Sanju Samson faces immense pressure in the final T20I against New Zealand, needing a strong performance to silence critics amid a lean patch. Former player Irfan Pathan advocates for Samson's consistent batting order placement, while also highlighting the importance of players like Tilak Varma for team balance and temperament.
Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have written to the Joint Secretary of the Sports Ministry and requested that relegation be scrapped for three to five seasons, considering the difficult circumstances prevailing in India's top division. The clubs have asked that the upcoming season be considered a "virtual force majeure."
England white-ball captain Harry Brook admitted he has "more to learn" about off-field leadership after initially withholding details of a nightclub altercation. He has apologized for his previous comments, acknowledging others were present and that he aimed to protect his teammates. The incident, which occurred in Wellington, is under investigation by the Cricket Regulator.
India aim to seal their T20I series against New Zealand with a strong performance in the final match, focusing on player form and combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson's batting consistency and the fitness of Axar Patel are key concerns for the hosts as they seek to build collective momentum.
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley acknowledged a delicate balance exists regarding player privacy after stars like Iga Swiatek voiced concerns. Following Coco Gauff's on-camera outburst, Tiley stated the tournament is listening to player feedback and will review camera placement to ensure comfort, aiming to connect fans and players without compromising private spaces.
South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 runners-up, are poised for success with strong recent form and growing squad depth. Former captain Graeme Smith highlights Tristan Stubbs' crucial match-winning potential, especially after his impactful SA20 final performance. Familiarity with subcontinental conditions and batting firepower bolster their chances, though bowling combinations will be key.
The ICC is revising its media accreditation for Bangladeshi journalists after the team's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup due to security concerns. Several journalists reported rejections, prompting the ICC to rework the process. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is seeking clarification from the ICC on the accreditation changes.
KL Rahul acknowledges his career hasn't fully met expectations but has found stability as India's reliable No. 5 ODI batter. He discussed retirement pragmatically, highlighting the mental toll of injuries as the toughest challenge. Rahul emphasised a balanced perspective, especially after becoming a father, seeing life beyond cricket. He's now set for domestic duty with Karnataka.
Vikram Reddy Sudini's unfulfilled cricket dream found new life through his son, Nitish. The 18-year-old made history by becoming the first USA player to score an Under-19 World Cup century, remaining unbeaten on 117 against New Zealand. This achievement fulfilled his father's long-held aspiration, with Nitish now aiming to represent the USA senior team.
Ishan Kishan's triumphant return to the Indian squad, marked by a match-winning 76 off 32 balls, highlights his unwavering belief during a two-year hiatus. His stellar domestic performance, including leading Jharkhand to a title, paved the way for this impactful comeback. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kishan's form offers India crucial momentum and potential batting order adjustments.
Stan Wawrinka's illustrious Australian Open journey concluded in the third round after a challenging four-set loss to Taylor Fritz. The 40-year-old Swiss veteran, in his final career season, bowed out at John Cain Arena, marking a poignant farewell to the tournament he won in 2014. Despite a strong second-set response, Wawrinka couldn't overcome the physical demands and Fritz's resurgence.
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open before her third-round match due to an undisclosed injury. She said stopping was heartbreaking but necessary to avoid further damage. Her run drew attention for a viral fashion entrance and a tense second-round win over Sorana Cirstea, which ended with a cold exchange and brief on-court disagreement over Osaka’s celebrations.
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.
India suffered their first-ever bilateral ODI series defeat at home against New Zealand, with captain Shubman Gill highlighting the inability of batsmen to convert starts into long innings. Fielding lapses also proved costly. Gill, however, sees the loss as clarity rather than crisis, with time to address areas for improvement before the World Cup.
The ICC is streamlining visa processes for Pakistani-origin players and officials traveling to India for the T20 World Cup. Visas for several England and Netherlands players have been cleared, with arrangements for other nations progressing. The ICC aims for all clearances by January 31 to avoid logistical issues.
