The Times of India News

Krishnappa Gowtham, a flamboyant all-rounder, has retired from cricket at 37, leaving an indelible mark on Karnataka's cricketing history. Known for his resilience and commitment, Gowtham's career saw him achieve significant milestones, including an India ODI cap and numerous match-winning performances, despite facing setbacks.

Punjab Kings secured young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly for Rs 3 crore, seeing him as a potential Glenn Maxwell replacement and future investment. Connolly, impressing in the Big Bash League, expressed excitement for his IPL debut, aiming to contribute positively and chase the trophy for PBKS, ready to bat anywhere the team needs him.

Shubman Gill faces a stark career shift, axed from the T20 World Cup squad despite recent captaincy roles. Questions arise about his inclusion in a strong lineup, with experts suggesting his T20 explosiveness was overestimated. Gill's recent form and injuries impacted his selection, leaving him to focus on other formats.

Rohit Sharma's dedication to fitness has silenced critics, with former spinner Amit Mishra championing the ex-Indian captain's capabilities. Mishra emphasises that true fitness transcends appearance, advocating for a sustainable approach over short-term visual changes. Rohit's recent stellar performances, including Player of the Tournament in the Australia series, underscore his renewed vigor and effectiveness on the field.

Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins and injured spinner Nathan Lyon for the Boxing Day Test against England. Cummins is being rested as part of a workload management plan, while Lyon requires surgery on a torn hamstring. Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to the squad, with Steve Smith set to resume captaincy.

Pakistan won the Under-19 Asia Cup by thrashing India by 191 runs, ending a 13-year title wait. After the final, mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed accused India of unethical behaviour and poor sportsmanship. He said he asked his players to celebrate respectfully and confirmed viral remarks urging discipline. The comments added controversy to Pakistans dominant victory.

Indias 14-year-old star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a tough U19 Asia Cup final as India lost heavily to Pakistan. After a quick 26, he was dismissed early, and India collapsed in the chase. Post-match, he was booed by fans outside the stadium but stayed calm. Despite the loss, he finished the tournament with impressive overall numbers.

Aaron Georges U-19 Asia Cup showed maturity, control and leadership, but only a glimpse of his true attacking ability, say those close to him. Backed by coach Biju Nair and shaped by his disciplined upbringing, the Hyderabad captain has grown steadily through tough challenges. With the U-19 World Cup ahead, many believe his full potential is yet to unfold.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved a major pay hike for Indias women domestic cricketers, more than doubling match fees across senior and junior levels. Senior players will now earn up to Rs 50,000 per day. The decision follows Indias Womens ODI World Cup win.

SG Pipers reached the Global Chess League final despite losing 6-11 to Alaskan Knights, finishing level on 15 points but ahead of Ganges Grandmasters on game points. Hou Yifans win and Leon Luke Mendoncas crucial draw sealed qualification. Pipers will face Continental Kings, while Grandmasters meet Alaskan Knights for third place.

South Africa narrowly missed a historic chase of 458 against India at the Wanderers, falling just eight runs short in a thrilling draw. Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers forged a monumental partnership, bringing the Proteas to the brink. The match also highlighted the emergence of India's young batting stars, Kohli, Pujara, and Rahane.

Former India captain Virat Kohli is set to play for Delhi in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking a return to domestic cricket. His presence, alongside experienced players like Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, adds significant buzz to Delhi's campaign. Kohli enters the tournament in strong ODI form, aiming to reconnect with the domestic grind and lead by example.

India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will play two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Mumbai in January, as directed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur will also feature early, while Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to return after illness. Ajinkya Rahane will miss the initial games due to injury.

Spinner Amit Mishra reflects positively on his relationship with former captain MS Dhoni, refuting claims that Dhoni hindered his career. Mishra credits Dhoni for his consistent comebacks and support, recalling a specific instance where Dhoni's advice led to a game-changing five-wicket haul. He emphasizes Dhoni's understanding of the game and his role in maximizing opportunities.

Andrew Strauss says sacking Ben Stokes or Brendon McCullum will not solve Englands repeated Ashes failures in Australia. The former captain, Englands last Ashes winner Down Under, believes deeper structural changes are needed. With England 3-0 down again, Strauss warned against knee-jerk reactions and urged reforms to fix a long-standing system problem.

