India’s struggles under new head coach Khalid Jamil continued as the Blue Tigers suffered a 1-3 defeat against higher-ranked Tajikistan in the first of two international football friendlies at the Talco Arena in Tursunzoda on Friday.

The defeat is India’s third consecutive defeat in international friendlies after their disappointing campaign at the Unity Cup 2026 in London, where they lost to Jamaica 0-2 and Zimbabwe 0-1 without scoring any goals.

Tajikistan took control of the contest early when Sheridin Bobov converted a penalty in the ninth minute to give the hosts the lead. India struggled to get off to a meaningful start against a disciplined Tajik defense in the first half and trailed by a goal at the break.

The host team strengthened its hold on the match by scoring two more goals within six minutes after the resumption of the match. Mekhrubon Karimov doubled Tajikistan’s lead in the 61st minute, before Ehsan Panjshanbay effectively sealed the result with the third goal in the 67th minute.

India showed some fight in the closing stages and managed to pull one back through substitute Farooq Choudhary. The forward scored India’s first goal in the last three matches with a brilliant finish from a free-kick in the 88th minute, but it proved to be no more than a consolation.

The friendly formed part of India’s preparations for the upcoming continental assignment, with Jamil continuing to assess his squad and experiment with combinations against quality opposition.

Despite the defeat, the Indian coach will take some positives from the second half response as his team looked to take the lead after the break. However, defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack once again proved costly against a well-organized Tajikistan outfit.

The two teams will meet again in the second and final friendly match on June 9, giving India another chance to end their losing streak and build momentum ahead of future international commitments.

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nepal batsman Kushal Bhurtel He continued his extraordinary form in the Asian Games men’s cricket qualifier, equaling a rare world record with consecutive T20I centuries just days after hitting six sixes in a single over.The explosive opening batsman played another breathtaking innings on Thursday as Nepal defeated Malaysia by 167 runs to strengthen their bid for a place in the final of the tournament.After Malaysia elected to field first, Bhurtel and the wicketkeeper-batsman Asif Shaikh Launched a brutal attack on the top order. The pair added 134 runs for the opening wicket and reached three figures before the completion of the seventh over. After this, Nepal’s scoring rate slowed down a bit and by the end of the 16th over the team reached 230 runs for 2 wickets.Asif provided the early fireworks, scoring 68 runs from just 24 balls, before Virandeep Singh eventually finished his innings. However, the spotlight soon turned squarely on Bhurtel.The left-handed batsman completed his half-century in just 25 balls and needed only 19 balls to convert it into a century. He eventually walked out after scoring a sensational inning of 126 runs in 54 balls with the help of 14 fours and eight sixes.Riding on Bhurtel’s brilliance, Nepal scored 275 runs before securing a dominant win. Malaysia never threatened the target and were all out for only 108 runs.This century holds additional significance for Bhurtel. Having already scored a century in Nepal’s opening group match against China, he became only the 10th male cricketer in T20I history to register centuries in consecutive innings.This accomplishment puts him in an exclusive group with players like Riley Rossouw. sanju samson, Tilak Verma And Phil Salt.Bhurtel’s remarkable performance began in the opening match of the tournament against China, where he bowled one of the most devastating overs seen in international cricket. After completing his half-century inside eight overs, he targeted left-arm spinner Chen Zhou Yu in the next over and launched all six balls for six, with most of the blows coming straight over the bowler’s head.Despite the heavy defeat, Malaysia had already secured qualification for the 2026 Asian Games by defeating China in the competition. Now they will face Group B winner Hong Kong in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Nepal will take on Oman as it continues its search for gold.However, for now, the tournament belongs to Bhurtel. In the span of four days, he hit six sixes in an over, scored consecutive T20I centuries and etched his name in the record books with one of the most explosive batting performances ever seen in Associate cricket.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t need to prove his fitness or batting ability according to his childhood coach Dinesh Lad, who believes the experienced opener is vital to India’s hopes of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit has come under scrutiny after poor performance In his last ODI series against New Zealand, where he could only score 61 runs in three innings. However, Lad dismissed concerns over the 39-year-old’s form and fitness and insisted the criticism is unfair given Rohit’s stature and achievements in the format.

