Sunil Gavaskar comments on Ajinkya Rahane's career, noting he did not receive due recognition

Mikel Arteta stated his goal: 'Our task is to form a dynasty of winners in the club.'

Last season, the 'cannons' once again won the English Premier League title after a 22-year break.

Cobus Wise, a player for the Springboks who is currently on break during the World Cup match against Wales, shared thoughts on his career. He noted that the opportunity to share the Springboks' form with his brother Jasper is an incredible privilege.

Wise is preparing to take the field again in the upcoming match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday. For the Wise family, seeing both brothers represent South Africa internationally is the highest reward for years of dedication.

His older brother Jasper debuted for the Springboks in 2021 against Georgia at the age of 25 and subsequently won the Rugby World Cup with the Boks in France two years later. Cobus Wise himself debuted last year against Italy at the age of 28 when his brother received a red card. Since then, they have played together in one match, with Cobus participating in two out of three World Cup matches against Scotland and Wales, playing at number 4 lock in the absence of legend Eben Etzebeth.

Before the match in Buenos Aires, Wise told reporters: 'Jasper and I, and our whole family, are extremely proud and grateful for this opportunity.' He added that while it is a special moment once, if they get another chance and remain healthy, a few more appearances will be invaluable. 'I am proud to share the Springbok form with my brother. I am still a little speechless at how proud and grateful we are.'

This unwavering drive was formed long before professional rugby, thanks to the harsh demands of life on a farm in Apington. The climate of Apington can be unforgiving in the summer when temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius, while winters are very cold. Wise explained: 'Growing up on a farm, you work until the job is done. So there is no time for giving up.' He emphasized that the sense of responsibility shaped him more as a person than as a player, and believes that other athletes gain similar values through their upbringing, as a strong work ethic is necessary for success in rugby.

Despite his international career being young and having only four matches with the national team, Wise feels completely integrated into the Springboks squad this season. He thanks the returning key players of the second row, Eben Etzebeth and Lud Kruger, for easing his adaptation. Wise admitted that integrating into a team as a new player can be intimidating, but having world-class players nearby allows him to learn before matches. He noted: 'I wouldn't say I am comfortable, but I respect my role in the team and am happy to fulfill it.'

Wise also expressed respect for Etzebeth, who is returning to the starting lineup for his 142nd match. He stated: 'I think every time Eben puts on the rugby jersey, he is ready to work and works incredibly hard. You can understand why he has been here 141 times before. He gives the guys around him so much confidence, and if we can follow his example, I think the team will be ready.'

As a substitute player alongside Benjaison Dixon as versatile cover for lock and loose front, Wise does not attach importance to positional labels as long as he contributes to the green and gold cause. He clarified: 'Right now I am a lock who can play loose front. I played some loose front before I went abroad, and England was probably where I settled into the second row. But if you are given a chance to play for the Springboks, you will play any position they want you to.'

The series of injuries among Indian players continues, leading some stars, including Jasprit Bumrah, to be unable to participate in the Sri Lanka tour. The situation has reached a point where a key player drops out before every series due to fitness issues. Consequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to change the entire procedure for assessing players' physical condition.

According to a TOI report, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bangalore will now implement unified fitness standards for all Indian players. Previously, different standards were used for different players, which is considered one of the main reasons for the current crisis.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has already been dropped from the Sri Lanka test series. Washington Sundar was also not ready for the first match and did not make the squad. Furthermore, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were recently absent from the team due to injury and fitness problems. Due to constant injuries, captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir have also expressed dissatisfaction. The team management believes that frequent injuries complicate the selection of an optimal squad.

After the arrival of strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux last year, the BCCI began paying more attention to the Bronco test instead of the traditional Yo-Yo test. However, the main issue was the lack of an established minimum standard for the Bronco test. It was reported that some senior players were given relatively easy targets, while others were subjected to different standards. This unevenness called into question the entire fitness system.

The Centre of Excellence has set the following general parameters: Bronco test—from 5 minutes 15 seconds to 5 minutes 20 seconds; 2-kilometer run test—from 9 to 10 minutes; Yo-Yo test—minimum score of 16.5. Players will only be considered fit for selection after meeting these metrics.

Harshit Rana's case also casts doubt on the CoE's operations. During the England tour, he was sent back as injured, but it later turned out that he had not serious injuries, but rather spasms. Additionally, his weight exceeded the established limit. According to sources, during selection, his weight was 97 kilograms, whereas the CoE later set the maximum limit at 96 kilograms. Currently, his weight is 94 kilograms, and he is expected to receive fitness clearance next week. Thus, the player was initially declared fit, and then questions arose regarding his weight.

The CoE assured the team management that Jasprit Bumrah would be ready for the first match of the Sri Lanka test series. However, despite injections and rehabilitation, he could not recover in time. Following this, questions about the medical team's and the CoE's work intensified. According to reports, many regular players suddenly had to undergo new fitness tests at the CoE during the Sri Lanka tests, without being informed in advance about these new standards. Now, all centrally contracted players have been handed the new parameters in writing.