Gaud nearly quit cricket in 2024, reveals childhood coach Bilthare

Indian women’s team pacer Kranti Gaud’s maiden fifer (5-37) on Saturday helped the visitors bundle out England for 170 and secure a commanding 115-run first-innings lead in the ongoing Test at Lord’s.

It also ensured Ghuwara-based Gaud, 22, in only her second Test, became the first woman to have her name etched on the Lord’s Honours Board. All centurions and five-wicket takers have their names etched on the prestigious board. somethingsdifferent.biz

Rajiv Bilthare

However, Gaud’s childhood coach, Rajiv Bilthare, has revealed that she had considered quitting cricket a couple of years ago. Gaud was just 13 when her father brought her to Sai Sports Academy for coaching in 2017.

“In 2018, Kranti played for the MP U-15 team and thanks to her performances, the MPCA [Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association] gave her a chance in the U-19 team too. However, she struggled from 2022 to 2024 while being part of both, the U-22 and senior women’s teams, as she was not getting a place in the playing XI regularly. She was distraught and returned to home [Ghuwara], and did not come to the academy for 10 days. So, I went to her house to check on her and she said, 'Sir, nothing is going well and I don't want to play.’ She had made up her mind to leave cricket. I convinced her, saying that every player, be it at the state or even international level, has witnessed such phases. I told her sternly that if she is scared then she should not come to the ground, but if she wants to achieve her dreams, I can help her,” Bilthare told mid-day over the phone from Chhatarpur on Sunday.

Bilthare also sought help from MP team coach Bhawna Shrivastava and Chhattisgarh team coach Shweta Mishra to convince Gaud.

“Kranti’s parents, MP team coach Bhawna and Chhattisgarh team coach Shweta also spoke to her and it worked. Kranti worked harder thereafter and made a strong comeback, taking four or five wickets against Bengal in the final to help MP win the Senior Women’s ODI Trophy in December 2024. She has not looked back since,” Bilthare explained.

Brendon McCullum has been stood down as England Men’s Test head coach but will continue to guide the white ball teams, ECB said in a statement on Sunday.

“I’m gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the white ball teams and helping England keep moving forward,” McCullum was quoted as saying in a release issued by the ECB.

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The Esports World Cup 2026 returns for a thrilling second week. Fans globally are eagerly preparing for massive competitive gaming events. This week promises intense rivalries across four major global titles. Expect top-tier gameplay, incredible strategies, and heartbreaking early eliminations. Millions of passionate viewers will tune in to watch live. Check out the overview of EWC 2026 Week 2 competition below.

EWC 2026 WEEK 2: Overview

The schedule is absolutely packed with highly anticipated tournament brackets. Let us explore what to expect from these four competitions.

League of Legends Group Stages

League of Legends takes the main stage at EWC 26. Sixteen elite teams have arrived from all over the world. This is one of three major international events this year. The immense pressure to perform perfectly is undeniably high. Teams are divided into four highly competitive group-stage brackets.

A unique Fearless Draft format will test their ultimate flexibility. This special draft forces teams to constantly adapt their strategies. Only the most adaptable rosters will survive the group stages. Surviving competitors will advance to the intense playoffs on July 17. The ultimate survivor will claim the championship on July 19. Fans expect unforgettable team fights and brilliant tactical maneuvers. The stage is set for a historic League of Legends clash.

Free Fire Battle Royale

Free Fire brings chaotic battle royale action to the event. Twenty-four of the greatest squads globally will drop into combat. The intense survival tournament officially kicks off on July 15. Every single squad wants to outlast their fierce international rivals. Communication and precise aiming are absolutely essential for victory here.

The Free Fire at EWC26 groups are set!

The world's 24 best teams will soon travel to Paris to compete for a share of the $1,000,000 prize pool! pic.twitter.com/WdV21aa7PP

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) July 1, 2026

Teams will scramble for loot, positioning, and crucial elimination points. The pressure of the shrinking play zone will test everyone. Only one resilient squad will be left shouting “Booyah!”. The grand finale for Free Fire concludes on July 18. Expect explosive firefights and spectacular clutch plays every single match. Fans will witness incredibly fast-paced action throughout the entire event. Every rotation and tactical decision will be heavily scrutinized.

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Dota 2 Survivor Stage

Dota 2 continues its massive run during week two. An intense week of Group Stage matches has already concluded. Now, a brutal make-or-break Survivor Stage officially begins. Twelve hopeful teams will fight desperately for their tournament lives. They want to join four already seeded finalists in playoffs.

The playoff bracket officially kicks off on July 16. Only the final eight elite teams will advance further. They will compete for a massive historic prize pool. The sheer scale of the Dota 2 prize is staggering. The final victor will proudly lift the trophy on July 19. Fans expect long matches filled with deep tactical macro gameplay. Every hero draft will heavily influence the outcome of games.

Mobile Legends Women’s International

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s International 2026 also begins. This highly anticipated tournament officially starts on July 14. It stands as the absolute biggest event of the year. Sixteen incredible women’s rosters will compete for ultimate glory. These talented players represent the absolute pinnacle of mobile esports. The teams will fiercely battle across two separate group brackets. Every single match requires perfect coordination and mechanical skill. Following the groups, the high-stakes Knockout Stage starts July 17. One single mistake could mean instant elimination from the tournament. The entire event culminates with the Grand Finals on July 18. This is a massive milestone for women in competitive gaming. Expect passionate fanbases to heavily support their favorite talented rosters.

The Ultimate Showdown

Week two of the Esports World Cup is truly massive. Four different games offer endless entertainment for dedicated esports fans. Do not miss a single second of this historic action. Tune in live to witness gaming history being made.

The post EWC 2026 Week 2: Four Massive Esports Tournaments Begin appeared first on Inside Sport India.

New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has extended head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s contract until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, backing the experienced tactician to lead Team Melli into the continental showpiece despite their group-stage exit at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as reported by Reuters.

The federation confirmed on Sunday that Ghalenoei, who has been in charge since 2023 during his second spell with the national team, will continue at the helm after submitting his plans for the upcoming Asian Cup campaign.

“Mr Ghalenoei will remain the head coach of the national team," the Tehran Times quoted Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj as saying, according to Reuters. “We have already received his plans for the AFC Asian Cup."

“The national team’s training camp for the upcoming FIFA international window will start soon. There are also several developments planned for our national teams," said Mehdi Taj.

The decision comes despite Iran narrowly missing out on a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds. Ghalenoei guided his side to three successive draws in Group G, but the unbeaten run was not enough to earn one of the eight spots available for the best third-placed teams.

Iran opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to a goalless stalemate. A 1-1 draw against Egypt in their final group match left Team Melli with three points, finishing third in the standings and ending their World Cup journey.

The campaign was made more challenging by logistical and emotional hurdles. Iran based themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of the United States because of visa complications, forcing the squad to undertake repeated cross-border travel for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The players also competed while dealing with the emotional burden of representing a nation facing conflict back home.

Ghalenoei, 62, is one of Iran’s most experienced coaches and is now in his second stint with the national team. During his first spell, he guided Iran to the quarter-finals of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, while he led Team Melli to the semi-finals in the 2023 edition after returning to the role.

Three-time Asian champions Iran, whose last continental title came in 1978, have been drawn in Group C for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China. The tournament will begin on January 7, with the final scheduled to be played in Riyadh on February 5. (ANI)

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