“Being a coach, I don’t think he needs to prove anything to anyone. He wants to win the ODI World Cup. I have spoken to him and he is very clear on what he wants in his career. I don’t think he needs to prove his fitness. Despite his age, he is still very fit,” Lad told PTI in a video on Friday.

The veteran coach said India would benefit greatly from Rohit’s experience in the next World Cup and backed him to overcome his recent struggles.

“Critics keep talking. That’s their job. If we want to reach the final, India need Rohit’s experience. There is no problem in terms of technique. Also, in 50-over cricket you need to be a bit methodical. Rohit has the technique which allows you to be methodical and then launch yourself,” Lad said.

He also pointed to Rohit’s IPL performance, where the opening batsman mixed aggression with smart strike rotation.

“Even in the IPL, he showed his technique. He was not only playing big shots but also taking singles and doubles. I don’t understand the critics’ point of view. My view is that he should be in the team.”

Lad also responded to former national selector Saba Karim’s recent comment that the next six months will be crucial for Rohit to cement his place in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.

He said, “Why are the next six months important only for Rohit? It is important for all the players. Everyone has to play well to keep their place in the team. I have 100 per cent guarantee that Rohit will definitely play the 50-over World Cup in 2027.”

“He will perform well during these six months and also in the subsequent months. If you give him a chance, he will perform well.”

After retiring from Test cricket and T20 International, Rohit is now completely focused on the ODI format. Lad believes the opener’s desire to lift the World Cup trophy is driving his preparations.

“He knows there has to be a reason if he has to play. The reason is to win the ODI World Cup. He wants to win it for India at any cost. I am sure he will retire only after this,” Lad said.

The coach revealed that despite being away from the two international formats, Rohit has been working hard behind the scenes.

“Rohit is not playing any other format, it does not mean that he has free time and is enjoying life. He is practicing every day and continuously working on his fitness. Don’t worry, he is preparing himself hard for the World Cup.”

Lad also reminded critics of Rohit’s remarkable ODI records, which include three double centuries and a record five hundreds in the 2019 World Cup.

“He has retired not from ODIs but from Tests and T20s. His ODI records are impeccable. I don’t think there is any pressure on him,” Lad said.

Giving final advice to his former disciple, Lad urged Rohit to rely on the formula that has brought him success in the past.

“Rohit should stay on the wicket and once he settles down, he becomes a dangerous player. I would like to remind him of how he played in the 2019 World Cup. He should play like that again.”

“He should play domestic 50-over matches. There will be criticism, but Rohit should ignore it. He should enjoy playing.”

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The FIFA World Cup is often considered the stage where the biggest stars shine and try to make an impact on their respective teams. Teams depend on these players as a source of inspiration and magic during the tournament.

However, this year many big names will be out of the tournament due to injuries due to which they will be out of the tournament for a long time. While some are expected to be ready before the start of the new season of club football, others will only return towards the end of the year.

These stars will definitely be missed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and we will take a look at their injuries and the length of time they have been out of action.

rodrigo

The biggest name to drop out of the World Cup this year is Rodrigo. He was a key part of the Brazil squad in 2022 and was expected to feature in the tournament despite his poor form for Real Madrid.

However, he tore his ACL during a league game against Getafe in March this year, meaning his season and World Cup dream was over.

Rodrigo is expected to be out for 8 to 10 months, which means he will return to the field by the end of the year.

hugo akitike

Hugo Ekitike has had a sensational start to life at Liverpool and his form has more or less guaranteed him a place with France at this year’s World Cup. With 11 goals in 28 matches last season, Ekitike was expected to form a strike force alongside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to terrorize defenses at the World Cup.

But the striker ruptured his Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League clash against PSG and underwent surgery to repair the problem. Ekitike is expected to be out for a long time.

Mohammad Qudus

The 2022 World Cup was a breakout campaign for Mohammed Qudus as he shone on the big stage with Ghana. Following the move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Ghanaian forward was expected to switch into a new gear.

But Spurs’ season quickly unraveled and Kudus found himself injured. The 25-year-old suffered a quadriceps injury in January and a setback in March, meaning he will miss the upcoming World Cup.

fermin lopez

Along with Gavi and Pedri, Fermín López was expected to form a new force in midfield for Spain at this World Cup. With 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances for Barcelona this season, Fermín was expected to burst onto the scene this time around.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old’s dreams of playing in the World Cup were cut short as he suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and underwent surgery to repair the problem.

