Ajayveer Hundal (Photos by ICC and Special Arrangements)

NEW DELHI: By the time the sun dipped behind the concrete skyline of Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday evening, a 20-year-old in Canada colours stood out. The net session was almost done, and batters were packing their kit bags.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A baby-faced Ajayveer Hundal, with his spectacles on, was lost in his thoughts, somewhat soaking in the quiet hum of a stadium he had grown up hearing about but never thought he would walk into as a player.

Over the ages, “love at first sight” has been romanticised in poetry, cinema, and folklore. Sport, however, has a way of springing its own surprises. Hundal’s first sporting love, after all, wasn’t cricket. It was ice hockey.“I used to play ice hockey,” he told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive chat on the sidelines of Canada’s net session.“In our school, it’s the biggest thing that you grow up with. Our city has a hockey team, Vancouver Canucks, with a huge fan following. So I just grew up watching hockey.”So, when did cricket enter Ajayveer’s life?Cricket arrived later.The 2019 World Cup, as far as he can recall, was the turning point.“I used to watch cricket a lot with my uncle. That [2019 World Cup] was really the peak time for me when I started watching cricket. And then in 2019-20, I started playing properly,” he said with a smile.

Ajayveer Hundal (Special Arrangements)

Born in Canada to Indian parents, Hundal decided during the pandemic that cricket was more than a hobby. And once he picked it up, he wanted to chase it seriously.The decision took him across continents, back and forth between Canada and what he calls “the Mecca of Cricket”, India, particularly Delhi, where his family has roots.“My father’s side was in the military, so they moved to Delhi quite a bit ago. My dad’s mama ji (maternal uncle) and everyone live in Greater Kailash. My bua ji (aunt) lives in Gagan Vihar,” he continued.“So yeah, it’s great to see this stadium that I heard of for so long. And being able to just be in it as a player is a great feeling.”It was his first time inside the stadium.“Inside the stadium, yes, first time,” he said. “People wouldn’t have expected it when I was coming here training that I would get the chance to play in a World Cup here. But yeah, definitely a great feeling.”Hundal has been to India three or four times just to train, as he admitted, “Coming to India, the biggest thing is you see the exposure, you see the level of talent everyone has. It really pushes you. It forces you to push yourself and adapt to the conditions here, because everyone here is so good.”That environment shaped his transition from a hockey-playing teenager to a pace-bowling all-rounder.“With the way the game’s evolving and the importance people are giving to all-rounders, I thought it’s a skill I should pick up,” he added. “And yeah, it’s doing me well so far.”An Indian mentor played the part too, with the 20-year-old finding Sarbjeet Singh, a former India U-19 player, as someone who helped him understand the game beyond technique.“Learning about the highs and lows of the game from him was really special. That really made me determined to get to this level and experience the highs that he did,” he revealed.As one of the youngest in this T20 World Cup, he is aware of the privilege and the pressure.“It’s a great experience for associate players. Obviously, India being the Mecca of cricket, it’s great to see the facilities and the competition here,” he further stated. “We’re really enjoying it, adapting to the conditions.”From frozen rinks in Vancouver to dusty nets in Delhi, from watching the 2019 World Cup on TV to being part of the 2026 edition, Hundal’s path is a lively reminder that cricket’s geography is expanding, and its romances are often unexpected.“It’s a great feeling,” he repeated, softly, as if trying to convince himself that it’s real.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq (AP Photo)

CHENNAI: If the online troll army is getting worried about Pakistan’s mystery slinger spinner Usman Tariq ahead of India’s blockbuster clash against the neighbours, they have MS Dhoni to blame.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Apparently, Tariq, once a sales-man working in the UAE, changed the course of his life when he decided to escape the humdrum and chase his dream when he watched ‘MS Dhoni, The Untold Story’.Inspired by the Indian legend’s moment of truth in the film, when he left his job in Kharagpur as ticket-collector to become a full-time cricketer, Tariq quit his Dubai job and returned to Paki-stan. He worked on his game, got his opportunities in franchise leagues across the world, and in captain Salman Ali Agha’s words, is now “Pakistan’s X-factor”.

