NEW DELHI: Jitesh Sharma admits that being left out of India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad was disappointing, but that setback soon felt insignificant compared to the personal loss he suffered shortly after. The wicketkeeper-batter lost his father, Mohan Sharma, on February 1 after a brief illness, a moment that changed his perspective on everything.“When I got the news of my non-selection, I was a little bit disheartened. I am also a human. I can feel sad and bad. But later on, as time went by, the sad time becomes short,” Jitesh told PTI during an exclusive interview.

The disappointment of missing the global tournament soon gave way to a far deeper emotional challenge.“But later on, my dad got ill. And he passed away on 1st of Feb. So, I was with him for seven days. Afterward, I got to know that my dad needed me more than the World Cup. After that, I didn’t have any sad feeling, any regret or anything for anyone or for myself also. I am not angry or anything,” he said, with the sadness evident in his voice.“I was grateful that God gave me the opportunity to stay with my dad for seven days. So, I was able to take care of him. And I enjoyed watching the World Cup on TV at home. It’s a very different feeling. It gives you lots of pressure rather than playing. And I was very happy for the boys.”With his father gone, the responsibility of being the eldest son has become a defining part of his life.“I can’t forget that thing and I don’t want to forget that thing because he is not there anymore. When you lose your dad, after a few days you get to know that you are now responsible for taking decisions in your family as the elder son.“And that’s it – to take care of your mother, brother and family. So, I’m someone who can’t show my feelings to them and can’t be weak in front of them because they are looking at me while playing cricket also. And I have to accept it,” Jitesh said while reflecting on how life sometimes delivers its toughest challenges.Grief, he admits, does not arrive all at once but settles in gradually, leaving behind a permanent void.“It hits after some time. I’m not coping with anything. I’m just accepting that my dad is not there anymore. There is a portion of my heart that is empty now. It will be empty till my death because of my dad.”Cricket, however, has also taught him resilience, helping him move forward despite the pain.“And I have learned to carry myself with that sorrow and that hollowness during practice. Because no matter how much I want, I can’t forget that thing. Because it’s your father, right? He is my hero for my life.”“If he was alive today, he would have told me to go and practice. Don’t worry about me. So I always bring this thing to my mind that if I’m in sorrow or pain, what he would have told me? I think he would have suggested me to go and play the game. And I’m very proud of it.”Jitesh also drew parallels with his India teammate Rinku Singh, saying he understands the emotional strength required to return to the field after personal setbacks.“That’s the same thing Rinku must have felt. That’s why he was able to come on the ground again. And it’s a very big thing.”‘Why can’t three keepers play together?’On the cricketing front, Jitesh remains pragmatic about team combinations. With wicketkeeper-batters like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also in contention, he said he would be happy to adapt to any role if it helps the team.“I think of it from a different perspective. I take it from a different perspective — that by doing my own work, why not two keepers be in the playing XI and the third play as a finisher? Exactly, that can also happen. Why not?”Learning from Virat KohliJitesh also spoke about the inspiration he draws from watching Virat Kohli up close at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, admitting that matching the former India captain’s intensity is not easy.“Just observing small things, you can learn a lot. And it can be a life-turning decision or life-turning observation. Because the way he prepares, starts his day, not just practice, I think it’s very impressive. Still, I’m 32 and I can’t match his energy.”

Mohammad Rizwan and Team India

NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has come under the spotlight after his earlier remark about not watching India’s matches resurfaced following Pakistan’s heavy defeat to Bangladesh in the first ODI on Wednesday.During a casual conversation with a reporter at a nets session earlier, Rizwan was asked about India’s impressive performance in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England, where they posted a total of more than 250 runs.