He is expected to be out for a few months and, fortunately for Barça, should be back in time for the new season. But his creativity and flair will be a big miss for Spain, who are aiming to secure their second World Cup title.

eder militao

Eder Militao has been a utility defender for Real Madrid and Brazil for years and that was expected to be his role at this World Cup.

The Brazilian defender has suffered major injuries during his career, but the current injury could end his career. Militao suffered a hamstring injury that was so serious, his surgeon said surgery was the only option to preserve his career.

“What I can say is that his injury was very serious. The only option was surgery: with that hamstring injury, he could not continue his professional career at the highest level. The decision was clear. We are very sorry that as a result, he will not be able to participate in the World Cup this summer,” Militao’s surgeon told Marca.

Militao’s absence is a major blow to Brazil and their bid to become six-time World Cup champions.

xavi simmons

Xavi Simmons has not had a good start to life in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur as the midfielder struggled to make an impact.

Despite this, Simons has proven to be a point of difference for the Netherlands, often being his creative outlet. He played just one game during Qatar 2022 and was expected to have a successful campaign at this World Cup.

Unfortunately, Simmons tore the ACL in his right knee during a league game for the Spurs in April and is expected to be out for an extended period of time.

He underwent surgery, but is expected to be out until the end of the year to recover from the problem.

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Pakistan overcame a tough challenge from Australia’s spinners on a tough surface to win the third and final ODI by four wickets on Thursday to clinch the series 2-1, their third consecutive bilateral ODI series win over the world champions.Chasing a modest target of 158 runs on a turning wicket in Lahore, Pakistan had to work hard before reaching 161/6 in 41.5 overs. All-rounder Shadab Khan remained unbeaten on 29 after taking the first two wickets, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 18 as the pair powered the hosts to victory with an unbroken stand after Pakistan slipped to 112/6.“It was a complete team effort throughout the series,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said after finishing with figures of 3-30. “The conditions were difficult for the batsmen, but every run counted and all our bowlers executed their plans well.”Australia’s fall despite British resistanceAustralia, who won the toss and elected to bat first, were all out for 157 in 42 overs, their lowest ODI score in Pakistan. Josh Inglis put up a lone fight, scoring 65 off 71 balls and forming useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but the visitors suffered another dramatic collapse.Having reached a relatively comfortable position, Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 38 runs as Pakistan’s pace and spin attack tightened the screws.Haris Rauf started the slide by dismissing Carey, before Afridi dismissed Inglis and Cameron Green twice in an over with the old ball. Leg spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed 2-19, while Shadab ended his streak of five wicketless ODIs with figures of 2-28.Shadab and Samad finished the workChasing Pakistan was also not easy. Babar Azam played a patient innings of 40 off 84 balls before left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnman, who finished with 3-38, clean bowled him with a ball that veered sharply onto the off stump.With Pakistan six wickets down and the match balanced, Shadab and Samad showed remarkable composure on the attacking surface. Australia failed to find another breakthrough and Shadab eventually sealed the win in spectacular fashion by dispatching Adam Zampa to the long-on boundary.“Like the first game, we got too many runs behind,” Australian captain Josh Inglis admitted after the loss.

The easiest thing to do with Group C is to look at the teams and assume Brazil will finish on top.

The hardest part is figuring out everything that comes after.

Because when the five-time world champions arrive in North America carrying the familiar burden of expectation, the three teams with them have stories that make this group even more interesting than it first appears.

Morocco is no longer football’s favorite underdog after becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. After 28 years of waiting and desperate to make up for lost time, Scotland is finally back. Haiti returned to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974, with one of the tournament’s most remarkable qualification stories.

And floating above it all is a name that has been following the World Cup for more than a decade.

Neymar.

For an entire generation, Brazil at the World Cup meant Neymar dancing behind a goal, Neymar carrying expectations on his shoulders and Neymar trying to pull football’s most decorated nation closer to another star above the badge.

There were moments when it really felt like Qatar might be their last World Cup. After fighting off serious injury threats at the end of the season, which also derailed his Saudi Pro League stint, without playing any meaningful minutes. Even after rejoining his boyhood club Santos in Brazil, his prospects looked bleak. As the World Cup approached, Neymar’s eagerness to battle injuries and regain his form grew rapidly.

