Aston Martin has brought a staggering SIXTEEN updated parts to the #HungarianGP #F1 #AstonMartin
Friday, 24 July 2026
'TOO COMPLICATED' - CAN F1 DRIVERS REGAIN CONTROL FROM AI ENGINES?
The key theme among drivers in the build-up to Formula 1’s Hungarian Grand Prix so far has been concerns about how much results in 2026 are out of their hands.
Last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix exposed how forward-thinking algorithms that dictate where and when energy should be deployed are causing frustration among the majority of drivers.
It led to baffling straightline speed deficits between identical cars and drivers feeling like what the algorithm decided was a key factor in deciding qualifying and the race.
Oscar Piastri complained at Spa that when qualifying is being “decided by computers behaving or misbehaving, it's a pretty crap way of going racing.”
Asked in Hungary if it “sometimes feels like you’re the passenger of an AI programme that still has to be trained?”, Piastri replied: “Sometimes, yes. At a track like Spa or a track like Silverstone, it’s going to be worse.
“Here [at the Hungaroring], I really don’t expect there to be many problems at all with that kind of thing, because the straights are so much shorter, so even if there are differences, they should be a lot less.
“But the principle of driving a race car that loses effectively half of its power before the end of the straight is hard to get your head around sometimes.
“Even in Spa, a lot of the middle sector we were doing it just on the combustion engine, with no battery assistance at all, which is a weird feeling in itself, having some corners with a certain amount of power and others with full power.
“Spa was particularly frustrating, not just for me but for quite a lot of others, because those small differences in the code and what the engines did made quite a big difference in laptime.
“Especially at the front of the field, I think there were still only nine hundredths or something separating four positions [0.094s covered third to sixth], and there were definitely more than nine hundredths on the table for quite a few drivers from things they could not control.”
These forward-thinking algorithms have existed for a long-time before 2026, but as Piastri highlighted, knowledge of the previous power units was so mature, the impact was minimal.
“When I joined Formula 1 [in 2023], those engines were incredibly mature, but also the penalty of things being slightly wrong or slightly out of place was significantly less, because it was such a small percentage of the overall power you got,” Piastri said.
“Whereas this year, it’s basically half your power, so any small differences or anything that doesn’t quite go right has a massive impact, especially at a track like Spa.
“We’ve got no control over where the deployment happens, more or less. You can push the boost button, but that’s more for overtaking than in qualifying, especially.
“When you’ve got those differences there that you have no control over, it can be frustrating.”
‘Less raw’ a challenge
Charles Leclerc has long bemoaned the reduced challenge of qualifying in 2026 and how you can actually be punished for the kind of all-out qualifying laps he’s become renowned for. He gave the example of doing a “very good” La Source Turn 1 at Spa, only to be punished for it as he then consequently lacks power on the Kemmel Straight.
He explained "I feel like we all get surprised here and there on different tracks, because it's never always always the same reason why a problem has occurred, which makes it quite complicated.”
As Max Verstappen summed up: “Sometimes you cannot make a difference. You're not allowed to make a difference because it will just penalise you on the next straight.”
Asked if fast drivers were still being rewarded, Leclerc said: “The characteristics of a fast driver is to adapt, constantly and quickly.
“To be a fast driver only on one car- I mean, it is not great, and I don't think it exists so much either. I think a fast driver is fast in any car.
“Does it add a little bit more unpredictability with these cars? Yes, it does, and I think pushing the absolute limit is probably less rewarding than it was in the past because whenever you go over, whenever you have a wheelspin, you waste energy on a wheelspin because you're not going forward but you're using the battery.
“So all these kinds of things are making it a bit- it's less raw and it's a little bit more of a thinking game and of restraining yourself from going to the absolute limit, which is not my favourite exercise but again it's the way it is and I've got to optimise whatever I have.”
‘Too complicated’ - but will it change?
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| Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu (left) and Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord |
It’s not just drivers calling for change either as Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu thinks F1’s formula is “just too complicated” currently as “it relies on a tiny detail of driver operation that has an unintended or secondary consequence.
