#1 - Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah at BCCI CoE for Fitness Tests Ahead of Upcoming Series
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and other Indian cricketers arrived at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for pre-season fitness tests ahead of the Asia Cup and Australia series.
At the BCCI Fitness Test Center of Excellence, top Indian stars came for Fitness Tests
BENGALURU: The newly operational BCCI Centre of Excellence has quickly turned into the hub of Indian cricket activity. On Saturday, the facility saw a host of international players arrive for pre-season fitness assessments as the domestic season and Asia Cup draw closer.
While the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals were underway, some players—including Akashdeep Singh, Sai Sudharsan, and Mayank Yadav—were already at the venue undergoing rehab. But the buzz truly picked up when several frontline Indian cricketers checked in for their tests under strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux.
Rohit Sharma Under Spotlight
The biggest attention was on India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma. At 38, he now focuses exclusively on the one-day format, with India scheduled to play a three-match series against Australia before the Asia Cup.
- Since the June 1 IPL match between the Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings, Rohit has not participated.
- He could be drafted into India ‘A’ for their series against Australia ‘A’ in Kanpur (Sept 30 – Oct 5).
- His last ODI outing came in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai this March.
After completing his fitness tests, Rohit is expected to train at the facility for a few more days before returning to Mumbai.
Other Big Names Present
Joining Rohit were several top Indian stars:
- Jasprit Bumrah – leading pacer preparing for Asia Cup workloads
- Shubman Gill – India’s Test captain, recovering from illness
- Shardul Thakur – set to lead West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal
- Mohammed Siraj – frontline fast bowler
- Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is hoping for a successful Asia Cup campaign.
- Jitesh Sharma – who checked in a day earlier
Some players will remain longer to continue training, while others are expected to depart for Dubai with the Asia Cup squad.
Virat Kohli’s Absence Raises Questions
Even as Rohit and company completed their assessments, one question lingered among fans and officials alike: When will Virat Kohli arrive?
The batting great has not yet checked in at the Centre of Excellence, sparking speculation about his readiness for upcoming assignments.
A Blend of Cricket and Camaraderie
Beyond the drills and tests, the day also had a lighter side. Many of the stars took time to watch Duleep Trophy matches and interact with domestic players, reinforcing the bond between India’s senior and emerging cricketers.
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#2 - Rahul Dravid Resigns as Rajasthan Royals Coach, Declines Senior Role Within IPL Franchise
Prior to the 2026 Indian Premier League, Rahul Dravid resigned as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals. A generation of players was inspired by Dravid's ten-year journey, which saw him transition from captain to coach and mentor.
A Decade-Long Journey Comes to an End
The Rajasthan Royals confirmed on Saturday that Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure as head coach ahead of IPL 2026, ending a long and meaningful relationship with the franchise.
Dravid first joined the Royals in 2011 after his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore. He captained the side until 2013, giving stability to a team often seen as the league’s underdogs. After retirement, he took up the mentor’s role in 2014 and 2015, shaping the careers of several young players.
Dravid’s Return as Head Coach
Dravid rejoined the Royals as head coach prior to the 2025 Indian Premier League after leading the team to victories in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- His appointment was seen as a full-circle moment in the franchise’s history.
- He brought a philosophy of blending young Indian talent with seasoned international stars.
- His leadership and tactical acumen created a strong foundation for the team’s future.
Rajasthan Royals’ Official Statement
In a heartfelt note shared on social media, the Royals acknowledged Dravid’s legacy:
- He has been central to the Royals’ journey for over a decade.
- His influence instilled strong values of discipline, respect, and integrity.
- Despite being offered a more expansive management position, Dravid opted to leave with grace.
The franchise thanked him for his “remarkable service” and credited him for shaping the culture that will guide the Royals for years to come.
Legacy Beyond Wins and Losses
Dravid's influence on the Royals extends beyond his stats and awards. His calm presence and measured leadership:
- Nurtured young cricketers into international stars.
- Created a culture of humility and resilience within the squad.
- Improved the relationship between the franchise, players, and fans.
His exit leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence the team’s philosophy well into the future.
#3 - With a record 50 gold medals, India makes history at the Asian Shooting Championship
A Historic First for Indian Shooting
India achieved a landmark moment at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, finishing at the top of the medal standings for the very first time. The Indian contingent bagged 50 gold medals, leading the overall tally with a total of 99 medals (50 gold, 26 silver, 23 bronze).
This dominant performance placed India ahead of Kazakhstan (70 medals, 21 gold) and China (37 medals, 15 gold)-a historic shift in the balance of Asian shooting power.
Senior Team’s Performance in Olympic Events
In Olympic rifle, pistol, and shotgun categories, India’s senior shooters showcased world-class performances:
- 6 gold medals
- 2 silver medals
- 3 bronze medals
China narrowly edged India in Olympic events, with 8 golds, while Kazakhstan managed just 1 gold.
Rising Juniors Shine Bright
A key highlight of India’s success was the remarkable performance by junior shooters:
- 10 gold medals in Olympic events
- 4 silver medals
- 3 bronze medals
Their contribution strengthened the depth of talent emerging through the ranks and increased India's medal total.
Standout Performances
Several individual achievements stood out in this record-breaking campaign:
- In the women's trap, Neeru Dhanda won India's first-ever Asian Championship gold.
- In the women's 50-meter rifle 3-position, Sift Kaur Samra won her first Asian championship.
- The men's 3P title was successfully defended by Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar.
- Ankur Mittal - former world champion, set a world record score of 107 to win men’s Double Trap gold.
- In the men's 25-meter standard pistol competition, Rio Olympian Gurpreet Singh took home the gold.
Voices from the NRAI
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo praised the shooters, saying:
- “It's an incredible performance, and it's obvious that our performance at the Olympics in Paris has greatly increased the shooting ecosystem's confidence. Particularly pleasing is the performance of the juniors, which shows that Indian shooting has only just begun - greater things are sure to come.”
Why This Win Matters
This achievement is more than just numbers on a tally sheet. It marks:
- A new era for Indian shooting, where India is no longer chasing but leading Asia.
- A confidence boost for upcoming global competitions, including the Olympics.
- Proof of India’s depth, with juniors performing as strongly as seniors.
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