R Vaishali becomes the third Indian women's Grandmaster and 84th overall in India after crossing 2500 rating points in 2023 El Llobregat Open in Spain on Friday. After Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali became the third woman Grandmaster from India to set the record.

Also Read: Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar wins Jimmy George Award for the best sportsperson of Kerala

R Vaishali and her younger brother R Praggnanandhaa are now the first siblings to be Grand Masters. The 22-year-old Grandmaster, R Vaishali, who has three GM terms namely Xtracon Open 2019, Fischer Memorial 2022 and Qatar Masters 2023, needed only 4.5 ratings to cross the 2500 mark.

R Vaishali is currently ranked 11th in the world with a live rating of 2501.5 in the women's rankings, followed by India at the second position. The winner of FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2023 has also qualified for the Candidates tournament. She was the first Indian woman to achieve the feat. With this Vaishali has become India's number two taking over Harika Dronavalli and world number eleven.

R Vaishali won two games back-to-back at the tournament to become India's latest GM. She is the third-ever women Grandmaster of India. Vaishali ended a long wait of 12 years after Harika became GM in 2011.

Also Read: Anahat Singh makes history as youngest National Squash Champion in over two decades

Vaishali was the first one from the family to engage in chess and the siblings started playing the sport to distract themselves from television. Coached by Grandmaster RB Ramesh, both siblings started their careers under his watchful guidance. Earlier this year, the duo became the first siblings to qualify for the Candidates tournament. Pragg qualified after finishing runner-up in the Chess World Cup, while Vaishali earned her qualification after winning the Grand Swiss Open.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his blistering form in the England U19 vs India U19 Youth ODI series as he smashed a blistering 143 from 78 balls at Worcester. 

England U19 captain Thomas Rew won the toss and decided to field first, for which Vaibhav Suryavanshi was waiting. Suryavanshi was coming to this 4th Youth ODI match after scoring 48, 45 and 86 in the first three matches of the tour. 

So, with India batting first, the 14-year-old opener had the opportunity to score his first ton of the tour. 

Suryavanshi started the match the way he always does, by smashing bowlers all over the park. He first reached his fifty in just 24 balls and then went on to reach his ton in just 52 balls with 7 sixes and 10 fours. This is also said to be the fastest-known hundred in Youth ODIs.

Read Also: Exclusive: "Do not call him a 'baccha', he will play T20s for India in two years," says Bihar head coach after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's historical IPL ton

Even after the ton, Vaibhav kept the momentum up for India as he broke the record for the most sixes in an innings (10) for India Under-19s in Youth ODIs, breaking his own record of 9 sixes. 

🚨 Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi hits a sublime 52-ball hundred at Visit Worcestershire New Road and ends out on 143 from 73 deliveries, with 23 boundaries 🤯🇮🇳 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/xD3TWqEMnz

— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) July 5, 2025

Vaibhav was finally dismissed by Ben Mayes on 143 from 78 balls. However, another IPL star and the captain of India U19, Ayush Mahtre, could only score 5 in this match. 

With a 4000-year-long history, the traditional Indian sport of kabaddi is one of the oldest in the world. And while it has had roots in the country all this time, its spread hasn’t been as deep. However, the advent of Pro Kabaddi in 2014 managed to urbanize the rural game into a 21st-century thriller and the sport hasn’t looked back since. In fact, it remains one of the most-watched sports in cricket-crazy India.

Also Read: Top 5 Kabaddi Rule Changes in Recent Years

Here we will discuss about the History of Kabaddi in India.

Ancient Origins

Deeply rooted in Indian culture for centuries, kabaddi has even found a mention in Hindu mythology. In the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, It is said that the Pandava warrior, Arjuna, mastered kabaddi’s skills from Lord Krishna, who adored the sport. The story goes that Arjuna would breach enemy walls inconspicuously and would walk back unscathed with his kabaddi skills.

Another tale from the Mahabharata involves Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu, who invaded the seven-tiered defence -- an army formation -- of the Kauravas. It draws sporting parallels to a single raider raiding in the opposition side of the mat, which often has seven defenders.

