India’s Devdutt Padikkal (ANI Photo)

Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to Test cricket in style, scoring his maiden century in the format during India’s first innings of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.The Karnataka left-hander produced a composed yet attacking knock, handling the challenging conditions with maturity and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Padikkal was particularly effective against spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, combining caution with well-timed aggression.The 26-year-old came into the Test on the back of a century against SLC XI in the warm-up game and continued his strong run of form when it mattered most.Padikkal may have found it difficult to break into India’s playing XI had Sai Sudharsan been fit and available for the series. However, his century has strengthened his case for a continued run at No.3.Speaking after the close of play on Day 1, Padikkal revealed that determination was key to getting through a physically demanding innings in Galle, where the heat and humidity took a toll.“In this knock, determination for me was playing through that tiredness and fatigue that I was feeling, especially towards the third session. I think it was getting really hot, and we were losing a lot of fluid. We were sweating all the time. So it was really important that I was determined enough to keep going and keep pushing forward,” Padikkal said in a video shared by BCCI.The batter also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration on a surface that did not make batting easy.“It wasn’t the easiest of wickets to bat on. I think we had to make sure that we didn’t play too many last shots. We had to make sure that we kept our minds in the game as long as possible because, like I said, again, when you get tired, it’s easy to lose that discipline, and I think as a team we did that well today,” he added.Padikkal shared a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul before Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering from cramps. For Padikkal, the century was particularly significant as he had not played a Test for India since 2024 and had waited almost two years for another opportunity.His return to the side came after a prolific run across domestic cricket and the IPL. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, along with his IPL form, helped him force his way back into the reckoning.Padikkal admitted that the long wait had tested his patience but also gave him time to improve his game.“Patience for me, I think it was more to do with what I’ve gone through before this game. I think my last Test was in 2024. So it’s been a long time coming, and I’ve had to patiently wait, look on from the outside. It’s never easy. But at the same time, it gave me time to really work on my game and perfect things that needed perfecting. And I’m really glad that all that hard work came to effect today. It feels great,” said Padikkal.The left-hander also revealed that he felt nervous as he approached the three-figure mark, but eventually managed to overcome the pressure.“I was a bit nervous towards the end when I got closer to it, but I think that’s part of it, and I’m really happy to get over that. Especially this ground, I think even when we came here with the India SI, I got a few runs and even in the warm-up game, obviously I got some runs. So yeah, I guess it’s a really special place for me and glad to keep it going,” he added.

Rahmat Shah finished on 143 not out.© X/@ACBofficials

Indian women’s hockey captain Salima Tete

For Indian women’s hockey captain Salima Tete, the message ahead of their World Cup opener against China is simple — stay confident, stick to the plan and fight until the final whistle.India begin their campaign on Sunday against World No. 4 China in Pool D at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, knowing that a positive start could set the tone for what they hope will be a successful tournament.And while the team has spent considerable time working on its tactical game, Tete believes the focus has also been on preparing the players to handle the pressure that comes with playing on the biggest stage.“We have mainly worked on our fitness, tactical understanding and our team coordination. We have also focused a lot on improving our decision-making under pressure and being consistent throughout the match,” Tete told TOI.The captain also believes the team has learnt an important lesson from its recent experiences.“The biggest lesson is that we can compete against any strong team if we stay confident and stick to our plans. We have learned that small mistakes can make a big difference at this level, so we need to stay focused and disciplined for the full 60 minutes,” she said.That responsibility will be even greater for Tete, who will lead India into her first World Cup as captain. For the 24-year-old, it is a moment she has dreamt of, but one she also knows comes with added responsibility.“It is a very special and proud moment for me. Playing in a World Cup is a dream for every player, and leading my country as captain makes it even more special,” she said.Tete’s role, however, will extend beyond what she does on the field. She wants to ensure that the team stays united when the pressure begins to mount. “My biggest responsibility will be to lead by example, keep the team motivated and make sure that everyone stays together, especially during difficult moments,” she said.That togetherness, according to Tete, is also one of India’s biggest strengths.“I would say our biggest strength is our fighting spirit and togetherness. We never give up, and we always try to support each other. Even when things don’t go our way, we stay together and keep fighting until the final whistle,” she said.Since Sjoerd Marijne took over as head coach, India have also placed greater emphasis on structure and tactical discipline. Tete feels that work is beginning to reflect in the team’s performances.“We are becoming more confident in our style of play and are learning to adapt to different situations. I think the team is improving with every match,” she said.The first test of that progress will come against China, a side India know will demand their full attention from the opening whistle. “China are a strong team, so we need to start with confidence, stay focused on our plan and play with a lot of energy,” Tete said.For a young Indian side carrying plenty of new faces but also boasting significant experience, that balance between belief and discipline could prove crucial. And for Tete, the challenge is clear: lead from the front, keep the team together and make sure India stay in the fight for all 60 minutes.

Manchester City are looking to get the Enzo Maresca era off to a good start with success in Sunday’s Community Shield vs Arsenal

Enzo Maresca takes charge of his first competitive match as Manchester City as the post-Pep Guardiola era gets underway when they take on Arsenal. Erling Haaland and co are looking for a repeat of May’s FA Cup final, where they overcame Chelsea.

Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium will be the host as the first piece of silverware is up for grabs in the curtain-raiser for the Premier League. Arsenal go into the contest as top-flight champions after holding off City to end their 20-year wait to reach the summit.

The World Cup across North America has hampered pre-season preparations for teams across Europe due to their star players sporadically returning.

Rodri returned to England this week after Spain’s exploits. However, the midfielder underwent minor back surgery in the wake of Luis de la Fuente’s side etching themselves in history.

The Spaniard’s future in the North West remains unclear with Barcelona seemingly set to step up their interest in him but this weekend will come too soon for the 30-year-old.

Jack Grealish is another City star who faces an uncertain future after his loan spell with Everton last season. But a foot injury curtailed his campaign with the Toffees and he has been recovering from the issue since.

The 39-time England international returned to training recently but it is unlikely he will play any part under the famous arch. Ryan McAidoo has featured during the pre-season preparations, but a problem looks set to restrict his involvement.

The City exodus remains uncertain with Maresca’s side touted to be expecting a summer clear out of sorts. Savinho is another following interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Italian head coach raised concerns over his involvement through illness, he said: “He was not part of the session [on Thursday], he was a little bit ill.

“We’ll see today, the session is in the afternoon, so we’ll see how he is today and we’ll decide [whether he is available vs Arsenal].”

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Arsenal’s Premier League triumph was the third piece of silverware during Mikel Arteta’s time at the Emirates Stadium but the first since the FA Cup and subsequent Community Shield success in 2020.

The Spaniard has been buoyed by the news that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are expected to be involved in the capital.

But it isn’t entirely good news for the Gunners with key defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber expected to miss out. Saliba has been sidelined after the Frenchman’s World Cup ended prematurely due to a long-term back injury which has added him to the injury list for an extended period.

Timber has been nursing a groin issue since March and it was significant enough to keep him out of the World Cup, even though he returned for the final knockings of Arsenal’s title-winning season, where they fell short in the Champions League.

“Jurrien is progressing really well, he’s on the pitch. We are ramping up now certain actions and especially the volume and the load. And I think he’s in a good trajectory but there’s still a few weeks to go,” Arteta said.

“I don’t know [if he will be back before international break], we have to wait and see. He needs to start to train with the group in the next week or so hopefully and then see how he progresses from there.

“It’s been a long-term issue right now and we want to make sure that every step that we take is the right one. He feels right to do that and it’s such an important thing for us.”

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