Earlier, India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has officially assumed charge as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana after reporting to Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender in Hyderabad.

The prestigious Group-I government post was awarded to Siraj by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian cricket. The appointment serves as an honour for the Hyderabad-born pacer, who has established himself as one of India’s premier fast bowlers across formats.

Recently, Siraj also met C.V. Anand, who recently began his tenure as the Director General of Police, and extended his best wishes. The fast bowler shared a picture from the meeting on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the interaction.

“It was a pleasure meeting Shri C.V. Anand sir, DGP, Telangana, and extending my best wishes as he begins his tenure as the Director General of Police. Grateful for the warm interaction, and wishing him continued success in serving the people of Telangana,” Siraj wrote on Instagram.

Despite taking up the new role, Siraj is expected to continue balancing his responsibilities as a police officer with his commitments to the Indian cricket team.

The 32-year-old was last seen in action during India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, where he continued to lead the pace attack. Over the course of his international career, Siraj has claimed 140 wickets in Tests, 76 wickets in ODIs, and 17 wickets in T20Is, cementing his place as one of India’s most reliable seamers.

Siraj was rested from India’s recent tour of the United Kingdom as part of the team’s workload management plans. His absence was felt, particularly during the ODI series against England, where India’s inexperienced pace attack struggled to make an impact as the visitors suffered a heavy series defeat.

The right-arm pacer is now expected to return to international action in India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15. With the series forming part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, Siraj’s experience and ability to strike with the new ball will be crucial as India look to improve their position in the standings and bounce back strongly in red-ball cricket.

Kieron Pollard produced a striking batting display during Eliminator 1 of the Major League Cricket 2026 playoffs on 16 July. The MI New York batter struck three consecutive sixes in the 13th over of the match against Washington Freedom. The Major League Cricket official X handle shared footage of the moment, highlighting Pollard’s aggressive approach during a crucial playoff encounter.

At the time of the three-six sequence, Pollard had faced 12 deliveries and accumulated 30 runs. MI New York’s scorecard read 193 for 3 wickets when the footage was captured. The match situation demanded aggressive batting, and Pollard responded with a display of clean striking that helped his team build a substantial total.

Watch the video of Pollard’s batting below

Pollard’s aggressive 13th over display

The three sixes came during a period when MI New York was establishing momentum in their innings. Pollard’s contribution proved significant in a must-win fixture where the team needed to post a competitive score to progress in the tournament. The batter’s ability to find the boundary repeatedly demonstrated his experience in T20 cricket at the highest level.

Washington Freedom’s bowling attack faced considerable pressure during this phase of the match. The three consecutive sixes shifted the momentum decisively in MI New York’s favour. Pollard’s aggressive intent forced the opposition bowlers to adjust their lines and lengths during a critical juncture of the Eliminator.

MI New York’s path in the Eliminator

MI New York ultimately posted a substantial total on the board, with Pollard’s explosive batting contributing to their competitive score. The team’s performance in this must-win encounter was shaped by such aggressive batting displays during the middle overs. The Eliminator format left no room for hesitation, and Pollard’s approach reflected the urgency required in playoff cricket.

The Major League Cricket 2026 playoffs continued, with this Eliminator 1 match serving as a crucial knockout fixture. Teams competing in the tournament faced elimination if they lost, making every run and every over significant. Pollard’s three-six sequence became a defining moment in MI New York’s playoff campaign during the ongoing tournament.

Former India captain MS Dhoni made a special appearance during the first ODI between England and India at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 14, 2026. While India celebrated a convincing six-wicket victory on the field, Dhoni’s presence off it created memorable moments for fans gathered outside the stadium.

A video that has since gone viral captured the overwhelming admiration the legendary wicketkeeper-batter continues to enjoy. As Dhoni greeted supporters and signed autographs outside Edgbaston, one enthusiastic fan had an emotional encounter with the former India skipper. After taking a picture with him, the fan bent down and touched Dhoni’s feet as a mark of respect. Dhoni responded with his trademark humility, smiling warmly and blessing the fan before moving on.

Even years after stepping away from international cricket, the former India captain continues to attract huge crowds wherever he goes, with supporters eager to catch a glimpse of one of the game’s greatest icons.

Watch the video below:

What happened in the first ODI?

India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat England by six wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. England were bowled out for 258 despite a fighting partnership between Joe Root and Liam Dawson after the hosts had slipped to 107/6. India were clinical with the ball, led by Axar Patel, who claimed four wickets to put England under pressure throughout the innings.

In reply, Shubman Gill played a fluent knock of 80 before retiring out, giving India complete control of the chase. He also shared a crucial partnership with Shreyas Iyer to keep the visitors firmly on course. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar then put the game beyond England’s reach with an unbeaten 102-run stand, with both all-rounders scoring half-centuries to guide India home comfortably.

Having taken a 1-0 lead in the series, India now have the opportunity to seal the three-match contest when they face England in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16. England, meanwhile, will be desperate to bounce back and force a series decider with victory on home soil.