Category: Sports

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.

Former Asian Games gold-winning discus thrower Seema Punia has been handed a 16-month ban for failing a dope test.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/athletics/seema-punia-gets-16-month-ban-for-failing-dope-test-9759011

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2026/kkr-ceo-admits-shah-rukh-khans-suggestion-behind-andre-russells-ipl-retirement-9759315

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.

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.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/kuki-and-meitei-footballers-from-conflict-torn-manipur-help-india-qualify-for-afc-u17-asian-cup-2026-article-153244776

Ravi Bishnoi broke into his trademark celebration, spreading his arms wide, and Hardik Pandya playfully joined in before giving him a hug.

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.

Baroda comfortably won the match by 8 wickets in just 6.4 overs, stamping their authority over Gujarat, who failed to match their intensity.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/hardik-pandya-hugs-ravi-bishnoi-post-dismissal-in-viral-moment-gives-india-big-boost-amid-bowling-crisis-vs-proteas-101764895751427.html

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.

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.

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.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/indian-fans-deserve-better-netizen-exposes-shocking-quality-gap-between-bcci-and-cricket-australias-broadcast

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).

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).

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/virat-kohli-moves-up-to-no-4-in-icc-odi-rankings-3818320

Virat Kohli delivered a more controlled knock this time around, with a 93-ball 102 consisting of seven fours and two sixes.

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.”

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.”

Reputed Indian broadcaster and commentator Harsha Bhogle also posted on X, “A diamond is forever #No53 #ViratKohli.”

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.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif also wrote on X that without Virat, cricket is “nothing”. “Without Kohli cricket is nothing..pure vintage!,” posted Kaif.

India’s star opener and winner of the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup also posted, “Form is temporary. Kohli is forever”

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/virat-kohli-ko-100-ka-nasha-hi-alag-hai-cricket-fraternity-hails-indian-icon-for-back-to-back-tons-against-sa-9744526

South Africa defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring second ODI to level the series 1-1 in Raipur on Wednesday

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/india-left-stunned-as-south-africa-complete-highest-odi-chase-vs-kl-rahul-and-co-to-level-series-1-1-9746333

Virat Kohli is returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since appearing against Services in February 2010.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/virat-kohlis-u-turn-after-refusing-to-play-vijay-hazare-trophy-bcci-selectors-manage-to-convince-him-9739314

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/situation-not-good-bcci-forced-to-change-ajit-agarkar-mediation-plan-between-virat-kohli-gautam-gambhir-9736797

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.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/video-adorable-virat-kohli-craze-in-raipur-reaches-peak-children-greet-india-star-with-roses-ahead-of-ind-vs-sa-2nd-odi

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/women-s-odi-world-cup-2025/jemimah-rodrigues-was-forced-to-uninstall-whatsapp-during-the-world-cup-random-people-got-my-number-9731732

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma turned back the clock in a vintage performance with the bat to help India to a 17-run win over South Africa in Ranchi.

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.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/iykyk-virat-kohlis-sister-sets-tongues-wagging-with-cryptic-post-featuring-rohit-sharma-ws-bkl-9741206.html

Virat Kohli notched up his 52nd century in the 50-over format to break the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/you-know-where-this-man-stands-says-sunil-gavaskar-as-kohli-breaks-major-tendulkar-record-9726255

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/inter-miami-messi-beat-new-york-5-1-to-reach-first-mls-cup-9723568

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/india-doesnt-have-an-off-spinner-for-tests-harbhajan-singh-makes-big-remark-9721515

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/india-doesnt-have-an-off-spinner-for-tests-harbhajan-singh-makes-big-remark-9721515

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.”

Source : https://apnews.com/article/bears-eagles-score-0d10d7c95029fc4cea765664939c3f0e

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

Kapil Dev criticizes India’s top players for lacking sufficient domestic cricket experience, which hinders their ability to handle spin.

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.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/kapil-dev-explodes-at-team-india-openly-calls-out-batters-occupied-with-t20s-don-t-have-players-like-laxman-dravid-101764383274120.html

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/suniel-shetty-heartfelt-post-for-jemimah-rodrigues-after-her-big-gesture-for-smriti-mandhana-9715260

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.

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.

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.

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.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-drops-virat-kohli-in-personal-car-after-reunion-at-his-ranchi-residence-with-rishabh-pant-and-ruturaj-gaikwad-101764293059440.html

Gautam Gambhir left it to the BCCI when asked about his future as the coach of India’s Test team.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/gautam-gambhir-asks-bcci-to-take-call-on-his-future-indian-cricket-is-important-i-am-not-9702507

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.

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.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/mohammad-siraj-air-india-express-flight-delay-complaint-guwahati-hyderabad-2826648-2025-11-27

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/cristiano-ronaldo-set-to-avoid-ban-at-world-cup-after-fifa-red-card-verdict-offers-probation-9700404

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.

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.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/smriti-mandhana-deletes-all-wedding-related-posts-with-palash-muchhal-after-event-postponed-indefinitely-101764036084930.html

Iceland Cricket trolled Gautam Gambhir, stating he won’t coach their team. This jab highlights India’s struggles under Gambhir’s leadership.

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.

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.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/no-vacancy-for-gambhir-india-head-coach-will-not-be-invited-due-to-poor-win-percentage-iceland-crickets-brutal-dig-101764037413602.html

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.

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.

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.

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.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/indian-womens-kabaddi-team-clinches-second-consecutive-world-cup-title-pm-narendra-modi-lauds-players-article-153199426

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicket-keeper batter Shreevats Goswami believes that Virat Kohli should have continued playing Tests and retired from ODIs instead.

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.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/virat-kohli-sent-big-comeback-message-amid-indias-dismal-show-against-south-africa-9693822

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.

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.”

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.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/watch-cristiano-ronaldo-recreates-iconic-bicycle-kick-goal-vs-juventus-during-al-nassral-khaleej-clash

They got up to staggering speeds during the lap

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, 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.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15536748/beyonce-racing-suit-hot-lap-hamilton-las-vegas-f1/

Shubman Gill suffered an injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata and is currently undergoing further assessment in Mumbai.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/not-rishabh-pant-or-rohit-sharma-this-star-to-replace-shubman-gill-as-india-odi-captain-vs-south-africa-9683164

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/smriti-mandhana-ditches-shy-avatar-for-pre-wedding-dance-with-palash-muchhal-internet-stunned-9684436

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.

South Africa’s G20 priorities include debt sustainability, energy transition, disaster resilience, and critical minerals for growth, ahead of PM Modi’s visit.

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.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/g20-to-focus-on-debt-sustainability-just-energy-transition-top-official-101763666969000.html

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.

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.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-javelin-thrower-annu-rani-husband-charged-for-celebratory-firing-9673135

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been facing backlash after the Indian team failed to chase down 124 on a tricky surface at the Eden Gardens.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/india-coach-gives-fresh-twist-to-pitch-row-everybody-talking-about-gautam-gambhir-9669129

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.

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.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/smriti-mandhana-palash-muchal-engagement-funny-video-jememah-rodrigues-2823261-2025-11-20

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.

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.

Source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/aakash-chopra-wants-ruturaj-gaikwad-to-replace-shubman-gill-for-2nd-test-against-south-africa-ws-l-9716872.html

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.

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.”

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/watch-cristiano-ronaldo-joins-dinner-hosted-by-us-president-donald-trump-amid-saudi-crown-princes-visit

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.

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.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-south-africa-gautam-gambhir-sacking-no-question-sourav-ganguly-better-pitches-2822155-2025-11-18

Bangladesh women’s captain targeted Harmanpreet Kaur as she responded to the physical assault allegations made by Jahanara Alam.

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.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/bangladesh-womens-captain-breaks-silence-on-physical-assault-allegations-am-i-harmanpreet-kaur-101763426881099.html

India are placed 4th in the World Test Championship standings at present, with a PCT of 54.17.

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:

1. 2019-2021 Cycle (Winner: New Zealand)

India (Rank 1): 72.2%

New Zealand (Rank 2): 70.0%

2. 2021-2023 Cycle (Winner: Australia)

Australia (Rank 1): 66.7%

India (Rank 2): 58.8%

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/with-3-losses-in-8-matches-how-india-can-qualify-for-world-test-championship-final-9653949

Apart from his gold medal, Dhanush Srikanth also set a new Deaf Final World Record of 252.2.

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.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/indias-dhanush-wins-air-rifle-gold-murtaza-settles-for-silver-in-deaflympics-3799898

Incident happened early Sunday morning in Midtown Manhattan

NEW York Jets player Kris Boyd is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot.

The New York Post reported that the defensive back was involved in a shooting in Midtown Manhattan and is in a critical condition.

The incident happened at around 2am ET Sunday morning on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue.

Police did not identify Boyd as the victim.

But the New York Post cited sources and reported that it was the 29-year-old.

He was critically wounded in the incident and is fighting for his life in Bellevue Hospital.

An investigation is underway but no arrests have been made, the New York Post added.

The New York Jets said in a statement, “We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time.”

ABC7 reported that first responders found Boyd with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The report adds that police are looking for a man who fled the scene in a blue vehicle in connection with the shooting.

Boyd was a seventh round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

He played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2019 to 2022.

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15500371/kris-boyd-new-york-jets-shot-manhattan/

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.

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.

Source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/sourav-ganguly-defends-cab-blames-india-for-kolkata-pitch-indian-camp-wanted-ws-l-9711171.html

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.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/shubman-gill-admitted-to-icu-concerns-arise-over-participation-in-remaining-test-series-9643813

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.

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.

Source : https://nypost.com/2025/11/14/sports/youtube-tv-disney-agree-to-deal-to-bring-espn-back-to-streaming-platform-after-long-stalemate/

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.

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.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-sri-lanka-fine-a2537b07e71e9d1bc27ba8e79e9e31a2

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.

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.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/tennis/story/sania-mirze-single-mother-panic-attacks-shoaib-malik-divore-farah-khan-support-2818449-2025-11-12

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.

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.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tennis/alcaraz-stays-perfect-at-atp-finals-with-thrilling-win-over-fritz-3794827

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year. India are the defending champions.

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.

“Hopefully guys know the importance of being fit. We still have three months to be where we want to be,” he added.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year. India are the defending champions.

