What is going through Gautam Gambhir‘s mind? His reputation as a red-ball coach is at stake, and so are India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. Led by Shubman Gill, India are currently fifth in the WTC standings, having registered four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15. In such a scenario, India face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series starting on August 15.

The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik feels that Gautam Gambhir would first want a fully fit squad before thinking about anything else.

“You want all your players fit and raring to go. That is crucial. You want your players fit and in form. That, at the moment, is Gautam Gambhir’s biggest challenge. Our red-ball fortunes have not been great at all. It’s very important. There is no Jasprit Bumrah, who is the leader of the pack. There is a bit of inexperience. I know there is Ravindra Jadeja. Gambhir would want his best players be fit and raring to go,” he told NDTV in an interaction facilitated by Sony Sports.

Kartik believes the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka will be crucial for India’s spin attack, with Ravindra Jadeja in the twilight of his career and the team looking to the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar to step up and shape the next phase of its red-ball spin-bowling unit.

Kartik said the series is crucial for India’s spin attack as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the twilight of his career. He praised Manav Suthar’s performance against Afghanistan, saying the young spinner has shown promise and could be important for India’s red-ball future. Notably, in his debut match for India, Suthar grabbed seven wickets in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June.

“From a spin point of view, it is absolutely important because Ravindra Jadeja, as good as he has been for Indian cricket, is in the twilight of his career. So, from that point of view, Manav Suthar, the way he came in and the way he bowled against Afghanistan, was very heartwarming for any old-school spinner who has watched Indian cricket or knows Indian cricket. So, from that point of view, from a red-ball perspective, Manav Suthar is very important,” Kartik said.

Kartik said Kuldeep Yadav has been a match-winner for India but has not received a consistent run in Test cricket. With Ravindra Jadeja nearing the twilight of his career, he believes it remains to be seen whether Kuldeep can emerge as India’s next spin leader.

“And look, Kuldeep Yadav has been a match-winner for India, but unfortunately for him, things played out differently when he had Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid as the captain and coach, respectively, and now he has not got that kind of run in the side. When you think of what happened in England, everybody kept saying during the course of those five Test matches, ‘Where is Kuldeep? Where is Kuldeep?’ And Kuldeep didn’t play; he was sitting out. So it’s very important from that point of view. Now that Ravindra Jadeja is in the twilight of his career, is he the leader, or is it going to be someone else? Because it is, as you rightly said, very, very difficult,” he said.

Kartik highlighted India’s ongoing transition, saying the team has big shoes to fill after the departures of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. He also stressed the challenge of replacing the contributions of veteran spinners and said the Sri Lanka series could determine whether Kuldeep Yadav can emerge as India’s spin leader.

“The Indian team has been in transition for a while. You look at the kind of players we’ve had to replace: Rohit and Virat have retired, while Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are out of the side. That’s a huge volume of runs you’re talking about. Then there is the spin department. Look at the number of wickets those two guys have taken after the likes of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, depending on what the team management wanted, always had one of them playing. Those are very, very big shoes to fill. So, can Kuldeep Yadav be the leader? I think we will find out during the course of this series because it’s very important,” Kartik said.

Kartik said the Sri Lanka tour is crucial for India, not only for assessing its spin options but also for improving its position in the World Test Championship, especially given the team’s recent struggles in Test cricket.

“It is a crucial tour, very important not just from the point of view of the spinners alone but also the WTC, because if we are serious about Test cricket, we are at No. 5. Our fortunes haven’t been great in red-ball cricket of late, which is well documented and everyone knows it,” he said.

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Spain’s Royal Family Welcomes World Cup Champions To Zarzuela Palace

Shakur Stevenson delivered a performance of the year candidate in January, and now one reigning world champion has called for a shot at the pound-for-pound star, hoping to hand the Newark southpaw a first career defeat.

Stevenson schooled Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden at the beginning of the 2026 calendar, but the WBO super-lightweight world champion has not yet defended his belt and his recent move to Zuffa Boxing has some fight fans believing that he never will.

In recent weeks, Stevenson had been linked to a showdown against WBO welterweight ruler Devin Haney, with a 144lb catchweight affair being suggested for the undefeated American duo, but Haney has since moved on to a potential unification against IBF champion Liam Paro.

In an interview with ProBox TV, IBF lightweight world champion Raymond Muratalla has now explained that he would love the opportunity to take on Stevenson.

“Absolutely, I think it only makes sense now. It is something that we have been wanting, that has never gone through. At this point, that would be something that the fans would love to see, something that he would love and yeah, it only makes sense. 

