Gambhir's Strict Message To Iyer And Co Post 2nd T20I Loss: "Don't Shrug Off"

India suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi, as the visitors pulled off their record chase in the format. Despite putting up a total of 249, West Indies chased down the mammoth target of 250 with nine balls to spare. Speaking after the match, Gambhir stated that India cannot afford to take the defeat lightly, and that as T20 world champions, there should be higher expectations on them to deliver consistent victories.

“You don't shrug off any defeat. If you want to keep improving, you don't want to put anything under the carpet. We are a world-champion team so we want to keep improving. These are obviously tough conditions to bowl - we know flat wickets with the dew - obviously it's tough but we need to figure out and find the way.

“Especially with the opposition having lost two wickets in the first over and then lost three wickets in the powerplay. But again, credit to the West Indies, the way Shai Hope and Sherfane batted, we know they are world-class batters, especially in the format. It was tough on us but we're going to keep improving,” Gambhir told the media in the post-game press conference.

The result also renewed questions about the balance between bat and ball in high-scoring T20 cricket. India posted 249 for five, with Sanju Samson leading the charge with 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma contributing 44, but the West Indies batters made light of the target with a relentless assault.

Asked about the nature of the contest, Gambhir emphasised that conditions should allow bowlers a fair opportunity to compete rather than leave them at the mercy of the batters.

“You don't want a good bat-and-ball competition?” Gambhir asked. “What you want to see, that's also what we want to see. We also want to see an even contest.

“These bowlers are our bowlers, not someone else's bowlers. Their careers are at stake, they have worked hard to sit in this dressing room. If it's an even competition, we'll see a better game of cricket.”

India had appeared to seize control when Mayank Yadav struck twice in the opening over and removed another batter early in the sixth. However, Hope and Rutherford dismantled the attack through a 120-run partnership, with Rutherford smashing 84 off 37 deliveries before Hope completed an unbeaten 102.

Gambhir backed Mayank's decision to rely on pace rather than take the pressure off with slower deliveries, saying the young quick had followed the approach expected of a fast bowler.

“He is a fast bowler, he should bowl like a fast bowler,” Gambhir said of Mayank's spell. “He isn't a slower bowler. If you can bowl 150kph, bowl at 150kph, if you bowl at 120kph, bowl at 120kph. When you are playing as a fast bowler, it is your responsibility to bowl fast. And he did that today, getting success,” he stated.

With IANS inputs

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/uiCpqx2
via IFTTT

2nd T20I LIVE: Mayank Yadav's Blunder Costs India Big, Windies In Command

India vs West Indies 2nd T20I Live Updates: Shai Hope's marathon knock has put West Indies on the verge of victory in the chase of 250 against India in the second T20I of the five-match series in Ranchi. He stitched a 120-run stand with Sherfane Rutherford (84) to put the guests in control. Earlier, India posted a massive total of 249/5 after being invited to bat first. Sanju Samson scored 82 off 41, making the most of the two dropped chances. His innings was laced with nine fours and four sixes. Ishan Kishan also contributed 43 off 22. Shreyas Iyer (40 off 18) and Tilak Varma (44 not out off 18) then stitched an 83-run partnership off 32 balls to take India to a big total. For West Indies, Roston Chase turned out to be the most successful bowler with figures of 3/24. (LIVE SCORECARD)

Here are the LIVE Scores and Updates of the India vs West Indies 2nd T20I match:

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/oy5wIeK
via IFTTT

After Bhuvneshwar, Shami Backed To Make India Comeback: "Deserves That"

Can Mohammed Shami emulate Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make an India comeback? The question has been ringing across the country's cricketing landscape since Bhuvneshwar's return to India squad after a four-year hiatus, for the away T20I series against New Zealand. But the situation is far too complex once the layer of hope is peeled off. There was a huge outcry to call the Bhuvneshwar back once he grabbed 45 wickets from 30 IPL matches in 2025 and 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But Shami has largely remained a forgotten figure in the last two seasons of IPL, taking just 18 wickets from 22 matches at an average economy rate of 10.

In theory, Bhuvneshwar, who bowls at a gentle pace on flat decks, has less chance than Shami to succeed in T20s.

However, the Meerut pacer tides over the lack of pace with his ability to prodigiously swing the new ball in the Power Play, and endless variations -- from an accurate yorker to a befuddling slow bouncer -- in the death overs.

RCB assistant coach Omkar Salvi decoded Bhuvneshwar's success.

"First of all, I'd like to congratulate Bhuvneshwar on his comeback to the Indian T20 team. It's great to see him back in the national team, and it reflects the consistency and hard work he has put in over the last couple of years.

