The Times of India News

New Zealand's second Test against the West Indies saw pace bowler Blair Tickner hospitalised with a shoulder injury after a brilliant spell. Tickner's 4-32 triggered a West Indies collapse, but his departure cast a shadow. Despite the setback, New Zealand dominated the bowling, with Michael Rae also impressing. Both teams faced injury concerns heading into the match.

Shubman Gill's recent appointment as T20I vice-captain signals a clear path towards him becoming India's sole captain across all formats. Former selector Salil Ankola revealed Gill's leadership potential was recognised as early as 2023, with consensus among selectors and senior players. Gill's exceptional batting and Test captaincy in England solidified confidence in his readiness to lead.

The Desert Vipers extended their perfect ILT20 start with a dramatic one-run win over MI Emirates. Defending 160, David Payne produced a stunning 19th over, taking three wickets to derail MIE, who needed just 17 off the last two overs. Despite Rashid Khans late surge, a last-ball run-out sealed the result as MIE finished on 158 for 9.

Fresh from their World Cup win, Indian women cricketers Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma credit the Women's Premier League for their rapid evolution. They highlight improved skills and mental strength, inspired by global stars and former players like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. The duo also emphasized the need for more matches, especially Test games, to further enhance their game.

India dominated South Africa in the first T20I, winning by 101 runs thanks to Hardik Pandya's explosive 59*. The bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, restricted the visitors to 74. Meanwhile, commentator Aakash Chopra's witty remark about hitting Bumrah for a six went viral, playfully referencing Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan.

Jitesh Sharma expressed gratitude for Sanju Samson's presence in the Indian team, viewing him as an elder brother and acknowledging their healthy competition. Sharma highlighted the immense talent within the squad, emphasizing their shared goal of playing for India.

JioStar is not exiting its cricket media rights deal with the ICC. The broadcaster faces financial losses due to high prices. Cricket federations lack alternatives, forcing negotiations. This situation impacts future broadcast rights for major tournaments like the T20 and 50-over World Cups. IPL franchises are also concerned about declining brand value linked to broadcast revenue.

Sanju Samson's T20I future appears uncertain as Shubman Gill's elevated status pushes him out of the playing XI. Experts suggest Gill is now in the league of Rohit and Kohli, making it difficult to displace him from the opening slot. This leaves Samson, a successful opener, relegated to a finisher role, which many believe doesn't suit him.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised his team's fearless batting after a commanding 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I. Despite a shaky start, India posted 175, thanks to Hardik Pandya's explosive 59. Suryakumar highlighted the batting depth, emphasizing the importance of every player enjoying their game and playing with confidence.

Arshdeep Singh revealed his strategy for India's T20I win against South Africa, focusing on hitting the seam for early wickets. He dismissed two crucial batsmen, contributing to India's defense of 175. Arshdeep also welcomed Jasprit Bumrah to the 100 T20I wickets club, emphasizing the bowlers' aim to provide captaincy flexibility on a seaming wicket.

Hardik Pandya's explosive unbeaten 59 off 28 balls powered India to a dominant 101-run victory in the first T20I against South Africa. Pandya's calculated counterattack, fueled by intense fitness work and a team-first approach, set a challenging target. A potent bowling attack then dismantled the visitors, securing a commanding win.

Pat Cummins is set to return to Australia's squad for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, holding a commanding 2-0 series lead. The captain's comeback after a back injury is highly anticipated, with coach Andrew McDonald expressing confidence in his readiness.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi supports Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He believes they are crucial for India's plans and should continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Afridi suggests resting them against weaker teams. He also commented on coach Gautam Gambhir's approach. Afridi expressed happiness over Rohit Sharma breaking his six-hitting record.

Venkatesh Iyer, released by KKR, enters the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a Rs 2 crore base price. Head coach Abhishek Nayar revealed Iyer's attitude and willingness to face adversity, not just his numbers, were key factors in his selection. Nayar highlighted Iyer's self-belief and conviction during trials as standout qualities.

Jasprit Bumrah achieved a remarkable feat in the first T20I against South Africa, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in all three international formats. He reached this milestone by dismissing Dewald Brevis and Keshav Maharaj, adding to his impressive international tally. India secured a dominant 101-run victory in the match.

