Why Lord’s ODI is a must-win for Shubman Gill more than it is for Gau…

India cricket team captain Shubman Gill has a golden opportunity to win his first series as captain in overseas as the team lock horns with England in the series deciding ENG vs IND 3rd ODI on Sunday. Ever since taking over the reins of the team from Rohit Sharma, the young captain has led the Men in Blue to victory in two out of five series, losing to Australia in an away series in the previous year and to New Zealand at home earlier this year. A win on Sunday will serve as a big confidence booster for Gill who will also be leading the side in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Gill closes in on first overseas series win as captain

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, pointed out that while Gill’s batting has been first-class, he was yet to win a series against a top team as captain. He claimed that while the Men in Blue did win against Afghanistan last month, it simply did not count as the underdogs weren’t a top team. Chopra added that in order for India to redeem itself after losing to AUS and NZ, it was imperative for Shubman to score runs and play a good knock like how he did in the first two ODIs against England.

“The focus will be on Shubman Gill because the year has been excellent, his performance against England has been excellent, but it’s also true that, as a captain, he hasn’t won an ODI series against a top team yet. He has won only against Afghanistan. I know it counts, but it doesn’t count. Let’s be honest. If you have lost against Australia and New Zealand, this is the one that you need to win, and for that he will have to score runs because he is in incredible form,” Chopra said. fishroad-app.com

India have, so far, won 9 out of 14 games that they have played under Shubman’s captaincy. An overseas series win isn’t on the list yet. Therefore, the ENG vs IND 3rd ODI at Lord’s is a must-win for Gill to boost his credentials, more than it is for Rohit Sharma or Gautam Gambhir.

Gill is India’s leading run-getter in ODIs since 2025, with 974 runs from 19 matches with a career average of over 60. In 2026 alone, he has scored 484 runs in jus 7 innings, and has one century and four fifties to his name. Shubman scored an unbeaten 80-run knock in the ENG vs IND 1st ODI before he was forced to retire hurt. In the 2nd ODI, he managed to score 31 runs before he was sent packing. The ENG vs IND 3rd ODI presents Gill the perfect opportunity to lead from the front with the bat.

The post Why Lord’s ODI is a must-win for Shubman Gill more than it is for Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma appeared first on Inside Sport India.

“It’s time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the greatest player of all time. What he does on the pitch defies all logic.”

Those are not our words. They were spoken by Ronaldo Nazário, better known as R9 or O Fenómeno. Ask almost any footballer who played during the 1990s and 2000s who the greatest player they ever shared a pitch with was, and the answer is rarely Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimović. More often than not, it is R9. So when he says that about Messi, it is worth listening.

Nor is he alone. A few years ago, Adidas organised a conversation between Messi and Zidane. One remark from Zidane has always stood out. He said that, as a player, he perhaps had a second more than everyone else to look up and assess his options. He then looked at Messi and added: “But you seem to have three.”

And that is just the players. What about the coaches? Leaving aside Pep Guardiola, who coached Messi at Barcelona, Jürgen Klopp once revealed that he had only one selfie on his phone, and it was with Messi.

So how do we measure greatness, especially on a stage as grand as the World Cup? Perhaps the simplest exercise is to ask how a team would have fared without its talisman.

Where would Argentina have finished in 1986 without Diego Maradona? A quarter-final exit seems the likeliest outcome. And where would Argentina have finished in Qatar and at the 2026 World Cup without Messi? Think back to that decisive goal against Mexico in Qatar, the strike that released a nation’s emotions. Then look at how often he has carried Argentina in this tournament, contributing a remarkable eight goals and four assists.

Compare that with some of football’s other greats. Take Pelé at the 1970 World Cup. Even without him, Brazil would still have been a formidable side. As defensive midfielder Clodoaldo famously said: “We had five aces in our team including Pelé.”

Or consider Andrés Iniesta and Spain in 2010. Spain possessed such extraordinary quality and depth that another player could probably have stepped in and performed admirably.

What Messi brings, however, is almost impossible to replace. It is not just the close control, immaculate first touch, breathtaking dribbling or unerring finishing. It is his ability to rise to the biggest occasions.

Kylian Mbappé may have claimed the Golden Boot after his brace in the third-place play-off, but at 39, Messi has his eyes on the far bigger prize. Footballing logic suggests Spain should win the World Cup on Sunday night. But, as Ronaldo the original said, logic has a habit of disappearing whenever Lionel Messi is involved.

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New York [US], July 19 (ANI): Spain forward Borja Iglesias made a light-hearted remark ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, joking that he did not want to “go to jail" if he had to shake hands with US President Donald Trump during the post-match trophy presentation after Sunday’s title clash against Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final match in New Jersey, prompting Spanish magazine Panenka to ask Iglesias how he would react if he had to greet the US President after the match.

