Sports Bulletin August 22: Satwik-Chirag Crash Out; Kuldeep’s Spot Under Scrutiny Ahead Of 2nd Test

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty's BWF World Championships campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a straight-game defeat to China's Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang. The Indian pair led 18-16 in the opening game but could not maintain their advantage, eventually losing 18-21, 9-21 in 36 minutes.

Attention now turns to India's second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, where Kuldeep Yadav's place is under scrutiny. Despite his expensive outing in Galle, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the left-arm wrist-spinner.

India are also considering off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain for his Test debut, with the final call expected to depend on pitch conditions and Sri Lanka's left-handed batters.

Here is your daily sports wrap in the sports bulletin of August 22.

England Thrash Pakistan In Three Days

England secured a dominant victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley, winning by an innings and 103 runs inside three days to mark Joe Root's successful return as Test captain. After bowling Pakistan out for 171, England posted 409 to gain a commanding 238-run lead, powered by fifties from Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Joe Root, and Dan Lawrence. England's pace attack then dismantled Pakistan for 135 in their second innings, led by player-of-the-match Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Jofra Archer.

Kuldeep Yadav Backed Despite Saransh Jain Option

Heading into the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, India is considering handing a debut to 33-year-old off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain. Despite India's 165-run win in Galle, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is likely to make way after an ineffective 1/103 match performance. However, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule backed Kuldeep, clarifying that he executed team tactics by bowling a flatter trajectory. A final selection decision will depend on pitch conditions and Sri Lanka adding left-handed batters.

SL Name Two Replacements For 2nd Test

Sri Lanka made key squad changes ahead of the second Test against India in Colombo, calling up Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige as replacements. The inclusion of the duo comes as experienced batters Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal miss out on the match. Mendis was sidelined after sustaining an injury during the opening Test loss in Galle, while Chandimal was ruled out due to illness, compounding Sri Lanka's selection issues as they look to level the two-match series.

FIFA Hands Argentine Players Suspension After WC Final Clash

FIFA handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine following a post-match brawl with Spain players after the World Cup final. Paredes was sanctioned for grabbing Eric García by the throat and shoving Gavi to the ground. Teammate Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban, while Spain's Gavi and Argentina's Thiago Almada were each suspended for one match. The suspensions apply strictly to international fixtures, allowing players to continue competing for their respective clubs.

Treesa-Gayatri Won Their Quarterfinals Match

India's women's doubles pair, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, secured a spot in the BWF World Championships 2026 semifinals after defeating China's Jia and Zhang. After dropping the opening game, the Indian duo launched a strong comeback, targeting their opponents' backcourt and dominating flat rally exchanges. They held their composure during high-pressure points in the decider to seal a thrilling 18-21, 21-16, 21-19 victory, assuring themselves of a historic medal.

Satwik-Chirag Reflect On Quarterfinal Exit

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, suffered a quarterfinal exit at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi, losing 18-21, 9-21 to China's third-seeded pair Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang. Despite holding an 18-16 lead in the opening game, late unforced errors allowed the Chinese duo to steal the game. Liang and Wang dominated key front-court exchanges and defended strongly in the second game to seal the victory in 36 minutes.