Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes” on Sunday.
Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes” on Sunday, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified rules that divided tennis fans. Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women’s professional tour, set up by King, fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for the men. King, one of the all-time greats of the women’s game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.
Kyrgios has dropped to 671 in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka.
During the recent Boxing Day Test, Australia’s Steve Smith surpassed Allan Border to become the second-highest run scorer in Ashes history, behind Sir Don Bradman.
Steve Smith surpassed Allan Border in an elite list after the AUS vs ENG Boxing Day Test (Credit: AP) Photo : AP
During the Boxing Day Test against England, Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith overtook Allan Border on an exclusive list. Despite his cheap scores of 9 and 24* in the first and second innings, respectively, he became the Baggy Greens’ second-highest run scorer in Ashes history. Now, the only person behind him on the list is Sir Don Bradman.
In the first innings, Josh Tongue, an England seamer, rattled Smith’s wickets. Despite the difficult ground to bat on, Smith managed to stay undefeated on the second occasion. Overall, Australia’s batting performance was subpar as they were unable to score more than 200 runs in either of their two innings.
Smith’s consistency in the series over the years has seen him amass 3,553 runs against England in Tests, despite his inability to live up to expectations in the current Ashes. In 40 Test matches, the 36-year-old has scored 12 hundreds and 14 fifties. With 3,548 runs from 47 Test matches, including 8 hundreds and 21 fifties, he surpassed Border on the list.
Most runs for Australia in The Ashes –
1. Sir Don Bradman – 5028 runs
2. Steve Smith – 3553 runs
3. Allan Border – 3548 runs
4. Steve Waugh – 3173 runs
5. Clem Hill – 2660 runs
Smith, however, expressed disapproval of the Melbourne pitch, where the Boxing Day Test was finished in just two days. None of the hitters were able to reach a half-century, making the track nothing less than a nightmare for them. Twenty wickets were taken on the first day, and sixteen wickets were taken on the second.
“Yeah, I think a little bit too much. It was tricky; no one could really get in. I think when you see 36 wickets across two days, that’s probably too much. So, probably it did a little bit more than they (the curators) would have wanted. Maybe if we drop it (the grass) down to 8mm, it’d be about right, potentially,” Smith said during the post-match presentation.
India’s chess ace D Gukesh had said ahead of the FIDE World Rapid Championships that he didn’t have a lot of expectations from the season-ending event in Doha.
India’s chess ace D Gukesh had said ahead of the FIDE World Rapid Championships that he didn’t have a lot of expectations from the season-ending event in Doha. But two days into the competition, the classical world champion proved himself wrong as he remained among the frontrunners after nine rounds of the the showpiece competition on Sunday. The teenager was joint seventh on 6.5 points with 12 others, while Russian Grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev, on 7.5 points, emerged as the joint leader with Hans Niemann after inflicting a rare defeat on world No 1 and five-time world rapid champion Magnus Carlsen (seven points), who slipped to joint third with three others.
On Saturday, Gukesh’s fighting spirit stood out as he, along with Arjun Erigaisi (6.5 points), remained just one point adrift of the leaders even as R Praggnanandhaa dropped to joint 20th along with young Nihal Sarin (both six points).
Gukesh, playing black in the sixth round — the day’s first — warded off a strong challenge from Anish Giri to split the point after the Dutch Grandmaster seemed to have cornered the Indian’s king with a superior rook formation. Gukesh, however, managed a draw in 57 moves.
The Indian was then involved in a stalemate with former European champion Alexey Sarana, before going on to earn a full point against Spaniard David Anton in the penultimate round of the day.
However, the Indian ace suffered his only defeat so far in the competition when he blundered on the 34th move with white to go down to former world rapid champion from Uzbekistan, Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
On a day when giant-killer Artemiev was on the rampage, the 27-year-old defeated Erigaisi in the opening round, with the Indian a pawn and a bishop down.
Artemiev then achieved a rare victory over Carlsen — the Norwegian’s only defeat in the nine rounds so far — as he went top of the table.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace as Al-Nassr sealed their 10th straight win in the Saudi Pro League with a 3-0 victory over Al Akhdoud on Saturday, as per Goal.com. Joao Felix also found the net as Al-Nassr moved four points ahead of Al-Hilal at the top of the table, taking 30 points from their first 10 matches of the 2025-26 season. With the brace, Ronaldo took his overall goals tally to 956, 60 goals ahead of arch-rival Lionel Messi.
Al-Nassr dominated from the opening minutes, putting constant pressure on the Al Akhdoud defence in search of an early breakthrough. After not utilising on a few chances, the hosts finally opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark when Cristiano Ronaldo finished clinically. The goal came from a Joao Felix corner, which Angelo Gomes flicked on at the near post, allowing Ronaldo to tap in from close range at the far post, as per Goal.com.
Just before half-time, Ronaldo completed his brace by doubling Al-Nassr’s lead with another classy finish. Marcelo Brozovic carried the ball into the box and passed it to his captain, who flicked it into the net.
Early in the second half, Al-Nassr went close to a third when Kingsley Coman hit the crossbar. Al Akhdoud appealed for a penalty in the 55th minute after Blaz Kramer went down, but a VAR review ruled the striker offside.
Ronaldo thought he had completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, but the goal was disallowed after VAR showed Sultan Al-Ghannam was offside in the build-up. Joao Felix later sealed the win with a goal late in the match.
Navjot Singh Sidhu has made an emotional appeal for Virat Kohli’s Test return. Citing Kohli’s elite fitness and form, Sidhu believes a comeback would unite and uplift Indian cricket fans nationwide.
Virat Kohli’s last Test hundred came in Perth Test vs Australia. (AP Photo)
Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has sparked fresh conversation around Virat Kohli’s Test retirement after sharing an emotional message on social media, expressing his wish to see the former India captain return to red-ball cricket. Sidhu suggested that Kohli’s comeback would be a moment of collective joy for the nation, underlining the batter’s unmatched fitness and enduring aura.
Kohli officially retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, bringing an end to one of the most influential red-ball careers in Indian cricket history. Speaking through an Instagram post, Sidhu said Kohli’s presence in Test cricket would uplift the entire country and insisted that the 37-year-old’s physical conditioning remains elite, comparable to a player much younger in age.
“If God granted me a wish I’d say bring Kohli out of his retirement & make him play Test Cricket . Nothing would give more joy and ecstasy to a country of 1.5 billion ! His fitness is that of a twenty year old – he himself 24 carat gold,” Sidhu wrote.
Kohli’s Test retirement earlier this year followed his decision to step away from T20 Internationals after India’s World Cup triumph in Barbados in 2024. With that, the former captain transitioned into a single-format international player, committing himself fully to One Day Internationals.
Despite retiring from two formats, Kohli’s ODI form has shown little sign of decline. After India’s Champions Trophy victory in March, he endured a rare lean patch in Australia, registering back-to-back ducks in the opening two ODIs, the first such instance of his international career. The response, however, was emphatic. Kohli struck an unbeaten 74 in Sydney as India chased down the target with ease, alongside Rohit Sharma’s commanding century.
The resurgence continued in South Africa, where Kohli hammered successive centuries in the first two ODIs before finishing the series with an unbeaten 65 to seal a 2-1 win. He ended the year with 651 ODI runs from 13 innings at an average of 65.10.
Stunning Dorgu volley enough for Man Utd to beat Newcastle
As a football idealist, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has specific beliefs about how the game should be played – and the best way to win.
But his usual philosophy was not the one that brought the Christmas present of a 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle.
For one thing, there was the formation switch.
Amorim joked in September that not even the Pope could persuade him to change, but for the first time since he took charge 13 months ago, he fielded a back four.
For another, victory was achieved with 33.4% possession, their lowest in any game this season. It was United’s lowest percentage of possession in a victory since the 29.4% they had when beating against Manchester City in January 2023.
They had nine shots at Old Trafford compared to Newcastle’s 16. The visitors had 43 touches in their opponents’ box. Amorim’s men had 15.
Yet it was Manchester United who prevailed, thanks to a combination of Patrick Dorgu’s first goal for the club – which was a sublime first-half volley from the edge of the area – and only a second clean sheet of the season.
It wasn’t pretty. But even for Amorim, sometimes there are days when substance trumps style.
“Yes,” was the unequivocal reply when asked if this was one of the ‘most satisfying’ wins of his, at times, tortuous 13 months in charge.
“The feeling is good. If you compared to other games, we suffered so much more today but in certain moments we put everything on the line.
“We are defending every cross. Especially if you see the second half, sometimes we managed to defend with a back six.
“We had so many games when we controlled the opponent so much better, but it is a good feeling to have a clean sheet. We suffered together. If we always have this spirit, we are going to win so many games.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe headed back to the north-east of England reflecting on yet another disappointing away performance. He admitted his side failed to turn their territorial advantage into the type and volume of meaningful chances that would have earned maximum points.
But for the home side, the outcome felt significant.
Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven are at other ends of the experience scale.
One is a World Cup winner, albeit one just returning from the latest in a sequence of bad injuries. The other is a 19-year-old with 15 senior appearances under his belt – who has now extended the longest playing sequence of his first-team career to five games.
Paired together in the middle of a revised back four, with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as full-backs and Dorgu switched to the right side of Amorim’s attack, Martinez and Heaven were immense.
“He [Martinez] is a guy with a lot of character,” said Amorim.
“He is really good on the ball – and has won a World Cup, so he is used to that stress – but he showed today he is a top player.
“He is a small guy but today he did well against a team with tall players.”
The sight of 5ft 9in Martinez leaping high to win a header against 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade in the first half was impressive.
Even though there was an element of Amorim having to protect a player starting for the first time since February following his recovery from cruciate knee ligament surgery, there must have been concern when Martinez left the field two minutes from time and 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson came on in his place.
Virat Kohli is letting his bat do the talking amid constant speculations over his ODI future and chances of making the cut in India’s squad for the 2027 World Cup. Having made his long-awaited return to competitive cricket during the Australia tour with back-to-back ducks, Kohli has ever since been on a productive run that has seen him score two centuries and as many half-centuries in his last four international matches.
He has also carried that fine form into domestic cricket where, representing Delhi, he scored 131 against Andhra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy opener and followed that with an aggressive 77 vs Gujarat today.
The veteran batter has retired from Tests and T20Is with ODI now the only format that he plays for India. His childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma believes that the ex-India captain is fully prepared for the next ODI World Cup to be held in Africa.
“He (Kohli) is in brilliant form and has continued his form. He batted very well and ensured Delhi’s victory. He played domestic cricket after a long time and played a brilliant knock. He has scored hundreds in his previous two matches and is the most consistent player of the Indian team. For me, he is fully ready for the World Cup,” Sharma told news agency ANI.
Sharma also defended Kohli’s quiet return to international cricket earlier this year, citing his incredible record while stating a couple of innings won’t make him a bad player.
Amid the debate over Brendon McCullum’s future, a former England cricketer named Ravi Shastri as the ideal candidate to take over as England head coach.
In Ravi Shastri’s tenure, India beat Australia in Australia twice(AFP)
Current England head coach Brendon McCullum faces intense scrutiny after the team’s another forgettable tour Down Under. The Ben Stokes-led side lost the Ashes inside 11 days, raising doubts over his strategy and the much-discussed ‘Bazball’ approach. Amid the debate over McCullum’s future, former England bowler Monty Panesar named Ravi Shastri as the ideal candidate to take over as England coach.
McCullum was appointed by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) men’s managing director Rob Key in 2022, following the team’s 4-0 Ashes defeat. Alongside captain Ben Stokes, the duo breathed fresh life into England Test cricket, guiding the team to 10 wins in their first 11 matches.
However, England’s form has since stagnated. They have failed to win any of their marquee five-match series against Australia or India, losing 16 of their next 33 matches. This includes the ongoing Ashes, where they are trailing 0-3 with two games remaining.
Speaking to journalist Ravi Bisht on his YouTube channel, Panesar said he believes Ravi Shastri would be the right candidate to coach England, as he understands what it takes to beat Australia in their own backyard. He said: “You have to think: who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How do you take advantage of Australia’s weaknesses, mentally, physically, and tactically? I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach.”
Under Shastri, India beat Australia twice on Australian soil in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first came in 2018/19, India’s maiden series win Down Under. They repeated the feat in 2020/21, overcoming the infamous ‘36 all out’ in the Adelaide pink-ball Test and managing a squad riddled with injuries.
Despite the outside noise, McCullum stressed his desire to continue in the role but conceded that his future is no longer in his control following the Ashes defeat. The former New Zealand captain is contracted with the ECB until the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup, a tenure that also includes the next home Ashes series in the same year.
“I don’t know. It’s not really up to me, is it? I will just keep trying to do the job, try to learn the lessons that I haven’t quite got right here and make adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me,” McCullum had told the reporters in Melbourne when asked if he believes he will be in charge for the home summer next year.
Calling the role a “pretty good gig”, McCullum said he remains motivated despite the heavy criticism.
Yash Dayal’s lawyer, Kunal Jaiman, has argued that he only met the girl in public places, never alone, that she presented herself as an adult, took money from him citing financial problems.
Cricketer Yash Dayal has suffered a major setback as a Jaipur POCSO court has rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case of alleged rape of a minor girl. According to the order by Judge Alka Bansal of Jaipur Metropolitan Court (POCSO Court-3), the material on record does not suggest that Yash Dayal has been falsely implicated and the investigation so far indicates his possible involvement, so he cannot be granted anticipatory bail at this stage.
An FIR is registered at Sanganer Sadar police station in Jaipur, where the minor complainant has alleged that Dayal lured her with promises of helping her cricket career, emotionally blackmailed her and raped her repeatedly over about two-and-a-half years, including at hotels in Jaipur and Kanpur. Chats, photos and videos recovered from the girl’s mobile, along with call records and hotel stay records, are being treated by the police as key evidence under POCSO provisions.
One of the finest talents in the country, a popular face among fans, yet Rishabh Pant hasn’t achieved the heights in his career that he would’ve desired at the age of 28. Since making his debut for India in 2018, Pant has produced some incredible match-winning performances, especially in the whites, but hasn’t shown the consistency the team expects from him. At present, Pant remains an active part of the Indian team only in Tests, with opportunities in ODIs and T20Is being limited.
As Pant looks to navigate this phase of his career, former India spinner Amit Mishra has urged him to “modify his game” or risk getting dropped from the team.
“I have very high expectations from Rishabh Pant. Given the kind of player he is, he will also have to modify his game. Now, you can’t really call him a youngster anymore – he has been in the team since 2018. That’s what I’m saying: after a certain point in time, it becomes very important to modify your game,” Mishra said during a chat on the Men XP podcast.
“The opposition teams are watching you closely. They are observing you, understanding your game, and planning against you – where you hit fast bowling, which balls you don’t attack, they notice everything. So you also need to be aware of that. You can’t keep saying, ‘I got out the same way again here.’ That’s something you must avoid,” Mishra added.
Pant has often been criticised of throwing away his wickets by playing reckless shots. On multiple occasions, he got dismissed trying to execute similar shots without learning from past mistakes. Mishra, hence, has warned Pant that a change in his approach and batting style is a must at this stage of his career.
Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that he would raise the matter with the ICC over what he described as “provocative behaviour” by Indian players.
Mohsin Naqvi was present during the India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday(AFP)
After Pakistan under-19 team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed accused the Indian side of misconduct during the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that he would raise the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he described as “provocative behaviour” by Indian players.
Pakistan produced a dominant performance in the final against India on Sunday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. After posting 347 for eight, they bowled India out for 156 in 26.2 overs to seal a thumping 191-run victory. The win earned Pakistan their first Under-19 Asia Cup title in 13 years and only the second in the tournament’s history.
Speaking to the media at a reception for the Under-19 team hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi called out the conduct of the Indian players and said the board would “formally” approach the ICC, urging the council to keep sport and politics separate.
“Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final,” Naqvi said. “Pakistan will formally inform the ICC about the incident. Politics and sports should always be kept separate.”
Earlier, during the same media interaction, Sarfaraz, who had previously won the Champions Trophy as captain in the 2017 final against India, criticised India’s conduct during the final, terming it “unethical.”
“India’s behaviour during the game was not appropriate, and their conduct was against the spirit of cricket,” Sarfaraz said. “Despite that, we celebrated our victory with sportsmanship. Cricket should always be played in the right spirit; what India did reflects their own actions.”
This is not the first time player conduct during an India–Pakistan clash has made headlines. Earlier, during the senior men’s T20 Asia Cup in September in Dubai, both boards raised concerns and lodged complaints with the ICC over on-field behaviour across three matches, including the final.
The star-studded Indian cricket team, which had IPL players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, reached the U-19 Asia Cup final unbeaten but lost the title clash against Pakistan
The U-19 Asia Cup did not end well for the Indian team. The star-studded side, which had IPL players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, reached the final unbeaten but lost the title clash against Pakistan by a huge 191-run margin. Once Pakistan posted a mammoth 347/8, riding on Sameer Minhas’ 172 (113b, 17×4, 9×6), India needed a lion-hearted chase to clinch a ninth title in the tournament. But the tall Pakistan pace troika – Ali Reza (4/42), Mohammad Sayyam (2/38) and Abdul Subhan (2/29) – hurried through the top order with consistent hard lengths as India folded for 156 in 26.2 overs. Suryavanshi, who began the tournament with a 171 against UAE, scored 26, while Chennai Super Kings player Mhatre was out for 2.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will review the Mhatre-led side’s performance in the continental event after the loss to Pakistan in the final.
“The decision was taken at an online Apex Council meeting on Monday (December 22) evening, where members discussed the team’s overall showing in the tournament and felt there was a need to seek explanations from the team management,” the report stated.
While generally the team manager always submits a report to BCCI after any tournament, this time the BCCI is likely to “go beyond the usual review process” and hold discussions with head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and captain Mhatre.
The final match saw heated moments, with Mhatre and Suryavanshi engaging in a heated altercation with their rivals from Pakistan. Whether player conduct will be part of the review is not yet known.
Mohsin Naqvi handed over the trophy to the Pakistan team during the post match presentation ceremony. However, Team India is still waiting for their Asia Cup 2025 trophy since their victory in the finals against Pakistan in September this year.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Congratulates U19 Team On Asia Cup Final Win Over India | X | Facebook
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday showered praise on the Under-19 Team for winning the Asia Cup final against India. Pakistan U-19 team beat India by 191 runs in the Asia Cup final to lift the trophy. PM Shehbaz Sharif also praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the victory.
Mohsin Naqvi handed over the trophy to the Pakistan team during the post match presentation ceremony. However, Team India is still waiting for their Asia Cup 2025 trophy since their victory in the finals against Pakistan in September this year.
An electrifying performance by Team Pakistan 🇵🇰
Shahbash 👏🏻
Heartiest congratulations to our Under-19 team on winning the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 🏆 2025, defeating India in the final.
The nation is proud of you.
My deep appreciation to Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for…
Shahbaz Sharif said, “An electrifying performance by Team Pakistan Shahbash Heartiest congratulations to our Under-19 team on winning the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2025, defeating India in the final. The nation is proud of you. My deep appreciation to Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their dedicated efforts.”
Pakistani opener Sameer Minhas scripted history in the Asia Cup U19 final with his 172 runs off 113 balls which helped Pakistan to gain victory against India. His century got Pakistan to an invincible total of 347 runs.
India’s T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill, incurred a huge shock on Saturday as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Gill’s omission left many surprised, considering he was recently elevated as the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav while also being given the opening spot alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee hit the panic button after witnessing Gill’s poor run of form in the format and decided to reallocate the second opening spot to Sanju Samson.
While questions were being raised over Gill’s continuity in the playing XI, ahead of Samson, not many had predicted that he would be dropped from the squad entirely. As per a report in the Indian Express, Gill wasn’t informed about his removal from the T20 squad until the roster was announced on Saturday. But the BCCI selection committee had made up its mind a few days ago.
Why Was Shubman Gill Dropped?
According to the report, the nature of the pitches being set up for the T20 World Cup 2026 played a big role in the decision. With India playing every match at a different venue, pitches are expected to get slower as the tournament progresses. This means that runs in the powerplay become more crucial in deciding the fate of the game.
The selectors, hence, put more faith in Samson, Abhishek, and Ishan Kishan’s explosive power at the top to do this job than Gill. This was the area where Gill lost the race to the trio.
With India’s over-reliance on Hardik Pandya to play the finisher’s role also being exposed over the last few games, the selectors deduced that handing Rinku Singh a recall is important. Rinku is expected to take some load off Hardik’s shoulders in the finishing department.
Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga.
Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga. French superstar Mbappe levelled Ronaldo’s tally of 59 goals in 2013 by stroking home a late penalty, after Bellingham sent Madrid ahead with a first half header. The victory allowed Los Blancos, second, to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona to one point before the Catalans visit Villarreal on Sunday.
“To do like Cristiano did, my idol, the best player in Real Madrid’s history and a world great, it’s an honour for me,” said Mbappe, who turned 27 on Saturday.
Gaining a third consecutive win across all competitions, after managing just two in the previous eight games, marginally eases the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso even though the performance was still underwhelming.
“We’ve got some time now to analyse and reflect where we are now,” Alonso told reporters ahead of the winter break.
“We want to do better, we’re self-critical, we got the three points and now we’ll use this time and try to start the year better.”
Sevilla, who thrashed champions Barcelona 4-1 in October, started strongly with veteran Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez heavily involved.
Odysseas Vlachodimos made a fine save to thwart Fran Garcia at the other end, and as the minutes ticked by Madrid began to find more of a foothold.
Bellingham headed the hosts in front at the Santiago Bernabeu after Rodrygo Goes whipped in a dangerous free-kick.
The Brazilian forward was booked for diving before the break as he tumbled in the box under little pressure.
Sanchez landed the ball on the roof of Thibaut Courtois’s net before the break with an acrobatic effort.
Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda was sent off at half-time for dissent, but his team plugged away in search of an equaliser regardless.
Courtois twice denied Isaac Romero early in the second half, while Mbappe intensified his search to emulate Ronaldo’s record.
Mbappe headed against the crossbar and whipped a shot narrowly wide, while Vlachodimos fended off another effort from the forward.
Sevilla defender Marcao clumsily slid in to foul Bellingham after 67 minutes and was sent off for a second yellow card, hampering his side’s chances of adding to Alonso’s struggles.
Madrid almost scored a second when Mbappe teed up Rodrygo, who lifted the ball into the air and then lashed it towards goal, but Vlachodimos superbly tipped it onto the crossbar.
Mbappe’s 59th
Eventually Mbappe got the goal he craved from the penalty spot, after Juanlu clumsily brought down Rodrygo.
The forward sent Vlachodimos the wrong way as he stroked in his 59th of the year, to match Ronaldo’s record.
