Mondo Duplantis (AP Photo)

MUMBAI: Fresh from breaking the world record for the 15th time, pole vault superstar Mondo Duplantis is excited about returning to the scene where his extraordinary sequence began. Torun, a city in north-central Poland, will host the world indoors from March 20-22. It’s also where Duplantis etched his name in the record books for the first time in Feb 2020, representing a full-circle moment for an exceptionally gifted athlete who has absolutely dominated his sport in these six years. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Torun is a very special place for me since I broke my first world record there,” the two-time reigning Olympic champion told reporters during a call on Sunday. “I’ve been fortunate enough to break a few since then, but the first one’s always a very life-changing moment.“You go from, in one instance, being not the world record holder, to the world record holder, which is one of my biggest childhood dreams. “I’m just really excited for it, honestly, especially after what I was able to do just now in Uppsala, which was, of course, really good.”If you missed out on Duplantis’s latest feat, the 26-year-old cleared the bar at 6.31m at his home meet, the Mondo Classic, last Thursday. It saw him extend his iron-clad grip on the world record he’s held since eclipsing Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie’s previous mark with a jump of 6.17m six years ago.The three-time indoor and outdoor world champion explained how tweaking his run-up by a couple of steps had played a key role in helping him control a stiffer pole while going for the 6.31m vault. “There was this one stiffer pole that I’d never been able to really just get to work,” he said. “I just couldn’t really make it work at the weight that I like to jump at. And so I was able to make it work this past weekend.“I did a little bit of a change with my approach and my run-up. I usually run from a 20-step approach and I moved it to a 22 step approach, which doesn’t sound like that much of a difference, but it’s actually quite different.“I don’t have speed data, but I think that I was clearly able to add some type of extra energy into the take-off because I was able to use that stiffer pole that I haven’t been able to use for like four years.”For someone who has won 38 straight competitions, with defeat last coming in Aug 2023, Duplantis was asked if he fears that his incredible streak would come to an end. “I never really had that problem,” said the Swede. “I think you can never have too much of a hubris and be over-confident when it comes to sports, and you can just never underestimate your opponents but also the sport itself.“I know that whenever I do the things that I know that I can do, and I focus and I jump the way that I know that I can jump, then I do feel like I’m the best one every time I step out onto the track.”But in “such a difficult sport”, Duplantis stressed, “there’s no slacking off ”. “Especially at this level, it’s like I just always have to bring my A game. I never feel like it’s just given to me,” he said.As to how further, or higher, he could still go, Duplantis said the thrill for him simply lay in “the journey” and “pushing the envelope” as long as he was competing.“I just expect a certain level out of whatever I think is possible on the day, so I’ll just keep pushing it, and as far as I can take it, then that’ll be what it’ll be,” he said.

For someone who was looked at as dispensable not too long ago, Sanju Samson is suddenly in demand. One day, he is addressing conclaves and attending awards in New Delhi, the next day, he is flying back home to Thiruvanthapuram for an event. Just like the team desperately wanted him back as an opener, to break the stranglehold that off-spinners were having on the left-handers, everyone wants Samson. He will soon jet off to Chennai for IPL duties with the Chennai Super Kings. Describing the epochal victory as far more than just a sporting milestone, Samson called the win a deeply “spiritual experience.”Big words for someone who is looked at as a happygo-lucky character and, by his own admission, “not very emotional”. For Samson, one of the most memorable moments at the World Cup came quietly inside the dressing room after India’s crucial Super Eights win over the West Indies. “After the win against the West Indies, I created a spiritual place of my own in the dressing room and also offered a personal prayer,” Samson told reporters at an event here.

A victory beyond cricket

Describing India’s World Cup triumph as far more than just a sporting achievement, Samson called the experience deeply spiritual.“It was a spiritual moment. When you win something as big as the World Cup with your country, it feels like something greater than just sport,” Samson said during a recent event. The tournament lived up to its tagline “Feel The Thrill”, delivering electrifying powerplays, dramatic finishes and passionate crowds cheering “India! India!” from packed stadiums.One of Samson’s most memorable moments during the tournament came after India’s Super Eight victory against the West Indies national cricket team. “After the win against the West Indies, I created a spiritual place of my own in the dressing room and said a personal prayer,” he revealed.

Overcoming self-doubt

“I wasn’t very confident when I left home to play in the World Cup, but the universe had other plans,” he said. “The 97 not out against the West Indies was the most important innings for me because I had to stay calm even as wickets kept falling at the other end.”Samson also recalled an emotional moment after the final with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, one of the keeper-batter’s biggest backers. “Gauti bhai and I share a close relationship. He didn’t say much… he just hugged me for about 30 seconds. That was enough,” Samson said.