He reiterated his philosophy of handing out tough assignments to individuals to understand the depth of their character.

“Throw guys in the deep sea, as simple as it can get. We did the same with Shubman (Gill) as well when he was appointed as Test captain,” he said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/we-still-have-three-months-to-get-where-we-want-to-be-gautam-gambhir-on-t20-world-cup-3792667 

Manvinder Bisla slammed critics for targeting Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and fast bowler Harshit Rana.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mama-chacha-ka-rishta-to-hai-nahi-gautam-gambhir-harshit-rana-critics-brutally-slammed-9617776

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.

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.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/other-sports/samrat-rana-becomes-world-champion-in-10m-air-pistol-3793380

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/sourav-gangulys-clear-message-to-bcci-selectors-on-mohammed-shami-after-south-africa-series-snub-9610650

Pakistan’s Muhammad Shahzad copied India star Hardik Pandya’s signature celebration after winning the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 title.

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.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-star-mimics-hardik-pandyas-t20-world-cup-celebration-goes-viral-after-winning-hong-kong-sixes-2025-9604472

Kranti Gaud’s outstanding performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has led to her father’s reinstatement in the police force. Kranti’s father, Munna Singh Gaud, served as a constable in the police force before being dismissed in 2012, which pushed the family into financial turmoil.

India fast bowler Kranti Gaud’s World Cup heroics have helped her father, Munna Singh Gaud, rejoin police force following his dismissal in 2012. Kranti was one of the key members of India’s successful campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, having scalped nine wickets from eight matches. Following India’s historic triumph, Kranti was felicitated upon her return to home state Madhya Pradesh by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

During the felicitation programme held at the chief minister’s official residence in Bhopal, Kranti was honoured in front of her parents and coach. During the ceremony, CM Mohan Yadav also assured to resolve issues related to Kranti’s father, Munna Singh Gaud’s job in the police department.

Munna Singh was a police constable and was dismissed from the job in 2012, which left his family in financial turmoil. As a result, Kranti grew up in difficult circumstances but never let her situation come in the way of her dreams. During an interview, Kranti had expressed her wish to see her father in police uniform again and retire with dignity.

At times we only have one meal a day: Kranti Gaud

Her wish is finally going to come true soon after receiving an assurance from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. During the ceremony, CM Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang also honoured Gaud’s parents and coach.

“If you ever feel like giving up, think about your dreams. At times we only have one meal a day. Even then, I didn’t give up. Today, I have brought honour to my family and Bundelkhand. I am very happy,” said Kranti during the felicitation ceremony recalling her days of struggle.

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a cash reward of 1 crore for Kranti Gaud. Additionally, a world-class stadium will be constructed in her hometown of Chhatarpur to train and nurture local athletes.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/kranti-gaud-world-cup-heroics-help-father-regain-police-job-madhya-pradesh-2816268-2025-11-09

Out of the 10 Indians in the third round, four have advanced, three are knocked out and three of them will play the tie-break.

In the most sensational third round of the FIDE World Cup, reigning World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh was eliminated by Frederik Svane of Germany in Goa.

Fourth-seed Dutchman Anish Giri was also knocked out by Alexander Donchenko and eighth-seed Nodirbek AbduSattorov was also sent packing by Jose Martinez. This was one of the most brutal rounds where the top seeds succumbed to players rated much below them.

Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Pranav Venkatraman and Pentala Harikrishna brought some cheer to the Indian camp by advancing to the fourth round of the 206-player knock-out event. Pragg, who had so far been struggling for survival since his entry in the second round, found his rhythm on the day playing a neat game to defeat Shamsiddin Vakhidov.

Out of the 10 Indians in the third round, four have advanced, three are knocked out and three of them will play the tie-break.

SL Narayan will feature in his third consecutive tie-break against Yu Yangyi of China as will Vidit Gujrathi and Karthik Venkataraman, all three Indians having drawn both their classical encounters.

Diptayan Ghosh and M Pranesh ended on the losing side after holding fancied players in the round before and were eliminated. Both of the Indians had a good run in this event.

Gukesh, however, has been in poor form in the last few events and on Saturday too was far from impressive with the white pieces in the Italian opening game. Svane, in severe time pressure, handled the situation rather well and showed ambition in a knight and pawn ending to win after 55 moves.

“This is the first time that I have played such a tough player and to defeat the World Champion Gukesh is something which I had never even thought of,” said Svane.

Pranav drew against Titas Stremavicius to advance to the fourth courtesy of Friday’s victory. The draw was signed after 41 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined game. After the victory, Pranav played patiently without taking any risk, his pieces venturing out of his territory only to initiate exchanges.

Pragg won after 42 moves, getting an advantage in the middle-game. In the end, he had a bishop pair for a rook with queens gracing the board and Pragg’s pawn which had marched all the way to the 7th rank.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/fide-world-cup-world-champion-dommaraju-gukesh-eliminated-by-frederik-svane-3791560

Mohun Bagan Super Giant has indefinitely suspended all football activities due to the lack of bids for the Indian Super League’s (ISL) commercial rights, leaving the future of domestic football uncertain.

Reigning Indian Super League champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Saturday suspended all their football activities indefinitely a day after the AIFF failed to receive a single bid for ISL’s commercial rights, and said they will review contracts of players and support staff next month. Late on Friday, the AIFF announced that it had not received any bid for the commercial rights of the already delayed ISL, leaving the future of the country’s domestic football in disarray.
“Our players were to assemble on Monday for the camp from next day. But now our camp has been suspended indefinitely till there is clarity on the Indian Super League,” a Mohun Bagan official told PTI.
“Now that the season is delayed with uncertainty on ISL, we will review all contracts next month. But we have not stopped anybody’s salary, everyone is paid,” the official added.

The AIFF had floated the Request for Proposals on October 16 for a 15-year contract to monetise the league’s commercial rights. The submission deadline was November 7, with bids scheduled to be opened on November 11. The Bid Evaluation Committee, headed by (retired) Justice Nageswara Rao and appointed on the orders of the Supreme Court, will meet later in the day to discuss the future course of action.

The Mohun Bagan official also said that the club would not suspend the salary of head coach Jose Molina, who is on a “break” following his outburst against the team management after their Super Cup exit. Molina had criticised the club management, saying he does not have any say in team selection after the group stage exit from the Super Cup on goal difference after playing out a draw against arch-rivals East Bengal.
The club management had earlier said a decision on his future would be taken only after there was clarity on the status of I-League. “His contract runs till the end of the season, around April–May in a normal year. Now that the season is delayed with uncertainty on ISL, we will also review his contract next month. But we have not stopped his salary.”
Business As Usual For EB
In contrast, East Bengal, who made the Super Cup semifinals after edging out Mohun Bagan on goal difference, have not suspended their operations and will resume training on Monday to prepare for the knockout leg scheduled for December 4.
As per the fixtures announced on Friday, East Bengal are slated to face Punjab FC in the semifinals, while FC Goa will meet Mumbai City FC. The final is scheduled for December 10.
“We have not yet suspended our operations. I personally feel ISL will go on. Indian football cannot stop like this. I strongly believe the Union Sports Ministry, AIFF and former officials will definitely not let it happen,” East Bengal senior executive committee member Debabrata (Nitu) Sarkar told PTI.
“The Super Cup will also happen. Maybe there will be some changes or delay, but the knockouts will take place. I cannot talk about other clubs, but at East Bengal, our stakeholders have not taken any such decision to stop facilities or salaries. We will resume our camp from November 10 as per my information,” Sarkar added.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/isl-crisis-mohun-bagan-stops-football-activities-east-bengal-pleads-to-bcci-for-financial-help-article-153121314

5th T20i: India, 52-0 (4.5), wash out. India win series 2-1
Storm scuppers final match to ruin Australia hopes

India have won the T20 international series against Australia 2-1 after the fifth and final match was washed out at the Gabba. The sold-out crowd will receive a full refund as the fixture did not reach the stipulated cut-off of six overs.

Lightning in the vicinity of the ground initially forced the players off after India made the most of shocking fielding by Australia to race to 0-52 in the opening 4.5 overs. A storm then rolled in, accompanied by steady rain, to ensure there was no further play.

Australia v India: fifth men’s T20 international washed out to give tourists series victory
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Shubman Gill, with 29 off 13 deliveries, and Abhishek Sharma, with 23 off 13, tore into the Australia attack. Abhishek, who made 163 runs across the five matches, was dropped twice and rode his luck.

“I’ve been waiting for this tournament,” Abhishek said. “We had a plan and we executed it really well.”

It was the second washed-out match of the series with the opening game in Canberra abandoned after India had scored 1-97 in 9.4 overs.

The Australia captain, Mitch Marsh, said: “I can’t remember the last time we had so many rain interruptions but it was a great series with two really good teams going at it. India won the games when it mattered, so congratulations to them.

“There were a lot of learnings, a lot of positives. The adaptability and the flexibility of our group, and the squad that we’re trying to build in a World Cup year has been amazing.”

Gill was a man on a mission before the players left the field. His timing for six boundaries was immaculate.

The unlucky Ben Dwarshuis had a sense of deja vu in the opening over when Abhishek was dropped at mid-off by the usually reliable Glenn Maxwell. Abhishek had also been dropped in the first over, off the same bowler, two days earlier on the Gold Coast, when India secured a 48-run win.

Dwarshuis then spilled a sitter himself at fine leg when Abhishek had made 12, this time off the bowling of Nathan Ellis. The world’s No 1-ranked T20 batter then dispatched Ellis for six over midwicket.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/08/cricket-australia-india-fifth-mens-t20-report

Elena Rybakina clinched her biggest title since Wimbledon in 2022 by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(7/0) at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia:
Elena Rybakina clinched her biggest title since Wimbledon in 2022 by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(7/0) at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Saturday. The world number six put on yet another serving masterclass and was at her returning best as she became the first Kazakh and the first player representing an Asian country to lift the WTA Finals singles trophy. Having gone 3-0 in round-robin play, Rybakina earned a record $5.235 million and will finish the year ranked number five in the world. The ace leader on tour with 516 struck this season, Rybakina fired 13 against Sabalenka on Saturday, and finished the week with a total of 48 in Riyadh.