Mbappe copied Ronaldo’s trademark celebration and said it was a nod to the Portuguese great, Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer.
“I wanted to give him a wink because he’s always been kind to me,” said Mbappe.
“He was my idol as a kid, I have a very good relationship with him, he’s a friend now.”
Madrid were awarded another penalty when Bellingham went down in the box but it was ruled out after a VAR review showed Sevilla defender Oso got the ball.
The referee then gave Madrid another penalty as Sow fouled Rodrygo on the edge of the box, but the offence was just outside the area and it was again scrapped.
Mbappe whipped the free-kick narrowly over the top corner as he battled in vain to go beyond Ronaldo’s mark, but he will have to try again in 2026.
Chakravarthy (4/53) removed the dangerous Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira off consecutive deliveries in the 13th over to take the fight out of the South Africans by reducing them to 135 for 5 from 118 for 1 in 10 overs.
Indian players celebrate after their victory in the fifth T20 International cricket match against South Africa, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Credit: PTI
Hard-hitting India batters Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya hammered fine half-centuries while spinner Varun Chakravarthy snared four wickets as India defeated South Africa by 30 runs to clinch the five-match T20I series 3-1 here on Saturday.
With Varma (73 off 42 balls) and Pandya (63 off 25 balls) in full flow, India scored a competitive 231 for 5 and then restricted the visitors to 201 for 8.
The Proteas were in the match till opener Quinton de Kock (65 off 35 balls) and Dewald Brevis (31 off 17) were at the crease, but the visitors lost wickets quickly once the two departed in successive overs.
Chakravarthy (4/53) removed the dangerous Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira off consecutive deliveries in the 13th over to take the fight out of the South Africans by reducing them to 135 for 5 from 118 for 1 in 10 overs.
Earlier, skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s poor run with the bat continued as he scored just five runs but India still put up a big total with Varma and Pandya sharing a 115-run stand for the fourth wicket.
After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the “competent authority” to oversee a full refund for ticket holders.
After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the “competent authority” to oversee a full refund for ticket holders. The abandonment of the match sparked frustration among spectators, who are expecting a refund for their tickets. Under the BCCI’s refund policy, spectators are eligible for reimbursement (minus fees) if a match is cancelled or abandoned before a single ball is bowled. “That is under the domain of the state cricket association, which is UPCA. So, this game’s hosting state is the UPCA. So, they will be able to tell you about this, and they are the competent authority.
“Everything in ticketing is done by the state association, as the BCCI just gives them the hosting rights and all these things are taken care of and are under the domain of the state association,” Saikia told IANS on Thursday.
Repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, didn’t yield the desired outcome as the game was eventually called off at 9.30 pm.
Due to the match being abandoned at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, India holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the fifth and final game set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
The abandonment of the fourth T20I has reignited debate over the BCCI’s scheduling of international games in winter months, particularly with this series against South Africa seen as a part of vital preparation ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup in February-March.
This was the first time a T20I was staged in Lucknow in December, and it now carries the unwanted distinction of hosting India’s first major international match abandoned due to excessive fog.
India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was even spotted wearing a mask in the middle, underscoring the severity of fog and the Air Quality Index (AQI), which remained hazardous. The scheduling of fixtures in North Indian winters has long been a contentious issue, and Saikia felt Wednesday’s game being abandoned in Lucknow was just an exceptional situation.
“No, it is a solitary weather situation. Normally we have this kind of weather in the month of January. This time it is quite early, number one, and number two, we had a match in Dharamsala also the other day. Dharamsala is a much colder place. So you cannot predict fog, and rain. Nowadays cricket is a throughout the year annual event for 12, and we have to have the matches.
“When we saw that there were big disturbances from fog in northern India in the month of January, we already restructured our domestic cricket matches. That’s why there is a big gap between Ranji Trophy matches in North India. If you look at our schedule, we have bifurcated the Ranji Trophy matches into two parts.
“During the first part of January, we are not scheduling any matches in North India from last year onwards, if you follow that. This Lucknow incident is an exceptional weather condition. We had three matches in North India – one in Chandigarh, Dharamshala and one in Lucknow – all are in the same build,” he elaborated.
Saikia also gave an example of how prior advice on smog affecting New Delhi after Diwali had led to the national capital hosting the second Test against the West Indies in October, instead of the originally decided series opener against South Africa.
“If we had got any sense that there will be something like this, you can take the example of rescheduling or swapping of the Test match in New Delhi. If you look at the West Indies match, the second Test was played in New Delhi. In fact, the second Test was scheduled to happen in Kolkata.
Shubman Gill’s vulnerability against straight deliveries has emerged as an area of concern and the India opener needs to improve his footwork to counter the issue, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar said. Gill, India’s vice-captain in the T20 format, has managed 291 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 137.3, and Bangar pointed out that the opener’s scoring rate drops noticeably against deliveries pitched on a straight line. “In the beginning, his footwork was very positive. But if you remove three or four boundaries over 28 games, the issue has been on straighter lines. Against straight deliveries, his strike rate has fallen quite low,” Bangar said, urging the young opener to improve his footwork to counter this weakness,” Bangar said on Game Plan on JioStar.
“Outside the off stump, his strike rate is good, but there have been a few edges as well. Overall, he has scored runs, but straight-line play is something he will want to improve.
“In the second (T20) game (against South Africa), the ball that got him out was a very good delivery. It could have dismissed any batter. His footwork has improved, and if he continues to play with clear footwork, he will be able to hit the same shots consistently, like the three or four boundaries we’ve seen.” Abhishek’s attacking mindset is a key factor
Bangar praised young opener Abhishek Sharma for his attacking approach, particularly his ability to hit big sixes over the covers.
The former batting coach noted that Abhishek’s high backlift and powerful swing give him excellent reach, enabling him to clear the infield with ease.
“His attacking mindset is a key factor. He has the ability to strike the ball cleanly, especially over the covers, which is a special skill,” Bangar added.
Messi’s grand visit only underscored the harsh truth: India cheers for icons, not the sport itself, as domestic football crumbles under neglect, stalled leagues, and a system unwilling to reform.
The money put in for Lionel Messi’s tour of India could have been put in to improve Indian football. (PTI Photo)
Lionel Messi’s visit to India has been the flavour of the week. And yet, I found myself strangely unmoved.
Don’t get me wrong—I have been a devoted admirer of the diminutive Argentinian for years and would jump at the chance to see him up close. But under the circumstances, a self-imposed boycott felt more honest. Because how does one celebrate a footballer while the sport itself lies in the ICU in this country?
It is estimated that the promoters who brought Messi to India spent close to Rs 120 crore to make the trip happen. That figure reportedly includes Messi’s appearance fee, the cost of a private jet, and other operational expenses. The recovery plan was predictable: corporate sponsorships, government tie-ups, steep ticket prices (Rs 10,000– Rs 30,000), private meet-and-greets reportedly costing Rs 10 lakh per person, and television rights. A heady cocktail of money, power and glamour ensured that an ambitious nation could afford 72 hours of footballing royalty.
Now contrast that spectacle with the state of football back home.
The last year has arguably been the darkest phase in Indian football’s history. The country’s top league, the Indian Super League (ISL), is in limbo, with no takers for its commercial rights. The season remains stalled, leaving nearly 300 Indian footballers effectively jobless. The crisis has deepened to the point where icons like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have had to issue public SOS messages on social media, pleading for intervention.
Reliance ran the league for nearly a decade before pulling the plug, citing sustained losses and irreconcilable differences with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Matters are no better lower down the pyramid. Even the tender to operate the I-League, India’s second-tier men’s competition, failed to attract a single bidder this year. While much of this reflects chronic mismanagement and incompetence within the AIFF, it also points to a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: widespread apathy towards the sport itself.
Here’s the stark arithmetic. While the total operating cost of one full season of ISL is 100 odd crores, currently the AIFF is demanding a minimum guarantee of around 37.5 crore from any entity that would like to own and market one season of the ISL— that’s marketing and controlling rights for three full seasons of India’s premier football competition for roughly the same amount spent on Messi’s three-day joyride through the country.
Yet, there are no corporates dipping into marketing budgets, no state governments offering “partnership” fees, no wealthy patrons paying for the sport, and not even a strong middle-class rush to buy tickets for domestic matches. Even the central government appears to have stepped away. A Times of India report quoted the sports ministry as saying in no uncertain terms that it “cannot help in funding and running the ISL” and that the responsibility lies entirely with stakeholders. This, even as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and eyes a potential Olympic bid in 2036.
Then there’s the national team. The Indian men currently languish at 142 in the FIFA rankings—their worst position in over a decade. Recent defeats have come against Bangladesh and Afghanistan, teams that were once considered walkovers. From being regarded as Asian giants in an earlier era to struggling even at the SAFF level, Indian football’s decline has been steep—almost as steep as the rupee’s fall against the dollar.
Consider this: India has failed to qualify for next year’s AFC Asian Cup. So forget the FIFA World Cup. Indian football doesn’t even feature among the top 24 teams in Asia anymore—on a continent widely regarded as the weakest in the footballing universe. This marks a dramatic fall from a time when India featured in each of the last three editions of the same tournament.
All of which reinforces a belief I have long held about sports in this country: Indians don’t love sport; they love sportstars.
The opening tie, on a sunny afternoon in Cubbon Park, saw VB Realty Hawks defeat Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-21.
Kites’ Nick Kyrgios (left) and D Suresh in action during a men’s doubles match of the WTL at SM Krishna Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Credit: DH Photo/ B K Janardhan
For the Indian players in fray at the World Tennis League, it is a four-day crash course on ‘what you need to do to chase your dreams’ while rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s best.
For the international stars at the franchise-based event, it is four days of active rest sessions during off season and an opportunity to give back to the sport as mentors.
Such exchange of pro tips, light-hearted conversations in between some serious and some playful serves, backhands and forehands were on display at the decked-up SM Krishna Tennis Stadium as the fourth edition of the WTL got underway here on Wednesday.
The opening tie, on a sunny afternoon in Cubbon Park, saw VB Realty Hawks defeat Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-21. India’s young talent Maaya Revathi teamed-up with world No. 14 Elina Svitolina to get the Hawks to a winning start as the duo beat world No. 26 Marta Kostyuk and the country’s seasoned pro Ankita Raina of the Kites 7-5. Ukraine’s Svitolina extended Hawks’ lead by downing her fellow country-woman Kostyuk 7-5.
Nick Kyrgios and Dhakshineswar Suresh pulled one back for the Kites by beating Denis Shapovalov and Yuki Bhambri (6-4). Going into the fourth and final one-set tie with a tiny lead, world No. 23 Shapovalov got the better of Suresh (7-5) to help Hawks fly away with a win.
With the floodlights now lighting up the facility, AOS Eagles edged past third edition winners Game Changers Falcons 18-16. Even though Eagles’ and world No. 25 Paula Badosa lost the opener 4-6 to less fancied Magda Linette, the Spaniard joined forces with India’s top-ranked male singles player Sumit Nagal to win the mixed doubles 6-1 against Falcons’ former world No. 1 doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna and partner Linette.
Falcons then captured the men’s doubles ties (Daniil Medvedev/ Bopanna beat Gael Monfils/ Nagal 6-2) before 39-year-old Frenchman Monfils outclassed Medvedev 6-3.
In a tournament meant to entertain through tennis, there was also drama when a section of the crowd began protesting at the beginning of the first contest. The jazzed up player tunnel entry blocking their view of the court angered the ones seated behind it as play was suspended for a few minutes before moving the crowd to the adjacent centre stands.
As for on court theatrics, the normally poker-faced Medvedev flashed a beaming smile for the fans, chair umpire Jon Blom disciplined Kyrgios’ tantrums saying ‘Nick, please sit down!’
and Monfils bounced, danced and got the crowds on their feet. The ‘Tennis-tainment’ also had Bollywood stars offering their two cents on the sport during their two minutes stay at the stadium. Right!
Lionel Messi embraced Indian culture and performed various rituals during his visit to Vantara in Jamnagar. Clips have come out of the Argentine performing the Shiv Abhishek as well as chanting various mantras and praying.
Lionel Messi embraced Indian culture |Courtesy – screengrab
Lionel Messi won hearts as he took up local traditions on his visit to India over the week alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, as the Argentina footballers visited four Indian cities with events at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, and Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium before visiting Jamnagar, where he visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre operated by Anant Ambani
In visuals released by Reliance Industries of the visit, Messi was seen taking a tour of the facility and having a fun interaction with the animals. Moreover, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also visited temples in the city alongside Anant and his wife, Radhika, and performed religious rituals.
In visuals that have gone viral on social media, Messi was seen praying and chanting various mantras like ‘Jai Mata Di’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ while also performing Shiv Abhishek.
Lionel Messi’s Special Words For India
After leaving India and going to Argentina for a holiday during his off-season before he returns to Miami, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner took to Instagram and expressed gratitude towards Indian fans and wished that the country’s football sees a bright future.
“Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!,” wrote Messi on Instagram while posting a clip of events he did in the four cities.
During the last event in Delhi, Messi also gave a speech to the fans and promised to return while expressing his delight at seeing the love of Indian fans.
“Well, I just want to thank everyone for the love and affection during these days in India. In fact, it was a truly beautiful experience for us to be able to share it. And although it was short and intense, it was wonderful to receive all this love that I knew existed, but receiving it directly was amazing. It was a crazy experience, everything they did for us these days. So, we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India. Thank you very much,” said Messi in an event.
After Matchday 4, Mumba Masters and Triveni Continental Kings are both on nine match points but the former at the top of the leader board with 51 game points as against 43 for the defending champions. In the first clash of Matchday 4, Alpine SG Pipers once again chose to play white after winning the toss for the second straight match.
Alpine SG Pipers stormed their way into title contention by registering their second consecutive victory while leaders upGrad Mumba Masters and defending champions Triveni Continental Kings also registered comfortable wins to maintain their advantage in the Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, on Wednesday.
The Pipers beat Fyers American Gambits 10-4, upGrad Mumba Masters registered a dominating 18-2 win over PBG Alaskan Knights while Triveni Continental Kings got the better of Ganges Grandmasters 11-6 at the Royal Opera House here on Wednesday.
After Matchday 4, Mumba Masters and Triveni Continental Kings are both on nine match points but the former at the top of the leader board with 51 game points as against 43 for the defending champions.
In the first clash of Matchday 4, Alpine SG Pipers once again chose to play white after winning the toss for the second straight match, looking to build on their victory over overnight leaders upGrad Mumbai Masters.
There was not much to separate the two teams on the top four boards but Mendonca came up with another clinical performance to beat World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin on the prodigy board to give his team the advantage. Opting for a Closed Catalan, the GM from Goa gained the upper hand with a bishop sacrifice on the 18th move and maintained the pressure and his Russian opponent running out of time on move 46.
In the women’s clash between Nino and Injac Teodara, the former was under pressure for a major part of the 61 move clash but turned things around with three advancing pawns and forced Teodara to resign and take her team to the top of the table for a brief period.
Nina, who registered her third win in four matches, said, “I played all in and pushed my pawn and at some point (I had a chance to win).”
Later, upGrad Mumba Masters rode on wins from Koneru Humpy and D Harika to register a dominating win over PBG Alaskan Knights with black pieces to cement their place on the top of leader board. Humpy lived dangerously against Kateryna Lagno but pounced on her opponent’s mistake as the Russian failed to correctly follow up after sacrificing her queen and resigned after 33 moves.
On the adjacent board, Player of the Match Harika defeated Sara Khadem in 43 moves while Alaskan Knights Arjun Erigasi lost to Wesley So after running out of time. On the icon board, world champion D Gukesh’s wait for a win got longer after he was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 31 moves. Bardiya Daneshvar completed Mumba Masters tally with a win over Daniel Dardha.
In the last match of the day, Triveni Continental Kings defeated Ganges Grandmasters 11-6 after Alireza Firouzja defeated Viswanathan Anand in the icon clash and GM Wei Yi got the better of Vincent Keymer on the second board.
Lionel Messi’s India tour moved through chaos and calm, heartbreak and joy. Across four cities, fans waited, erred, celebrated and found fleeting magic in the presence of football’s greatest.
Lionel Messi’s tour of India was a wild ride to say the least. (Image: PTI)
Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T Tour in India was more than just a visit. It was a rollercoaster journey that saw the many faces of the country. Across the four cities, the tour swung like a pendulum, hovering between disappointment, delight, missteps and moments that felt truly special.
For fans, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of football’s finest live and in the flesh. For organisers and political leaders, it became an opportunity to enhance their optics. For Messi, it was a short and intense visit filled with overwhelming affection, even when things did not always go according to plan.
Each city told a different story. Together, they formed a tour that will be remembered as much for its contrasts as for the presence of the GOAT himself.
Kolkata: Chaos in India’s footballing Mecca
Kolkata, often regarded as the footballing Mecca of India, was meant to be the blockbuster opener for Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour. Instead, the city that has lived and breathed football for generations witnessed a shocking spectacle that left fans angry and heartbroken.
Thousands of supporters packed the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan in Salt Lake, many paying Rs 4500 and upwards for tickets. For some, it meant months of saving. For others, it meant travelling long distances. They came with hope to see the legendary Argentine up close rather than from a television screen. But what followed was confusion.
Messi stepped onto the field, but it did not take long for the moment to go sour. He was immediately surrounded by politicians, officials, celebrities, their families and photographers. Space disappeared within seconds. Security struggled to cope. The planned lap of the ground never happened. Within minutes, Messi was escorted away.
His time on the field lasted under ten minutes.
As the realisation sank in, frustration spread through the stands. Fans who had waited for hours felt cheated. Bottles were thrown. Hoardings were damaged. Security personnel rushed in as protests broke out inside the stadium. Videos of the unrest flooded social media, replacing the excitement that had surrounded Messi’s arrival earlier that day.
The anger ran deeper because of where it happened. In a city that prides itself on its football culture, fans felt ignored and sidelined. Many openly questioned why they were invited at all when access appeared reserved for VVIPs.
Earlier, Kolkata had welcomed Messi warmly. He arrived after midnight on December 13, greeted by fans outside the airport. That excitement carried through the day, only to collapse by night.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology and announced an enquiry. The tour organiser was detained. Refunds were promised. A political blame game followed.
But none of it changed one truth. The fans lost. In India’s football heartland, the tour began with disappointment and national embarrassment.
Hyderabad: A fresh start with football in focus
After the chaos that ensued in Kolkata, the Hyderabad leg felt like a reset.
Fans arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium with tempered expectations. They were not asking for perfection. They wanted visibility, order and respect. This time, they got it.
Crowd movement was controlled. Sightlines were clear. The atmosphere felt calm and planned.
The programme began with a friendly match involving Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. His enthusiasm was evident, even if his footballing skill was not. Clips of his misplaced passes during a kickabout with Messi went viral, with football fans poking fun online. Reddy took it in good spirit and did not try to steal the show.
What mattered more was what he did next. Unlike Kolkata, he ensured that Messi was not crowded. At one point, he asked people to move away so fans could see clearly. That simple act earned praise and set the tone for the evening.
When Messi arrived with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, the stadium erupted. The difference was immediate. Messi was not swallowed by VIPs or layers of security. Fans enjoyed uninterrupted views as he walked onto the pitch smiling.
What followed were the moments supporters had hoped for. Light kickabouts, interactions with children, multiple laps of the ground and footballs kicked into the stands. Messi took his time acknowledging fans and soaking in the atmosphere.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also present and struck a different note. He stayed in the background, allowing children to share the spotlight with Messi. When Messi later gifted him an Argentina jersey, it felt like a footnote rather than the headline.
Messi addressed the crowd briefly, thanking fans for their love. The applause reflected a crowd that finally felt heard.
Hyderabad did not erase Kolkata, but it steadied the tour. It showed that when egos step aside, even a tightly scheduled event can feel genuine.
Mumbai: Emotion, order and a night that worked
The December 14 event at the Wankhede Stadium felt like everything coming together. The organisation was sharp. Fans were disciplined. The mood was joyful.
There were no chaotic scenes. Messi had space. He moved freely. The event flowed naturally.
One of the most emotional threads involved Sunil Chhetri. Recently retired from international football and nursing an injury, the former India captain still showed up. The crowd responded instinctively, chanting his name with warmth and pride.
Messi spent time with Chhetri and exchanged jerseys with him. It was a quiet but powerful moment. Two footballers from different worlds acknowledge each other.
Mumbai also delivered one of the tour’s most unforgettable images. Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar standing together at the Wankhede. Two icons from different sports sharing the same stage drew a roar that felt historic.
Messi played with children, took part in a friendly penalty shootout and interacted with youngsters from Project Mahadeva, a five-year, state-backed grassroots football initiative launched in Mumbai to identify and train 60 young boys and girls through a structured scouting and scholarship programme aimed at developing future international-level players. Suarez and De Paul joined in, keeping things light. Suarez getting nutmegged drew laughter and cheers.
There was a brief interruption when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the crowd and faced boos. He sensed the mood quickly, used a familiar chant and restored calm.
Mumbai showed what the tour could be when planning, restraint, and respect guided the evening.
Delhi: Delayed arrival, brief magic and a fitting farewell
The final leg in Delhi began with uncertainty. Fog delayed Messi’s flight from Mumbai, pushing his arrival into mid-afternoon. The schedule shrank.
Fans waited anyway.
By the time Messi arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, he had only about 30 minutes to give. It did not matter.
The stands were full. Chants were loud. Argentina jerseys were everywhere.
Messi walked out smiling. He waved freely. He took a lap of the ground. He kicked balls into the stands with Suarez and De Paul as confetti fell. He played briefly with children and felicitated the Minerva Academy team.
Then he spoke.
In Spanish, he thanked fans, described the visit as short but intense, and promised to return someday. Most did not understand the words, but everyone understood the feeling.
Jay Shah presented Messi with a ticket to India’s opener in the T20 World Cup 2026, an Indian cricket team jersey bearing No. 10. Suarez and De Paul received jerseys, too. Rekha Gupta’s arrival drew AQI chants, a reminder that Delhi crowds always speak their mind.
Fans waited nearly five hours for minutes of Messi. As they left, disappointment gave way to quiet fulfilment. Seeing Messi live was enough.
A missed football moment amid cricket’s familiar shadow
For all the emotion and spectacle, the tour also raised an uncomfortable question.
In a country where football is struggling for structure and stability, Messi’s visit was a rare opportunity to place the sport firmly at the centre. Instead, cricket once again found a way to share, and at times dominate, the narrative.
From symbolic jersey exchanges to the presence of cricketing icons and administrators at centre stage, several moments felt like crossover events rather than football first occasions. Cricket’s ecosystem remains so strong that it naturally draws attention, even during a football icon’s visit.