Responding to the question, Rizwan had said, “Sorry, I don’t watch their matches.”The comment gained renewed attention after Pakistan suffered a crushing loss to Bangladesh in the opening ODI of the three-match series. Rizwan himself struggled during the match, scoring just 10 runs off 20 balls, as Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed under pressure.Batting first in Mirpur, Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 runs in 30.4 overs, marking their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh. The collapse came after a steady start, with the visitors losing wickets in quick succession once the first breakthrough arrived.Young Bangladeshi pacer Nahid Rana was the star of the show, producing a brilliant spell to dismantle Pakistan’s top order. The 23-year-old returned figures of 5 for 24, claiming his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Rana removed Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, Rizwan and Salman Agha, leaving Pakistan reeling at 69-5.Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played a key role with the ball, taking three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with one wicket each. Only Faheem Ashraf, who scored 37, offered some resistance for Pakistan late in the innings.Bangladesh then made light work of the modest target, chasing down 115 in just 15.1 overs to seal an emphatic eight-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.Opener Tanzid Hasan led the charge with an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls, sharing an 82-run partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27) to complete a comprehensive win for the hosts.

Suryakumar Yadav of India poses for a photo with the trophy after victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Riding high on a historic triumph in Ahmedabad, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav unveiled an ambitious blueprint: lead India at the 2028 LA Olympics, win gold, and defend the T20 World Cup title later that year in Australia and New Zealand.“The next goal is Olympic gold and also the T20 World Cup that year,” a jubilant Surya told reporters after India trounced New Zealand by 96 runs to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups.

Surya is not wrong to set a lofty standard for the current India team, which has produced unreal consistency in this format since he took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in 2024.Surya has impressive numbers as captain. Since taking reins after the 2024 World Cup, India have been the team to beat in the shortest format. Under Surya, India have played 52 matches, won 42 (including two in Super Overs) and lost only eight games, with two matches ending in no result.

Suryakumar Yadav of India interacts with the crowd following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

The record under Surya is enviable, but with talent waiting in the wings, age not on his side, a poor run of form, and a cloud over his injured wrist, he may not be the right man to lead India into the future.Before the T20 World Cup, Surya’s form had nosedived. He had gone 23 innings without a fifty. In that period, his strike rate was below 120. But he bounced back in style at the right time just before the T20 World Cup, slamming three fifties in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. He carried that form into the T20 World Cup, scoring a magnificent 84 off 49 balls in India’s opening match against the USA.After that, Surya again struggled with his form. In the tournament, he scored 242 runs in nine innings at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72. He crossed 30 thrice – against Pakistan, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe – and looked shaky against quality spin in the middle overs.

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – MARCH 08: Suryakumar Yadav of India reacts during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

In Delhi against Namibia, he was undone by 35-year-old left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz. On a double-paced surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Surya looked all at sea against Pakistan’s spin trio of Saim Ayub, Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz. Surya’s 29-ball 32 took the momentum away after a fiery start by Ishan Kishan.In the next fixture against the Netherlands, he again halted things with a 28-ball 34. If not for Shivam Dube’s 31-ball 66 and lusty blows from Hardik Pandya, India could have been in danger as the margin of victory was only 17 runs.Against South Africa, Surya scored 18 off 22 balls during a painstaking stay at the crease. The Indian captain found his groove against Zimbabwe in Chennai with a fiery 33 off 13 balls. It was his second impactful knock of the tournament.

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – MARCH 08: Suryakumar Yadav of India reacts during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

In a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens, he again faltered. His 16-ball 18 sucked the momentum out of a high-scoring chase.In the semi-final, on a belter at the Wankhede where balls were flying, Surya was stumped off Adil Rashid. This was the second time in the tournament that he was caught fishing outside the crease.In the final, when India were cruising at 200 in the 15th over, he decided to come out to bat instead of sending in an in-form Tilak Varma or Shivam Dube. However, his stay lasted just one ball as he went for a golden duck.

Despite his batting failures, he became the third Indian captain to lead the side to a T20 World Cup crown, following in the footsteps of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.With Jasprit Bumrah’s golden four overs, India will again go to LA 2028 and the next T20 World Cup as favourites, and that is a no-brainer. But Surya certainly may not be the right person to lead India at the Olympics and in the next T20 World Cup. India should thank Surya for his service and start preparing a blueprint under a new captain.

