Category: Sports

Chelsea Appoint Liam Rosenior as New Manager

Chelsea Football Club has announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new manager on a six-year deal. The former Hull City and Strasbourg coach takes over from Enzo Maresca, who left the club on New Year’s Day.

Rosenior’s Immediate Responsibilities

Rosenior will be in charge during Chelsea’s Premier League match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. His first training session with the squad is set for Thursday.

Impressive Previous Tenure

Arriving at Stamford Bridge after his stint with RC Strasbourg, Rosenior led the French club to European qualification for the first time in 19 years during his debut season. He has also held managerial roles in England with Hull City and Derby County.

In a statement on Chelsea’s website, Rosenior expressed his gratitude: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me, and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”

Aiming for Revival

The 41-year-old Englishman aims to revive a club currently struggling in the Premier League. He stated, “My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.”

Rosenior’s Background

Rosenior has played in both the Premier League and Championship, representing clubs like Fulham, Reading, and Hull City. He also gained coaching experience at Derby County under Phillip Cocu and Wayne Rooney. Now, he faces his biggest challenge as head coach of Chelsea.

Current Standing

Chelsea are currently positioned fifth in the 2025-26 Premier League standings with 31 points from 20 matches. Their recent performances have not met expectations, leading to Maresca’s departure. Chelsea’s last match concluded in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on January 4, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium. Their next fixture is an away match against Fulham on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Sri Lanka has announced their squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, a crucial part of their preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which kicks off on February 7.

Squad Composition

The team, captained by Dasun Shanaka, features a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Notably, some players in this squad were not included in Sri Lanka’s earlier preliminary World Cup squad, heightening competition as the team finalizes selections ahead of the global tournament.

Thirteen players from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad have been retained, including Shanaka, Hasaranga, Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka.

Importance of the Series

With the World Cup rapidly approaching, the series against Pakistan provides Sri Lanka a vital opportunity to fine-tune team combinations and build momentum against a formidable opponent. The last encounter between these teams saw Pakistan emerge victorious in the final of a T20I tri-series held in Rawalpindi.

Series Schedule

The series will commence on January 7 with the first match, followed by the second and third matches on January 9 and 11, respectively. All three games will take place at the same venue in Dambulla.

Lasith Malinga’s Role

In preparation for the World Cup, Sri Lanka has appointed legendary pacer Lasith Malinga as a fast bowling consultant for a 40-day period, effective from December 15 to January 25, 2026. Malinga has previously served in this role on two official occasions but has also informally guided top bowlers over the years. For the last two years, he has been advising the coaching staff led by Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

Australia’s top fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has regained full fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 and is set to return to competitive action after joining the Sydney Sixers for the remainder of the Big Bash League 2025-26 season. The right-handed pacer has been added as a supplementary contracted player and will feature for the Sixers for the rest of the tournament.

Sydney Sixers Welcome Hazlewood

“We’re excited to welcome back Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood as a supplementary contracted player for KFC BBL 15,” the Sydney Sixers announced on their social media platform. In the Big Bash League, a supplementary contract allows clubs to sign Cricket Australia-contracted players who are expected to have limited availability due to national team commitments.

This mechanism helps BBL clubs secure top Australian talent without sacrificing a valuable spot on their primary 18-man bench or incurring a significant salary-cap hit for a player who may not play many matches.

Hazlewood’s Journey and Impact

Josh Hazlewood has been one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, excelling across all three formats with his accuracy, bounce, and consistency. Every team he represents values his presence and impact. However, Hazlewood has a long history of injuries. During the recent Ashes Test series, he was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

While recovering from that setback, he suffered another blow with an Achilles issue, further delaying his return. His comeback in the BBL has brought relief to his fans as well as the Australian cricket team, who are targeting a second title at the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be played in the subcontinent.

Hazlewood’s inclusion will further strengthen the Sydney Sixers squad, especially with Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith also expected to join the side after the Sydney Test. Hazlewood has not played in the BBL since 2019 and has never represented any franchise other than the Sydney Sixers. In his last appearance, he featured in just one match.

The experienced pacer has also been named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, underlining his importance in the national setup as he returns to full fitness.

Sri Lanka has announced their squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, an important step in their preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, starting February 7.

Squad Composition

Captained by Dasun Shanaka, the team features a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Notably, some squad members were not part of Sri Lanka’s earlier preliminary World Cup lineup, adding a competitive edge as they finalize their team ahead of the global tournament.