There were glimpses of what could have been. Interactions with children. Academy recognitions. Grassroots symbolism. But too often, football felt secondary to optics.
Here’s what Suryakumar Yadav had to say about his lack of form for India in T20Is.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav plays a shot during the third T20I(PTI)
India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted that he is “definitely out of runs” after failing to get going for the third game in a row against South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday. The right-handed batter has had a horrid time in the Indian colours in 2025, failing to hit a single fifty and averaging less than 15. Suryakumar, known as India’s Mr.360, scored 717 runs for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL this year; however, his form for India has been woeful, and this is now becoming a significant concern for the team ahead of the all-important World Cup.
In the 20 matches he has played this year, Suryakumar has gone past the 30-run mark just twice – once against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and then in the T20I against Australia in Canberra. His highest score so far in 2025 is 47 not out against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai.
Making matters worse, time and time again, Suryakumar has been falling prey to his favourite pick-up shot. This was once again his undoing in the third T20I against the Proteas in Dharamsala.
Speaking at the post-match presentation after India’s seven-wicket victory, Suryakumar emphatically stated that he’s “not out of form” but definitely “out of runs.”
“See, the thing is that I have been batting beautifully in the nets. I am trying everything that is in my control. When the game comes, when the runs have to come, they will definitely come. But yes, I am looking for runs,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.
“Not out of form, but definitely out of runs,” he added.
‘Sport teaches you a lot of things’
His own form aside, Suryakumar’s captaincy record is quite impressive in 2025, and he is yet to lose a series ever since taking over the T20I captaincy last year. After a hammering in the second T20I, the hosts bounced back strongly in the Dharamsala match, registering a win by seven wickets.
Speaking about the victory, the 35-year-old said, “I think this sport teaches you a lot of things. How you come back into the series is more important. And we did the same thing, we wanted to go back to basics, do the same things we were doing in Cuttack, and the results were on our side.”
The city of Mumbai turned up in numbers to get a glimpse of Lionel Messi at the Wankhede Stadium. The event went smoothly, and produced several memorable moments, prompting the Maharashtra CM to tweet that Mumbai has the GOAT fans.
Lionel Messi has a gala time in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)
“Thank you Mumbai, you are the real GOAT crowd,” tweeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after the successful completion of the GOAT Tour in Mumbai. On December 14, the iconic Wankhede Stadium hosted what turned out to be a near perfect event, as Lionel Messi, Sunil Chhetri, and Sachin Tendulkar came together on one stage. The evening was dedicated to celebrating one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi, in front of an adoring Indian audience.
Unlike the event in Kolkata, where the crowd lost their cool and vandalised the Salt Lake Stadium, the Mumbai crowd and organisers displayed remarkable discipline and respect. Fans showered love and admiration on Messi, allowing the event to unfold smoothly as the football legend went about his appearances and interactions at the Wankhede Stadium without any disruptions.
During the event, Messi played a few passes with children, participated in a friendly penalty shootout, and exchanged jerseys with Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The crowd remained on their feet throughout the evening, cheering loudly for every moment involving the stars. Their energy and enthusiasm helped turn the event into a memorable night for fans, and for all the right reasons.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appeared to take a subtle dig at the Kolkata crowd and the local administration following the smooth execution of the Mumbai event. He took to social media to praise the city, stating that Mumbai had shown why it deserved to be called the best crowd of all time.
“Thank You Mumbai, you are the Real G.O.A.T crowd!” the Chief Minister wrote on Sunday.
Earlier, chaos had ensued in Kolkata when fans grew angry with the organisers. With Lionel Messi surrounded by politicians and VIPs inside the stadium, large sections of the crowd were unable to get even a glimpse of their favourite star. Frustration soon boiled over, as fans left their seats and forcefully entered the pitch by breaking gates and toppling barricades. The angry crowd also ripped off seats inside the stadium, causing significant damage.
The unrest forced Messi to cut his Kolkata appearance short and leave the city earlier than planned. Despite the unpleasant experience, he went on to attend two subsequent events, honouring his commitment to fans across the country. The events in Hyderabad and Mumbai proceeded smoothly after the Kolkata incident, with improved security and crowd management. However, following the Kolkata disaster, the chief organiser of the tour, Satadru Dutta, was arrested by the police on charges of negligence in ensuring adequate security.
Fadnavis Booed
Amid what was otherwise a largely successful and well received event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis found himself facing an unexpected backlash from a section of fans during the closing stages of the evening. Taking the microphone, he announced Project Mahadev, a grassroots initiative aimed at promoting and developing football across the country.
However, in the backdrop of the events that had unfolded the previous day and Maharashtra’s complex and often polarised political landscape, the announcement failed to strike a positive chord with everyone present. As Fadnavis began his address and attempted to greet the audience, loud and sustained boos rang out from parts of the stands, briefly disrupting the proceedings.
December 13 was an unforgettable day for Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, which hosted football icon Lionel Messi. Fans in huge numbers made it to the stadium, paying whopping ticket prices just to get a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, but left dejected over the turn of events at the venue. Messi could remain for only 20 to 25 minutes before being escorted out. As he appeared on the ground, Messi was swarmed by more than 100 people, including several politicians, dignitaries, and security personnel. As fans failed to see him, they turned violent, forcing the player to leave the ground.
Former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick, who was one of the players in the exhibition match that took place between Mohun Bagan Messi XI and the Diamond Harbour Messi XI, revealed that the Argentine superstar got irritated and lost his cool over what traspired at the venue.
“Everything was going fine at the start as Messi walked into the stadium. He seemed relaxed, smiling, and shaking hands with all of us. He even gave autographs without hesitation,” Bhowmick told Sports Now.
“The moment too many people rushed onto the field and started clicking pictures, he became visibly uncomfortable,” he added.
As the situation turned from bad to worse, Messi failed to keep his cool.
“It got overcrowded very quickly, and we could see his reaction change as everyone around him started clicking pictures. He began showing signs of irritation, lost his cool, and everything went out of control,” Bhowmick said.
Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata to launch the GOAT India Tour 2025, drawing huge midnight crowds, ecstatic fans and heavy security as he begins a packed three-day schedule across four Indian cities.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to start the GOAT India Tour 2025.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to start the GOAT India Tour 2025, setting off a wave of excitement that swept through the City of Joy before dawn.
The Argentine legend touched down after travelling from Miami via Dubai, and even at the late hour, thousands of fans packed the airport perimeter for a glimpse of the World Cup winner.
Crowds chanted his name, waved Argentina flags and climbed onto barricades as police tightened a heavy security ring around the terminal. “There’s a great atmosphere of joy that Messi is coming to India after 14 years,” tour organiser Satadru Dutta said. “Football’s connection to India is growing again. Never before have so many sponsors come to Indian football.”
FANS WAIT FOR HOURS
Supporters who rushed to the airport long before his flight landed said the moment felt surreal. “We have been waiting for two hours. If needed, we will wait for even four. We can’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” one fan told ANI.
Another called the night “truly magical,” adding, “He’s a magician, the GOAT. We’re here just to catch a glimpse. Love you, Messi.”
Messi will travel to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi during the three-day tour.
A PACKED DAY AHEAD
Messi’s Kolkata schedule begins with a private meet-and-greet from 9.30 to 10.30 am, an exclusive window for select guests and organisers. He will then switch online to virtually inaugurate a statue dedicated to him, a gesture marking the city’s deep affection for the World Cup winner.
Eight years of love, partnership, and tiny moments that feel larger than sport – that’s the story of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. And on December 11, 2025, as the two celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary, Royal Challengers Bangalore decided to gift fans a throwback that was impossible not to smile at. The franchise posted a short, emotional video on Instagram – a montage centred around their win moment from June 3 this year – the night RCB finally ended their wait for an IPL title. As the fireworks lit up the skies over the Narendra Modi Stadium, Anushka rushed to Virat, threw her arms around him, and held on like she never wanted to let go.
Story:
“Anniversary special, featuring Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. Ishq hai,” RCB captioned the clip. The video shows Anushka’s eyes welling up as she plants a gentle kiss on Virat’s cheek, one hand on his back, steady and proud. Virat, who was visibly emotional, sunk into the moment – the pressure of a season giving way to the comfort of the one person who has been there through every high and low. Anushka seems to whisper, “So proud of you.”
Virat and Anushka – or “Virushka,” as fans lovingly call them – tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017. It was intimate, pastel, and instantly iconic. Four years later, they announced they were expecting their first child, and in 2021, baby Vamika arrived, completing their world.
What has always stood out about this couple is how effortlessly they support and empower each other while handling two of the most high-pressure careers in the country. Earlier this year, in a chat with Dinesh Karthik for Sky Sports Cricket, Kohli spoke about how naturally he blended into Anushka’s family.
“The acceptance from day one was so beautiful,” he shared. “I never felt out of place.” He even revealed that he and his father-in-law, Ajay Kumar Sharma – a former Army officer – are “like friends.”
Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda, of India, Khadijah Ismail, of Malaysia, and Mariana Cabrita, of Portugal, from left, compete in the cross-country women’s 7.5 km Interval Start Classic qualification race at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)
Most of Bhavani Thekkada’s competitors grew up on skis. She grew up on a coffee farm — in southern India.
So as a cross-country skier, she’s a little behind.
Thekkada has been hitting European tracks in recent weeks trying to keep her Olympic dream alive. She’s a longshot to qualify for the Milan Cortina Winter Games, but she’s reaching some other goals along the way.
“I will be really grateful and happy if even one person out there in India is inspired by my journey and wants to do skiing, which already people are — I’ve been getting a lot of messages,” the 30-year-old Thekkada told The Associated Press in an interview.
Thekkada is chronicling her journey on social media and making headlines back home. Her bronze medal in a 5-kilometer race in Chile in September, even though just a handful of athletes competed, was hailed as India’s first international medal in women’s cross-country skiing.
Last month’s 10-kilometer World Cup race in Finland was a reality check. In an elite field, Thekkada finished last among 81 athletes, more than 16 minutes behind the winner, Frida Karlsson of Sweden. U.S. star Jessie Diggins finished fifth.
“The top 80 girls who were competing with me had a whole team with them. They had coaches, they had wax technicians, they had managers,” said Thekkada, who has won several national titles in India. “I was standing there with a few years of skiing (experience)… a couple of hours of training with some coaches.”
Being an Olympic qualification season, eligibility is flexible enough that Thekkada could get on the start line. The goal is not beating opponents — rather it’s closing the time gap to improve her score.
“I may not be the best in the world but I’m really trying to be there,” she said. “I might be a couple of minutes behind the top athletes, but then I’m also a couple of years behind (in the) training they’ve had.”
Diggins cheers her on
Thekkada had a similar result at last weekend’s 10-kilometer World Cup race in Trondheim, Norway, which leaves the upcoming event in Davos, Switzerland, as her last chance to unlock an Olympic quota spot for India.
Largely self-funded, Thekkada operates mostly independently, so she was grateful when several national teams lent a hand in Trondheim. The Canadians and Chileans helped with waxing and training, and the Italians transported her equipment, she said.
And during the race, she heard from Diggins.
“Jessie was out there cheering the loudest for me during the race. It really meant a lot to me,” Thekkada said in an update on Instagram.
India takes notice
Besides media coverage in India, a member of Parliament from her Karnataka region, Tejasvi Surya, wrote on X: “Her feats make her an inspiration for the young generation.”
Thekkada has used her growing public profile to nudge Indian leaders. After her podium finish in Chile, she wrote on X: “I hope at least now the government starts noticing (and) supporting the winter sports athletes,” and tagged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Alpine skier Arif Khan was the only Indian to compete at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Only two Indian women — Shailaja Kumar and Neha Ahuja — have competed at the Winter Games, according to the Olympics’ website.
MICHIGAN head coach Sherrone Moore has been FIRED after an urgent investigation.
The football chief has been the leader of the team – who are 9-3 on the year – for two seasons.
Moore has been part of the football setup at Michigan for a number of yearsCredit: Getty
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement that “credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
“The conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,”
The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon.
Michigan has now named Biff Poggi as their interim head coach.
Moore is married to his wife, Kelli.
The pair have been married since 2015.
They have three daughters together.
He is yet to comment on the announcement.
Moore has been head coach of Michigan since 2024.
That was after Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team went 8-5 in his first season, and won the ReliaQuest Bowl.
The Wolverines have had a solid year at 9-3 throughout 2025.
However, they did lose to bitter rivals the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Moore has also been the team’s tight ends coach from 2018 to 2020.
Smriti Mandhana has gone through a lot in the past month. She played a pivotal role in India winning the Women’s World Cup but then had to overcome a tumultuous time in her personal life
Smriti Mandhana has gone through a lot in the past month. She played a pivotal role in India winning the Women’s World Cup but then had to overcome a tumultuous time in her personal life. The star batter, however, is now back to doing what she loves the most – playing cricket. Mandhana has been named vice-captain of the Indian T20I side that will play against Sri Lanka in a series starting December 21. It is India’s first bilateral contest since the Women’s World Cup final on November 2. On Wednesday, Mandhana reunited with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur for an event where she talked about her thought process.
“Well, to be fair, I mean, as Harman said, the love for the game, and I don’t think I love anything in life more than cricket. So, when you go out to bat or when you go out to represent your country, I don’t think any other thoughts are there in the mind. When you put on the Indian jersey, the only thing you want to do is represent India and win the match for the country,” Mandhana said at the event. Incidentally, this was Mandhana’s first public appearance since she called off her marriage with music composer Palash Muchhal.
“And yeah, I mean, the biggest motivation is that when you put on the jersey and India is written on it. I mean, I always tell everyone that once you put on the jersey, you just keep all your problems aside and just be on the field, because you have a responsibility and you are one among two billion people who are representing your country. And I mean, just the thought of that is enough for you to have that razor-sharp focus and do what you want to do.”
She was also asked about disagreements within the team. “Well, I think, firstly, I don’t look at it as issues because everyone is wanting to win the game for the country and everyone has their own opinion on how we will win the game for the country,” Mandhana said.
“But genuinely, if we don’t have those discussions or arguments, we aren’t winning on the ground. Because if we do not have those sorts of discussions where we are disagreeing about something, that means we are not passionate enough to win the match for the team. So, we definitely do have those sorts of discussions.”
Following a strong performance in the ODI series against South Africa, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh voiced out his support for senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, saying that the duo should be “first two names” on the list. ‘Ro-Ko had a blockbuster ODI series against South Africa. While Rohit produced two magnificent half-centuries in the first and final ODIs, Virat piled up two back-to-back tons at Ranchi and Raipur and followed it with an attacking, stroke-filled half-century at Visakhapatnam.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan said the Indian team management, comprising of head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, should not “lose experience in pursuit of youth” as it could prove costly in big matches.
“Are there bigger and better players than Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? So you shouldn’t sideline them, but instead think about how to build the team around them. If you lose experience in the pursuit of youth, then it can be a problem from time to time in big matches. So they must play, and this will be a big World Cup because after that, it’s possible they’ll never play another World Cup,” he said.
“The way Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are batting, and how the batting order looks with them, it looks so solid that they should play. They will maintain their fitness. But the questions about whether they will or should play the World Cup, it is okay to look towards the younger players but do not ignore the players who are already proven performers with the ability to deliver in big matches,” Harbhajan said.
“In the last World Cup also, they missed it in the final, with the pitch being very slow. If there was a bitter pitch, India would have won. There was a lot of pressure, which is why Australia played better than India and won. But the way India played under Rohit Sharma was unbelievable. So the first two names should be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the rest of the team should be formed after that,” the former Indian spinner said.
Virat ended as the top run-getter in the series with 302 runs at an average of 151.00 and a strike rate of over 117, with two centuries and a fifty. Rohit also scored 148 runs in three innings at an average of 48.66, with an SR of over 110 and two fifties.
And so we start our rewind of 2025 with the French Open Final…
This was the match of the year, a true epic that saw Carlos Alcaraz defeat Sinner after five hours and 29 minutes. The Spaniard was down two sets to love and faced a stunning three championship points against him. Yet, he rallied to win the title. That final encounter became the country’s most-watched final since 2011, drawing over 5.1 million viewers.
YANNICK SINNER’S REVENGE
Sinner got his revenge quickly, though, clinching the Wimbledon title later in the summer. It was a fantastic year for both men, Sinner played some top tennis, bringing his efficiency to the fore despite sitting out three months due to an accepted ineligibility stemming from positive tests for banned substances.
The coveted year-end ranking. Despite Sinner’s incredible win percentage (90.6%), Carlos Alcaraz claimed the year-end World No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz ended the season with 12,050 live points to Sinner’s 11,500, having played the whole year and secured a 4-2 head-to-head record over his rival.
MADISON KEYS HAD THE KEYS TO THE SEASON OPENER
On the women’s side of the court, Madison Keys started the season with a bang.
She defied expectations at the Australian Open, starting the year’s first slam with a win in Adelaide before the tournament. Her semifinal comeback against second-seeded Iga Swiatek was unforgettable. Iga broke Keys to take a 6-5 lead in the deciding set, but Keys turned the match on its head by winning the next game and then taking the 10-point tiebreak. Keys pocketed her maiden Grand Slam, beating the No. 1 and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
ANISIMOVA, THE BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR
Speaking of American breakthroughs, Amanda Anisimova, finished the year World No. 4 after a remarkable ascent. Her season included two WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing, as well as consecutive Grand Slam finals. Outside of the Top 400 in 2024 after taking a break for mental health issues, she made a stunning comeback. However, her first Major final at Wimbledon was a tough moment: she lost 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek. Anisimova was moved to tears, admitting later that she had “ran out of gas”.
SABALENKA THE STATISTICAL LEADER
Aryna Sabalenka ended 2025 with one slam at the Flushing Meadows. But in 2025 season she was the undeniable statistical leader, finishing the year as world No. 1 for the second time in her career, with 10,870 points. Sabalenka’s successful 2025 season included reaching the Australian Open and French Open Final too, where she lost against American Madison Keys.
MILESTONES FOR VETERANS:
Novak Djokovic set a new record by becoming the oldest male player to reach the quarters at all four majors in a calendar year And Venus Williams competed in the US Open main draw at the age of 45
TENNIS BUZZ: HARASSMENT FOR WTA PLAYERS
Here are some of the moments that got the world of tennis and sports talking-
The fear of harassment unfortunately plagued the WTA tour. Emma Raducanu was visibly upset during her match in Dubai when she spotted a stalker in the crowd, causing her to report the presence and break down in tears.
BODY BETRAYS DIMITROV
Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire from his fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon due to a pectoral injury, despite leading two sets to none.
MEDVEDEV FINED AFTER MELTDOWN
Daniil Medvedev lived up to his reputation at the US Open after a dispute involving a photographer and the chair umpire led to him losing it on court. He was subsequently hit with a massive fine of $42,500.
Shahid Afridi defended Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing their importance for the 2027 World Cup after impressive performances in ODIs against Australia and South Africa. He also criticized India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for mixed results, noting that his initial confidence has not always translated into success.
Shahid Afridi Fires Fresh Shot at Gautam Gambhir, Declares Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli ‘Backbone of India’ Amid Doubts Over World Cup Spot (AP/PTI)
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi launched a fresh attack on India head coach Gautam Gambhir while backing veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the World Cup 2027. Afridi, while speaking to Telecom Asia, highlighted the duo’s strong performances in the recent ODI series against Australia and South Africa, and said they remain critical to India’s ODI plans. The Pakistan stalwart opined that India should use the greats efficiently, playing them in prominent series while allowing them to rest when up against lower-ranked teams.
“It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up,” Afridi said. “The way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup.
“You need to preserve both these stars. When India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit.”
Afridi and Gambhir have shared a frosty relationship over the years, and the Pakistan all-rounder didn’t shy away from taking a sharp dig at the head coach. Notably, Gambhir has tasted mixed results with Team India. While the side has tasted success in the limited-overs cricket, having won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup, the results in Tests have been equally poor, with series defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. “The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right, but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.”
Meanwhile, Afridi also praised Rohit Sharma for breaking his record for most sixes in ODIs. Afridi, who played with Rohit during his stint with Deccan Chargers in IPL 2009, said he knew Rohit would make it big in international cricket.
R Praggnanandhaa during a Chess World Cup game.(Eteri Kublashvili)
R Praggnanandhaa secured a berth for the 2026 Candidates Tournament on Monday. He is the sole Indian in next year’s Candidates, and he qualified after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. Praggnanandhaa secured his qualification after his performance in the eight-player London Chess Classic. He came joint-first, along with Velimir Ivic and Ameet K Ghasi, and then ended in third position after tie-breaks.
At the FIDE Circuit 2025, Praggnanandhaa registered 115.17 points, 34 points ahead of Dutch GM Anish Giri. Giri has also already secured his spot at the Candidates.
Speaking to ChessBase India, Praggnanandhaa said, “First of all, I want to be there 100 per cent. But overall, any candidates will be a tough tournament. If someone is there at the Candidates, that means they have showed what it takes to be there. It will be a difficult tournament for everyone.”
“In terms of ratings, I think it’s similar to last year. Maybe there was one below 2700 player last year. So it’s going to be extremely strong, and there’s no one that’s like a target.
“It’s good to have such experience. Assuming I make it, there will be short time to prepare. Not long time to prepare like have camps or something. I’ll just try to rest and see how to prepare,” he added.
Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Chess Masters this year, beating D Gukesh in the title-deciding tie-breaker round. He also won the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Chess Classic Romania and emerged victorious at the 2nd UzChess Cup 2025 in blitz tiebreaks.
Widely regarded as one of Asia’s best football stars, Son enjoys huge popularity in his home country and the region
A South Korean court has sentenced a woman who blackmailed football star Son Heung-min to four years in prison.
The woman in her 20s and her accomplice, a man in his 40s, were found guilty of blackmailing the former Tottenham captain by saying she was pregnant with his child.
The woman had approached Son sometime last year claiming she was carrying his child, when in fact she did not know whether that was the case, a Seoul district court heard, according to local media.
She extorted $300 million won ($200,000; £153,000) from him and threatened to go public with the allegation if he did not comply.
The woman spent the money on luxury and designer goods, AFP news agency reported.
“[The woman] insists she received the money as compensation and portrays herself as a victim,” prosecutors told the court on Monday. “But her claims do not fully match the facts,” they said, accusing her of planning the crime “thoroughly”.
The woman’s accomplice, who had threatened Son 15 times to get the money, was handed a two-year jail term for attempted blackmail.
When they demanded more money this year, Son went to the police.
The judge said the woman and her accomplice had abused Son’s celebrity for their crime, and that Son appeared to have gone through “intense mental anguish” after the case was reported in the media.
Son was in October named the second-highest paid footballer in Major League Soccer (MLS), North America’s top-tier football league akin to England’s Premier League.
