DRS, July 19: Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir bonhomie, Siraj sidelined, …

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the Indian team selectors to refrain from leaking information to the media as a part of damage control following the Rohit Sharma row. The board put to rest reports claiming that the Hitman will be playing his last game at Lord’s. On the same day, Rohit and head coach Gambhir were seen smiling at the Lord’s balcony. Only time will tell what will transpire on Sunday. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar’s replacement has been named for the 3rd ODI. On that note, let’s take a look at the top headlines from Saturday. catcross.org

Rohit Sharma-Gambhir bonhomie

Ever since the news of Rohit Sharma‘s ‘forced retirement’ from international cricket, after the India vs England third ODI at Lord’s broke out, there have been a few reports suggesting — all is not well between him and coach Gautam Gambhir. But then, on the eve of the eventful match, the duo, perhaps purposely were seen sharing laughter at the iconic Lord’s balcony. Read more here.

Mohammed Siraj sidelined

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opined that Mohammed Siraj has been sidelines from the ODI format despite having proved his credentials in the past. The Hyderabad pacer, who was once considered an all-format player, was last seen in action in the one-off Test against AFG and wasn’t picked in the squad for the T20Is vs IRE and ENG or the ODI series either. Chopra reckoned that while there was lack of clarity on Siraj at the moment, the pacer is expected to be a part of the Indian team in the 50-over format in the near future. Read more here.

BCCI asks selectors to stay mum

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unhappy with the selectors for leaking information on Rohit Sharma‘s future, fuelling speculations of his retirement. The board has reportedly directed the selectors to stay silent on the topic and not speak to the media about it. The report claims that the discussion between the selectors and Sharma on the latter’s future has been going on for some time now, and that head coach Gautam Gambhir has also been kept in the loop. Read more here.

Latest news

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  DRS, July 19: Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir bonhomie, Siraj sidelined, BCCI unhappy with selectors
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  Amid retirement talks, Rohit Sharma heard saying ‘bahar kya chal raha hai us se humko kya’
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  Team India to bank on bowling coach Morne Morkel’s home experience for ODI World Cup 2027

Morne Morkel backs Rohit Sharma

India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel has skirted around the rumours of Rohit Sharma‘s potential retirement after the India vs England 3rd ODI at Lord’s. The former South Africa fast bowler was asked about the rumours. He talked about Rohit’s struggles against England and stated that being an opener in testing conditions isn’t easy. He backed Rohit to come good, something he has done in his 19-year India career. Morkel stated that the management – Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill – aren’t worried about his batting or place in the side. Read more here.

Dubey replaces Sundar

Harsh Dubey has been added to the Indian ODI squad as a replacement for Washington Sundar. Sundar, who got injured in the second ODI in Cardiff, has been ruled out of the series-deciding Lord’s ODI. Dubey made his international debut against Afghanistan and is now slotted in India’s squad as a somewhat like-for-like replacement. Read more here.

Must-win game for India, Gambhir

The pressure on India will be immense. England outplayed them in Cardiff. As soon as the hosts bettered their bowling attack, India crumbled after a surprising collapse. Virat Kohli looked in great touch but it was his wicket that started the downfall for India. Joe Root then showed why he is India’s arch-nemesis. With that, India are at the crossroads. Will they end this UK tour on a high or go home with just learning and nothing materialistic? Read the ENG vs IND 3rd ODI preview here.

The post DRS, July 19: Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir bonhomie, Siraj sidelined, BCCI unhappy with selectors appeared first on Inside Sport India.

IND vs ENG 2026 3rd ODI: India and England are heading to the iconic Lord’s cricket ground for the ODI series decider on Sunday. The three-match series is currently locked at 1-1 with Indians winning at Edgbaston by six wickets and hosts England bouncing back to win by four wickets in the second ODI at Cardiff. The winner of the game at Lord’s in London on Sunday will walk away with the series.

Less than a week back, the India women cricket team created history at Lord’s, winning the first-ever women’s Test played at the venue against England by a massive 270 runs. Shubman Gill’s side will look to draw inspiration from Harmanpreet Kaur’s side as they look to bounce back from a 4-0 whitewash in the T20I series.

The Lord’s game has additional interest among the Indian cricket fans among rumours of former India captain Rohit Sharma’s possible ODI and international retirement after the game. Although BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia denied this categorically but fans will love to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action at the iconic venue, possibly for the last time in their career.

One big issue will be the weather in London on Sunday for this series decider. The Indians have already suffered due to rain in the T20I series when the opening match at Chester-le-Street in Durham was washed out due to rain.

The weather in London on Sunday for match day is expected to be cloudy with around 41 per cent cloud cover predicted. The temperature will also be much cooler than Cardiff with a maximum around 24 degrees Celsius.

But what will be good news for the fans is that there is only around 3 per cent chances of rain predicted for Sunday in London and fans will pray that this prediction stays the same throughout the day.

The humidity level is expected to be high around 51 per cent but temperature will be around 20 degrees when the game gets underway on Sunday morning.