The Haryana Olympic Association has issued a strict advisory to all affiliated units, demanding zero-tolerance and disciplinary action against coaches and players involved in illegal activities or violations of the sports code. This response follows a viral video of an athlete handling a firearm, prompting concerns about the image and dignity of sports.

India began their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations with a dominant 101-run victory over South Africa. Hardik Pandya starred with an all-round performance. India's bowlers were disciplined, restricting South Africa to their lowest T20I total. The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series. The next match is in New Chandigarh.

Magnus Carlsen has secured the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour title, earning a $100,000 bonus after reaching the semifinals in Cape Town. Despite an early setback, Carlsen fought back to clinch the championship. He will face Sindarov in the semifinals, while Keymer plays Aronian for a spot in the finals.

Lionel Messi has made MLS history by winning the MVP award for the second consecutive year, solidifying his status as a dominant force. Despite playing in only half the games, his remarkable performance of 29 goals and 19 assists led the league. Messi's commitment and unique talent have earned him widespread admiration and a clear-cut victory in this year's voting.

Hardik Pandya made a triumphant return to cricket after a 74-day layoff, smashing an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls against South Africa. His explosive innings, featuring six fours and four sixes, propelled India to 175/6. Pandya also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fourth Indian to hit 100 T20I sixes.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar advised ISPL players to focus on passion, hard work, and continuous self-improvement. He stressed that past performances fuel expectations, encouraging players to be themselves and strive to be better each day. Tendulkar highlighted ISPL as a solid foundation for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talent and grow.

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has secured a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament by winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. Despite a mixed year, his consistent performance earned him this significant qualification. He expressed happiness and gratitude to his team and fans, now focusing on preparing for the prestigious event.

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Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar faces an unusual IPL 2026 auction listing as an uncapped player, a change due to new regulations. Despite past international caps, his classification stems from not featuring in India's starting XI recently and lacking a central contract. His modest base price could attract teams seeking experienced depth.

Who Went Where? ISPL Season 3 Auction Turns Star-Heavy

India's women's cricket team welcomes newcomers Gunalan Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for their T20I debut against Sri Lanka. The five-match series, commencing December 21, sees a blend of fresh talent and established stars like captain Harmanpreet Kaur. This series precedes the WPL 2026, offering a glimpse of future cricketing prowess.

Australian legend Glenn McGrath has warned England that a third Test loss in Adelaide would be embarrassing, as Australia holds a commanding 2-0 Ashes lead. McGrath criticized England's rigid approach, suggesting a lack of accountability, and believes the team finally understands the gravity of their situation after a Brisbane drubbing. Australia's dominance has been stark.

Mohammed Shami's stellar domestic form, bagging 11 wickets in three matches, sparks debate over his national team exclusion. Former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly questions the selectors' decision, citing Shami's immense skill. Despite injury setbacks post-World Cup, the veteran pacer's experience could bolster India's bowling attack, especially in ODIs, ensuring a smooth transition.

The IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 will feature 350 players, including uncapped Indian all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, who has built a career in Australia. Chaudhary, formerly of Punjab, has played 20 BBL matches for Hobart Hurricanes. Teams will compete for 77 slots, with 31 for overseas players.

With only 5 wins in 14 matches and a win percentage of 41.7, the 2024 season was a disaster for the Gujarat Titans as they finished 8th in the point table. However, GT had a good season last year after the mega auction and qualified for the playoffs, but were defeated in the Eliminator by the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi triumphed over Magnus Carlsen in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals. While Javokhir Sindarov leads the standings, Erigaisi secured third place, earning a knockout stage match against Vincent Keymer. The finals, the fifth event in the year-long tour, will determine the 2025 Freestyle Chess Champion, with Carlsen aiming to clinch the overall tour victory.

With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, franchises are gearing up for intense bidding wars for top talent. The event in Abu Dhabi will see 350 shortlisted players compete for 77 available slots. This year's auction follows a trend of escalating player values, with Rishabh Pant holding the record as the most expensive player.