Wasim Akram is one of the few Pakistan players who have been part of the coaching set-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has also been a commentator in the league. So, when Akram took a veiled dig at the T20 league, the internet was stunned. Speaking at an event promoting the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Akram said the short duration of the PSL made it lucrative for foreign players. He added that leagues running for “two-and-a-half to three months” are boring. He even went on to mention the IPL in a different context and said the PSL was No. 1 in terms of talent on show.
The IPL, which consists of 10 teams, generally runs for a little over two months. The IPL 2024 lasted 65 days, while the IPL 2025 was scheduled to be held for almost the same duration. However, due to the Pahalgam terror attack, it ended on June 3 after starting on March 22.
“The best thing about the league is that it is played for only about 34-35 days, maybe a little more next year. It’s not like three months, like the other league. Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. Foreign players, when they come to Pakistan, prefer to be here for 35-40 days. More than that – two-and-a-half to three months – is a bit too long for everyone. Even I get bored,” Wasim Akram said at the event promoting the PSL.
“Prime example is the BBL. They started off with two-and-a-half months. They realised after four or five years it wasn’t working. Now their duration is about 40 days. That’s it. That’s the beauty of the PSL. Of course, the talent. Everybody overseas, when I talk to them, they talk about bowling in the IPL and other leagues. They say the PSL, as far as talent is concerned, is definitely No. 1 because we have quality, not quantity.”
Akram’s comments were not taken well by the internet.
Wasim Akram said, “The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. “Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.” pic.twitter.com/8yJ4VfaUFB
Wasim Akram said, “The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. “Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.” pic.twitter.com/8yJ4VfaUFB
Wasim Akram said, “The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. “Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.” pic.twitter.com/8yJ4VfaUFB
The remarks came amid the BCCI is using Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances as a criterion for selecting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the World Cup
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were top two run-getters for India in last six ODIs(PTI)
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar delivered a pointed message to the BCCI, emphasising that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma deserve special consideration given their remarkable contributions over the years. He argued that their place in the ODI side should never have been questioned. Bangar’s remarks came in the wake of reports that the Indian board is using Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances as a criterion for selecting the senior players for the 2027 World Cup.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, has remained non-committal about including Rohit and Kohli in the World Cup plans for South Africa. Concerns revolve around whether the two veterans can maintain form and fitness over the next two years, given that they play only one international format. Consequently, the committee insists that if they are to be considered, both must prove their commitment by participating in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier List A tournament, scheduled to begin later this month.
Kohli and Rohit have been the driving forces behind India’s success in four of their last six ODI matches, combining for three centuries (two by Kohli) and five half-centuries (three by Rohit). Rohit claimed the Player of the Series award during the Australia tour, while Kohli earned the same honour in the recently concluded home ODI series against South Africa.
“I don’t think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years,” Bangar said while speaking to JioStar.
“They have retired from two formats, so it’s obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don’t need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space,” the former India batter said, clear about why there needs to be a different yardstick for the two white-ball legends.
In the South Africa contest that ended on Saturday in Vizag with India winning 2-1, Rohit scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games, while Kohli notched up 135, 102 and 65 not out. “When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere.”
In the just concluded series against South Africa, 38-year-old Rohit Sharma scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games while 37-year-old ‘Player of the Series’ Virat Kohli had stupendous scores of 135, 102 and 65 not out.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has slammed those questioning Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s place in the ODI team, adding that the two deserve to be ‘given space’ considering their contribution to Indian cricket. His remarks came amid reports suggesting that the two stalwarts will have to play the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to be selected in the team for the 2027 World Cup. With Rohit and Kohli no longer active in Test cricket and T20Is, the BCCI has reportedly raised concerns about whether they can maintain form and fitness till the showpiece in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Bangar urged the BCCI to give special exemptions to Kohli and Rohit, suggesting that players of their calibre shouldn’t be doubted.
“I don’t think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years,” said Bangar.
“They have retired from two formats, so it’s obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don’t need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space,” he added.
In the just concluded series against South Africa, 38-year-old Rohit scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games while 37-year-old ‘Player of the Series’ Kohli had stupendous scores of 135, 102 and 65 not out.
“When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere,” said Bangar
While Virat Kohli turned out to be the Player of the Series during India’s ODI contests against South Africa, two other players – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal – also impressed with their respective centuries. Gaikwad scored 105 off 83 in the second game in Raipur, while Jaiswal shone in the series decider with an unbeaten 116, also bagging the Player of the Match award in the final. Interestingly, both are not ODI regulars for India and got their chance only because Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer missed out due to injuries.
When asked if the two players would be considered for India’s ODI World Cup squad in 2027, head coach Gautam Gambhir came up with a blunt reply.
“Look, first we have got to realise that ODI World Cup is two years away from now. The most important think is to stay in the present,” he said at the press conference after India’s nine-wicket win over South Africa in the deciding ODI in Visakhapatnam.
“It’s also important that young boys coming into the set-up are grabbing their opportunities. Someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad, who batted out of position. He is a quality player, we all know. We wanted to give him an opportunity in this series for the kind of form he was in with India A. He actually grabbed that opportunity with both hands, getting a hundred in the second game, when we were under pressure. We were 40 for 2 and then getting that kind of hundred was proper quality,” he added.
Gambhir also praised Jaiswal, who notched his first ODI century in his fourth game in the format.
2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Highlights: Forty-two of the teams have been determined and 22 are competing in playoffs for six berths that will be decided March 31
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw Highlights: Argentina and Lionel Messi will start their World Cup title defense against Algeria, while the U.S. was drawn Friday to open against Paraguay as soccer’s quadrennial championship returns to North America for the first time since 1994.Three-time champion Argentina also will play Austria and Jordan in Group J of the expanded 48-nation, 104-game festival, spread across 11 NFL stadiums plus three venues in Mexico and two in Canada. The ceremony included U.S. President Donald Trump receiving a peace prize awarded by FIFA, and balls with team names plucked famous North American athletes Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky. The U.S., which reached the semifinals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and the quarterfinals in 2002, starts Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. The Americans play Australia six days later at Seattle, then faces Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo on June 25 back at SoFi Stadium.
Here are the Highlights of FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw –
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : Peace prize for Donald Trump!
‘FIFA Peace Prize 2025’ is being awarded to US President Donald Trump. FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents Mr. Trump the award, which includes a trophy, a medal and a certificate. Notably, this is the first time this award is being given by FIFA.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : Event underway
The much-coveted event in Washington, DC has got underway. Currently, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is addressing the crowd. He has started with welcoming US President Donald Trump and First Lady of US Melania Trump.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : Donald Trump in attendance!
As expected, US President Donald Trump is also there at the venue. He is sitting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : A look at the rules –
The top four teams in the FIFA ranking — Spain, Argentina, France and England — will be drawn in such a way that, should they win their groups, they would not face each other before the semifinals.
Other constraints during the draw include:
— Each group must have at least one European team, but no more than two.
— Aside from UEFA (Europe), no two teams from the same confederation can be in the same group. The other confederations are the AFC (Asia) and CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America) and the OFC (Oceania).
Balls corresponding with the competing countries will be separated into four pots of 12, and each group will include one team drawn from each pot.
Former Asian Games gold-winning discus thrower Seema Punia has been handed a 16-month ban for failing a dope test. The 42-year-old Punia’s suspension came into force on November 10 as per the updated list of dope offenders by the National Anti-Doping Agency. NADA, however, did not specify the substance for which she has tested positive. The latest offence adds to her checkered doping record, which includes two previous violations, one of them at the junior level. Her last major competition was the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 where she won a bronze medal. She is also a four-time Commonwealth Games-medallist, three of them being silver medals.
Her first and only Asian Games gold came in 2014, Incheon edition. At the junior level, she won a bronze in the world championships in 2002.
CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Venky Mysore, has admitted that releasing the franchise’s star all-rounder Andre Russell was the decision of the team’s owner and superstar Shah Rukh Khan
CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Venky Mysore, has admitted that releasing the franchise’s star all-rounder Andre Russell was the decision of the team’s owner and superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and appointing him as the team’s “power coach” was a “spur-of-the-moment” thought. Russell announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on November 30. The all-rounder confirmed that he will join KKR’s support staff as the franchise’s new “Power Coach” for the 2026 season. Russell added that he will continue playing in T20 leagues around the world and will remain part of other Knight Riders teams globally.
During his IPL career, Russell played 140 games, scoring 2,651 runs, including 12 fifties, and taking 123 wickets, with one five-wicket haul. He made his IPL debut in 2012 for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) before joining KKR in the 2014 auction. He won two titles (2014 and 2024) for the Purple and Gold. Russell also won the IPL MVP award twice during this run, in 2015 and 2019.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mysore spoke about the decision to release Russell, who was retained at Rs 12 crore ahead of the last IPL season. The CEO said that the team management was “grappling with all combinations, ideas,” and releasing Russell added Rs 18 crore to their purse. Although Russell cost KKR Rs 12 crore, releasing him gave the franchise Rs 18 crore since he was the ‘Player 1’ in the list of KKR’s retainees last year, worth Rs 18 crore, and that amount was credited to the team’s purse ahead of the auction on December 16.
“I wish there was no auction every year because this just becomes very nerve-wracking many times, and some things that you don’t want to do, you end up having to do. But no, it wasn’t like a last-minute thing; we were grappling with all combinations, ideas, what to do and all that. Finally, we said, okay, this release is what we have to do,” said Mysore.
“But some people missed the fundamental point, which is the [purse] deduction for us was Rs 18 crore, not Rs 12 crore by releasing Dre. So, although his contract value was Rs 12 crore, the deduction from our purse was Rs 18 crore in 2025. A lot of people missed that and said, oh, why would KKR not see value in a person who is at Rs 12 crore? Rs 18 crore, which would be deducted from our purse if we had retained him, is a lot of money in the context of an auction. That was the trigger.”
“And in mini-auctions, you want to go with as much as you can to have the flexibility to look at options that might come your way. So from that perspective, if it were Rs 12 crore, I think the decision would have been very different,” he concluded.
Mysore admitted that parting ways with Russell was a “strange feeling” for both parties, as he had never been put into an auction before. He described Russell as an “emotional” person and admitted that it later hit Russell how used to the Purple and Gold franchise he was.
“It is a strange feeling for both of us. And he is always a very sensible and sensitive guy, easy to communicate with. Very emotional, but not clinical, like a few players I have dealt with. It hit him after a couple of days after that conversation. He came back to me and said, ‘Oh, I have really had a lot of sleepless nights wondering about where all of this could go. I am so used to the Purple and Gold, Knight Riders, and relationships I have built with the franchise, you and the owners,'” said Mysore.
“We jokingly discussed, and many people know that over the last 11 years that he has been with us, I have probably spoken with Dre more than I have spoken with my wife. We sent him to Dallas [to train with a local NFL team] twice to help him become fitter and stronger. When he was handed the year-long anti-doping ban in 2017, I was very much in touch and sent our physio from TKR – Trinbago Knight Riders – to Jamaica to work with Dre and help him with his fitness and, more importantly, just to keep him in the right spirits. It was a tough year for him when a cricketer was unable to play. Imagine one year was a very long time, but then right after that was a retention year in 2018….
“…We did not know what form he was in, what fitness level he was in, but we retained him. But he always acknowledges that and always says, ‘I have tears in my eyes because I got a million-dollar contract and retention decision on him.’ All that kind of hit him after about 48 hours of the initial conversation on releasing him. Then the auction discussions started in a way, to say, how do we handle it? What happens? And all that,” he said.
Mysore admitted that over the years he has been running the franchise, he has rarely experienced cricketers feeling that “they are done.”
“They always feel like, oh yeah, I have got cricket left in me – one year, two years, three years… that is where his [Russell’s] head was also. And he’s probably right, but he also realised by the time the 2026 IPL comes around, he will be 38. And for someone who is an all-rounder like him, a pace bowler who comes in at death, has to smash, has to run a lot, field like he does, his instincts take over once he is on the field. He is a natural athlete, but body and age do catch up. But somewhere that conversation [retiring from IPL] did come up as an option, and he gave it more thought. For a variety of reasons, it appealed to him and he said, yeah, why not? Let’s do this,” he stated.
Mysore said that when he shared with SRK that Russell was giving IPL retirement a thought, the owner suggested that he retire.
“I could see he was agonising over it, and so when I shared this with SRK [Shah Rukh, KKR lead owner], it was actually SRK’s suggestion. Because, see, a player is thinking somewhere at the back of his mind, what happens after I hang up my boots? But I do not think they want to think about it also so much because professional athletes are like that. They believe I am still good, and Dre still is – he is fantastic and playing other leagues,” said Mysore.
“During the ILT20 match between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz also, he came in and straightaway smashed that six, which are trademark Dre sixes, which hit the sight screen and the ball comes back to the middle of the pitch literally. You start thinking, oh my God! And even with the ball, runs in first ball, clean bowled DK [Dinesh Karthik].”
“It just felt like he was very free in his mind after making the retirement decision. Because the guy took a couple of catches, was sliding, diving, and throwing. I sent him a note later, saying ‘What is going on here, Dre? How you doing power coach?’ I was kidding him. Everybody has started calling him a power coach, and I think he loves it. We are very happy. I think he is very happy. He has completely accepted it, come to terms with it,” he concluded.
In Manipur, amidst ongoing conflict and division, two young footballers from different communities, Kuki and Meitei, exemplified unity by representing India in a significant AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifier against Iran.
football.
As Manipur still scarred by conflict, division and displacement, two young footballers — one Kuki, one Meitei — have shown the country what unity truly looks like. At a time when the state remains separated by buffer zones, checkpoints and deep emotional wounds, the boys stood shoulder to shoulder in India’s colours, helping the national side script a historic 21 victory over Iran in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers held in Ahmedabad.
The match, crucial for India’s qualification campaign, saw both youngsters play a key role in the team’s success.
Two goals for India, scored in a stadium hundreds of kilometres away from their troubled homeland, symbolised something larger than two communities at war back home, yet contributing together to one nation’s triumph.
In Manipur hills and valleys, where mistrust still lingers and people often look away from each other, these children are looking in the same direction as the goalpost. Their passion for football has bridged a divide that politics has failed to repair.
Their performance stands as a reminder that sport, especially football, carries the power to unite, heal and inspire.
Ravi Bishnoi broke into his trademark celebration, spreading his arms wide, and Hardik Pandya playfully joined in before giving him a hug.
Hardik Pandya attempted a big hit off Ravi Bishnoi but ended up holing out to Arzan Nagwaswalla.(X/Screengrab)
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya delivered yet another strong performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, further lifting his confidence ahead of the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. After making an impact with the bat against Punjab, the all-rounder showcased his bowling skills on Thursday as Baroda faced Gujarat in Hyderabad. The seasoned campaigner sent down a miserly four-over spell, conceding only 16 runs and removing Gujarat captain and opener Urvil Patel at a key moment. His discipline, control, and ability to build pressure underlined the form he has steadily been building in the tournament.
Hardik’s showing was also a timely boost for the Indian camp ahead of the upcoming T20I series. With the current ODI bowling unit leaking runs in the first two games against South Africa, his sharp, disciplined spell in the SMAT came as a welcome reassurance for a side searching for stability and experience in the attack.
Meanwhile, a light-hearted moment from Pandya’s innings also went viral on social media during Baroda’s modest 74-run chase on Thursday. Looking to wrap up the match quickly, the all-rounder attempted a big hit off Ravi Bishnoi but ended up holing out to Arzan Nagwaswalla. Bishnoi broke into his trademark celebration, spreading his arms wide, and Hardik playfully joined in before giving him a hug, a gesture that instantly struck a chord online and had fans buzzing. He departed for 10, but it didn’t cause much of a problem for his team.
Hardik Pandya & Ravi Bishnoi cute moment🥰
Bishnoi took the wicket of HP and they hugged🫂 pic.twitter.com/88IfFhRLdS
The main issue raised by the X user “@ragav_x” is that while Australia invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and skilled crews, India relies on older systems that limit picture clarity, motion smoothness and overall viewing quality.
‘Indian Fans Deserve Better’: Netizen Exposes Shocking Quality Gap Between BCCI And Cricket Australia’s Broadcast | X
An internet user has exposed the shocking quality gap between the BCCI’s broadcast standards and Cricket Australia’s production setup. The netizen has highlighted why Indian cricket telecasts often look outdated despite the country being one of the world’s biggest cricket market.
The main issue raised by the X user “@ragav_x” is that while Australia invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and skilled crews, India relies on older systems that limit picture clarity, motion smoothness and overall viewing quality.
According to the points shared, Cricket Australia (CA) broadcasts every home game in native 4K HDR, offering sharper visuals, richer colours and smooth 50p progressive motion.
EXPOSING the real reason why Indian cricket broadcast suck :
Let’s compare BCCI with Cricket Australia because this is where the entire truth becomes clear.
CA broadcasts every home match in native 4K HDR, while BCCI still delivers India’s home cricket in old 1080i HD. CA uses… pic.twitter.com/JOZVTP3kFK
In contrast, BCCI still transmits India’s home matches in older 1080i HD, which uses interlaced video that often appears soft, shaky and less detailed.
CA’s outside broadcast trucks run on modern 12G-SDI and IP infrastructure designed for high-resolution workflows, while BCCI is said to depend on decade-old HD flypacks.
Camera technology also shows a clear gap. Australia uses Sony HDC-4300 and 5500 true-4K cameras, high-speed slow-motion gear up to 300 fps and even 600 fps ultra-motion cameras. Meanwhile, many BCCI productions reportedly use older HD cameras with fewer capabilities and slower frame rates.
This affects not just visuals but also ball-tracking and replay analysis. CA uses a six-camera high-speed system for seam and swing tracking and even deploys 100-camera 360-degree replay setups, whereas India often relies on basic HD angles with limited sampling, leading to flat-looking ball-tracking and fewer replay perspectives.
Broadcast quality is also influenced by manpower. CA employs larger, specialised teams for camera operations, replay, shading and engineering, ensuring consistent colour grading and high-quality footage. BCCI’s smaller crews struggle to match this standard, especially in fast-moving match situations.
CA produces everything in HDR, maintaining clean colours and natural lighting. BCCI still works in SDR, which can crush shadow details and blow out highlights. Even before reaching TV channels or apps, BCCI’s compressed 1080i feed reportedly loses detail.
One of the strongest arguments made is the difference seen during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – also held in India. When ICC handled the production using its own teams and equipment, the same stadiums suddenly looked sharper and more professional, proving the issue is not the venues but the production quality.
The 37-year-old now has 751 ranking points, and trails former India skipper Rohit Sharma (783), who retained his top spot, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell (766) and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (764).
Virat Kohli. Credit: X@BCCI
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli on Wednesday moved up to No. 4 in the latest ICC rankings with a match-winning hundred against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi boosting his ascend.
Kohli made his 52nd hundred in the 50-over format, a 120-ball 135 that propelled India to a 17-run win over the Proteas on Sunday.
The 37-year-old now has 751 ranking points, and trails former India skipper Rohit Sharma (783), who retained his top spot, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell (766) and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (764).
Kohli overtook India ODI captain Shubman Gill, who moved down to No. 5 after missing the ongoing three-match series against South Africa with a neck injury.
Shreyas Iyer, who is also recovering from an injury that he sustained during India’s recent white ball tour to Australia, stood firm on 9th position.
Meanwhile, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav gained one place to move to sixth after picking up four wickets in the first match against the Proteas.
In the Test batter’s list, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal continued to station at No. 9, while Gill slid one place down to 12.
Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant was also on a downward spiral, moving down from 12th to 14th.
In the rankings for Test bowlers, India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained on top of the pile with 879 points, well clear of New Zealand pacer Matt Henry (846).
The Indian cricketing fraternity was once again united in joy as star batter Virat Kohli brought up his 53rd ODI century against South Africa and his second successive ton of the series. Continuing where he had left off at Ranchi with a scorching 135 in 120 balls consisting of 11 fours and seven sixes, Virat delivered a more controlled knock this time around, with a 93-ball 102 consisting of seven fours and two sixes. The attacking intent, his control against spin and pace alike and running/judgement while running between the wickets looked as impeccable as in his prime years. (India vs South Africa 2nd ODI Updates)
Taking to X, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag wrote, “Virat Kohli ko 100 ka nasha hi alag hai. Hum log centuries gin rahe hote hain, woh bas routine ka kaam samajh ke kar deta hai. Back-to-back 100’s for the King. 53rd ODI hundred. Virat hai toh mumkin hai. A brilliant century from Ruturaj Gaikwad as well making batting look very easy.”
Virat Kohli ko 100 ka nasha hi alag hai. Hum log centuries gin rahe hote hain, woh bas routine ka kaam samajh ke kar deta hai.
Back-to-back 100‘s for the King. 53rd ODI hundred. Virat hai toh mumkin hai. A brilliant century from Ruturaj Gaikwad as well making batting look very… pic.twitter.com/afDYqC9N6k
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also posted on X, “On Sunday king plays for sure but on weekdays he plays with your plans. Brilliant 100 by Virat Kohli.”
On Sunday king plays for sure but on weekdays he plays with your plans. Brilliant 100 by Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/YIMpQ4Zifo
Former Indian cricketer and Virat’s teammate in Delhi, Aakash Chopra, highlighted how Virat had his “beast mode activated”. “Back-to-back centuries. Beast mode activated #Kohli #IndvSA,” posted Aakash.
Back to back centuries. Beast mode activated 💪 #Kohli#IndvSA
Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif also wrote on X that without Virat, cricket is “nothing”. “Without Kohli cricket is nothing..pure vintage!,” posted Kaif.
Virat against South Africa in ODIs is a different beast, and that beast has gone notches above statistically against the Proteas. In 33 matches and 31 innings, Virat has scored 1,741 runs at an average of 69.64 against the Proteas at a strike rate of 88.51, with seven centuries and eight fifties. This is the most centuries against the Proteas in ODI format by a batter.
Also, with this second successive ton in ODIs, this is the 11th instance when Virat has had a streak of centuries in two or more successive ODI innings, with Proteas legend AB de Villiers being his distant rival with six such instances.
He has also had 13 different streaks of three or more successive innings with 50-plus scores in ODIs, the highest by any batter, and Rohit Sharma is second with 11 such streaks.
Notably, his last three ODI knocks against South Africa have been centuries, the 101* at Kolkata against them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and two centuries in this series.
In 12 ODIs this year, Virat has scored 586 runs in 12 innings at an average of 58.60, with a strike rate of 92.72, including three centuries, three fifties and a best score of 135.
Notably, Virat stands just 90 runs away from joining Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara in the 28,000-run club in international cricket. In 555 international matches, he has made 27,910 runs at an average of 52.46, with 84 centuries and 144 fifties in 622 innings and a best score of 254*. He is the third-highest international run-getter of all time, with Sachin (34,357 runs) at the top.