Apart from Mahabharata, it is also believed that Lord Gautam Buddha used to play kabaddi during his leisure time.

History of Kabaddi in India

It is a popular belief that kabaddi originated from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. In India, the sport had different names in different states before its establishment as the sport it’s recognised today. It was called Chedugudu or Hu-Tu-Tu in the southern part of the country, while it was referred to as Hadudu (for men) and Kit-Kit (for women) in the east.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the sport finally got its recognition. In 1918, the first official rules and regulations of kabaddi were brought into effect before it was declared as the national sport of India. However, it took five years to print those documents for circulation.

In 1923, an all India tournament of kabaddi was held in Baroda and since then, several national-level tournaments have been organised across the country.

First International Exposure

Kabaddi in India got its first international exposure during the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Although the sport wasn’t officially a part of the sporting extravaganza, a 35-member kabaddi team from Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM), an educational institute in Amravati, was invited to demonstrate the antics in Berlin.

The team performed at the Congress of Physical Education a day before the commencement of the Olympics leaving spectators amused. The team, eventually, received medals on the final day of the Berlin Olympics.

The widespread recognition of the sport saw the establishment of the All India Kabaddi Federation (AIKF) in 1950, which staged the first men's and women’s national tournament in 1955 in Chennai and Kolkata respectively, after running it as a demonstration sport in the inaugural 1951 Asian Games. 

In 1972, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) was formed to promote the game in India’s neighbouring countries. The decision bore fruit as the first Asian Kabaddi Championship was held in 1980 where Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India contested. The Indian national kabaddi team defeated Bangladesh in the final to become the first-ever champion.

In 1982, the game was once again added as a demonstration sport in the 1982 Asian Games before it was finally established as a medal sport in the 1990 Asiad. India have always been a superior side in the Asian Games, winning all but one of the eight finals since 1990. It wasn’t until 2018 that their winning streak was halted by Iran in the final.

Invention of Kabaddi World Cup

Eventually, the sport made way for the Kabaddi World Cup in 2004, which was hosted by India in Mumbai. Twelve teams participated in the competition, and the Indian kabaddi team asserted its domination by going unbeaten throughout the tournament before lifting the title by defeating Iran 56-28 in the final.

Till date, as many as three Kabaddi World Cups (standard style) have been hosted, all in India and all the three finals have seen India beating Iran for the trophy. The 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, however, holds a special place in the sport as this was the first time a world cup for women was hosted.

Also Read: Who is the Best Raider in PKL history?

Invention of Pro Kabaddi League

However, it wasn’t until 2014 that the sport got its due. The start of Pro Kabaddi League elevated the status of the sport manifold by taking a rural pastime to primetime television nationwide.

Duly backed by Star Sports, who acquired its broadcasting rights, the opening day of PKL during the inaugural season had accumulated viewership of 22 million. There has been no looking back since, as kabaddi’s rapid growth eventually attracted foreign players to be a part of the extravaganza.

The dynamic landscape of Indian football is on the cusp of a new era and set to be carried forward by a generation of young talent. Finding the most promising U-21 footballers in India is the key, as they are the ones who will decide where we stand next.

Let's take a look at some special youngsters who are not only catching the eye of coaches, but are also inspiring the youth with their skill, dedication and ambition.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat (20 years)

• Born: 8 April 2005, Jammu and Kashmir
• Position: Centre-Forward
• Current team: Mohun Bagan SG

Suhail Ahmad Bhat is a 20-year-old promising young talent, who has quickly become a name to watch in Indian football. He made his mark with the Indian Arrows, and his progress led him to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

He has consistently proved his ability to find the net and did well across various competitions like the Durand Cup, CFL, and Super Cup. His journey began with early recognition, even being featured by The Guardian as one of the best young talents globally born in 2005.

Suhail already represented India in U-16 (where he scored on his debut match) and U-23 level. He also recently got called up for the senior India national team and debuted in 2025.