Rybakina was the last of the eight players in the singles field to qualify for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, and she did it by winning the 500-level title in Ningbo and reaching the semi-finals in Tokyo before withdrawing from the tournament.

Her winning streak now stands at 11 matches and she improved her head-to-head record against Sabalenka to 6-8.

Squaring off for the 14th time, Sabalenka and Rybakina form one of the most gripping rivalries of the WTA, dating back to 2019.

Rybakina entered the final carrying a 10-match winning streak. The last player to beat her was Sabalenka, who knocked out the Kazakh in the Wuhan quarter-finals four weeks ago.

Both players brought their A-game from the start, showcasing their signature brand of boom-boom tennis to stay neck and neck through the first five games.

It was Rybakina’s defence though that paid off in game six, her desperate lob drawing the error from Sabalenka, who netted the overhead to get broken.

That one break was all Rybakina needed to secure the opening set in 44 minutes.

Rybakina was untouchable on serve in the second set, dropping just two points on serve through four service games.

Sabalenka was more vulnerable in that department, feeling the pressure on her own serve but still finding ways to save four break points, including two crucial ones at 4-4.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/elena-rybakina-downs-world-no-1-aryna-sabalenka-to-win-wta-finals-9600990

Abhishek Sharma, mentored by Yuvraj Singh, shone as top run-getter in the Australia T20I series, but is known for never parting with his bats, even hiding how many he owns.

Abhishek Sharma has been in a rich vein of form lately. The Punjab batter, mentored by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, had a terrific T20I series in Australia, finishing as the highest run-getter. Abhishek accumulated 163 runs in 5 matches and bagged the Player of the Series award.

Recently, Yuvraj disclosed a secret about the young batter, sharing that anyone can take anything from Abhishek except his bats. The former cricketer mentioned that the youngster is unwilling to part with his willows and often provides inaccurate information about the number of bats he owns.

“You can take anything from Abhishek Sharma, but nobody can take a bat from him,” Yuvraj said in an interaction where Abhishek was also present.

“Ye mar jayega, pit jayega, ro dega par apna bat nahi dega (He will fight for it, even cry, but won’t give away his bat). Even if he has 10 bats, he’ll still say, I only have two. He took all my bats, but he gives his own,” Yuvraj added.

India pocketed the 5-match T20I series 2-1 against Australia on Saturday. The visitors blazed their way to 52 for no loss in 4.5 overs when inclement weather put paid to the proceedings. Praising Abhishek’s camaraderie with Shubman Gill, captain Surykumar Yadav said they put smiles on the faces of everyone and are learning the different facets of dealing with various match situations in the shortest format

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/ye-mar-jayega-pit-jayega-lekin-yuvraj-singh-reveals-abhishek-sharmas-biggest-secret-watch-ws-dkl-9694127.html

She has levelled allegations of domestic violence against him. The trial court had ordered him to pay ₹1.3 lakh as monthly maintenance, which was enhanced to ₹4 lakh by the High Court in July.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami and West Bengal government on a petition moved by his wife for a monthly interim maintenance of ₹10 lakh for herself and for their daughter.

Shami’s wife has challenged a Calcutta High Court order directing the cricketer to pay an interim maintenance of ₹4 lakh per month to wife and their minor daughter. The High Court in July directed that ₹1,50,000 be paid to the wife and ₹2,50,000 to the daughter till the disposal of the case relating to domestic violence against Shami.

She has now sough enhancement of the said amount to ₹10 lakh.

The appeal was listed before a bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan which sought responses from Shami and State.

However, the Bench also asked the petitioner whether ₹4 lakh ordered by the High Court was not sufficient for her.

Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta and advocates Deepak Prakash, Sriram Parakkat and Divyangna Mallik appeared for the wife.

Shami married the petitioner-wife in April 2014 and a girl child was born to them in July 2015. This was her second marriage and she had two daughters from the previous marriage.

In 2018, she accused the cricketer of domestic violence, following which an FIR was registered against him.

She then filed an application before the magistrate under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDV Act), seeking interim maintenance of ₹10 lakh – ₹7 lakh for herself and ₹3 lakh for her daughter.

The trial court ordered him to pay ₹1.3 lakh as monthly maintenance, which was enhanced to ₹4 lakh by the High Court in July.

She has now approached the Supreme Court seeking ₹10 lakh.

As per the petition, the High Court failed to consider the settled law that maintenance must reflect the husband’s income and wife’s accustomed lifestyle during marriage.

“The Petitioner herein is a victim of grave mental and physical cruelty, at the behest of the Respondent No. 2, who is an A-listed national cricketer and a high-net worth Individual, estimated to over 500 Crores. There exists a stark financial disparity between the parties, wherein the Respondent No. 2 despite having all the means to provide a reasonable lifestyle to the Petitioner and his daughter, is deliberately and tactfully failing to do the same, insofar as to avoid his lawful liability of maintaining the Petitioner and minor daughter,” the plea states.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/mohammed-shamis-wife-moves-supreme-court-for-10-lakh-monthly-maintenance

Kuwait secured a 27-run victory against India in the Pool C match of Hong Kong Sixes.

The Pool C encounter between India and Kuwait took an unexpected twist as Dinesh Karthik’s men were beaten convincingly by 27 runs in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 match on Saturday. Kuwait showed incredible grit, flair, and tactical brilliance in the six-a-side format. The match saw explosive batting, dramatic wickets, and a standout performance from Yasin Patel, who was named Player of the Match, thanks to his all-round show.

Batting first, Kuwait posted a formidable total of 106/5 in 6 overs, capitalising on the 6-over-per-side format with aggressive strokeplay. Their innings was marked by quick boundaries and smart running between the wickets, keeping the Indian bowlers under pressure throughout.

For the most part of the innings, it looked like Kuwait wouldn’t even cross the 90-run mark but Yasin hammered 5 consecutive sixes in the final over of the innings to help his team put 106 runs on the board.

Big win for Kuwait against India in the Hong Kong Super Sixes!

They beat India by 27 runs. #HongKongSixes pic.twitter.com/09l5VyIje2

— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) November 8, 2025
India’s reply was expected to start with promise but was an absolute disaster. Robin Uthappa departed for a golden duck while the likes of Dinesh Karthik and Stuart Binny also departed without contributing much with the bat. Despite a spirited effort from Abhimanyu Mithun, who smashed 26 off just 9 balls, India could only manage 79/6 in 5.4 overs, falling 27 runs short of the target.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/dinesh-karthik-led-team-india-embarrassed-by-kuwait-in-hong-kong-sixes-9597095

Shivam Dube excelled in the Gold Coast T20I, scoring 22 runs and taking two wickets, helping India secure a 48-run victory against Australia.

Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar heaped praise on Shivam Dube, saying the all-rounder has stepped up admirably to fill the void left by Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the entire Australia tour because of an injury he picked up during the Asia Cup, with his consistent performances with both bat and ball.

Speaking on JioStar’s post-match show Cricket Live after India’s 48-run win over Australia in the fourth T20I, Nayar said Dube’s growing maturity and versatility have made him an invaluable asset for the team.

“We always say that Hardik Pandya is the kind of all-rounder that India requires. But game after game, Shivam Dube has shown that he can be that all-rounder as well,” Nayar said. “You don’t really feel the absence of Hardik Pandya because Shivam bowls important overs, takes key wickets, and contributes with the bat in different situations.”

Dube produced another match-winning all-round performance in the Gold Coast T20I, scoring 22 off 18 balls at No. 3 and taking two crucial wickets — those of Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and the in-form Tim David — to derail the hosts’ chase of 168. His figures of 2 for 20 complemented Washington Sundar’s 3 for 3 as India bowled out Australia for 119 to clinch an unassailable 2–1 series lead.

“Today again, he scored crucial runs and took two big wickets when Australia were looking to accelerate,” Nayar added. “Whenever he has been challenged by this Indian team management, he has come up with flying colours. He may not be tagged as ‘the all-rounder’, but he does everything that an Indian all-rounder needs to do.”

“Morne and Gauti bhai gave me clear plans”: Dube
Dube, meanwhile, credited India’s disciplined bowling plans and the confidence shown by the coaching staff — led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel — for his success.

“167 on this ground is definitely a good score because of the quality bowling we have — both spinners and pacers,” Dube said after the match. “The plan was to bowl on the sides which had bigger boundaries because it’s difficult to hit there. Morne and Gauti bhai gave me clear plans and backed me to execute them.”

Promoted up the order in recent games, Dube has impressed with his composure against pace and his ability to adapt to match situations.

“In the nets, I’ve worked a lot on playing short balls because of the extra bounce here,” he said. “The plan was to rotate strike against fast bowlers and attack the spinners when they came on.”

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/shivam-dube-has-shown-he-can-do-what-hardik-pandya-can-india-all-rounder-race-heats-up-101762443053527.html

Sunil Chhetri says his India career is definitely over and may also retire from professional football if Bengaluru FC don’t qualify for continental tournaments.

Sunil Chhetri has said his India career is over after making a surprising return earlier this year for the final round matches of the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Chhetri, widely recognised as one of India’s finest footballers, retired from international football in June last year before being persuaded by former head coach Manolo Marquez to make a U-turn.

With India unable to qualify for the continental event, Chhetri has decided this is the end of the road for him as far as international football is concerned. Additionally, it’s likely that the 42-year-old veteran may end up quitting professional football altogether, depending on how Bengaluru FC fare in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

“If we win the ISL, it will give me a chance to wear national (winning) club colours and play in international competitions again. At 42, it’s not easy. I want to score 15 goals this season and retire,” Chhetri told The Times of India.

Marquez was replaced by Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s football team in August this year. Chhetri says he had informed Jamil of his decision, citing he returned only for the qualifiers.

“It was easy telling Khalid sir about my decision. When I joined the national team, my only goal was to help as much as possible in the qualifiers. There was nothing else. If there were no qualifiers, I probably wouldn’t have come back. Once it was clear we couldn’t qualify, I was happy to tell the coach and he understood,” Chhetri said.

Chhetri’s ISL form was the primary reason why Marquez was compelled to recall him. He had scored 14 goals in the ISL, which was the second-best tally to Alaaeddine Ajaraie – the winner of the Golden Boot.