"One of his biggest strengths is the clarity he has about his game. He knows what works for him and keeps things simple. He has continued to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket, whether it's creating chances with the new ball or using his variations in the later stages of an innings," Salvi told PTI.

The stats further validate Salvi's words.

Across IPL 2025 and 2026, Bhuvneshwar has mainly operated between overs 1 to 6 and 16 to 20.

They are, perhaps, the toughest phases to bowl in the ultra-abridged version.

But Bhuvneshwar has taken 25 wickets in the power play across the two seasons, and 18 wickets in the last five-over segment in the same period, way ahead of bowlers such as Josh Hazlewood, Jofra Archer and Mohammed Siraj.

Beyond the numbers, Bhuvneshwar also mentors young RCB bowlers like Rasikh Salam, Suyansh Sharma, Mangesh Yadav and Abhinandan Singh.

Even a modern day star like Hazlewood has tapped in on Bhuvneshwar's wisdom to excel in Indian conditions. Salvi underlined the significance of that role.

"He has been a huge help to our younger fast bowlers at RCB with his experience. He is approachable and always willing to share his knowledge, whether it's about reading conditions, planning against batters or handling pressure.

"Importantly, he encourages the youngsters to understand and back their own strengths, which makes him a very valuable presence in the group," said Salvi.

It's precisely the position the Indian management expects Bhuvneshwar to assume in New Zealand in the absence of a rested Jasprit Bumrah.

But don't count out Shami merely because of his inferior outings in the IPL.

The Bengal pacer excelled in domestic cricket once he returned from a long injury lay-off in late 2024.

But he bloomed in the 2025-26 season across formats. Shami took 37 wickets from seven matches to play a crucial role in Bengal advancing to the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy.

He has 15 scalps from seven Vijay Hazare matches and 16 wickets from seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games, indicating the increasing sharpness of his craft.

Shami opened the 2026-27 season also on a promising note, taking seven wickets in East Zone's Duleep Trophy victory after 14 years.

Shami did not deny the flicker of hope inside of him.

"There are plenty of reasons to stay motivated if you look for them. At this level, if you aren't self-motivated, your approach is wrong.

"No matter what stage you're playing at, your eyes must always be set on the next level," Shami had said after the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, whose relationship with Shami goes back to age-group cricket, backed Shami's sentiments.

"Shami is playing for Bengal this season. He's bowling like a youngster. I hope that he will again play for India and end his career playing for India. He is one of the greatest fast bowlers ever world cricket produced. He deserves that," Shukla told PTI.

But what prompts Shami to do the domestic grind even when a return to the national team remains a faint hope?

"He still wants to play for India. But other than that, how many bowlers have you seen maintaining this level of commitment to the state? I have seen him from a time when he was just a net bowler. He made Bengal debut under my captaincy.

"He has developed into a great player and a great human being. He keeps motivating everyone in the dressing room, and he is our brother, and I am sure he will be doing well this season and go on to play for India again," said Shukla, who represented Bengal and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Maybe, another fairytale is loading!

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/svW7gDR
via IFTTT

Klay Thompson Opens Up About Giannis Antetokounmpo's Meaningful Gesture

Klay Thompson and Giannis Antetokounmpo are now Miami Heat teammates, but their connection started years before they shared a locker room. Thompson still remembers a moment from 2022 when Antetokounmpo showed him support after a big game. Thompson had just returned from a long injury layoff and scored 38 points against Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks. What happened after the game stayed with him. Antetokounmpo walked across the court to congratulate Thompson, even though Milwaukee had lost. Speaking to The Athletic, Thompson said that small gesture changed how he viewed the two-time MVP. Now, with both players in Miami, Thompson says being Antetokounmpo's teammate feels special.

Klay Thompson Remembers Giannis Antetokounmpo's 2022 Gesture

For Thompson, the 2022 game was about much more than his 38 points. He had spent a long time away from the court because of injuries and was still trying to feel like himself again. Antetokounmpo's reaction gave him a boost at a time when he needed it.

“This is a testament to his humility,” Thompson said, describing the incident to The Athletic. “(That game) made me feel like I could be a great player again. After the game, he walked from the opposing bench all the way down to our bench just to tell me how happy he was for me.”

Thompson then explained why the moment stayed with him.

“I don't want to get emotional, but that meant a lot to me,” he continued. “To be one of the 75 best players ever and not to be bitter in a moment where your team loses, and I have a great game and to just give me those props, that made me look at him in a different light.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo finds ‘Heat Culture' With Klay Thompson

The two now have a chance to build something together in Miami. Antetokounmpo arrived from Milwaukee in July, while Thompson joined the Heat in August. NBA.com confirmed Thompson's two-year deal is worth about $11.5 million.

