IND vs ZIM: India Playing XI For 1st T20I – Predicted Ft. Vaibhav Soo…

Even as the Indian cricket team and its coaching staff continue to reel and recover from the disappointments of their recent tour of the UK, the Men in Blue gear up to play another T20I series. toffler.lol

The three-match India vs Zimbabwe T20I series kicks off on July 23, Thursday, in Harare. This series gives a great opportunity for out-of-form, or struggling, or out-of-team players to find their footing and present a case for selection in the first-choice squad for future series.

Firstly, new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is still seeking his first win as India’s T20I skipper after failing to win any of the six completed T20Is in Ireland and England.

Secondly, all eyes will be on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again. The 15-year-old made his T20I debut in England after replacing Sanju Samson but managed scores of 14, 13, and 15 before being dropped for Samson.

Tilak Varma, the vice-captain, Ishan Kishan, and Ravi Bishnoi are other players who haven’t been in good form in recent times and will eye the Zimbabwe tour as a chance to improve their numbers. Bishnoi had earlier replaced Varun Chakaravarathy in the squad, as the latter is laid low with a hamstring injury that he sustained in England.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Mayank Yadav and finisher Rinku Singh are returned to the squad. They would be hoping for game time and notable performances in Zimbabwe.

Prabhsimran Singh, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, and Harsh Dubey are the four uncapped players in India’s squad for Zimbabwe T20Is.

With Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy both injured, Shivam Dube and Suryansh Shedge are the pace-bowling all-rounders in the squad, and Harsh Dubey is the spin-bowling all-rounder in the absence of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.

Predicting the batting order in the India playing XI for the 1st T20I vs Zimbabwe seems a much simpler task today than the bowling combination.

The top six is expected to comprise Abhishek, Sooryavanshi, Kishan, Iyer, Tilak, and Dube.

India is likely to go with two all-rounders and include Shedge or Harsh Dubey to pair with Dube, forming a dangerous finishing trio with Rinku. But that would leave India requiring eight overs from Dube, Shedge/Harsh, and Abhishek.

The choices for the remaining three spots of the bowlers are anyone’s guess.

Prince Yadav is likely to play, while all three of Ashok, Mayank, and Yash are known for their express pace; Ashok bowled the fastest ball in IPL 2026 at 154.7 kph. Yash earlier starred in Vidarbha’s title-winning season at the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 19 wickets.

Bishnoi took a hammering in England in his only bowling opportunity – 0/60 and plenty of no-balls – so he may not be a starter in the 1st T20I.

IND vs ZIM: India Predicted 11 vs Zimbabwe For 1st T20I

Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma (VC), Shreyas Iyer (C), Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey/Suryansh Shedge, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh, Prince Yadav, Ashok Sharmam, Yash Thakur/ Mayank Yadav

Where and how to watch India vs Zimbabwe T20I series?

The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series begins on July 23. Indian fans can watch the series live on Unite8 Sports TV channels. The live streaming of the series will be available on the FanCode app and website.

IND vs ZIM: India’s squad for Zimbabwe T20Is

Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Ashok Sharma, Prince Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav

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Sydney [Australia], July 22 (ANI): Matthew Mott has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sydney Sixers for the Big Bash League (BBL), taking over after James Hopes’ quick exit to join Queensland.

As part of the move, Mott will step down from his role as the Sixers’ Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) coach, with the club expected to announce his replacement later this week, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The former England white-ball coach, who was part of the Sixers’ BBL coaching staff as an assistant last season, has signed a two-year contract. He becomes the club’s third BBL head coach this year, following Hopes, who had succeeded Greg Shipperd before leaving just two months into the role.

Mott was appointed WBBL head coach last year, and the club considered having him oversee both the men’s and women’s teams. However, the Sixers opted to keep the two coaching positions separate, with the WBBL season running from late October to early December and the BBL campaign beginning shortly after and continuing until the end of January.

“With the potential for the BBL and WBBL windows to shift each season, we have appointed separate head coaches for each team to ensure continuity and long-term stability across both programs," Rachael Haynes, Sydney Sixers general manager, said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“While we considered Matthew’s ability to lead both programs, we’ve taken a long-term view to ensure consistent and stable leadership across both teams. The strength of the candidate we have appointed as WBBL head coach gave us confidence that this was the right move for both programs, and we look forward to announcing that news in the coming days," Rachael added.

Incoming Sydney Sixers coach Matthew said he was humbled by the opportunity to lead the men’s program.

