
'Found friends on foreign soil': Nostalgic reunion lights up Team India nets in Birmingham
Harpreet Brar and Arshdeep Singh in Birmingham. (Pic credit: BCCI)
Amid intense preparations for the second Test against England, the Indian cricket team had a heartwarming surprise at Edgbaston on Saturday as a few familiar faces from home dropped by for net practice - turning the training session into a nostalgic reunion.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
In a video shared by the
BCCI
titled 'Catching Up in Birmingham ft. Arshdeep Singh', current and former teammates reminisced about their shared journey from junior cricket to the international stage. The clip captured emotional moments and heartfelt exchanges that underlined cricket's deep-rooted camaraderie.
India Add Spin Option Ahead of 2nd Test | All Eyes on Team Balance
'Found friends on foreign soil,' smiled spinner Harpreet Brar, summing up the atmosphere.
'You come to a foreign country and see familiar faces - you can enjoy together,' said India pacer Arshdeep Singh, who reunited with Jagjit Singh Sandhu, a first-class cricketer from Chandigarh now in England, helping
Team India
as a net bowler.
'My wife is from Swindon. It's just a short drive, and when Shubman [Gill] texted me yesterday, I thought - let's go and practice,' Brar added.
WATCH:
Jagjit recalled his ties with Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep from junior cricket.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA
Siemens Energy
Saiba Mais
Undo
'I used to guide Arshdeep during his U-16 days. Today, he was still asking me which ball swings more,' he said. Arshdeep added warmly, 'I learned a lot from him.'
With laughter, advice, and memories flowing freely, it was a reminder of how the cricket fraternity remains tightly bound, even across continents. 'I want to make more such memories,' Arshdeep reflected.
India's Day 2 at the Nets in Edgbaston | IND vs ENG Test Series
Meanwhile, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah returned to the nets, bowling for over half an hour in full rhythm. A final call on his availability for the second Test remains pending, though his return raised hopes.
India's session also focused on improving lower-order batting after collapses in both innings at Leeds. The team will rest on Sunday before resuming practice Monday ahead of the Edgbaston Test starting Wednesday.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
How alleged sexual assault changed the life of five young Canadian hockey stars
The alleged sexual assault involving five Canadian hockey players - Michael McLeod , Dillon Dube , Carter Hart , Cal Foote and Alex Formenton - during the 2018 World Junior Championships has cast a long, dark shadow over the lives and careers of rising young hockey stars. McLeod, Dube, Hart, Foote, and Formenton were charged with sexual assault last year in connection with an alleged incident that occurred in June 2018. The incident is said to have taken place in a hotel in London, Ontario, after a Hockey Canada gala event to celebrate their gold medal win at the World Junior Championship earlier that year. ALSO READ: Shocking final claims rock Hockey Canada trial as judge prepares landmark ruling on July 24 by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2022 Suv Almost Given Away (See Prices) SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now Undo Once celebrated as rising stars in Canada's most revered sport, these players saw their reputations and future go upside down amid social media backlash. The incident not only stalled their professional trajectories but also tainted personal identities. ALSO READ: Accused Carter Hart claims woman had sex willingly, did not protest Live Events All five players have pleaded not guilty to the charges as the verdict is set to be delivered on July 24 after the trial had officially concluded earlier this month. None of the players are currently on an NHL roster or hold an active contract with any team in the league. Michael McLeod McLeod, once a standout in junior hockey, rose steadily through the ranks after being named captain of the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads. His most notable career milestone came in 2016 when he was selected 12th overall by the New Jersey Devils. McLeod made his NHL debut during the 2019-20 season and quickly gained recognition for his reliable two-way play. Ryan McLeod played a pivotal role in the Devils' 2023 Stanley Cup playoff run, scoring the decisive goal in Game 7 to eliminate the New York Rangers. It marked a highlight in a career-best season for McLeod, who tallied 26 points over 80 games. Following his strong performance, he signed a one-year contract extension with the Devils in July 2023. But his booming career took a U-turn when he was granted indefinite leave of absence from the Devils on January 24, 2024. Few days later London Police Service charged McLeod on two counts of sexual assault. Following his ouster from the NHL, McLeod continued his professional career overseas, signing with Barys Astana in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Later in the 2024-25 season, he made a move to Avangard Omsk, seeking a fresh start amid ongoing legal proceedings. Dillon Dube After an impressive junior career, Dube entered the NHL spotlight when the Calgary Flames selected him 56th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract in March 2017 and was assigned to the Flames' AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat. Dube made