Mumbai and India opener Prithvi Shaw (25) has formally requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), signalling his intent to represent a different state in the upcoming 2025–26 domestic season. The move underscores his pursuit of fresh opportunities and long-term professional development

Why Shaw is Seeking Change

• Form & Fitness Concerns: Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad last year due to “poor fitness and lack of discipline”. Though he has featured in white-ball formats, inconsistent performances and fitness setbacks have dogged him
• Desire for a Fresh Start: In his letter to MCA, Shaw acknowledged: “…I have been presented with a promising opportunity…which I believe will further contribute to my growth and development as a cricketer.”

MCA’s Response

MCA has received Shaw’s letter and forwarded it to their Apex Council, with a decision expected shortly Within hours, official confirmation came that the NOC has been granted, allowing Shaw to move

What This Could Mean for Shaw

• New Team, More Chances: Shaw is reportedly fielding offers from multiple state associations, and a fresh environment could help him reclaim form and consistency
• Next Domestic Season Ahead: With the 2025–26 season approaching, the move gives Shaw a chance to secure regular red-ball matches and demonstrate resilience.

Team India’s pace bowler Mukesh Kumar has ignited speculation on social media after posting a cryptic Instagram story that read, “Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback.” The message coincides with Harshit Rana’s surprise selection as the 19th member of the Test squad ahead of the series opener in England

What happened?

• On June 18, 2025, just before India departed for the first Test at Headingley, Mukesh—who was part of the India A squad and led the bowling in the first unofficial Test by taking 3/92—dropped this pointed social post
• The timing suggests he might be responding to his omission from the main squad, particularly as Harshit Rana—who took only 1/99 in the same match—was promoted

Fan & expert reactions

Many on social media interpret Mukesh’s post as a veiled message expressing frustration:
Mukesh Kumar’s frustration … He’s toiled hard, picked up around 44 wickets in his last 11 domestic games. Meanwhile, someone like Harshit Rana … gets retained … It makes you wonder what’s the point of grinding in domestic cricket

Supporters of Rana and critics of the selection process argue he was chosen for his raw pace and potential in seaming English conditions .

Player comparison at a glance

• Mukesh Kumar: 31, has earned 7 wickets in 3 Tests; showed strong form with India A, but left out of senior squad
• Harshit Rana: 23, made Test debut in Australia last year with 4 wickets; modest show in India A, yet added to the senior team as cover.

What it reflects

• Intense competition: The Test squad race is highly competitive, with players pushing from the fringes.
• Selection scrutiny: Mukesh’s post adds fuel to debates on selection bias and transparency.
• Team dynamics: Such public displays highlight emotional stakes in team composition, especially before key series.

In a gripping revelation, American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana has shed light on what prompted five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen to visibly lose his cool after a dramatic loss to Indian teen sensation D Gukesh at the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament.

The game, which turned out to be one of the most talked-about encounters of the tournament, ended with Gukesh defeating Carlsen in a rare and aggressive display of precision. The loss not only stunned spectators but also provoked an uncharacteristic reaction from Carlsen, who was seen leaving the board visibly agitated.

Speaking on his podcast, Caruana, a former World Championship challenger himself, offered perspective on the situation. “That’s what he was trying to go for — a messy, imbalanced position,” Caruana said, referring to Carlsen’s ambitious yet risky strategy against Gukesh. “Magnus wanted complications, but Gukesh handled it extremely well. That’s where the frustration came from.”

Carlsen reportedly tried to steer the game into dynamic territory, hoping to outplay Gukesh in a complex middlegame. However, the young Indian star was well-prepared, and capitalized on Carlsen’s inaccuracies with calm precision. The defeat meant more than just a point lost — it was a blow to Carlsen’s confidence and his bid to reclaim dominance.

The Norwegian GM’s emotional reaction was captured by cameras and sparked widespread discussion among fans. “It wasn’t just about losing,” Caruana explained. “Magnus saw his strategy unravel and realized, in that moment, that he had underestimated Gukesh’s ability to handle pressure.”

This was not just another win for Gukesh. It marked a defining moment in his career, as the 17-year-old continues to make headlines by challenging the titans of chess on the global stage. His calm demeanor and mature handling of high-pressure games have earned praise from top players, including Caruana himself.

As the tournament progresses, Carlsen’s reaction has reignited debates about the emotional toll of elite chess. With rising talents like Gukesh rewriting the narrative, legends like Carlsen are finding themselves in new territory — one where the balance of power is rapidly shifting.