Rohit Sharma has been handed a special role as Team India prepare for their title defense of the T20 World Cup next year. (PTI Photo)

Rohit Sharma will return to the global stage in a new role, with the former India captain appointed as the ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature a familiar face at its forefront. Rohit has featured in every edition of the event since its inception. The announcement was made by ICC chairman Jay Shah.

Rohit’s journey in the format stretches from 2007, when he made an unbeaten 30* in the tense final against Pakistan, to 2024, where he led India to a long-awaited second title. The 2024 campaign included major contributions, including a decisive 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super Eights and a half-century in the semifinal against England. It was after lifting the trophy that he stepped away from T20Is. Speaking about his new assignment, Rohit said, “It is great to have the tournament back in India and for me to be associated once again with the tournament, this time in a new capacity as the Brand Ambassador,” adding, “I wish all the players the very best and hope they have a memorable time and enjoy India’s hospitality while taking back a lot of memories.” At the schedule launch event in Mumbai, Rohit also indicated he would remain connected with the current T20 group. He said he plans to meet members of the squad during the upcoming ODI series and offer guidance when needed. “There’s always a conversation that happens between the players, and I am somebody who likes to talk, discuss and get into their mindset a little bit and understand what they are thinking,” he said. The panel also featured Suryakumar Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur, where discussions briefly shifted to potential final-match opponents.

Asked whom he would like to face in a title clash, Suryakumar replied, “Australia, definitely,” reflecting on the defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Rohit, though, reiterated that the opponent mattered less than securing the trophy itself. With India preparing for another major home event, Rohit’s presence , although in a different capacity, keeps him firmly in the frame as the buildup intensifies.

Shukri Conrad, head coach of South Africa. (File photo/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Fifty years after England captain Tony Greig’s “grovel” comment before the 1976 series against Clive Lloyd’s team united and galvanised the West Indian players, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad used the same word on Tuesday.Conrad triggered controversy at the end of the fourth day’s play in Guwahati after using a phrase that carries a loaded history in cricket. Speaking at the press conference after the day’s play, Conrad said, “We wanted them (India) to really grovel.”The Proteas kept on batting on Day 4 despite the lead crossing 500 in the second session and coach Shukri Conrad said they wanted to make sure they ended India’s hopes of a series-levelling win.“We wanted them to really grovel… Bat them completely out the game and then say to them well come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening,” Conrad told reporters.“So far so good but we also know they’re not just going to roll over. We’re going to have to be at our very best tomorrow.”The remark immediately drew attention because of its link to one of cricket’s most remembered controversies. In 1976, when the West Indies toured England, then-England captain Tony Greig said his team would make the West Indies “grovel.” The word became a rallying point for the visiting side. The West Indies players responded with a dominant performance, winning the five-match Test series 3-0, that shaped the next era of Caribbean fast bowling. That a privileged child of apartheid could use such a word when about to commence a Test series against a team comprised of the descendants of slaves and indentured labourers was breathtaking in its lack of political or historical nous. Greig later apologised for the comment.Meanwhile, Conrad’s statement came on a day when South Africa moved close to a series sweep. India ended day four at 27 for 2, chasing 549 after South Africa declared their second innings at 260 for 5. India lost both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and KL Rahul (6), inside the first ten overs. Sai Sudharsan (2 not out) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4 not out) were at the crease at stumps. India still need 522 runs, a target out of reach.Earlier in the day, Tristan Stubbs (94 off 180 balls) and Tony de Zorzi (49 off 68 balls) held off India’s spinners before South Africa declared. Ravindra Jadeja (4/62) and Washington Sundar (1/67) took early wickets in the morning, but Stubbs and de Zorzi added 101 runs for the fourth wicket. Stubbs also shared an 82-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder (35) for the fifth wicket. The South African lead of 549 was the highest a visiting team has led by in India, the previous highest was 542 in Nagpur in 2004 by Australia. South Africa have three sessions to take the remaining 8 Indian wickets and complete a historic series sweep at the “final frontier”. It is an impossible task for India to chase down the target — a draw itself would be a miracle.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Former India captain and ex–chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched yet another fierce critique of head coach Gautam Gambhir, tearing into India’s selection policy after South Africa dominated the first three days of the second Test in Guwahati. With the visitors already 1–0 ahead after their Kolkata win, India’s struggles prompted Srikkanth to go on an explosive rant on his YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka, which he hosts with his son Anirudha. Srikkanth questioned several decisions made by the team management, beginning with the omission of Axar Patel.“Why didn’t Axar play? Was he injured? He’s been consistent everywhere. Why this constant chopping and changing?” he asked, criticising the continual rotation of players. He added that Gambhir’s approach looked like endless trial and error. “Gautam Gambhir can say whatever he wants — I don’t care. I’ve been a captain and a chairman of selectors. I know what I’m talking about.”

