Breaking News!
Virat Kohli has become the first cricketer in history to cross 900 ICC rating points in all three formats of the game.
But wait a minute—wasn’t he retired from Tests and T20Is?
Here’s what happened: Kohli’s previous highest rating in T20Is was 897. But in the latest ICC rankings update, that has now been revised to 909. He had already crossed the 900-point mark in both Tests and ODIs earlier in his career. No other player has ever achieved this feat. Once a king, always a king.
Will Pant Play the Next Test?
More than the result of the Manchester Test, Indian fans are currently more concerned about Rishabh Pant’s fitness.
Will he recover in time? Can he keep wickets with that injured finger?
Team India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, had some good news. He said it would be very difficult to leave Pant out of the playing XI. He also mentioned that while Pant may not keep wickets, he is almost certain to play as a specialist batter. So, does that mean Dhruv Jurel will finally get a game in England? Looks likely.
From Gloves to Galleries
Remember Jack Russell? The former England wicketkeeper who used to wear quirky sunglasses and had a unique style on the field?
He played 54 Tests and 40 ODIs—but very few people know that he now works as a full-time painter in London.
And not just any painter—some of his artworks from the 2019 Ashes series have been sold for up to £25,000!
It’s safe to say he’s probably earned more with a paintbrush than he did with a bat.
Checkmate, Magnus!
The way Magnus Carlsen has been losing lately, maybe it’s time he picks up painting, too. The latest player to beat him? Indian teenage sensation R Praggnanandhaa, who made the World No.1 resign in Round 4 of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Las Vegas.
Before this, D Gukesh had handed Carlsen two consecutive defeats. That’s some serious Indian domination.
Football Transfer Buzz
And finally, Liverpool is reportedly close to signing Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth £70 million.
The 23-year-old striker scored 22 goals in the Bundesliga last season, after making his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain permanent.
However, Liverpool’s first bid has been rejected by Frankfurt, but watching how this transfer saga unfolds should be quite exciting.