“I think we all identify the need to avoid [it] and improve as a sport to bring the control back to the driver and also just simplify for everyone.
“It's very important that everyone understands the sport regardless of what your interests are. To be able to do that, I think the sport has to be a bit more simplified.”
But whether it will change before F1’s likely switch to simpler V8 engines remains to be seen.
There are 2027 and 2028 rule changes planned that will shift F1 from its current 53-47 internal combustion engine to electrical power split to 60-40 in favour of the internal combustion engine.
But that won’t eliminate the predictive algorithms, just reduce their importance as the electrical deployment is lessened.
Piastri does think that teams’ growing understanding of how to exploit these power units will help too.
“I’m sure it’ll get better. I don’t expect it to ever fully go away, but as the manufacturers understand it more and work out the regulation restrictions more, in terms of what the code can and can’t do, hopefully things will become a bit better,” Piastri said.
That will lead to fewer mistakes with the algorithms but won’t necessarily mean more power back in the driver’s hands.
A counter view
Not everyone is aligned that things need to be simplified in the first place, however.
When asked about the predictive algorithms, Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto said: “We are in Formula 1. We are developing the future technology.
“If we are not using all the tools that are available in the world for us, in our favour, then I don't know what Formula 1 is about.
“People used to complain because ‘nowadays the drivers have too much things to do’, now that there is things doing it for us, we are complaining now that they are doing it for us - so I'm happy with the way it's going.
“It's nice that the software is able to adapt itself and understand what and how much energy you are deploying through the lap and how to evolve through the laps, next laps you are doing. I don't think it should change, if I'm very honest, that's my opinion.”
He thinks adapting to such a challenge is just part of being an F1 driver.
“I don't think I changed much my way of driving, but again I don't like the sentence 'driving style', because I don't believe that a F1 driver should ever say that, because we should be able to adapt, even if it's not natural maybe.
“But we should be able to adapt to any type of car and the way you need to drive, that's why we do what we do and that's why we are the 22 drivers in the world doing F1.”
On the subject of whether the fastest drivers are still able to stand out, Bortoleto said: “Well, do you see Verstappen being slow? Do you see a seven-time world champion being slow this year? Do you see Leclerc being slow? I don't see them being slow, I still see them very competitive, so I wouldn't say fast drivers are slow.
“Actually Lewis [Hamilton] is a bit better than he was doing last year, Max is still performing like crazy, putting that car on the top, Lando [Norris], the world champion, the reigning world champion, is still quick when his thing doesn't break...
“I don't think we have seen slow drivers last year becoming quick and the quick guys slow, I think it's still racing.”
When Bortoleto’s comments were put to Max Verstappen, having clarified who said it, the Red Bull driver said: “Yeah, he's right. I mean, your driving style always needs to change to whatever is fastest.
“I can drive the cars just saying, ‘this is how I drive it’. Well, I can tell you in Spa, you lose half a second. That shows you how weird it is at the moment.“He’s right, you need to adapt. Adaptability is super important. But that goes for any, like all the series that you've raced in, all the way to F1, I think you always need to adapt to what is best for that car that you are driving.”
And when The Race put the question of whether F1 needs to move to put more power back in F1 drivers’ hands, Fernando Alonso - who may well feel there’s already plenty out of his control in F1 2026 so far in the slowest car - said: “I don’t know. It depends. I think F1 has always been a little bit like that.
“I don’t think the drivers were deciding everything, even when we had traction control and some of the other aids. It was very specific to each team, developed by each team in a different way, with different philosophies.
“You were pressing the throttle at the exit of the corners, and some cars were much better than the others. It’s not pure driver talent or input on some of the exits.
“It’s the same with the starts. I’ve been doing starts for 25 years, and we’ve had many different regulations. At the end of the day, there were always some cars and some teams starting better than the others, with both cars. It’s not just that someone was doing something differently with the clutch, with a technique or with the throttle application. Both cars from that team were extremely good or extremely bad.
“I think the team is always bringing the performance to everything. But yes, I think with these current regulations and the battery deployment, there is something that has to be fixed and improved. I think that’s well understood.