It’s Tariq’s stop-start run-up and the slinging delivery action that have caused irritation among teams, IPL’s new millionaire Cameron Green adding fuel to the fire after being unable to deal with Tariq in the recently-con-cluded ODI series.Suddenly, Tariq’s action has become the talking point and after the USA struggled against him on Tuesday, the decibels seem to have risen a bit. Tariq took 3-27, taking the steam out of the USA chase, and was the fulcrum of the spin quintet, which includes part-timer Saim Ayub too.It’s the traditionally slow Pre-madasa track, where Pakistan play India next, that’s leading to the cause for worry. Tariq, who stops before delivering, is very slow through the air and it sometimes seems that the ball wouldn’t reach the bat. The batter has to create all the momentum to hit him.While his slowness is par for the course because of the quirkiness of the action, the difficulty for the batter arises when one ball suddenly comes a little faster and turns. There are voices in the cricket world which insist that Tariq chucks that delivery and that he shouldn’t be allowed to play.But the mystery spinner has found an ally from an unusual quarter in the form of the master of the craft of off-spin, R Ashwin, who posted his support on X.Eminent batting coach and former India player WV Raman, too, believes Tariq isn’t chucking, but India shouldn’t find it difficult to play him. “With a round-arm ac-tion it is very difficult to chuck … It is the quirkiness of Tariq’s ac-tion that is creating the problem. Batters are used to a rhythm where everything keeps happening in one go. When suddenly there is a pause, you start thinking about what’s go-ing on,” Raman told TOI.“But Indian batters are good enough to deal with this. Kedar Jadhav and Riyan Parag bowl like that from time to time, so it’s not that they are not used to it,” he said. Over the next few days, the chat-ter will continue. The Indian play-ers are superb players of spin bowl-ing, somebody like Shivam Dube being a designated spin-hitter. Pakistan will have a few more spin-ners in their XI in the form of Mo-hammed Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan and India will need all their skill to deal with the threat, led by Tariq.

India cricketers during a practice session in Delhi. (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: India batter Tilak Varma has said the team is fully charged for the high-pressure ICC T20 World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15, adding that the squad has already entered “match zone” after uncertainty around the fixture finally ended.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Pakistan had earlier threatened to boycott the marquee encounter in Colombo before taking a U-turn, clearing the path for one of cricket’s most anticipated contests. Speaking on the eve of India’s Namibia clash, Tilak admitted the confirmation has only heightened excitement within the camp.

“To be honest, we are very excited to play. We got to know that the match is going to take place the day before. We are ready to play. We are watching all the teams. We are watching the bowlers and the batsmen,” Tilak said.“All the players and team members are ready to play. Now, we are in the match zone. The planning will start,” he added, signalling that India’s preparations for the Colombo showdown are already underway.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had earlier highlighted Pakistan’s potential advantage of being based in Sri Lanka for a longer period, but Tilak stressed that India’s approach remains methodical. “We are going one by one in every match… we have video analysis, technology, and we will see how the wicket is behaving. Everyone has different shots, and we will decide which bowlers to target,” he explained.Despite his naturally attacking style, Tilak said he is ready to adapt his role depending on the match situation. Reflecting on India’s opening win over the USA, where wickets fell in a cluster, he revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir has encouraged flexibility in the batting order.“Gautam bhai has asked us to play cautiously if wickets fall quickly. Suryakumar bhai and I can anchor the innings if needed,” he noted.Tilak, who recently returned from injury, expressed satisfaction at being back on the world stage. “Happy that I am back in the World Cup side. The only aim is to help the team win the cup,” he said.

India’s Ishan Kishan grimaces in pain after getting injured during a practice session (PTI Photo)

Ishan Kishan continued to look in ominous touch during India’s training session on Wednesday before a searing Jasprit Bumrah yorker cut his stint short. Bumrah, operating at full intensity for the second consecutive day, offered encouraging signs for the Indian camp after missing the T20 World Cup opener against the USA. However, Kishan was left in discomfort after being struck on the foot by one of Bumrah’s trademark deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter limped away from the nets following the blow. Though he briefly returned to resume batting, his session did not last long.

There was more positive news surrounding Bumrah, who appears in line for a return to the playing XI against Namibia. The fixture is expected to serve as preparation for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday. “Bumrah is absolutely fine now. He’s doing better. As I said, we still have one more day, so hopefully he’ll be back in the team. If he continues to improve, the team management will take a call, and I think he could be back for the second game,” Tilak Varma said on the eve of the match. Bumrah also participated in catching drills after completing his bowling spell. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who has been out of the side due to poor form, could be in contention if Abhishek Sharma fails to recover from a stomach infection. Abhishek was hospitalised after arriving in Delhi but was discharged on Wednesday. “We still have one more day before the game, so hopefully we’ll decide by tomorrow how he feels and then move forward accordingly,” Tilak added. Samson was among the batters who spent quality time in the nets. A fully fit Washington Sundar contributed with both bat and ball, while Suryakumar Yadav stayed back to take numerous selfies with DDCA officials. Kuldeep Yadav and Rinku Singh also obliged fans and officials, making it an evening filled with photographs alongside preparation.

