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The chair of English football's Independent Regulator has said he expects Manchester City's appeal, after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules, to be heard by January. City, who have repeatedly maintained they are innocent of the charges, are currently top of the Premier League table with six wins out of six following their 3-0 defeat of Liverpool last weekend.&nbsp;No sanction has yet been announced, but City could face a heavy points deduction leading to relegation, and there is even speculation they could be stripped of the three Premier League titles they won between 2009 and 2018.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-atletico-sink-manchester-united-as-viking-fk-hold-bayern-munich-to-3-3-draw-1791931093579">UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid sink Manchester United as Viking FK hold Bayern Munich to 3-3 draw</a>&nbsp;"The Premier League have said that they want to get this resolved within the season, and actually, of course, it's not the Premier League; it's an independent commission that's actually going to hear this, made of three retired either judges or lawyers," Independent Football Regulator (IFR) chair David Kogan told Times Radio on Wednesday. "My understanding is that there is a prescribed process, which is 12 weeks, and so people are assuming this will actually be heard by the middle or the end of January.&nbsp;"But as I say, it's not our process, it's that of the Premier League's independent commission. What I don't think we can do is take any judgment until we're quite clear."&nbsp;Kogan said Tuesday he would resign if there was political interference in any future IFR investigations of City.<h2>Burnham ‘Concern’</h2>British Prime Minister Andy Burnham was criticised for his comments saying he would be "really concerned" if City's Abu Dhabi owners left the club following the verdict. Downing Street subsequently had to backtrack, insisting no one was "above the rules". Burnham, who was mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to June 2026, has since published all of his dealings with the City hierarchy.&nbsp;On Monday, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said Burnham had met Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak at an investment summit several years ago when he was mayor of the city.&nbsp;It was also revealed that Burnham had spoken to him in the stands at former City captain Vincent Kompany's testimonial and was accompanied by staff from the club on official overseas visits.&nbsp;Burnham was pressed on the issue during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday.&nbsp;Jerome Mayhew, an MP for the main opposition Conservative Party, asked Burnham if anyone associated with the running of Manchester City had raised the issue of the charges either with him or any member of his team.&nbsp;Burnham replied: "They did not raise those issues with me."&nbsp;Kogan said earlier Wednesday: "We've had absolutely no interference from anybody since we created the regulator a year ago.&nbsp;“We cannot, when regulating football, be subject to political interference on decisions we make about owners, directors or anything else.” He added: "And I won't actually be prepared to run an organisation which is subject to that degree of interference."&nbsp;Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said last week he "completely trusts" the club and believes it will win its appeal.

Independent Football Regulator chair David Kogan expects Manchester City’s appeal against over 100 Premier League financial breach charges to be heard by January.

The chair of English football's Independent Regulator has said he expects Manchester City's appeal, after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules, to be heard by January. City, who have repeatedly maintained they are innocent of the charges, are currently top of the Premier League table with six wins out of six following their 3-0 defeat of Liverpool last weekend. No sanction has yet been announced, but City could face a heavy points deduction leading to relegation, and there is even speculation they could be stripped of the three Premier League titles they won between 2009 and 2018. Also read| UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid sink Manchester United as Viking FK hold Bayern Munich to 3-3 draw "The Premier League have said that they want to get this resolved within the season, and actually, of course, it's not the Premier League; it's an independent commission that's actually going to hear this, made of three retired either judges or lawyers," Independent Football Regulator (IFR) chair David Kogan told Times Radio on Wednesday. "My understanding is that there is a prescribed process, which is 12 weeks, and so people are assuming this will actually be heard by the middle or the end of January. "But as I say, it's not our process, it's that of the Premier League's independent commission. What I don't think we can do is take any judgment until we're quite clear." Kogan said Tuesday he would resign if there was political interference in any future IFR investigations of City. Burnham ‘Concern’ British Prime Minister Andy Burnham was criticised for his comments saying he would be "really concerned" if City's Abu Dhabi owners left the club following the verdict. Downing Street subsequently had to backtrack, insisting no one was "above the rules". Burnham, who was mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to June 2026, has since published all of his dealings with the City hierarchy. On Monday, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said Burnham had met Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak at an investment summit several years ago when he was mayor of the city. It was also revealed that Burnham had spoken to him in the stands at former City captain Vincent Kompany's testimonial and was accompanied by staff from the club on official overseas visits. Burnham was pressed on the issue during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Jerome Mayhew, an MP for the main opposition Conservative Party, asked Burnham if anyone associated with the running of Manchester City had raised the issue of the charges either with him or any member of his team. Burnham replied: "They did not raise those issues with me." Kogan said earlier Wednesday: "We've had absolutely no interference from anybody since we created the regulator a year ago. “We cannot, when regulating football, be subject to political interference on decisions we make about owners, directors or anything else.” He added: "And I won't actually be prepared to run an organisation which is subject to that degree of interference." Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said last week he "completely trusts" the club and believes it will win its appeal.

Independent Football Regulator chair David Kogan expects Manchester City’s appeal against over 100 Premier League financial breach charges to be heard by January.