Thompson is clearly happy about the reunion. “So now, to be his teammate is just awesome,” he said in his interview with The Athletic.

Antetokounmpo has also spoken positively about his new surroundings. He described Miami's approach in simple terms: “Communication. Hard work. Competition. Being direct,” he said, explaining Heat Culture to The Athletic. “The expectations that I have for you, make sure you do your job. It's real. It's very real. Guys are playing hard, playing fast in practice. It's real.”

For Antetokounmpo, that environment has brought back a feeling he had been looking for. “It gives me goosebumps. It's almost like being alive again,” he said.

The Heat now have two players who already understand what it takes to win at the highest level, but their connection goes beyond basketball. Thompson remembers what Antetokounmpo did for him when they were opponents. Now, they get to push each other as teammates.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/0Wjk6r2
via IFTTT

"Ask for Forgiveness": Rio Explodes At Jorge Over Ronaldo Treatment

Former England and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand launched a scathing attack on Portugal boss Jorge Jesus, accusing him of mistreating legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo and saying that he must "ask for forgiveness". The Al Nassr star left the national team camp early after a breakdown in communication during the UEFA Nations League, with the 41-year-old's role under Jorge, who was also part of Al Nassr's trophy-winning set-up with Cristiano, coming under question. Tensions reached their peak when Portugal played Norway. Ahead of the match, Cristiano was instructed to warm up with the expectation of featuring later in the contest. However, Jorge eventually decided against bringing him on, leaving the legendary striker frustrated on the bench.

While Jorge claimed that Cristiano was left out for tactical reasons, it only added to the growing rift between the once-close coach-player pair.

Ferdinand, Cristiano's teammate at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, jumped to the legend's defence, saying on his 'Rio Presents' podcast, as quoted by Goal.com: "Cristiano Ronaldo was put in a very bad situation and was treated in an inappropriate way. He has an enormous history in football. Jorge Jesus did not deal with Ronaldo well and chose to treat him in that way, but I cannot find any explanation for it. This manager thinks he is Alex Ferguson or Pep Guardiola."

"I do not know why he puts himself among the great managers. I cannot find an explanation for it. He should have shown Cristiano Ronaldo the respect he deserved," he added.

Ferdinand argued that the fallout between Cristiano and Jorge was rooted in poor management and a failure to give the superstar a clearly defined role. He said it had created an environment of uncertainty that mirrored previous struggles within the team's dressing room during major tournaments.

"The coach must come and ask for forgiveness... otherwise he will end up being fired. He must come out and say: 'Listen, I misjudged this situation'," he added.

Despite the debate surrounding Cristiano's age and where he fits into the modern game, Ferdinand feels that the veteran still has a lot to offer his country, and the challenge is to find the balance between the player's ego and the team's needs.

"I believe he still has a role to play. The question is whether it will be as a starter, as an important substitute in some games, or even if he will start in some and come on in others. This is what needs to be discussed, and then it will just be a matter of respecting the agreements made. These coaches are paid to manage a team, but they are also paid to manage people," Ferdinand signed off.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/vGo1X8E
via IFTTT

Gemini AI Paywall: Google Restricts Free Users To Flash-Lite Model From October 9

Google is reworking which Gemini models are available on each of its plans. Starting October 9, users on the free tier and the AI Plus plan will lose access to some models, while AI Pro subscribers are set to gain a feature that was previously exclusive to the top tier. The company also appears to be working on new reasoning controls for the Gemini app.

What Changes for Free and AI Plus Users

According to an updated Google support document, people without a Google AI subscription will be left with only Flash-Lite from October 9. Flash and Pro will no longer be part of the free plan.

AI Plus, which costs $4.99 (roughly Rs 500) a month, will keep Flash-Lite and Flash but drop the Pro model. Google said affected AI Plus users will get an email telling them when their accounts will switch over.

AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers keep all three models: Flash-Lite, Flash and Pro.

ALSO READ | Gemini 4 Argon: Google Unveils New Frontier AI Model — Prices, Features And Key Things Explained

Why Usage Limits Matter More Now

The changes come after Google started measuring Gemini usage earlier this year based on how much computing power each request requires. This means that heavier requests, such as tricky questions, long back-and-forth chats or the more advanced models, draw down a user's quota more quickly.

Deep Think Arrives on AI Pro

Until now, Deep Think was available only to AI Ultra subscribers. It is now coming to the AI Pro plan, priced at $19.99 (roughly Rs 1,900) a month. AI Ultra users, on either the $99.99 (roughly Rs 9,600) or $199.99 (roughly Rs 19,300) monthly plan, will still have it. Deep Think tackles complex tasks using parallel reasoning and works only with the Pro model.