“We are in the first half of this set of regulations, in the first year, and there are already talks about 2030 or 2031 and the V8.
“Next year, there is already approval for the change to the combustion versus electrical part of the engine. There are things moving forward, and it’s well understood by the sport, by the teams and by everyone.
“I’m optimistic for the future that it will get better and that it will be better understood what the rules and what the cars need to be.”
- JOSH SUTTILL
IAN WRIGHT, RICCARDO CALAFIORI AND CHLOE KELLY MODEL ARSENAL'S 1990'S - INSPIRED AWAY KIT FOR 2026-27 CAMPAIGN AS MIKEL ARTETA'S SIDE PREPARE TO DEFEND PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE
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| Arsenal |
Arsenal and adidas have revealed the club's new away kit for the 2026-27 season, reviving one of the Gunners' most iconic designs with a modern twist. Inspired by the legendary 'Bruised Banana' shirt, the strip blends nostalgia with fresh ambition as the Premier League champions prepare for another title defence.
Arsenal revive iconic design
Arsenal and adidas have unveiled the club's new away kit for the 2026-27 season, introducing a modern interpretation of one of football's most recognisable shirts. Inspired by the famous 'Bruised Banana' jersey worn between 1991 and 1993, the navy strip arrives as Arteta's Premier League champions prepare to defend their title. It combines the adidas Trefoil logo with contemporary performance technology while paying tribute to the club's history.
Players embrace the legacy
The launch is accompanied by a series of miniature films featuring Declan Rice, Chloe Kelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Ian Wright, Little Simz and Arsenal supporters, all reflecting on the stories behind football shirts and what they represent.
Calafiori said: "We’re all looking forward to playing in this kit, we know the impact that the Bruised Banana has had on our supporters, you only have to see how many still wear it today to understand how much it means to the club. We’re proud to wear something with such history attached to it and use that as inspiration as we continue to push ourselves forward."
A modern take on a classic
The new jersey is built on a navy base with an engineered geometric graphic inspired by the original design, blending navy and yellow tones for a contemporary look. Red and yellow accents feature on the Trefoil crew-neck collar, while the Arsenal crest sits alongside the adidas Trefoil logo.
Calafiori added: "It’s our turn to create our own legacy at the club, we’ve enjoyed so many amazing moments with our supporters but we’re hungry for more. We want to keep winning, keep creating special memories together and give our supporters even more reasons to be proud of the team."
The shirt also incorporates adidas' CLIMACOOL+ technology, designed to help regulate body temperature through advanced moisture management and strategically placed ventilation zones.
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| Arsenal |
Ready for another campaign
The 2026-27 away kit is completed with matching navy shorts and socks, featuring coordinated red and yellow detailing to create a unified on-pitch look.
Available immediately through Arsenal club stores, selected adidas retail outlets, Arsenal Direct and adidas' online store, the new strip marks the beginning of another campaign as Arteta's side look to build on their Premier League triumph and create a new chapter in the club's history.
- Yosua Arya
EXCLUSIVE: MIKE TYSON REVEALS HOW HE WANTS TO BE REMEMBERED ... Let This Be My Legacy!
Mike Tyson is changing his tune on the whole "legacy" conversation ... saying he now knows how he wants to be remembered, and it's got little to do with his brilliance in the ring!
The boxing legend chopped it up with Babcock about his second Mike Tyson Invitational amateur boxing showcase going down at SAHARA Las Vegas (fights stream here), where hundreds of young fighters get to display their skills in front of trainers, scouts, and Iron Mike himself.
Tyson dropped a bombshell during the convo -- explaining this is what he wants to be remembered for.
“This is my legacy, God willing,” Tyson said. “I want this to be my legacy.”
It's a massive shift for a guy who’s spent years brushing off the idea of legacy as pure ego.
The first event went down in March and was a hit ... and this one, Mike says, will be bigger and better.
“Listen, you won’t believe the number of people we had sign up this time. 350 kids in a couple hours,” Tyson said. “I was so gratefully honored by that. I want to help amateur boxing. I want it to be at the level it was when I was an amateur fighter."