Ravindra Jadeja's ODI form is under scrutiny due to quiet performances with bat and ball, with recent numbers raising questions. Mohammad Kaif believes Axar Patel is a superior option in white-ball cricket, citing batting prowess and bowling versatility. Kaif also questioned team selection, advocating for Axar's inclusion over Nitish Kumar Reddy for better balance.
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has returned home after a severe bout of meningitis, which saw him placed in an induced coma for eight days. He described the experience as a stark reminder of life's fragility, expressing immense gratitude to medical staff, family, and friends for their unwavering support during his recovery.
11 foreign players have departed their respective ISL clubs in January and more could be on their way out. The truncated 2025-26 season will get underway on February 14, for which a one-time AFC exemption was granted. With revenues and commercials significantly hit, clubs have been forced to take steps to cut costs.
Bangladesh cricket faces turmoil as a board director's controversial remarks about national cricketers sparked a boycott threat. The Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a show-cause notice and expressed regret over the comments, urging players to reconsider their stance. The BPL faced immediate disruption, with match toss delays reported amid the escalating crisis.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma expressed devastation after learning of his T20 World Cup 2026 omission, admitting the news came as a shock without prior communication. Despite initial heartbreak, he accepted the selectors' reasoning after discussions. Jitesh found solace in family and guidance from Dinesh Karthik to move past the disappointment.
Ayush Badoni joins the Indian ODI squad for the New Zealand series. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted Badoni's consistent performances for India A and in the IPL. He offers a valuable sixth bowling option. Badoni's inclusion provides flexibility to the team's bowling attack. He has a strong record in List A and IPL cricket.
Mary Kom's estranged husband, Karung Onkholer, denies her allegations of financial misappropriation and land loss, calling them baseless. He counters by accusing the boxer of extramarital affairs, claiming their marriage deteriorated over a decade ago. Kom, meanwhile, describes the separation as the "darkest phase" of her life, alleging she was cheated of crores and lost land.
Leg-spinner KC Cariappa has announced his retirement from BCCI cricket at 31. After a memorable IPL debut for KKR where he dismissed AB de Villiers, Cariappa played 11 IPL matches. He also had a productive domestic career representing Mizoram, taking 75 first-class wickets.
Ayush Badoni received his maiden ODI call-up as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar. The 24-year-old, who has had a strong domestic season, joined the Indian squad in Rajkot for the second ODI against New Zealand. A video of Badoni singing at the team's request has also gone viral.
India's ODI series against New Zealand faces disruption as Washington Sundar is ruled out due to a rib injury sustained in the first match. Young batter Ayush Badoni earns his maiden national call-up as his replacement. This setback follows Rishabh Pant's earlier withdrawal, highlighting ongoing injury concerns for the Indian squad.
India's master batter Virat Kohli expressed discomfort with fans cheering his arrival at the crease upon a batter's dismissal, a practice he finds disheartening for the departing player. Despite this, Kohli remains grateful for fan support and focused on team victory, as demonstrated by his match-winning 93 in India's chase.
Virat Kohli's masterful 93 guided India to a four-wicket victory in the first ODI against New Zealand, marking his 28,000th international run and surpassing Kumar Sangakkara in the record books. Shreyas Iyer, returning from injury, praised Kohli's consistent brilliance and steadying presence, while even rival Kyle Jamieson acknowledged Kohli's unparalleled influence on the game.
Virat Kohli has achieved another milestone, becoming the fifth Indian with the most ODI appearances, surpassing Sourav Ganguly. With 309 matches played, he now trails only Tendulkar, Dhoni, Dravid, and Azharuddin. Kohli is also nearing a significant batting record, poised to become the second-highest international run-scorer across all formats.
India's leading cricket equipment manufacturer SG has put sponsorship contracts with top Bangladeshi cricketers, including captain Litton Das, on hold due to escalating India-Bangladesh tensions. This, coupled with a halt in equipment distribution and manufacturing supply lines, is set to financially impact Bangladesh's sports industry.