Shivam Dube (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: After India won the 2026 T20 World Cup, most people would expect players to travel home on chartered flights. But all-rounder Shivam Dube had a very different journey back to Mumbai from Ahmedabad. With flights fully booked, he ended up travelling by train with his wife and a friend, taking a 3rd AC ticket like a regular passenger.Dube said he first tried to get flight tickets for himself and his family but couldn’t find any seats. Driving back was an option, but he felt the train would be quicker. “There were no flights available, so I decided to take an early morning train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. We could have gone by road, but the train was quicker,” he told The Indian Express.

Because he had just won the World Cup with India, Dube worried about being recognised by fans at the station or inside the train. His family and friends were also concerned. Dube added, “Everyone we spoke to-family and friends-was worried. They kept asking, ‘What if someone recognises you at the station or on the train?’”To avoid attention, Dube tried to keep a low profile. He wore a cap, a mask and a long-sleeved T-shirt, and chose a 5:10 am train, hoping the station would be less crowded. He even waited inside the car until the last few minutes before boarding. During the trip, he stayed mostly on the top berth to remain unnoticed. At one point, the ticket checker nearly revealed his identity while checking tickets. “Shivam Dube? Woh kaun hai, cricketer?” he asked. Dube’s wife quickly replied, “No, no. Woh kahan se aayega (where will he come from)?”, and the checker moved on.Despite the risk of being recognised, the journey went smoothly. Dube eventually reached Mumbai safely, with police helping manage his exit from the station. His unusual trip showed that even a World Cup winner sometimes has to travel like any other passenger.