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| Getty |
The sport was poppin' back when Tyson was a teenager in the early 80s, but it's not anymore ... and you don't have to look any further than this.
“They’re about to take amateur fighting out to the Olympics,” Tyson says.
That's exactly why this is important -- it's not about a photo op or garnering good press.
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| Getty |
"I want to keep going even when I’m no longer around. This would be my legacy. Since people make legacy such a big thing, this would be my legacy.”
Tyson believes the kids will benefit tremendously from their involvement in the sport.
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| Getty |
"You are not going to have no idea the benefits these young fighters are going to get from this. It’s going to change their whole life.”
Iron Mike was the youngest heavyweight champion ever, and arguably the most feared man on the planet, but that's not the legacy he's chasing anymore.
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| Getty |
Now, it's all about the kids, and the next generation tasked with carrying the mantle for the sport he loves.
“Mike Tyson had his turn. It’s time for these young guys now…”
- TMZ Sports
SOCCEROOS STAR ALLEGEDLY TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE AFTER SPEEDING
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| Getty |
Socceroos World Cup star Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police twice stopped him for speeding in Sydney on the same night.
The 22-year-old Australia midfielder was stopped in a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday night after he was caught travelling between 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone, police said.
He was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.
However, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine when he was stopped two hours later for travelling at 109km/h in the same 60km/h zone.
New South Wales state police said Volpato was issued an infringement notice for excess speed, while his international driver's licence was suspended for six months - which means he cannot drive in New South Wales.
The police also said their inquiries will continue and a secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis.
Volpato played in three of Australia's four World Cup matches as they reached the round of 32, where they were knocked out by Egypt in a penalty shootout.
Having represented Italy at youth level, he switched allegiances to Australia in May just before the Socceroos announced their squad for the tournament.
Volpato has played at Serie A side Sassuolo since 2023 and he made 24 league appearances for the club as they finished 11th last season.
BBC Sport has approached Football Australia and Sassuolo for comment.
- Emily Salley
NIGERIA'S SUPER FALCONS WORE A 10 STAR JERSEY VS. TANZANIA | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Nigeria's Super Falcons wore a jersey featuring 10 stars surrounding the badge during their friendly match vs. Tanzania.
Each star represents the number of WAFCON titles they've won ⭐️🇳🇬
FORMER FEDERACIÓN DOMINICANA DE AUTOMOVILISMO PRESIDENT, HENRY KRAUSZ, HAS PASSED AWAY
The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Henry Krausz. Henry was made an Honorary Member of the FIA earlier this year having served on the World Motor Sport Council for fourteen years. He had also been a member of the FIA Senate and the Circuit and Safety Commissions, and was the former President of the Federación Dominicana de Automovilismo - FDA. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
- FIA
Thursday, 23 July 2026
WHO IS BRIGHTON’S NIGERIAN £21.5 MILLION TEENAGER WONDER KID?
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| Zadok Yohanna at the Ikon Allah Football Academy. (Image: Ikon Allah football Academy) |
Brighton snapped up Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm this summer.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth around £21.5 million. It's a significant fee for such a young prospect.
Speaking about the transfer, Fabian Hurzeler said: “I’m looking forward to working with Zadok. Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third.
“He’s still young, and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy.
“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options.”
Before making the move to Sweden, Yohanna came through the ranks at Nigeria's Ikon Allah Football Academy, where he first caught the attention of European scouts.
Ayi Muhammed, the man who took him under his wing at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria, believes he will be a great investment.
Muhammed is president of the academy and said he felt like a second father to the winger, who left home at the age of 11 to learn his trade.
He speaks like a dad at times and a coach at others as he talks about Yohanna from the academy in Kaduna.
“I picked Zadok from the age of 11 and his family is like three to four hours’ drive away,” he said.
“I saw his potential from the age of 11. He has special qualities and in the next two years he must get the African Balon d’Or, before the age of 20.
“This is what he can do in England. In the English league you will see another different side.