Manchester City financial breach appeal hearing expected by January 2027

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) boosted their bowling attack ahead of IPL 2027 with their former seamer T Natarajan returning to the Orange Army in a swap deal. In return, leg spinner Zeeshan Ansari has moved to Delhi Capitals (DC).&nbsp;Natarajan, 35, played two seasons for Delhi, who bought him for INR 10.75 crore ($1.1 million approx.) at the IPL 2025 mega auction. While he rejoins SRH at a revised fee of INR 5 crore, Ansari has moved to DC at his existing fee of INR 40 lakh. This swap adds INR 10.35 crore to DC’s available purse while deducting INR 4.6 crore from SRH’s.&nbsp;Having missed a major chunk of IPL 2025 due to an injury, the left-arm seamer played 10 matches for Delhi in 2026, returning with five wickets at an expensive economy of 11.18. In his first stint with SRH, Natarajan represented them from 2020 to 2024, picking up 65 wickets in 55 outings at 8.82.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-modi-asiad-felicitation-bcci-postpones-ipl-stakeholders-meeting-1791974865612">PM Modi’s Asiad gold felicitation forces BCCI to postpone IPL stakeholders' meeting</a>&nbsp;Natarajan’s breakthrough came after his first season with SRH, where he picked up 16 wickets in the 2020 edition, which helped him earn his maiden India call-up later that year. He has played seven international matches across three formats, including his only Test appearance during the historic Brisbane Test in early 2021.&nbsp;Ansari enjoyed his debut season with SRH in IPL 2026, playing 10 matches and returning with six wickets, with the best 3/42. He bowled at an economy of 9.84.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Delhi have been involved in their second trade in this window, having earlier traded spinner Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants for keeper-batter Rishabh Pant. The left-handed batter, who became the most expensive buy in IPL history for INR 27 crore in the 2025 mega auction, agreed to move for a revised fee of INR 15 crore.&nbsp;Kuldeep, however, was traded to LSG for his current fee of INR 13.50 crore.&nbsp;The IPL 2027 mini-auction will take place in Goa from 14 to 16 December.

SunRisers Hyderabad have re-signed left-arm pacer T Natarajan at a revised fee of ₹5 crore in a trade deal with Delhi Capitals, who acquired leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari ahead of IPL 2027.

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) boosted their bowling attack ahead of IPL 2027 with their former seamer T Natarajan returning to the Orange Army in a swap deal. In return, leg spinner Zeeshan Ansari has moved to Delhi Capitals (DC). Natarajan, 35, played two seasons for Delhi, who bought him for INR 10.75 crore ($1.1 million approx.) at the IPL 2025 mega auction. While he rejoins SRH at a revised fee of INR 5 crore, Ansari has moved to DC at his existing fee of INR 40 lakh. This swap adds INR 10.35 crore to DC’s available purse while deducting INR 4.6 crore from SRH’s. Having missed a major chunk of IPL 2025 due to an injury, the left-arm seamer played 10 matches for Delhi in 2026, returning with five wickets at an expensive economy of 11.18. In his first stint with SRH, Natarajan represented them from 2020 to 2024, picking up 65 wickets in 55 outings at 8.82. Also read| PM Modi’s Asiad gold felicitation forces BCCI to postpone IPL stakeholders' meeting Natarajan’s breakthrough came after his first season with SRH, where he picked up 16 wickets in the 2020 edition, which helped him earn his maiden India call-up later that year. He has played seven international matches across three formats, including his only Test appearance during the historic Brisbane Test in early 2021. Ansari enjoyed his debut season with SRH in IPL 2026, playing 10 matches and returning with six wickets, with the best 3/42. He bowled at an economy of 9.84. Meanwhile, Delhi have been involved in their second trade in this window, having earlier traded spinner Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants for keeper-batter Rishabh Pant. The left-handed batter, who became the most expensive buy in IPL history for INR 27 crore in the 2025 mega auction, agreed to move for a revised fee of INR 15 crore. Kuldeep, however, was traded to LSG for his current fee of INR 13.50 crore. The IPL 2027 mini-auction will take place in Goa from 14 to 16 December.

SunRisers Hyderabad have re-signed left-arm pacer T Natarajan at a revised fee of ₹5 crore in a trade deal with Delhi Capitals, who acquired leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari ahead of IPL 2027.

IPL 2027 Trade: T Natarajan returns to SRH as leggie Zeeshan Ansari moves to DC

Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma have updates for their key players ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-south-africa-durban-test-hazlewood-renshaw-bavuma-1791893950555">Australia outclassed South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test</a> in Durban, with Matt Renshaw emerging as the hero for the visitors. The left-handed batter registered his highest Test score (190) in the first innings before scoring a valiant 82 in the second, propelling Australia to sit in the driver’s seat. Bavuma, however, boosted South Africa’s morale with positive news about seamer Kagiso Rabada’s potential comeback to the playing XI for the second Test.<h2>Will Renshaw bat up the order?</h2>Plenty of discussions broke out following Renshaw’s standout performance in Durban, with several experts back home suggesting his promotion in the batting order. Although he made his Test debut as an opener almost a decade ago, Renshaw’s purple patch at number five in the ODIs forced Australia to play him at the same position in the series opener at Kingsmead, where he flourished big time. &nbsp;Considering Australia is also keen on bringing the best of makeshift opener Travis Head, who was a regular middle-order batter in Australia’s XI for the longest time, Cummins hinted at swapping places for the remainder of the series. &nbsp;"Give us a few days; we'll look at the conditions of the next Test. I mean, it's got to be pretty compelling to move Renshaw from there," Cummins said. "But we've seen Travis Head down at No. 5 as well. We're always working out the six batters or seven plus [Alex Carey], and how is that going to function as a whole? So, if anything, I still think he [Renshaw] can be a great opener, and now he's got another string to his bow that he's found this week." &nbsp;Pressing on being flexible with the playing XI, given the conditions, Cummins said, "We're pretty certain that we like Marn [Labuschagne] at No. 3, Smithy at No. 4, and then, the six and seven felt pretty locked up. I think bringing in Maddo (Nic Maddinson), we really like the idea of bringing that flexibility, that unlocks a lot [such as] Trav back to No. 5, Renners down to No. 5, even Maddo himself at five. We haven't had that option [in] the last few years where we feel like we've got plenty of options at the top. &nbsp;"We're very big on that flexibility. I know you're probably sick of us talking about it, but why not next week we have different openers if the conditions take us somewhere different, or swapping out the batting orders between innings. I think having the structure that we do now with a few guys that can open, that's really unlocked that,” he continued.<h3>Rabada set to return for 2nd Test</h3>South Africa played mediocre cricket in Durban, with none of the fast bowlers, barring Anrich Nortje, doing much damage to the Aussies.&nbsp; &nbsp;Rabada, their premier pacer, was left out of the playing XI as he continued to recover from his hamstring injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking on his injury update, captain Bavuma said, "'KG' looks good. I think SuperSport (TV) kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He's as bubbly as ever within the changing room.&nbsp; &nbsp;"His non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view given the extra couple of days. So he's got the extra couple of days.&nbsp; &nbsp;"We'll see how he continues to improve. But KG? KG is very good,” he asserted, hinting at Rabada’s return to the side for the second Test, which starts on Sunday (Oct 18).