Initially hesitant, Chhetri agreed, but his comeback was far from memorable as he managed just one goal in six appearances. He now retires with 95 goals in his international career.

Source: https://www.news18.com/sports/sunil-chhetri-confirms-india-retirement-may-quit-professional-football-next-year-report-ws-bl-9686047.html

Suryakumar Yadav is known for his composed demeanour on the field, but India’s fourth T20I vs Australia saw the player lose his cool at one point.

India’s T20I captain and star batter Suryakumar Yadav is known for his composed demeanour on the field, but the side’s fourth T20I vs Australia saw the player lose his cool at one point. It was a tight affair at the Carrara Oval, Queensland, but India ended up winning the must-win game by a margin of 48 runs. The incident took place on the final ball of the 12th over of the Australia innings. The hosts were going well in the chase of 168 when Shivam Dube dismissed Tim David and provided India a slight edge. He bowled two dot balls to new batter Marcus Stoinis in the same over.

But what happened on the final ball saw Suryakumar blast Dube. The medium-pacer gifted a short ball way outside off-stump to Stoinis, and the batter smashed it for a boundary over backward point.

As the four took pressure off Stoinis and gave Australia an easy four, Suryakumar lashed out at Dube for the loose delivery.

Talking about the game, Washington Sundar took three wickets in five deliveries as India beat Australia by 48 runs.

India spinners claimed six wickets in all to usher an Australia collapse from 91 for 4 in 11.3 overs to 119 all out in 18.2 overs in the chase.

Australia lost its last seven wickets for 28 runs across 41 deliveries and were bowled out for their second-lowest T20 total on home soil after 111 versus New Zealand in Sydney in 2022.

India have an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the series, which ends on Saturday in Brisbane.

Sundar took 3-3 from 1.2 overs, left-arm spinner Axar Patel grabbed 2-20 in four overs, and Varun Chakravarthy picked 1-26.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2025/suryakumar-yadav-blasts-shivam-dube-over-loose-delivery-vs-australia-in-4th-t20i-9588688

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian cricket team, which won the Women’s World Cup 2025, at his residence on Wednesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian cricket team, which won the Women’s World Cup 2025, at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated the team on their victory and praised their remarkable comeback in the tournament after a string of three defeats and the trolling they had faced on social media. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting the Prime Minister in 2017, after India lost the Women’s World Cup final to England. The skipper added that they now hope to meet him more often. The team also gifted the PM a jersey bearing their autographs. It was a special jersey featuring the name ‘NAMO’.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said the PM had motivated them and has been an inspiration to all of them. She also spoke about how girls are excelling in all fields today and credited the Prime Minister for that progress.

Star all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who was adjudged ‘Player of the Tournament’, said she had been waiting to meet PM Modi. She recalled their meeting in 2017, when he had encouraged them to keep working hard.

The PM mentioned that Deepti Sharma has written “Jai Shri Ram” on her Instagram account and has a tattoo of Lord Hanuman on her arm. She said it gives her strength. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur asked the Prime Minister how he manages to always remain in the present. He said that being present has been a part of his life and has become his habit. He also discussed how Harmanpreet pocketed the ball after the final match against South Africa. She said she was lucky that the ball came to her, so she kept it.

The now-famous catch by Amanjot Kaur that helped India dismiss South African centurion Laura Wolvaardt at a crucial juncture was also praised by PM Modi. Another important player in the squad, Kranti Gaud, mentioned how her brother is a big fan of the Prime Minister, to which he immediately extended an open invitation to meet them.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/women-s-odi-world-cup-2025/womens-world-cup-winning-team-india-gifts-pm-narendra-modi-autographed-namo-jersey-9581837

R Praggnanandhaa also had to settle for a hard-fought draw while Anish Giri, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, Hans Nieman, Vidit Gujrathi were some of the top guns whose encounters ended in deadlock.

Most of the top-rated players, including World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh and other Indians, struggled to exert their supremacy, having to stay content with draws against lesser fancied opponents in the first game of the second round of the FIDE World Cup in Goa.

Reigning World Junior Champion Pranav Venkatesh brought some cheer to the Indian camp by defeating higher-rated GM Aryan Tari of Norway while Arjun Erigaisi began his campaign with a victory.

R Praggnanandhaa also had to settle for a hard-fought draw while Anish Giri, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, Hans Nieman, Vidit Gujrathi were some of the top guns whose encounters ended in deadlock.

Gukesh played the English Opening against Nogerbek and there were times when he appeared in better position. Nogerbek defended stubbornly to finally earn half a point after 84 moves with just both the Kings gracing the board.

Child prodigy 12-year-old Oro Faustino of Argentina, dubbed the ‘Messi of Chess’ held higher-rated Vidit Gujrathi to a draw.

In other important results Sam Shankland defeated former World Championship finalist Vassily Ivanchuk with the black pieces.

Aryan Tari opened the English way against Pranav and his knight moved many times during the Opening stages. The Indian showed patience and pounced on a blunder by his opponent on the 40th turn. Pranav’s pieces suddenly came to life, breaking through the castle barriers and with his queen, rooks and bishops gunning fire, Tari resigned after 41 moves.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/other-sports/pranav-erigaisi-post-wins-3786605

After what the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian cricket team achieved in Navi Mumbai on November 2, women’s cricket in the country will get a boost unlike anything that has been seen so far.

The 2025 Women’s World Cup win is a watershed moment for Indian cricket. After what the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian cricket team achieved in Navi Mumbai on November 2, women’s cricket in the country will get a boost unlike anything that has been seen so far. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels that this win will send a message that other teams’ era of domination is over. However, Gavaskar had an interesting take on the women’s team being compared with the men’s World Cup-winning team of 1983.

“There were some who tried to compare this win with the men’s team winning the World Cup in 1983. The men had never progressed beyond the group stage in earlier editions, and so everything from the knockout stage onward was new to them, while the women already had a better record, having been in two finals before this magnificent triumph,” Gavaskar wrote in Sportstar.

“Just as the ’83 win galvanised Indian cricket and gave it a voice that was heard around the world, this victory will make the countries that started women’s cricket long before India did realise that their era of domination has been shaken.

“The ’83 win also encouraged parents of aspiring cricketers to let their children take up the game. The IPL took it to another level, of course, and that’s why today’s Indian men’s team includes players not just from the metros but from across the country.”

During the pulsating final on Sunday, India posted a daunting total of 298/7 on the board, courtesy of Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 (78) and Deepti Sharma’s fiery run-a-ball 58. In reply, skipper Laura Wolvaardt singlehandedly led the fight with a rollicking 101 (98), while the rest of her compatriots crumbled against India’s spin attack. Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma delivered the final blow, and India experienced a wave of euphoria.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/women-s-odi-world-cup-2025/some-tried-to-compare-it-with-1983-world-cup-sunil-gavaskars-epic-analysis-of-womens-world-cup-win-9574406

This victory is expected to inspire a new generation of girls to take up cricket and aim for excellence on the world stage, carrying forward the momentum generated by this historic triumph.

The victorious Indian Women’s Cricket Team continued their celebrations in style after clinching the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 title, arriving at a hotel in Delhi to a warm welcome. Players were seen cutting a cake, dancing, and soaking in the moment, displaying a mix of joy, relief, and pride. Their exuberance reflected not just a hard-fought tournament victory, but a historic milestone for women’s cricket in India.

India secured the title with a commanding 52-run win over South Africa in the final, a performance that showcased both grit and flair. The triumph has been hailed as a landmark achievement, highlighting the growing stature and recognition of women’s cricket in the country. Fans, former cricketers, and dignitaries have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the team’s inspiring journey.

The jubilant celebrations in Delhi mark the start of a homecoming that promises grander receptions and accolades in the days ahead, further cementing the team’s legacy in Indian cricket history. This victory is expected to inspire a new generation of girls to take up cricket and aim for excellence on the world stage, carrying forward the momentum generated by this historic triumph.

‘If You Are Envious…’: Shikha Pandey Fires Shot At Jemimah Rodrigues’ Critics After Team India’s Iconic ICC Women’s World Cup Title Win

Veteran Indian pacer Shikha Pandey joined the wave of heartfelt tributes as India celebrated their historic maiden ICC Women’s World Cup triumph. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, lifting the trophy and ushering in a golden chapter for women’s cricket in the country. Amid the nationwide celebration, Pandey took to X to applaud one of the tournament’s standout performers: Jemimah Rodrigues.

Rodrigues, whose grit, consistency, and composure under pressure played a pivotal role in India’s title-winning campaign, earned widespread admiration from fans and cricketing peers alike. Pandey’s message captured that sentiment with affection and humour. She posted, “Just putting this out for anyone who needs to hear the obvious – Yes, Jemi is God’s favourite child and if you are envious..umm..sorry, no one can help you!”

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/heartwarming-moments-team-indias-women-cricketers-cut-cake-joyfully-dance-at-a-hotel-in-delhi-video

The ICC has come out with the verdict of their disciplinary hearings during the heated India vs Pakistan matches during the Asia Cup as Haris Rauf was handed a two-game ban, while Suryakumar was fined 30 percent of his match fees.

Pakistan’s Haris Rauf has been banned for two games while Suryakumar Yadav was fined thirty percent of his match fees and two demerit points as the ICC announced the outcomes of the official hearings regarding India vs Pakistan matches during the Asia Cup.

Rauf had come up with multiple provocative gestures during the Asia Cup clashes, and Suryakumar was accused of making politically charged remarks after snubbing handshakes with Pak players. The hearing was done by the members of the ICC’s Elite Panel of Match Referees following incidents during the matches between the arch-rivals on September 14, 21 and 28. Suryakumar was found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute.

Sahibzada Farhan was found guilty of the same offence and issued an official warning, along with one demerit point, for his gun celebration after scoring a fifty against India during the Super 4 clash in Dubai. Arshdeep Singh wasn’t found guilty of an alleged breach of Article 2 for his gesture following India’s win in the Super 4 clash had gone viral.

Jasprit Bumrah did the same gesture that Rauf used during the Super 4 match after dismissing the Pakistan bowler and accepted his sanction of one demerit point.