Thirteen players from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad have been retained for this series, including Shanaka, Hasaranga, Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka.

Opportunity to Gain Momentum

With the World Cup approaching quickly, the series against Pakistan provides Sri Lanka a crucial chance to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum against a strong opponent. In their last encounter, Pakistan won the final of a T20I tri-series held in Rawalpindi.

As Sri Lanka hones their preparations, Pakistan—who have yet to announce their World Cup squad—will present a tough challenge. The series kicks off on January 7, with the first match, followed by the second and third matches on January 9 and 11, respectively. All three matches will take place at the same venue in Dambulla.

Consultant Appointment

In the lead-up to the World Cup, Sri Lanka has also appointed legendary pacer Lasith Malinga as a fast bowling consultant for a 40-day stint, effective from December 15 to January 25, 2026. Malinga has previously served in this role on two official occasions and has also provided informal mentoring to leading bowlers over the years. For the last two years, he has been advising the coaching staff, led by Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad

• Dasun Shanaka (c)
• Pathum Nissanka
• Kamil Mishara
• Kusal Mendis
• Kusal Perera
• Dhananjaya de Silva
• Charith Asalanka
• Janith Liyanage
• Kamindu Mendis
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Dunith Wellalage
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Traveen Mathew
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Matheesha Pathirana
• Nuwan Thushara
• Eshan Malinga

A product of the Khelo India ecosystem, Maharashtra’s rising kabaddi star Dadaso Shivaji Pujari has come full circle at the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 in Diu, returning to the platform that launched his journey to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).

Dadaso caught the eye in the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula, which has already earned him three seasons with Puneri Paltan as a reliable right-corner defender. He is now drawing on that experience as he competes on the sands of Ghoghla Beach in beach kabaddi.

Dadaso’s journey exemplifies how the Khelo India pathway is nurturing Indian kabaddi at the highest level and is being further enriched by players returning after gaining exposure on bigger platforms.

For the Kolhapur-born defender, whose father, Shivaji Pujari, is a farmer, this journey holds deeper meaning. Growing up in a resource-limited environment in Kolhapur, he began playing kabaddi at the age of 12 after watching friends in his village. From school competitions to representing Maharashtra and eventually earning a professional contract, each step was guided by the structured opportunities provided through Khelo India.

“Whatever I am today is because of Khelo India,” Dadaso said while speaking to SAI Media. “The Youth Games in Panchkula opened the doors for me to the Pro Kabaddi League. Even after playing at that level, I always feel connected to Khelo India. Returning to this platform feels like coming back home,” he shared.

Having established himself as a right-corner defender known for his sharp ankle holds and defensive awareness, Dadaso is now adapting to the challenges of beach kabaddi. “Playing on sand is completely different from playing on the mat. Movement is slower, balance is tougher, and every tackle requires extra effort. But these challenges help you grow as a player,” he noted.

Dadaso is not alone in returning to the Khelo India platform. At the ongoing second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, around seven players with Pro Kabaddi League experience are representing their respective states. Their participation highlights the depth created by the Khelo India Scheme, which has significantly enriched the Pro Kabaddi League with a steady talent supply.

These players are now returning to the national developmental platform, bringing experience, quality, and visibility to the Khelo India Beach Games.

The presence of Pro Kabaddi League players at Khelo India events is not limited to the Beach Games alone. At the recently concluded Khelo India University Games in Jaipur, nearly 25 players with Pro Kabaddi League experience represented their respective universities. This trend demonstrates how the Khelo India Scheme has strengthened the professional league, ensuring elite players continue to engage with and elevate national-level competitions.

Dadaso believes this cycle is crucial for the future of Indian kabaddi. “Khelo India gives young players exposure, confidence, and a clear direction. When players return after playing professionally, the level of competition automatically rises, and younger athletes get inspired,” he stated.

Australia stand-in skipper Steve Smith reflected on his 37th Test hundred after scoring 129 not out at the end of Day 3, highlighting his home venue, Sydney Cricket Ground, where he became the second batter on the all-time list of Ashes Test runs with 3,663, only behind the legendary Don Bradman (5,028).

Smith reached his century by running three off a shot to fine leg off the bowling of Jacob Bethell. This was Smith’s 13th Ashes ton, placing him second only to Bradman, who has 19. Notably, it was also Smith’s first century of this series.