“He is special. He has all the qualities. Skills, marking ability, he uses his head. Everything, Yohanna has it."
He made 18 appearances for AIK this season in the league and cup, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
Albion will be setting their targets high in the UEFA Conference League, and Yohanna is likely to feature. It's a competition he could shine in.
On the right wing, he will face stiff competition from Yankuba Minteh, but only if the Gambian talent stays at Brighton.
Reports suggest Liverpool are pushing for a Minteh move. If that happens, pressure will really be on the teenager.
- Henry Bryant
RICHARD CARAPAZ CONCOURS STAGE 18 IN TOUR DE FRANCE ⁰
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| Richard Carapaz celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win Stage 18 of the Tour de France on Thursday. |
Ecuador's Richard Carapaz climbed into the overall top 10 at the Tour de France with his Stage 18 victory in the Alps on Thursday.
Carapaz, 33, finished the mountainous 185.2-kilometer trek from Voiron to Orcieres-Merlette in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 21 seconds. He pulled away on the last ascent of the day and covered the final 3 kilometers solo.
Switzerland's Mauro Schmid was the runner-up for the second straight day, 45 seconds behind, and American Matteo Jorgenson placed third.
Carapaz moved into 10th place in the overall standings.
Four-time champion Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia still leads the competition by 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel. Mexico's Isaac del Toro is third, followed by 19-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas and Spain's Juan Ayuso.
Stage 19 on Friday is a 127.9-kilometer route through the mountains from Gap to Alpe d'Huez. The 113th edition of the Tour de France concludes on Sunday in Paris.
--Field Level Media
RED SOX WINNING STREAK AFFECTS MULTIPLE TEAMS TRADE DEADLINES
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| Jul 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a single RBI against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images |
The Red Sox’s winning streak is over. Its effect on the MLB trade deadline is not. Boston won 15 straight games, tied the franchise record and transformed itself from a potential seller into a team that now has to strengthen its roster. One loss to Baltimore does not undo that. The Red Sox have already changed the market.
Jarren Duran and Aroldis Chapman should now be off the table
A month ago, both made sense as trade candidates. Boston had a crowded outfield, Duran carried two additional years of club control, and Chapman looked like the most attractive rental reliever available. Moving either player could have brought back meaningful talent for 2027.
That argument disappeared when Boston started winning. Duran is helping a playoff push, while Chapman gives the Red Sox exactly what contenders spend July trying to acquire – a proven late-inning arm with the ability to close games and shorten postseason series. Trading either now would contradict everything the last three weeks revealed about this team.
The consequences extend beyond Boston
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| Jun 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images |
Teams that viewed Duran as an attainable outfield upgrade must look elsewhere. Clubs searching for a closer can no longer assume Chapman will enter the market. That reduces supply, increases prices and strengthens the leverage of every remaining seller.
It also changes Craig Breslow’s job. He is no longer deciding how much of the roster to dismantle. He has to determine how aggressively to add without sacrificing the future that made Boston’s turnaround possible.
The Red Sox do not need a reckless blockbuster. They need another starter, bullpen depth and perhaps a right-handed bat capable of balancing the lineup.
Boston’s 15-game streak ended Wednesday night. Its deadline impact will last through August 3. The Red Sox are no longer one of the teams supplying contenders. They have become one of them – and every front office that expected to shop from Boston must adjust.
- Derek Antoine
ARSENAL ANNOUNCE £34M WINGER SIGNING AMID 'GROUND-BREAKING PROGRESS' OVER STRICKER DEAL
Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and reportedly thundered towards the sensational signing of Atletico Madrid hitman Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal have already made Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent for €40million (£34m) and signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Tzolis has now become their third summer arrival. Mikel Arteta’s side have paid Club Brugge €40m/£34m to land Tzolis on a five-year contract.
The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 17 shirt at the Emirates, has replaced Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s squad. Trossard recently joined Besiktas for €20m (£17m).
Reacting to Tzolis’ capture, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta told club media: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis.
“Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player who naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line. He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability.
“Christos has produced outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists over the last three seasons, and he’s a player who will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality to our team.
