TOISA 2025 Team of the Year nominees

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is set to take place on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the accomplishments and inspiring stories of India’s leading athletes from a wide range of sports. The TOISA 2025 awards will recognise performances recorded between January 1 and December 31, 2025, highlighting remarkable achievements at global championships and major international competitions. More than 45 award categories will honour both established sporting legends and rising stars who have made the nation proud.The winners will be selected by an esteemed jury of sporting greats, including Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamal, and Leander Paes, ensuring that the awards reflect credible and expert recognition of excellence in Indian sport.Team of the YearIndia Women’s Cricket TeamMajor Achievement in 2025ICC Women’s World Cup ChampionsThe “Women in Blue” etched their names in history by capturing their maiden ICC World Cup trophy. Defined by fearless batting and a clinical bowling unit, the team’s unbeaten run silenced critics and sparked a nationwide revolution in women’s sports, proving that the new era of global cricket belongs to India.India Men’s Cricket TeamMajor Achievements in 2025Won ICC Champions TrophyBecame Asia Cup (T20) ChampionsIn a display of absolute white-ball mastery, the men’s team secured a rare “Double Crown” in 2025. By conquering the Champions Trophy and reclaiming the Asia Cup, the squad demonstrated unparalleled strategic depth, producing match-winners in every high-pressure situation to reinforce India’s status as the world’s cricketing superpower.India Men’s Hockey TeamMajor Achievements in 2025Asian Cup ChampionsThe “Men in Blue” reclaimed their throne as the kings of the continent by winning the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir. Dominating the final with a 4-1 victory over South Korea, the team secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Under Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership, the squad blended Olympic-medal experience with explosive new talent to re-establish Asian supremacy.India Men’s & Women’s Kabaddi TeamsMajor Achievements in 2025World Cup Champions (Double Gold)India asserted absolute global dominance at the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup in Wolverhampton. The men’s team edged out a gritty England side in a 44-41 thriller, while the women’s team delivered a tactical masterclass to overwhelm the hosts 57-34. The “Double Gold” campaign proved that despite the sport’s global expansion, the heart of Kabaddi remains firmly in India.India National Shooting TeamMajor Achievements in 202513 Medals at the ISSF World ChampionshipsThe Indian marksmen and women delivered a precision-perfect performance in Cairo, finishing in the top three of the global medal tally. Led by breakout stars like Suruchi Singh, who set a new Junior World Record, and Samrat Rana, the contingent’s haul of 3 Golds and 10 other medals signalled India’s intent to dominate the range heading into the next Olympic cycle.India Women’s Cricket Team for the BlindMajor Achievements in 2025Inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup ChampionsIn a landmark moment for inclusivity, India’s blind cricketers became the first-ever T20 World Champions. Their journey was a masterclass in resilience and sensory precision, sweeping through the tournament undefeated. This victory transcended the sport, transforming the athletes into national icons and setting a global benchmark for disability sports.India Squash TeamMajor Achievements in 2025Squash World Cup ChampionsReaching an unprecedented peak in racquet sports, the Indian squad clinched their first-ever Squash World Cup title. Combining veteran composure with youthful speed, the team navigated a grueling draw to lift the trophy in Chennai, marking 2025 as the year India officially became a top-tier powerhouse on the glass court.India Women’s Ice Hockey TeamMajor Achievements in 2025Bronze at the IIHF Women’s Asia CupDefying the odds and geographical limitations, the “Ice Tigresses” secured a historic maiden bronze at the IIHF Asia Cup. Competing against elite winter-sport nations, their podium finish is a testament to sheer grit and rapid technical evolution, marking the most significant milestone for winter sports in Indian history.

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, center, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has stirred debate after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by suggesting that the South Africa national cricket team made a tactical mistake by defeating the West Indies cricket team in their Super 8 clash.The encounter, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, ended with South Africa securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory. The result had a major impact on the tournament equation because it allowed the India national cricket team to remain in contention for the semi-finals. Later the same day, India beat the Zimbabwe national cricket team to keep their campaign alive.