ICC’s RULING

14 September 2025 – India vs. Pakistan

Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson:

1. Suryakumar Yadav (India) was found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two demerit points.
2. S. Farhan (Pakistan) was found guilty of the same offence and was issued an official warning, receiving one demerit point.
3. Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was also found guilty of the same offence and fined 30 per cent of his match fee, resulting in two demerit points.

For the greater good, former national team skipper Shantha Rangaswamy wants Harmanpreet Kaur to step down from captaincy

It may seem a tad harsh a day after India’s pathbreaking triumph in the Women’s ODI World Cup, but for the greater good, former national team skipper Shantha Rangaswamy wants Harmanpreet Kaur to step down from captaincy – something she feels is long overdue. Speaking to PTI, Rangaswamy believes that relinquishing the captaincy would be beneficial for 36-year-old Harmanpreet, who remains invaluable to the team as a batter and a gun fielder. She said the change has to be made with the long-term future of the team in mind. The next ODI World Cup is scheduled for 2029, while the T20 showpiece will be held in the UK next year.

Star opener Smriti Mandhana, who is 29, is the obvious choice for the new captain, said Rangaswamy. “It’s overdue. Because Harman, as a batter and a fielder, is brilliant. Yes. But tactically, she can fumble at times. I feel she can contribute more if she’s without the burden of captaincy. See, when it comes after a success like this (World Cup win), it will not be taken well. But in the interest of Indian cricket and in Harman’s own interest, I think she can contribute much more as a batter without the burden of captaincy,” she said.

“She still has three to four years of big-time cricket left. Not being captain would allow her to do that. Smriti should be made captain across formats. You need to plan for future World Cups as well.”

She also referred to Rohit Sharma’s case, where selectors moved on from him for the team’s sake after he captained India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year.

India needs to improve on the bowling front to be dominant like Australia

Rangaswamy could not be happier about the team’s title-winning run at home, but she also made it a point to highlight the vulnerable areas.

“In our days, batting used to be the weaker link. Now batting has a settled look, but bowling is a concern. Fielding too can be a lot better.

“Australia lost only because they did not have a good bowling attack. I would say Pakistan and Bangladesh had better bowling attacks. The batters did the job for us,” said Rangaswamy, referring to seven-time champions Australia losing to India in the semifinals, with the latter unable to defend 338.

Tenfold increase in the game’s popularity

Reaching the final in 2017 made women’s cricket popular in India, but the win on Sunday night will lead to an explosion in girls taking up the sport, predicted Rangaswamy.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/women-s-odi-world-cup-2025/harmanpreet-kaur-should-step-down-as-india-captain-ex-skippers-suggestion-in-the-interest-of-indian-cricket-9568252

Amanjot Kaur became the talk on social media after her breathtaking catch during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Navi Mumbai: Amanjot Kaur became the talk on social media after her breathtaking catch during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The spectacular moment came when she dismissed South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, surely giving fans a mini heart attack.

As Wolvaardt was set to take the game away from India after scoring a century, she tried to hit a six, but Amanjot positioned herself beneath the ball, momentarily lost control, spilling it once before juggling again.

However, she safely latched onto the catch on the third attempt with one hand. As the catch stuck, the stadium erupted in relief and joy. Fans on social media went into a frenzy, calling it the “moment of the final.”

Reactions on Amanjot Kaur’s thrilling catch

Harmanpreet Kaur, who is looking to captain the team towards maiden World Cup glory after coming close twice before, in 2005 and 2017.

India’ men’s cricket team who is currently touring Australia is rallying behind the women’s cricket team ahead of their historic ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The day November 2nd , 2025 marks a special day for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who is looking to captain the team towards maiden World Cup glory after coming close twice before, in 2005 and 2017.

The X handle of BCCI posted a video in which th emen’s team sent good wished to the women’s team for the big day. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, said, “On behalf of the entire support staff and the Indian team, I want to wish the women’s team all the very best. Bring the cup home. All the very best.”

ODI Captain Shubman Gill, alongside Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana, expressed their best wishes too. Gill simply said, “Wishing the women’s team all the very best for the finals,” while Harshit added, “Bring the cup home.”

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah encouraged the women to “Give your best and everything else will take care of itself,” while pledging his support . The spin trio of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy also voiced their confidence and encouragement, with Varun urging, “I’m very sure that you guys will go on and get us the World Cup and Chak De India.”

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/its-gods-plan-you-just-bumrah-sky-gambhir-mens-squad-wish-good-luck-to-womens-team-before-world-cup-final-video

Women’s World Cup 2025, IND vs SA: India will be aiming to end their long wait for an ICC title when they face a strong South African side on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. While India stunned seven-time champions Australia in the semifinals, the Proteas thrashed England by 125 runs to book their place in the final.

Back in 2005, when Mithali Raj led India out in the final, most of the country barely knew a Women’s World Cup was being played in South Africa. The nation’s cricketing chatter revolved around Greg Chappell’s controversies with the men’s team, while women’s cricket existed quietly in the shadows – in empty stands and forgotten scorecards.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India wasn’t even officially tied to the women’s side then. Cut to 2025 – India are in their third World Cup final, this time at a roaring DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The tickets are gone. The stands will be packed, hearts beating as one – a far cry from those silent afternoons two decades ago.

In 2017, against England, they came so close. A few runs short, a few tears too many. That night at Lord’s broke hearts but built belief – belief that Indian women could not just dream, but dare. That defeat became a promise: we will return. Stronger. Louder. Unbreakable.

Stay updated for complete coverage of Women’s World Cup 2025 with India Today! Get full schedule, team squads, live score, and the updated ICC women’s world cup points table.

Now, in 2025, that promise stands on the brink of fulfilment. A home World Cup final. A sea of tricolours. A captain who wears her scars like medals, leading a generation that refuses to bow.

The 1983 triumph changed Indian men’s cricket forever. Forty-two years later, Harmanpreet Kaur and her warriors have the chance to do the same – to turn pain into pride, struggle into legacy, and 2025 into the year Indian women’s cricket finally takes its rightful place in history’s heart.

MITHALI COULDN’T. CAN HARMANPREET?
In 2005 and 2017, India stood on the brink of glory – only to watch it slip away in heartbreak. In 2005, Karen Rolton’s majestic 107 crushed India by 98 runs, ending a dream before it could truly take flight. But it was 2017 that left a deeper scar. Under the bright lights of Lord’s, Anya Shrubsole’s six-wicket storm tore through Indian hearts, as a chase that once seemed theirs unraveled cruelly.

Needing just 38 runs off 44 balls with seven wickets in hand, victory had felt inevitable – almost written in destiny. Yet, in a cruel twist, it vanished. For Mithali Raj, it was a second heartbreak, heavier than the first. When she bowed out of international cricket after India’s failure to reach the 2022 semi-finals, it was a quiet, aching farewell for a legend who had carried a nation’s hopes for decades.

Now, in 2025, the baton – and the burden – rests with Harmanpreet Kaur. Most likely playing her last ODI World Cup, the fire still burns fierce in her eyes. The 2009 World Cup in Australia marked her beginning; the 2025 edition could define her legacy.

For the first time, she leads India on the grandest stage – and maybe, just maybe, destiny will finally smile. On Super Sunday, Harmanpreet has the chance to turn years of pain into redemption – to lift not just a trophy, but the weight of generations who dared to dream.

END OF 20-YEAR-LONG WAIT?

As India walk into the final, a familiar ghost lingers – they haven’t beaten South Africa in an ODI World Cup since 2005. Back then, India ruled their first three meetings. Since then, the Proteas have struck back with three wins of their own, each one a quiet reminder of unfinished business. In Vizag earlier this tournament, India were within touching distance before Nadine de Klerk’s fearless flourish snatched the game away.

But on this grand stage, the past counts for nothing. When the first ball is bowled, it all begins again – from zero. For South Africa, it’s another chance to chase history. For India, it’s the chance to rewrite theirs.

The pressure will weigh heavy on both sides – neither has ever lifted the trophy in a world long ruled by Australia and England. But perhaps the burden is heaviest on South Africa, stepping into their maiden World Cup final.

For India, a win on Sunday would wash away years of near-misses and heartbreaks. It would turn pain into pride, doubt into destiny. Last year, the men’s team rose from the edge of defeat to claim T20 World Cup glory. Now, it’s the women’s turn – to summon that same spirit, to fight till the final breath, and to make the noise of a billion hearts echo through the night.

NO BIGGER MOTIVATION
For Harmanpreet Kaur, there’s no need for extra motivation – none could be bigger than playing a World Cup final in front of a roaring home crowd. This is the stage every cricketer dreams of, and for her, it’s deeply personal. India’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. After three consecutive defeats, the team faced scathing criticism and the looming threat of an early exit. But instead of crumbling, they chose to rise.

They shut out the noise, tightened their bond, and rediscovered their fight. And when the moment demanded resilience, they delivered in style. The five-wicket win over Australia in Navi Mumbai – built on Jemimah Rodrigues’ stirring century – wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. A reminder that this team thrives under fire, and that belief, once reignited, can be unstoppable.

“Well, I think when you are at a stage like this, playing the final match of the World Cup, I don’t think there can be a bigger motivation than this. The entire team is fully charged up. They are standing with each other and are giving each other prayers and blessings,” Harmanpreet said in the press-conference.

“I think that shows how much this team is with each other and how ready we are for this match. Now it’s only about giving your best, strategy and everything. It’s not that we have reached the final and we have to do all this today. We have been doing this from last two years,” Harmanpreet added.

Now, as Harmanpreet leads her side into the biggest game of their lives, the motivation isn’t revenge or redemption — it’s pride. Pride in how far they’ve come, and belief that this time, they can go all the way.

THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR PROTEAS?
While the final carries enormous weight for India, it means just as much — perhaps even more – for South Africa. This will be their third successive ICC final. In 2023, Australia denied them the joy of lifting the T20 World Cup in front of their home crowd. A year later, in 2024, New Zealand crushed their hopes in Dubai. On both occasions, Laura Wolvaardt stood there – calm, unshaken, yet heartbroken.

In the ongoing World Cup, Wolvaardt has been the picture of composure once again. South Africa began their campaign with a 10-wicket drubbing at the hands of England, but responded in style with five straight wins.