South Africa defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring second ODI to level the series 1-1 in Raipur on Wednesday. Asked to bat, Virat Kohli (102, 93 balls) scored his 53rd ODI hundred and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105, 83b) notched his maiden ton in the format as India posted a strong 358 for five. In reply, SA overhauled the target, scoring 362 for six in 49.2 overs, riding on a century from Aiden Markram (110) and fifties by Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald brevis (54). For India, Arshdeep Singh (2/54) and Prasidh Krishna (2/85) snared two wickets. The series-deciding third and final ODI will be played in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
This is the joint-highest target successfully chased down against India. South Africa matched the record of Australia (in Mohali, 2019) powered by Ashton Turner’s 84*(43). South Africa have now three successful run-chases of 350 or more, the joint-most in ODIs alongside India. This is also South Africa’s highest run-chase away from home.
Successful 350-plus run-chases for SA in ODIs
435 vs AUS, Johannesburg, 2006
372 vs AUS, Durban, 2016
359 vs IND, Raipur, 2025
India’s job was far from done even after putting a daunting total on board as heavy dew in the second half not only made spinners’ job tougher, but poor returns from Prasidh Krishna (2/79) did not help their cause. Prasidh, who had broken a second-wicket century partnership earlier by dismissing Temba Bavuma (46), got it right finally to pin Breetzke leg-before late in the game, and soon after, Arshdeep Singh (2/54) removed the dangerous Marco Jansen (2), but Corbin Bosch (29 not out off 15) and Keshav Maharaj (10 not out off 14) took the Proteas over the line with four balls to spare.
Markram was in his elements utilising a flat deck under lights to notch up his maiden century against India and providing South Africa a heavy contribution from the top to push on.
He took the initiative in the opening partnership and even though he lost Quinton de Kock (8) early with Arshdeep drawing first blood, Markram found a stable partner in Bavuma to put on 101 for the second wicket.
Markram had to remain the aggressor as Bavuma farmed the strike from the other end. Markram pierced gaps at will with brute force as well as some artistry.
He also hit through the line and over the bowlers’ head to clear the ropes while using the feet well against Indian spinners, with heavy dew making their job even more difficult as the innings progressed.
But the opener also had luck favouring him when a powerful hit off Kuldeep Yadav towards long on saw the ball going through Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hands for a six.
Had the catch been taken, Markram’s charge would’ve ended on 53.
Markram eventually fell off a short off-cutter from Harshit Rana (1/70) but his dismissal had Brevis and Breetzke teaming up, who waltzed to 92 off the next 64 balls to put South Africa in complete control.
While Brevis fell after his quick fifty which featured some massive sixes , Breetzke made a composed 68 for a second consecutive half-century.
Incidentally, it was only the second occasion where India lost an ODI despite scoring in excess of 350, with the first instance being against Australia in March 2019 when they lost by a similar margin of four wickets despite making 358/9 at Mohali.
Earlier, Kohli’s successive hundred, maiden century from Gaikwad (105) and KL Rahul’s quickfire 66 not out propelled India to a formidable 358 for five.
Kohli (102 off 93 balls, 7x4s, 2x6s) and Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls, 12x4s, 2x6s) reset the record for highest third-wicket stand for India in ODIs against South Africa as their 195-run association built the platform for the hosts to launch themselves into a big score.
And Rahul’s (66 not out off 43 balls, 6x4s, 2x6s) second fifty in a row ensured that, even as India continued to tinker with their batting line-up with the stand-in skipper coming in at No 5 ahead of Washington Sundar, who endured another failure.
Unlike at Ranchi where he did not look accustomed to batting in the middle order, Gaikwad emerged a perfect foil for Kohli as the two began racking up runs with ease.
With Ajinkya Rahane in tow, Kohli had put on 189 at Durban in February 2018 but perhaps on some counts, this partnership with Gaikwad was the one he may have enjoyed a little more as the Maharashtra batter matched his style of play.
The rotation of strike was deft, the singles were seamlessly converted into doubles and at times it was difficult for one to distinguish who had pierced the gap for those runs – not necessarily boundaries – as Gaikwad even appeared to be matching Kohli in terms of stroke-play.
If he was roughed up at the start, Gaikwad grew in confidence to post a fine half-century. Once past the milestone, he picked up pace.
Virat Kohli on Tuesday confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, beginning on December 24, after initially refusing to participate in the domestic tournament. India coach Gautam Gambhir has laid down the condition that any player who wants to compete for the national team must play domestic cricket. A source informed NDTV on Tuesday that while Rohit Sharma has already confirmed his availability to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli had earlier declined to take part in the one-day tournament.
“The issue is with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He (Kohli) simply doesn’t want to play. When Rohit [Sharma] is also playing, how can there be an exception for one player? And what do we tell the other players? That someone is different from all of you?” the source had told NDTV early on Tuesday.
However, the BCCI selectors have now convinced Kohli to play a few Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
Kohli, now a one-format player for India, is currently busy with the ODI series against South Africa. After the ODIs, he will return to London, where his family resides, and then come back for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since appearing against Services in February 2010.
The 37-year-old racked up his 52nd hundred in the series opener at Ranchi, showing he remains as sharp as ever despite playing just one version of the game, having announced his retirement from Tests earlier this year.
Kohli had retired from T20 Internationals following India’s triumph in the 2024 World Cup in Barbados.
“He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in is not clear yet. Obviously, his presence will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room,” Jaitley told PTI.
Delhi will open their Vijay Hazare campaign against Andhra in Bengaluru on December 24. In total, they will play six games.
Fans are expected to turn up in large numbers to watch the action when Kohli is around. Earlier this year, Kohli turned an otherwise drab Ranji Trophy game into a grand spectacle when he played his first first-class match in more than 12 years.
More than 12,000 people came to watch Kohli play-numbers unheard of for a domestic fixture in a long while.
He returned to the Ranji Trophy as part of his preparation for international duty but, in a surprise decision, announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England tour.
The BCCI has made playing domestic cricket mandatory for contracted cricketers unless they are injured or on national duty.
Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the Indian ODI team for the three-match series against South Africa, which started on Sunday, the focus has been on whether the duo will be persisted with until the 2027 World Cup
Murmurs, rumours, and a lack of clarity surround the careers of two superstars: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. That has been the story of Indian cricket over the last few days. Since Kohli and Rohit returned to the Indian ODI team for the three-match series against South Africa, which started on Sunday, the focus has been on whether the duo will be persisted with until the 2027 World Cup. Form and fitness-wise, both are in top shape. Rohit was the Player of the Series in the ODIs against Australia in October. In the first ODI against South Africa, he slammed a half-century, while Kohli scored a fine ton-his 52nd in the ODI format.
Amidst this confusion, a report claimed that the relationship between Kohli and India head coach Gautam Gambhir has turned frosty. In fact, some reports also suggested that there would be a meeting between top BCCI officials and the Indian team management.
NDTV has learnt that BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was supposed to meet Kohli ahead of the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday. However, since the “situation was not good,” another selector, Pragyan Ojha, was sent as a mediator. Videos of the two having an intense chat at the airport have surfaced on social media.
Another clip emerged from the same setting in which Ojha could be seen speaking to Rohit Sharma while sitting alongside Gambhir. Kohli, however, was not part of this discussion. These visual cues, though open to interpretation, continue to intensify public focus on the alleged communication gap and discord among senior figures in the Indian dressing room.
The recent wave of speculation surrounding veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma revolves around their relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The players’ limited-overs future and a purported breakdown in communication have become a concern for Indian cricket’s well-wishers.
Virat Kohli received an adorable welcome in Raipur ahead of the IND vs SA 2nd ODI. The 37-year-old was visibly moved as a group of small children greeted him with rose flowers at the team hotel. Kohli comes into the game after a player of the match performance in Ranchi, with his century handing India a 1-0 lead in the series.
Virat Kohli received an adorable welcome in Raipur ahead of the IND vs SA 2nd ODI. The 37-year-old was visibly moved as a group of small children greeted him with rose flowers at the team hotel. Kohli comes into the game after a player of the match performance in Ranchi, with his century handing India a 1-0 lead in the series.
India arrived in the Chhattisgarh capital city late on Monday evening. The Men in Blue received a grand welcome in Raipur. Kohli was mobbed by young fans at the team hotel, who gathered around to give the former India captain flowers. Kohli to his credit, collected as many as he could as he made his way through with his luggage. A few of the kids were seen sobbing, having met their idol in person.
India will have an optional training session on Tuesday afternoon at the venue before the game on Wednesday. Given the short turnaround time and travel, the session has been made optional. However, given recent trend, both Rohit and Virat will be expected to have a few hits in the nets in the build up to the game.
Jemimah Rodrigues has opened up about the overwhelming wave of calls, messages and social-media attention she received after her match-winning knock in the World Cup semi-final
Jemimah Rodrigues has opened up about the overwhelming wave of calls, messages and social-media attention she received after her match-winning knock in the Women’s World Cup semi-final and how it pushed her to uninstall WhatsApp just days before the final. The India batter said she was flooded with nearly a thousand messages from unknown numbers, leaving her unable to focus. With emotions already running high from the dramatic semi-final, Jemimah decided to disconnect completely to prepare for the biggest match of her career.
Recalling the chaotic night, Jemimah said her phone “kept buzzing and buzzing” after the semi-final, with congratulatory calls coming from every direction. “I don’t know how random people started getting my number. I’m not even over-exaggerating, but I had 1000 WhatsApp messages. I couldn’t take it because firstly, a lot had happened in that game. A lot of my emotions itself were there. I’m preparing for a final and the tournament is not over. Yes, I played a knock. Yes, we won. Yes, India was in the final. But, we still had a World Cup final to win,” Jemimah told Cricbuzz.
Realising the distraction was too much, she uninstalled WhatsApp altogether. Before doing so, she informed only “4-5 close ones” to call or message her normally if needed. “Even if I was not reading the message, it was just buzzing. And I just knew that people were messaging me and I just wanted to prepare for the finals. So, till the finals, I didn’t install WhatsApp.” she said. Jemimah stayed off social media too, except for a single post-match update, and remained disconnected until after the World Cup final.
The social media is inundated with congratulatory messages for two of India’s finest white-ball cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, following another match-winning partnership with the bat, culminating in an Indian victory. The two stalwarts continued their fine form from the final ODI of last month’s Australia tour and delivered another eye-catching performance, this time in Ranchi, as India beat South Africa to take a 1-0 lead in their ongoing three-match series.
There’s been plenty of chatter around the future of Kohli and Rohit, with the ageing superstars not a certainty in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans. Both have retired from Tests and T20Is and now only play one format at the international level.
However, the manner in which the pair has performed in India‘s last two ODIs means their backers can claim that, should they continue to deliver consistently, picking them in the World Cup squad should be a no-brainer.
Fans on social media have been attacking the critics of Rohit and Kohli. There are reports of BCCI calling for an urgent meeting to bridge the communication gap between senior players and the team management.
Amid this, Kohli’s sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, has set social media ablaze with a cryptic post featuring both Virat and Rohit.
She captioned the picture ‘IYKYK’, which is an acronym for “If You Know, You Know” – an internet slang often used to indicate shared knowledge.
Social media users have picked up the Instagram Story and are running amok with wild theories.
Former India great Sunil Gavaskar lavished praise on Virat Kohli and rated him highly after the 37-year-old notched up his 52nd century in the 50-over format to break the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Kohli achieved the feat during the first ODI between India and South Africa on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Kohli’s dominant innings did more than just stabilise India’s score; it elevated him to a new level of batting greatness. His latest century not only solidified his status as one of cricket’s modern legends but also held significant historical importance. By surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, Kohli now stands at the top of the men’s ODI centuries list.
With his 52nd century in this format, he broke one of Tendulkar’s most renowned records, becoming the player with the most centuries scored in a single format. This milestone felt both inevitable and remarkable, further highlighting a career rich with achievements.
What followed was a flood of appreciation for the former India skipper, as Gavaskar was among those joining the bandwagon. Speaking on JioStar during the mid-innings break, the legendary cricketer said, “Those who’ve played with Virat Kohli and against him, they all agree that he’s the greatest of ODIs. Ricky Ponting also rated him as the GOAT. It’s very tough to get appreciation from Australians. When you pass Sachin, you know where this man stands.”
Having announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is, ODI is the only format Kohli plays internationally, and he looks to end his career with one more World Cup in the kitty, aiming high for the 2027 global event. However, the stalwart has faced several criticisms in recent times, with many experts and pundits suggesting he calls time on his career.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami reached the MLS Cup final for the first time on Saturday after a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami reached the MLS Cup final for the first time on Saturday after a 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoffs. A Tadeo Allende hat-trick and goals from Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia ensured Miami advanced to Major League Soccer’s championship game next Saturday at their home field in Fort Lauderdale. Miami will host the winner of the Western Conference final, which is being played between San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps later on Saturday.
Messi and his team-mates will head into that game bristling with confidence after another ruthless, high-scoring demolition job that followed on from their 4-0 drubbing of FC Cincinnati in the previous round.
Allende — who scored twice in the victory over Cincinnati — was once again the focal point of the Miami attack.
The 26-year-old Argentine forward opened the scoring in the 14th minute after cleverly springing the New York offside trap.
A perfectly weighted ball from Sergio Busquets sent Allende racing in on goal, and the winger shrugged off Raul Gustavo’s challenge to lash home and make it 1-0.
New York had barely had time to digest that early setback before it was 2-0.
Miami’s former Spanish international full back Jordi Alba found himself in acres of space on the left flank and lasered a pinpoint cross into the New York area.
Allende darted into a gap and timed his jump to perfection as he glanced in a superb header that left New York goalkeeper Matthew Freese rooted to the spot as the ball flew into the bottom corner.
Miami’s grip on the game was loosened though when New York scored against the run of play in the 37th minute, centre-back Justin Haak heading home from Maxi Moralez’s free-kick to make it 2-1 at half-time.
New York grew in confidence and might have equalized in the 66th minute when Nicolas Fernandez picked out substitute Julian Fernandez inside the area.
Fernandez’s curling shot was clawed away by Inter goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo and the miss was to prove crucial.
Miami immediately swept upfield and a flowing move saw Rodrigo De Paul and Alba combine before Messi slipped a pass to Silvetti who rifled home to make it 3-1 after 67 minutes.
With India being outplayed by South Africa in the just-concluded Test series, spin great Harbhajan Singh felt the hosts don’t have a specialist off-spinner for the five-day game.
With India being outplayed by South Africa in the just-concluded Test series, spin great Harbhajan Singh felt the hosts don’t have a specialist off-spinner for the five-day game, and called for an increased workload for Washington Sundar. In the first home series since the retirement of R. Ashwin, India spinners were overshadowed by the Proteas, who claimed 25 wickets across two Tests. “Looks like (India does not have a specialist right-arm off-spinner for Test cricket),” Harbhajan told PTI in response to a query.
Harbhajan opined that Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington has a long way to go to establish himself as a specialist right-arm off-spinner and be a like-for-like replacement for Ashwin in terms of all-round skills.
“I think Washington Sundar is there, but we will have to bowl him more. He will have to be bowled for 30-35 overs in a Test match to make a bowler out of him,” said Harbhajan on the sidelines of the launch of 8JJ Sports India.
Harbhajan, the third-highest wicket-taker among Indian spinners, felt India will have to shun the habit of dishing out rank turners for home Tests.
“The kind of pitches we have been playing on, there is no requirement of making a bowler out of anyone because every delivery spins or some straightens,” he said.
“A bowler can (only) be considered good when he takes wickets on good pitches,” Harbhajan added.
Harbhajan said it is high time for India to start preparing good pitches as the growth of Test cricketers in the country had stalled due to playing on rank turners at home.
“We should play on good cricket pitches — it is high time,” he said.
“It has been more than a decade playing on those pitches where there has not been overall growth of (Indian) cricket.
“If you look at it, we are stuck at that one place and when we play on good wickets, it becomes a case of being required to look into the mirror,” he added.
Citing the example of the England tour earlier this year, where Shubman Gill scored 754 runs and led his team to a 2-2 draw in a five-Test series, Harbhajan said Indian batters must get better wickets at home as well.
“We did well in England. When we go outside of India, our batters get the opportunity to score runs.
“(But) if you don’t give chance to your batters, then how will it be possible for them to win matches (at home)? It is high time India start playing on good tracks.” Harbhajan felt India cannot talk about promoting Test cricket if they dish out wickets like the one in Kolkata where the Test ended inside three days on a dry, turning pitch.
“We keep on talking about saving and promoting Test cricket, but this is not the way to save Test cricket.
With India being outplayed by South Africa in the just-concluded Test series, spin great Harbhajan Singh felt the hosts don’t have a specialist off-spinner for the five-day game.
With India being outplayed by South Africa in the just-concluded Test series, spin great Harbhajan Singh felt the hosts don’t have a specialist off-spinner for the five-day game, and called for an increased workload for Washington Sundar. In the first home series since the retirement of R. Ashwin, India spinners were overshadowed by the Proteas, who claimed 25 wickets across two Tests. “Looks like (India does not have a specialist right-arm off-spinner for Test cricket),” Harbhajan told PTI in response to a query.
Harbhajan opined that Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington has a long way to go to establish himself as a specialist right-arm off-spinner and be a like-for-like replacement for Ashwin in terms of all-round skills.
“I think Washington Sundar is there, but we will have to bowl him more. He will have to be bowled for 30-35 overs in a Test match to make a bowler out of him,” said Harbhajan on the sidelines of the launch of 8JJ Sports India.
Harbhajan, the third-highest wicket-taker among Indian spinners, felt India will have to shun the habit of dishing out rank turners for home Tests.
“The kind of pitches we have been playing on, there is no requirement of making a bowler out of anyone because every delivery spins or some straightens,” he said.
“A bowler can (only) be considered good when he takes wickets on good pitches,” Harbhajan added.
Harbhajan said it is high time for India to start preparing good pitches as the growth of Test cricketers in the country had stalled due to playing on rank turners at home.
“We should play on good cricket pitches — it is high time,” he said.
“It has been more than a decade playing on those pitches where there has not been overall growth of (Indian) cricket.
“If you look at it, we are stuck at that one place and when we play on good wickets, it becomes a case of being required to look into the mirror,” he added.
Citing the example of the England tour earlier this year, where Shubman Gill scored 754 runs and led his team to a 2-2 draw in a five-Test series, Harbhajan said Indian batters must get better wickets at home as well.
“We did well in England. When we go outside of India, our batters get the opportunity to score runs.
“(But) if you don’t give chance to your batters, then how will it be possible for them to win matches (at home)? It is high time India start playing on good tracks.” Harbhajan felt India cannot talk about promoting Test cricket if they dish out wickets like the one in Kolkata where the Test ended inside three days on a dry, turning pitch.
After beating the Eagles on the Super Bowl champions’ home turf, it was time for rookie Bears coach Ben Johnson to bare arms. Oh, and go bare-chested.
Johnson tore off his shirt inside a jubilant locker room and flexed like a professional wrestler as the victorious Bears danced, hollered and chanted in a circle around him.
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest till your good gets better and your better gets best,” the Bears and Johnson shouted.
One of the surprise teams in the NFL, the Bears had every reason to go wild following a vintage rushing performance that echoed their famous Super Bowl-winning 1985 squad.
No shuffling here. Playing like a contender suits these Bears just fine.
Kyle Monangai rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown, D’Andre Swift ran for 125 yards and a score, and Chicago finished with 281 yards on the ground to win its fifth straight game, 24-15 over reeling Philadelphia on Friday.
Led by Johnson, the Bears (9-3) are alone in first place in the NFC North heading into a Dec. 7 showdown at Green Bay.
“These guys just feel pretty good about what they just did,” Johnson said before video of his strip tease emerged. “It was hard to go on the road and beat a good team like that.”
The Bears had two players top 100 yards rushing in a game for the first time since Walter Payton had 107 yards and Matt Suhey had 102 on Nov. 10, 1985, against Detroit.
Last season, the Bears’ Thanksgiving loss at Detroit led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus and was their sixth straight of what ballooned into a 10-game losing streak. A year later, the Bears bullied Philadelphia’s defensive line for a relatively easy win.
“They have a lot of belief in what we’re doing. They have a lot of belief in themselves,” Johnson said. “They have a lot of belief in this coaching staff. And so that confidence just starts to develop and continues to bubble over.”
Johnson’s exuberance bubbled over in the locker room — though there was an apparent method to his toplessness. The Wieners Circle, a Chicago hot dog stand, offered free hot dogs if Johnson took off his shirt after any victory this season.
The Eagles (8-4) seemingly had the NFC East wrapped up two weeks ago, only to suffer consecutive defeats that have them looking little like a Super Bowl contender. Perhaps still feeling the sting of turning a 21-0 lead at Dallas on Sunday into a 24-21 loss, the Eagles’ offense showed few signs of snapping out of its funk. Fed-up Philly fans spent the game booing and calling for the team to fire offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
Not this week. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said after the loss he was sticking with Patullo.
Philadelphia’s season has taken such a turn that even the beloved tush push doomed the Eagles in this one.
With Philly trailing 10-9 late in the third quarter, Jalen Hurts fumbled on the usually reliable play deep in Chicago territory and the Bears recovered.
The Bears — who have a knack for winning one-score games — turned the turnover into the drive of the day. Monangai ripped off a 31-yard run on the first play and Caleb Williams — who was 17 of 36 for 154 yards and a touchdown — completed a 7-yard pass to Colston Loveland on fourth down that extended the drive.
Monangai ran for a 4-yard TD that made it 17-9 early in the fourth, and Williams added the insurance score with a 28-yard TD pass to Cole Kmet for a 24-9 lead.
“We haven’t hit our pinnacle yet, in the sense of a team and execution on offense, and we’re still winning these games,” Williams said. “So that’s really important and that’s why I’m extremely excited.”
Fans who had been chanting “Fire Kevin!” began flocking toward the exits — and the Eagles will face even more questions about the sorry state of their offense.
Hurts and his teammates backed the beleaguered Patullo.
“I have confidence in him. I have confidence in this team,” Hurts said. “I have confidence in us when we’re collaborative. I have a lot of confidence when we have an identity, so I think that’s the first thing that we have to establish that we’ve talked about.”
‘He Spoke To Us Like One Of Us’: Blind Women’s Cricket Team Celebrates World Cup Triumph, Emotional Meeting With PM Modi |
The members of the Indian women’s cricket team for the blind expressed their happiness at the warm welcome received at home following their win at the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind in Sri Lanka. The title-winning team was ecstatic to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence.
Chandu, the head coach of the team and Sunita and Kavya, two players from the winning squad, spoke to ANI at a felicitation event for the team in Delhi.