Speaking on the ‘Stick to Cricket’ podcast, Vaughan remarked that South Africa may have inadvertently helped India stay in the race by winning that particular game.“I tell you, who I think is the stupidest team of the tournament? South Africa. Because if South Africa had allowed the West Indies to beat them in the Super 8s, India would have been knocked out. I’m just saying – if they had cleared them out, the juggernaut that was coming would have stopped.”“By winning that game, they allowed the juggernaut to go on. India then beat Zimbabwe, then the West Indies in a kind of quarter-final, and then England. South Africa had to play Zimbabwe next, and they even rested three players for that match,” Vaughan said on the ‘Stick to Cricket’ podcast.According to Vaughan, teams looking to win a World Cup sometimes benefit from eliminating the strongest side early in the competition rather than allowing them to gather momentum.“Look, these things shouldn’t happen and usually don’t happen. I’m just saying that if you want to win a World Cup, the best way is to eliminate the best team early,” Vaughan added.Following their victory over Zimbabwe, India’s next match against the West Indies effectively turned into a knockout contest. In that high-pressure game, Sanju Samson produced a match-winning unbeaten 97 to guide India to a five-wicket win and seal a place in the semi-finals while ending the West Indies’ campaign.Meanwhile, South Africa travelled to Kolkata for the first semi-final, where they faced the New Zealand national cricket team. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps dominated the contest and sealed a nine-wicket victory. The highlight of the chase was a sensational 33-ball century from Finn Allen, which helped New Zealand cruise into the final. India ultimately won the T20 World Cup 2026.

Abrar Ahmed and Kavya Maran

NEW DELHI: Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds during the Hundred Auction 2026, but the move sparked backlash online. After the franchise announced the signing on X, the post was flooded with negative comments, with some fans criticising an IPL-linked team for picking a Pakistani player.

Some posts even target Kavya Maran, co-owner of Sunrisers Leeds, for roping in the Pakistani bowler. Sunrisers Leeds, which is owned by the same group that runs Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, bought the 27-year-old leg-spinner for £190,000. Meanwhile, another Pakistan spinner, Usman Tariq, was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000.Before the auction, there had been speculation that franchises connected to the IPL might avoid signing Pakistani cricketers due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Players from Pakistan have not featured in the IPL since 2009, and the two nations only face each other in global tournaments.Addressing the debate earlier, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the eight franchises had clarified that selections would be made purely on merit. The joint statement said picks would be based on “performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”Despite Ahmed’s signing, several Pakistan players had a mixed outcome at the auction. Fast bowler Haris Rauf went unsold at his reserve price of £100,000, while star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrew before the auction began.Pakistan also struggled in the women’s auction held a day earlier, where Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal failed to attract any bids.Elsewhere in the auction, London Spirit paid £390,000 for uncapped English all-rounder James Cole, while Welsh Fire spent £540,000 combined on batter Jordan Cox and former England captain Joe Root.The 2026 season of The Hundred, featuring both men’s and women’s tournaments, will begin on July 21 and run for four weeks.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan was full of admiration for Jasprit Bumrah following the Indian pacer’s sensational performance in the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad last Sunday.Bumrah delivered a historic spell, returning figures of 4 for 15 in the title clash. In doing so, he became the first fast bowler to claim a four-wicket haul in a knockout match in the tournament’s history. The performance also took his tally to 40 wickets across all his T20 World Cup appearances, the most by a pace bowler, achieved while maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 5.66.