This fresh attack comes after a series of heated exchanges between the two. Earlier, Srikkanth had labelled pacer Harshit Rana a “yes man to Gambhir,” a remark the Indian coach slammed as “shameful.” In his latest tirade, Srikkanth expressed disbelief at India’s collapse on a pitch their own players had earlier described as a “road.” He pointed out how Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen exploited conditions India claimed were lifeless. “Kuldeep Yadav said nothing was happening on the wicket,” Srikkanth said. “But today our batters edged to slip against Harmer and Maharaj and also fell to Jansen’s short balls. Five wickets to bouncers on a so-called road.” He praised Harmer’s classic off-spin for its loop and drift, while criticising India’s spinners for firing the ball flat. The batting unit wasn’t spared either, with Rishabh Pant’s reckless attempt to slog Jansen drawing particular disapproval. “They will say it’s his natural game,” Srikkanth said. “But he’s the captain. Shouldn’t he understand the situation?” Srikkanth admitted that India might still scrape out a draw but insisted that the core problem lies in selection inconsistency. “Wrong policies,” he stated. “You need stability.” With South Africa firmly in command in Guwahati and holding a 1–0 lead, India’s management faces growing scrutiny — and Srikkanth’s latest outburst ensures Gambhir and the selectors remain under intense pressure.

India’s Dhruv Jurel walks off the field (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has found himself under pressure after a rough outing in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. With captain Shubman Gill ruled out, Jurel was pushed into the No. 4 role, a position long associated with giants of Indian batting such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and one that Gill had handled confidently during the England and South Africa series. But the promotion did not go to plan. Walking in under pressure, Jurel lasted 11 balls before being dismissed for a duck, adding to India’s already troubled batting display. The shot that led to his dismissal has become the main talking point. Trying to pull Keshav Maharaj, Jurel looked hesitant and his footwork never settled. The result was a mistimed hit that travelled straight to wide mid-on.

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel did not hold back in his assessment on Star Sports. He criticised the shot selection, calling it a moment where Jurel showed little control. “Even if Tea was far away, that shot still shouldn’t have been played. He is in the side as a batter because he has been scoring runs, but this was not a controlled shot at all,” Patel said. He explained that when a batter tries to hit a ball that is outside the right shoulder towards the leg side, it often goes aerial, which is exactly how Jurel fell. Patel also highlighted the significance of the No. 4 spot, reminding viewers that Tendulkar and Kohli dominated that role for years, and Gill has been doing the same recently. He further noted that Jurel had wasted yet another chance, especially against Marco Jansen, whose extra bounce is well known. “When you face Jansen, you must always account for the bounce because of his height. This is the third straight opportunity he has let slip. He is getting to bat at No. 4, where some of the biggest names in Indian cricket have batted, including Shubman Gill who has scored heavily there,” Patel added.

Stuart Broad (screengrab from X)

Few would have predicted England collapsing to defeat in the opening Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, especially after securing a 40-run lead on a lively surface. Yet that is precisely the outcome, as England suffered a dramatic batting meltdown before Travis Head unleashed a blistering 69-ball century to propel Australia to a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series. While Head’s explosive knock has dominated the conversation, England’s slide from 65 for 1 to 88 for 6 in a short, chaotic period handed Australia complete control. Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Joe Root all fell in quick succession, each chasing balls pitched wide outside the off stump. Root’s dismissal, bowled by Mitchell Starc, left former England pacer Stuart Broad visibly stunned in the Channel 7 commentary box — a reaction that instantly lit up social media.Also Watch:

Sitting beside an elated Matthew Hayden, Broad closed his eyes in disbelief as Root’s stumps were shattered. The moment, posted by Seven’s cricket account, has racked up 2.5 million views by Monday morning, while Sky Sports’ version has drawn more than 485,000 views. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 39-year-old explained that his reaction mirrored the emotions of supporters back home. “I think that was exactly how every England cricket fan felt. You just wanted to close your eyes for 10 seconds and hope it wasn’t real. That clip went on social media and became a GIF,” Broad said. He added that the raw emotion is part of what makes the Ashes so compelling. “The match was shifting every hour, and you had no idea what was coming next.” The Test concluded inside two days, with Australia chasing down 205 in the final session thanks to Head’s commanding 123. Marnus Labuschagne contributed an unbeaten fifty as the hosts cruised to an eight-wicket victory. Broad believes the series promises high drama if the intensity of the cricket continues, though he stressed that England must seize crucial moments more effectively. “If the cricket keeps going at that pace and with that emotion, we’re in for a brilliant summer. England just need to grasp key phases better.” England and Australia now move to Brisbane for the pink-ball second Test at the Gabba, beginning Thursday, 4 December.

