The Times of India News

Desert Vipers booked a five-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz to become the first team to win eight group matches in the World ILT20. Naseem Shahs three wickets restricted Sharjah to 140/7 before Max Holdens unbeaten 66 guided the chase. The defeat officially ended the Warriorz playoff hopes.

Deepti Sharma achieved a historic milestone in the third T20I against Sri Lanka, becoming the third-highest wicket-taker in women's international cricket and the first Indian to claim 150 T20I wickets. She also became the first cricketer globally to score 1,000 runs and take 150 wickets in T20 Internationals.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's rare public appearance at Salman Khan's birthday bash highlighted his enduring fan appeal. Dhoni will return for IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings, who invested heavily in uncapped talents like Kartik Sharma. Sharma expressed his excitement about playing alongside Dhoni, calling it a dream come true after a significant auction bid.

A dramatic opening day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw 20 wickets fall. Australia were bowled out for 152, and England followed for 110. This collapse has raised concerns for Cricket Australia about the impact of shortened Test matches on business.

Ajinkya Rahane's century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2020, was a pivotal moment for Indian Test cricket. Following a humiliating defeat, Rahane's resilient innings, marked by calm determination, restored belief and set the stage for a historic series victory against Australia. His performance showcased his ability to deliver under immense pressure.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a young cricketer, made headlines in the past year. He received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India's highest civilian honor for young achievers. Sooryavanshi broke several cricket records, including the youngest player to score a century in List A cricket. He also achieved a T20 century at a young age.

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla congratulated 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after he received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The award recognises his rapid rise and record-breaking performances in age-group stages, domestic and IPL cricket, including becoming the youngest centurion in List A, T20 and IPL history.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticised the pitch used for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, saying it was too difficult for batters. The match saw an unusual amount of action on Day 1, with as many as 20 wickets falling, something that has not happened in an Ashes Test for 75 years.

India clinched the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third match. Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma's stellar bowling restricted Sri Lanka to 112, with Deepti reaching a T20I wicket milestone. Shafali Verma then unleashed a blistering unbeaten 79, powering India to an unassailable 3-0 lead.

John Cena's WWE farewell saw a surprising heel turn and a WrestleMania main event victory over Cody Rhodes. He also secured the Intercontinental Championship, becoming a Grand Slam Champion. His final match ended in a submission loss to Gunther, which Cena described as a peaceful, natural ending. Beyond wrestling, Cena was voted 2025 Person of the Year, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo.

AIFF proposed owning and operating the ISL for 20 seasons under a new structure with promotion and relegation from next season. A central operational budget, club participation fees, and revenue sharing are planned. Clubs will respond soon, with meetings ongoing. The first season budget is Rs 70 crore, and ISL may start in February.

Virat Kohli smashed 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to become the highest-averaging batter in List A history, surpassing Michael Bevan. His average now stands at 57.87. Amid doubts over his form, Kohli has scored 584 runs in six 50-over matches and has become the fastest to 16,000 List A runs.

Former England captain Alastair Cook slammed the MCG pitch after a chaotic opening day saw all 20 wickets fall. He deemed it ot a great Test wicket, heavily favouring bowlers and making strokeplay a high-risk exercise. Despite acknowledging batting improvements needed, Cook felt conditions were unfair, with even Australia's Scott Boland proving unplayable at times.

Hungarian GM Richrd Rapport shared insights on the upcoming 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, saying experience will play a key role. He noted that veterans like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana may play tight games against each other, while decisive results often come against struggling players. Rapport added that lower-seeded players can still create surprises in the round-robin format.

Delhi defeated Gujarat by seven runs in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. Virat Kohli scored 77 and Rishabh Pant made 70 for Delhi. Gujarat faltered under pressure during their chase. Saurav Chauhan offered resistance with 49 runs. Prince Yadav took three wickets for Delhi. The win was sealed in the final overs.