Manas Dhamne has won three ITF titles since turning pro in 2023. (Photo by Special Arrangement)

New Delhi: It was an all Piatti Academy final at the ITF M15 Zahra in Kuwait. On one side was Manas Dhamne and on the other was his coach Riccardo Piatti’s son Rocco. The top-seeded Indian got the job done in straight sets (7-5, 6-3) for his first title of the year and third since turning pro in 2023.Before shifting focus to the ATP 50 Chennai Challenger, which got underway on Monday, it was perfect preparation for Dhamne. He came into the ATP Challenger, a step above in the ladder, having dropped just one set all week in Kuwait.

The outcome, however, wasn’t desirable. He lost 3-6, 2-6 to fourth seed Ilia Simakin in the singles draw and 3-6, 6-2, 8-10 in the doubles alongside Atharva Sharma. But the 18-year-old Dhamne isn’t willing to get bogged down by defeats and focusing on the slow-but-steady climb.“I think this is where the experience of my team really helps me. (Joao) Fonseca is a great player but he is also older then me and way ahead of me still,” he told TimesofIndia.com when asked about seeing the likes of 19-year-old Fonseca get plenty of attention. “I am working on my own progress. The progress is more important than the results. If the progress is good the results will come. If the results will come the ranking will come. It’s as simple as that,” he added.

Manas Dhamne trains at the Piatti Tennis Centre in Bordighera, Italy. (Photo by Special Arrangement)

Dhamne’s training base is in Bordighera, Italy at the Piatti Tennis Center, which has produced the likes of Jannik Sinner, Borna Coric and Ana Bogdan. The lead figure, Ricardo, has coached some of the top players in the world: former World No. 3 Ivan Ljubcic, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, ex-World No. 9 Richard Gasquet, former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic and Sinner until 2022. It was in 2018 that he launched the academy which houses multiple budding tennis stars of the future.Dhamne aspires to enter this illustrious list but prefers to keep himself grounded with his team playing a key role.“My team around me is very professional. Riccardo and his team have produced the best players in the world and I am learning from them. Not just in terms of coaching, but also in terms of physical training, mental training, nutrition, etc.,” he explained. “Same with my management team (IMG), they have so much experience in helping players get to the top, I am learning from this every week. So when you ask me about learning curve it is a lot about new experiences…first time I played a 15K, first time I played a Challenger, first time I played an ATP event….all were tough challenges, but this is what I am working on all these days. “One thing is clear, the Pro Tour is tough. Players are very good, mentally never give up, and physically very fit. I am working day in and day out to be there with them,” he continued.

Manas Dhamne, at 18, is the second youngest player in the ATP top-500 rankings. (Photo by Special Arrangement)

For many tennis players, the challenge lies in deciding when to go pro. It is a tricky position that needs delicate balance of going from college/junior level to the upper echelons. For Dhamne, that decision came in 2023 and he made his ATP Tour debut at the Tata Open Maharashtra as a wildcard. Even though he lost, he became the first player born in 2007 to compete in a main draw match on the men’s tennis tour.Now, at 18, Dhamne, at World No. 486, is the second youngest player in the ATP top-500 ranking, behind Diego Dedura of Germany. The learning curve continues for Manas and seeing the best around keeps him motivated.“I have been very lucky to be based at Piatti Academy. Because I am there I have already hit with players like Sinner, (Daniil) Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, (Grigor) Dimitrov, etc. So I have already experienced for a while the incredible level these guys produce. They just don’t miss.”

Raised in a sports-loving family, Soham Bhagawati’s journey into football began at an early age. Born in Guwahati and raised in Dubai, he grew up surrounded by sporting influence: his father was a tennis player and his grandfather was a footballer. This unwavering family support helped turn a childhood passion into a serious career pursuit. Now based in Spain, the young footballer is steadily building his path towards a potential India debut.Soham moved to Spain about two and a half years ago to improve his football skills and gain exposure at a higher level. At the same time, he is continuing his studies and pursuing a degree in sports management, which helps him learn more about the sport both on and off the field.

