has dubbed them rivals on the court, their respective fan bases have made things a little heated. But now that they’re teammates in Team USA, it’s been all love from their supporters.

Here are some of the comments on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Caitlin Clark and Team USA are back in action on Thursday, when they take on host Puerto Rico. It should be noted that the United States has already qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. They are using the qualifying tournament to develop chemistry among their young prospects.

Team USA coach comments on Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese senior debut

Six players made their senior debut for Team USA on Wednesday against Senegal: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, Monique Billings and Rae Burrell.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Team USA coach Kara Lawson was happy to see the debutants get some action. Clark, Reese and Bueckers are three of the best young players who are tipped to represent the nation for years to come. Even Iriafen could be part of the national team in the long run.

“It’s an exciting day when you get to make your debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team,” Lawson said, according to ESPN. “I thought they played well. I don’t think you would have noticed that it was their debut. I thought they came in and had the appropriate level of respect for the game.”

Burrell and Billings were replacements for Sonia Citron and Aliyah Boston, who had to withdraw due to injuries. Citron and Boston should also be long-term members of Team USA for the next decade or so.