They stumbled against Australia in their final league game – only to redeem themselves spectacularly with a 125-run win over the same England in Guwahati, powered by Wolvaardt’s sublime 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s fiery five-wicket haul.

Now, as they face India in the biggest game of them all, the question remains — can the Proteas carry that confidence into the final and finally script their fairytale? Only time will tell.

MIND GAMES?
Before the semifinal, Laura Wolvaardt had cheekily remarked that England would feel the heat in a knockout game – and she was right. England buckled under pressure and went down without a fight. Now, on the eve of the World Cup final, Wolvaardt has turned her attention to India, firing the first shot in what’s shaping up to be a battle of nerves as much as skill.

This time, her words carry a familiar edge. She believes India have everything to lose – playing in front of a packed home crowd, burdened by the weight of expectation. It’s a calculated move, a classic dose of pre-match mind games aimed at shifting the pressure back onto the hosts.

“It’s going to be a very exciting opportunity but at the same time I think it puts a lot of pressure on them as well. They have the whole country behind them and are sort of expected to win. I guess so. Yeah, I think it sort of plays in our favour hopefully,” Wolvaardt said.

If the recent past has shown anything, it’s that Harmanpreet’s India doesn’t wilt under noise – they feed off it. And come Sunday, those words might just fuel the fire burning within the Indian camp.

The chance to win a World Cup on home soil doesn’t come often – and India know it. Sunday’s victory, if it comes, won’t just be another trophy in the cabinet; it could be a moment that reshapes the future. A win in front of their own people could light a thousand dreams — in dusty maidans, narrow lanes, and small towns where young girls watch with wide eyes and dare to believe.

This isn’t just about glory; it’s about legacy. A triumph on Sunday could become the turning point – the moment when women’s cricket in India stops chasing recognition and starts commanding it. When the next generation doesn’t just play the game, but owns it.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-south-africa-preview-women-world-cup-final-2025-harmanpreet-navi-mumbai-2812004-2025-11-02

The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Arun Dhumal, feels that Jemimah Rodrigues, with her splendid 127 (134) in the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, “replayed” the famous Kapil Dev innings from the 1983 World Cup against Zimbabwe

The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Arun Dhumal, feels that Jemimah Rodrigues, with her splendid 127 (134) in the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, “replayed” the famous Kapil Dev innings from the 1983 World Cup against Zimbabwe. In the pulsating semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday, Australia blazed their way to a daunting 338, leaving India to chase down the highest target in the history of the Women’s World Cup. Jemimah kept India in the hunt after the hosts lost Smriti Mandhana (24) and Shafali Verma (10) in the powerplay. From 59/2, Jemimah took India past the finish line. With fortune on her side, she saw two catching opportunities go down while pursuing the 339-run target.

She found ideal support from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89), Deepti Sharma (24), and Richa Ghosh (26) to script a new record for the highest successful run chase in Women’s World Cup history. For Dhumal, Jemimah “replayed” Kapil’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup—a performance that wasn’t televised. During Kapil’s memorable knock, India was struggling at 17/5 before he delivered a batting masterclass.

During India’s group-stage encounter against Australia, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side suffered a defeat despite posting 330 on the board.

The IPL chairman classified Jemimah’s memorable outing as the best in the ongoing marquee event.

“It was phenomenal to watch Jemimah—the way she played yesterday. In fact, none of us remembers Kapil Dev’s innings against Zimbabwe. So she replayed that innings, you know, that was played in the quarter-final. Jemimah did what Kapil Paji did long back, which was unfortunately not broadcast—but this, fortunately, was,” Dhumal said while speaking exclusively to ANI.

Jemimah didn’t have a dream start to the tournament, notching scores of 0, 32, 0, and 33 before being dropped for the group-stage fixture against England in Indore. The local hero from Mumbai returned to the final XI in the semi-final and enchanted her home crowd with a performance to remember.

“The entire country and the entire world watched how Jemimah led the team and the way she played when the team was down. Smriti had been in phenomenal form in this tournament, but we lost a wicket—and the way Jemimah played under pressure was incredible. It was a phenomenal innings, and she fought till the finish. The way she played this winning knock outshone every other innings in this tournament,” Dhumal added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/women-s-odi-world-cup-2025/jemimah-rodrigues-did-what-kapil-dev-did-long-back-ipl-chairman-arun-dhumals-ultimate-compliment-9554053

Here is a list of records broken during India vs Australia 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final

Jemimah Rodrigues hit an unbeaten 127 to help India pull off a record ODI chase of 339 against Australia in a thrilling second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday. Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 89, put on 167 runs for the third wicket as India won with nine balls and five wickets to spare at the DY Patil Stadium on the outskirts of Mumbai. Amanjot Kaur hit the winning boundary to trigger wild celebrations in the Indian camp, with smiles and tears of joy in the dugout. India will face South Africa in the final at the same venue on Sunday, as the 50-over marquee tournament is set to crown a new champion.

In six innings in the Asia Cup 2025, Suryakumar Yadav scored only 72 runs.

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav led the team to a memorable Asia Cup 2025 triumph, but his own form has remained somewhat patchy. The ‘360-degree’ batter is currently only a part of India’s T20I team, which means consistent match practice at the top level has been a concern. Ahead of the start of the three-match T20I series against Australia, Suryakumar was questioned by reporters in a press conference about his form. The skipper quickly quashed the concerns, stating he is in a good space at the moment.

“I feel like I have been working really hard; before also I was doing it, it is not that I was not working hard. I’ve had a few good sessions back home, good two or three sessions here, so I am in a good space; I think that is really important. Runs will come eventually, but working hard towards a team goal-that’s more important,” Suryakumar said during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

When asked about the team combination, Suryakumar hinted at fielding three spinners against Australia.

“I don’t think that our combination changes too much with conditions. If you see, when we played in South Africa, over there we played one fast bowler, one all-rounder, and three spinners. Conditions are similar over here, some bouncy tracks,” he explained.

Suryakumar also said that he would be relying on Bumrah’s experience of playing in Australia to deliver the results in the five-match series.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2025/suryakumar-yadav-grilled-over-poor-form-in-press-conference-his-reply-9529456

India ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer was admitted to a hospital in Sydney after suffering internal bleeding resulting from a rib cage injury sustained during the third match against Australia.

India ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer was admitted to a hospital in Sydney after suffering internal bleeding resulting from a rib cage injury sustained during the third match against Australia. Iyer, who had taken a brilliant catch while running backwards from backward point to dismiss Alex Carey, appeared to have injured his left rib cage in the process.

According to sources, Iyer fainted in the dressing room, and his vital parameters were alarmingly low. He was rushed to the hospital soon after, with scans revealing he had sustained a “laceration injury to the spleen.”

“Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage region… He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well,” the BCCI said in a statement on Monday.

“The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian Team Doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress.”

Internal Bleeding

The 30-year-old will remain under observation for 2-7 days. “Shreyas has been in the ICU for the past couple of days. After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately,” a source privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.

“He will remain under observation for anywhere between two to seven days depending on recovery, as it was necessary to stop the spread of infection due to bleeding.”

BCCI’s Swift Action

The BCCI medical team acted swiftly after Iyer’s vital parameters fluctuated upon his return to the dressing room.

“The team doctor and physio didn’t take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon,” the source added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2025/shreyas-iyer-fainted-in-dressing-room-inside-details-india-vice-captains-near-fatal-injury-report-9526194

Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year’s World Cup, but he says he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream come true.

Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year’s World Cup, but he says he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream come true. The 38-year-old striker for Inter Miami of MLS led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and yearns to be on the field when the “Albiceleste” defend the crown next year in North America. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told NBC News in an interview broadcast on Monday that he will see next year how his body feels before deciding on whether or not he can play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to,” said Messi, who turns 39 next June.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

“And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.”

Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, wants the chance for one more star turn on football’s biggest stage.

“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.”

Messi, who debuted with Barcelona in La Liga at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and moved to MLS in 2023.

“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi said of Miami.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-announces-big-fifa-world-cup-2026-decision-puts-end-to-speculations-9527759

India’s group stage campaign came to an end with an abandoned fixture against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. A game which saw 36.4 overs in total was dominated by India before incessant rain denied them a win, which was just 69 runs away.

India ended the group stage with an abandoned fixture en route to the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, after their clash against Bangladesh on Sunday, 26 October, in Navi Mumbai was marred by persistent rain. However, more than the rain, it was the injury to their star opening batter Pratika Rawal, which left team India worried.

A day marred by inclement weather saw the two teams play a truncated 27-over per side match, where India dominated the proceedings right from ball one. After being put in to bat first, Bangladesh were under pressure from the opening over and struggled to build momentum due to a lengthy rain delay. Once play resumed, India’s spin duo of Radha Yadav (3/30) and Shree Charani (2/23) dismantled the Bangladeshi batting line-up, restricting them to 119 for 9 in 27 overs.

Chasing a DLS-revised target of 126, Amanjot Kaur opened the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana (34* off 27) after Pratika Rawal twisted her ankle while fielding. The opener landed awkwardly while attempting to prevent a boundary and had to leave the field in visible pain.

Stay updated for complete coverage of Women’s World Cup 2025 with India Today! Get full schedule, team squads, live score, and the updated ICC women’s world cup points table.

Amanjot Kaur opens in Pratika Rawal’s absence

In her absence, Amanjot and Mandhana gave India a steady start, scoring six runs from the first two overs. The first boundary of the innings came from Amanjot’s bat, flicking Marufa Akter towards long on. Mandhana then found her rhythm with back-to-back fours off Nishita Akter, as the pair capitalised on Bangladesh’s lapses in the field to bring up a fifty partnership in just 40 balls.

India were cruising at 57 for 0 after 8.4 overs when heavy rain returned, forcing the players off the field and eventually bringing the match to a premature end.

Earlier, after a two-hour delay to start the game, Renuka Singh had given India the perfect start with the ball, removing Sumaiya Akter for 2 (6) in the first over. Partnering with Deepti Sharma, Renuka maintained pressure from both ends. She could have had another wicket, but Shree Charani dropped a straightforward chance offered by Sharmin Akter at short third man.