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Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has retired from all forms of cricket after a 14-year career. Known for power-hitting and off-spin, he took over 320 domestic wickets, played one T20I for India, and featured for several IPL teams. His standout moment came with a stunning all-round show in the 2019 Karnataka Premier League.

Ishan Kishan has been named captain of Jharkhand for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, starting this Wednesday. Fresh from leading Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title with 517 runs, Kishan will also keep wickets. His strong domestic form has earned him a recall to Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad as a backup wicketkeeper.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a 10 million Pakistani rupees cash award for each U19 player after Pakistan thrashed India by 191 runs to win the U19 Asia Cup. Sameer Minhas starred with a brilliant 172, while Pakistans pacers dominated. Coaches and players praised teamwork, preparation, and collective effort behind the title win.

Englands Ashes 202526 campaign ended in disaster as Australia sealed a 3-0 lead within 11 days. Michael Vaughan criticised Ben Stokes side for their failed approach, calling the tour humbling. Despite strong efforts from Stokes and Archer, England fell short chasing 435, with Australia dominating throughout and retaining the Ashes comfortably.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has voiced his disappointment with the team's Ashes campaign, stating the outcome under the 'Bazball' era has been o different from previous tours. Despite a strategic overhaul, Hussain observed familiar failings in batting, bowling, and fielding, leading to a series defeat. He expressed frustration that the reinvented approach yielded the same disappointing results Down Under.

Eight years ago today, Rohit Sharma etched his name in T20I history by smashing a joint-fastest century off just 35 balls against Sri Lanka in Indore. This explosive innings, featuring 12 boundaries and 10 sixes, was a highlight of his stellar career before retiring after India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy achieved a historic five-wicket haul in the final Test against the West Indies, securing a series victory. His performance also saw him surpass Richard Hadlee's record for most wickets in a calendar year for New Zealand. Duffy's exceptional 2025 form across formats has earned him high praise.

Smriti Mandhana touched hearts by replying to a young Kashmiri fan after filmmaker Kabir Khan shared her story from Aru Valley. Soon after, Mandhana made history in the first T20I against Sri Lanka by becoming the first Indian woman to score 4,000 T20I runs, highlighting her class on and off the field.

England all-rounder Sam Curran is in scintillating form for Desert Vipers in ILT20, leading the run charts and contributing with crucial wickets. He credits team continuity and enjoyable conditions for their success. With the T20 World Cup looming, Curran's stellar performances put him firmly in the spotlight, aiming for trophies and continued enjoyment of the sport.

Stuart Broad stands by his assessment of the current Australian side as the worst since 2010, despite their Ashes series victory. He explained his view was based on England's failure to capitalize on opportunities and Australia's consistent pressure, even with key players missing. Broad believes England performed well below their potential throughout the series.

Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly acknowledges adapting to spinning Indian wickets will be his biggest IPL 2026 challenge with Punjab Kings. He plans to learn from experienced players to integrate their methods into his game. Captain Shreyas Iyer praised Connolly's temperament and finishing ability, noting the franchise was surprised to secure him at his auction price.

Shubman Gill returns to domestic cricket for the Vijay Hazare Trophy with Punjab after being left out of India's T20 World Cup squad. He aims to regain form in the 50-over competition, supported by teammates Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, as Punjab seek a strong title challenge in the domestic 50-over tournament.

Pakistan's Under 19 cricket team received a hero's welcome in Islamabad after their convincing Asia Cup final victory over India. The triumph, marked by a large public reception and a victory parade, has drawn praise from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the PCB chairman, highlighting the significance of this rare junior-level success.

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan shared his experience of playing alongside Australian legend David Warner in the Big Bash League. Shadab noted the stark contrast between Warner's fierce on-field persona as an opponent and his friendly, supportive nature as a teammate. This transition highlights Warner's ability to be both a formidable competitor and a valuable team player.

Mitchell Starc has urged the ICC to take control of umpiring technology after DRS confidence plummeted during the Ashes. Controversies arose from miscalibrated systems, leading Starc to question why the ICC doesn't standardise and fund the technology used by officials across all series to reduce confusion and frustration.