New chapter with Chennai Super Kings

Samson is now preparing for the next phase of his career with Chennai Super Kings, where he will share the dressing room with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni.“I have spoken with Mahi bhai a lot and have seen him on and off in the Indian team. But this will be the first time we spend two months together. There is a lot of excitement,” Samson explained.Interestingly, his first match in the yellow jersey will come against his former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals. “On the field, I don’t allow emotions to take over. I will always give my best for the team I represent,” he added.For Samson, cricket is about much more than trophies and personal milestones. The Indian star says he carries the dreams of countless youngsters every time he walks onto the field.

Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th century

On March 16, 2012, cricket witnessed one of its most iconic milestones when Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international century during the Asia Cup 2012 match between the India national cricket team and the Bangladesh national cricket team at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The historic knock not only ended a long wait for the landmark but also further cemented Tendulkar’s legacy as one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the game.

The Long Wait for the Landmark

Leading into the Asia Cup 2012, the cricket world had been eagerly waiting for Tendulkar’s 100th international hundred. His previous century had come during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and ever since, every innings he played was followed with intense anticipation.

For nearly a year, the record remained just one step away. Each time Tendulkar walked out to bat, fans and commentators wondered whether that would be the day he would reach the unprecedented milestone. The pressure was immense, not only from the expectations of fans but also from the global attention surrounding the record. When India faced Bangladesh in Dhaka during the Asia Cup group stage, few could have predicted that history would finally be made that day.

Tendulkar’s Historic Innings

Batting first after winning the toss, India aimed to post a competitive total on a pitch that offered some assistance to spinners. The hot and humid conditions in Dhaka also made batting physically demanding.Tendulkar played a measured and technically sound innings. Instead of rushing towards the milestone, he focused on building the innings and guiding India to a strong total. The veteran batter reached his century with a calm single, sparking celebrations across the cricketing world.He eventually finished with 114 runs from 147 balls, hitting 12 fours and one six. The knock showcased his trademark timing, patience, and ability to handle pressure in big moments. As Tendulkar reached his 100th century, he raised his bat to the heavens in gratitude. True to his humble nature, he kept celebrations subdued, acknowledging the support of teammates and fans alike. The dressing room erupted in applause, and even the Bangladeshi players joined in congratulating the legend.

The Match Situation

India finished their innings with 289 for 5 in 50 overs, thanks largely to Tendulkar’s historic century.Key contributions came from: Virat Kohli – 66 runs, Suresh Raina – 51 runsWhile India appeared to have posted a strong total, Bangladesh responded with determination during their chase. Openers gave the hosts a steady start, with Tamim Iqbal scoring a fluent 70 runs. The middle order continued the momentum, and Bangladesh remained in the hunt throughout the innings.The match eventually came down to the final stages, where Nasir Hossain played a crucial finishing role. His unbeaten 54 runs guided Bangladesh to 293 for 6 in 49.2 overs, securing a famous five-wicket victory.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Early Life and Debut

Sachin Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, India. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary cricketing talent and was mentored by renowned coach Ramakant Achrekar. Tendulkar made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days in 1989 against Pakistan in Karachi. Facing a fearsome bowling attack that included Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, the teenage prodigy showed remarkable courage and composure.What followed was a career that spanned 24 years, during which Tendulkar became the face of Indian cricket and a global sporting icon.

Tendulkar’s Unmatched Records

Over the course of his legendary career, Tendulkar set numerous records that still stand today.

In addition to his individual achievements, Tendulkar also played a crucial role in India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, fulfilling one of the biggest dreams of his career.

The Impact of the 100th Century

Tendulkar’s 100th century was more than just a statistical milestone, it represented the culmination of decades of dedication, consistency, and excellence. No other cricketer has come close to matching the record of 100 international centuries, making it one of the most extraordinary achievements in the history of sports.The moment also highlighted Tendulkar’s mental strength. Despite immense global pressure and expectations, he maintained his composure and eventually achieved the milestone through sheer perseverance.

A Legacy That Defines Cricket

Even years after his retirement in 2013, Sachin Tendulkar’s influence on cricket remains immense. Generations of cricketers, including modern stars, have cited him as their inspiration. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and countless others grew up idolizing Tendulkar and studying his technique, discipline, and approach to the game.His humility, sportsmanship, and dedication made him not only a great cricketer but also a respected ambassador for the sport.

Indian chess star Koneru Humpy is considering withdrawing from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, which will be held in Cyprus. Her concern is mainly about safety because of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.The tournament location was decided in November last year, but the situation has changed after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran starting February 28. The conflict has increased tensions across the region and even affected oil supply routes.

A drone strike on a British air base in Cyprus on March 1 also raised worries about security. With European warships and Turkish fighter jets now guarding the island, questions have been raised about whether Cyprus is the right place to host such an important chess event.