Read Also: Top scorers in ISL history

Joseph Sunny (21 years)

• Born: 13 October 2003, Kerala
• Position: Forward
• Current team: Hyderabad FC 

Joseph Sunny is a tall attacking striker who has emerged as a key player for Hyderabad FC. His strength lies in his style of play, which turns out to be really impactful for the team. He played in tournaments like the Kalinga Super Cup and I-League and made his ISL debut in the 2023-24 season.

Sunny has made his deserving spot in the playing XI for Hyderabad, featuring in most of their matches. His ISL performances highlighted his eagerness to contribute to the team and also his rising stature.

Korou Singh Thingujam (18 years)

• Born: 3 December 2006, Manipur
• Position: Second Striker, Right Winger
• Current Team: Kerala Blasters FC

Korou Singh Thingujam has rapidly risen through the ranks at Kerala Blasters FC, showcasing exceptional skill as a second striker. He initially made an impact by scoring on his debut with the reserve team, and then quickly earned his spot in the senior team.

His ISL debut in 2024 made him one of the youngest players to do so. He also got an extension of contract for Kerala Blasters till 2029, which highlights the team's faith in his abilities.

Korou was a part of the Indian U-17 team that won the 2022 SAFF U-17 Championship, and even scored in the final. He also got to play for the U-20 side in 2024, scoring 1 goal in 5 appearances.

Mohammed Sanan (21 years)

• Born: 5 April 2004, Kerala
• Position: Left Winger
• Current Team: Jamshedpur FC

Mohammed Sanan is a talented young left-winger, who emerged from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs' (RFYC) academy. His strong foundation saw him get a long-term deal with Jamshedpur FC.

Sanan quickly made his way to the senior team, starting with the Durand Cup and later making it to the ISL. He is the most reliable young performer in the team, who also appeared in two games for the India U-23 team in his international career.

Read Also: Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

Bikash Yumnam (21 years)

• Born: 6 September 2003, Manipur
• Position: Centre Back
• Current team: Kerala Blasters FC

Bikash Yumnam is a 21-year-old solid centre-back who has established himself as a decent defensive presence. He has gained experience playing for clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC, before joining Kerala Blasters FC. 

He seems to constantly develop his game, along with focusing on positioning, tackling, and aerial abilities.

Bikash was a part of the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship winning squad of India and was also a part of the U-16 team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC U-18 Championship in Malaysia.

Tekcham Abhishek Singh (20 years)

• Born: 2 January 2005, Manipur
• Position: Left back
• Current team: Punjab FC

Tekcham Abhishek Singh is a highly praised left-back, known for his defensive solidity and energetic run. His journey began at Minerva Academy, from where he moved to Punjab FC and became a crucial part of the team.

Abhishek's impressive ISL performance led to a tug-of-war between major Kolkata clubs for his signature, ultimately leading his move to Mohun Bagan SG. He will soon be joining their side and will continue to play brilliant football.

After playing for the U-20 and U-23 Indian teams, he got a call-up to the senior national team under coach Manolo Marquez. He has already made his debut with the team and has a long way to go.

Nikhil Barla (21 years)

• Born: 5 August 2003, Jharkhand
• Position: Right Back
• Current team: Jamshedpur FC

Nikhil Barla is a 21-year-old emerging talent who trained at the prestigious TATA Football Academy. He began his journey with Jamshedpur FC's youth and reserve teams, where he worked tremendously hard to transition into the senior squad.

Barla quickly became an integral part of their defence and gained significant experience playing in the ISL. This hardworking boy is steadily climbing towards his dream with immense discipline and dedication.

His consistent performance earned him a place in India's U-23 probable squad, and there's more to come!

Read Also: Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

Vinith Venkatesh (19 years)

• Born: 31 July 2005, Bengaluru
• Position: Midfielder
• Current team: Bengaluru FC

Vinith Venkatesh made his senior debut in the 2024 Durand Cup for Bengaluru FC, where he also scored against Mohun Bagan SG in the semi-finals. He made his ISL debut in the same year, potentially growing his skills while playing alongside experienced footballers.

