Sports Bulletin August 19: Rishabh Pant sets Test sixes record, Rodri nears Barcelona move, Lakshya Sen advances at BWF Worlds

Rishabh Pant has added another record to his name, becoming the fastest player to smash 100 sixes in Test cricket. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter reached the landmark in just 89 innings during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka, surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s record.

Elsewhere, Spanish midfielder Rodri is set to make a blockbuster €76.5 million move from Manchester City to Barcelona. The World Cup-winning star has arrived in Spain and is expected to sign a contract until 2030.

Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen overcame an early scare to advance at the BWF World Championships 2026. Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Dinesh Chandimal have suffered injury setbacks in Test cricket.

Here is your daily wrap from the world of sports in the Sports Bulletin.

Babar Azam Ruled Out of First Test Against England

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the opening Test against England at Headingley after injuring his right hand during a warm-up match against a County Select XI. Struck by pacer Manny Lumsden, Babar retired hurt as a precaution, dealing a severe blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup. In his absence, Salman Ali Agha will captain the side in his first Test leadership role. Pakistan hopes Babar will recover in time for the second Test at Lord’s.

Rishabh Pant Joins Elite 100-Six Club in Trademark Style

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant became the fastest player to hit 100 Test sixes, achieving the milestone in just 89 innings (51 matches) during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. He shattered Adam Gilchrist’s previous record of 130 innings.

Pant also became the first Indian batter, and fourth overall, to reach the 100-six landmark in Tests, surpassing Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma (91 sixes each). He achieved the feat during an aggressive 66-off-69-ball knock in India’s second innings.

IND vs SL: Dinesh Chandimal Ruled Out of 1st Test

Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the remaining first Test against India in Galle after suffering a concussion. Chandimal sustained the injury to his neck and shoulder while fielding in India’s second innings on Day 4 and was taken to hospital for precautionary scans.

Uncapped 26-year-old batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who boasts an impressive first-class average of 54.36, was approved as his concussion substitute to make an unexpected Test debut.

Rodri arrives to seal €76.5m FC Barcelona move

Spanish midfielder Rodri has arrived in Barcelona to complete a €76.5 million ($88.5 million) transfer from Manchester City, signing a contract expected to run through 2030.

Calling the move a “dream,” the 30-year-old World Cup-winning Golden Ball recipient leaves City after a trophy-laden seven years to reunite with international teammates like Pedri and Gavi. Barcelona has actively bolstered its squad under Hansi Flick, also signing Anthony Gordon ahead of the new season.

Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid as ‘Corazon’

Jose Mourinho has officially returned as Real Madrid head coach for his second spell, signing a three-year contract until June 2029. Presented by club president Florentino Pérez in a closed-door ceremony, Mourinho expressed his deep connection to fans, stating that returning to the club was “returning home” and describing Real Madrid in one word as “Corazón” (Heart). Replacing Álvaro Arbeloa, Mourinho aims to rebuild the squad following two consecutive trophy-less seasons, backed by high-profile new signings.

Lakshya Sen Bounces Back From Early Scare

Lakshya Sen overcame an early scare to advance in the BWF World Championships 2026, defeating Austria’s Collins Filimon in the Round of 64. After losing the first game due to unforced errors and struggles with stadium drift, Sen adjusted his tactics in the second and third games. By targeting his opponent’s body with smashes and engaging in longer rallies, he dominated the final game to secure victory. Other Indians, including the women’s doubles pair Jolly/Gopichand and Unnati Hooda, also advanced.