Rajeev Deshpande

Fielding MPs and Union ministers in key seats helps BJP introduce new faces and hold veterans accountable at the same time

After a glittering career, he mentored the next generation of legends

Guided by Virat Kohli after a sound opening stand, India break a 20 year jinx to beat New Zealand in an ICC tournament

A report card on performance and politics

The 2036 bidding process will be a marathon, but right now India’s entry is seen as a concrete expression of interest and is more evidence of its desire to take a seat at the global high table

Netherlands cricket came of age on an evening that saw South Africa batting wilting after a determined Dutch tail, helped by some poor fielding, set a target of 245 for the Proteas

After a batting collapse, Sri Lanka fail to use strike bowlers Madushana and Theekshana during key overs and allow Australia to consolidate and canter home

Afghans displayed superior tactics and a fierce desire to win as master striker Rashid Khan started his spell only in the 16th over and ended the English resistance by the 41st over

Higher budgets, better training and less red tape have unshackled talent, making Indian sport more socially diverse and competitive

The sports minister sees India’s success at the Asian Games as proof that medals will no longer be a rarity. He tells Rajeev Deshpande why podium finishes at the 2024 Paris Olympics are well within reach