“We’re confident Christos will make a significant contribution to our club, and we hope our supporters will enjoy watching him play in an Arsenal shirt.
“We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter together.”
Arsenal remain on the hunt for a new striker and a second left winger to compete with Tzolis. They had earmarked Morgan Rogers for the latter role but were not willing to bid over £80m, with Chelsea ultimately snaring the Englishman for a huge £117m.
Arsenal are now targeting Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande and Nico Williams instead.
Recent reports have suggested Arsenal have overtaken Barcelona in the chase for Argentina striker Alvarez, too.
Arsenal move into pole position for Julian Alvarez
CaughtOffside revealed on Tuesday that Arsenal have made ‘ground-breaking progress’ in their pursuit of Alvarez after Berta held talks with the player.
Atleti have also told Berta they would rather sell to Arsenal than LaLiga rivals Real Madrid or Barca, setting up a potential move to the Premier League worth €130-150m (£111-128m).
On Wednesday, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips claimed the Blues could accidentally help Arsenal get closer to signing Alvarez.
He reported that Atleti are considering selling the 26-year-old to help fund a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
- James Holland
ZDENĚK CHOVANEC HAS PASSED AWAY
The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Zdeněk Chovanec, who completed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship back in 2021-2022.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Zdeněk’s family and friends.
- FIA
KEVIN KEEGAN | KING KEV | FOREVER ONE OF THE GAME'S GREATS
King Kev.
A football icon whose talent, charisma and passion transcended clubs, countries and generations.
Forever one of the game’s greats.
Kevin Keegan
1951–2026
Wednesday, 22 July 2026
INDIA'S STAR BATTER VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI REFLECTS ON HIS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH HARARE AHEAD OF ZIM VS. INDIA T20I SERIES
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| India's star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi reflects on his unique connection with Harare ahead of the ZIM vs IND T20I series (Image source: X) |
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi spoke about his special connection with Harare before the Zimbabwe T20I series.
- Suryavanshi will look to bounce back in form as India take on Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20I series.
Table of Contents
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart
- Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue
Following back-to-back T20I series setbacks, reigning world champions India have arrived in Zimbabwe seeking a swift turnaround. The three-match T20I series kicks off on July 22 at the Harare Sports Club, and all eyes are firmly on 15-year-old batting phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After a quiet start to his international career in England, the teenage prodigy is eager to regain his explosive rhythm on familiar ground.
Suryavanshi, India’s youngest senior international cricketer, faced a baptism of fire during his debut tour, posting scores of 14, 13, and 15 across three matches. However, returning to Harare offers the young left-handed opener a chance to reset his game at a venue where he produced one of the most memorable innings of his blossoming career.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart
For Suryavanshi, stepping back onto the lush turf of the Harare Sports Club brings back overwhelming nostalgia. Just four months ago, the venue served as the backdrop for India’s triumph at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, where Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking, match-winning performance.
In a video released by the BCCI ahead of the series opener, Suryavanshi expressed his excitement about returning to the historic venue:
“We are currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this is a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago, we played the U-19 World Cup here and won it, so it’s a very special ground. Representing India is everyone’s dream, and it’s a truly special moment to return and play on such a great ground where we created history just four months ago. It is a wonderful feeling, so we will enjoy it.”
During that dramatic U-19 summit clash against England, Suryavanshi hammered a record-breaking 175 off just 80 deliveries. That masterclass included 15 fours and 15 sixes, propelling India to their sixth youth world title. Having already mapped out the pitch conditions and boundary dimensions from his previous stint, the teenager remains confident in applying those insights as India seek a dominant series victory.
Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue
While Team India aim to test their tactical depth, hosts Zimbabwe are determined to capitalize on home advantage. Zimbabwe Cricket announced a formidable squad led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, balancing seasoned international experience with promising young talent.
The squad features key pace weapons Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, while experienced all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere strengthen the middle order. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while Madhevere makes his return to the national setup. With Suryavanshi looking to turn past memories into fresh runs, the stage is set for an exciting clash in Harare.
- Akash Thapa
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