Chandu, while speaking to ANI, said, “It was a very good experience (being welcomed in India). Especially when we went to Bangalore, we met the CM sir (Siddaramaiah) there. All the kids are very happy.”
‘Dream Come True’ Meeting with PM Modi
Speaking on meeting PM Modi at his residence on Thursday, she said, “Oh my God! It’s like a dream come true. It was the most important. All the players had the same wish to win and meet the PM sir. And we met him.
He knew everything. Whatever we did. He interacted with every player, asked them how many wickets they took, what did they do in the tournament and what good moments they had. He motivated us a lot and fed us laddoos.”
Highlights from an excellent interaction with the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team. They are exemplary champions! pic.twitter.com/FweMPX84zB
Kavya, who was also the part of the team, also told ANI, “We did not expect this (the welcome back home). PM Modi spoke to us so nicely and fed us laddoos.”
Support Back Home and Rising Recognition
She also said that people back home are waiting for them to return.
“Before, no one was calling me. Now, everyone is calling me,” she added.
Sunita, another member from the team also said that when the team was interacting with PM Modi, it did not feel like he was the Prime Minister.
“He spoke to us like he was one of us. We told him we needed support, a ground. So whatever we said, he said he will get it done,” she added.
“Everyone in the village is calling to welcome us. We want to bring forward the girls who want to play cricket. We need support. Society curses us, calls us blind when we sit at home, but now that we have won, everyone is coming to pat our backs,” she concluded.
Felicitation by Nora Solomon Foundation
Fresh from their historic triumph at the inaugural T20 World Cup for the Blind, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind was warmly felicitated by the Nora Solomon Foundation, Chintels CSR wing on Friday.
Celebrating their undefeated run, the event highlighted the team’s remarkable grit, teamwork, and resilience.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity through sports, Chintels Group has extended its support to Team India throughout the tournament and awarded each member of the Indian team a prize money of Rs 1.00 Lakh.
The Group’s CSR wing, Nora Solomon Foundation, continues to drive initiatives in education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Team’s Journey and Challenges
Speaking at the ceremony, Prashant Solomon, Director, Chintels Group and Trustee, Nora Solomon Foundation, said: “The team’s victory is a proud moment for India. These remarkable athletes have demonstrated an unmatched spirit and determination, thereby encouraging other people with disabilities to move ahead and fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
Their World Cup win is not only a milestone for Indian cricket for the blind but a moment of pride for the entire nation. We are privileged to stand with them in celebrating this achievement.”
Captain Deepika Reflects on the Team’s Struggles
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable journey, Captain Deepika TC said: “This victory carries the weight of every struggle we faced; limited resources, intense training challenges, and moments when the odds felt impossible. But we refused to give up. Standing here as World Cup champions is proof that determination can turn even the toughest journey into an unforgettable triumph. We hope our win inspires many more like us to chase their dreams with courage”.
Dominant Performance in the Final
Talking about the final match, India restricted Nepal to 114/5 in 20 overs after opting to field first. Indian batters didn’t break a sweat while chasing a 115-run target. They scored 100 runs in the first 10 overs, ensuring there was no more threat. Opener Phula Saren smashed 44 runs off 27 balls, including four boundaries, whereas Karuna K played a fiery knock of 27-ball 42 as India reached the target in the 13th over.
Kapil Dev criticizes India’s top players for lacking sufficient domestic cricket experience, which hinders their ability to handle spin.
Kapil Dev has spoked about the temperament of Indian batters in Test cricket(Getty)
India’s 408-run implosion against South Africa at home has triggered the usual noise about technique, pitches, and IPL hangovers. But Kapil Dev isn’t interested in buzzwords. He’s asking one simple, old-school question: “Are India’s best batters even playing enough domestic cricket to know how to survive spin anymore?”
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain, speaking to Sportstar, drew a sharp contrast between previous generations and the current crop.
“That was because they had individual style, footwork, and the fact that they played good domestic cricket on a variety of pitches. I just want to know how many of today’s top players are playing domestic cricket. That’s the most crucial thing. If you don’t play domestic cricket and don’t face quality bowlers, you are going to struggle,” Kapil said.
With India having lost the home series to New Zealand and South Africa, and bowled out for sub-200 totals on helpful surfaces, his concerns seem to have enough logic.
Kapil Dev cannot understand India’s selection of pitches
Kapil didn’t spare the pitches either, but not in the usual “make it flatter” way. His gripe is about extreme, two-and-a-half-day finishes becoming the norm. “The pitches are very, very important. Not the type where the game ends in two and a half days. You lose the toss and lose the game. What is the point of having a pitch where no team crosses 200? It is not good for the state of the five-day game.”
That flows straight into his biggest worry: India’s batting muscles for tough red-ball conditions have atrophied in a white-ball obsessed calendar.
“We are more occupied with T20s and ODIs, which means that batters hardly encounter bowler-friendly pitches. On surfaces offering a lot of help to spin and seam, you need patience and a different set of skills to thrive. Once you are ready to play on those pitches, your mindset affects how you tackle them. You do not have batters like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, who knew how to stay at the wicket. Batting in Tests is about staying in the middle,” said Kapil.
It’s a pointed throwback. Dravid and Laxman routinely stacked full Ranji seasons early in their careers; many current stars have played only a handful of first-class games in recent years as international and IPL commitments have exploded.
Spin needs more skill than pace – and different temperaments
Kapil is clear that playing spin well is a higher art than handling fast bowling. “You need better skills to tackle spin than to play pace, but it depends on the state of the pitch. If the turn or bounce is vicious, it becomes very difficult. Remember, footwork plays an important role.”
He also makes room for different batting personalities, using Rishabh Pant as the obvious example of a modern outlier. “If your temperament is to go and hit like Rishabh Pant, it is different. You cannot as Pant to defend. He is a genuine match-winner. He will go and hit the ball. He is not going to bat 100 balls and make 20. When he hits a six, we all go gaga. Do you tell him not to hit them? He is a batter who can demolish the opposition.”
For Kapil, the real solution is not to change Pant-like batters, but to rebuild the ecosystem that once produced Shastri, Amarnath and Gavaskar. “I was surprised that India lost to New Zealand and South Africa at home, but we should have prepared better. Test cricket is different. You ask a person like me to defend, it will not work. But you ask someone like Ravi Shastri to bat the whole day, he will do it. Jimmy Amarnath and Sunil Gavaskar could stay in the middle for the entire day. They had the temperament because they played a lot of domestic cricket.”
Suniel Shetty shared a heartfelt message for Indian women’s team star Jemimah Rodrigues after she decided to opt out of the ongoing season of the WBBL.
Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty shared a heartfelt message for Indian women’s team star Jemimah Rodrigues after she decided to opt out of the ongoing season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to be with her close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana during this tough phase. Mandhana’s wedding was postponed last week after her father was hospitalised due to heart related health complications. On Thursday, Jemimah’s WBBL franchise, Brisbane Heat, announced that the player requested to remain in India to support her friend Smriti.
Shetty highlighted the gesture on social media, calling it the purest form of friendship.
“Bumped into this article first thing in the morning and my heart felt full. Jemimah leaving the WBBL to be by Smriti’s side. No big statements, just quiet solidarity. This is what real teammates do. Simple. Straight. Genuine,” Shetty wrote on X (formerly Twitter) while sharing a newspaper clipping as well.
Jemimah had returned a few days back to attend Mandhana’s wedding and was scheduled to fly back to complete her Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) assignment for Brisbane Heat.
“The Brisbane Heat have agreed to a request to release Jemimah Rodrigues from the remainder of the Women’s Big Bash League,” said Brisbane Heat in a statement.
“Rodrigues returned home to India after the Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes 10 days ago as part of a pre-arranged commitment where she was to be involved in Indian teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding last weekend.
“However, the celebrations were subsequently postponed due to a health issue with Mandhana’s father,” the statement added.
The club said they had agreed to Jemimah’s request for release. She was the Heat’s No.1 pick at the ‘International Player’ draft earlier this year.
A heartwarming reunion took place in Ranchi as Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, Pant, and Gaikwad visited MS Dhoni before the ODI series against South Africa.
MS Dhoni drives Virat Kohli(@chixxsays/X)
As India prepares for the three-match One-Day International series against South Africa, which begins on Sunday at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium, a heartwarming reunion in Ranchi stole the spotlight. Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad were among the Indian players who visited MS Dhoni at his residence on Thursday, setting social media abuzz and adding an emotional layer to the team’s build-up for the series.
Kohli’s arrival at Dhoni’s home drew the loudest cheers, and for good reason. The two have shared one of Indian cricket’s most iconic partnerships — from Kohli thriving under Dhoni’s nurturing leadership to Dhoni trusting him in decisive moments across formats. Their camaraderie was on full display again in Ranchi, where visuals of the former captain greeting Kohli and welcoming him inside quickly went viral.
What truly delighted fans, however, was Dhoni personally driving Kohli in his car after the get-together. The clip — Dhoni at the wheel and Kohli seated beside him, waving to ecstatic supporters thronging the streets — flooded social platforms within minutes, evoking nostalgia for an era defined by their combined on-field brilliance. Many fans called it the “moment of the year,” celebrating the enduring bond between two of India’s most influential cricketers.
MS Dhoni personally drove his car to drop Virat Kohli back at the hotel after dinner.🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/sEHdZT1EGt
Pant and Gaikwad also visited the former India skipper, continuing a tradition of players dropping by whenever the national team plays in Dhoni’s hometown. Pant, who has long regarded Dhoni as a mentor figure, was seen arriving with teammates, while Gaikwad — a key part of Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings setup — shared an easy familiarity with his IPL captain.
Rishabh pant Reached MS Dhoni’s House for a Dinner party
The gathering came at a key moment for the Indian side. With KL Rahul leading the ODI squad in the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, the team is looking to reset quickly after a disappointing Test series. Kohli, returning to the ODI setup and expected to anchor India’s batting stability, is central to that effort. His presence at Dhoni’s residence not only sparked excitement among fans but also symbolised renewed energy and togetherness within the squad.
The Indian players, who reached Ranchi earlier this week, temporarily paused their training schedule for the reunion. Outside Dhoni’s residence, crowds lined up through the day, cheering as each star arrived. Photos and videos continued to circulate widely, capturing moments that blended nostalgia, warmth and anticipation ahead of a crucial white-ball assignment.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t plead for more chances as India’s Test graph under him hit an all-time low as South Africa secured a 2-0 series sweep, their first in 25 years in the country. Gambhir, understandably, had to face some tough questions in the press conference, including one about his future as the coach of the Indian team in the longest format. When asked about his future, Gambhir said it is for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to decide whether he deserves to stay at the helm or not.
“It is for the BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well, Indian cricket is important, I am not important. I am the same guy who got results in England, won the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. This is a team which is learning,” Gambhir said in the press conference after India’s 408-run defeat in Guwahati.
At the start of the press conference, Gambhir said that every single person in the Indian team should be held responsible for the 0-2 series defeat, but the blame starts with him. “Blame lies with everyone, starts with me,” he said in the presser.
Gambhir Not Keen On Blaming Individuals
“We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don’t blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won’t do it going forward,” he added.
Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of the 18 Tests. After the whitewash against New Zealand last year, the team underwent a complete overhaul before the next home assignment. Despite fresh faces in the team, the result against South Africa was similar to the one against the Kiwis.
Gambhir has, of late, attracted criticism for frequent changes in the team and his inclination to focus more on all-rounders than specialists in the traditional format. But, when asked about the kind of players that excel in Test cricket, Gambhir said the team needs ‘tough characters’.
“You don’t need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers to play Test cricket. What we need is tough characters with limited skills. They make good Test cricketers,” he said.
Mohammed Siraj publicly called out Air India Express for the 4-hour delay in departure from Guwahati to Hyderabad and the lack of communication regarding it.
Siraj was returning to Hyderabad after India suffered a 408-run defeat to South Africa, which sealed a 0-2 loss in the two-match Test series. (Photo: PTI)
India national cricket team fast-bowler Mohammad Siraj on Wednesday night publicly expressed his frustration with Air India Express after a troublesome travel experience with the airline.
In a social-media post, Siraj said his Air India Express flight (IX 2884) from Guwahati to Hyderabad, scheduled to depart at 7.25 pm but failed to take off as planned. He claimed the airline provided no clear explanation despite repeated enquiries, leaving passengers stranded for four hours.
“Air India flight No. IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad was supposed to depart at 7:25pm, yet there has been no communication from the airline. Even after repeated follow-ups, they’ve only delayed the flight without giving any proper reason. It’s extremely frustrating, and this is the basic expectation of any passenger,” Siraj wrote on X.
“Flight delayed by 4 hours and still no update has left us stranded. Worst airline experience,” Siraj added, cautioning travellers against booking with the carrier unless it “can take a stand.”
Just minutes after Siraj’s post, Air India Express issued a public response on X, apologising to the cricketer for the inconvenience. The airline said the flight had been cancelled “due to unforeseen operational reasons” and assured that its airport staff were assisting all passengers with necessary arrangements.
“We understand how difficult this situation is, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding,” the airline wrote, adding that it would continue to provide updates and extend all possible support.
FIFA cited its disciplinary rules that allow for parts of a sanction to be probationary, though it is rare in cases of a three-game ban for two of them to be deferred.
Cristiano Ronaldo will likely avoid missing any Portugal games at the World Cup despite his red card in a qualifying game for elbowing an Ireland opponent. FIFA published a disciplinary verdict on Tuesday that imposed a three-game ban, which judged Ronaldo’s action as “violent conduct” or “serious foul play,” but with two of those games deferred for a one-year probation period. Ronaldo served a mandatory one-game ban when Portugal played its final qualifying game last week — a 9-1 win over Armenia that sealed its place at the World Cup in North America.
The superstar had been expected to be banned for at least one more game and start what will be his record sixth World Cup on the sidelines.
FIFA cited its disciplinary rules that allow for parts of a sanction to be probationary, though it is rare in cases of a three-game ban for two of them to be deferred.
In two cases judged by FIFA this month, players from Armenia and Burundi were banned for three games after getting red cards for acts of aggression in World Cup qualifying games and neither got a reduction on probation.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period,” FIFA said in a statement, then the remaining two games will be activated.
FIFA has disciplinary authority over national-team games and Portugal is scheduled to play two friendly matches in March, then likely one or two warmup games in late-May or June. The World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico starts June 11.
Ronaldo swung an arm and struck Ireland defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow during a 2-0 loss in Dublin two weeks ago.
The FIFA verdict comes one week after Ronaldo met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House for a formal dinner with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also attended the event and posed for a selfie photo with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has played in the Saudi league for three years at one of the clubs majority owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund that the prince chairs. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup and has been a major financial backer of FIFA in the past two years.
Smriti Mandhana has removed all wedding-related posts from social media after her wedding to Palash Muchhal was postponed due to her father’s health issues.
Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal
A day after her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal was postponed indefinitely, Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana removed every wedding-related post from her social media accounts, shifting public attention from celebration to concern.
The wedding, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday in Mandhana’s hometown of Sangli, was abruptly put on hold after her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, suffered a sudden health scare. According to her manager Tuhin Mishra, Mandhana’s father began showing symptoms of a possible heart issue early Sunday morning while having breakfast. His condition did not improve, prompting the family to call an ambulance and rush him to a hospital, where he remains under observation.
Mishra confirmed that Mandhana, who shares a close bond with her father and credits him as a key pillar in her cricketing journey, immediately decided to postpone the wedding until he recovers. “Smriti is very clear — she wants her father to be okay first, and later she will get married,” Mishra said, requesting privacy for the family during the difficult time.
The couple had been in the midst of a week-long celebration, with pre-wedding rituals such as the Mehendi, Haldi and Sangeet already completed. Several of Mandhana’s India teammates — including Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Arundhati Reddy, Shivali Shinde, and Richa Ghosh — attended the festivities. A friendly “Bride Team vs Groom Team” cricket match and viral clips of Mandhana dancing with teammates had given fans a rare glimpse into her otherwise guarded personal life.
However, Mandhana’s decision to remove all photos and videos from the celebrations — including engagement posts and behind-the-scenes moments she had shared earlier — has drawn immediate attention. While some observers noted the timing and wondered about the abrupt social-media cleanup, the overwhelming reaction online has been one of empathy, with fans urging her to focus on family and wishing her father a speedy recovery.
Iceland Cricket trolled Gautam Gambhir, stating he won’t coach their team. This jab highlights India’s struggles under Gambhir’s leadership.
Gautam Gambhir during a practice session ahead of the second Test cricket match between India and South Africa.(PTI)
Iceland Cricket has never needed an excuse to troll world cricket, but Gautam Gambhir’s India stint has just handed them fresh material. On Sunday, the European associate’s X handle decided to clear “fan doubts” with a deadpan update: Gambhir, they insisted, will not be invited to coach Iceland – that job is already taken, and the team has won 75% of their matches in 2025.
The numbers were tongue-in-cheek, the target anything but. Coming from an account built in snark and satire, the post lands a sharp reminder that India’s Test problems under Gambhir are now global meme currency, not just a domestic talking point.
To all our fans, no, Gautam Gambhir will not be invited to be our new national team coach. That position is already filled and we won 75% of our matches in 2025.
Iceland’s barb arrives at a time when Gautam Gambhir’s red-ball record is under relentless scrutiny. Since taking over as India’s Head Coach in mid-2024, his side has lurched from a 0-3 home whitewash to New Zealand – India’s first home series defeat in 12 years – to a 1-3 loss in Australia that surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A recent analysis of his tenure pegged India’s Test returns at seven wins, nine defeats, and two draws from 18 matches, with the team still trailing in the current series against South Africa.
The pattern has fuelled questions about muddled selections, mixed messaging, and an over-aggressive batting approach that has produced collapses at home and abroad. India’s red-ball performances under Gambhir have been inconsistent, and there has been a lack of steady results.
All of this sits awkwardly alongside Gambhir’s undeniable high points. India’s white-ball numbers under him remain stellar, with a Champions Trophy win and Asia Cup to show as the ultimate result. The two title wins clinched in a nine-month burst briefly shifted the narrative towards redemption.
The Indian women’s kabaddi team on Monday secured its second consecutive World Cup title with a 35-28 win over Chinese Taipei here. India emerged on top in a tournament involving 11 countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the many who lauded the women’s team for the remarkable achievement.
Indian women’s team won the World Cup. Photo: PKL
The Indian women’s kabaddi team on Monday secured its second consecutive World Cup title with a 35-28 win over Chinese Taipei here. India emerged on top in a tournament involving 11 countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the many who lauded the women’s team for the remarkable achievement.
“Congratulations to our Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team for making the nation proud by winning the Kabaddi World Cup 2025! They have showcased outstanding grit, skills and dedication. Their victory will inspire countless youngsters to pursue Kabaddi, dream bigger and aim higher,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Congratulations to our Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team for making the nation proud by winning the Kabaddi World Cup 2025! They have showcased outstanding grit, skills and dedication. Their victory will inspire countless youngsters to pursue Kabaddi, dream bigger and aim higher. pic.twitter.com/XRM8J2I2h0
Unbeaten India were in sublime form throughout the tournament. They had beaten Iran 33-21 to enter the summit clash. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, beat hosts Bangladesh 25-18 in the semifinals. Home Minister Amit Shah too was quick to congratulate the victorious outfit.
“Moment of immense pride as our women’s Kabbadi team scripts history. Congratulations to the entire team for lifting the Women’s #KabaddiWorldCup2025. Your stupendous victory reiterates why India’s sporting talent is second to none. All my best wishes for your future endeavors,” Shah wrote on X.
Moment of immense pride as our women’s Kabbadi team scripts history.
Congratulations to the entire team for lifting the Women’s #KabaddiWorldCup2025. Your stupendous victory reiterates why India’s sporting talent is second to none. All my best wishes for your future endeavors. pic.twitter.com/ZBDwAgW4hT
Former India captain Ajay Thakur added: “Their dominant run to the final and then the trophy shows how much women’s kabaddi has progressed in the last few years. It is also a testament to the global appeal of the sport, with Bangladesh hosting the World Cup, and I hope that this momentum continues in the years to come,” he said.
In the league stage, India displayed their dominance with wins over Thailand, Bangladesh, Germany and Uganda.
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicket-keeper batter Shreevats Goswami believes that Virat Kohli should have continued playing Tests and retired from ODIs instead.
File photo of Virat Kohli
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicket-keeper batter Shreevats Goswami believes that Virat Kohli should have continued playing Tests and retired from ODIs instead. He further said that the current Indian cricket team missed the energy and belief that they used to enjoy under Kohli’s captaincy. The comments came after India’s disappointing show in the ongoing Test encounter against South Africa in Guwahati. India were handed an embarrassing Test series defeat by New Zealand last year and if the Rishabh Pant-led side loss the second Test, they are starting at another home series loss against South Africa.
“Ideally, Virat should have left playing ODIs & continued playing test cricket until he had nothing to give. Test cricket misses him. Not just as a player but just the energy he brought, the love & passion playing for India where he made the team believe that they can win in any condition,” he posted on X.
Ideally Virat should have left playing ODIs & continued playing test cricket untill he had nothing to give. Test cricket misses him. Not just as a player but just the energy he brought, the love & passion playing for 🇮🇳 where he made the team believe that they can win in any…
Coming to the match, after taking a 288-run first innings lead, South Africa were 26 for no loss in their second essay at stumps on Day 3 as the visitors took control of the second Test against India.
Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram were batting on 13 and 12 respectively at the end of the day’s play. South Africa faced eight overs in the final session after dismissing India for 201 in 83.5 overs in their first innings.
The Proteas, who had made 489 in their first innings, are now 314 runs ahead overall with two days left in the Test. The visitors had won the first Test by 30 runs in Kolkata.
In India’s first innings, only Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 off 97 balls) and Washington Sundar (48 off 92 balls) could contribute substantially as the home team suffered a batting collapse after starting the day at 9 for no loss.
Four Indian wickets tumbled in the opening session, reaching 102 for 4 at tea. Three more Indian batters fell in the second session.
Washington and Kuldeep Yadav (19 off 134 balls) gave a stubborn resistance after India were reduced to 122 for 7 in the second session, stitching a 72-run partnership for the eighth wicket before the former was out.
Deep into stoppage time, Ronaldo latched onto a pinpoint cross from Nawaf Boushal and executed a remarkable overhead kick, sealing the victory and extending Al Nassr’s lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to four points over rivals Al Hilal.
Image: Al Nassr/X
Cristiano Ronaldo once again reminded the world of his brilliance at the age of 40, producing a sensational bicycle kick goal that echoed one of the most iconic moments of his career. On Sunday, November 23, the Portuguese superstar found the net in stunning fashion as Al Nassr defeated Al-Khaleej 4-1 at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
Deep into stoppage time, Ronaldo latched onto a pinpoint cross from Nawaf Boushal and executed a remarkable overhead kick, sealing the victory and extending Al Nassr’s lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to four points over rivals Al Hilal. The strike instantly drew comparisons to his unforgettable overhead goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2017 UEFA Champions League.