Just when hope was looking bleak for the Brazilian superstar, When it comes to representing his country, he has done it many times before.

At the age of 34, with Carlo Ancelotti now in charge and Brazil chasing a first world title since 2002, Neymar has got another chance at the trophy that always seemed destined for him but somehow never came. Although He is likely to miss Brazil’s first match against MoroccoAncelotti has insisted that Neymar will play a key role in Brazil’s World Cup campaign.

Whether this turns out to be his farewell tour, Morocco’s next statement to the football world, Scotland’s breakthrough moment or Haiti’s dream summer remains to be seen.

Group C fixtures

• June 14 (3:30 AM IST) – Brazil vs Morocco, East Rutherford
• June 14 (6:30 am IST) – Scotland v Haiti, Foxborough
• June 20 (3:30 am IST) – Morocco vs Scotland, Foxborough
• June 20 (6:00 am IST) – Brazil vs Haiti, Philadelphia
• June 25 (3:30 am IST) – Brazil vs Scotland, Miami
• June 25 (3:30 am IST) – Morocco vs Haiti, Atlanta

FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C: Meet the teams

brazil

Brazil is the only nation to have participated in every FIFA World Cup and remains the competition’s most successful team, with five titles. Yet for all their history and reputation, they arrive in North America with more questions than a typical Brazilian team.

Their last World Cup win was in 2002. Since then, many talented generations have fallen short. Quarter-final exits in both 2018 and 2022 extended the wait for a sixth crown, while a turbulent qualification campaign left many wondering if Brazil had lost some of its old aura.

Concerns reached a peak in 2025 after a crushing 4–1 defeat to Argentina, which ultimately resulted in Dorival Júnior losing his job.

This paved the way for Carlo Ancelotti.

Some managers understand tournament football better than the Italians. With five Champions League titles and decades of experience managing superstar dressing rooms, Ancelotti has been tasked with restoring calm to a team that was beginning to look surprisingly weak.

what to expect?

Despite all the tactical changes and new faces, Brazil’s greatest asset remains unchanged: offensive attacking talent.

Raphinha arrived in North America playing the best football of his career and looking every bit the player capable of keeping up with Brazil’s attack. Vinicius Junior still has the ability to turn defenders inside out on any given night, while Andrić is waiting for the chance to introduce himself to the wider world in true Brazilian fashion.

And yet, whenever Brazil is discussed, the conversation revolves around the same name.

Neymar.

Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s curiosity. Or maybe it’s because football fans can’t resist a comeback story.

But Neymar has somehow made a comeback in the story.

Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to include him in the squad immediately added a different energy to Brazil’s campaign. No one is asking him to be the one-man show of 2014 or 2018. This burden now lies with the younger generation. Still, Neymar is such a player who forces the entire stadium to lean forward as soon as he catches the ball.

This can no longer be Neymar’s Brazil. The spotlight is now shared, perhaps even extended. But if the Seleção eventually lift the trophy, don’t be surprised if some of the tournament’s defining images feature the number 10 smiling, dancing and reminding the world why he’s impossible to ignore.

Key players to keep an eye on

Rafinha

Neymar may dominate the headlines, but Raphinha could become Brazil’s most decisive player.

The Barcelona winger’s combination of creativity, goalscoring and a tireless work-rate has made him one of the most complete attackers in world football. With opponents likely to focus more on Vinicius and Neymar, Raphinha’s ability to find space and create chances could prove vital.

Andrik

Every World Cup produces a breakout star. Brazil will hope Andrique is next.

The teenager enjoyed an excellent second half of the season on loan at Lyon, registering 16 goal contributions in 21 matches. Fearless and explosive, he has qualities that can change a game in an instant.

morocco

Morocco’s visit to Qatar four years ago was impossible to ignore.

After defeating Spain and Portugal, they became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and changed the perception of what teams from the continent could achieve on football’s biggest stage.

Now the challenge is different.

Morocco is no longer surprising anyone.

The Atlas Lions are the reigning African champions and eighth in the FIFA rankings in North America. They have evolved from underdogs to genuine contenders and that brings a very different kind of pressure.

A managerial change has added another layer of intrigue. Mohamed Ouahabi replaced Walid Regragui earlier this year after leading the Morocco Under-20 team to world glory and now inherits arguably the most talented squad in the country’s history.

what to expect?