Tanvi Sharma and Lakshya Sen

The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is back for its eighth edition. It will honor the inspiring stories and achievements of India’s top athletes from many different sports. The TOISA 2025 ceremony will take place on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow. The event will bring together well-known sports stars and new talents who made India proud in the past year.This edition, TOISA will recognize athletes in more than 45 sports categories. The awards will cover performances from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Indian sports had a fantastic year with many memorable wins and record-breaking moments at world championships and major international tournaments.In 2025, India’s badminton players performed impressively, and 10 among them have been nominated, including Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty. They competed across men’s and women’s singles and doubles, highlighting India’s rising talent in the sport.The jury for TOISA 2025 includes some of India’s biggest sports names: Leander Paes (tennis), Mithali Raj (cricket), Abhinav Bindra (shooting), Devendra Jhajharia (para athletics), Sharath Kamal (table tennis), and PR Sreejesh (hockey). These experienced athletes will help choose the winners for this year’s awards.Here are the badminton players nominated for TOISA 2025 (Men and Women):BADMINTON – MALELakshya SenDate of Birth: August 16, 2001Place of Birth: Almora, UttarakhandSport: Badminton, Men’s SinglesMajor Achievements in 2025:Australian Open: GoldHong Kong Open Super 500: SilverIn 2025, Lakshya Sen showed that he remains one of India’s top badminton players. He won the Australian Open Super 500 men’s singles title in Sydney, becoming only the second Indian male player to win the tournament. The victory ended his wait for a title and was his first World Tour win of the season. He also finished runner-up at the Hong Kong Open and reached several semifinals, showing steady form throughout the year. His semifinal run at the Paris Olympics in 2024 proved that he can compete with the best players in the world.Ayush ShettyDate of birth: May 3, 2005Place of birth: Karkala, Udupi (Karnataka)Sport: Badminton Men’s SinglesMajor Achievements in 2025:US Open Super 300: GoldAyush Shetty is one of India’s rising badminton players. He won the silver medal at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships, showing his talent at the junior level. After that, he moved to senior tournaments and performed very well in 2025, winning his first BWF World Tour title and defeating several top players. His steady improvement and strong performances show that he has a bright future and can become one of India’s top men’s singles players.Chirag ShettyDate of birth: July 4, 1997Place of birth: Malad, MumbaiSport: Badminton, Men’s DoublesMajor achievements in 2025:BWF World Championships: BronzeHong Kong Open: SilverChina Masters: SilverChirag Shetty is an Indian badminton player who specialises in men’s doubles. His regular partner is Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and together they are among the top men’s doubles pairs in the world. Chirag is known for his speed, agility, and strong teamwork. The duo has won several international titles and medals at major tournaments like the World Championships and Asian Games, making them one of India’s most successful and celebrated men’s doubles pair.Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Date of birth: August 13, 2000Place of birth: Amalapuram, Andhra PradeshSport: Badminton, Men’s DoublesSatwiksairaj Rankireddy is an Indian badminton player who plays men’s doubles with his partner Chirag Shetty. Together, they are one of the top men’s doubles pairs in the world. Satwik is known for his powerful smashes, speed, and strong teamwork. The pair has won multiple international titles and medals at major events like the World Championships and Asian Games, making Satwik a key figure in Indian badminton and a major contributor to India’s success in men’s doubles.Kiran GeorgeDate of birth: February 11, 2000Place of birth: Kochi, KeralaSport: Badminton Men’s SinglesMajor Achievements in 2025:Odisha Masters Super 100: GoldKiran George is an Indian badminton player who has shown strong performances in international tournaments. He won the Odisha Masters title twice, in 2022 and again in 2025, which shows his consistency and improvement. Kiran has represented India in many BWF events and continues to work hard to improve his ranking. With his attacking style and confidence on court, he is seen as one of India’s promising men’s singles players for the future.BADMINTON – FEMALETanvi SharmaDate of Birth: December 22, 2008Place of Birth: Hoshiarpur, PunjabSport: Badminton, Women’s SinglesMajor Achievements in 2025:US Open Super 300: SilverWorld Junior Championship: SilverAsia Junior Championship: BronzeTanvi Sharma is a rising Indian badminton player who made 2025 a remarkable year. She won the silver medal at the BWF World Junior Championships, becoming the first Indian girl in 17 years to achieve this. She also reached the final of the US Open Super 300 and earned a bronze at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships. Tanvi is known for her speed, skill, and determination on the court. Her strong performances show that she has a bright future and could become one of India’s top women’s singles players.Unnati HoodaDate of Birth: September 20, 2007Place of Birth: Rohtak, HaryanaSport: Badminton, Women’s SinglesMajor Achievements in 2025:Odisha Master Super 100: GoldUnnati Hooda is a rising Indian badminton player who had a great year in 2025. She won the Odisha Masters, her second title at this event, and reached the quarterfinals of the China Open, where she defeated Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, a major highlight of her year. She also made it to the semifinals of the Taipei Open. Alongside her sports achievements, she scored an impressive 93% in her CBSE Class 12 exams. Known for her speed, skill, and determination, Unnati is one of India’s most promising young women’s singles players.Tressa JollyDate of Birth: May 27, 2003Place of Birth: Cherupuzha, KeralaSport: Badminton, Women’s DoublesMajor Achievements in 2025:Syed Modi International Super 300: GoldTurkey International Challenge: GoldTreesa Jolly is an Indian badminton player who plays women’s doubles with her partner Gayatri Gopichand. In 2025, she won the Syed Modi International Super 300 title and reached several other finals in international tournaments. Treesa also won the mixed doubles title at the Türkiye International Challenge with Hariharan Amsakarunan. She and Gayatri were part of the Indian team that won the historic gold at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. They reached a career-best world ranking of No. 9, making them one of India’s top women’s doubles pairs. Treesa is known for her speed, teamwork, and skill on court.Gayatri GopichandDate of Birth: March 4, 2003Place of Birth: Hyderabad, TelanganaSport: Badminton, Women’s DoublesMajor Achievements in 2025:Syed Modi International Super 300: GoldGayatri Gopichand is an Indian badminton player who partners with Treesa Jolly in women’s doubles. In 2025, she won the Syed Modi International Super 300 and reached several deep rounds in other BWF tournaments. Gayatri and Treesa were also part of the Indian squad that won the historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. They reached a career-high world ranking of No. 9, becoming one of India’s top doubles pairs. Gayatri is known for her agility, smart play, and teamwork, making her a key figure in Indian badminton.

