The Times of India

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel advocates for Ishan Kishan to replace Sanju Samson in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand. Patel believes Kishan, who has impressed on his return, should be given the wicketkeeper-batter role immediately if he is the team's preferred choice for the T20 World Cup.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley acknowledged a delicate balance exists regarding player privacy after stars like Iga Swiatek voiced concerns. Following Coco Gauff's on-camera outburst, Tiley stated the tournament is listening to player feedback and will review camera placement to ensure comfort, aiming to connect fans and players without compromising private spaces.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup participation hangs in the balance as the team is booked to depart for Colombo Monday, despite ongoing uncertainty. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is expected to make a final decision before the flight, following discussions with the Prime Minister and other stakeholders. Players are urged to remain focused amidst the administrative deliberations.

Nine-year-old Vihaan Malhotra's dream to play with Virat Kohli has materialised as he was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction. The 19-year-old, India's only centurion in the ongoing U-19 World Cup, has transformed into an all-dimensional player, impressing with his batting, bowling, and fielding.

Washington Sundar's T20 World Cup participation hangs in the balance as he faces a crucial fitness test on February 4th. Recovering from a side strain sustained on January 11th, his availability remains uncertain. The team management is awaiting medical updates before considering backup options, with potential replacements like Riyan Parag in contention.

An Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) executive member, accused of sexual harassment and out on bail, has travelled to Jordan for World Cup qualifiers as manager-cum-coach. The International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) has written to EFI seeking an explanation for his inclusion, following a parent's safety concerns for junior riders.

Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan? | Greenstone Lobo predicts the ideal player for T20 World Cup

Shivam Dube press conference: On mindset shift, reading bowlers and dominating middle overs

Shivam Dube showcased a significant T20 evolution with a blistering 65 off 23 balls against New Zealand. He attributed his enhanced performance to consistent opportunities, a sharper mindset, and increased comfort against pace. Dube emphasized his growth through experience, aiming to be a smarter player with each match, focusing on dominating rather than milestones.

Sanju Samson's batting woes persisted in the New Zealand T20Is, drawing sharp criticism from Sunil Gavaskar. The former captain highlighted Samson's lack of footwork against spin, a recurring technical issue. With scores of 10, 6, 0, and now 24, Samson faces mounting pressure to secure his spot ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam, expressed frustration at being perceived as 'chasing' younger rivals. He emphasised his own historical dominance, stating he is creating his own legacy rather than being in pursuit. Despite an unconventional path to the semifinals, Djokovic remains a strong contender.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team deliberately chose to chase and play with six batters to test itself under pressure after a 50-run loss to New Zealand. He called it a learning experience ahead of the World Cup. New Zealand posted 215, while India were bowled out for 165 despite strong knocks from Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh.

Shivam Dube's explosive 65 off 23 balls was a lone highlight as India fell 50 runs short against New Zealand in the fourth T20I, losing by 165 runs. Despite Dube's valiant effort and a late surge, the hosts couldn't chase down New Zealand's 216, with the Kiwis pulling the series back to 3-1.

The ICC has provisionally suspended USA batter Aaron Jones over alleged fixing during the BIM10 league in 202324. He faces five anti-corruption charges, including failing to report a corrupt approach and not cooperating with investigations. Jones, part of USAs T20 World Cup 2024 squad, has 14 days to respond and is banned from all cricket for now.

Norway Chess has confirmed Germanys top player Vincent Keymer as a participant for the 2026 event, alongside Magnus Carlsen and R Praggnanandhaa. Keymer will make his debut after a rapid rise to World No. 4. Praggnanandhaa returns for a third time, while fans still await confirmation of reigning world champion D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi.

The 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) will get underway on February 14 with a double-header in Kolkata and Goa. As the hunt for a broadcaster and commercial partner continues, it remains unclear if the truncated season will witness relegation by the end of it.

Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight in the fourth T20I against New Zealand with a brilliant direct-hit run-out of captain Mitchell Santner in Visakhapatnam. The moment came in the 18th over and halted New Zealands late momentum. Despite strong knocks from Tim Seifert and Devon Conway, India stayed competitive through sharp bowling and energetic fielding, with Pandyas effort proving a key turning point.

Sarfaraz Khan expressed excitement about playing alongside MS Dhoni at CSK in IPL 2026 after previously featuring with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Bought for Rs 75 lakh, the in-form Mumbai batter reflected on his recent double century, recovery from a tough injury layoff, and his focus on improving in white-ball cricket with the aim of representing India.

Inside details of Washington Sundar's recovery at BCCI CoE | Why India are patient | T20 World Cup

From Kapil Dev to Yuvraj Singh and now Amanjot Kaur, Chandigarh has produced three World Cup-winning all-rounders. At the heart of the citys latest success story is coach Nagesh Gupta, who nurtured Amanjot and Kashvee Gautam from raw bowlers into elite seam-bowling all-rounders, blending skill, resilience and a long-term vision.

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand in the fourth T20I. Having already secured the series 3-0, India aims to maintain momentum and refine their winning habits. Arshdeep Singh replaces the injured Ishan Kishan, who had a stellar series with the bat.

The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash deeply shocked India, drawing tributes from leading athletes and administrators. His passing revived memories of devastating air disasters that have scarred the sporting world, including the Munich Air Tragedy, Kobe Bryants crash, Chapecoenses fatal flight, the Andes disaster, Emiliano Salas death, the Leicester City helicopter crash, and the 1993 Zambian team tragedy.

In what has been a disappointing Ranji season for Delhi, theyve been winless after six matches and are out of the race for a berth in the knockouts, Dosejas emergence has been the lone bright spark for them.

Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open semifinals. His opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retired hurt while leading two sets to love. Djokovic will now face Jannik Sinner in the last four. Sinner has won their last five encounters. Djokovic acknowledges Sinner as the favourite but is motivated for the match.

Australia's T20I squad has arrived in Lahore for a series against Pakistan, which serves as final preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan's participation in the tournament remains uncertain pending government approval, with a decision expected soon. Several senior Australian players are resting for this series.

Blink, and the race is gone. Thats the unique challenge of cycle racing, for spectators and commentators alike. At the Pune Grand Tour, Indias first UCI 2.2 event, commentators Ned Boulting and Graham Jones spoke about the complexities of cycling and the arduous task of talking about it to the viewers.

A Sri Lankan court handed a suspended prison sentence to Tamim Rahman, owner of the Dambulla Thunders, for match-fixing. Rahman, a British national, admitted to attempting to influence a player and arranging bets during the domestic T20 league. He received a four-year jail term, suspended for five years, and a hefty fine.

Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has urged Pakistan to skip the T20 World Cup after PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi hinted at a potential withdrawal. Naqvi's remarks, made in solidarity with Bangladesh, drew a sharp response from Srikkanth, who warned Pakistan they would be comprehensively thrashed if they toured India.

ISPL | Jagannath Sarkar on momentum, swing balls and playoffs

Coco Gauff's post-match frustration at the Australian Open has ignited a unified player protest against perceived invasions of privacy. Players, including Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek, are speaking out against constant off-court surveillance, likening it to being animals in the zoo and emphasising the need for personal space away from public view.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is recovering well after a severe meningitis bout that led to a coma. He expressed gratitude for being able to walk and swim again, highlighting the fragility of life. Martyn's journey from a life-threatening illness to regaining basic abilities has garnered widespread support from the sporting community.

India's T20 World Cup preparations are bolstered as captain Suryakumar Yadav re-enters the top 10 batting rankings. He joins Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, giving India three batters in the elite group. Several other Indian players also saw significant jumps in the rankings, showcasing the team's strong batting depth ahead of the global tournament.

South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 runners-up, are poised for success with strong recent form and growing squad depth. Former captain Graeme Smith highlights Tristan Stubbs' crucial match-winning potential, especially after his impactful SA20 final performance. Familiarity with subcontinental conditions and batting firepower bolster their chances, though bowling combinations will be key.

Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided an Australian Open exit after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets. Djokovic, admitting immense luck, was outplayed before Musetti's thigh issue forced his withdrawal. This dramatic turn keeps Djokovic's record 25th Grand Slam pursuit alive and marks his 103rd Melbourne win, surpassing Federer.

Team India faces a top-order selection dilemma for the T20 World Cup, with Sanju Samson's recent lean form raising concerns. Despite past investment, his struggles as an opener persist, while Ishan Kishan shines in his comeback. Experts urge patience, warning against disruptive team changes, but continued failures could force another tough call.

Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues has been fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow over-rate following their narrow three-run loss to Gujarat Giants in the WPL. Despite the setback, Rodrigues praised her team's fighting spirit and remains optimistic about their playoff chances ahead of their crucial final league match.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary suggests the BCCI might make a significant decision regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir if Team India fails to win the T20 World Cup. Despite public backing, Tiwary believes poor results in other formats could lead to a change, with VVS Laxman identified as a potential successor.

India's T20 World Cup preparations are on track with a dominant series win against New Zealand. Suryakumar Yadav's side has showcased ruthless batting, with Abhishek Sharma and the captain himself finding form. While the batting order shows depth, Sanju Samson faces pressure. Bowlers like Bumrah and Bishnoi have impressed, setting a strong tone for the upcoming tournament.

Former Pakistan cricketers and officials are urging the PCB to participate in the T20 World Cup, warning against a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh. They emphasise prioritising Pakistan's cricketing interests and maintaining good relations with the International Cricket Council and member boards. Concerns are raised about potential logistical and financial repercussions.

Fifth seed Elena Rybakina defeated world number two Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. The victory ended Swiatek's bid for a career Grand Slam, as she continues to seek a title at Melbourne Park. Rybakina, in strong form, advanced to her fourth Grand Slam semi-final.

KL Rahul has admitted that retirement has crossed his mind, though he believes it is still some time away and won't be a difficult decision when the moment arrives.

Gujarat Giants secured a thrilling three-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2026, with Sophie Devine defending nine runs in the final over. Beth Mooney's 58 and Anushka Sharma's 39 powered Gujarat's 174, a total Delhi narrowly missed despite late efforts from Sneh Rana and Niki Prasad.

Harry Brook's explosive 136 and Joe Root's steady 111 powered England to a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka, securing a 2-1 ODI series win. Despite a strong chase led by Pavan Rathnayake's 121, Sri Lanka fell short. England's spinners proved crucial in their first away series triumph since 2023.

Cricket history witnessed a thrilling one-run victory for West Indies against Australia in Adelaide in 1993. This match remained the smallest winning margin in Test cricket for three decades. The nail-biting contest saw Australia fall short by just one run. This remarkable finish is now etched in cricketing folklore.

India launched their U-19 World Cup Super Six campaign with a dominant 204-run victory over Zimbabwe. Vihaan Malhotra's unbeaten century anchored a formidable 352/8, supported by Abhigyan Kundu's fluent 61. Zimbabwe's chase faltered early, succumbing to India's disciplined bowling attack for 148, securing India a commanding start to the next stage.

Jacob Oram press conference: stresses bigger picture as New Zealand fine-tune World Cup plans