The Times of India

Jemimah Rodriguess unbeaten 51 guided Delhi Capitals to a crucial seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in the WPL. Chasing 155, Delhi recovered from a middle-overs wobble, with Marizanne Kapp finishing in style. Earlier, Nat Sciver-Brunts 66 not out lifted Mumbai, whose powerplay struggles continued in their fourth loss.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been to the SA20 playoffs each season. Twice they've been champions, once the runners-up and their fate this season is still to be decided. They come into the knockouts as the table-toppers this edition. Central to their success is Eastern Cape's very own Adrian Birrell.

India achieved a historic 317-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI on January 15, 2023, at Greenfield International Stadium. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill's exceptional batting propelled India to 390/5, a total Sri Lanka failed to chase, collapsing for 73. This marked India's biggest ODI win by margin.

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India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is confident for the upcoming series against New Zealand. He plans to stick to his aggressive style of play. Injuries to Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar have created opportunities for other players. Ravi Bishnoi and Shreyas Iyer have been included in the squad. The first T20I is on January 20.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3 ahead of Shreyas Iyer in the New Zealand T20 series as he is part of Indias T20 World Cup squad and a like-for-like replacement for injured Tilak Varma. Iyer will be considered at No. 5. Suryakumar stressed flexibility in batting roles and prioritised team success over individual form.

Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa has confirmed his third appearance at Norway Chess, becoming the second announced participant after Magnus Carlsen. The 2026 Candidates qualifier and world No. 4 previously won the event in 2022 and defeated Carlsen in 2024. Organisers praised his consistency and ambition, while hopes remain for D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi to join the field.

Former captain Rohit Sharma offered advice to spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Sharma suggested Yadav focus on his bowling and refrain from frequent appeals. This comes as the team considers selection between Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Yadav is part of India's squad for the T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav press conference: On India T20I Playing XI, personal form and more

KL Rahul will return to Ranji Trophy action for Karnataka against Punjab from January 29, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has confirmed availability for Andhra Pradeshs remaining group games. Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja are also set for domestic outings. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is likely to miss the second leg of the tournament due to injury and he may head to the CoE in coming days.

Naomi Osaka made a striking fashion statement at the Australian Open, entering Rod Laver Arena with a white parasol, wide-brimmed hat, and veil. The former world number one said the look was about creating lasting memories and telling her own story, with inspiration coming from her daughter and past tennis icons.

A small fire outside Perths Optus Stadium caused brief panic during a BBL 202526 Qualifier between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers. Thick smoke near a gate drew attention, but the match continued. Security acted swiftly, the fire was controlled, no injuries were reported, and fans were reassured by BBL officials.

Bangladesh has rejected unreasonable conditions from the ICC for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India, citing venue concerns and the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. Despite talks, Bangladesh's participation remains uncertain as the ICC insists on the original schedule, assuring security.

Indian badminton icon Saina Nehwal has officially retired at 35, concluding a storied career marked by numerous firsts. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton, achieve World No. 1 ranking, and reach the BWF World Championship final. Her grit popularised the sport, inspiring a generation.

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Pakistan may drop fast bowler Haris Rauf from their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 plans, according to reports. Influenced by head coach Mike Hesson, the decision follows Raufs absence from recent T20 internationals since the 2025 Asia Cup, as selectors assess other bowling options despite his strong Big Bash League form.

Hardik Pandya sent a special video message to RCB's Gautami Naik after her match-winning fifty in the WPL. Naik, who considers Pandya her idol, was overjoyed by the gesture. Pandya congratulated her on her maiden half-century and urged her to stay disciplined and enjoy the game. RCB continued their winning streak, remaining unbeaten.

A viral video claiming Indore crowds chanted slogans against head coach Gautam Gambhir after the third ODI against New Zealand is misleading. Fact-checkers found the audio was likely from an older incident, not genuine chants from the stadium. The focus now shifts to the T20I series against New Zealand.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is confident Daryl Mitchell will translate his stellar ODI form into the T20 series against India. Mitchell's recent centuries against the hosts highlight his prowess, and Santner believes he can control the middle overs. This tour is crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, offering valuable experience against a top team in familiar conditions.

French tennis showman Gael Monfils concluded his illustrious career at the Australian Open, bowing out in a thrilling first-round match. Despite a valiant effort against a younger opponent, the 39-year-old's signature flair and resilience captivated fans until the very end. Monfils, a crowd favorite for nearly two decades, received a standing ovation for his unforgettable contributions to the sport.

Team India faces New Zealand in a crucial five-match T20I series, serving as the final World Cup preparation. All eyes are on captain Suryakumar Yadav, whose leadership success contrasts with recent batting concerns. This home series is a vital dress rehearsal for the defending champions, with Suryakumar's form a key subplot.

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concern over Kuldeep Yadav's confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup following a challenging ODI series against New Zealand. Ashwin urged Kuldeep to experiment more against in-form batters like Daryl Mitchell, who exploited the spinner's predictability. He also suggested both Indian spinners need to expand their game creatively.

Trevor Penney Press Conference: Still proud of how weve played this season | SA20

Leus Du Plody Press Conference: Replacement role, calm under pressure and a mature knock | SA20

The BCCI is considering a major overhaul of its central contracts, potentially scrapping the Grade A+ category. This move could see senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, now focusing on ODIs, placed in Grade B. The proposed three-tier system aims to align contracts with workload and format involvement.