Humpy, one of three Indian players expected to compete in the Women’s Candidates event, along with Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali, has voiced her concerns over the Candidates participation. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, she said, “It just does not make any sense. It is dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there is so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it is still ongoing, and the tournament is less than two weeks away.”She also questioned the organisers’ decision, adding, “From an organisational point of view, it is just not the right call. It is one of the most crucial tournaments and you have just 16 top players (combining Open and Women) to think of, why not look at alternatives and different dates?”Despite the concerns, the international chess governing body FIDE says preparations are continuing. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky explained that organisers are closely watching the situation but believe the country is still safe. “Our plans haven’t changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates’ Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus isn’t too far from, let us say, the war zone or conflict zone, but at the same time, it’s not involved in any way and isn’t in a state of war,” he told ChessBase India.He added, “There is no emergency or anything like that. Of course, about 10 days ago, there was some worrying news, but since then, the situation has appeared quite calm.”

Harshit Rana and Mustafizur Rahman (Agency Photo)

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders have run into multiple problems ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The team first lost Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to release him from the squad.KKR had bought Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore during the auction after a bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The team had hoped the experienced left-arm pacer would strengthen their bowling attack.

However, the move sparked controversy amid political tensions, leading the BCCI to intervene.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had asked KKR to release the player because of the sensitive situation surrounding the signing.

Injury concerns for Harshit Rana

KKR then suffered another setback with young Indian pacer Harshit Rana. His participation in IPL 2026 is uncertain after he appeared on crutches during the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in Mumbai.Rana was supposed to receive the Best International Debut (Men’s) award but could not walk to the stage due to his injury, prompting Arun Dhumal to step down and present the award to him.The fast bowler later underwent knee surgery on February 9 and is expected to need two to three months for recovery, which raises doubts about whether he will be fit for the upcoming IPL season. His possible absence could weaken KKR’s pace attack, where he has played an important role in recent years.

Possible boost with Matheesha Pathirana

Despite the setbacks, there may be some positive news for KKR. Player agent Amila Kalugalage recently posted a “person fencing” emoji on X, which many believe hints at good news regarding Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.Matheesha Pathirana suffered an injury while playing for the Sri Lanka national cricket team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, forcing him to miss the remainder of the tournament and raising doubts about his availability for the Indian Premier League 2026. The pacer had taken two wickets in three matches with an economy of 6.05 before being sidelined. The post, however, confirms that he may’ve fully recovered and is fit to play, and he is expected to play a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ pace attack.KKR have also added Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a backup option. Even so, replacing Rana’s role, especially in the crucial death overs, could still be a challenge for the team as they prepare for the new season.

MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson (PTI Photos)

NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson has expressed his excitement about finally sharing a dressing room with legendary cricketer MS Dhoni in the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Although Samson has spoken to Dhoni before and met him during national team camps, he says this will be the first time they will actually play together in the same team.“I’ve spoken to Mahi bhai many times over the phone and seen him around during Indian team camps, but this will be the first time I’ll actually play alongside him in a team, so the excitement is very high,” Samson told PTI.

He believes spending time with Dhoni for a full season will be a great learning experience. “Whenever he calls or we meet, there is always something positive to take away. But being with him in a team for two months and seeing first-hand how he approaches cricket and prepares for games will be a huge benefit for me. I’m really happy and see it as a big opportunity to learn from him.”

Still processing India’s T20 World Cup win

Samson also spoke about India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, admitting that the moment still feels surreal. The tournament was held in India, and Samson played a key role in the team’s triumph.“Not yet, I am still like, when I get up in the morning, I’m like, ‘has it really happened’. So honestly, that’s the feeling. But I feel that in the coming years, with the quality of players we have in our country, this is going to be repeated. The number of players who are coming up in India is definitely going to do this more and more often,” he said while speaking to broadcasters at the BCCI Awards in New Delhi.Samson was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 321 runs at a strike rate close to 200 in just five innings. His performances included a match-winning 97 not out against the West Indies national cricket team in the Super Eight stage, followed by scores of 89 in the semi-final against the England national cricket team and another 89 in the final against the New Zealand national cricket team.Reflecting on his journey, Samson described it as unpredictable and emotional. He continued, “You can only dream where you want to go, but you can’t definitely ride the path towards it. So my life or my career has been one of the best examples. I definitely wanted to do this a couple of years ago. I want to win a World Cup for my country, but it had its own plan, its own script. So, it’s more like a movie. I enjoyed it.”He explained that his mindset changed once he focused more on helping the team rather than personal goals. “As I said before, I wanted to do something like this, then I got pulled out of my journey, and then suddenly, the team wanted me to come and contribute, and that’s when I actually mentally flipped a bit… I think, before that, in the New Zealand series, the focus was all about me,” he added.