Renowned TV presenter, journalist and author Piers Morgan also can’t keep calm as he tweeted about Ronaldo’s goal. He wrote, “Just when I thought my night couldn’t get any better, my mate @Cristiano scores another worldie bicycle kick goal. He’s 40! Ridiculous.”
Just when I thought my night couldn’t get any better, my mate @Cristiano scores another worldie bicycle kick goal. He’s 40! Ridiculous. https://t.co/t4mAQ5cupC
Ronaldo’s latest goal has already been tipped as a strong contender for the 2026 FIFA Puskas Award. The veteran forward, notably, was the award’s first-ever winner in 2009 for his long-range strike for Manchester United against Porto, and finished runner-up in 2018 for the famous Juventus goal.
THE stars were out in force as Formula One rolled into Las Vegas.
And uber celebs such as Beyonce and Jay Z were among the A-listers taking in the events as motorsport’s most glamorous racing series visited town.
Beyonce appeared flustered afterwards as they got up to speeds of 200mphCredit: Getty
Beyonce, 44, was given a special treat as she was taken around F1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for a hot lap in a scarlet red Ferrari.
She was certainly dressed for the occasion in a custom-made Louis Vuitton red, white and black leather suit with a gold crystal LVM logo and black aviator-style sunglasses, red gloves and black boots.
The Single Ladies singer appeared out of breath after reportedly reaching speeds of 200mph.
A video shared on F1’s social media pages showed Hamilton, 40, and Beyonce embrace in a hug after the lap.
Meanwhile, she shared a video of herself getting in the car to her Instagram page alongside the caption: “Give it to mama”.
Reacting on social media, one fan said: “HOT THANG!!!!!!”
A second said: “We got the green light.”
The official F1 account added: “LOVE.”
Hamilton, Beyonce and Jay Z, 55, were all seen enjoying a chat after the hot lap.
They also posed for pictures on the grid alongside Travis Scott and Michael Rubin.
As the evening arrived for Hamilton and Co to go racing full-throttle behind the wheel of their F1 cars, Beyonce arrived alongside husband Jay Z sporting a striking red Ferrari outfit.
Hamilton qualified dead last for the first time in his F1 career before enjoying an impressive start in the race to get himself into the points.
He finished P10 in the original order, but thanks to disqualifications for McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri who had finished P2 and P4, Hamilton moved up to P8.
After the race he bemoaned his “worst ever season” in F1 during what is his first term with Ferrari – F1’s most iconic and successful team.
With just two races to go the Brit is facing down the unwanted record of failing to score a podium in a season for the first time in his career, which started in 2007.
He will have the race weekends in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to prevent that from coming to pass, but with Ferrari often looking way off the pace of rivals it could prove to be a tall order.
KL Rahul is likely to lead Team India in the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa starting from November 30, given Shubman Gill’s unavailability due to a neck injury, as per a BCCI source. Rahul is likely to lead the Indian team in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, as India will be without their captain, Shubman Gill. Gill, India’s ODI captain, suffered the injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata and is currently undergoing further assessment in Mumbai.
The 26-year-old had sustained a neck injury on Day 2 during India’s first Test against South Africa. Gill was taken to the hospital after Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, shortly after retiring hurt in the first innings, having faced just three balls.
Gill has not regained full fitness for the second Test and will proceed to Mumbai for further assessment.
Shreyas Iyer, who was appointed his deputy in ODIs for the recently concluded Australia series in October, is also out of action due to an injury. Iyer suffered the injury during the third ODI against Australia.
With Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer out of action, Rahul emerges as the likely stand-in captain. Rahul boasts impressive ODI stats, having scored 3092 runs in 88 matches at an average of 48.31 and a strike rate of 88.41.
India is set to face South Africa in a three-match ODI series, starting with the first match on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by fixtures in Raipur on December 3 and Vizag on December 6. The much-anticipated series also marks the international comeback of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in home conditions.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana is set to marry music director Palash Muchhal on November 23, with vibrant pre-wedding festivities shared widely on social media.
Indian cricketing stalwart Smriti Mandhana is all set to tie the knot with music director Palash Muchhal on November 23. Over the past few days, social media has been flooded by the couple’s pre-wedding festivities. From the videos of Haldi celebrations to a friendly cricket match between the teams led by the groom and the bride, some mesmerising scenes have unfolded ahead of the big day. Now, a stunning video has emerged on social media, showcasing Smriti and Palash performing a perfectly choreographed dance.
In the video, Smriti could be seen putting a garland around Palash’s neck, with the latter bowing in front of the Indian women’s team opening batter. Seeing Smriti, usually considered an introvert, own the stage in such a manner, the Indian cricketing spectrum was left scratching its heads.
Members of the Indian women’s cricket team also performed on the occasion.
The pre-wedding festivities continue:
The Engagement: The couple officially confirmed their engagement in a fun and unconventional manner last week. Smtiti shared a viral Instagram reel featuring her and teammates like Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil dancing, subtly revealing her ring in the final frame. Muchhal followed up with a heartfelt video of his surprise proposal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the same venue where India won the Women’s ODI World Cup recently.
Haldi and Mehendi: The pre-wedding rituals were full of energy and colour. The Haldi ceremony saw Smriti, dressed in a bright yellow outfit, dancing and celebrating with her ‘team bride’ teammates, including Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Radha Yadav. The Mehendi ceremony featured Smriti in a stunning purple ensemble.
Anu Kumari (left), Kavya NR (centre) and Durga Yevle (right) celebrate a win
The ongoing inaugural Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup has put the spotlight on visually impaired Indian women who have overcome immense challenges to reach this stage.
They come from villages, farming families and small-town hostels, with many learning the sport only in the past few years.
The T20 tournament – a six-team event featuring India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia and the USA – began on 11 November in Delhi. After a few matches in Bengaluru, the venue for the knockouts has now moved to Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo.
The 16-member Indian squad represents nine states – Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Assam, and Bihar. Many players were introduced to the sport through schoolteachers, disability organisations, or community camps.
“Most of the players are from rural backgrounds,” said team manager Shika Shetty. “Language and culture were barriers, families and teachers were often unwilling to let them pursue the sport, and even introducing the rules of blind cricket took time. But now they are all competing with pride.”
Blind cricket uses a plastic ball with metal bearings that makes a sound, and players are classified depending on their level of visual impairment. Players are classified as B1, B2 or B3, based on vision, and teams must include a mix of all three. The ball jingles and is bowled underarm along the pitch. B1 players, who are fully blind, bat with runners for safety, and each run they complete counts as two.
The World Cup features six teams in a single round-robin. India won all five matches and were the first side to qualify for the semi-finals.
Who is on the team?
India’s team is captained by Deepika TC, a Karnataka native who lost her sight as a baby after an accident. She grew up in a farming family, unaware that sport would define her life.
Cricket reached her through specialised schools, where teachers encouraged her to try the game despite her hesitation. Over time, the sport gave her direction and confidence, she says.
Leading India in the World Cup carries deep meaning for her.
“This is the biggest moment of my and my team’s life. Earlier this month, the sighted Indian women’s cricket team won the World Cup in Navi Mumbai, and we want to make it a double this month,” Deepika said.
She said support from Indian women’s World Cup winner Jemimah Rodrigues and men’s Test captain Shubman Gill had been very meaningful.
Vice-captain Ganga Kadam of Maharashtra, from a family of nine siblings, was enrolled in a school for the blind by her farmer father to secure a stable future.
She played cricket casually until a mentor urged her to take it seriously. Learning to trust sound, timing, and orientation was challenging. The 26-year-old’s progress came through persistence rather than immediate results, and she now inspires visually impaired girls in her village to play sports.
Another on the team, top-order batter Anekha Devi, 20, from Jammu and Kashmir, was born partially blind. Her uncle, also visually impaired, urged her to attend a blind cricket camp in Delhi after school.
She remembers early sessions as overwhelming, with unfamiliar voices and techniques. But she adapted quickly and surprised coaches with her grasp of the audible ball system.
Within two years she reached the national team and often speaks of wanting to become the role model she never had for herself.
Her 18-year-old all-rounder teammate, Phula Saren, from a tribal community in Odisha, lost vision in her left eye at five, as well as her mother soon after. She discovered cricket through a teacher at a school for the blind.
Travelling to tournaments was challenging, and persuading her family took time, but she persisted. Her turning point wasn’t a trophy – it was realising she belonged at the national level.
Meanwhile, Sunita Sarathe from Madhya Pradesh didn’t step into cricket directly from school. She completed college, explored various jobs, and only joined a blind cricket camp on a friend’s recommendation.
The sport felt “fast and complicated”, but she kept returning. Coaches say she trained intensely because she felt she had joined “late”. She is now one of India’s most reliable fielders.
Headquartered in London, the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) has overseen the sport since 1996. While the men’s game has a longer history – with the first 50-over World Cup in 1998 and the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2012 – this year marks the first-ever women’s Blind Cricket World Cup.
India’s women’s blind cricket setup is still young. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), which governs blind cricket nationally, was established in 2011. Systematic scouting for a women’s team began in 2019, leading to their first international match in 2023 and a gold medal at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham the same year.
“We believed we were doing injustice by not giving visually impaired women the same opportunities as the men,” said Mahantesh GK, CABI’s chairperson.
“Creating this tournament took huge effort. Money was a challenge. Getting teams was a challenge. But we persisted. Now the response from both the central and many state governments, sponsors, the corporate world and the public has been remarkable. The future will be much bigger.”
The semifinals and final of the World Cup will be held in Colombo, with the final set for Sunday. All matches are streamed live on CABI’s YouTube channel and state-run Prasar Bharati platforms, while India’s games are also broadcast on national broadcaster Doordarshan, giving the sport a major visibility boost.
South Africa’s G20 priorities include debt sustainability, energy transition, disaster resilience, and critical minerals for growth, ahead of PM Modi’s visit.
A man works with plants near a G20 sign at the Nasrec Expo centre ahead of the G20 Summit, in Johannesburg in South Africa. (REUTERS)
Debt sustainability for low income countries, mobilising finance for just energy transition, strengthening disaster resilience and response, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development are among the four key priority areas identified by South Africa for its G20 presidency, secretary (economic relations) Sudhakar Dalela said at a special briefing on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Johannesburg for the 20th G20 Summit.
These areas, he said, were identified under the theme for South Africa’s G20 Presidency — Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.
The summit will be important for India to ensure continuity of its priorities in the G20 after it hosted a successful presidency in 2023, he said. “The G20 has emerged as a premium forum for international economic cooperation as well as for discussing matters of global significance. These include accelerating progress on sustainable development goals, reform of global institutions of governance, tackling environmental and climate challenges, debt sustainability, bridging the digital divide, energy transition, emerging technologies, underscoring the importance of international coordination and cooperation, and addressing contemporary global challenges,” Dalela said.
Modi will head for Johannesburg on Friday to attend the summit taking place on November 22-23 at a time when President Donald Trump has announced that the US will boycott the summit, accusing the host country of discriminating against its white minority.
Asked if the PM will raise the issue of terrorism, Dalela said, “The issue of terrorism is a very important subject for us but G20, as you know, is a forum where economic issues and related matters are discussed. We are discussing the declaration for the summit. Our colleagues and teams are in Johannesburg, and all such issues are being discussed. So I will not try to prejudge what will come in the declaration, but all important matters that are relevant from our perspective, from the Global South’s perspective will be highlighted by our leadership.”
Various countries that are developing or are less developed are referred to as the Global South.
The PM will put forth India’s perspectives on the G20 agenda, and is expected to speak in all the three sessions of the summit, Africa’s first.
The sessions include Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies; the role of trade; financing for development and the debt burden; A Resilient World — the G20’s Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems, and A Fair and a Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence.
According to police, the incident took place during a wedding ceremony in Sardhana, where the firing took place from a double-barreled gun during the jaimala ceremony.
Annu Rani is an international-level javelin thrower. (Image posted on X by @Media_SAI)
International javelin thrower Annu Rani and her husband, national kickboxer Sahil Bhardwaj, were booked on Wednesday after they were found firing celebratory shots during their wedding, in a video that went viral on social media, police said.
“An FIR has been lodged against Annu Rani and Sahil under the Arms Act and an investigation has been initiated,” Sardhana Station House Officer Dinesh Pratap Singh told PTI.
The viral video clearly shows the couple engaging in celebratory firing, he said.
According to police, the incident took place during a wedding ceremony in Sardhana, where the firing took place from a double-barreled gun during the jaimala ceremony.
The video, which surfaced online, purportedly shows the bride and groom, Annu Rani and Sahil, firing from the stage, they said.
Technical verification of the video and details of the firearm are being examined, Singh added.
Rani, a resident of Meerut’s Bahadarpur village, is an international-level javelin thrower, while Sahil Bhardwaj from Rohtak is a national kickboxing champion.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has defended Gautam Gambhir following the team’s debacle last week in the 1st Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Head coach Gambhir continues to face backlash after the Indian team failed to chase down 124 on a tricky surface at the Eden Gardens. Kotak, who was appointed India’s batting coach in January 2025, suggested that Gambhir isn’t the only one to blame for the loss, adding that the players and the support staff could have done things differently.
“Everyone is talking about Gautam Gambhir. No one is saying that the batsmen, the bowlers or the support staff could have done things differently,” Kotak said during a press conference on Thursday.
Kotak also defended the chief curator at Eden Gardens, Sujan Mukherjee, over the criticism of pitch, adding that even the management didn’t expect the ball to grip that much, that too on the second day.
“When we play a Test at home or travel abroad, every home team plays to its strengths. Ever since I became the batting coach, we have opted for spin-friendly tracks in India. We always hoped that a match goes on four days at least, and the ball should turn a bit since spin is our strength. In the last match, as well all saw, the pitch was a dusty and was also crumbling a bit. That was unexpected. We thought that the spinners would come into play properly from the third day. Even the curators didn’t expect that. Seeing that much turn on the second day is not normal. It probably happened because the top layer was dry and the pitch underneath was hard since it was rolled a lot,” he added.
The former Saurashtra head coach also shared his views on Gambhir’s defending Sujan after the loss in Kolkata.
In a fun and light-hearted moment, Smriti Mandhana confirmed her engagement by flashing her ring in a playful dance video with her teammates. The video featuring many of the India World Cup winners, has gone viral on social media.
Smriti Mandhana flaunted her engagement ring. (Photo: Instagram)
India batter and World Cup winner, Smriti Mandhana chose a fun and refreshing way to share a special moment from her personal life, confirming her engagement to music composer Palash Muchhal through a playful Instagram reel. Surrounded by her teammates and set to a classic Bollywood track, the India batter turned a simple dance video into a memorable announcement.
Joined by Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil Radha Yadav, and even Arundhati Reddy, Mandhana featured in a neatly choreographed routine to “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” from the 2006 film Lage Raho Munna Bhai. The video has since gone viral on social media. However, in the closing frames, Mandhana subtly lifted her hand towards the camera, flashing her engagement ring and confirming the long-rumoured news.
Muchhal had earlier offered a hint about their relationship during an event at the State Press Club in Indore in October. While refraining from making a direct confirmation, he had quipped that Mandhana would soon become the “daughter-in-law of Indore” — a remark that sparked speculation but stopped short of revealing concrete plans.
Away from the joyous personal milestone, Mandhana’s on-field numbers continue to tell an equally impressive story. Fresh from India’s historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup victory, the elegant left-hander delivered a remarkable campaign with the bat. She finished with 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.22, including a match-winning century against New Zealand.
In the process, Mandhana became the highest run-scorer by an Indian in a single edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup, surpassing the previous record of 409 runs set by Mithali Raj during the 2017 tournament in England. Her consistency and attacking intent at the top of the order proved vital to India’s title-winning run.
Her impact was also evident in the final against South Africa, where she and Shafali Verma provided India with a blistering start. The opening pair stormed past a fifty-run partnership inside the first seven overs, putting the Proteas bowlers under immediate pressure. Although South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt still tops the overall chart with 470 runs this edition, Mandhana’s dominant presence remained one of the defining forces of the tournament.
Gill is a doubtful starter for the second Test against South Africa due to a neck injury that he suffered on Day 2 of the first Test at Eden Gardens.
Aakash Chopra wants India to Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Shubman Gill for 2nd Test against South Africa. (Picture Credit: AFP, PTI)
Shubman Gill is doubtful for the second India-South Africa Test, which will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22 to 26. The 26-year-old right-handed batter from Punjab, who is also the captain of India’s Test and ODI team, suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test at Eden Gardens, and due to that, he didn’t come out to bat as well in the second innings. Gill, who was taken to the hospital for treatment, will reportedly travel to Guwahati for the match, but there is no clarity about his participation.
If Gill misses, then Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal could get a game in place of him. But according to former India opener Aakash Chopra, who has now donned the hat of an expert and commentator, if Gill is not there, then Indian selectors should consider including Ruturaj Gaikwad.
According to Chopra, Gaikwad is in red-hot form these days, and it will be wise to bring a right-handed in-form batter in the XI, as there are already six left-handed batters, and Sudharsan and Padikkal also are lefties.
“Should Ruturaj Gaikwad be selected in the Test team? You might be wondering how he can be selected, as the team is already selected, and no one has gone out. There is still no clarity on Shubman Gill’s participation. He has been discharged from the hospital, but there is still a question mark over his participation,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“Just in case he doesn’t become available, you will have to play someone. You have Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal sitting outside – two more left-handers. You have six left-handers in the XI at the moment. Do you want to go with seven left-handers? You want to change that, maybe,” he added.
Gaikwad, who is yet to play a Test match for India, has registered scores of 91, 55*, 116 and 36* in four innings of three Ranji Trophy matches for Maharashtra this season, and in the two unofficial ODIs for India A against South Africa A in Rajkot last week, he hammered 117 and 68* to win back-to-back Player Of The Match (POTM) awards.
The 40-year-old was seen in a black tuxedo as he took his seat alongside the likes of Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance. The video of the event has gone viral on social media.
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo/X
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday. The 40-year-old was seen in a black tuxedo as he took his seat alongside the likes of Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance. The video of the event has gone viral on social media.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, shares close ties with the Saudi Crown Prince after moving to Riyadh in 2023. Ronaldo has since become the face of the Saudi Pro League, recently extending his contract with Al Nassr for another two years, and now serves as a sporting ambassador for Saudi Arabia. He has publicly referred to bin Salman as his “boss.”
Donald Trump rerveals youngest son a big Cristiano Ronaldo fan
Trump revealed during the evening that his youngest son, Barron , is a “big fan” of Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward’s visit to the White House marked his first trip to the United States, having not played a football match in the country since 2014, following sexual assault allegations made against him in 2009, which he has always denied.
Ronaldo, who praised Trump during a previous interview with journalist Piers Morgan, once said, “[President Trump] is one of the guys who can help to change the world. One of the most important guys is the U.S. President. He is one of the guys I wish to meet to sit and have a nice talk. If it is here, or in the U.S., wherever he wants. I know he was here in Saudi with our boss MBS. I wish one day to meet him because he is one of the guys who can make things happen and I like people like that.”
Sourav Ganguly has dismissed calls to sack Gautam Gambhir after India’s Eden Gardens defeat. He believes better pitches, patience and clearer planning are the real priorities as India look to correct recurring Test-match flaws.
Ganguly shuts sacking noise around India coach Gambhir. (PTI Photo)
Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly has strongly backed head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the rising noise after India’s loss to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens. The defeat has sparked scrutiny over India’s preparation and approach, but Ganguly insists that any talk of removing Gambhir is premature and unwarranted.
In an exclusive interaction with India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, the Cricket Association of Bengal President stressed that India must look at the broader picture instead of resorting to extreme reactions. He argued that the team needs to realign its mindset and focus on playing on better, more balanced pitches in the future while trusting the coach–captain combination to turn things around.
“No, no, there’s no question of sacking out of Gautam Gambhir at this stage, but I think as a team, they need to get together and say to themselves that we will work hard to win Test matches because on flat pitches, it’s a lot harder because the opposition will pad, there’ll be big runs scored on the first innings of each team. And in India, surprisingly, you’ll see how the game changes quickly on day four, day five.”
Ganguly added that India have the personnel to compete on proper Test surfaces and have shown they can take 20 wickets even abroad.
“So they have to be patient on that. As I said, they have the bowling attack to get 20 wickets as you saw at the Oval on the last day, as you saw in Edgbaston during that series (vs England), so they can do that as well. Swing comes into play in India with the ball getting old. So it’s just a mindset change.”
He reiterated his belief in Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, pointing to their recent success in England.
“And you know, Gautam as a coach and Shubman as a captain did exceptionally well in England on good batting pitches. And I firmly believe that they can do well in India as well.”
Ganguly’s remarks also align with what he told India Today shortly after the loss, when he acknowledged that the Eden Gardens pitch “was far from perfect” but insisted that the bigger focus for India must be balance, execution and clarity of plans rather than finger-pointing.
India’s defeat also marked their second-lowest failed chase at home, sharpening focus on a pattern that has now seen India lose 9 of 18 Tests under Gambhir’s tenure — many of them shaped by batting collapses on helpful bowling surfaces. After restricting South Africa to a chaseable 124, India’s batting imploded again, bowled out for 93 and unable to handle the turn and variable bounce with the control required.
Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma’s gritty half-century stood out as the clearest template for how to survive and score on that pitch, while India’s top and middle order folded under sustained pressure — a collapse that echoed their struggles in New Zealand last year, where slow, turning surfaces exposed the same technical frailties.
Bangladesh women’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty has finally responded to the allegations of physically assaulting junior cricketers within the team. The wicketkeeper-batter took a dig at the Women’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur during the same time as she seemingly referenced the row involving the Indian skipper during India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2023. It is worth mentioning that in that series, Harmanpreet had smashed the stumps with her bat in frustration after being adjudged leg before wicket.
She later labelled the umpiring “pathetic” during the post-match presentation and even taunted the Bangladesh players during the trophy photo session.
Returning to Sultana, the Bangladesh captain finds herself in the midst of a huge controversy after pacer Jaharanara Alam claimed that Joty misbehaved with junior players in the team, even going so far as to hit them.
“Why would I hit anyone? I mean, why would I strike the stumps with my bat? Am I Harmanpreet, that I would go around hitting the stumps like that? Why would I do it? In my personal space, if I’m cooking or something, I might bang my bat around, I might hit my helmet — that’s my own business,” Joty said in an interview with Daily Cricket.
“But why would I do something like that to someone else? Why would I get physical? Just because someone says so? You can ask the other players or anyone else whether I’ve ever done anything like that,” she added.