“I’ve been part of the Sixers family for a long time, so to have the opportunity to step into the BBL Head Coach role is something I’m incredibly excited about," Mott said.

“This is a club with a proud history and a winning culture, and I’m looking forward to building on the foundations that have been established over many seasons. Having worked closely with the men’s program, I’ve seen first-hand the talent and potential within this playing group," Mott added.

“While it’s disappointing that I won’t be able to continue as WBBL Head Coach, I’m incredibly grateful for my time with the women’s program and wish Ash [Gardner], the players and support staff all the very best for WBBL|12," he said.

Under Mott’s leadership, Australia also recorded a world-record streak of 26 consecutive ODI victories and established itself as the benchmark team in international women’s cricket. Earlier in his coaching career, Mott served as Head Coach of the New South Wales Blues, guiding the side to victory in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in 2009, according to the Sydney Sixers website.

He also spent three seasons as Head Coach of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, and currently serves as a T20 consultant at Lancashire and Head Coach of the Manchester Super Giants women’s team in The Hundred.

In addition to his head coaching roles, Mott has contributed to many elite programs, including Australia’s men’s team, Australia’s Under-19 program and the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, according to Sydney Sixers website.

As a player, Mott represented Queensland and Victoria during a successful first-class career. He played 66 first-class matches, scoring 3,723 runs at an average of 33.84, including seven centuries and 20 half-centuries. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Chandigarh [India], July 22 (ANI): Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Wednesday said yoga can play a significant role in preventing emerging non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, as delegates from 21 countries participated in a yoga session on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh.

Addressing reporters, Srivastava said the event was organised in line with the BRICS health agenda, which focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles as well as traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.

“As you know, in our BRICS Health Ministers Meeting, 21 countries are participating. So, their representatives have participated in today’s session. And this participation is also important because in our BRICS agenda, there is a track on healthy lifestyles and also a track on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. So, moving forward with these two agendas, we have organized this yoga session," she said.

The Union Health Secretary highlighted that yoga has gained worldwide recognition following India’s efforts to establish the International Day of Yoga through the United Nations (UN).

“And you already know that due to India’s efforts, the UN has declared International Yoga Day. And now yoga is recognized all over the world. The fact that everyone participated today also shows that everyone has a great inclination towards yoga. This can definitely play a major role in preventing our emerging non-communicable diseases and lifestyle diseases," Srivastava added.

Earlier a press conference was held was held in Chandigarh on Tuesday, where Punya, and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, briefed the media on the preparations, agenda and expected outcomes of the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting.

Addressing the media, the Union Health Secretary highlighted that the meeting reflects India’s commitment, under its BRICS Chairship 2026, to advancing collective action on key global health priorities through the guiding theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

Srivastava emphasised that discussions during the Ministerial Meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as health security, pandemic preparedness, digital health, innovation, access to affordable medicines, traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, tuberculosis, healthy lifestyles, mental wellness and resilient health systems, while furthering the shared objective of achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving health outcomes across BRICS countries.

This marks India’s fourth BRICS Chairship, following its earlier tenures in 2012, 2016 and 2021. Guided by the Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," India has placed health cooperation among the key pillars of its BRICS agenda, reflecting its commitment to advancing a people-centric and inclusive global health architecture.

The meeting will bring together Health Ministers, senior government officials and technical experts from the eleven BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Together, these countries represent nearly half of the world’s population and around 40 per cent of the global GDP, underscoring BRICS’ growing role in shaping global health cooperation. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Rohan Chowdhury

India’s historic lawn bowls gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 was one of the biggest stories of the Games. Four years later, the sport has undergone a remarkable transformation in India, according to Ravi Bengani, President of the Bowling Federation of India and Deputy Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking ahead of the Games, Bengani reflected on how Birmingham changed the perception of the sport, improved the lives of athletes and laid the foundation for a stronger grassroots structure.

“Leaps and bounds”: How Birmingham transformed Indian lawn bowls

For Bengani, there is little doubt that the watershed moment in Birmingham altered the trajectory of the sport in India.

“The sport has developed by leaps and bounds, really leaps and bounds,” he said.

“The boost which we got in Birmingham has helped us reshape our sport and place us in a zone where now we are not scared of anyone. We know it’s possible for us to win against anybody.”

That belief, he says, is now one of the team’s biggest strengths.

“With that kind of confidence, and with a team brimming with self-esteem, we know that at any point of the day we can defeat anybody. The only thing we need now is consistency.”