“Hopefully it happens naturally and we don’t gotta do all the extra bulls**t. 

“The style that I display [makes me dangerous for Shakur], I adjust and I am overall a very complete fighter. He has never faced a fighter like me and it would be a good fight for the fans.”

Muratalla defeated Robson Conceicao in a first defence of his title earlier this month, but soon unveiled plans to move up to super-lightweight, where he may well be installed as the WBO’s #1 contender.

As a result, Muratalla seems to be the most likely opponent for Stevenson at present and the undefeated Californian remains hopeful that the bout could take place before the end of 2026.

“I would love for it to happen by the end of this year, that would be ideal. I want to be active, I feel good, I feel amazing, actually. So, hopefully by the end of this year, but I have no date or anything planned yet.”

Once Muratalla’s move up in weight is confirmed, it is believed that Russia’s Artur Subkhankulov and Belarus’ Dmitry Asanau will complete for the vacant IBF lightweight world title in a meeting of two undefeated 135lbers.

Lionel Messi has admitted he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

Jorge, who was 68, died last week after a long illness. He had been Messi’s agent since the Argentine star was 14 and played a major role in his football career.

In an emotional tribute on social media, Messi said he was struggling to imagine life without his father.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote.

“I don’t know how to carry on. I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”

Messi also revealed that his father had wanted him to play in one more World Cup.

“You kept asking me to play in one last World Cup,” Messi said. “I kept telling you that we were going to make it to the final so you could come along.”

Messi captained Argentina at the 2026 World Cup and helped them reach the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight appearances during the tournament.

The Argentine star said he had hoped to win the World Cup and take the trophy to his father.

“I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one,” he wrote. “I couldn’t, my legs had nothing left.”

Messi’s family moved to Spain in 2001 after he joined Barcelona at the age of 13, while his father stayed with him during the early stages of his career.

Jorge later watched his son become one of the greatest players in football history, with Messi scoring 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona and winning the Champions League four times and La Liga 10 times.

Messi also paid tribute to his father as a mentor and close friend.

“You were my dad, my friend and my mentor,” he said. “I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be with me, especially in raising my children.”

He added: “Rest in peace, and watch over us from above just as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad.”

Messi’s emotional message also attracted messages of support from football stars and friends.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo sent his condolences, saying: “A huge hug to you and yours in these hard times, Leo. Much strength.”

Inter Miami co-owner and former England international David Beckham also offered his support.

“We are with you and your family, Leo, always,” Beckham said.

First Published: Aug 09 2026 | 10:52 AM IST

With Cleveland launching the new RTZ 2 wedges, the company now has a unique opportunity.

On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, co-hosts Johnny Wunder and Jake Morrow contemplated the potential for Cleveland to start a fully fleshed-out Tour wedge program.

“I’m really hoping that Cleveland, knowing that they have Roger [Cleveland] back, knowing that they have a phenomenal wedge program, creates a wedge program out on Tour to start to explore like what you’re talking about, you know, looking at the data, who’s doing what, who’s doing this,” Wunder said.

The RTZ 2 is the first flagship wedge the company has released since founder Roger Cleveland returned to the brand early last year.

The only company that really has a fully built-out wedge program on the PGA Tour is Vokey, which is overwhelmingly the No. 1 wedge on the PGA Tour. Titleist dedicates a whole team of Tour reps, led by Aaron Dill, specifically to servicing players’ wedges. The feedback then helps create the next line of Vokey wedges.

But while Cleveland has always been relevant in wedges on the PGA Tour, especially following the introduction of the 588 nearly 30 years ago, their market share has been increasing of late.

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While all of Cleveland/Srixon staffers use their wedges, more non-contracted players are using them too, like Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland and Justin Rose.

To build a successful Tour wedge program takes a lot more people involved, Wunder said, but the opportunity is now.

“I think like, creating exposure, trying to trap more tour players is not the worst idea for Cleveland now,” Wunder said. “Not that they’re not trying, but like really look at that and go, Hey, we could actually chew into this wedge market quite a bit because we have the product.”

Typically a program like that would be started for a marketing directive, and that requires an ego, Wunder said.

“I’m talking about companies, they tend to flex the strong arm, right?” Wunder said. “Like, you know, they’re gonna flex with the things that they know they’re gonna win with because they don’t have the certainty that if they offer up another product in that category that they’re gonna win. And I think a lot of that comes with just a little bit of ego.”

Especially after the RTZ 2 release, it’s pretty clear that Cleveland is one of the best wedge makers out there.