Serious allegations against Joty
Joty had recently led in the Women’s World Cup 2025, where India eventually won the tournament by beating South Africa in the summit clash at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Bangladesh managed just a solitary win in the tournament, defeating Pakistan in Colombo.
In her interview with Riasad Azim, Jahanara, who is currently residing in Australia, revealed that junior cricketers had called her, claiming they had been hit by Joty. However, this claim was denied by the Bangladesh captain, who said that juniors would have reported the incident to higher officials if it had actually happened, rather than phoning someone living abroad.
“The way I’ve been described in front of everyone — I’m not that kind of girl at all. First, I heard that Jahanara apu has made an allegation about me, saying that someone called her in Australia and said, ‘Please save us, Jyoti apu is beating us and finishing us off.’ What I’m trying to say is: someone who hasn’t been here for six or seven years and has gone off to Australia — if I really beat someone or harmed someone in any way, is there no team management, no manager, no coaching staff? Am I the ultimate authority then?” she questioned.
The Indian cricket team finds itself in a precarious situation after the defeat in the Kolkata Test. In the 2025-2027 cycle, the Shubman Gill-led side has already lost three matches, while one ended in a draw. In the cycle so far, the team has mustered up just 4 wins, a number that has made their World Test Championship final qualification race an uphill battle. Yet, all hope is not lost yet. The Indian team, to reach the title-decider from hereon, needs to put on a near-perfect show.
At present, Gill’s Team India sits mid-table in the standings with a points percentage (PCT) of just over 54. As history has taught us, the qualification threshold usually hovers between 64 to 68 percent. This means India must win the majority of their remaining matches to climb into the top two. The margin for error is slim, and every defeat from here on will make qualification increasingly difficult.
India’s Remaining Fixtures In the WTC 2025-27 Cycle:
Home series against South Africa – 1 Test (Guwahati)
Away series against Sri Lanka – 2 Tests
Away series against New Zealand – 2 Tests
Home series against Australia – 5 Tests
If India go on to win these 10 Tests, their total points tally would go up to 120 points. The team has already played 8 of the total 18 matches it was to in the ongoing cycle.
India’s potential PCT, depending upon the number of wins the team achieves in the remaining games:
5 Wins: India’s final points would be 112, resulting in a Final PCT of 51.85%.
6 Wins: India’s final points would be 124, resulting in a Final PCT of 57.41%.
7 Wins: India’s final points would be 136, resulting in a Final PCT of 62.96%.
8 Wins: India’s final points would be 148, resulting in a Final PCT of 68.52%.
9 Wins: India’s final points would be 160, resulting in a Final PCT of 74.07%.
10 Wins: India’s final points would be 172, resulting in a Final PCT of 79.63%.
For India to confidently secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, they will likely need to target at least 8 wins in their remaining 10 matches to achieve a PCT above the historical qualification threshold (around 65%).
WTC Finals History:
New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa are the winners of the three ICC WTC cycles that have been completed so far. Here’s what the PCT of the six teams in the previous three finals were:
Apart from his gold medal, Dhanush Srikanth also set a new Deaf Final World Record of 252.2.
Dhanush Srikanth (R) & M. Vania (L). Credit: X/@OfficialNRAI
Dhanush Srikanth on Sunday opened the account for India with a gold medal in the men’s air rifle event at the Deaflympics in Tokyo.
India’s Mohammed Murtaza Vania finished with a final score of 250.1 to grab the silver medal while Korea’s Baek Seunghak settled for bronze with a score of 223.6.
Sourav Ganguly defended the Eden Gardens pitch after India and South Africa struggled, with Morne Morkel surprised by its rapid deterioration in the first Test of the series.
Sourav Ganguly defended the Eden Gardens pitch (PTI)
Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly on Saturday came to the defence of the crumbling Eden Gardens pitch being used in the first Test of the two-match series between India and South Africa.
After India was dismissed for 189 in response to South Africa’s first innings total of 159, the Proteas struggled against the spin, particularly Ravindra Jadeja’s deliveries, sinking to 93/7 with a lead of just 63 runs.
India vs South Africa: 1st Test, Day 3 –
“The pitch is what the Indian camp wanted. This is what happens when you don’t water the pitch for four days. Curator Sujan Mukherjee can’t be blamed,” Sourav Ganguly told News18 Bangla.
This is after the CAB president himself had claimed earlier in the week that Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management had not requested a rank turner.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who arrived late on Sunday with the team members from the white-ball series in Australia, inspected the Eden pitch on Monday morning along with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Ganguly also inspected the wicket later in the evening, after which the entire square was covered to protect it from dew or any possible showers.
“They haven’t asked for it yet, so I can’t answer that question. It looks like a very good one,” Ganguly had told PTI on Monday when asked if the Indian team management had requested a turning wicket.
India Coach ‘Surprised’
On Saturday, India bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that his side was “surprised” by how quickly the Eden Gardens surface “deteriorated” after a dramatic second day in which 15 wickets fell, shifting the opening Test sharply in India’s favour.
Morkel said the team had not expected such rapid wear and tear on the pitch.
Shubman Gill Medical Update: India skipper Shubman Gill was admitted to the ICU after being stretchered off due to a neck injury he sustained in the Kolkata Test against South Africa.
The Indian team has been dealt a huge blow ahead of the start of play on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, with skipper Shubman Gill ruled out for the remainder of the match. Gill was admitted to the Woodlands hospital in Kolkata due to a neck injury he sustained during the second day’s play on Saturday. Sources have confirmed to NDTV that Gill has been kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since the beginning, but only for observation.
Gill is set to remain in the hospital on Sunday and has been declared unavailable for the remainder of the match. In fact, his participation in the next Test in Guwahati is also uncertain. The batter has been admitted under the supervision of Dr. Saptarshi Basu, with a medical board formed as a precautionary measure, as per RevSportz. The panel includes a critical care specialist, neurosurgeon, neurologist, and cardiologist, ensuring that every aspect of his condition is closely monitored.
Officials have stated that his participation in the upcoming Guwahati Test will depend entirely on the speed of his recovery. At present, it is impossible to predict whether he will be fit in time, though there remains cautious optimism that he could recover faster than expected.
During the second day’s play, Shubman Gill retired hurt after facing just three balls. He appeared in visible discomfort after playing a sweep shot off Simon Harmer, clutching his neck before calling for medical assistance. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Kolkata for scans and observation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later confirmed that Gill was suffering from a neck spasm. He was seen wearing a cervical collar and is being monitored by the medical staff. His sudden exit forced India to send in Rishabh Pant, marking Pant’s first appearance since the Oval Test against England.
BCCI Confirms Shubman Gill Out Of Kolkata Test
The BCCI, in an update before the start of play on Day 3, confirmed that Gill will play no part in the remainder of the Kolkata Test.
“Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of day’s play. He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team. Gill’s injury has raised doubts about his continued participation in the series, though the team management has emphasised that no risks will be taken with his fitness. His absence leaves India facing significant challenges in terms of leadership and batting depth,” the BCCI update read.
The weeks-long streaming stalemate between YouTube TV and Disney is finally over, with the two sides reaching a deal Friday evening.
With the deal now in place, Disney-owned channels like ESPN and ABC, among others, are now restored on YouTube TV.
“As part of the new deal, Disney’s full suite of networks and stations — including ESPN and ABC — have already begun to be restored to YouTube TV subscribers,” ESPN’s PR team said in a statement Friday.
Disney-owned channels such as ESPN and ABC among others are now restored on YouTube TV. REUTERS
This new deal is also expected to give YouTube TV subscribers access to ESPN’s newly released direct-to-consumer app alongside the $80-per-month service, The Athletic reported.
YouTube TV’s 10 million subscribers have been without ESPN’s college football and “Monday Night Football” games since Oct. 30.
The deal came just a day after Disney CFO Hugh Johnston had some rather pessimistic comments on the negotiations.
“We’re in the middle of negotiations right now,” Johnston said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday. “Things are live, they’re happening. Obviously, as we entered the year, we knew this was going to be a challenging battle, and we prepared ourselves for it. And we’re ready to go as long as they want to.”
According to The Athletic, Disney had a quarterly earnings call with Wall Street analysts on Thursday that acted as a de facto deadline for the negotiations.
England have yet to concede a competitive goal under Thomas Tuchel
England have cruised through World Cup qualifying, winning all seven of their games and scoring 20 unanswered goals, setting several records and leaving them on the cusp of another.
If Thomas Tuchel’s team beat Albania in Sunday’s final qualifier (17:00 GMT) and keep a clean sheet, they will become the first European side to play at least six qualifiers and win them all without conceding.
A clean sweep of victories – regardless of goals conceded – is also a rare achievement. Excluding the early years of the World Cup, when teams often played just a handful of preliminary matches, only four European countries have finished with a 100% winning record.
Germany were the last side to do so on the way to the 2018 tournament, though they went on to suffer a shock early exit in Russia. Spain and the Netherlands, who met in the 2010 final, both qualified for South Africa in perfect style, as did West Germany for the 1982 tournament.
England are not the only side on the verge of joining this exclusive list – Spain and Norway have likewise won all their 2026 qualifiers, with Luis de la Fuente’s team yet to concede a goal.
Qualifying increasingly easy for England
The Three Lions have qualified for eight consecutive World Cups since missing out on USA ’94, with participation increasingly regarded as a formality by supporters – but that has not always been the case.
They missed out on back-to-back World Cups in the 1970s and only narrowly came through tough but memorable qualifiers to book their place in 1990, 1998 and 2002.
Terry Butcher’s battling display against Sweden in 1989, when his shirt was left drenched in blood by a head wound, and David Beckham’s stoppage-time free-kick against Greece in 2001 are still remembered as iconic England moments.
Those type of heroics have not been needed in recent campaigns, with the team’s win percentage steadily rising – though the lack of jeopardy means games have not always been compelling viewing.
Ten goals conceded in 16 years
England have not lost a World Cup qualifier since 2009, when they were beaten 1-0 in Ukraine.
That defeat was not costly as Fabio Capello’s side went into the game already assured of their spot in South Africa, though it prevented them from finishing with 10 wins from 10.
Since then England have been utterly dominant, avoiding defeat in 38 consecutive World Cup qualifiers and winning all but eight of them.
They have scored 111 goals in this run and conceded just 10 – equivalent to one every 342 minutes.
Continental clean sheet kings?
Tuchel’s players have an opportunity in Albania this weekend to equal the European record for most competitive wins in a row without conceding a goal.
England’s current run of nine games is one shy of the record set by Spain, whose streak encompassed qualifying for Euro 2016 and their first two fixtures of that tournament.
Peerless Pickford makes history
England’s adeptness at shutting out the opposition is in no small part thanks to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has established two records for his country this year.
The 31-year-old has now kept 10 England clean sheets in a row, including friendlies, surpassing the previous record for a keeper of seven – which he jointly held with legendary 1966 World Cup winner Gordon Banks.
Pickford’s current run includes nine competitive internationals – another record. He last conceded a goal while playing for England in October 2024, when Vangelis Pavlidis scored twice to give Greece a shock, but deserved, win at Wembley in the Nations League.
Best goalscoring run for 115 years
England’s defensive parsimony is allied with attacking potency – they have scored in 19 matches in a row for the first time in more than a century.
The current run, during which England have amassed 46 goals, started with Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick to equalise in stoppage time against Slovakia at Euro 2024.
It is the third-longest scoring sequence in history by England’s men. The top two streaks of 52 and 32 games in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were split by a single goalless draw away to Wales in March 1902.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz, centre, celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka during the first one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)Pakistan fined 20% of match fee for slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in 1st ODI
Pakistan was fined 20% of its match fees for a slow over-rate against Sri Lanka after winning their first one-day international.
Match referee Ali Naqvi imposed the sanction on Thursday after Pakistan was found four overs short of the target on Tuesday after time allowances were considered.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi pleaded guilty to the offense, the ICC said.
Pakistan won by six runs to open the three-match series.
Sania Mirza has revealed she suffered panic attacks after her divorce from Shoaib Malik. The tennis star credited her close friend, Bollywood director Farah Khan, for helping her through one of her lowest emotional moments.
Sania Mirza has been handling single motherhood since divorce. (Instagram/Sania Mirza))
Former tennis ace Sania Mirza has opened up about one of the most emotional moments of her life, sharing how Bollywood director and choreographer Farah Khan stood by her during a panic attack that struck after her divorce from former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik.
The revelation came during the first episode of Sania’s newly launched YouTube talk show, Serving It Up With Sania, where Farah appeared as her debut guest. During their candid and heartfelt chat, Sania reflected on how her best friend’s timely intervention helped her hold herself together before a live show on one of her most difficult days.
“I don’t want to mention it on camera, but there was a moment that was one of the lowest moments when you (Farah Khan) showed up on my set and I had to go on a live show after that,” Sania said. “If you had not come there I was shivering. And if you would not have come there I wouldn’t have done that show. You told me, ‘No matter what, you are doing this show.’”
Farah, recalling the same day, said she was alarmed to see Sania in distress. “I got so scared. I had to shoot that day, but I just left everything and came there in my pyjamas and chappals,” she said, adding that she simply wanted to be by her friend’s side at that moment.
The conversation also saw Farah applauding Sania for managing single parenthood with strength and grace. “For you to do it alone you have to work, raise your son, and give him time. It’s double the effort, and you’re doing it beautifully,” she said.
Last year’s finalist Fritz played the tennis of his life, as both men served up the best encounter of the season-ending championships so far, but the American ran out of steam as Alcaraz turned on the style and took the deciding set with ease.
Alcaraz celebrates after winning his group stage match against Taylor Fritz Credit: Reuters Photo
World number one Carlos Alcaraz came under extreme pressure before overcoming American Taylor Fritz 6-7(2) 7-5 6-3 in a thrilling round-robin match at the ATP Finals on Tuesday, leaving the Spaniard on two wins from two.
Last year’s finalist Fritz played the tennis of his life, as both men served up the best encounter of the season-ending championships so far, but the American ran out of steam as Alcaraz turned on the style and took the deciding set with ease.
Alcaraz and Fritz had won their opening Jimmy Connors Group matches, and the Spaniard looked in real trouble when the American took the opening set in a tiebreak. Alcaraz faced break points in the second set but rallied back to draw level.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year. India are the defending champions.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir Credit: Reuters Photo
The Indian cricket team is not where it “wants to be” in terms of its preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup yet but head coach Gautam Gambhir says there is enough time in hand to get there.
In a brief teaser of his interview with ‘bcci.tv’, Gambhir also stressed on the importance of fitness.
“It has been a very transparent dressing room, it has been a very honest dressing room and that is how we want this dressing room to be. I think we still aren’t where we want to be come the T20 World Cup,” he said in the 46-second clip which will be followed by the full interview later in the day.
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲. 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🫡
Get inside the mind of #TeamIndia Head Coach @GautamGambhir as he shares his vision in 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝’𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧. 🙌
Former Kolkata Knight Riders wicket-keeper batter Manvinder Bisla slammed critics for targeting Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and fast bowler Harshit Rana. Bisla said that a narrative of ‘favouritism’ has been created on social media considering the fact that both Rana and Gambhir were part of the KKR setup. Most recently, Gambhir was criticised for including Harshit in the ODI as well as T20I squad against Australia. Bisla went on to say that the criticism is mainly from ‘non-KKR fans’ and even claimed that there is not truth to the allegations of ‘bias’ against Gambhir.
“The ones opposing Harshit Rana must be non-KKR fans. I am saying this honestly. Everyone relates it this way that Gautam has a KKR background, that’s why he is supporting Harshit. Koi mama chacha ka rishta to hai nahi (Gambhir is not his uncle or something). Everyone thinks there might be a KKR angle,” Bisla said on ‘Indian Cricket Canteen’ YouTube channel.
Harshit was India’s leading wicket-taker in the ODI series against Australia and in the T20I series, he even showed his prowess with the bat during the 2nd match where he scored 35 off 33 balls.
The young fast bowler was instrumental in India’s victory over Austraia in the 3rd ODI as he took four wickets. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dominated the headlines for their brilliant batting performances. Bisla said that Harshit was overshadowed by the two star batters but pointed out that the victory would not have been possible without Harshit’s heroics with the ball.
Samrat, who hails from Karnal, shot 243.7 in the final to beat back the challenge of China’s Hu Kai, who took the silver in a nerve-wracking medal round with a score of 243.3.
Samrat Rana Credit: X/@SportsArena1234
Young Indian shooter Samrat Rana came up with breathtaking show of marksmanship to clinch the men’s 10m air pistol gold at the prestigious ISSF World Championships, here on Monday.
Samrat, who hails from Karnal, shot 243.7 in the final to beat back the challenge of China’s Hu Kai, who took the silver in a nerve-wracking medal round with a score of 243.3.
TRANSGENDER women are set to be banned from all female Olympic events from next year.
International Olympic Committee bosses launched a scientific probe of the issue last year.
Olympic chiefs are set to ban transgender women from female events from next year after controversy over Imane KhelifCredit: Reuters
That came after the Paris 2024 Games were hijacked by the row over gold medal winning boxers Imane Khelif of Algeria and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting.
According to the Times, IOC members were shown a presentation by medical and scientific director Dr Jane Thornton.
A source said the presentation by former Canadian Olympic rower Thornton featured scientific research that showed there were “physical advantages to being born male that remained with athletes”.
It added that those advantages also applied to those who had undergone treatment to lower their testosterone levels.
Until now, the IOC has ruled that transgender women can compete with reduced testosterone levels if that is approved by their individual sports.
World Athletics, led by Seb Coe, has led the clampdown on trans women competing.
And new IOC head, former Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry, is ready to order the new approach to come into effect for the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortino in February.
After Coventry became the organisation’s new president in June, she vowed to protect the female category in future competitions.
She had put together a taskforce of scientists and federations to produce a new policy amid recent controversies at Olympic events.
The review was based on research into the advantages of transgender athletes and those with differences of sexual development (DSD) – including Khelif.
Khelif, 26, has insisted she was born and raised as a girl.
People with differences in sex development (DSD) have biological components of both sexes.
The IOC’s initial policy was based on recommendations and guidance, but hadn’t actually been part of its eligibility regulations.
Previously, Laurel Hubbard of New Zealand had been allowed to compete at Tokyo 2020, becoming the first transgender athlete to appear at an Olympics.
According to the BBC, the IOC said: “The working group is continuing its discussions on this topic and no decisions have been taken yet”.
It came after Coventry’s strong stance on protecting women in Olympic competition as she laid out her plans earlier this year.
She said: “There was overwhelming support that we should protect the female category. And with that, we will set up a working group made up of experts and international federations.
“It was agreed by the members that the IOC should take a leading role in this.
“And that we should be the ones to bring together the experts and the international federations and ensure that we find consensus.
“We understand that there will be differences depending on the sports. But it was fully agreed that as members that, as the IOC, we should make the effort to place emphasis on protection of the female category.”
She reiterated that the IOC would not take retrospective action to change the results of previous Games.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly wants to see Mohammed Shami back in the Indian team across formats, as he reckons the skillful pacer is “fit and is bowling exceptionally well.”
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly wants to see Mohammed Shami back in the Indian team across formats, as he reckons the skillful pacer is “fit and is bowling exceptionally well.” The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, however, appears to have moved on from the 35-year-old, who has been ignored for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa and last played in the Champions Trophy in March. “Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw that in the three Ranji Trophy matches, where he won games for Bengal on his own,” Ganguly said on Monday after being announced as the global brand ambassador of Kabuni, a UK-based AI-driven sports coaching platform.
Shami has so far claimed 15 wickets to help Bengal secure successive wins in their first two Ranji Trophy matches before going wicketless against Tripura. He has bowled 91 overs in three matches this season.
The veteran pacer underwent ankle surgery following the 2023 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps at an average of 10.70.
“I’m sure the selectors are watching, and there is communication between Mohammad Shami and the selectors. But if you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the Mohammad Shami we know. So, I really don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing Test matches, One-Day cricket, and T20 cricket for India. Because that skill is enormous,” Ganguly said.
With no red-ball assignments for India over the next six months, it remains to be seen if Shami has already played his last Test – the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.
In the longer format, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep have become integral parts of the pace attack. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away, Shami’s recurring injury concerns could influence the selectors.
Ganguly wants Jurel in playing XI for first Test
Turning his focus to the upcoming two-Test series beginning with the Eden Gardens match on Friday, Ganguly hoped that wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel finds a place purely on batting merit.
“He’s playing well, isn’t he? Rishabh is back, and I don’t know what the selectors are thinking. Basically, the spots are taken – two openers, (Shubman) Gill at 4, Pant at 5, KL (Rahul), (Ravindra) Jadeja are there. Players have performed. How easy will it be to open up a slot for Dhruv Jurel at this stage, I wouldn’t know,” Ganguly said.
He suggested that the No. 3 spot could be an option, with Sai Sudharsan being the incumbent.
“But it depends on whom they want to send at No. 3 – whether they want to go with Sai Sudharsan or bring in our in-form Dhruv. We’ll find out,” Ganguly said.
The South Africa series will also mark the return of Pant, who has recovered from the foot fracture he sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July.
Jurel, meanwhile, has been in red-hot form, scoring centuries in both innings against South Africa ‘A’ in the second unofficial Test that concluded in Bengaluru on Sunday. Ganguly tipped India as overwhelming favourites at home.
Pakistan recovered from their defeat against India to win three games on the trot and clinch a record sixth Hong Kong Sixes title on Sunday. Led by Abbas Afridi, Pakistan defeated South Africa in the quarter-final, Australia in the semi-final and Kuwait in the final of the 2025 edition. Upon winning the final, Pakistan star Muhammad Shahzad mimicked the trophy celebration that India all-rounder Hardik Pandya had done after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 title. His post on social media went viral.
“Fun end to the Hong Kong Sixes. Business as usual,” posted Shahzad on X, as he posed with a shrug next to the trophy, much like Pandya had done after winning the T20 World Cup.
The tournament victory makes Pakistan the outright record-holders of the most Hong Kong Sixes titles. Pakistan have now won the tournament six times, one more than England and South Africa.
In the grand final, Pakistan delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat debutants Kuwait by 43 runs. Batting first, Pakistan posted a commanding 135/3, led by Abdul Samad’s explosive 42 (13) and captain Abbas Afridi’s powerful 52 (11). Kuwait’s Meet Bhavsar continued his fine form, claiming three wickets in a standout spell.
Kuwait began their chase in spectacular fashion, as Adnan Idrees smashed five sixes in the opening over to give his side a glimmer of hope with a rapid 30 (8). However, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack tightened the grip, eventually bowling Kuwait out for 92/6, sealing a memorable win and another crown in their illustrious Sixes legacy.