Smriti Mandhana and her father

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana‘s wedding has been postponed after her father was rushed to a hospital in Sangli on Sunday, experiencing symptoms similar to a heart attack. The India opener had to put all wedding celebrations on hold while her father remains under medical observation and may require an angiography.The wedding between Smriti and singer Palash Muchhal was planned for November 23 in Sangli. Her father, Shriniwas Mandhana, was taken to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Sangli after falling ill on Sunday.“Shriniwas Mandhana, Smriti Manandana’s father, experienced symptoms of a heart attack around 11:30 after feeling left-sided chest pain. He was immediately transferred to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Sangli for further assessment. Despite his slightly raised cardiac enzymes, he requires ongoing observation. Our cardiologist, Dr Rohan Thanedar, has examined him as well,” Dr Naman Shah, Director of Sarvhit Hospital, told news agency ANI. “There are no new findings on the echocardiogram. However, he may need continuous ECG monitoring and, if necessary, angiography. Currently, his blood pressure is slightly elevated, so he needs continuous monitoring…It could be due to physical or mental stress, perhaps because it is wedding season with a lot of hectic activity.”Smriti’s manager Tuhin Mishra informed the media about the indefinite postponement of the wedding due to her father’s health concerns.“Smriti is very clear that she wants her father to recover first and then resume the wedding. It has been indefinitely postponed,” he said.The pre-wedding festivities had already begun, with social media showcasing various celebrations on Saturday. Friends and family shared glimpses of the couple’s celebrations, including a video of Smriti and Palash dancing to the Bollywood song ‘Tenu Leke’ during what appeared to be their sangeet ceremony.The development has caused the couple to put their wedding plans on hold while focusing on the health and recovery of Smriti’s father.The medical team continues to monitor Shriniwas Mandhana’s condition at the Sangli hospital, with further decisions about the treatment plan pending based on his progress.

South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy at the Test match between India and South Africa. (Image: AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, who had a disappointing debut in India in 2019, made a remarkable comeback by scoring a crucial 109 runs against India in 2025. His performance came after successful outings in Pakistan where he took 11 wickets in the first Test and scored 89 not out in the second Test, demonstrating his improved ability to play in subcontinental conditions.Muthusamy entered to bat when South Africa was at 201 for five, turning the situation around with his century. This marks a significant turnaround from his 2019 debut series in India where he managed only two wickets in two Tests.

“My journey’s been unique. Got a taste of international cricket in 2019 in India, debuted here, went back into the wilderness a little bit. Like you say, cricket is such a journey that you just try to take it one day at a time. You try not to think too far ahead. But there were times, especially after 2019, where I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play Test cricket again and certainly not in India after we lost that series,” Muthusamy reflected.“So just really grateful for the support that I’ve got back home, for the people that are really close with me, the coaches, the support staff here, the players, my family back home, my friends. They’ve been incredible.”After his debut series, Muthusamy had to wait four years to play his third Test, spending time in domestic cricket. He has also worked with sports scientist Cheryl Calder to enhance his performance.“Yeah, it’s fantastic, especially having come through to India in 2019 and we lost the series pretty badly. So, yeah, I’ve gone back to domestic cricket and I’ve managed to work my way back into the national set-up and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to be in India and to put in a performance like that in the first innings is an awesome experience.”Muthusamy, whose ancestors are from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, has never visited his ancestral town, though his mother and aunts have maintained connections with their extended family there.“Of course, I’m of Indian heritage, but that was quite a few generations ago. So my roots are in the south, in Tamil Nadu, my mum and my aunt have been to visit our extended family on that end of India, I haven’t been there as yet.”The all-rounder sees himself as a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways to the team.“I see myself as an all-rounder, so I try to contribute where I can towards the team’s cause, whether it be bowling spin on the field or with the bat. I just try to add as much value as I can.”He praised his teammates Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen for their batting performances.“With Kyle this morning, it was against a new ball and obviously with a nine o’clock start, we expected it to be really tough and for them to really test us and they did. So, I thought he batted really, really well. That was an awesome partnership to really set up the innings. And Marco was sublime when he came in. You guys know him really well from his T20 exploits, especially in India. He’s got fantastic levers. He’s a clean striker of the ball and he really, really showed his skills today. So, that was an awesome treat to watch from the other end.”

