Author: Deshwale Sports Desk

Indian football has taken a step back, with the national team slipping in FIFA rankings despite recent efforts to boost performance. Concerns over player development, inconsistent results, and a lack of long-term planning have raised fresh questions about the sport’s future in the country. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been pushing to strengthen grassroots programmes and improve domestic leagues, but progress has been slow. The national team’s recent struggles in international tournaments have highlighted the need for structural changes and better player grooming. One of the key issues is the limited exposure of Indian players to top-tier international…

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 7 of IPL 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. A powerful batting display helped LSG chase down SRH’s competitive total of 190/9 with ease, reaching 193/5 in just 16.1 overs. Match summary SRH, batting first, started well but lost momentum in the middle overs. Despite a late surge, they managed 190/9. LSG’s chase was aggressive from the start, with their batters dominating the powerplay and beyond. Key performances Turning point The 116-run partnership between Pooran and Marsh turned the game in LSG’s favour. Their…

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their first win of IPL 2025 with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the sixth match of the tournament. The match, held in Guwahati on March 26, saw KKR comfortably chase down a target of 152, reaching 153/2 in just 17.3 overs. RR struggle to post a competitive total Rajasthan Royals, after being put to bat first, struggled against KKR’s disciplined bowling attack. They managed to post 151/9 in their 20 overs. Dhruv Jurel was the top scorer for RR with 33 runs, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal added 29. However, their middle…

In a frustrating start to their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign, India were held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the Blue Tigers failed to find the back of the net, leaving fans and players disappointed. Missed chances and frustration India, ranked significantly higher than Bangladesh, entered the match as favourites. However, their finishing let them down, with captain Sunil Chhetri and his teammates failing to convert promising opportunities. Bangladesh, on the other hand, put up a resilient defensive display, frustrating the Indian attack throughout the game. Marquez expresses disappointment Head coach…

Manchester City Football Club has taken a significant step in Indian football development by partnering with Bengal’s Techno India Group to establish a football academy in Kolkata. The move aims to nurture young talent and create a structured pathway for aspiring footballers in the region. The agreement was formalised in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who welcomed the initiative as a boost to the state’s sporting culture. Officials from Manchester City and representatives from Techno India Group signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration. The academy will offer world-class training…

Argentina delivered a statement performance in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, crushing Brazil 3-0 in a one-sided contest at the Maracanã Stadium. The victory not only secured Argentina’s place in the tournament but also marked Brazil’s heaviest home defeat in World Cup qualifying history. From the outset, Argentina controlled the tempo, pressing high and forcing Brazil onto the back foot. The breakthrough came early, with Julian Alvarez capitalising on a defensive lapse to put Argentina ahead in the 12th minute. The home side struggled to recover from the setback, failing to create clear chances against a well-drilled Argentine defence.…

Shreyas Iyer’s 97 and Punjab’s bowling heroics seal 11-run win* The IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans turned into a high-octane contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Punjab Kings, led by a spectacular knock from Shreyas Iyer, defeated Gujarat Titans by 11 runs in a nail-biting encounter. Punjab’s batting blitz Winning the toss and batting first, Punjab Kings put up a mammoth total of 243/5. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, punishing Gujarat’s bowlers with clean hitting. Youngster Priyansh Arya impressed with a quickfire 47, while Shashank Singh’s…

India and Bangladesh are set to face off in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier. Both teams will be looking to secure their place in the tournament, making this an intense battle on the pitch. India’s strong record against Bangladesh India has historically dominated Bangladesh in football. The team holds a strong head-to-head record and will look to extend their winning streak. However, Bangladesh has shown resilience in recent matches and could pose a serious challenge. Key players to watch For India, captain Sunil Chhetri remains the key figure, leading the attack with his experience and goal-scoring ability. Young…

Lucknow’s innings: Rahul misses out, Pooran leads the charge Lucknow Super Giants, missing captain KL Rahul due to injury, posted 167/7 in their 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran top-scored with 40 off 21 balls, playing a key role in the middle overs. Ayush Badoni (35 off 30) and Marcus Stoinis (32 off 25) added crucial runs, but Delhi’s disciplined bowling attack kept Lucknow in check. Delhi’s bowlers delivered a solid performance, with Mukesh Kumar (3/25) leading the attack. Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma (2/33) also chipped in, while young debutant Vipraj Nigam (1/24) made an immediate impact. Vipraj Nigam’s dream debut for…

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season began with thrilling matches that set new benchmarks in T20 cricket. Fans witnessed stunning performances, high-scoring encounters, and historic moments. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan Royals: A Run-Fest Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) showcased their batting firepower against Rajasthan Royals (RR), posting a massive 286/6—the second-highest total in IPL history. Ishan Kishan led with an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, while Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen provided strong support. Rajasthan Royals faced a daunting chase and put up a fight, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel leading the charge. However, their efforts fell short, and RR…