Soham was called up for trials with the India Under-19 team in 2020, a significant milestone in his career. He considers wearing the Indian jersey a major achievement and a moment of pride, further motivating him to push himself.The 22-year-old currently plays for Terrassa FC, representing the club’s B team in the second division of Catalonia, while the senior team competes in Spain’s fourth division.According to him, football in Spain has helped him grow both technically and mentally, and the competitive environment has been a valuable learning experience.Soham named Brazilian star Neymar as his early inspiration. However, with time and a deeper understanding of the game, he feels that every player brings something different to it. Today, rather than idolising one individual, Soham believes there is something to learn from everyone and focuses on improving by taking lessons from all players he watches and plays alongside.From Indian football, Soham calls Sunil Chhetri “the king” and draws inspiration from his achievements and leadership. He likes FC Barcelona and Argentina’s Boca Juniors, and he dreams of one day representing a club of similar stature through hard work and dedication.

Soham along with teammates during a practice session with Terrassa FC.

He hopes to represent his favourite ISL club, NorthEast United FC, one day. For now, however, his focus is on gaining experience and improving his game.According to Soham, the difference between players from India and Spain is not talent but exposure, which sets them apart. He, though, feels the level of young Indian footballers is steadily improving.“India has talented players and improving facilities, especially with ISL clubs now offering strong infrastructure. However, football does not receive the same level of investment and attention as other sports, which limits growth. Exposure to competitive environments is still the biggest gap,” Soham told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.Soham emphasised how crucial the ISL is for Indian football. He said it not only provides young players with much-needed exposure and professional experience but also keeps fans connected to the sport.“The ISL is the main league people associate with football in India in recent years. Without it, the sport loses visibility and structure. Even though the format and wages have changed, it’s good that players are back on the field — playing matches is what matters most for footballers,” he added.Soham’s short-term goal is to break into his club’s first team, while his long-term aim is to play at a higher professional level in Spain. Representing India at the senior level remains a clear dream — one he believes is achievable through consistent hard work, dedication and belief in his abilities.

Soham in action during a match.

“Representing India at the senior level is everyone’s dream. For me, it could happen very soon if I keep working hard towards it. Let’s see — it takes effort, but if it happens, it will be a proud moment,” Soham added.Soham is optimistic about the future of Indian football. He believes that, with proper focus and commitment, India has the potential to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.“We already have top-quality players like Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Chhangte and many more. If we focus well and give everything to it, I believe we can achieve it in the next few years,” he said.Beyond football, Soham is deeply spiritual and credits his faith for keeping him grounded.“I always pray every day and look up to God because He is the one giving us opportunities. We’re truly blessed to have everything we have. There will be bad times, but they always pass. The key is to stay positive, focus on the right things, and always be happy and smile,” he said.

Novak Djokovic (AP Photo)

Novak Djokovic’s belief did not waver, even as he walked off Rod Laver Arena defeated for the first time in an Australian Open final on 1 February. The 38-year-old Serbian lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, ending his perfect 10-0 record in Melbourne finals and denying him a record 25th Grand Slam title. Speaking immediately after the match, Djokovic made it clear that his faith in himself remains intact. “I always believe I can,” he said during his post-match media conference. “If I didn’t believe I wouldn’t be competing. It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five in the semifinals and really battle Carlos in four close sets.” Djokovic had stormed through the opening set with vintage authority. But Alcaraz responded with power and relentless movement, breaking early in the second set and steadily taking control. The Spaniard eventually sealed his first Australian Open title and became the youngest man in the Open era to complete a career Grand Slam. “I’m disappointed with the way I felt in the second and third after an incredible start,” Djokovic admitted. “Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.” He also hinted at uncertainty ahead. “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone six or 12 months.” Still, the hunger remains. “I have belief, confidence and vision to win another Slam anywhere,” he said. “It also feels good a little bit not being the favorite to win Slams.” For now, family comes first. “The best way to deal with anything after I finish a competition is to be with my family… just go back to hug my close ones.” Defeat may have come, but belief remains untouched.

Jasprit Bumrah during a training session ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Namibia, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Namibia all-rounder Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton said the pressure will be on defending champions India when the two sides meet in their T20 World Cup match on Thursday. He said his team will approach the game with freedom as they have nothing to lose.Namibia head into the contest after losing their opening match to the Netherlands on Tuesday. India, meanwhile, began their campaign with a win over the USA in Mumbai.