Australia captain Pat Cummins has addressed Matt Renshaw's batting position after his stellar Durban knock, while Temba Bavuma shares positive news on Kagiso Rabada.

Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma have updates for their key players ahead of the second Test in Gqeberha. Australia outclassed South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban, with Matt Renshaw emerging as the hero for the visitors. The left-handed batter registered his highest Test score (190) in the first innings before scoring a valiant 82 in the second, propelling Australia to sit in the driver’s seat. Bavuma, however, boosted South Africa’s morale with positive news about seamer Kagiso Rabada’s potential comeback to the playing XI for the second Test. Will Renshaw bat up the order? Plenty of discussions broke out following Renshaw’s standout performance in Durban, with several experts back home suggesting his promotion in the batting order. Although he made his Test debut as an opener almost a decade ago, Renshaw’s purple patch at number five in the ODIs forced Australia to play him at the same position in the series opener at Kingsmead, where he flourished big time. Considering Australia is also keen on bringing the best of makeshift opener Travis Head, who was a regular middle-order batter in Australia’s XI for the longest time, Cummins hinted at swapping places for the remainder of the series. "Give us a few days; we'll look at the conditions of the next Test. I mean, it's got to be pretty compelling to move Renshaw from there," Cummins said. "But we've seen Travis Head down at No. 5 as well. We're always working out the six batters or seven plus [Alex Carey], and how is that going to function as a whole? So, if anything, I still think he [Renshaw] can be a great opener, and now he's got another string to his bow that he's found this week." Pressing on being flexible with the playing XI, given the conditions, Cummins said, "We're pretty certain that we like Marn [Labuschagne] at No. 3, Smithy at No. 4, and then, the six and seven felt pretty locked up. I think bringing in Maddo (Nic Maddinson), we really like the idea of bringing that flexibility, that unlocks a lot [such as] Trav back to No. 5, Renners down to No. 5, even Maddo himself at five. We haven't had that option [in] the last few years where we feel like we've got plenty of options at the top. "We're very big on that flexibility. I know you're probably sick of us talking about it, but why not next week we have different openers if the conditions take us somewhere different, or swapping out the batting orders between innings. I think having the structure that we do now with a few guys that can open, that's really unlocked that,” he continued. Rabada set to return for 2nd Test South Africa played mediocre cricket in Durban, with none of the fast bowlers, barring Anrich Nortje, doing much damage to the Aussies. Rabada, their premier pacer, was left out of the playing XI as he continued to recover from his hamstring injury. Speaking on his injury update, captain Bavuma said, "'KG' looks good. I think SuperSport (TV) kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He's as bubbly as ever within the changing room. "His non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view given the extra couple of days. So he's got the extra couple of days. "We'll see how he continues to improve. But KG? KG is very good,” he asserted, hinting at Rabada’s return to the side for the second Test, which starts on Sunday (Oct 18).

Australia captain Pat Cummins has addressed Matt Renshaw's batting position after his stellar Durban knock, while Temba Bavuma shares positive news on Kagiso Rabada.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Cummins hints at Renshaw order shift as Rabada prepares to return

Fitness concerns around several players, including Rishabh Pant and seamers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, have forced the BCCI men’s selection committee to delay ODI and Test squad announcements for the New Zealand tour.&nbsp; &nbsp;Krishna was reportedly given a 21-day timeline since joining BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) after getting ruled out of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30.&nbsp; &nbsp;Harshit Rana has been at the CoE since July this year, and is expected to undergo a return-to-play match simulation on October 25, three days before the ODI and Test squads depart for New Zealand on October 28. The five-match ODI series will get underway on November 4, followed by two Tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-modi-asiad-felicitation-bcci-postpones-ipl-stakeholders-meeting-1791974865612">PM Modi’s Asiad gold felicitation forces BCCI to postpone IPL stakeholders' meeting</a> &nbsp;The BCCI on Monday announced that Pant will miss the first two ‘A’ matches, starting October 24, after suffering a side strain during the recently concluded Irani Cup in Jammu. A Times of India (TOI) report claims that the CoE has adopted a cautious approach in clearing players after rehab. The publication also reported that Indian captain Shubman Gill pulled out Krishna from the attack after bowling five overs, as he complained of discomfort in his left hamstring. &nbsp;“With both Pant and Krishna, the injuries don’t look severe at the outset. But the CoE doesn’t want to take any chances. That’s why both of them were given three-week timelines when they reported to CoE,” a BCCI source said in a chat with TOI. “The selectors and team management are keen to have Rana in both formats, and he is seen as a perfect fit as the seam-bowling all-rounder batting at No. 8.”<h3>Bhuvneshwar trains at CoE</h3><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bhuvneshwar-kumar-recalled-india-t20i-squad-new-zealand-jurel-captain-india-a-1791303593439">Picked up for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand</a> starting October 22, veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also at the CoE, training for his comeback to the national side in nearly four years.&nbsp; &nbsp;With no Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for New Zealand T20Is, Bhuvneshwar, 36, will lead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh. India’s fast-bowling department also includes Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav.&nbsp;<h3>India Squad for New Zealand T20Is –</h3>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav

India’s ODI and Test squad announcements for the New Zealand tour have been delayed due to fitness concerns surrounding Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.

