The Times of India

The Pragyan Ojha-led selection committee has already picked Indias T20I squad for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, which will start from Oct 22. The five-match ODI series will start on Nov 4 in Auckland. It's understood that Ojha met Team India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, celebrating his 45th birthday, in Hyderabad on Wednesday, for the first time since the BCCI asked him to take over as the interim chairman of the national selection committee.

At 26, Prithvi Shaw is focused on rebuilding his cricket career after years of setbacks, criticism and limited international opportunities. He is prioritising cricket, family and discipline while avoiding public attention. Despite being dropped by Mumbai and missing IPL 2025, Shaw has regained form in domestic cricket. His ultimate ambition remains returning to Indias national team through consistent performances.

Parthiv Patel's decision to opt out has given rise to speculation that the head of the BCCIs Centre of Excellence (CoE), VVS Laxman, may have a greater say in selection affairs, with Pragyan Ojha continuing as the interim chairman of the selection committee. With the ODI World Cup less than a year away, will the BCCI choose to continue with the two?

West Indies captain Shai Hope praised his teams performance after scoring an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls against India in the fourth T20I. He said 247 was a competitive total, as the pitch proved challenging. West Indies won by 24 runs, levelling the series 2-2. Hope has enjoyed an outstanding India tour, scoring four centuries across formats.

Oil prices have dipped as investors assess potential shipping threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The uptick in prices was initially fueled by recent assaults on Saudi Aramco and provocations from Iran. The Trump administration is mulling over the possibility of loosening sanctions on oil vessels to alleviate shipping costs, particularly given the surge in freight prices.

Donna Kelce recently showcased her dedication to philanthropy through her participation in events organized by her sons, Jason and Travis. She attended Jason's annual fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation, which notably raised substantial funds for autism support. Simultaneously, she participated in Travis's Kelce Car Jam, targeting resources for underserved youth. These charitable initiatives underscore the Kelce family's ongoing commitment to making a difference beyond their football acc

Sanju Samson has made waves in the cricketing world by smashing his 100th six in T20 Internationals. This achievement came during a thrilling fourth T20I match against the West Indies, where he scored an impressive 56 runs off just 23 deliveries. Leading Indian cricketers in sixes, he showcases his stellar talent, having accumulated 687 runs in just 24 games in 2026.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticised the team management for frequently changing the opening combination, saying it has hurt Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshis confidence. He questioned Samsons inconsistency and suggested giving both players more opportunities. Meanwhile, West Indies defeated India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I, with Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten century to level the series 2-2.

Laycock finished with career-best figures of 6/26, including a record of four wickets in four consecutive deliveries in South African T20 cricket.

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff has ruled out running for US president in 2028 during a heated Georgia Senate debate against Republican Mike Collins. Asked whether he would serve his full six-year term if reelected, Ossoff declared he had zero interest in seeking the White House and was focused on his Senate reelection campaign. Collins challenged the declaration, claiming Ossoff was preparing for a presidential run. The debate also witnessed heated exchanges over Donald Trump's policies, the Iran

Sanju Samson reflects on Indias defeat against West Indies in the 4th T20I, the turning point of the match, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddys fightback, and the series decider in Bengaluru. He also speaks about Jasprit Bumrahs importance and Indias bowling talent.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio returns to India from October 17 to 22. His visit comes as India-US ties face three pressure points: Russian oil, a stalled trade deal and Elon Musks Starlink dispute. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has drawn a clear line. India has a strategic partnership with the United States, but it is not a formal ally. Washington is pushing India over Russian energy purchases, even as the Trump administration has approved a Russian diesel deal for the United States

Cyborg cockroaches are being developed in Australia to aid search and rescue operations during disasters. Equipped with cameras and medicine delivery systems, these insects can navigate confined spaces. Early tests show promising results in reaching designated areas and delivering medication successfully. The technology may enhance rescue efforts where conventional equipment struggles to access locations. Future testing will determine its reliability in real emergency scenarios.