ALSO READ | Google Photos Gets An AI Boost With Redact Tool, 'Vintage' Moods And Expanded AI Wardrobe

New Thinking Levels May Be On The Way

Gemini could let users pick from Low, Medium and High thinking settings to decide how much effort the chatbot puts into a response. Choosing a higher level could use up more of a user's allowance. Right now, the Gemini app has an Extended Thinking option for harder problems. Google AI Studio and Antigravity already give users comparable controls.

Gemini 4 Argon Testing Continues

Google is also preparing to roll out Gemini 4 Argon more widely. The model is currently being tested by trusted cybersecurity professionals under the company's Fairwind programme. AI Ultra subscribers and paying API customers will get access at a later stage. It's still unclear whether Argon will sit within the Pro tier or in a separate, higher tier.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/pINHU1T
via IFTTT

Abhinav Bindra After Asian Games: "Los Angeles Less Than Two Years Away"

Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra on Sunday congratulated Indian athletes for their Asian Games campaign but called for greater urgency in strengthening the country's high-performance ecosystem with the Los Angeles Olympics less than two years away. India finished at the fourth place on the medal table with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. "Congratulations to every Indian athlete and to Team India on the Asian Games. A Games campaign is never just the few days we see on television. It is years of early mornings, injuries, doubts, missed occasions and countless hours of work.

"So first and foremost, enormous respect to our athletes and also to their families who live this journey with them and make sacrifices that are rarely seen. To the coaches, support staff, federations, SAI, the Government and everyone working behind the scenes, THANK YOU !," Bindra wrote on 'X'.

"There have been some terrific breakthrough performances at these Games. Young athletes have announced themselves, others have stepped up to a new level and there have been moments that give us a lot to be excited about."

Congratulations to every Indian athlete and to Team India on the Asian Games. A Games campaign is never just the few days we see on television. It is years of early mornings, injuries, doubts, missed occasions and countless hours of work. So first and foremost, enormous respect to our athletes and also to their families who live this journey with them and make sacrifices that are rarely seen. To the coaches, support staff, federations, SAI, the Government and everyone working behind the scenes, THANK YOU ! There have been some terrific breakthrough performances at these Games. Young athletes have announced themselves, others have stepped up to a new level and there have been moments that give us a lot to be excited about. There have also been disappointments. That is sport and every Games will have them. What matters now is how honestly we learn from them. High performance cannot only be about reacting when an athlete is close to a medal. We have to keep building systems that understand the athlete over several years. Systems that spot gaps early, use science and data intelligently, get coaching and competition planning right, manage training load and recovery, reduce preventable injuries and build athletes who are physically and mentally resilient when the pressure is greatest. Most importantly, the right expertise has to reach the athlete at the right stage of their career, not when it is already too late. LA is less than two years away. In Olympic sport that is not a long time. The athletes who will stand on the podium there are already deep into their preparation today. So this is the moment to celebrate what went well, be honest about what did not and get back to work with urgency and purpose. Congratulations again to our athletes and to everyone who stood behind them. Be proud of what has been achieved. Learn from these Games and keep moving forward. Wishing Team India everything good on the road to LA.

— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) October 4, 2026

India's medal tally was 21 medals and seven golds fewer than the 106-medal haul, achieved in the last edition at Hangzhou, China.

China topped the table for the 12th consecutive edition, finishing with 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze for a total of 341 medals, its best haul at an overseas Asian Games. Host Japan ended second with 269 medals (83 gold, 95 silver and 91 bronze), followed by South Korea with 39 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze.

"There have also been disappointments. That is sport and every Games will have them. What matters now is how honestly we learn from them. High performance cannot only be about reacting when an athlete is close to a medal. We have to keep building systems that understand the athlete over several years," he said.

"Systems that spot gaps early, use science and data intelligently, get coaching and competition planning right, manage training load and recovery, reduce preventable injuries and build athletes who are physically and mentally resilient when the pressure is greatest. Most importantly, the right expertise has to reach the athlete at the right stage of their career, not when it is already too late."

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics, Bindra said the next phase of preparation needs to begin with urgency.

"LA is less than two years away. In Olympic sport that is not a long time. The athletes who will stand on the podium there are already deep into their preparation today. So this is the moment to celebrate what went well, be honest about what did not and get back to work with urgency and purpose.

"Congratulations again to our athletes and to everyone who stood behind them. Be proud of what has been achieved. Learn from these Games and keep moving forward. Wishing Team India everything good on the road to LA."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/ChGoFSl
via IFTTT