Bengaluru FC is a club known for youth development, and the inclusion of a talented youngster like Vinith makes the vision for the future even brighter. As a midfielder, he contributes to ball distribution, tackling, and both offensive and defensive transitions.

Sahil Poonia (19 years)

• Born: 8 March 2006, Haryana
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Current team: Bengaluru FC

Sahil Poonia is another 19-year-old young talent who represents Bengaluru FC as a goalkeeper. He hails from Haryana and has worked really hard to come his far and keep up with the dynamic football world. 

Poonia has already featured for India at various youth levels, including U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams, which is a strong indicator of his potential as a future national team goalkeeper.

Singamayum Shami (18 years)

• Born: 18 April 2007, Manipur
• Position: Midfielder
• Current team: Punjab FC

Singamayum Shami is a highly exciting attacking midfielder for Punjab FC. He swiftly made his mark in his flourishing career and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of ISL (at 17 years) in 2025. 

Shami had an exceptional ability to handle pressure and even score at those times. He was a part of the India U-20 team that won the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2025. Not only was he a key part of the team, but also earned the most valuable player award of the tournament.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

Gurnaj Singh Grewal (18 years)

• Born: 9 January 2007, Punjab
• Position: Midfielder
• Current team: East Bengal FC

Gurnaj Singh Grewal is a promising midfielder who has been a part of the youth setup at East Bengal FC. He has an amazing ability to control the tempo of the game and initiate offensive plays.

He has contributed to East Bengal's reserve squad, contributing to their success, including winning the Calcutta Football League 2024-25. Internationally, he represented India at the U-17 and U-19 levels and was a part of the SAFF U-19 Championship-winning squad. 

In the history of Indian Test Cricket, reaching the 2000-run milestone has always been a matter of pride. While many have achieved this feat, only a few have done so with remarkable speed.

Currently, the record for the fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs is jointly held by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, accomplishing it in 40 innings. 

Let's look at the elite list of players who previously set the standard by being the fastest Indians to reach 2000 test runs.

🚨 Fastest to 2000 test runs by an Indian!

Yashasvi Jaiswal equals Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag's record to become the fastest Indian to reach 2000 test runs! 💯

He is just 23! A superstar in making ⭐#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/SUgNijNPNO

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 4, 2025

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (40 innings)

Young Yashasvi Jaiswal has been one of the brightest prospects of the Indian test cricket team since his debut. The 23-year-old just equalled the record for the fastest 2000 test run by an Indian during the second inning of the Edgbaston test against England. 

With an outstanding batting average of 53.10, Yashasvi now has 2018 runs in just 21 test matches. In his young career, the southpaw opener has scored 5 test centuries, among which three came in away conditions. 

Given the time left in his career and his determination to score big and quickly, Indian fans can surely hope that Yashasvi will keep on breaking many test records in future.

2. Rahul Dravid (40 innings)

Rahul Dravid, famously known as "The Wall" for his brilliant defensive technique and concentration in tests, reached 2000 test runs in just 40 innings. His ability to bat for longer periods and wear down the opposition was a key aspect of India's Test success.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

3. Virender Sehwag (40 innings)

Virender Sehwag, the aggressive opening batsman, matched Dravid's record by also reaching 2000 test runs in 40 innings. He was known for his fearless approach while batting at the top of the order.

He is also the only Indian to score 2 triple centuries in his test career.

4. Vijay Hazare (43 innings)

An icon of Indian cricket's early era, Vijay Hazare reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was an incredible run-scorer in his time, known for his elegant batting and contributions.

His contributions mattered highly during a period when Indian cricket was finding its status on the international stage.

5. Gautam Gambhir (43 innings)

The bold left-handed opener, Gautam Gambhir, also reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was a crucial part of India's top order in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Gambhir was known for his mental toughness and ability to play long innings when required, with high determination and focus.

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

6. Sunil Gavaskar (44 innings)

Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest openers in Test cricket history, scored 2000 test runs in 44 innings. He was known for batting fearlessly and facing West Indian fast bowlers without modern protective gear.