Fitness concerns around several players, including Rishabh Pant and seamers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, have forced the BCCI men’s selection committee to delay ODI and Test squad announcements for the New Zealand tour. Krishna was reportedly given a 21-day timeline since joining BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) after getting ruled out of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. Harshit Rana has been at the CoE since July this year, and is expected to undergo a return-to-play match simulation on October 25, three days before the ODI and Test squads depart for New Zealand on October 28. The five-match ODI series will get underway on November 4, followed by two Tests. Also read| PM Modi’s Asiad gold felicitation forces BCCI to postpone IPL stakeholders' meeting The BCCI on Monday announced that Pant will miss the first two ‘A’ matches, starting October 24, after suffering a side strain during the recently concluded Irani Cup in Jammu. A Times of India (TOI) report claims that the CoE has adopted a cautious approach in clearing players after rehab. The publication also reported that Indian captain Shubman Gill pulled out Krishna from the attack after bowling five overs, as he complained of discomfort in his left hamstring. “With both Pant and Krishna, the injuries don’t look severe at the outset. But the CoE doesn’t want to take any chances. That’s why both of them were given three-week timelines when they reported to CoE,” a BCCI source said in a chat with TOI. “The selectors and team management are keen to have Rana in both formats, and he is seen as a perfect fit as the seam-bowling all-rounder batting at No. 8.” Bhuvneshwar trains at CoE Picked up for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting October 22, veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also at the CoE, training for his comeback to the national side in nearly four years. With no Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for New Zealand T20Is, Bhuvneshwar, 36, will lead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh. India’s fast-bowling department also includes Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. India Squad for New Zealand T20Is – Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav

India’s ODI and Test squad announcements for the New Zealand tour have been delayed due to fitness concerns surrounding Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.

IND vs NZ 2026: Fitness issues for Prasidh, Harshit delay squad selection; Bhuvi trains at CoE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will felicitate the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams for their Asian Games gold medal feats on Thursday (Oct 15) in New Delhi. The event has forced the Indian Cricket Board to postpone its scheduled high-level meeting with IPL franchise owners, CEOs, broadcasters, and host state associations to a later date. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia informed all stakeholders of this in an official letter. “The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India is scheduled to felicitate the Indian men’s and women’s teams for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded 20th Asian Games on October 15, 2026, in New Delhi. Accordingly, BCCI officials will be required to attend the felicitation ceremony,” Saikia wrote in the letter. &nbsp;Saikia also said he received various requests from stakeholders to postpone the meeting for maximum participation.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-linkedin-debut-agilitas-one8world-1791965696854">Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’</a> &nbsp;“Additionally, requests have been received from various stakeholders seeking a postponement of the meeting. In view of the above, and with a view to facilitating maximum participation in person, it has been decided to postpone the meeting. The revised date and venue will be communicated in due course,” Saikia added. &nbsp;Saikia invited all stakeholders last week for this meeting to address issues and learnings from the past 19 seasons, and plan further for the upcoming 20th edition, which starts in March 2027. &nbsp;“As the League approaches its landmark 20th season in 2027, the BCCI proposes to convene a joint meeting of all key stakeholders, namely the State Associations that hosted IPL matches, the Franchise Owners and their Chief Executive Officers, and the Broadcasters. The meeting is intended to review the issues and learnings from past seasons, address any concerns, and deliberate on the planning and coordination for the 2027 season,”&nbsp;Saikia wrote in his initial invitation.<h2>IPL 2027 Celebration and Impact Player Rule Review</h2>The BCCI is also reported to be planning a celebration for all 20 IPL seasons, with the presentation on the proposed event discussed during the recently concluded annual general meeting (AGM) in Mumbai last week.&nbsp; &nbsp;The board, however, is also expected to take a call on the questionable Impact Player Rule in the coming weeks. Several Indian captains and franchise coaches have actively voiced concerns over this addition to the cash-rich league, and a decision is expected before the retention deadline ahead of the mini-auction in mid-December this year.

The BCCI has postponed its IPL stakeholders' meeting in Mumbai to allow officials to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s felicitation of Asian Games gold-winning cricket teams in New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will felicitate the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams for their Asian Games gold medal feats on Thursday (Oct 15) in New Delhi. The event has forced the Indian Cricket Board to postpone its scheduled high-level meeting with IPL franchise owners, CEOs, broadcasters, and host state associations to a later date. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia informed all stakeholders of this in an official letter. “The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India is scheduled to felicitate the Indian men’s and women’s teams for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded 20th Asian Games on October 15, 2026, in New Delhi. Accordingly, BCCI officials will be required to attend the felicitation ceremony,” Saikia wrote in the letter. Saikia also said he received various requests from stakeholders to postpone the meeting for maximum participation. Also read | Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’ “Additionally, requests have been received from various stakeholders seeking a postponement of the meeting. In view of the above, and with a view to facilitating maximum participation in person, it has been decided to postpone the meeting. The revised date and venue will be communicated in due course,” Saikia added. Saikia invited all stakeholders last week for this meeting to address issues and learnings from the past 19 seasons, and plan further for the upcoming 20th edition, which starts in March 2027. “As the League approaches its landmark 20th season in 2027, the BCCI proposes to convene a joint meeting of all key stakeholders, namely the State Associations that hosted IPL matches, the Franchise Owners and their Chief Executive Officers, and the Broadcasters. The meeting is intended to review the issues and learnings from past seasons, address any concerns, and deliberate on the planning and coordination for the 2027 season,” Saikia wrote in his initial invitation. IPL 2027 Celebration and Impact Player Rule Review The BCCI is also reported to be planning a celebration for all 20 IPL seasons, with the presentation on the proposed event discussed during the recently concluded annual general meeting (AGM) in Mumbai last week. The board, however, is also expected to take a call on the questionable Impact Player Rule in the coming weeks. Several Indian captains and franchise coaches have actively voiced concerns over this addition to the cash-rich league, and a decision is expected before the retention deadline ahead of the mini-auction in mid-December this year.

