The Times of India News

India Under-19 secured a spot in the Asia Cup final. They defeated Sri Lanka U19 by eight wickets in a rain-affected semi-final. Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George guided India to victory after bowlers restricted Sri Lanka. India will now face Pakistan in the final, their first meeting in an Asia Cup final in eleven years.

Hardik Pandya made an immediate impact in Ahmedabad. He hit a six off his first ball, which struck a cameraman. Pandya then smashed three sixes and two fours in one over. He reached his half-century in just 16 balls. Pandya was dismissed after scoring 63 runs off 25 balls. India won the match.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, India's batting dominance has waned, marked by a drop in strike rate and uncertainty in the opening combination. While past success was built on aggressive intent, recent struggles from key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill raise concerns about team balance and leadership form.

In the match between India and South Africa, there was a concerning moment that saw umpire Rohan Pandit getting struck on the knee by a powerful Sanju Samson shot. Play paused as medical staff attended to the official. India were in a dominant position at 95/1 in the ninth over when the incident occurred.

The Enforcement Directorate has seized assets worth Rs 7.93 crore in a crackdown on the illegal betting platform 1xBet. Action has been taken against several celebrities, including cricketers and actors, for promoting the platform through surrogate brands. These endorsements involved payments routed through foreign entities to conceal illegal funds derived from betting activities.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Gill was unavailable due to a iggle. Sanju Samson was selected in place of Gill.

Curious case! Why Ajit Agarkar & Co. continue to ignore Ishan Kishan

Why the Mumbai Maidans are being ignored? | Bombay Sport Exchange

Shanaka's role will be of an all-rounder. When I stopped being a selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith (Asalanka) was in our long term plans then, Wickramasingha said.

Lionel Messis India tour exposed a stark paradox: Indians passionately celebrate global football icons but neglect their own game. While crores were spent on celebrity appearances, Indian football leagues struggle for survival, sponsors, and audiences. The frenzy highlighted misplaced priorities, where social media clout outweighs sustaining domestic football, leaving Indian players, clubs, and the sport itself at a crossroads.

Raunak Sadhwani became a chess Grandmaster in 2019 at just 13, among Indias youngest to do so. Now 19 and ranked eighth among juniors, he reflects on the high cost of professional chess. Despite lacking a full-time coach, Raunak is competing at the top level as he prepares for the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championships.

Five years ago, India suffered their lowest Test score, 36 all out, against Australia in Adelaide. Despite a first-innings lead, a dramatic collapse saw them set a meager target. However, the team, led by Ajinkya Rahane after Virat Kohli's departure, staged a remarkable comeback, winning the series 2-1 in Australia.

Ishan Kishans innings helped Jharkhand post a formidable 262/3, anchored by a 177-run second-wicket partnership with Kumar Kushagra, who contributed a lively 81 off 38 balls. Medium pacer Anukul Roy delivered a crucial all-round performance, taking two early wickets and adding a rapid 40 off 20 balls, while Haryanas Yashvardhan Dalal top-scored with 53 in a losing cause.

Travis Head achieved a remarkable feat at Adelaide Oval, joining cricketing legends like Don Bradman by scoring centuries in four consecutive Tests at the same venue. His unbeaten hundred against England solidified Australia's Ashes dominance, showcasing a blend of aggression and maturity. This century, a childhood dream, further cements Head's reputation as a big-match player.

England must win the match after suffering heavy defeats inside two days in Perth and inside four days in Brisbane, both by eight wickets. However, the task appears monumental, with the highest successful run chase at the venue being 316, achieved by Australia against England back in 1902.

Mumbai's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad omits star India players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, with captain Shardul Thakur leading the side. Selection chief clarifies availability will dictate inclusion, while Yashasvi Jaiswal awaits medical clearance. Ajinkya Rahane will rest initial matches due to a hamstring issue.

India and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup semifinal, but persistent rain in Dubai poses a significant threat. If the match is washed out, India will advance to the final due to their superior group stage performance, having topped Group A with a perfect record.

Violent clashes marred Atletico Nacional's Copa Colombia final victory in Medellin, leaving at least 59 injured, including seven police officers. Fans from rival clubs stormed the pitch and clashed with security after the match. The trophy presentation was cancelled due to safety concerns, despite efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.