“I just love batting here. Obviously, it’s my home deck. I know the ground really well, (and) when I get in here, I really like batting here. The pace of the wicket sort of suits the way I play, and I just love playing in front of this crowd,” Smith told Fox Cricket at stumps.

Former Australian coach Simon Katich praised Smith’s performance on the ageing SCG pitch, stating, “As convincing as it always has been in terms of accumulating, it wasn’t easy when he first went out there. They actually bowled quite well to him, compared to how they were going to Travis Head. They had a conventional field; they bowled a full length, but he got through that, and then once he got to that second new ball, that was going to be another tricky period. It wasn’t (tricky) for him; he knew exactly what he had to do, and then he came through that, and he played, probably for me, the shot of the day (with) that cover drive towards the end, where he just threw his hands through the line of the ball, and that was just glorious to watch. His record as captain – I think he averages 70 as captain; that’s phenomenal,” he added.

This century in Sydney was the first of the series and Smith’s 18th as captain, with six of those centuries coming against England, the most against any team as skipper.

As the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off on January 9, the Gujarat Giants enter WPL 2026 with fresh confidence and a clear goal. Following a successful playoff run last year, the franchise owned by Adani Sportsline is aiming for greater consistency and looking to elevate their competitive edge.

Pre-Season Set-Up
During a pre-season media event, players, coaching staff, and team leaders shared their plans for the upcoming season. Key attendees included captain Ashleigh Gardner, Kashvee Gautam, Women’s World Cup champion Renuka Singh, head coach Michael Klinger, fielding coach Sarah Taylor, and Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer of Adani Sportsline.

The Giants will kick off their WPL 2026 campaign on January 10 against UP Warriorz. The first four games will take place in Navi Mumbai, after which they will move to Vadodara from January 19 for the concluding part of the league stage.

After debuting at home in Vadodara last season, the team will return for a fourth time, excited to play before their expanding Giants Army. The franchise features a mix of proven international players and promising Indian talent, aiming for another playoff appearance and a deeper run in the tournament.

Captain’s Vision
Speaking on the occasion, captain Ashleigh Gardner emphasized the importance of balance: “As a captain, balance is the key, not just in terms of skills, but in bringing together international players and Indian players. It can be a challenge at times, but having good people around you makes a big difference. A lot of the work is done before game one, building trust, understanding each other, and making sure everyone feels confident when we step onto the field. I try to embrace the culture because it makes the experience more enjoyable and easier.”

Coach’s Strategy
Head coach Michael Klinger reflected on last year’s learning: “The biggest takeaway from last year was that the games we played really well in were the ones where we did the little things right, whether that was in the field, with the bat or with the ball. We have match-winners throughout the squad, and when we consistently outdid the opposition in those small but important moments, we won games.”

Goals for the Season
Women’s World Cup winner Renuka Singh stated, “The focus is clear, we want to win the trophy. We have a great team, and personally, my aim is to excel in my responsibilities and continue playing with a strong mentality. WPL has evolved over the years; we are getting a lot of recognition and we just want to continue giving our best.”

Fielding Philosophy
Fielding coach Sarah Taylor highlighted the modern game’s demands: “Fielding has become a crucial part of the modern game, and my approach is to bring an aggressive mindset to it. We push standards through challenging drills and make sure everyone buys into the intensity required at the international level. The more players are exposed to those standards, the better it is not just for the team, but for the game as a whole.”

Individual Commitment
Kashvee Gautam shared her performance mindset: “My mindset is to go out there and perform for the team. Whether it’s bowling, batting, or fielding, the focus is always on making an impact and providing breakthroughs when the team needs it. A lot changed for me after the WPL, including earning my India call-up, and bowling to international players in training and matches has helped make things easier. I just want to contribute in every way possible and make an impact for the team.”

Franchise Outlook
Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer of Adani Sportsline, affirmed the franchise’s direction: “The progress we made in 2025 gives us confidence that we are moving in the right direction as a franchise. Our focus remains on staying humble off the field while being aggressive and competitive on it. This squad reflects our belief in combining world-class experience with Indian talent and creating an environment where players can grow and express themselves. We’re excited about what this group can achieve together in WPL 2026.”

Annabel Sutherland has emerged as the biggest gainer in the latest ICC Women’s Rankings update, reclaiming the No.1 position in the T20I bowling rankings following India’s 15-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fifth and final T20I.