The foundations that made Morocco so difficult to beat in 2022 remain intact.

Yassin Bounou is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Achraf Hakimi remains the heartbeat of the team. Nousair Mazraoui continues to deliver quality and experience.

The difference now is what Morocco can offer going forward.

This is a much more courageous team than the one that reached the semi-finals in Qatar. During their AFCON-winning campaign, he led the tournament in terms of touches inside the opposition box and consistently pressed opponents high up the pitch.

Players such as Brahim Diaz, Abed Ezalzouli and Neel El Aynaoui have added creativity and offensive variety to a team that was once defined almost entirely by its defensive organization.

Key players need to be kept an eye on

Achraf Hakimi

Coming off the heels of another Champions League triumph with PSG, Hakimi enters the tournament in arguably the best form of his career.

Whether Morocco is defending deep or attacking aggressively, everything runs through him.

brahim diaz

The Real Madrid attacker was one of the standout performers of AFCON and continues to develop as Morocco’s creative leader.

Direct, fearless and able to unlock compact defenses, Diaz could be the player who elevates Morocco from dangerous outsiders to genuine contenders.

scotland

Twenty eight years.

Scotland waited so long to return to the World Cup.

His last appearance was in France in 1998. Since then, generations of Scottish fans have watched the World Cup and wondered what it would be like to be a part of it again.

Now at last he has got his chance.

Steve Clarke deserves immense credit for the transformation. Since taking charge in 2019, he has restored confidence in a national team that had spent decades wandering between disappointment and frustration.

No one expects Scotland to perform well in the tournament. They have organization, physicality and a clear identity. Scotland are difficult to break down, dangerous from set-pieces and full of players who thrive in chaotic matches.

The objective is simple. Beat Haiti, compete against Morocco and Brazil and give yourself a chance to become one of the best third-place teams.

Key players need to be kept an eye on

Scott McTominay

There are few players more important to his national team than McTominay.

The Napoli midfielder has developed into Scotland’s leader, goalscorer and emotional heartthrob. Whether arriving late into the box or dragging his team through difficult moments, he remains the kind of player Scotland turn to when they need inspiration.

ben doak

Still only 20 years of age, Doak is considered one of Scotland’s brightest prospects.

His pace and direct running provide something different to a side that has often relied on structure and discipline.

haiti

The Caribbean nation returned to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974 after overcoming huge challenges throughout qualification, including playing several matches away from home due to security concerns.

Qualification alone felt like a victory.

Now comes the hard part. Haiti knows they enter the tournament as outsiders.

Head coach Sébastien Migne has created a disciplined team that remains compact even without the ball and looks to attack quickly during transitions.

They may not be able to dominate possession against any team in the group, but they are organized enough to make life uncomfortable.

Key players need to be kept an eye on

wilson isidore

The Sunderland forward is arguably Haiti’s most recognizable attacking threat.

His pace, movement and finishing ability give Haiti hope of springing a surprise or two.

ruben providence

The winger has the kind of directness that can unsettle defenders in one-on-one situations.

If Haiti suffers a shock, Providence will likely be at the epicenter.

group c prediction

1. Brazil

2. Morocco

3. Scotland

4. Haiti

Brazil remain favourites, but it does not seem to be the straightforward group that many were expecting.

Morocco have the quality and confidence to push them forward, Scotland believe qualification is within reach and Haiti are determined to enjoy every minute of their long-awaited return.

And somewhere in the middle of all this stands Neymar.

Maybe for one last World Cup.

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England’s batting collapse against New Zealand in the opening Test at Lord’s was widely criticized on social media, but one of the sharpest reactions came from the Iceland Cricket account, which couldn’t resist taking a dig at the struggling hosts.After England were bowled out for just 140 runs in the first innings on Thursday, Iceland Cricket posted a cheeky message on Twitter that instantly caught the attention of fans.“You can take jack crawley Physically out of the England team, but his spirit is still there.”