Mumbai secured a 51-run victory over Uttarakhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy despite Rohit Sharma's golden duck. Hardik Tamore's unbeaten 93, along with half-centuries from the Khan brothers, powered Mumbai to 331. Uttarakhand's chase faltered, with Yuvraj Choudhary scoring 96, as Mumbai's bowlers held their nerve for a convincing win.

Khaled Mahmud walked out of Noakhali Expresss training ahead of the BPL opener, unhappy with team management and poor facilities. Pace coach Talha joined him after a reported argument over a lack of practice balls and alleged misbehaviour by the owner. Both later returned after being convinced, as BPL officials criticised the franchises unprofessional conduct.

Bazball arrived in Australia preaching fearlessness and fun, but will leave exposed by one of Test crickets harshest conditions. Amid losses, off-field indulgence and mounting criticism, Englands cult-like philosophy has lost its aura of credibility. As Australia dismantle method and mindset alike, Bazballs greatest challenge now isnt survival -- its relevance under pressure.

Mumbai batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi was hospitalized after a serious head injury during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur. The 21-year-old, also an IPL player, was stretchered off, causing concern. Earlier, Mumbai posted 331/7, with strong contributions from Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Hardik Tamore. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck.

Stuart Broad criticised the MCG pitch after 20 wickets fell on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, calling the movement excessive for Test cricket. Josh Tongue starred for England with a historic five-wicket haul as Australia were bowled out for 152. A record 94,199 fans watched the dramatic opening day.

A historic Ashes Test unfolded at the MCG with a remarkable 20 wickets tumbling on Day One, a feat unseen since 1902. Australia, bowled out for 152, secured a first-innings lead after England collapsed for 110. The chaotic, old-school shootout captivated a record Boxing Day crowd, setting up a thrilling contest.

Magnus Carlsen has returned for the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha, held from December 26 to 30 with a 1 million prize fund. The world number one said personal and family ties with the Qatar organisers were central to his decision. His relationship with FIDE remains strained after last years jeansgate controversy.

Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Venkatesh Iyer won't start for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming IPL season. RCB aims for stability in their winning squad, prioritizing continuity over immediate changes. Experts suggest Iyer's inclusion might be gradual, despite his talent, to maintain team cohesion and trust in existing players.

Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth is urging selectors to fast-track teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the senior Indian team. Citing Suryavanshi's maturity, technique, and dominance across age-group and domestic cricket, Srikkanth compares his rapid rise to Sachin Tendulkar's early career, advocating for bold backing of rare talent.

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 14, has been honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. His remarkable year includes an IPL contract, a 58-ball century for India U19, and breaking multiple records in T20 and List A cricket, including the fastest IPL hundred and fastest youth ODI century. His meteoric rise continues to captivate the nation.

A dramatic opening day at the MCG saw 20 wickets fall as Australia were bowled out for 152, with Josh Tongue taking 5 wickets. England then collapsed to 110 all out, with Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser taking multiple wickets. Australia finished the day on 4/0, holding a slender lead.

Rohit Sharma suffered a golden duck in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Uttarakhand, while Virat Kohli impressed with a rapid 77 for Delhi against Gujarat. This contrast reflects their recent ODI performances, with Kohli in exceptional form and Rohit also maintaining strong scoring.

Gautam Gambhir's year as India coach ends like it started - on a chaotic note

Fourteen-year-old Bihar cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is being honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in New Delhi. This prestigious award recognises his exceptional talent, highlighted by a record-breaking 190 off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sooryavanshi's achievement marks a significant milestone early in his promising career.

England dominated Australia on day one of the fourth Ashes Test, bowling them out for 152 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Captain Ben Stokes won the toss, and his pace attack, led by Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul, seized early control. Despite Australia already securing the series, England aimed to salvage pride.

MS Dhoni's quiet guidance was instrumental in Jharkhand's maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph. The former India captain stayed in constant touch with players and management, offering advice on coaching appointments and player development. Dhoni's deep knowledge of domestic talent and commitment to Jharkhand cricket laid the foundation for this historic victory.