Mohammed Siraj’s unexpected World Cup story

Samson’s story was not the only surprising one from India’s title win. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj also experienced an unlikely journey to the trophy. He was not part of the original squad and only joined after Harshit Rana was ruled out with an injury.Reflecting on the moment, Siraj said, “I was not in the initial squad, then I got it, played a game, and now I have been part of two World Cup-winning squads. I would say it’s a miracle for me.”

NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, recently spoke about his journey after India’s historic title win. The wicketkeeper-batter played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate close to 200. His performances included several match-winning knocks as India went on to lift the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad after defeating the New Zealand national cricket team in the final.

Long relationship with Gautam Gambhir

While speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Samson talked about his long-standing bond with India head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to him, their connection goes back many years to when he played for Kolkata Knight Riders.“Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and I have a very old relationship. I think I met him when I was in KKR. He was the captain of the team and he also lives in Delhi. I also played in the same academy where he was…so it’s a very long relationship and what has happened from there till now, I think cannot be expressed in words,” he told PTI.Samson’s impressive run in the tournament also helped him surpass Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs in a single T20 World Cup edition by an Indian, which Kohli had set in 2014.

Emotional message from Sachin Tendulkar

The 31-year-old also shared that he received a special message from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar after India’s victory.“I got a message from Sachin, sir. It was a very emotional message for me,” said Samson.India’s triumph was historic, as the India national cricket team became the first side to win three T20 World Cup titles and also the first team to successfully defend the trophy on home soil.

Sanju Samson reflects on his journey

Samson described his comeback in the tournament as one of the most memorable phases of his career. After facing inconsistency and spending time on the bench earlier, he emerged as India’s top performer when it mattered the most, delivering key innings from the Super Eight stage against the West Indies national cricket team to the final.Reflecting on his approach to the game, Samson said he always focuses on being true to himself and playing for the team.“I never wanted to be selfless. I’ve always wanted to be myself. So I bring a lot of different qualities, a lot of strengths, a lot of weaknesses. I like to look at cricket as a team sport. So I think we play to win. And looking at what things have happened in my life lately, I definitely carry a lot of dreams with me. So a lot of youngsters, a lot of people, not even in cricket, a lot of people in different careers, they look at me like their own careers, like their own life,” Samson concluded.

England head coach Brendon McCullum (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Liam Livingstone has strongly criticised England’s team management, saying he felt a lack of respect and communication after being dropped from the national side in 2025. The England all-rounder revealed that he has not been part of the setup since March last year and now doubts whether he will return to the team under the current leadership.

Frustration with England management

Livingstone said he only received a brief call from head coach Brendon McCullum informing him that he had been left out of the squad for the West Indies series. The conversation, according to him, lasted barely a minute.“I asked why [I was dropped]. They said they wanted to try someone else. That was off Baz. Wrighty [outgoing selector Luke Wright] didn’t reach out, and Brooky [captain Harry Brook] sent me a text,” Livingstone told ESPNCricinfo.He also expressed disappointment with England’s managing director Rob Key for not communicating with him after the decision.“That probably sums that group up as a collective. Keysy [Rob Key] said nothing . [He] said I’ll speak to you in the summer. I actually rang him one day, and he said he was busy at a Test camp at Loughborough. And then I didn’t hear from him until the end of September,” he added.“That was a bit of an eye-opening experience about the group and the regime: if you’re in, you’re in, and if you’re not in, no one cares about you. That put my mind at ease that my cricket was going to be more enjoyable going forward.”

Struggles with role in the team

Livingstone also recalled asking McCullum for help during the 2025 tour of India when he was struggling with form. However, he felt the advice he received was not helpful.“I was asking for help, and pretty much all I got was that I care too much and I need to chill out a little bit, and everything will take care of itself,” Livingstone said.“When things don’t go right, of course, you’re going to care; if I didn’t care, then I probably wouldn’t want to play the sport.”Another issue for him was constantly being moved around the batting order.“One of my frustrations with playing for England was that whenever I went up the order, I did really well. And then the big boys would come back, and I was always back down at No. 7,” he added.“At the end of the day, I don’t want to be someone that’s a sixth bowler and batting at No. 7. I feel like it’s a waste of my talent, but that’s only my opinion.”

Looking ahead to the IPL

Livingstone, who will play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2026, was not selected for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. However, he said he did not feel disappointed about missing the tournament.“I didn’t miss it one bit,” he said. “There wasn’t any part of me that was wishing I was playing in that team, to be honest.”The all-rounder now hopes a strong IPL season can help him revive his career and possibly earn another chance with England.“Hopefully, I can have a season like the season I had in my first year at Punjab [Kings, in 2022] where I felt like I was playing really well and won loads of games from No. 4,” he said. “[IPL] is a very different experience to anything else throughout the year; it’s a long time away from home – but if you give it everything you’ve got, it can repay you very nicely.”