New Zealand have climbed to second in the ICC World Test Championship standings after a commanding 2-0 series victory over the West Indies. Pacer Jacob Duffy's exceptional bowling and twin centuries from openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham powered the Black Caps' dominant performance, marking a strong start to their WTC campaign.

Morgan Rogers' brace secured a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa against Manchester United, extending their winning streak to ten games across all competitions. This remarkable run places Villa just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, showcasing their strong title challenge under Unai Emery.

New Zealand's batting maestro Kane Williamson, 35, hinted at a potential Test retirement after the West Indies series, prioritising family and a flexible playing schedule. His casual contract allows him to choose national assignments, with significant gaps before potential future series. Despite nearing milestones, Williamson emphasises team success over personal records.

New Zealand secured a dominant 323-run victory over West Indies in the third Test, clinching the series 2-0. Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse, bowling out the visitors for 138. This crushing win followed exceptional opening centuries from Devon Conway and Tom Latham.

Sanju Samson's long-awaited T20 World Cup opening spot comes after a decade of uncertainty and a revolving door of wicketkeepers. Despite strong performances, he faced confusion and batting order shifts, highlighting the team management's struggle for consistency in selecting their T20I wicketkeeper and openers.

Hardik Pandya's stellar comeback from injury in the T20I series against South Africa has cemented his status as India's T20 MVP. His explosive batting and crucial wickets, including a 16-ball fifty, were instrumental in India's 3-1 series win. South Africa's coach lauded Pandya's impact, highlighting his vital role in the series.

Pakistan's chief selector Aaqib Javed revealed he's studied India's white-ball success to improve Pakistan's cricket structure. He stressed that quality talent, fostered by robust infrastructure and competition, is key to sustained success, not just individual brilliance. Javed expressed optimism about Pakistan's current team, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup in familiar conditions.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma revealed he considered quitting cricket after the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia. The emotional toll of the defeat, after investing heavily since becoming captain, left him feeling drained. It took months of recovery and self-reflection to regain his passion for the sport.

Pakistan's U19 team triumphed over India in the Asia Cup final by a commanding 191 runs. Mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed's presence resonated with fans, leading to an emotional plea for his appointment as T20 World Cup mentor. This victory marks Pakistan's first U19 Asia Cup title in 13 years, with Sameer Minhas starring with 172 runs.

Jemimah Rodrigues starred with an unbeaten 69 off 44 balls as India beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first Womens T20I. India restricted Sri Lanka to 121/6 before chasing the target with 32 balls to spare. Rodrigues built key partnerships, while Deepti Sharma and debutant Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with disciplined bowling.

Smriti Mandhana made history in the first Womens T20I against Sri Lanka by becoming the first Indian to score 4,000 T20I runs. She is only the second woman globally after Suzie Bates to achieve this feat and did it faster than anyone. Indias bowlers then restricted Sri Lanka to 121 runs.

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Pakistan's first cricketing icon, Hanif Mohammad, instilled a culture of resilience, teaching the nation how not to lose. His extraordinary 970-minute innings against the West Indies in 1958, a testament to his defensive prowess and unwavering spirit, remains legendary. This 'Little Master' transformed cricket into a sport for all, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan's sporting identity.

Shubman Gill was dropped from Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad due to poor form and injury concerns. Sunil Gavaskar advised Gill to take the decision positively and assured his future remains bright. Gavaskar called the move a course correction, adding that chief selector Ajit Agarkar would explain the decision personally.

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Pakistan's U19 team secured a dominant 191-run victory over India in the Asia Cup final, preventing a repeat of the senior tournament's trophy presentation drama. A stellar 172 by Sameer Minhas powered Pakistan to 347, a target India couldn't approach, falling for 156. Indian players collected medals separately, avoiding the ACC chairman.

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has criticized the chaotic public event for Lionel Messi in Kolkata, emphasizing that sports should always take priority over politics and unnecessary formalities. He highlighted that fans attend to watch the sport and players, not lengthy speeches or VIP arrivals, and hopes the incident serves as a lesson for future event organizers.

India suffered a crushing 191-run defeat to Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final. Chasing a daunting 348, India collapsed to 156 all out. Pakistan bowlers didn't give away and bowled tight lines from the beginning. Fast bowler Ali Raza took 4 wickets, including Ayush Mhatre, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. While Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan, Huzaifa Ahsan took 2 wickets each.