locknlockf2c.com – News Highlights & Timely Briefings

US Open: Buzz cut Alcaraz powers himself into 2nd round with straight sets win

Carlos Alcaraz debuted a fresh buzz cut and won his US Open first-round match. His strong performance overshadowed mixed fan reactions to his new look.

Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence on Joe Root nearing his all-time Test runs milestone

Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar recently praised Joe Root's prolific run in Tests as he's approaching his record for most runs in the format.

Asia Cup debutants Oman announce squad, Jatinder Singh to lead 17-member squad

Oman became the sixth team to announce their squad for the Asia Cup. The side announced a 17-member team, with opener Jastinder Singh leading the side.

Santner, Phillips among big names injured for New Zealand ahead of long home season

New Zealand players Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips and Will O' Rourke are suffering from various injuries ahead of their long home season, where they will host Australia, England, West Indies and South Africa.

US Open 2025: Honed at Rafael Nadal Academy, Hong Kong's Coleman Wong makes history

Coleman Wong achieved a historic milestone at the US Open, becoming the first male player from Hong Kong to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era. He defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets after successfully qualifying for the main draw. Wong trained at the Hong Kong Sports Institute in Sha Tin before moving to Nadal's academy at 17 years old.

At 45, tennis legend Venus Williams holds back tears, discusses future plans after early US Open exit - Watch

Venus Williams faced an emotional first-round defeat at the US Open against Karolina Muchova, casting doubt on her future in tennis. Despite a strong showing after a 16-month break, Williams lost in three sets. She expressed gratitude for the wild card entry and highlighted her improved physical condition compared to their previous encounter, emphasising her joy in playing pain-free.

Online Sports Bill: Dream11 CEO opens up about the impact- '95% of revenues disappeared...'

Dream11, facing a massive revenue hit after the passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025, may discontinue its Indian cricket team title sponsorship despite a USD 44 million contract. CEO Harsh Jain confirmed a near-total revenue wipeout but assured no layoffs. The ban on real money gaming, while allowing social gaming, severely impacts Dream11's core business.

Duleep Trophy Preview: India’s fringe stars eye Test openings in Bengaluru

The 2025–26 domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, a tournament doubling as auditions for vacancy in India's Test line-up. With questions over No. 3, No. 6 and pace depth, batters like Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer and Sarfraz Khan, along with bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, aim to impress selectors ahead of home Test series against West Indies and South Africa.

No longer underdogs: How Afghanistan became Asia's number two team; cricket's most remarkable story of the last decade

Afghanistan’s rise from ICC’s lower divisions to Asia’s No. 2 white-ball team is cricket’s most remarkable story of the last decade. From inspiring World Cup campaigns to a T20 semifinal run, they’ve surpassed Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, uniting a nation through hope, resilience, and a fearless brand of cricket.

US Open: 45-year-old Venus Williams turns back the clock, but falls in fighting return

A 45-year-old Venus Williams made her long-awaited return to the Grand Slams on Tuesday, August 26. Playing against 11th seed Karolina Muchova, Williams lost in a 3-set battle.

Jasprit Bumrah's injuries are inevitable, irrespective of training: Farveez Maharoof

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof explained the reasons behind Jasprit Bumrah's constant injuries. He also revealed his favourites for Asia Cup 2025 and admiration for Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Is that really Carlos Alcaraz? Tennis star looks unrecognisable in new hairdo

US Open: Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz sported a new look in the first round of the US Open. The new haircut shocked many, including his close friend Frances Tiafoe.

Virat Kohli was feeling like he was not wanted in the Test team: Former India batter

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has made a big claim that Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket as he must've felt unwanted in the team.

Premier League: 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha steals the show with 100th-minute winner; Liverpool outfox 10-man Newcastle

Liverpool snatched a thrilling 3-2 victory against Newcastle, highlighted by Rio Ngumoha's dramatic late winner, making him the club's youngest scorer. Despite leading by two goals, Liverpool faced a resilient Newcastle side that fought back to level the score after Gordon's red card. Ultimately, Ngumoha's late goal secured the win for Liverpool.

Watch: Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut shocks tennis world – Frances Tiafoe says ‘it’s terrible!’

Carlos Alcaraz, aiming for his second US Open title, debuted a shaved head as he began his campaign against Reilly Opelka. Venus Williams is also set to mark her 25th appearance at the tournament. Alcaraz's new look drew reactions, including playful criticism from friend Frances Tiafoe, adding a lighthearted note to the competition's start.

Revealed: When and where will Neeraj Chopra compete next? All you need to know

Neeraj Chopra is set to clash with Anderson Peters and Julian Weber at the Diamond League Final in Zurich on August 28. After securing fourth place qualification, Chopra aims for victory, having won the Doha and Paris legs earlier this year. He will also defend his world title at the World Championships in Tokyo next month.

Another big exit! BCCI cuts ties with long-time team member - 'It has been a privilege'

The BCCI has ended Rajeev Kumar's decade-long tenure as the Indian cricket team's masseur. Kumar, a beloved figure known for his dedication and trademark smile, confirmed his departure on Instagram. He was crucial in player recovery, providing massages, energy drinks, and on-field support. Players like Shami and Chahal have publicly acknowledged his vital contributions.

Cheteshwar Pujara retires: Mitchell Starc's wife Alyssa Healy makes a startling revelation - 'He drained...'

Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australian women's team and wife of Mitchell Starc, shared insights into the Australian men's cricket team's strategies against Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently retired. Pujara's remarkable defensive technique and endurance made him a formidable opponent, particularly in Australia, where he consistently wore down bowlers.

Bizarre! Kevin Pietersen suggests massive rule change; wants 12 runs for a six

Kevin Pietersen proposes a scoring change in cricket. He suggests awarding 12 runs for sixes over 100 meters. This idea has triggered mixed reactions from fans. Some support it, believing it will increase excitement. Others dismiss it as impractical. While his rule change was a suggestion, the ICC will implement a new boundary catch rule from October 2026.

Sachin Tendulkar's witty reply to fan - 'Why? Are you planning to play them' - goes viral

Sachin Tendulkar engaged with fans in a Reddit AMA. He shared insights on his career and cricket. Tendulkar humorously dodged a bowling attack comparison. He picked his Chennai knock against England as a favorite. Tendulkar confirmed promoting MS Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup final. His candid answers and nostalgia made the session memorable for fans.