Responding with humour, Iglesias said, “I will shake hands with Trump, but I hope it’s quick… I don’t want to go to jail," as quoted by Italian news outlet ‘Il Messaggero’.

The Celta Vigo striker, who is known in Spain for his outspoken views on social issues, elaborated further on his response.

“I hope to greet him at a time when we are all very happy, and that it ends very quickly so I can forget about it," he added.

Iglesias also made it clear that he did not want the occasion to become a political controversy.

“I don’t want to go to jail for refusing. I don’t think this is the time to create controversy because people already know very well what I think. I would like to do many things, but the reality is that even if people think I am omnipotent, I don’t really have that much power to deal with certain issues," as per Il Messaggero.

While Iglesias’ comments have attracted attention off the pitch, Spain remain firmly focused on their bid for a second FIFA World Cup title.

Luis de la Fuente’s side head into the final after an outstanding campaign in which they have conceded just one goal, becoming the first team in men’s World Cup history to keep six clean sheets in a single edition.

Following an opening 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, Spain have won six straight matches, eliminating Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to reach the final.

Argentina, meanwhile, are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles after producing another dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semifinals. Lionel Scaloni’s side have won 14 consecutive matches and are looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup crown.

The final will also be the first-ever World Cup title clash between the reigning European champions and the reigning Copa America champions. (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.)

Madrid [Spain], July 19 (ANI): Spanish Tennis legend Rafael Nadal extended his best wishes to Spain ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina, recalling the unforgettable memories of the country’s 2010 World Cup triumph and expressing his lifelong love for football.

In a post on X, Nadal said football has always been one of his greatest passions and that he has enjoyed playing the sport, watching matches, and supporting Spain’s national team since childhood.

“Ever since I was little, soccer has been one of my great passions. I’ve always enjoyed playing, watching matches, and supporting our national team. I can still remember the thrill of living in South Africa for the 2010 final. We’ll never forget it!" Nadal wrote.

Looking ahead to Spain’s clash against Argentina, Nadal described it as another historic occasion while expressing admiration for the South American nation.

“Tomorrow we have another chance to enjoy one of those matches that make history against a national team and a country that I respect and admire greatly. Best of luck. Let’s go, Spain!" he added.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in New York/New Jersey for football’s ultimate prize.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).

Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek back-to-back titles.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.

Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.

Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain’s defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches. The victory booked Spain’s second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (local time) is going to be “a cracking match". Ahead of the final, Luis de la Fuente said the clash against Argentina is going to be a “cracking match", saying both teams share a similar footballing philosophy and are committed to playing an entertaining game where talent, quality and attacking football take centre stage.

“There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and in the talent of their players – so I think it’s going to be a cracking match. I believe that, in terms of our approach, both Argentina and Spain – Spain and Argentina alike – are setting out to play a match where brilliance, talent and good football will prevail over any other factor," he said as quoted by Reuters.

On the other hand, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that the team needs to “bring out its best version" to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, Lionel Scaloni said Argentina have prepared as they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on delivering their best performance.

He added that despite being a well-known team, Argentina have earned their place in the final on merit and will do everything possible to win the title.

“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyse the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final," he said during the pre-match press conference.

Scaloni also praised Lionel Messi for reaching another FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39, calling his achievement incredible.

“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years," he said. (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.)

India’s Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill has said keeping himself away from “external factors" helps him deal with pressure situations on and off the field.

Gill will be leading India in the third and final ODI against England here on Sunday, and a win will give the tourists a 2-1 series victory.

“The way I deal with pressure is by keeping focussed on the things that are in my control and keep myself away from the external factors," said Gill during an interactive session at a diaspora reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London on Saturday.

India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, who had to deal with a couple of injuries in the recent past, thanked his teammates for inspiring him to make a comeback.

“I just wanted to get out of the hospital. The calls from my team members gave me a lot of motivation to head back to my training and come back stronger," said during the session co-ordinated by India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Kartik Pande.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir described the UK as a “special place", given the history between both countries which “can never be forgotten and should never be forgotten".

“Indian cricket does not just belong to the people sitting in the dressing room. It belongs to every honest Indian cricket fan, who supports us selflessly and unconditionally," said Gambhir.

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla told the players to stay off social media before a match and focus on their respective games.

“In India, the problem is that 99 percent of the people are experts in cricket… so just try to avoid social media. There’s no dearth of talent in Team India, they are full of talent," said Shukla during his address at the gathering held at the India House.

P Kumaran, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, welcomed the team and highlighted the wide-ranging impact of the India-UK Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), which entered into force this week.

“We are hopeful that it [CETA] opens up many possibilities for business services as well as sports related activities," said Kumaran.

“Over the years, Team India has made us proud many times over and over with your achievements," he added.