During a discussion on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Vaughan made a bold claim, saying Bumrah is the finest bowler he has seen in all the years he has followed the game. The former England captain went as far as comparing the Indian speedster to global football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the kind of impact he can have on a team.“Put Jasprit Bumrah in England’s team and they win it,” he said.Former England batter Mark Butcher quickly agreed with the assessment.“I reckon if you put him in anybody’s team, they’ll win it.”“Exactly,” Vaughan added. “He’s probably like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo — those kinds of players.”However, the conversation took an interesting turn when former England cricketer David Lloyd reminded Vaughan of his earlier statement.“Didn’t you say he is the best bowler you have ever seen?” Lloyd asked.Vaughan stood firm on his opinion.“Yes, he is. You’ve got to remember that I started watching or studying cricket in 1985, and he’s the best I’ve seen.”Another former England captain, Alastair Cook, offered a slightly more measured perspective. While he acknowledged Bumrah as the leading multi-format bowler in world cricket today, Cook wondered whether the Indian pacer had produced a truly iconic match-winning spell in Test cricket.“Is he the best in terms of match-winning spells in Test cricket? Without a shadow of a doubt, he is the best all-format bowler around, I think. I mean, you can safely say that. But has he, like, in a Test match bowled a spell like an 8/15, or is he not that kind of bowler?” he asked.Vaughan, however, quickly defended Bumrah’s record.“I’ve seen him a bit in Australia. Some of the spells have been different — that too on flat decks.”Interestingly, statistics suggest Bumrah has indeed delivered several outstanding performances in the longest format. The Indian pacer has recorded eight or more wickets in a Test match on eight occasions, with six of those efforts coming on challenging overseas tours in England, South Africa and Australia. On three of those occasions, his performances also earned him the Player of the Match award.

Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

The batting position of MS Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings line up has become a talking point in recent seasons. Fitness concerns have often seen the legendary wicketkeeper batter walk in much lower down the order, sometimes at No. 8 or even No. 9. As a result, Dhoni has been left with only a handful of deliveries to influence the game with the bat.In his prime, Dhoni built a reputation as one of the most destructive finishers in world cricket. Even now, the former CSK captain has produced several quick cameos that remind fans of his finishing ability. Those flashes have sparked debate among supporters and experts who feel he should bat higher to maximise his impact.

India Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara is among those who believe Dhoni should be given a bigger role with the bat. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara said he struggles to understand the logic behind sending the former India captain so far down the order.“I don’t see a point in MS Dhoni batting at No. 8 or 9, because he has the potential to turn games around single-handedly, something no other batter in the CSK team can do. If he bats for only five or ten balls, imagine what Mahi bhai can do if he plays 25 or 30 balls,” Pujara said on JioHotstar.Pujara, who was part of the CSK squad that lifted their record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League title in 2021, also spoke warmly about the franchise’s dressing room culture.“I’ve been in the CSK setup. In that environment, players are very comfortable; it’s like a family. When you’re in that setup, there is clarity about what is expected of you as a player,” Pujara said.He added that loyalty has always been a defining feature of the franchise’s philosophy.“Loyalty also comes into the picture because most of CSK’s players, if you look at the history, stay for a long time once they become part of that setup. There is a transition in the team now, so there is a bit more preference for young players,” he added.Meanwhile, CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan has expressed confidence that Dhoni will feature regularly for the team throughout the season.“He (Dhoni) will play all the matches, according to me,” Kasi said.CSK recently secured the services of wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals, a move that has raised fresh questions about what role Dhoni will perform in the playing eleven.Kasi clarified that the final call on Dhoni’s responsibilities will rest with the team’s coaching staff rather than the administrative management.“That is a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff, not by the administrative staff. So they will decide whether he is going to play as a batsman, as a wicketkeeper-batter, or as an impact player,” he said.

