Author: Rohan Chowdhury

After spending a month and a half in England, there’s something I can’t shake off — a sight that’s become part of the everyday landscape here, whether you’re walking down Deansgate in Manchester or standing outside a club shop in Leeds: official club merchandise everywhere. From Premier League giants to non-league teams, every football and cricket club I’ve visited has its own dedicated space — a store, sometimes modest, often buzzing, always proudly dressed in club colours. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the chance to visit some iconic sporting locations — Old Trafford (both the football and cricket…

Manchester, June 21 Manchester — a city that reverberates with the spirit of football and Manchester United, a club so iconic that even those far removed from the sport are likely to know its name. The area of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, flaunts two legendary stadiums: Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club, and Old Trafford football Stadium, the fortress of United. Yet, it’s not just the landmarks that speak of legacy. Walk through the streets and you’re instantly transported into the Red Devils’ den. Houses, shops, pubs — everything is cloaked in the United theme. The…

Indian football fans, unless avid followers of leagues below the Premier League, may not be too familiar with English lower division clubs. But when star Indian striker Bhaichung Bhutia signed with then League One side Bury FC in September 1999, it was headline-worthy news back home. The move marked a historic milestone — Bhutia became the first Indian footballer to sign a professional contract with an English club. Of course Md. Salim had a short stint in Europe, but that was way back in 1936, also in Scotland for Celtic FC. Though Bhutia’s time with the Lancashire-based side — affectionately…

Rohan Chowdhury in England India’s differently abled cricket team recently concluded a seven-match T20I series in England, facing a tough challenge against the hosts. The series ended 6-1 in England’s favour, with India securing a memorable win at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. While the scoreboard might not reflect it, the tour marked a significant moment for the growth and future of differently abled cricket in India. In the wake of the tour, the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has launched a coaching certification programme designed…

By Rohan Chowdhury Indian women’s football team stalwart and goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan has announced her retirement from professional football after a decorated 17-year career. One of the most iconic names in Indian women’s football, she made 57 international appearances and represented several top Indian clubs. In a historic move, she also became the first Indian women’s team player to play competitive club football in England, turning out for West Ham United Ladies, for whom she made seven appearances. Her journey from Delhi to London remains a defining chapter in the evolution of Indian women’s football. Chauhan made her senior national…

English summer is for cricket. Fans gather, enjoy a few pints, and immerse themselves in the beautiful game in its purest form — Test cricket. And when it comes to Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, the game merges seamlessly with tradition and storied legacy. Home to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), formed in 1788, this iconic ground has stood tall as one of cricket’s cultural epicentres through the ages. On Monday, July 14th, Lord’s witnessed one of the most nail-biting finishes to a Test match in recent memory. India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj fought valiantly till the very end…

Rohan Chowdhury in London While KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant held fort in the middle during the first hour of play on Day 3 of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s, another scene unfolded quietly on the adjacent Nursery Ground of the iconic venue. India captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal took to the nets for a focused training session. Taking throwdowns and going through specific drills, the two in-form batters seemed to be working through the disappointments of their brief outings in the first innings. Both had been brilliant in the first two Tests, but…

Rohan Chowdhury, Lord’s Former England captain Andrew Strauss believes that India’s depth across departments makes them a formidable side, no matter the conditions or opposition. Speaking on the second day of the third Test of the ongoing series between England and India, Strauss reflected on the quality of India’s batting, the complexity of their bowling selections in English conditions, and the leadership promise of Shubman Gill. Strauss acknowledged the enormous batting reservoir India currently enjoys. “I’m not that surprised, because I think there’s so much depth in Indian cricket now,” he said. “You have to look at the IPL, and…

Rohan Chowdhury at Lord’s We were at the MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground, where we spoke with Stuart Pearson Wright, the artist behind the newly unveiled portrait of Sachin Tendulkar. The painting was revealed on Thursday, July 10, just ahead of the start of play in the third Test between England and India. Rohan: Mr Wright, welcome to RevSportz. Firstly, I would like to know more about this painting. I read that the MCC wanted a larger-than-life picture. Earlier, you had made paintings of Kapil Dev and Bishan Singh Bedi, full figures, but this is something different. Could you…

Rohan Chowdhury, Lord’s The Home of Cricket, Lord’s, is all set to host the third Test between England and India from Thursday, July 10. On the eve of the clash, England announced their playing squad: Josh Tongue made way for the returning Jofra Archer. The rest of the team remains unchanged. Archer’s inclusion marks a significant moment in England’s summer. The 30-year-old fast bowler is making his Test comeback after a long injury layoff, having last played in the format four years ago. His selection is strategic: The Lord’s pitch Is expected to offer early movement, and Archer’s pace and…