To ensure that the players continue to progress, the federation has expanded its support system beyond technical training.

“We have worked really hard this time. We brought in specialists to counsel our players and make them mentally much stronger than before.”

The emphasis has been on a three-pronged approach.

“We focused on fitness, practice and mental strengthening.”

Success beyond the greens

The impact of the Birmingham Games, Bengani says, extends far beyond medals.

Government recognition, promotions and prestigious honours have changed the lives of several members of the historic squad.

“It has brought massive changes,” he said. “One of our players started in a very junior government position and has received multiple promotions since then. She went on to win the Arjuna Award.”

He also pointed to another player who now serves in a senior civil administration role in her home state, while another member of the gold medal-winning team continues to balance family life with her sporting ambitions.

“It has changed the lives of everybody involved in this great journey.”

Why lawn bowls suits India

Bengani believes India possesses natural strengths that make lawn bowls an ideal sport for sustained international success.

He credited his father with taking the sport beyond its traditional home at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club and expanding it across the country.

“My father should be credited for spreading this game in India. Earlier, it was largely confined to the bowling section of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. He had the vision to take it across the country.”

According to Bengani, India’s competitive advantage lies not in physicality but in mental attributes.

“He always believed this game is ideally suited for Indians. We may not have the physical strength of some of our Western counterparts, but we have focus and IQ, and those qualities are extremely important in lawn bowls.”

States driving the sport forward

The growth of lawn bowls is no longer limited to a handful of traditional centres. While India historically relied on eight strong states, Bengani says the competitive landscape has widened considerably.

“Now we have at least 14 states knocking on the door and threatening to replace those traditional strongholds.”

He highlighted Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab as among the fastest-growing regions in the sport.

One state, however, remains an exception.

“Bengal has unfortunately not progressed the way it should have. I’ll be frank. The game has not really gone beyond the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, and that’s something we seriously need to address.”

The next frontier: Schools

Despite the progress, Bengani believes grassroots development remains incomplete.

Introducing lawn bowls into schools is the federation’s next major objective. “That is something we really need to work on, and I promise we will focus on it immediately after these Commonwealth Games.”

A bigger player base

India currently has more than 2,000 registered lawn bowls players, a figure Bengani considers healthy given the sport’s relatively niche status.

But he expects another successful Commonwealth Games campaign to trigger another wave of growth. “We have more than 2,000 registered players now,” he said.

“After our team comes back with another strong performance, if not two extra zeros, you can certainly add one more zero to that figure.”

The players for CWG 2026:

Putul Sonowal – Men’s singles

Nayanmoni Saikia – Women’s singles

Navneet Singh and Dinesh Kumar – Men’s pairs

Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh – Women’s pairs

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The post Beyond Birmingham: Ravi Bengani on the next chapter of Indian lawn bowls appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

Melbourne [Australia], July 22 (ANI): Former Australian cricketer David Warner’s position as Sydney Thunder captain has come under scrutiny after he pleaded guilty to a drink-driving offence, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The former Australia opener did not appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday, where his lawyer, Bobby Hill, admitting the charge on Warner’s behalf to a mid-range drink-driving charge stemming from an incident on Easter Sunday, the report added.

Warner was stopped by police in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on April 5 and recorded a positive alcohol reading during a roadside breath test. He was subsequently taken to Maroubra Police Station for further testing, where his blood alcohol concentration measured 0.104 — more than twice the legal limit.

“The parties are in discussion about the facts," Hill said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Hill previously foreshadowed a guilty plea when the matter was first mentioned in May.

“He knows what he did was wrong," he said at the time. “He accepts that was a reckless decision, a foolish decision to get in his car instead of taking an Uber."

Warner had enjoyed three glasses of wine at a friend’s apartment before making that decision, Hill said.

“It’s not a crime to have a glass of wine on the day of the Lord’s resurrection. In fact, some would consider that completely appropriate," he told reporters, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “His crime is, as I said, choosing a foolish plan A instead of a plan B."

Sydney Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers and the New South Wales Blues, are part of a New South Wales government initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drink-driving, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Warner was arrested after returning from the Indian subcontinent, where he had captained the Karachi Kings during the Pakistan Super League, while travelling home over the Easter period.

The 39-year-old had previously been handed a lifetime ban from holding leadership roles following his involvement in Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. However, the sanction was lifted in 2024, paving the way for Warner to be appointed captain of the Sydney Thunder soon afterwards. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)