Hailing from a humble village in Gorakhpur, Vishal Nishad's journey to the IPL is a testament to perseverance. Despite financial struggles, a supportive coach and friends paved his way. His 'mystery bowling' caught the eye of Punjab Kings, who secured him for Rs 30 lakh, marking a life-changing moment for the young cricketer and his family.

Ishan Kishans career has swung between extremes a historic double century, prolonged benching, questions over attitude and eventual spiritual rediscovery. Across four Decembers in four years, the wicketkeeper-batter found solace in the Bhagavad Gita amid professional setbacks. Now leading Jharkhand with explosive returns, Kishans hunger to reclaim his India place burns brighter than ever.

Shubman Gill's injury opens doors for T20I experimentation, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and potentially Sanju Samson vying for the opener's spot. KL Rahul is being considered for a middle-order wicketkeeper role, while Rinku Singh and Ruturaj Gaikwad also remain in contention. The bowling unit is largely stable, though Axar Patel's absence might see Washington Sundar return.

Varun Chakravarthy has transformed from a 'one-season wonder' to the world's top T20I bowler, becoming India's crucial asset for the 2026 T20 World Cup. His mastery of variations, including a potent googly, makes him a formidable wicket-taking threat in the middle overs. This redemption arc sees him dominate opposition batsmen, proving his indispensable value.

Ravichandran Ashwin lauded RCB's sharp auction strategy, highlighting their shrewd acquisitions of young talents Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan for Rs 30 lakh each, showcasing excellent scouting. He also praised the successful bid for Venkatesh Iyer at Rs 7 crore, despite competition, and noted the team's overall strong performance in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Fans anticipate the final India-South Africa T20I in Ahmedabad, hoping for a decisive win after a fog-affected series. With key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill facing form slumps and injuries, India faces selection challenges. South Africa aims to level the series, while India seeks a morale-boosting victory before the World Cup.

Ishan Kishan's explosive 101 off 49 balls powered Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. The wicketkeeper-batter, who finished as the tournament's leading scorer, broke his silence on his national team absence, emphasising hard work and self-belief over expectations. Kishan's dominant performance and leadership secured a memorable victory for his side.

Shubman Gill's participation in the series decider against South Africa is uncertain. The Indian vice-captain sustained the blow during a net session prior to the fourth match and was unlikely to feature in Wednesdays game in Lucknow, which was eventually washed out because of adverse weather.

New Zealand Cricket's chief executive, Scott Weenink, has resigned after a two-year tenure marked by a significant rift over the proposed NZ20 franchise T20 league. Players and member associations strongly supported the new league, aiming to attract foreign investment and top talent. Weenink's departure follows irreconcilable differences in strategic vision for the sport's future in the country.

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia slammed Josh Inglis for his unprofessional late disclosure of limited availability for IPL 2026 due to his wedding. Wadia expressed disappointment, stating the franchise planned retention around Inglis, only to learn of his brief availability just before the deadline. Despite criticism, Wadia wished the player well.

Sunil Gavaskar challenges the narrative blaming Kolkata's Messi event on the organisers. He argues the focus should be on whether Messi himself fulfilled his commitments. Gavaskar suggests that if Messi's team failed to honour agreed-upon activities, they, not local mismanagement, were the primary culprits. He urges checking commitments on both sides before assigning blame.

Kapil Dev believes Gautam Gambhir's role is more managerial than coaching, emphasizing player management over technical instruction at the international level. Dev highlighted that a coach's primary duty is to build confidence and create a supportive environment, especially for underperforming players, rather than teaching specialist skills.

ISL clubs have been instructed to submit proposals for a league management consortium ahead of the 2025-26 season. This follows the expiry of the AIFF's Marketing Rights Agreement with FSDL, leaving the league without a commercial framework. The Indian Women's League will also proceed without a sponsor due to a failed agreement.

The UPCA has announced a full refund for spectators after the fourth India-South Africa T20 International was abandoned due to dense fog and smog at Ekana Stadium. Online ticket holders will receive refunds via their original payment method, while offline ticket purchasers can collect theirs from the box office in person with original tickets and ID.

Nathan Lyon has achieved a significant milestone in cricket. He has become Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches. Lyon surpassed the record previously held by Glenn McGrath. This achievement places him behind only Shane Warne in Australian Test cricket history. Lyon expressed his humility and pride in reaching this landmark. He acknowledged the support of his teammates in his success.