Check London weather update for India vs England 2026 3rd ODI HERE…

Run scoring may once again be hard work for the batters at Lord’s with the pitch at the iconic ground getting an ‘unsatisfactory’ rating from the ICC after the England vs New Zealand Test match earlier this year. No team has won chasing at this venue in an ODI since 2017, if one discounts England’s win via Super Over in the ICC ODI World Cup 2019 final vs New Zealand.

India and England have faced off in 7 ODI matches at the Lord’s cricket ground before Sunday’s match. Both sides have won three matches each with one game in 2011 ending up in a tie due to rain.

India’s most famous ODI victory at Lord’s remains the 1983 World Cup final, when Kapil Dev’s team defeated the mighty West Indies to win India’s first World Cup. Overall, India have played 9 ODIs at Lord’s, winning 4, losing 3, with 1 tied. One of those wins came against another opponent, while against England specifically the record stands at 3–3 with one tie.

Hosts England had won the last match against India at Lord’s by 100 runs in the 2022 series.

New York [US], July 19 (ANI): Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday recalled the iconic photograph of Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal nearly two decades ago, calling it “football’s most famous blessing" as the two stars prepare to face each other on the game’s biggest stage.

In a post on X, Mamdani wrote, “Nineteen years ago, Lionel Messi bathed a baby named Lamine Yamal for a charity calendar. Some call it football’s most famous blessing. Others say it sounds like the plot of the perfect movie."

Referring to Sunday’s World Cup final at the NYNJ Stadium, he added, “Tomorrow, we find out how it ends at the NYNJ Stadium."

The New York City Mayor also invited football fans to tune in to the final edition of the “World Cup Morning Pitch," which will provide weather, traffic and transit updates ahead of kickoff.

“Before the final chapter is written, join us live for the last World Cup Morning Pitch for the weather, traffic, and transit updates you need before kickoff. The final Morning Pitch streams at 8:30 AM on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. See you there," he wrote.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in the New York New Jersey Stadium for football’s ultimate prize.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).

Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek back-to-back titles.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.

Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.

Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain’s defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches. The victory booked Spain’s second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (local time) is going to be “a cracking match". Ahead of the final, Luis de la Fuente said the clash against Argentina is going to be a “cracking match", saying both teams share a similar footballing philosophy and are committed to playing an entertaining game where talent, quality and attacking football take centre stage.

“There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and in the talent of their players – so I think it’s going to be a cracking match. I believe that, in terms of our approach, both Argentina and Spain – Spain and Argentina alike – are setting out to play a match where brilliance, talent and good football will prevail over any other factor," he said as quoted by Reuters.

On the other hand, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that the team needs to “bring out its best version" to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, Lionel Scaloni said Argentina have prepared as they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on delivering their best performance.

He added that despite being a well-known team, Argentina have earned their place in the final on merit and will do everything possible to win the title.

“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyse the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final," he said during the pre-match press conference.

Scaloni also praised Lionel Messi for reaching another FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39, calling his achievement incredible.

“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years," he said. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Madrid [Spain], July 19 (ANI): Spanish Tennis legend Rafael Nadal extended his best wishes to Spain ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina, recalling the unforgettable memories of the country’s 2010 World Cup triumph and expressing his lifelong love for football.

In a post on X, Nadal said football has always been one of his greatest passions and that he has enjoyed playing the sport, watching matches, and supporting Spain’s national team since childhood.

“Ever since I was little, soccer has been one of my great passions. I’ve always enjoyed playing, watching matches, and supporting our national team. I can still remember the thrill of living in South Africa for the 2010 final. We’ll never forget it!" Nadal wrote.

Looking ahead to Spain’s clash against Argentina, Nadal described it as another historic occasion while expressing admiration for the South American nation.

“Tomorrow we have another chance to enjoy one of those matches that make history against a national team and a country that I respect and admire greatly. Best of luck. Let’s go, Spain!" he added.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in New York/New Jersey for football’s ultimate prize.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).

Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek back-to-back titles.

Defending champions Argentina secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.

The win over England sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Spain, on the other hand, secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 with a composed performance.

Lamine Yamal played a key role in the win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break following a fine move with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create clear chances.

Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, and despite late efforts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain’s defence held firm to secure their sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches. The victory booked Spain’s second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday (local time) is going to be “a cracking match". Ahead of the final, Luis de la Fuente said the clash against Argentina is going to be a “cracking match", saying both teams share a similar footballing philosophy and are committed to playing an entertaining game where talent, quality and attacking football take centre stage.

“There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and in the talent of their players – so I think it’s going to be a cracking match. I believe that, in terms of our approach, both Argentina and Spain – Spain and Argentina alike – are setting out to play a match where brilliance, talent and good football will prevail over any other factor," he said as quoted by Reuters.

On the other hand, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that the team needs to “bring out its best version" to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, Lionel Scaloni said Argentina have prepared as they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on delivering their best performance.

He added that despite being a well-known team, Argentina have earned their place in the final on merit and will do everything possible to win the title.

“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyse the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final," he said during the pre-match press conference.

Scaloni also praised Lionel Messi for reaching another FIFA World Cup final at the age of 39, calling his achievement incredible.

“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years," he said. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)