The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday that the country cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to a report by Al Jazeera citing Reuters.“Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali told state television on Wednesday, according to the report.

The latest round of conflict between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other began on February 28. The West Asia conflict has also disrupted global energy supply chains.Ahmad Donyamali said the conditions required for participation in the FIFA World Cup do not exist.“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence,” Donyamali said, according to the Al Jazeera report citing Reuters.The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 104 matches, beginning at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11 and culminating at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the final on July 19.All of Iran’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled to be played in American cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle.Donyamali’s remarks came after Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, said in an Instagram post on Wednesday that Iran’s participation in the World Cup would be welcomed by US President Donald Trump.“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Gianni Infantino said in the social media post.Earlier, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), also questioned Iran’s participation in the tournament following the recent attacks, saying it would be difficult for the country to approach the competition with optimism.“After this attack [on Iran], we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope. If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?” Taj said on Iranian state television.

Kiran George (PTI Photo/Gurinder Osan)(

NEW DELHI: India had a mixed day at the Swiss Open on Wednesday, with some impressive wins but several early exits. The biggest highlight came from Kiran George, who stunned former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in straight games. Ranked 42nd in the world, Kiran edged past the third seed 23-21, 21-19 in the opening round and will next face Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan. However, Gunawan knocked out former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, defeating him 21-15, 12-21, 21-4 in the round of 32.India also celebrated an upset victory in mixed doubles as Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto beat Denmark’s fourth-seeded pair Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund 21-15, 21-14. They will now take on China’s Gao Jia Xuan and Wu Meng Ying in the next round.Despite these wins, several Indian shuttlers were knocked out early in the Super 300 tournament. In men’s singles, US Open champion Ayush Shetty lost 18-21, 19-21 to Canada’s Brian Yang. In women’s singles, Unnati Hooda was beaten 21-14, 21-14 by Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-Chian, while top seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia comfortably defeated India’s Tanvi Sharma 21-11, 21-10 in just 30 minutes.India also faced a setback when HS Prannoy, the 2023 World Championships bronze medallist, gave a walkover to Japan’s Koki Watanabe. In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde were eliminated after losing 19-21, 14-21 to Thailand’s fifth-seeded pair Ruttanapak Oupthong and Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat.On a positive note, India’s top men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty moved into the round of 16 with a 21-19, 21-19 win over Singapore’s Eng Keat Wesley Koh and Junsuke Kubo. H Amsakarunan and M R Arjun also advanced after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chen Zhi Ray and Lin Yu Chieh 21-16, 24-22.

Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, and Sumit Nagal

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the achievements and inspiring journeys of India’s top athletes across various sports. TOISA 2025 will honour performances from January 1 to December 31, 2025, recognising standout moments from global championships and international tournaments. More than 45 categories will acknowledge both sporting icons and emerging talents who brought pride to the country.Winners will be chosen by a distinguished jury of sporting legends, including Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes, ensuring credible recognition of excellence in Indian sport.Here are the tennis players nominated for TOISA 2025:Tennis (Male)Rohan BopannaDate of Birth: March 4, 1980Place of Birth: Bengaluru, KarnatakaSport: TennisMajor Achievements in 2025:US Open: Played his final Grand Slam match in New York.Paris Masters: Partnered with Alexander Bublik in his final tour-level appearance.Officially retired from professional tennis in November 2025 at the age of 45.A true legend of the sport, Rohan Bopanna brought his illustrious two-decade career to a close in 2025. After becoming the oldest World No. 1 and a Grand Slam champion in 2024, Bopanna used his final season to bid farewell to the global circuit, ending his journey as one of the most respected figures in tennis. His retirement marked the end of an era for Indian tennis, leaving behind a legacy of 26 ATP titles and two Grand Slam crowns.Yuki BhambriDate of Birth: July 4, 1992Place of Birth: New DelhiSport: TennisMajor Achievements in 2025:Dubai Tennis Championships (ATP 500): Gold (Doubles title with Alexei Popyrin)US Open: Reached his first-ever Grand Slam Semi-final (Doubles with Michael Venus)ATP Ranking Milestone: Broke into the World Top 20 in doubles.Surpassed Rohan Bopanna to become India’s No. 1 ranked doubles player.Yuki Bhambri enjoyed a sensational 2025, fully establishing himself as one of the world’s elite doubles specialists. He secured his first ATP 500 title in Dubai and made a historic run to the semi-finals of the US Open, becoming the last Indian standing in the year’s final Major. By climbing into the global Top 20, Bhambri effectively took over the mantle of leadership in Indian men’s tennis following Bopanna’s retirement.Sumit NagalDate of Birth: August 16, 1997Place of Birth: Jhajjar, HaryanaSport: TennisMajor Achievements in 2025:Australian Open: Main Draw participant.Copa Faulcombridge: Reached the Quarter-finals in Valencia.Braga Open: Quarter-finalist.Finished the year as India’s highest-ranked singles player.Sumit Nagal continued to lead the charge for Indian singles on the ATP Challenger and World Tour in 2025. He maintained his presence in the Grand Slam main draws and secured consistent results on his preferred clay courts in Europe, reaching several quarter-finals. Nagal’s resilience throughout the year ensured that India remained represented in the upper echelons of the global singles rankings during a period of transition for the national team.Tennis (Female) Ankita RainaDate of Birth: January 11, 1993Place of Birth: Ahmedabad, GujaratSport: TennisMajor Achievements in 2025:WTA 125 Chennai Open: Semi-finalist (Singles).ITF W60 Traralgon (Australia): Quarter-finalist.Held the India No. 1 ranking for a significant portion of the year.Ankita Raina remained the most consistent force in Indian women’s tennis throughout 2025. Her standout performance came at the WTA 125 Chennai Open, where she thrilled home fans by advancing to the semi-finals after a gruelling victory over Romania’s Irina Bara. On the international circuit, she continued to rack up wins in Australia and Europe, proving her longevity and status as the primary pillar of India’s Billie Jean King Cup squad. Vaishnavi AdkarDate of Birth: December 14, 2004Place of Birth: Pune, MaharashtraSport: TennisMajor Achievements in 2025:FISU World University Games: Bronze (Women’s Singles).Fenesta Women’s Nationals: Gold (National Champion).First Indian woman ever to win a tennis medal at the World University Games.Vaishnavi Adkar scripted history in 2025 by winning a bronze medal at the FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, ending a 46-year medal drought for India in tennis at the event. Her victory over home favorite Sina Herrmann in the quarter-finals secured India’s first medal in the sport since 1979. Domestically, she solidified her rising status by winning the prestigious Fenesta National title, marking her as the brightest young prospect in the country.Sahaja YamalapalliDate of Birth: October 29, 2000Place of Birth: Hyderabad, TelanganaSport: TennisMajor Achievements in 2025:WTA Chennai Open: Won her WTA main-draw debut match.ITF W35 Santo Domingo: Gold (Doubles title with Hiroko Kuwata).Reached and held the National No. 1 spot in Women’s Singles.2025 saw Sahaja Yamalapalli make significant strides on the professional tour, highlighted by her successful WTA debut in Chennai, where she earned her first main-draw victory. She also added to her trophy cabinet with an ITF doubles title in the Dominican Republic. By finishing the year as the AITA National No. 1, Sahaja confirmed her position as a major contender to lead the next generation of Indian women’s singles players.