Indian football witnessed a historic moment as seven transgender teams debuted in the Jamshedpur Super League's dedicated tournament. This groundbreaking initiative, initially planned for four teams, expanded due to high interest, offering a professional platform for transgender athletes. Players expressed immense joy and a sense of belonging, highlighting the league's role in fostering inclusivity and recognizing talent without discrimination.

FIFA is introducing mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in every half of the 2026 Men's World Cup matches across North America. This rule applies regardless of weather or stadium technology, aiming to enhance player safety and streamline tournament operations. The decision stems from concerns over player welfare in humid conditions, with breaks now fixed at the 22-minute mark of each half.

Matthew Hayden's daughter, Grace, expressed immense relief as Joe Root's century prevented her father from fulfilling a bizarre promise to walk naked around the MCG. Grace humorously declared she was disowning her father if he ever made such a pledge again, while Hayden also criticised Jofra Archer's performance.

Hardik Pandya strongly condemned paparazzi for intrusive photography of Mahieka Sharma, calling it disrespectful and cheap sensationalism. He urged the media to be more mindful and respect boundaries, emphasising that not everything needs to be captured. Meanwhile, Pandya is nearing a T20I milestone of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets.

Thirty-three years ago, Kapil Dev executed a 'Mankad' dismissal against Peter Kirsten in a 1992 ODI, igniting a fierce debate. Having warned Kirsten, Kapil ran him out for backing up too far. Despite initial controversy, the dismissal is legally sound, and Kirsten later confirmed the warning, with the pair eventually reconciling.

Phil Oliver on the Desert Vipers & ILT20s Rise, New Talent & the UAEs Cricket Vision

England batter Harry Brook was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 4 crore ahead of IPL 2024, but withdrew before the tournament citing personal reasons. A year later, history repeated itself when he again made himself unavailable after being purchased for Rs 6.25 crore in the mega auction.

Ravichandran Ashwin's cryptic social media post, a visual pun combining Sunny Leone and Sadhu Street, baffled fans until they realised it was a tribute to young cricketer Sunny Sandhu. Sandhu's match-winning cameo in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him this unique endorsement, potentially boosting his profile ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has a clear message for Indian cricket selectors. He believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be central to planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Harbhajan insists the team should be built around these proven match-winners. He argues that sidelining them for youth could be detrimental in crucial matches.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi aims to make the Pakistan Super League the world's top franchise tournament, a goal he deems achievable due to Pakistan's talent and passion. However, the statement drew widespread mockery from Indian cricket fans online, many of whom referenced Naqvis controversial handling of the Asia Cup trophy presentation when India defeated Pakistan in the final.

England's Ashes campaign faces a significant blow as Mark Wood is out with a knee injury, forcing a reshuffle of their pace attack. Matthew Fisher is drafted in as cover. Meanwhile, Australia also loses Josh Hazlewood to injury but welcomes back captain Pat Cummins. Mitchell Starc is cleared to play despite a niggle.

India's T20 World Cup title defence receives a major boost with Hardik Pandya's return. Former coach Sanjay Bangar believes Pandya's unique all-round abilities are crucial for the team's balanced XI. Shubman Gill also returns after recovering from a neck spasm. Jitesh Sharma is tipped for the number seven spot. Pandya's availability allows for preferred spin options without compromising batting depth.

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram sparked debate by suggesting the IPL's extended duration becomes monotonous, contrasting it with the Pakistan Super League's shorter, more appealing format for international players. He cited the Big Bash League's shift to a shorter window as evidence, emphasizing the PSL's bowling depth and competitive edge.

Shardul Thakur expressed his excitement about rejoining the Mumbai Indians, highlighting Rohit Sharma's crucial role in fostering his confidence and freedom. Thakur also reflected on his early experiences with the franchise as a support bowler, crediting the exposure and guidance from coaches and senior players for shaping his career.

South African skipper Aiden Markram highlighted Abhishek Sharma's crucial wicket as key to their T20I opener against India. Markram acknowledged Sharma as a match-winner and welcomed pacer Anrich Nortje's return after injury. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, aims to continue their winning streak ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

Shubman Gill, back to full fitness, impressed during India's T20 World Cup preparations, batting with ease and engaging in positive interactions. His strong showing offers a promising opening partnership option. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya's workload management remains a key concern for the team as he returns from injury, with the World Cup on the horizon.