Sumit Antil in Paris Paralympics 2024. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India enjoyed a dominant day at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, with Paralympic champion Sumit Antil leading the charge by winning gold in the men’s javelin throw (F43/F44/F64). The double Paralympic gold medallist produced a powerful throw of 69.25 metres to secure the top spot. Fellow Indians Pushpendra Singh and Poonam Ram completed the podium with silver and bronze respectively.Antil admitted that his winning throw was better than he had expected. “This time we have multiple tournaments lined up. I will try to perform well in the upcoming competitions. It is an off-season loading phase for me. I was not expecting such a throw; I expected around 67-68m, but the throw was good today at 69.25m. So I am happy, and my team is happy as well,” he said.The 27-year-old from Sonipat, Haryana, added that he is focusing on improving gradually rather than changing his technique. “I am not changing my technique because we know we are moving in the right direction in our training. Right now, we just need the right conditions where the throw falls perfectly in place. That is why I am participating in tournaments so I can find those conditions somewhere,” he added.Looking ahead, Antil has already set a major target for the season. “I am targeting the Asian Games, and the goal is 75m. I haven’t achieved it yet in practice, and no athlete has done it yet, but I am working on whatever improvements are possible in technique or strength to reach that mark.”India’s success was not limited to javelin, as several athletes delivered medal-winning performances across track and field events. The country dominated multiple races and throwing events, including the 400m races, shot put, long jump, discus throw, and javelin, with Indian athletes frequently sweeping the podium.Overall, it was another impressive outing for India’s para-athletics contingent, showcasing strong depth and momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Yuvraj Singh and Rishabh Pant (X-LSG)

Mumbai: Before launching into IPL-2026, India’s ‘keeper-bat Rishabh Pant went through a few training sessions under the watchful eyes of India’s 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai last week. Pant, who leads the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, is working to regain form and revive his white-ball career after enduring an ordinary IPL last year, scoring 269 runs in 14 matches, with a highest score of 118 not out and a strike rate of 133.16.It marked his lowest return in the competition since his debut season in 2016. With their captain in poor form, LSG finished seventh in the standings.

“Rishabh is very focused on reviving his white-ball career, which is why he sought Yuvraj‘s help ahead of IPL-2026. He underwent a few training sessions for three to four days with Yuvraj at CCI in Mumbai before leaving for LSG’s camp in Chennai,” a source tracking developments told TOI.In a video which gained significant traction on social media of their training session, the keeper-batter can be seen facing deliveries while the superstar left-hander closely watches from the umpire’s position.Pant endured a poor season with LSG in IPL 2025Notably, the training was arguably arranged after a challenging campaign in the previous edition of the cash-rich league. Last year, Pant managed only 269 runs across the tournament. A late century helped improve the numbers, but the overall campaign remained underwhelming for a player known for his explosive batting.Pant was not a part of India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning team and is the second-choice ‘keeper-batsman in ODIs after KL Rahul.Yuvraj has been mentoring and training several young players in recent years, with India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, India’s T20 opener Abhishek Sharma and Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh having found success after enjoying his guidance. Yuvraj had even trained India’s T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson in the past. He has been mentoring Pant over the last few years.A feared batter in the red-ball format, Pant will be hoping that Yuvraj’s guidance can help him turn around his fortunes ahead of the next IPL season. Perhaps he can seek inspiration from fellow ‘keeper-batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who both made splendid comebacks to star in India’s T20 World Cup triumph recently.

Kavya Maran, co-owner and head of SunRisers Leeds (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought by SunRisers Leeds for £190,000 at the Hundred Player Auction 2026 on Thursday, putting an end to speculation that teams linked to the Indian Premier League (IPL) might avoid signing Pakistani players. The franchise, co-owned by Kavya Maran, competed strongly in the bidding and beat Trent Rockets to secure the mystery spinner.Earlier in the auction, Usman Tariq became the first Pakistani player to be picked when Birmingham Phoenix signed him for £140,000.

However, several other Pakistan stars did not find buyers. Fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub remained unsold at the time of writing.Meanwhile, Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had already withdrawn from the auction before bidding began. The ECB confirmed that Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, AM Ghazanfar, and Peter Siddle also pulled out. The likely reason was scheduling clashes with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and other international commitments.Afridi’s withdrawal still left 13 Pakistani players available in the men’s auction pool. The situation had drawn attention after speculation that franchises with IPL links might avoid picking Pakistani players.Responding to the debate, the ECB and the eight franchises issued a joint clarification, saying selections would be based on “performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”Pakistan also had a disappointing outcome in the women’s auction held a day earlier. None of the Pakistani women players were selected. Muneeba Ali, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, and captain Fatima Sana had all entered the auction with a base price of £15,000, but they did not receive any bids.