Ishan Kishan smashed a century to guide Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. Jharkhand defeated Haryana by 69 runs in the final. Kishan scored 101 off 49 balls. Jharkhand posted a massive 262 for 3. Haryana were bowled out for 193. This victory marks a historic moment for Jharkhand cricket.

On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in a thrilling final against France. Despite an early setback, Messi inspired his team, scoring crucial goals and demonstrating unwavering belief. This victory cemented his legacy, fulfilling a pursuit that defined his career and a generation of fans.

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a Rs 50 crore defamation suit against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata. Saha had alleged Ganguly's involvement in the chaotic Messi event at Yuva Bharati Stadium. Ganguly, who was an invited guest, denies any organizational role, calling the accusations baseless and damaging to his reputation.

Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his top four IPL contenders, notably excluding his former team Chennai Super Kings. He placed Mumbai Indians at the forefront, followed by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin lauded Mumbai Indians' strategic acquisition of Quinton de Kock, believing they are aiming to replicate their 2020 championship squad's balance.

Former cricketer Robin Uthappa has cautioned India to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload due to his explosive pace and demanding action, highlighting him as a crucial but physically vulnerable asset. Despite disruptions, the T20I series has seen India's dominance, with South Africa showing competitiveness but inconsistency. Both Uthappa and Dale Steyn praised India's young batting talent.

England faces a tough challenge in the third Ashes Test. Australia posted 371 runs. England is struggling at 213 for 8. They trail by 158 runs. Three days remain in the match. Australia needs a draw to retain the Ashes. England's batting has seen some resistance. The team's leadership is under scrutiny.

A thick blanket of smog forced the abandonment of the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow, prompting the BCCI to reconsider winter scheduling in North India. Vice-president Rajeev Shukla called the air pollution an emergency, signaling a potential policy shift. Concerns over player safety and hazardous AQI levels led to the match's cancellation, with a series decider now set for Ahmedabad.

KKRs Rs 30-lakh signing Daksh Kamra is already drawing comparisons with Varun Chakravarthy for his mystery spin and similar bowling patterns. The 22-year-old Haryana all-rounder, who clocks 9597 km/h googlies and packs power-hitting ability, has impressed coaches and scouts, including Kumar Sangakkara and Abhishek Nayar, after a rapid rise through the under-23 ranks.

The snickometer faced intense scrutiny during the third Ashes Test after controversial decisions involving Alex Carey and Jamie Smith. Australian bowler Mitchell Starc branded the technology he worst ever after Smith was reprieved despite a visible glove movement. Further confusion arose when Snicko later ruled Smith out, highlighting its unreliability.

MI Emirates edged past Dubai Capitals by seven runs in a tense ILT20 clash, defending 137 at the Dubai International Stadium. Jonny Bairstows 67 laid the foundation before Rashid Khans two-wicket burst derailed the chase. Capitals collapsed late, losing momentum despite Jordan Coxs resistance, as MI Emirates climbed to third on the table.

India's fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball bowled due to excessive fog, sparking fan outrage and refund demands. This rare occurrence mirrors a 1998 Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe Test in Faisalabad, also called off entirely due to thick fog, highlighting the unusual nature of such cancellations in international cricket.

Nathan Lyon has surpassed Glenn McGrath on Australia's all-time Test wicket list, claiming his 564th scalp on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test. His crucial double-wicket maiden over shifted the momentum, prompting a humorous reaction from McGrath in the commentary box. Lyon now trails only Shane Warne in the record books.

India spinner Ravi Bishnoi expressed immense joy after being bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 7.2 crore in the IPL mini-auction, calling it a 'ghar wapsi' (homecoming). He is eager to play in front of his home crowd and contribute to the team's success, aiming to create good memories with wickets and wins.

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent fog and poor air quality. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the venue selection, highlighting the hazardous AQI and suggesting Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative. Player welfare concerns were amplified as Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask during warm-ups.

Dense fog and smog forced the abandonment of the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow without a ball bowled, leaving thousands of fans deeply disappointed. Despite ticket refunds being available, many felt compensation couldn't replace the missed experience. The incident has sparked renewed criticism over scheduling matches in North India during peak pollution season.