Radha Yadav’s spin rocks Bangladesh

While Renuka was denied a second breakthrough, Deepti struck soon after, with Rubya Haider (13 off 32) holing out to mid-off. Bangladesh were struggling at 39 for 2 after 12.2 overs when another spell of rain halted play for nearly two hours.

Upon resumption, Bangladesh attempted to rebuild but were pegged back once more. A sharp piece of fielding from Radha Yadav caught captain Nigar Sultana (9 off 24) short of her ground at the non-striker’s end, triggering a collapse. From there, Radha and Charani ripped through the batting order, ensuring Bangladesh were bowled out for just 119 for 9 in 27 overs.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/womens-world-cup-ind-vs-ban-pratika-rawal-radha-yadav-shree-charani-2808737-2025-10-26

Rohit Sharma on Saturday scored a sublime 121 not out, helping India beat Australia by 9 wickets in the third and final ODI.

India’s star ODI opener Rohit Sharma was quite emotional while leaving Sydney, Australia, at the end of the three-match ODI series. The right-handed batter departed on Sunday after scoring a sensational 121 not out at the Sydney Cricket Ground a day earlier. It was Rohit’s 33rd ODI century. His knock helped India register a consolation nine-wicket victory against Australia. The player shared an emotional post on social media as he prepared to take his flight from Sydney. “One last time, signing off from Sydney,” wrote Rohit, posting a picture of himself entering the departure gate at the airport.

Rohit Sharma has always cherished playing in Australia, and after a challenging ODI series against the old rivals, the former captain admitted on Saturday that there might not be another trip for him and Virat Kohli to their cricketing heartland.

Both Rohit and Kohli now play only one format after retiring from Tests and T20Is, and their careers have become a matter of intense speculation of late.

On Saturday, the two legendary batters joined forces yet again to save India from a series whitewash with their unbeaten 168-run partnership, leading the side to a consolatory nine-wicket win in the third ODI.

“Always love coming here and playing here. Fond memories of 2008. I’m not sure if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but we enjoy our cricket no matter what accolades we achieve,” Rohit said after being named Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

Rohit hit a magnificent 121 while Kohli produced a 74-run knock in India’s victory.

“We started afresh in Perth – that’s how I look at things,” he added, acknowledging the challenges of touring Australia.

Rohit also stressed the importance of experience and mentorship at this stage of their careers.

“You expect tough pitches and quality bowlers in Australia. Playing here is never easy. We couldn’t win the series, but there are plenty of positives. It’s a young side, and there will be a lot of learnings.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2025/one-last-time-rohit-sharmas-emotional-post-day-after-century-in-sydney-9519631

While the ordinary get fazed by intimidation and hostility, the extraordinary thrive on it; in fact, that becomes their adrenaline.

Bengaluru: Just ahead of the ODI series against Australia that started last Sunday, Virat Kohli spoke candidly about how the country holds a special place in his heart for helping him become the legendary cricketer that he is today. Growing up, Kohli, like most cricketers, was completely mystified by Australia. The fast and bouncy tracks, the ruthless aggression the Aussies brought to the field, the hostile crowd that could unnerve even the mightiest… Kohli as a kid himself got a picture of how unforgiving playing cricket Down Under could be. While it’s extremely intimidating for an average cricketer, the extraordinary are inspired by it. They, in fact, thrive on it.

“Growing up, watching cricket as a kid when we used to wake up early and watch Test cricket in Australia, you can see the ball flying off the pitch and the opposition in your face, and I used to feel, wow, if I will be able to step up in these conditions and against this opposition, that’s something I could be proud of as a cricketer,” Kohli told Fox Sport. “Even the Australian set up, how they played their cricket and how they were in your face all the time, intimidating and taking the game on, that was something that really inspired me to come here and do the same. Early on, I found it was easier to watch on television than be part of that hostile environment, but I am really grateful to all those times because that shaped me as a cricketer and as a person as well.”

While the ordinary get fazed by intimidation and hostility, the extraordinary thrive on it; in fact, that becomes their adrenaline. Kohli, because the thought of proving himself in Australia was so deeply ingrained in his mind as a child, always upped his game Down Under. In 18 Tests, the 36-year-old has played in Australia, he has scored 1542 runs at a wonderful average of 46.52, including seven centuries and four fifties. Kohli captained the Indian team in Tests for the first time in Australia, and although the visitors lost the Adelaide game by 48 runs, the Delhiite’s two centuries and the win-at-all-costs attitude, instead of settling for a draw, endeared him to the Aussies eventually.

Not just in Australia, but Kohli was at his best when he was provoked. Whenever he was needled by an opponent, he would come out all guns blazing against them and seldom failed at it. Over time, bowlers realised it’s better to leave him alone, especially when the King was at the peak of his powers. Even when things were mellow, Kohli would find a way to stir the pot – confrontation was his catalyst for success.

Not just Kohli, but the sporting world is filled with athletes who relish adverse environments. Record 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, for whom Kohli has a lot of respect, has often spoken about how he finds the extra gear when the crowd is against him. “The amount of pressure and stress is so much higher if you have a crowd against you. But (laughs) for most of my career, it was mostly hostile environments for me. I kind of learned how to thrive in that environment. And people think that it’s actually better if they don’t like me so that it kind of gets the best out of me in terms of tennis,” the Serb great was quoted during an interview on 60 Minutes.

Basketball great Michael Jordan loved trash-talking opponents — sometimes his own teammates — and relished confrontational crowds. John McEnroe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Daniil Medvedev, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali… all of them were wired to perform when they felt the world was seemingly against them. They fed off the negative energy — contrary to most athletes — and turned it into a positive one.

It’s one thing to perform under pressure, which is what athletes are expected to do, but another to have a fascination for hostile environments. So how is it that this bunch succeeds?

“If you look at the percentage of athletes that thrive in a hostile environment, if you’re talking about elite athletes, there aren’t many of them,” Dr Sanjana Kiran, a world-renowned high-performance mind coach and sports psychologist, told DHoS from Singapore. “As long as you’re human, anything negative will affect you, and rightly so. What they are able to do is numb themselves. Because even top athletes have competition anxiety. But the fact that anxiety, hostility doesn’t affect them means they numb themselves to a point that nothing affects them, and that’s why they are able to perform robotically.

“Elite athletes like to live in a sort of bubble. And also, they know that they’re very elite and part of a very, very few in the world who can achieve such things. So when these things happen, like when the crowd is against them, or when the opponents are, you know, really breathing fire around their neck, that instinct to say that I am the best here is what sort of overtakes them. They want to be the best in the world and they feel that nothing needs to come in between for them to be that,” explained Sanjana, who has worked with several elite teams and athletes.

So do these athletes train their minds differently as compared to others?

“A sports psychologist or a mind coach will not hand out mental resilience and toughness to you,” reckoned Sanjana. “Elite athletes are emotionally sensitive but in a different way. What we do is help them understand the perspective of things, the mentality of what’s serving them, and reorganise it. Reframe it, rewire it a little bit. Now these athletes have decided to be the best. So we just facilitate in unleashing that peak potential. Because they’re very hardworking, super motivated, super focused, diligent, committed, it’s different from working with a regular person. With the best of the best in the world, what’s standing between them and their performance is their mentality. And these athletes who have a fondness for hostile battlegrounds are just built strongly — emotionally and physically. They are aware of it and have mastered unleashing it.”

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/decoding-the-unique-mindset-of-sports-champions-under-hostile-environments-3775365

Virat Kohli won hearts with a gesture after spotting the Indian flag being dropped to the ground at the Sydney Cricket Ground by a fan. The 36-year-old’s patriotic act was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media.

Virat Kohli won hearts with an ultimate gesture of patriotism after his match-winning knock for India against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday (October 25) while walking back towards the dressing room after the game ended.
The star batter noticed that a fan had dropped the Indian flag on the ground. Showing respect towards the tri-colour, Kohli decided to pick the flag and handed it back to the fan while telling him something, which was not audible in the clip
Kohli was widely hailed for his gesture as the video went viral all over social media

For likely one final time in Australia, Virat Kohli reminded the Sydney Cricket Ground—and the cricketing world—why he is one of the greatest ODI batters of all time. Kohli finished unbeaten on 74 to guide India to victory in front of a raucous, predominantly Indian crowd.

For likely one final time in Australia, Virat Kohli turned back the clock at the Sydney Cricket Ground, crafting an unbeaten 74 to shepherd India to victory in front of a full house—most clad in blue, waving flags, and perhaps trying to out-cheer each other. The evening was equal parts celebration and nostalgia, with the highest and third-highest centurions of ODI cricket—Kohli and Rohit Sharma—sharing moments heavy with emotion amid the raucous applause.

Freed from the pressures of being a three-format player and having spent long, leisurely months with his family in London, Kohli has been in buoyant spirits throughout the tour. There were smiles, handshakes, and selfies after training sessions. The man is 37, yes—but clearly, he’s aged like fine wine—or a vintage bat that only gets sweeter with time.

But let’s rewind a bit. The first two ODIs against Australia were well, let’s call them “learning experiences.” Kohli, arguably the greatest ODI batter of all time, had registered consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide. The chatter was relentless. Could the King still summon fire for the South Africa series? Did he even have enough left in the tank for the 2027 ODI World Cup?

The SCG, though, has a way of humbling those doubts. India were asked to chase, and it felt almost scripted: Kohli walking to the crease, the weight of expectation on his shoulders, and yet that glimmer in his eye promising, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Even before Kohli faced a ball, the SCG was alive. In Australia’s 23rd over, he had snatched a sharp catch at square leg to dismiss Matt Short. Anyone with their back to the action—grabbing a coffee, taking a selfie, or pretending to check the scoreboard—might have missed it. The roar, though, ensured nobody could ignore what had just happened.

KOHLI WALKS OUT TO BAT

The entire Sydney Cricket Ground seemed to breathe and stand in unison as Virat Kohli strode out to bat in the third ODI against Australia on Saturday, October 25. Every fan, player, and perhaps even the guy selling hotdogs in the stands seemed to know the stakes. This could very well be Kohli’s last hurrah on Australian soil. With India’s next Down Under tour nowhere on the horizon, the 36-year-old’s innings felt like the closing scene of a long, glittering chapter in a career that has been nothing short of epic.