Gavaskar was the first player to reach the 10000-run mark in test cricket history, and also holds the 3rd place for most runs for India in tests.

ICC tournaments are very crucial cricket tournaments in international cricket. These tournaments observe all the top cricket teams competing against each other. ODI World Cup, T20I World Cup, and Champions Trophy are the three major ICC tournaments. Some Indian players have turned up at these worldwide events multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply.

In this article, we will take a look at those Indian with most ICC appearances.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Indian with Most ICC Appearances

10. Sachin Tendulkar | 61

• Span - 1992-2011
• Runs - 2719
• HS - 152

After hitting runs all over the ground throughout a two-decade glorious career filled up with many centuries and fifties, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter after Sir Don Bradman.

Having represented India in 61 ICC tournaments, Sachin scored 2719 runs with seven centuries. His highest score in these tournaments is 152.

9. Mohammed Shami | 61

• Span - 2014-2025
• Wickets - 163
• BBI - 7/57

Mohammed Shami is India's most successful bowler in ICC white-ball Tournaments. Mr. ICC is also India's most successful bowler in ICC events, surpassing Zaheer Khan.

Shami has played a total of 61 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 163 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 7/57.

8. KL Rahul | 62

• Span - 2019-2025
• Runs - 2808
• HS - 137

There are stars in the Indian team, and then there is KL Rahul. Rahul showcased consistent performances for India as he batted in any position for the team. Rahul was one of the unsung heroes of the Men in Blue's victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

KL has played a total of 62 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 2808 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 137. He also has 6 hundreds to his name.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 72

• Span - 2000-2017
• Runs - 1707
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 35

Those who watched Indian cricket during the last two decades know how valuable Yuvraj Singh has been for the Indian cricket team. Statistics aside, he has proved to be a match-winner almost every time he has stepped on to the field in Indian colors.

Having represented India in 72 ICC tournaments, Yuvraj scored 1707 runs with one century, and 35 wickets to his name.

6. MS Dhoni | 78

• Span - 2006-2019
• Runs - 1492
• HS - 91

Legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni turned 42 on Friday. With his performances and composure in big matches both as a captain and batter, he has won India all three major ICC white-ball cricket trophies, making him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.

Dhoni has played a total of 78 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 1492 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 91*.

Also Read: MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals

5. Jasprit Bumrah | 79

• Span - 2016-2025
• Wickets - 229
• BBI - 6/27

Jasprit Bumrah is an integral part of India in all formats of the sport. Spearheading India’s pace attack for the last few years, he has done an incredible job.

Bumrah has played a total of 79 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 229 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 6/27.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 84

• Span - 2011-2024
• Runs - 1248
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 254

Ravichandran Ashwin is sure to go down as one of Indian cricket’s all-time greats. Having featured in 84 matches for India, the numbers paint a befitting picture of his impact with both bat and ball.

Ashwin scored 1248 runs in verious ICC events. He also has 254 wickets in the tournaments.

3. Ravindra Jadeja | 107

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 2516
• HS - 175*
• Wickets - 202

Ravindra Jadeja has appeared in total of 107 matches across various ICC events, amassing 2516 runs. He also has 3 tons in the tournaments. His highest score in ICC event is an unbeaten 175. Jadeja also has 202 wickets in his name. 

2. Rohit Sharma | 130

• Span - 2007-2025
• Runs - 6172
• HS - 212

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has led India to back-to-back ICC titles, T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. 

Rohit has played a total of 130 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 6172 runs. He also has 17 hundreds to his name. Rohit has represented India in nine T20 World Cups, three ODI World Cups, two World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and three Champions Trophy tournaments.

Also Read: Who can break Rohit’s six-hitting record?

1. Virat Kohli | 136

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 6451
• HS - 254*

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has the most ICC appearances, playing 136 matches for India. Recently Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup 2024 edition against South Africa and Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

Kohli has played a total of 136 matches across various ICC events, amassing 6451 runs. He has 11 tons in the tournaments. His performances showed his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.