his NHL debut in October 2018 against the Vancouver Canucks. One of his standout moments came during the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, when he scored in Calgary's 4-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. In August 2021, he signed a three-year, $6.9 million extension with the Flames. However, Dube's career took a dramatic turn during the 2023-24 season. In January, the Flames announced that Dube would take an indefinite leave of absence to focus on his mental health. Days later, he was formally charged with one count of sexual assault by the London Police Service in connection with an alleged 2018 incident. Following the charges, the Flames issued a statement saying that they were unaware of any pending legal matters at the time Dube requested leave. Post that, Dube signed a one-year contract on July 1, 2024 with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. Carter Hart Once considered one of Canada's most promising young goaltenders, Hart now finds his career at a crossroads after being charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault incident dating back to 2018. Hart, who rose to prominence as a standout netminder for Canada Junior team and later the Philadelphia Flyers, saw his professional trajectory abruptly halted as the investigation unfolded. Prior to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Hart was widely regarded as one of the top goaltending prospects. The Flyers selected Hart 48th overall in the second round, making him the first goaltender taken in that year's draft. He went on to sign an entry-level contract with the Flyers on October 2, marking the beginning of what was expected to be a promising NHL career. Hart made an impressive NHL debut on December 18, 2018, backstopping the Philadelphia Flyers to a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. His early career showed great promise, and in August 2021, he signed a three-year contract extension with the Flyers, carrying an average annual value of $3.979 million. Hart's performance remained solid, including a standout 29-save shutout against the Arizona Coyotes on November 2, 2021. However, that game would ultimately mark the final professional appearance of his career to date. Hart was later charged with one count of sexual assault in connection with the alleged 2018 Hockey Canada incident, a development that abruptly derailed his career. Following the charge, he did not return to the Flyers for the remainder of the season. As his three-year deal expired, Hart became a restricted free agent, but the Flyers chose not to extend a qualifying offer. As a result, he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2024, leaving his NHL future - and reputation - uncertain amid ongoing legal proceedings. Cal Foote Foote, an American-born Canadian defenseman, is currently playing in Slovakia for Liptovský Mikuláš. A native of Colorado, Foote was selected 14th overall in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team in 2018. Foote made his NHL debut in the 2021 season opener - a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks - and was part of the Lightning squad that went on to win the Stanley Cup that year. After developing within Tampa Bay's system, he earned a full-time NHL role during the 2022-23 season, appearing in 26 regular-season games and registering one goal and two assists. On February 26, 2023, during his third season with the Lightning, Foote was traded to the Nashville Predators along with five future draft picks in exchange for forward Tanner Jeannot. He later had a brief stint with the New Jersey Devils before moving overseas, due to alleged sexual assault charge, to continue his career in the Slovakian league. Once seen as a promising NHL blueliner, Foote's journey has since taken an unexpected turn, compounded by ongoing legal issues related to the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault investigation. Alex Formenton Formenton, a dynamic left winger, rose to prominence when he was selected 47th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Invited to Ottawa's main training camp that same year, Formenton impressed the organization and was soon signed to a three-year entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut on October 7, 2017, becoming the youngest player to appear in a game for the modern Senators franchise. Formenton earned a regular roster spot in the 2018-19 season and scored his first NHL goal in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. Over three seasons with Ottawa, he established himself as a reliable two-way forward, particularly excelling as a penalty killer. His breakout campaign came in 2021-22, when he posted 18 goals and 32 points across 79 games. However, Formenton's NHL career stalled after the Senators declined to re-sign him following that season. Left unsigned, he became ineligible to play in the 2022-23 NHL season. I In December 2022, he signed with Swiss club HC Ambrì-Piotta, though the team later announced his contract would be reviewed pending the outcome of an investigation into the alleged 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault incident. He later signed a two-month contract with HC Ambrì-Piotta ahead of the 2023-24 season that ended in December 2023. In January 2024, he was officially charged with one count of sexual assault related to the incident. With his hockey future uncertain, Formenton stepped away from the sport entirely in 2025, and began working in construction in his hometown.