India’s men’s hockey team secured a 1-0 victory against Korea in their opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025. The game took place at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Sunday, with Mohammed Raheel scoring the decisive goal in the 15th minute.The Indian team started strongly, controlling possession with precise passing movements. Sukhjeet Singh nearly scored early in the game, hitting the post from close range. Mohammed Raheel capitalised on a team effort in the 15th minute to give India a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.Korea created counter-attacking opportunities in the second quarter. However, goalkeeper Mohith HS made crucial saves to maintain India’s advantage going into halftime.India began the second half aggressively, seeking to extend their lead. Despite earning several penalty corners, they couldn’t convert these opportunities into goals. The third quarter saw India’s defence, particularly Pawan, making important interventions to preserve their lead.The fourth quarter witnessed increased intensity from both teams. Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehan made a notable save against Abhishek’s close-range attempt with under seven minutes remaining. Korea continued pressing for an equaliser, but India’s defence remained solid. In the final minute, Korea earned a penalty corner opportunity to level the score. Mohith HS made a crucial save with his leg to deny Korea. India maintained their defensive composure to secure the win with a strong performance at both ends of the field.The Indian team’s combination of offensive pressure and defensive stability proved decisive in this opening match of the tournament. Their organised defence and strategic attacking play helped them start their campaign with three points. Korea showed resilience throughout the match, particularly in the closing stages. Their goalkeeper Kim Jaehan’s performance kept them in contention until the final whistle.The match highlighted India’s tactical discipline, with Mohith HS’s goalkeeping and Mohammed Raheel’s finishing proving crucial to the outcome. The team’s ability to maintain their slim lead demonstrated their match management skills.

India’s players celebrate the dismissal of South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Dale Steyn, the former South African fast bowler, has commented on India’s bowling strategy during Day 2 of the India vs South Africa second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.India had South Africa at 247-6 at the end of Day 1, but the visitors managed to score 489 runs as Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen dominated the Indian bowling attack.On JioStar’s ‘Cricket Live’ show, Steyn analysed India’s bowling approach, pointing out their reluctance to adapt their strategy and their overly defensive field placements. “I thought they bowled well up to a point, but at times they didn’t move away from their original plan. They stuck with Plan A for too long and didn’t really switch to a Plan B or C. At moments, they were a bit too defensive–when a batter walked in, there was a long-on, long-off, and deep square, which allowed the batter to settle with easy singles before India brought the field back in,” said the former Proteas bowler.“They could have been more attacking early on and tried to force the batters to hit into one side of the field. They kept bowling straight at the stumps, which opened up both sides–the off and the leg. In Kolkata, that plan worked because the pitch demanded it, but on a flatter wicket like this, they needed something different,” JioStar expert Dale Steyn added.Senuran Muthusamy achieved his first Test century, scoring 109 runs, while Marco Jansen displayed aggressive batting with 93 runs off 91 balls, including six boundaries and seven sixes.Former Indian cricketer and head coach Anil Kumble offered his insights on Jansen’s performance and his partnership with Muthusamy.“It’s never easy when the lower order contributes like that. Marco Jansen completely took the game away from India in that session, especially with the way he looked to hit sixes. He clearly trusts his batting; he’s carrying more than four bats, and he definitely needs a long blade. He was outstanding against the spinners and even took on the short ball. Perhaps towards the end he got a bit lazy, trusting his timing too much while looking for singles to get to his hundred. But it was a fantastic innings, and his partnership with Muthusamy ensured South Africa didn’t just cross 400–they went close to 500,” said Kumble.The partnership between Jansen and Muthusamy proved crucial in helping South Africa reach a commanding total.

Sanju Samson in Indian colours (Photo Credits: Creimas/Asian Cricket Council)

Sanju Samson has been appointed as the captain of Kerala’s senior men’s cricket team for the upcoming BCCI Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26. The tournament’s Elite Group-A League Stage will be played in Lucknow from November 26 to December 8, 2025.The Kerala Cricket Association has announced that the team will depart from Indore to Lucknow on November 22, 2025.Samson recently made headlines with his move to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in a significant trade deal. The trade involved players Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moving to Rajasthan Royals.Samson was part of India’s victorious Asia Cup T20 campaign in the UAE and aims to maintain his performance level before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.The Kerala team, under the guidance of former India batter Amay Khurasiya, includes several notable players. Among them is Vignesh Puthur, who was recently released by Mumbai Indians. The squad also features Mohammed Azharuddeen M and Rohan S Kunnummal as key players.The Kerala squad:Sanju V Samson (C)(WK), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen M (WK), Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod (WK), Nidheesh M.D, Asif KM, Akhil Scaria, Biju Narayanan N., Ankit Sharma, Krishna Devan R.J, Abdul Bazith P.A, Sharafuddeen N.M, Sibin P Gireesh, Krishna Prasad, Saly V Samson, Vignesh Puthur, Salman Nizar.