For more from Wunder co-host Jake Morrow, listen to the full episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped here, or watch it below.

Want to overhaul your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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After winning back-to-back Super Bowls, reality has set in for the Kansas City Chiefs.

They got shellacked in Super Bowl LIX by the Philadelphia Eagles and then missed the playoffs this past season — to add insult to injury (or, perhaps, injury to insult), Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL the day the Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention.

Travis Kelce seemed to insinuate that Super Bowl LIX left a bad taste in his mouth, causing his return for what seemed like one more season. Well, he did the same after missing the playoffs and is returning for a 14th year.

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Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field after a game against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 5, 2003, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Sporting News via Getty Images)

Fellow legendary Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez is fired up to see Kelce back on the gridiron.

“I did a sit-down with him…and I did honestly — I was like, he’s done. He’s got to be done. I mean, he was playing some good football, but clearly it’s not what it was. Just like with me at the end of my career, it wasn’t what it was when I was 27, 28, 29 years old. But he’s got that drive. He wants to play,” Gonzalez recently told Fox News Digital.

“Everybody knows, it’s no secret, he’s winding down an incredible career. But he is one of the best to ever do it, if not the best. And it’s been fun to watch him play and see all the success he’s had on and off the field. I love that guy. He’s such a good dude off the field as well. He’s easy to root for.”

With perhaps a rejuvenated Kelce for what might be his final season, a revamped running game and a fully healthy wide receiver room, Gonzalez believes there is a chance the Chiefs could revert to their old form.

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes look on during an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on Nov. 5, 2023. (Getty Images)

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“I mean, I’ve been more excited about them in the past, not going to lie,” he admitted. “But I really do think Patrick Mahomes is going to have a great year. For some reason, I mean one of those old-school-type years. They still got really good receivers: [Xavier] Worthy, [Rashee] Rice, [Tyquan] Thornton, don’t sleep on him. And then obviously Travis is still there. They got the running back now with Kenneth Walker. Offensively, they’re going to be fine. They’ll be a top-10 offense, Eric Bieniemy’s back. So, offensively, I’m not worried about them…

“If they can creep into that top-10-type defense, then I see no reason. I mean, in the AFC, I think they got a good shot. I think they got a really good shot to win their division and to make some — hey, come playoff time, Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs? Come on. I’m not picking against them.”

The Chiefs are personal for Gonzalez, as the organization drafted him 13th overall in 1997 out of California. Now in retirement, Gonzalez has partnered with Novartis to spread the word for men to get screened for prostate cancer, another aspect “close and personal to me” after losing two family members to prostate cancer with another currently battling it.

“It’s something that runs in my family, something that I’m at risk for. The word that we’re trying to spread together is: take the blood test. It’s just a simple blood test, and early detection can save lives,” Gonzalez said.

Tony Gonzalez attends the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Aug. 19, 2022. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

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“It’s the most common cancer amongst men — one in eight chance of getting prostate cancer. So, it’s important, and early screening can save lives. So, that’s what has to be understood about it, is that you can jump out in front of it. And there’s stuff you can do about it. It’s something that can be treatable if early detected. So, that’s kind of what it is for me. It’s like, why wouldn’t I want to get on board with something like this?”

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I like to take a look at how Vikings draft classes are performing two years down the line. The idea is that two years of football are ample to start forming an opinion on whether the draft picks are looking like they’re going to be successful. This year is the turn of the Vikings 2024 draft class.

Where the Vikings 2024 Draft Class Stands Now

The Vikings’ fourth-round pick was corner Khyree Jackson, who tragically passed away just two months after being drafted by the Vikings. Unfortunately, the world never got to see what he could have been on an NFL football field. He’s being excluded from the analysis but he hasn’t been forgotten.

Six players that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted back in 2024 are all still on the roster – for now at least. Let’s take a closer look at how the Minnesota Vikings 2024 draft class is performing two seasons in, from early-round starters to depth players fighting for bigger roles and those just trying to hang on to a roster spot.

JJ McCarthy (QB) – Round 1, Pick 10

Current Situation: QB2 for the Vikings.

The “QB battle” is over with Kyler Murray named the Vikings’ starting QB for the 2026 season. It’s another bump in the road for JJ McCarthy, who was drafted as the 10th overall pick by Minnesota in 2024. Has seen his rookie season lost to injury, his second season saw him in and out of the team with injuries, and when he did play, it was often not pretty. 

Now in Year 3 his starting role has gone, but it is probably too early to say this latest news is terminal for McCarthy’s career in Minnesota. Murray’s recent injury record is also a concern. For now, McCarthy has to wait and see if he gets another chance.