The post was a reference to England’s recent selection changes ahead of the three-match series against New Zealand. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope were both left out of the team, with the selectors opting for fresh batting. However, after England’s top order collapsed at Lord’s, Iceland Cricket jokingly suggested that Crawley’s influence was still being felt despite his absence.The joke came after a poor day with the bat for England. Leading 24–1 after a rain-interrupted morning, the hosts suffered a dramatic collapse in the post-lunch session, losing seven wickets for 94 runs, as New Zealand’s fast bowlers took complete control.Will O’Rourke and kyle jamison The assistant took advantage of the conditions brilliantly and took five wickets, while Nathan Smith took two more wickets. England’s top order had no answer in the form of Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell. Joe Root And Jamie Smith was all out cheaply.At one point, New Zealand looked capable of bowling out England for an even lower score, but Harry Brook put up some resistance. The right-hander struggled single-handedly, scoring 56 runs and contributing more than a third of England’s total. During his innings, he got relief twice after being out for 8 and 45 runs, but none of his teammates could provide meaningful support.Captain Ben Stokes briefly threatened to take over the innings before being dismissed with a brilliant one-handed catch. kane williamson On the second slip. Brook ultimately fell attempting an attacking shot to Nathan Smith, ending England’s hopes of a competitive score in the first innings.England faced an uphill battle at the final total of 140 and New Zealand were handed complete control of the Test. It also provided fresh content for Iceland Cricket, whose social media accounts have built a reputation for mocking cricket’s biggest teams and players.This time, England’s poor batting condition and Crawley’s absence proved too tempting to ignore. While the former opening batsman was nowhere near the Lord’s pitch, Iceland Cricket’s viral post ensured that his name was still part of the conversation.

Rumesh Tharanga Pathiraj stunned the javelin throw world with a throw of 92.62m at the Rome Diamond League on Thursday and announced a new order in the sport. The 23-year-old Sri Lankan became the fourth Asian to cross the magic mark of 90m in men’s javelin throw, joining Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Chao-tsun (91.36m), Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) and India’s Neeraj Chopra (90.23m) in rare company.

His throw is the 21st best in the history of the event – the list is topped by Jan Zelezny, once Neeraj’s coach, who threw 98.48m in 1996.

Where Rumesh’s 92.62M throw stands

• A new Sri Lankan national record
• World-leading throw in men’s javelin throw 2026
• Rome Diamond League meet record
• Second best throw by an Asian in history
• 21st best throw in men’s javelin throw history

Rumesh reached Rome quickly. He had set a world-leading mark of 89.37 meters in Diyagama in March, and came very close to the 90 meters barrier at the Champions Track and Field event at the same venue. In Rome, against a strong ten-member field lacking both Arshad and Neeraj, he set the meet record in his second attempt. Four fouls followed, but none of the other nine throwers could reach 85 metres. Former world champion Anderson Peters finished second with 83.89 metres. India’s Sachin Yadav, who finished fourth at the World Championships in Tokyo last year, had a tough Diamond League debut as he cleared 79.18m, well short of his personal best of 86.27m.

Who is Rumesh Pathiraj?

Throwing was probably in his blood, but like most Sri Lankan teenagers, Rumesh first fell in love with cricket. At under-18 level, he was already bowling at 134 kilometers per hour – light, raw and competitive.

In a nationwide fast bowling talent hunt, which once identified future Sri Lankan international Ehsan Malinga, Rumesh finished second fastest in his category. In his only competitive appearance for St. Peter’s College, Colombo, he took five wickets and scored a half-century in the same match.

He chose a different runway. “There is political involvement in cricket, there is tough competition,” he said. “Cricket is a team sport. It takes more than just talent to make the national team. But in javelin throw, if I have the talent, I will be recognised.”

He started throwing in 2017 under the guidance of his father, who is a discus and shot-put athlete. His first javelin throw was 30 meters. Within two months, he was at 63 metres.

The climb has been steady and purposeful. He threw 85.45 meters at the 2024 Asian Throwing Championships in Mokpo. In early 2025, he finished third at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru with 84.34m – standing on the same podium as his childhood idol, former Olympic champion Thomas Rahler. A month later, he threw 86.50m in Bhubaneswar to break the Sri Lankan national record and qualify directly for the World Championships in Tokyo, where he finished sixth with 84.38m, above the injured Neeraj.

Neeraj has been more than a rival. It was this man who invited Rumesh to Bengaluru, inspired him to throw himself forward, and – seeing the young man hesitating in front of the camera – offered cool advice: “Speak in English as much as you can. I learned it that way. You will be on many more forums, so speak without fear.”

That prophecy is quite old. Rumesh flew the javelin and rewrote Asian history in Rome on Thursday.

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