The Australian bowler returned to the top spot after India’s Deepti Sharma dropped one place, with both players now tied on a rating of 736. This is the same rating Sutherland held when she first reached No.1 in August 2025. Sutherland, the fast-bowling all-rounder, had previously reached the top in August 2025 after Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal slipped down the rankings. Despite her bowling figures of 1/28, Deepti was unable to retain her lead and now sits second, just one rating point behind Sutherland. However, her performance ensured she remained third in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings with 382 points.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Rise
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur also made notable progress, climbing two places to 13th in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings. Her rise comes after a match-winning innings of 68 off 43 balls in the final T20I at Thiruvananthapuram, an effort that earned her the Player of the Match award and moved her closer to the top 10.

Series Performance and Ranking Gains
India’s dominant 5–0 series whitewash led to other ranking gains. Amanjot Kaur jumped seven places to joint 78th, while Sri Lanka batters Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani made significant strides after scoring half-centuries. Perera surged 31 spots to 40th following her 65 off 42 balls, while Dulani climbed 77 places to 84th after scoring 50 off 39 deliveries, which included eight fours. The pair steadied Sri Lanka’s innings after the early dismissal of Chamari Athapaththu.

In the bowling rankings, India left-arm spinner Shree Charani advanced five places to 47th, while Sri Lanka’s Kavisha Dilhari moved up one spot to 32nd. Chamari Athapaththu rose three places to 48th.

Meanwhile, India’s Arundhati Reddy impressed with a quick 27 not out from just 11 balls and picked up a wicket, resulting in a jump of 21 places to 44th in the bowling rankings.

India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer made a commendable comeback from injury, scoring a fluent 82 runs off 53 balls for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh at the Jaipuria Vidhyalaya Ground in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Iyer’s Impactful Return

Captaining the side due to Shardul Thakur’s injury that ruled him out of the tournament, Iyer faced a challenging situation with Mumbai at 55 for 2 after the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan.

Iyer and Musheer Khan then added 82 runs off 54 balls, steadying the innings. Musheer scored a brisk 73 runs off 51 balls before his dismissal. Following that, Iyer formed a crucial 65-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav in just 39 balls, helping Mumbai surpass the 200-run mark in the curtailed 33-over match, which started late due to dense fog.

Match Summary

Iyer fell in the 26th over, just 18 runs shy of a well-deserved century, having struck 10 fours and three sixes against Himachal Pradesh. His fighting innings helped Mumbai finish at 299/9 in 33 overs.

Future Prospects

Iyer has been named vice-captain of the India squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning in Vadodara on January 11. His inclusion, however, is subject to a fitness clearance after his performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai.

If Iyer successfully clears his fitness tests, the Mumbai Cricket Association will need to appoint a new captain for the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout matches, starting on January 12 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Grounds in Bengaluru. Iyer was sidelined due to a serious spleen injury he sustained while diving to catch Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey during the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground in October last year.

With the Hockey India League 2025-2026 set to return to Bhubaneswar, the birthplace of hockey, on January 17, ticket sales went live on Tuesday at 11:00 am IST. Hockey India has announced that tickets will be free for fans eager to watch the matches live.

Grand Finale on January 26

The League will culminate with its grand finale on January 26.

Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey expressed, “As the Hockey India League returns to the hockey hub of India in Bhubaneswar, there is certainly a lot of excitement among hockey fans in the region to come watch their favourite stars live in action. To encourage more fans to come to the stadium and enjoy the thrilling matches, Hockey India has made the tickets free of cost. I believe this will encourage more fans from across Odisha to come to Bhubaneswar and watch some exciting hockey.”

Bhola Nath Singh, a member of the HIL governing committee, also urged more fans to attend the matches in person. He stated, “HIL will culminate in Bhubaneswar on January 26 and we expect hockey fans to come and enjoy #hockeykajashn. It was our aim to increase the fanbase for our sport across regions, and I believe the final in Bhubaneswar will witness a packed stadium.”

League Details

The league features eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, delivering fast-paced, exciting games with their newly redesigned formats.

In the Men’s HIL, Kalinga Lancers are leading the points table in its first phase in Chennai, having made a winning start to their HIL campaign with a 4-2 victory at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the SG Pipers have already booked their final spot in the women’s HIL as table toppers, having secured their final berth in the women’s tournament after the Soorma Hockey Club defeated the Ranchi Royals on Monday.