If this is it for McCarthy there is no way of sugarcoating it. When you trade up into the top 10 for a QB and he is potentially finished by the start of his third season then it is a disaster. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has already departed Minnesota; Kevin O’Connell will need positive results on the field to avoid the same fate.

Dallas Turner (Edge) – Round 1, Pick 17

Current Situation: Set to be Vikings starting OLB for the first time.

Dallas Turner can be the saving grace of this draft. With the surprise departure of Jonathan Greenard, Turner has been thrust into not only a starting role, but one where he is the team’s leading pass rusher.

Andrew Van Ginkel is a versatile edge defender who will be asked to do many different things by Brian Flores. Turner’s job will be to lead the pass rush. He showed glimpses of promise last season especially when filling in for the injured Greenard for large parts of the back end of the season.

Finishing the season with 8 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 passes defended, Turner is ready to kick on in 2026.

Walter Rouse (Tackle) – Round 6, Pick 17

Current Situation: Battling to keep his place as a backup tackle with the Vikings.

Walter Rouse has spent a couple of seasons as a depth player on the Vikings. He only got on the field for 88 offensive snaps in 2025 amid the team’s OL injury crisis. He did show some pass-blocking ability in that small sample size but Minnesota signed Ryan Van Demark and drafted Caleb Tiernan drafted in the third round. Rouse is facing an uphill battle to keep his place on the Vikings roster.

Will Reichard (Kicker) – Round 6, Pick 203

Current Situation: Vikings Kicker.

Some people frown upon drafting a kicker but the Vikings did so in 2024 with Will Reichard. Importantly, they drafted a good one with Reichard earning first-team All-Pro honors in just his second season. He only missed two kicks all season – one of which was the somewhat controversial Skycam wire incident in Week 5 – and broke the record for the Vikings’ longest field goal with a successful attempt from 62 yards. Reichard is not just accurate (he is 100% on extra points in his career) but has also proven he has a big leg with multiple successful attempts from 60+ yards. Minnesota had problems at kicker before drafting him but Reichard looks to have solved it.

Michael Jurgens (Center) – Round 7, Pick 230

Current Situation: Battling to remain the Vikings backup center or guard depth.

Minnesota has turned to Blake Brandel to be the starting center, which leaves Michael Jurgens and seventh-round rookie Gavin Gerhardt fighting to be the backup. Jurgens does have experience playing guard in college that can help him keep a roster spot, although he is somewhat undersized for that position and relies on good technique to succeed – particularly in run blocking. Jurgens’ versatility should lead to another year on the roster with the Vikings lacking any decent veteran IOL depth.

Levi Drake Rodriguez (Defensive Line) – Round 7, Pick 232

Current Situation: Important depth player on the Vikings defensive line.

For a seventh-round pick, Levi Drake Rodriguez is proving to be a roaring success as the last pick of the Vikings 2024 draft class. After making it onto the field a handful of times in his rookie season, he made significant strides in Year 2 as a valuable depth player in the rotation. Minnesota parted ways with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave after just one season and opted to strengthen the defensive line through the draft. The Vikings have high hopes for first-round pick Caleb Banks and third-round pick Domonique Orange but Rodriguez should see plenty of opportunity.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

Titan Ultra rookie Bryan Sajonia stretchered off after suffering an injury during a game vs San Miguel Beermen in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Another injury marred a 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup game at Ynares Center in Antipolo after Titan Ultra rookie Bryan Sajonia hurt his left knee during the third quarter of Wednesday’s matchup with San Miguel Beer.

Sajonia got hurt with 8:51 left in the third quarter with the Giant Risers trailing 74-55 when his knee buckled while looking to drive against the Beermen’s Marcio Lassiter.

The neophyte guard out of San Beda was stretched out of the court. A report from the game’s broadcast said that Sajonia didn’t hear any pop.

His injury came a day after NLEX import Dequan Jones sustained a gruesome fracture on his right leg at the same venue against TNT.

Ironically, Jones’ injury happened on the same spot where Sajonia got hurt.

It also brought back harrowing memories of previous injuries at the same venue, namely all of the three ACL tears sustained by NLEX’s Kevin Alas and the nasty neck injury sustained by then-Purefoods forward Eugene Tejada in 2006.

The injury will likely be a setback for Sajonia, one of the few bright spots on an otherwise awful campaign for Titan Ultra.

In fact, Sajonia’s name has floated in trade rumors, perhaps a sign of how he is valued within league circles.