Sports Bulletin August 18: Jadeja’s 350th wicket, Mohun Bagan’s thriller and India’s perfect BWF Worlds start

Ravindra Jadeja added yet another landmark to an already illustrious Test career. The all-rounder became only the fifth Indian bowler to reach 350 Test wickets, joining an elite group that includes Anil Kumble, R. Ashwin, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh. With more than 4,000 Test runs as well, Jadeja also entered a select club of players to achieve the rare 4,000-run and 350-wicket double.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant produced a dramatic finish to book their place in the Durand Cup semi-finals. After a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC, the contest went deep into a tense penalty shootout, with Mohun Bagan eventually prevailing 9-8. Vishal Kaith’s crucial save and Tekcham Abhishek Singh’s winning kick sealed a thrilling victory.

Meanwhile, the BWF World Championships in New Delhi began with India making a perfect start. All five Indian entries competing on Day 1 advanced to the second round, led by Ayush Shetty’s stunning upset of defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yuqi. PV Sindhu also began her campaign impressively, while the three Indian doubles combinations secured victories to give the home contingent plenty to celebrate.

Here are all the latest developments from the world of sports at the Sports Bulletin for August 18.

Ravindra Jadeja 350-Wicket Milestone

Ravindra Jadeja reached a major milestone by taking his 350th Test wicket during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became only the fifth Indian bowler to achieve 350 Test wickets, joining Anil Kumble, R. Ashwin, Kapil Dev, and Harbhajan Singh. Additionally, boasting over 4,000 runs, Jadeja became just the fourth player in Test history, alongside Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori, to achieve the double of 4,000 runs and 350 wickets, proving his indispensable value to India’s transitioning squad.

Afghanistan Announce Squad for 2026 Asian Games

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the 20th Asian Games, taking place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 24 to October 3, 2026. Darwish Rasooli will captain the team. The squad combines experienced international players like Karim Janat, Najib Zadran, and Nangyal Kharoti with emerging domestic talents including Ishaq Rahimi, Hassan Eisakhil, Faisal Shinozada, and Faridoon Dawoodzai, many of whom recently featured in the 2026 tri-nation series against India A and Sri Lanka A.

Sanju Samson to Headline KCL Season 3

Indian cricketer Sanju Samson headlined the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 3 team launch in Thiruvananthapuram at Hotel Leela Raviz, Kovalam. Attended alongside Tourism and Culture Minister P. C. Vishnunath, the official ceremony unveiled all six participating franchises, Trivandrum Royals, Aries Kollam Sailors, Alleppey Ripples, Kochi Blue Tigers, Thrissur Titans, and Calicut Globstars, along with their respective captains and coaching staff. The 17-day tournament runs from August 20 to September 5, 2026, at the Greenfield International Stadium.

Mohun Bagan Prevail over Jamshedpur to Reach Semis

Mohun Bagan Super Giant advanced to the 135th Durand Cup semi-finals after defeating Jamshedpur FC 9-8 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Sahal Abdul Samad gave Mohun Bagan an early lead in the second minute, but Jamshedpur’s Devendra Murgaonkar equalized before half-time. After 16 consecutive successful penalties in sudden death, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith saved Lawmsangzuala’s attempt, allowing Tekcham Abhishek Singh to score the winning spot-kick and secure their spot in the semi-finals.

BWF World Championships 2026 Day 1 Results

Day 1 of the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi saw a perfect start for India as all five competing entries advanced to the second round. Unseeded 21-year-old Ayush Shetty scored a massive upset by eliminating top seed and defending champion Shi Yuqi 21-14, 13-21, 21-19. PV Sindhu registered a comfortable 21-7, 21-11 win over Ireland’s Sofia Noble. Doubles teams Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand, MR Arjun/Hariharan Amsakarunan, and Kavipriya Selvam/Simran Singhi also secured first-round victories.

PV Sindhu on Sixth-Medal Chase at World Championships

Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu launched her 2026 BWF World Championships campaign in New Delhi with a dominant 21-7, 21-11 victory over Ireland’s Sophia Noble. Chasing a historic sixth tournament medal, the former world champion used the match to adapt to local court conditions. Addressing media post-match, Sindhu discussed using a temple-mounted device tracking metrics like brain activity and heart rate. She also emphasized viewing home-crowd pressure and high expectations as a privilege rather than a burden.

Coach Sagar Chopda on Ayush Shetty’s Stunning Shi Yuqi Upset

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty scripted a beautiful upset at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi by defeating defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yuqi 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in the opening round.

Coach Sagar Chopda praised the 21-year-old’s composure, tactical serving, and improved fitness, highlighting enhanced defense as the key factor in overcoming his previous losses against Shi. Chopda emphasized prioritizing physical recovery during the rest day before facing Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama in the Round of 32.