News18
39 minutes ago
- News18
Paralympian Sheetal Devi Proves Nothing Is Impossible, Even Steering With Her Feet
Taking to Instagram, Sheetal Devi shared a video, where she can be seen driving a car through the scenic roads of Jammu & Kashmir using her feet. After winning the bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic 2024, Indian athlete Sheetal Devi is once again making headlines, but this time not for her sporting achievements, but for confidently taking the driver's seat. Taking to Instagram, Sheetal Devi shared a video, where she can be seen driving a car through the scenic roads of Jammu & Kashmir using her feet. The vehicle she is driving is a specially modified Mahindra Scorpio N, gifted to her by Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra after she turned 18. Sharing the clip, Sheetal wrote: 'Took on the driver's seat for a while, loving every moment of it." Along with it, she left her followers with a powerful message: 'Never say NEVER." Within just a few hours, the video went viral, garnering millions of views and heartwarming reactions from fans and followers alike. The comments section was quickly filled with messages of admiration and pride. One user wrote, 'Aap toh desh ki saari ladkiyon ke liye ek inspiration ho, salute." Another added, 'Passed in one more challenge." advetisement Who is Sheetal Devi? Sheetal Devi was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition that left her without arms. Yet, what many would see as a limitation became her driving force. From an early age, she pursued sports and proved that determination knows no physical boundaries. During her initial para-archery training, coaches attempted to help her use prosthetics. But when that didn't work, they took a different path, one that changed her life. Inspired by Matt Stutzman, the American archer born without arms who won silver at the London 2012 Paralympics using his legs, Sheetal embraced alternative shooting techniques. She tried every method possible, from shooting with her legs and her jaw to adapting and experimenting with different techniques and perfecting her craft with relentless dedication. That dedication bore fruit. In 2023, she became the world's number one para archer in the open category. She went on to win two golds and one silver at the Asian Para Games, followed by a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships. Her defining moment came during the Paris Paralympics 2024, where she not only secured a bronze medal but also broke the previous world record of 698 points, scoring 703 out of 720. This made her one of just two athletes in history to win a Paralympic medal without arms. Mahindra's Tribute to India's Paralympians Sheetal Devi is not the only Paralympian to be recognised by Mahindra & Mahindra. The auto giant has previously honoured several other athletes who have brought glory to India on the global stage. Among them is Avani Lekhara, who bagged gold in the Women's 10m Air Rifle and bronze in the 50m Air Rifle events at the Paralympic Games. Then there's Sumit Antil, who clinched gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The company also gifted a specially customised XUV700 to Deepa Malik, a Paralympian and a prominent figure in Indian para-sports. With each gesture, Mahindra continues to reinforce its commitment to celebrating grit, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of India's para-athletes. First Published:


New Indian Express
39 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Pataudi medal was an afterthought, ECB should have done better: Farokh Engineer
BIRMINGHAM: A close friend of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Farokh Engineer says the ECB erred in handling the renaming of the India-England Test series trophy and its decision to introduce the winning captain's medal after his former teammate's family name was clearly an afterthought to "appease" supporters like him. The ECB had instituted the Pataudi Trophy for the India-England series in 2007 until renaming it to the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy before the start of the ongoing five-match series. The decision was criticised by the likes of Sunil Gavaskar. Engineer too was left disappointed but at the same time, he felt the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson were unquestionable. Tendulkar approached the ECB which led to the home board introducing a winning captain's medal after the Pataudi family. "Well Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine. Great colleague of mine. We played a lot of Test cricket. Great heritage, great family. I was most happy when the trophy was named after him back in 2007," the Manchester-based Engineer told PTI. "On one hand I was very disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed, I would love Tiger's name to go on but instead powers that be decided with Anderson and Sachin who are legends of the game." "It (introducing Pataudi medal) was obviously an afterthought, they should have announced it in the beginning that would have more credibility but at least they have done something. Common sense has prevailed and hope the Pataudi name always remains."