Walking to the crease alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli exuded calm purpose. The first run unleashed a wave of cheers, bhangra beats echoed across the stands, and Kohli smiled knowingly, as if to say, “Yes, I remember how this is done.” Redemption after two ducks? Check. Crowd-pleasing? Check. Magic? Oh yes, buckets of that, too.

The first-ball single to mid-on drew a deafening cheer and a modest glove-raise from Kohli—a little nod to the crowd, a small atonement for the twin failures of earlier matches. He followed with a late cut against Adam Zampa, a top-edged pull against Hazlewood, and then—oh, the pice de rsistance—a crisp straight drive off Starc, as if to say, “This is still my playground.”

AUS vs IND, 3rd ODI: Highlights | Scorecard

From there, it was a symphony of singles and boundaries, punctuated with drama. Nathan Ellis struck Kohli’s pads, prompting a DRS review. The TV umpire sided with the on-field decision: not out. Relief washed over the “Chase Master.” By now, he was on 36, and momentum was fully his.

Fifty came off 56 balls. Seventy 50-plus scores in ODI chases—the most by any batter, overtaking Tendulkar’s 69. Crossing 54, he became the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s 14,234 with 14,255. Only Tendulkar’s 18,426 lies ahead.

Watching Kohli bat like this is a lesson in patience, precision—and, if you’re an opponent, frustration. Even affable Australian captain Mitchell Marsh looked a little glum, helpless before such mastery. A crisp four off Ellis brought the chase to its inevitable conclusion. Australian players crowded around Rohit and Kohli, clapping and shaking hands—respect, unreserved and genuine.

THE ICON BIDS GOODBYE

Post-match, the duo faced Ravi Shastri and Adam Gilchrist for Fox Cricket. Shastri couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at Kohli about his earlier ducks. The response? Delightfully human:

“Good to be out of the pond, honestly,” Kohli said like a true student of the game, drawing huge cheers. “You’ve scored so many runs in international cricket, but then the game shows you everything. Even at this stage, 37 and not many days old and still can feel like I don’t know how to get a run. I mean this game is amazing.

“That’s why we love batting, we love batsmanship, and it’s so challenging when it’s not going your way and just to find your rhythm again. Go out there, having a situation to play in always is something that always brings out the best in me. And yeah, when Rohit’s already batting there, it’s pretty easy to kind of keep rotating strike. We understand each other’s game really well. So again, really good to have a big partnership and another match-finishing partnership for us.”

Kohli, one of the most famous foreign athletes in Australia—a country that has long treated him as both icon and antagonist—could finally enjoy a sweet moment. Over the years, shameless tabloids and taunting fans had whipped up drama, but Kohli always backed his words with deeds. Saturday night, with a smile and an unbeaten knock, was proof: a fond farewell from fans who can be hard-bitten but fair.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/virat-kohli-ind-vs-aus-sydney-odi-2808445-2025-10-26

The BCCI has also assured that additional steps will be implemented to safeguard all visiting teams for the remainder of the Women’s World Cup, reaffirming that player safety remains a top priority.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia has issued an official statement strongly condemning the disturbing incident in Indore, where two Australian women cricketers were reportedly harassed by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe. The episode, which has drawn widespread criticism, occurred during the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, raising serious concerns about the safety of visiting athletes.

In his statement, Mr. Saikia said, “This is a deeply regrettable and isolated incident. India has always been known for its warmth, hospitality, and care towards all guests. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts. We appreciate the swift and effective action taken by the Madhya Pradesh Police in apprehending the accused. The law will take its due course to ensure justice is served. We will also review our existing safety protocols and strengthen them further, if necessary, to ensure such incidents are not repeated.”

The BCCI Secretary’s remarks underline the board’s commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of all international players participating in the tournament. Saikia’s acknowledgment of India’s long-standing tradition of hospitality and his assurance of tighter security measures reflect a clear message of accountability and resolve.

The swift response from the Madhya Pradesh Police, who arrested the accused shortly after the complaint, has been widely appreciated by officials and cricketing bodies alike. The BCCI has also assured that additional steps will be implemented to safeguard all visiting teams for the remainder of the Women’s World Cup, reaffirming that player safety remains a top priority.

‘No woman should have to face such inappropriate behavior’ – Mahanaaryaman Scindia

The 2026 Ducati Monster weighs 175 kg, which is 4 kg lighter than its predecessor.

Ducati’s new Monster is out of the covers now and has entered its fifth generation. In this iteration, it has parted ways with the 937 cc Testastretta engine to use the latest 890 cc V2 platform from the house of Bologna. This is the same unit that has been performing its duties on the mid-size models of the brand, like the Multistrada, Panigale, and Streetfighter.

The new platform has been used on the 2026 Monster to bring it closer to achieving the brand’s goal of having a lineup of Euro5+ emission-compliant machines. With the new machine in place, the DesertX and Hypermotard 950 will be next to move away from the 937 cc Testastretta. However, the debut date of these machines is still not known.

Talking about the Monster’s heart, it gets a twin-cylinder engine which churns out 109.4 hp of power at 9,000 rpm and 91 Nm of peak torque at 7250 rpm. This is slightly lower than the outgoing versions’ 110 hp of power at 9,250 rpm and 93 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm. It works using IVT (Intake Variable Timing) and is around 6 kg lighter than the previous unit.

The engine is placed inside a front frame design chassis, very similar to other V2-powered machines. Furthermore, the bike now gets a double swingarm hollow design and is suspended on Showa suspension at both ends. The front unit is a non-adjustable 43 mm tub, while the rear gets a preload-adjustable monoshock. This results in an 815 mm seat height, which can be lowered by 775 mm.

The stopping power comes from Brembo, with the front end using a dual 320 mm disc with four-piston radially mounted callipers, while the rear gets a 245 mm disc with two-piston callipers. Meanwhile, the 17-inch rims are shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires.

To support the performance of this hardware, the brand is offering rider aids like six-axis IMU, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control, and cornering ABS. There are also four riding modes: Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet. The list of features also includes cruise control, a quickshifter with up/down shift capability, and heated grips.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/auto/2026-ducati-monster-breaks-cover-with-new-890cc-v2-engine-9507300?pfrom=auto-topstories

Mohsin Naqvi, refused to present the Asia Cup 2025 trophy to Team India and left with it. Tilak Varma revealed that they waited in the ground for an hour. They eventually celebrated in a humorous manner.

India won their record-equalling 9th Asia Cup trophy in 2025, when they defeated Pakistan in the final. However, the team did not receive a trophy, because Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi did a bizzarre thing that has never been done anywhere in sporting history. He refused to hand over the trophy and ran away with it to his hotel room, thus leaving India empty-handed. The Player of the Match in the final, Tilak Varma has revealed fresh details as to what exactly happened on that day, and how they celebrated despite not getting the trophy.
In the latest episode of Breakfast With Champions, Tilak Varma revealed that the Indian team was waiting at the ground for an hour to receive the trophy. He also revealed that he wAs lying on the ground, while pacer Arshdeep Singh was busy making reels. They had no idea about Mohsin Naqvi’s shameless act.
“We were actually waiting at the ground for one hour. If you look at the TV visuals, you’ll see that I was lying on the ground. The rest were also lying on the ground. Arshdeep Singh was busy making reels. We were just waiting, and we were thinking, ‘The trophy will come anytime now.’ It was one hour, and the trophy was nowhere to be found. We were looking around, but the trophy was nowhere to be found,” Varma said.

Virat Kohli – who now plays only ODIs in international cricket – was dismissed for zero in two consecutive matches in the ongoing series in Australia

Two straight ducks for Virat Kohli were unthinkable in his prime. Times have changed, and the Indian great – who now plays only ODIs in international cricket – was dismissed for zero in two consecutive matches in the ongoing series in Australia. This is Kohli’s first international assignment since the Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March, and he is yet to score. Kohli’s long-time teammate Irfan Pathan offered his analysis of what might be going wrong.

“Virat Kohli-two back-to-back ducks. I’ve never seen that. This might be the impact of pressure or rustiness. I think the social media pressure being put on the two greats-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli-must be managed so it doesn’t affect Kohli. It’s important to persist with them when the runs aren’t coming. It’s tough. When the sword is hanging, it’s not easy to perform. I hope Virat Kohli isn’t feeling that pressure internally,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

In the second ODI, Kohli was dismissed while playing his favourite flick shot. So how does he bounce back? “I think Virat Kohli wants to take a single quickly, to get off strike, especially after getting out for ducks. It’s natural. But it must be ensured that there’s no desperation. He must continue enjoying his batting. If he spends time in the middle, the runs will come. He won’t look back from there,” Pathan added.

Pathan also expressed his disappointment after India opted to leave out left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the must-win ODI against Australia in Adelaide on Thursday. India’s bowling attack struggled to make breakthroughs as Australia chased down the target of 265, sealing the series.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2025/sword-is-hanging-virat-kohlis-ex-teammate-irfan-pathan-decodes-whats-going-wrong-with-india-great-9505984

Star raider Ali Samadi paid tribute to the late assistant manager, Vedant Devadiga by inscribing his name on his headband during the October 21 game against U Mumba.

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan gave a huge shoutout to Jaipur Pink Panthers team players and especially Iranian player Ali Samadi’s gesture for their late Assistant manager Vedant Devadiga during their recent Pro Kabaddi League match on October 21. Samadi paid tribute to the Vedant by inscribing his name on his headband. The Jaipur Pink Panthers chose to play U Mumba not for victory, but in honour of their beloved team member. However, the team ended up losing the match by 1 point on October 21.

Taking to x, Bachchan penned a special note for the team in which he said, “The Team JPP , we lost our asst Magr in a sudden tragic passing .. the team was given an option by us to not play and give walkover as a gesture for the departed .. But team Played in honour .. wearing his head band name in remembrance .. humans pass away .. not sportsmanship

The franchisee took to social media and paid tribute to their late assistant manager with a message which siad, “The Jaipur Pink Panthers family is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our Assistant Manager, Vedant Devadiga. He was a beloved member of our family; his passion and dedication will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/humans-pass-away-not-sportsmanship-amitabh-bachchan-acknowledges-special-gesture-by-jaipur-pink-panthers-player-ali-samadi