Tilak Varma is closing in on full fitness and will report to the BCCIs Centre of Excellence for assessment. Ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand, the India No. 3 could return for the fourth match. Team India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has been added as cover meanwhile.

Vidarbha's Aman Mokhade was named Player of the Tournament for his 814 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, attributing his success to channeling frustration from last season. This achievement highlights Vidarbha's unique approach of nurturing talent from a young age, a process that has led to their domestic cricket dominance.

Indian athletes are being prepared for the Asian Games in Japan by learning Japanese culture, cuisine, and etiquette. SAI is introducing vegetarian sushi and onigiri at its centers, though athletes are reportedly hesitant. While efforts are made to include Indian food, athletes are encouraged to adapt to local dishes for better acclimatisation.

India's ODI home series loss to New Zealand has put veteran players Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma under scrutiny. Jadeja's wicketless streak and batting struggles raise concerns, while Rohit's future in the 2027 World Cup is debated despite recent good form, impacting younger talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

A late Leus du Plooy onslaught and a dominant spin display powered Joburg Super Kings into the Betway SA20 playoffs with a bonus-point 45-run win over Paarl Royals. Du Plooys unbeaten 54 off 27 transformed the game before Prenelan Subrayen and Imran Tahir shared five wickets to bowl Royals out for 122.

India's recent series losses, particularly against an inexperienced New Zealand, have intensified scrutiny on head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite a Champions Trophy win, the team has faltered in Test and ODI formats, raising questions ahead of the T20 World Cup. Gambhir's tenure has seen mixed results, with some strategic decisions proving beneficial.

Andy Flower, a decorated coach, discusses his new role with London Spirit in The Hundred, expressing excitement for the challenge. He highlights the importance of preparation for the upcoming auction and reflects on The Hundred's impact on English cricket, noting its success in attracting new demographics and its potential for growth.

Ajinkya Rahane criticises excessive team changes and lack of clarity under Gautam Gambhir, citing India's recent ODI series losses. He stresses the need for player security and honest conversations as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup. Rahane believes a scheduling break offers a chance for management to reset and back the right combination.

Virat Kohli's stellar 124 against New Zealand, despite India's series loss, drew praise from his brother, Vikas Kohli. This century, part of Kohli's 240 runs in the series, silenced critics like Sanjay Manjrekar who questioned his ODI commitment. Kohli's recent form, including multiple centuries, underscores his continued dominance in the format.

Rohit Sharmas poor run continued with an 11-run dismissal in the deciding ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, raising questions about his form and motivation. Now playing only ODIs, Rohit struggled throughout the series, prompting Simon Doull to question whether the 2027 World Cup is too distant to drive him. Doull also cited limited ODI cricket as a factor. Virat Kohli topped the series with 240 runs.

Indias badminton star Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement, revealing a chronic knee condition and arthritis left her unable to meet elite demands. The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist last played in 2023 and said she stepped away quietly on her own terms. Persistent knee degeneration, worsened since a Rio 2016 injury, ultimately ended her career.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja faced an awkward moment during the toss of a BPL 202526 match when his call to make some noise was met with near silence. The clip went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions. While some mocked the moment, others defended Raja, citing poor acoustics or early crowd turnout. Raja quickly moved on and continues as a prominent voice in the league.

South Africa comprehensively dominated the West Indies in the 1998-99 Test series, securing a 5-0 whitewash. The final Test saw South Africa win by 351 runs, leading to the entire Proteas team being named Player of the Match in a rare decision.

Scottish cricket officials have said the ICC has not contacted them about replacing Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup, despite speculation. Scotland, the highest-ranked team outside the tournament, would be ready if approached but are not initiating talks out of respect for Bangladesh, whose participation remains uncertain amid venue and political concerns.

Indian doubles player Niki Poonacha will make his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open at age 30, partnering Pruchya Isaro. A late bloomer, Poonacha has risen through the Challenger circuit and earned a wildcard entry. Ranked 144 in doubles, he praised Melbournes player-friendly atmosphere and said the experience has motivated him to aim for regular Grand Slam appearances.

Stan Wawrinka enjoyed an emotional win in what is set to be his final Australian Open, beating Laslo Djere in four sets to reach the next round. The 40-year-old, playing on a wildcard, fed off strong crowd support to claim his first Melbourne victory in five years. Ranked 139, Wawrinka said the love from fans continues to fuel his fight.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has denied reports that the ICC set a January 21 deadline for a T20 World Cup decision, saying no timeline was given. Bangladesh has again asked for an alternative venue, citing security and pride. Talks continue amid conflicting claims, with the ICC reluctant to change schedules and Bangladesh pushing for a venue or group swap.

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The Pakistan Super League will adopt a player auction system from its 11th season, mirroring the Indian Premier League's model. This change, along with an increased franchise purse to USD 1.6 million, aims to boost transparency and competitive balance. Franchises can now retain a maximum of four players, with new teams getting pre-auction picks.

Senegal won the AFCON final after a night of chaos in Rabat. Players walked off in protest after a late VAR penalty for Morocco, fans clashed with security, and the match was delayed. Morocco missed a Panenka, saved by Edouard Mendy, before Pape Gueye scored in extra time to seal a 1-0 win and Senegals second title.