“Playing India in India is massive, pressure is on India to be honest, home crowd advantage, home ground advantage as well. We are going in with nothing to lose to be honest. We are going there to showcase our talents and abilities, hopefully it comes up on that day,” Loftie-Eaton was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.“We just gotta back our skills given our day and we have done our homework, lot of tactical talks going around. We just have to back our skills on the given day. T20 is a funny game anything can happen.”The 24-year-old, who has featured in 51 ODIs and 52 T20Is, said the sport is expanding in Namibia.“It’s becoming people’s massive choice. We had a game against South Africa at our newly inaugurated ground where 5000 people came to watch and it was the first time.“It is definitely growing in the right direction. So we just have to carry that momentum forward and keep on going the game and become one of the biggest associate countries in the nation.”Loftie-Eaton said Namibia are aiming to achieve Test status in the future.“We have to set higher goals and highest standards. Definitely the South Africa win has put us on the map, but we have been on the map in the last few years, we have had some pretty good consistent World Cup last few years,” he said.In October 2025, Namibia defeated a South Africa side by four wickets in a T20I in Windhoek, with Loftie-Eaton part of that squad.“It is just about carrying it forward and getting better everyday and every year and that is something we looking to achieve, becoming a Test playing nation and it is any players dream to put on the whites for your country.”

Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan (AP)

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott described his side’s defeat to South Africa as “devastating”, admitting the narrow loss in a dramatic T20 World Cup contest would linger with his players. The Proteas edged Afghanistan after a gripping encounter that required two Super Overs, leaving South Africa relieved and Afghanistan heartbroken in one of the most remarkable matches since the tournament began in 2007. Addressing the media after the game on Wednesday, Trott reflected on the emotional toll of back-to-back defeats in a demanding group.

“Just shows what we have as a side. So we’ve got some amazing players and it’s just really devastating for the guys after a tough loss a few days ago against New Zealand and now against South Africa in a tough group as well,” Trott said. The South African-born former England Test batter acknowledged that such losses can hurt deeply. “These guys are never shy of rising up against the challenges that they face throughout their lives on and off the field. “So today they should be very proud and obviously these types of losses sometimes they can hurt and sting for a while but I think it’s important we look at those areas that we did really well in, but also areas that we could improve and things we could have done better. “I think South Africa fielded pretty well actually as well. The run out, a few catches on the boundary, on the ring, those sorts of things. I think they fielded really well. Maybe that was the difference today a little bit,” the Afghanistan head coach said. Under Trott’s guidance, Afghanistan have made significant strides, reaching the semifinals in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup and the quarterfinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Though he is set to step down after this tournament, Trott declined to reflect on his tenure, insisting his focus remains on the remaining fixtures. Trott also reserved special praise for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 84 off 42 balls in the chase of 187 and followed it with a blistering 18 off 4 balls in the second Super Over. “Those innings as we saw today, I think he should play more often if I’m honest, with the amount of talent that he has and the physique and the sporting ability and natural hand-eye coordination. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s quite an animated character. I think the years that I’ve been with him now, I’m just trying to get him to be a little bit more consistent in everything that he does.”

Adam Zampa of Australia celebrates with teammates (Getty Images)

Nathan Ellis produced a fiery opening spell to propel an under-strength Australia to a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland in their Group B opener of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Defending 183, Australia’s pace spearhead ripped through the Irish top order, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 12 in 3.5 overs. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa then dismantled the middle and lower order with 4 for 23 from his four overs as Ireland were restricted to 115 for 9 in 16.5 overs.

Veteran Paul Stirling was retired hurt and did not bat. With Mitchell Marsh sidelined by a groin injury and senior quicks Mitchell Starc retired, plus Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable due to injuries, Ellis stepped up as the leader of the attack. He struck early, bowling Ross Adair with a skiddy delivery before Ben Calitz dragged one back onto his stumps against sharp pace and bounce. His initial spell read 3 for 9 in three overs. Zampa then tightened Australia’s grip, although George Dockrell’s 41 off 29 balls ensured Ireland crossed the 100-run mark. Ellis returned to claim his fourth wicket and close out the match. Earlier, Australia posted 182 for 6 after being sent in on a sluggish surface. Josh Inglis (37) and Cameron Green (21) set the tempo before Matthew Renshaw (37) and Marcus Stoinis (45) combined for a crucial 61-run stand. Ireland’s spinners bowled tidily but dropped chances proved costly. After Travis Head was reprieved in the first over and then run out in the second, Inglis and Green counterattacked briskly. Green struck towering sixes before falling to midwicket, while Inglis was dismissed following a stunning diving catch by Stirling. Harry Tector removed Glenn Maxwell, but Renshaw and Stoinis rebuilt steadily before Humphreys bowled Renshaw. Stoinis followed soon after, despite a powerful six. Ireland conceded 53 runs in the final five overs as Australia sealed an emphatic start.