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history by smashing 190 off 84 balls for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He became the youngest to score a List A hundred and the first mens cricketer to hit centuries in both List A and T20 cricket before 15. His knock helped Bihar post a record 574.

Indias Test and ODI opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will join the Mumbai team in Jaipur for the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 29. TOI has learnt that Jaiswal could therefore feature for Mumbai in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Chhattisgarh on December 29 and the following matches. Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube will also turn out for Mumbai for matches on on January 6 and 8.

R Ashwin questioned the growing quality gap in Indian domestic cricket after Bihar smashed a record 574 runs against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While praising Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ashwin said such one-sided matches hurt competition and confidence. He also lauded Ishan Kishans comeback, highlighting how hard work and form revived his career.

Hardik Pandya stayed calm after a fan hurled abuse while he was leaving a restaurant with girlfriend Maheika Sharma following a Christmas dinner. The video went viral, drawing praise for his restraint. On the field, Pandya starred in Indias T20I series win over South Africa with explosive knocks, including a 16-ball fifty.

FC Goa staged a silent protest before kick-off in their AFC Champions League 2 match against Istiklol to highlight the deepening uncertainty in Indian football. The symbolic gesture drew attention to administrative issues affecting domestic leagues. On the field, Goa led early but lost 2-1, finishing bottom of their group without a point.

Virat Kohli's childhood coach makes a big statement on 2027 ODI World Cup

India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has begun batting practice sessions post-injury in Mumbai, showing no discomfort. The 31-year-old is now heading to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further assessment. While a return date remains uncertain, Iyer is aiming for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with clarity expected after assessment at the CoE.

Rohit Sharma won hearts after stopping a young fan from touching his feet following Mumbais Vijay Hazare Trophy opener. He then starred with the bat, smashing 155 off 94 balls as Mumbai beat Sikkim by eight wickets in Jaipur. Rohits knock included his fastest-ever List A century and ensured a dominant win.

World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen has named Americans Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana as favourites for the 2026 Candidates, with Indias R Praggnanandhaa as the third contender. Praggnanandhaa is the only Indian among eight players competing to challenge World Champion D Gukesh. The tournament starts on March 28 in Cyprus.

SA20 Season 4 begins on December 26 with marquee names in charge and a clear subtext ahead of the T20 World Cup. The spotlight is firmly on two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where Tristan Stubbs steps into the captaincy amid leadership change, uneven recent form and once again renewed emphasis on local talent shaping South Africas premier T20 competition.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma addressed coach Shukri Conrad's grovel comment, admitting the phrasing was unfortunate. Bavuma stated the remark reflected the intensity of the Test series against India, not any deeper intent. Conrad later clarified his statement, acknowledging he could have chosen a better word.

England's Ashes tour faces off-field controversy after a mid-series break. Former captain Michael Vaughan urges restraint, stating the issue stems from cricket's ingrained drinking culture. He argues that players relaxing on days off often engage in similar behaviour. Vaughan believes this is a systemic problem across several cricketing nations, not an individual failing.

Fans' frustration over limited Vijay Hazare Trophy TV coverage is understandable, says Ravichandran Ashwin. While stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are lighting up the tournament with centuries, many matches remain unwatched. Ashwin explained that broadcasting schedules are set far in advance, making last-minute telecasts difficult despite the players' presence.

Shayan Jahangir and Jordan Cox starred as Dubai Capitals defeated Sharjah Warriorz by six wickets to secure a playoff spot. Jahangirs all-round effort and Coxs unbeaten 61 ensured a comfortable chase of 135. Earlier, a disciplined bowling display restricted Sharjah to 134/8, condemning them to a crucial defeat.

The Global Chess League saw debutants and Candidates players gel to showcase their dominance in Mumbai. Fabiano Caruana and Leon Luke Mendonca made their league debuts for the Pipers, who emerged triumphant. The team's camaraderie, including future Candidates rivals Caruana, Giri, and Praggnanandhaa, proved instrumental in their victory.