The BCCI has postponed its IPL stakeholders' meeting in Mumbai to allow officials to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s felicitation of Asian Games gold-winning cricket teams in New Delhi.

PM Modi’s Asiad gold felicitation forces BCCI to postpone IPL stakeholders' meeting

India and the West Indies have reached the business end of their white-ball series, with the hosts leading the five T20Is 2-1. Hyderabad will host the fourth match on Wednesday evening (Oct 14), another potential run-fest. The three concluded matches have favoured batters throughout, with the visitors completing their highest T20I run chase against India in India in the second T20I in Ranchi. Shreyas Iyer’s Indian team won the first and third T20Is, and now aim to clinch the series win in the fourth. Here is the match preview.<h2>Match Preview</h2>India have all bases covered for the crucial fixture in Hyderabad. While their top order continues to dictate terms at the start of each game, with either of the two openers (Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma) and Ishan Kishan coming off well with the bat, Shreyas Iyer holds the key in the middle overs.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-linkedin-debut-agilitas-one8world-1791965696854">Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’</a> &nbsp;In the third T20I in Indore, Tilak Varma impressed with his 28, with Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy and Axar Patel also chipping in with useful runs. &nbsp;Bowling, however, has improved leaps and bounds since losing the second T20I, with the two frontline seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav, delivering at the start and in death. Dhir’s handy spell with the ball has also proved vital for India, as Iyer is likely to back the Punjab all-rounder in the final two matches.&nbsp; &nbsp;Team India is unlikely to change their playing XI. &nbsp;West Indies, on the other hand, must improve their bowling to push the series till the final T20I in Bengaluru. While batting remains their strongest department, with top-order success crucial to their chances in Hyderabad, where square boundaries are relatively bigger, the visitors will back their spin-bowling all-rounder, Roston Chase, to make inroads during the middle overs, as he has done so far in this series.&nbsp; &nbsp;Moreover, Shamar Joseph hasn’t clicked with the new ball yet, with Hyderabad providing the right conditions to turn things around.<h3>Predicted Playing XIs –</h3>India - Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav &nbsp;West Indies - Shai Hope (c &amp; wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie

Match preview for the 4th T20I between India and the West Indies in Hyderabad. Read team news, predicted playing XIs, and analysis as India eye a series win.

India and the West Indies have reached the business end of their white-ball series, with the hosts leading the five T20Is 2-1. Hyderabad will host the fourth match on Wednesday evening (Oct 14), another potential run-fest. The three concluded matches have favoured batters throughout, with the visitors completing their highest T20I run chase against India in India in the second T20I in Ranchi. Shreyas Iyer’s Indian team won the first and third T20Is, and now aim to clinch the series win in the fourth. Here is the match preview. Match Preview India have all bases covered for the crucial fixture in Hyderabad. While their top order continues to dictate terms at the start of each game, with either of the two openers (Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma) and Ishan Kishan coming off well with the bat, Shreyas Iyer holds the key in the middle overs. Also read| Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’ In the third T20I in Indore, Tilak Varma impressed with his 28, with Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy and Axar Patel also chipping in with useful runs. Bowling, however, has improved leaps and bounds since losing the second T20I, with the two frontline seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav, delivering at the start and in death. Dhir’s handy spell with the ball has also proved vital for India, as Iyer is likely to back the Punjab all-rounder in the final two matches. Team India is unlikely to change their playing XI. West Indies, on the other hand, must improve their bowling to push the series till the final T20I in Bengaluru. While batting remains their strongest department, with top-order success crucial to their chances in Hyderabad, where square boundaries are relatively bigger, the visitors will back their spin-bowling all-rounder, Roston Chase, to make inroads during the middle overs, as he has done so far in this series. Moreover, Shamar Joseph hasn’t clicked with the new ball yet, with Hyderabad providing the right conditions to turn things around. Predicted Playing XIs – India - Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav West Indies - Shai Hope (c & wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie

Match preview for the 4th T20I between India and the West Indies in Hyderabad. Read team news, predicted playing XIs, and analysis as India eye a series win.

IND vs WI 4th T20I Preview: India target series win in another potential run-fest

Talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli broke the internet with his LinkedIn debut, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Robin Uthappa on the professional networking platform. His move is significant, considering his reach and social media following are among the top five athletes worldwide. Kohli has over 273 million Instagram followers, the third-highest behind Cristiano Ronaldo (680 million) and Lionel Messi (517 million), making him the most-followed Indian on Instagram. &nbsp;Founded in 2003, LinkedIn is a professional networking giant that claims over a billion members from 200 countries.<h2>Kohli’s LinkedIn Bio and First Post</h2>A cricketing hero worldwide, with over 15,000 ODI runs and close to 10,000 in Tests, Virat Kohli is a demigod in India and among his billion fans worldwide. Having won it all for the Men in Blue, including a 50-over World Cup, a T20 World Cup and two ICC Champions Trophy titles, Kohli needs no introduction.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-player-of-the-month-september-shubman-gill-shafali-verma-1791904401109">ICC Player of the Month: India sweep September awards as Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma win big</a> &nbsp;He, however, hasn’t just scaled heights on the field, but off it too, investing in business and building his own brands.&nbsp; &nbsp;Perhaps the most marketable player in cricket currently, Kohli’s LinkedIn bio reads: Professional Athlete at Indian Cricket Team | Co-Founder at one8world | Investor at Agilitas.<h3>Kohli’s first LinkedIn Post</h3>“I’ve always wanted to see an India where every sport is followed, celebrated, and played. Today, that vision feels closer than ever. A new generation is proving that India can produce world-class athletes and build brands for the global stage. &nbsp;“The vision of building an end-to-end sports platform from India, spanning manufacturing, consumer brands, and sports distribution. A belief that India can help shape the future of global sport, not just participate in it. &nbsp;“That’s why I’ve joined Agilitas as an Investor and as a Co-founder and Co-creator of one8world. &nbsp;“one8 is built on a belief I’ve carried throughout my career: progress comes from pushing boundaries, raising standards, and daring to do things differently. &nbsp;“That’s how we introduced the brand to the world, and watching one8world come to life in front of thousands of people, in my home city, was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. &nbsp;“The vision is clear. It’s time to build something that will outlive all of us. That’s the journey we’re on,” he wrote. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Kohli will return to action in the away five-match ODI series in New Zealand in November 2026.&nbsp;

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli broke the internet with his LinkedIn debut, teasing his major new business ventures with Agilitas and one8world.

Talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli broke the internet with his LinkedIn debut, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Robin Uthappa on the professional networking platform. His move is significant, considering his reach and social media following are among the top five athletes worldwide. Kohli has over 273 million Instagram followers, the third-highest behind Cristiano Ronaldo (680 million) and Lionel Messi (517 million), making him the most-followed Indian on Instagram. Founded in 2003, LinkedIn is a professional networking giant that claims over a billion members from 200 countries. Kohli’s LinkedIn Bio and First Post A cricketing hero worldwide, with over 15,000 ODI runs and close to 10,000 in Tests, Virat Kohli is a demigod in India and among his billion fans worldwide. Having won it all for the Men in Blue, including a 50-over World Cup, a T20 World Cup and two ICC Champions Trophy titles, Kohli needs no introduction. Also read| ICC Player of the Month: India sweep September awards as Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma win big He, however, hasn’t just scaled heights on the field, but off it too, investing in business and building his own brands. Perhaps the most marketable player in cricket currently, Kohli’s LinkedIn bio reads: Professional Athlete at Indian Cricket Team | Co-Founder at one8world | Investor at Agilitas. Kohli’s first LinkedIn Post “I’ve always wanted to see an India where every sport is followed, celebrated, and played. Today, that vision feels closer than ever. A new generation is proving that India can produce world-class athletes and build brands for the global stage. “The vision of building an end-to-end sports platform from India, spanning manufacturing, consumer brands, and sports distribution. A belief that India can help shape the future of global sport, not just participate in it. “That’s why I’ve joined Agilitas as an Investor and as a Co-founder and Co-creator of one8world. “one8 is built on a belief I’ve carried throughout my career: progress comes from pushing boundaries, raising standards, and daring to do things differently. “That’s how we introduced the brand to the world, and watching one8world come to life in front of thousands of people, in my home city, was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. “The vision is clear. It’s time to build something that will outlive all of us. That’s the journey we’re on,” he wrote. Meanwhile, Kohli will return to action in the away five-match ODI series in New Zealand in November 2026.

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli broke the internet with his LinkedIn debut, teasing his major new business ventures with Agilitas and one8world.

Virat Kohli breaks the internet with LinkedIn debut: ‘Time to build something’

Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as the Red Devils continued their poor run, while Bayern Munich were held 3-3 in Norway by underdogs Viking Stavanger. Elsewhere, last season's beaten finalists Arsenal eased to victory over Lille while Barcelona came from behind to beat Galatasaray but Inter Milan lost a seven-goal thriller at home to Club Brugge.&nbsp;Atletico, who lost at Liverpool in their opening European encounter, took the lead inside the opening minute in the Spanish capital through Pablo Barrios. Alejandro Grimaldo struck the woodwork from a free-kick later in the first half.Johnny Cardoso also had a goal disallowed before the break but Ademola Lookman got Atletico's second in the 79th minute, just after United defender Leny Yoro had been sent off. The defeat continued the Old Trafford club's disappointing start to the campaign and increased the pressure on manager Michael Carrick.&nbsp;They have gone five matches without a victory and have won only once in seven outings, with a trip to Italy to face Como next up in the Champions League. "Tonight is a one-off game in judgement, it is the Champions League and a tough place to come. We are doing certain things OK," Carrick told broadcaster Amazon Prime. Viking, who are in the Champions League after winning a first Norwegian title in 34 years, appeared to be heading for a famous win over Bayern when they led 2-0 at half-time in Stavanger. Gianni Stensness headed them in front in the second minute and Peter Christiansen ran away to double their advantage.<h2>Olise sent off</h2>Harry Kane pulled one back from a penalty early in the second half and then headed in his eighth goal of the season in nine games in all competitions. Luis Diaz then converted as the match was turned completely on its head, but Bayern's Michael Olise was sent off in the 74th minute, the France star was booked and then shown a second yellow seconds later for throwing the ball at his opponent. He will therefore miss next week's home meeting with Arsenal.&nbsp;Viking snatched a memorable draw as Herman Haugen headed home in the last minute. Speaking to Amazon Prime, Kane said Olise “will be gutted and he has to take responsibility for it. It was a mistake, and mistakes happen. He has to learn from it. It's a shame because we have important games ahead of us.” Arsenal were too strong for Lille as the Premier League champions won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium with goals by Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, in the space of eight second-half minutes.&nbsp;Barcelona, one of the favourites to win the competition, maintained their 100&nbsp;per cent record this season with a 4-1 win over Galatasaray in Istanbul. Russian international Aleksei Batrakov gave the Turkish champions the lead and they then had another goal disallowed, but Joao Cancelo equalised before half-time. Lamine Yamal then turned on the style, setting up goals for Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon early in the second half, before substitute Karim Adeyemi sealed Barca's victory.<h2>Tresoldi hat-trick</h2>Italy-born German striker Nicolo Tresoldi scored a hat-trick, including a penalty, as Club Brugge claimed a remarkable 4-3 win away to Inter at San Siro. Romeo Vermant got the Belgians' other goal, with Lautaro Martinez on target twice for Inter as they succumbed to a second straight European defeat.&nbsp;In other games, Villarreal came from behind to beat Napoli 3-1 in Spain while RB Leipzig beat PSV Eindhoven 1-0 with a Brajan Gruda goal after Ivan Perisic failed to convert a penalty for the Dutch side. Sporting of Portugal won 2-0 away to Lens in France with goals by Luis Suarez and Issa Doumbia, and it was a night to remember for Sabah as the rank outsiders from Azerbaijan downed Slavia Prague 2-0 in Baku.&nbsp;Jamaican international Kaheem Parris and Rwanda's Joy-Lance Mickels secured their first victory in the league phase.Wednesday's Champions League games include reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain at Manchester City and Real Madrid at Roma.

Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as the Red Devils continued their poor run, while Bayern Munich were held 3-3 in Norway by underdogs Viking Stavanger

Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as the Red Devils continued their poor run, while Bayern Munich were held 3-3 in Norway by underdogs Viking Stavanger. Elsewhere, last season's beaten finalists Arsenal eased to victory over Lille while Barcelona came from behind to beat Galatasaray but Inter Milan lost a seven-goal thriller at home to Club Brugge. Atletico, who lost at Liverpool in their opening European encounter, took the lead inside the opening minute in the Spanish capital through Pablo Barrios. Alejandro Grimaldo struck the woodwork from a free-kick later in the first half. Johnny Cardoso also had a goal disallowed before the break but Ademola Lookman got Atletico's second in the 79th minute, just after United defender Leny Yoro had been sent off. The defeat continued the Old Trafford club's disappointing start to the campaign and increased the pressure on manager Michael Carrick. They have gone five matches without a victory and have won only once in seven outings, with a trip to Italy to face Como next up in the Champions League. "Tonight is a one-off game in judgement, it is the Champions League and a tough place to come. We are doing certain things OK," Carrick told broadcaster Amazon Prime. Viking, who are in the Champions League after winning a first Norwegian title in 34 years, appeared to be heading for a famous win over Bayern when they led 2-0 at half-time in Stavanger. Gianni Stensness headed them in front in the second minute and Peter Christiansen ran away to double their advantage. Olise sent off Harry Kane pulled one back from a penalty early in the second half and then headed in his eighth goal of the season in nine games in all competitions. Luis Diaz then converted as the match was turned completely on its head, but Bayern's Michael Olise was sent off in the 74th minute, the France star was booked and then shown a second yellow seconds later for throwing the ball at his opponent. He will therefore miss next week's home meeting with Arsenal. Viking snatched a memorable draw as Herman Haugen headed home in the last minute. Speaking to Amazon Prime, Kane said Olise “will be gutted and he has to take responsibility for it. It was a mistake, and mistakes happen. He has to learn from it. It's a shame because we have important games ahead of us.” Arsenal were too strong for Lille as the Premier League champions won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium with goals by Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, in the space of eight second-half minutes. Barcelona, one of the favourites to win the competition, maintained their 100 per cent record this season with a 4-1 win over Galatasaray in Istanbul. Russian international Aleksei Batrakov gave the Turkish champions the lead and they then had another goal disallowed, but Joao Cancelo equalised before half-time. Lamine Yamal then turned on the style, setting up goals for Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon early in the second half, before substitute Karim Adeyemi sealed Barca's victory. Tresoldi hat-trick Italy-born German striker Nicolo Tresoldi scored a hat-trick, including a penalty, as Club Brugge claimed a remarkable 4-3 win away to Inter at San Siro. Romeo Vermant got the Belgians' other goal, with Lautaro Martinez on target twice for Inter as they succumbed to a second straight European defeat. In other games, Villarreal came from behind to beat Napoli 3-1 in Spain while RB Leipzig beat PSV Eindhoven 1-0 with a Brajan Gruda goal after Ivan Perisic failed to convert a penalty for the Dutch side. Sporting of Portugal won 2-0 away to Lens in France with goals by Luis Suarez and Issa Doumbia, and it was a night to remember for Sabah as the rank outsiders from Azerbaijan downed Slavia Prague 2-0 in Baku. Jamaican international Kaheem Parris and Rwanda's Joy-Lance Mickels secured their first victory in the league phase. Wednesday's Champions League games include reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain at Manchester City and Real Madrid at Roma.

Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as the Red Devils continued their poor run, while Bayern Munich were held 3-3 in Norway by underdogs Viking Stavanger

UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid sink Manchester United as Viking FK hold Bayern Munich to 3-3 draw

Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma grabbed headlines for winning their respective ICC Player of the Month awards for September for remarkable performances. While India ODI and Test captain Gill won the award for the record fifth time, beating Abhishek Sharma, Shafali earned her second. While Gill broke several batting records with his second double hundred (223*) against the West Indies in Guwahati ODI, Shafali scored her maiden T20I century against Bangladesh in the triumphant women’s Asian Games campaign. The double has marked the third time that two Indians have won these awards in the same month.&nbsp;Gill’s latest recognition has placed him alongside women’s cricket great Hayley Matthews from the West Indies, who has also won the ICC Player of the Month award five times in her career.<h2>2nd Double Ton Seals 5th Award for Gill</h2>Gill was in outstanding touch against the West Indies in the concluded ODI series, which India won 2-1. Before he entered the record books for his match-winning double-hundred in the second ODI, Gill smashed a brilliant 110 in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram. Gill’s two triple-digit scores in back-to-back matches helped India win both games by eight wickets. He departed for a single digit in the final match.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2027-delhi-capitals-appoint-yuvraj-singh-assistant-batting-coach-1791899928759">IPL 2027: Yuvraj Singh joins Delhi Capitals as assistant and batting coach</a>&nbsp;“It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award, and I am grateful to the panel for this honour. It was immensely satisfying to score those runs and even more special to be part of successful run chases in front of our home fans, whose support always gives us an extra boost,” Gill said.&nbsp;Gill also shared his thoughts on ODI’s evolving demands and India’s roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup.&nbsp;“The pace of ODI cricket has gone up significantly, and you must think on your feet, assess the conditions quickly and adapt to the demands of the pitch and the target. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in southern Africa next year, we are determined to keep raising our standards and build a strong and balanced team capable of rising to the challenges ahead,” he added.<h3>Shafali’s Dream Month</h3>Before securing the Asian Games gold in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan, Shafali Verma helped the Indian women’s team win the Asia Cup in Dubai. Winning two tournaments in the space of 10 days marked a monumental moment for her and the Indian women’s team.&nbsp;“It is an incredible honour to win the ICC Player of the Month award again. It was immensely satisfying to play my part in our victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special,” Shafali said.&nbsp;“I am excited about the months ahead and determined to keep performing at my best, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year, another tournament to look forward to. The memory of winning the World Cup is still so fresh and special, and I can’t wait to be back on the field for an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!” she added.

Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma complete a historic Indian sweep of the ICC Player of the Month awards for September following record-breaking outings.

Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma grabbed headlines for winning their respective ICC Player of the Month awards for September for remarkable performances. While India ODI and Test captain Gill won the award for the record fifth time, beating Abhishek Sharma, Shafali earned her second. While Gill broke several batting records with his second double hundred (223*) against the West Indies in Guwahati ODI, Shafali scored her maiden T20I century against Bangladesh in the triumphant women’s Asian Games campaign. The double has marked the third time that two Indians have won these awards in the same month. Gill’s latest recognition has placed him alongside women’s cricket great Hayley Matthews from the West Indies, who has also won the ICC Player of the Month award five times in her career. 2nd Double Ton Seals 5th Award for Gill Gill was in outstanding touch against the West Indies in the concluded ODI series, which India won 2-1. Before he entered the record books for his match-winning double-hundred in the second ODI, Gill smashed a brilliant 110 in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram. Gill’s two triple-digit scores in back-to-back matches helped India win both games by eight wickets. He departed for a single digit in the final match. Also read | IPL 2027: Yuvraj Singh joins Delhi Capitals as assistant and batting coach “It feels fantastic to win my fifth ICC Player of the Month award, and I am grateful to the panel for this honour. It was immensely satisfying to score those runs and even more special to be part of successful run chases in front of our home fans, whose support always gives us an extra boost,” Gill said. Gill also shared his thoughts on ODI’s evolving demands and India’s roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup. “The pace of ODI cricket has gone up significantly, and you must think on your feet, assess the conditions quickly and adapt to the demands of the pitch and the target. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in southern Africa next year, we are determined to keep raising our standards and build a strong and balanced team capable of rising to the challenges ahead,” he added. Shafali’s Dream Month Before securing the Asian Games gold in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan, Shafali Verma helped the Indian women’s team win the Asia Cup in Dubai. Winning two tournaments in the space of 10 days marked a monumental moment for her and the Indian women’s team. “It is an incredible honour to win the ICC Player of the Month award again. It was immensely satisfying to play my part in our victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special,” Shafali said. “I am excited about the months ahead and determined to keep performing at my best, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year, another tournament to look forward to. The memory of winning the World Cup is still so fresh and special, and I can’t wait to be back on the field for an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!” she added.

Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma complete a historic Indian sweep of the ICC Player of the Month awards for September following record-breaking outings.

ICC Player of the Month: India sweep September awards as Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma win big

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has joined Delhi Capitals (DC) as the assistant and batting coach ahead of IPL 2027, the franchise officially confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 13). Having played for DC in IPL 2015, when the franchise bought him for INR 15 crore - making him the highest-paid IPL player at that time - Yuvraj is back with the franchise, this time in a different capacity.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A champion. A leader. 𝐀 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫. 🐅🔥

The legend who inspired generations is ready to shape Dilli's legacy. Welcome home, Yuvi paa! 💙❤️ https://t.co/i7A77rv2tJ&mdash; Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://x.com/DelhiCapitals/status/2109994059599393206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Widely known for privately coaching Punjab batters Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh, Yuvraj’s latest appointment is his first formal assignment. At the Capitals, he reunites with his former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who also joined DC as head coach ahead of the next season.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-squad-australia-odis-t20is-jofra-archer-return-jacob-bethell-1791888889722">England name full-strength squad for Australia ODIs, rest Archer among key quicks for T20Is</a>&nbsp;"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Yuvi to the Delhi Capitals family," Parth Jindal, the franchise's chairman, said. "Yuvi is one of Indian cricket's greatest match-winners and someone who has played a pivotal role in mentoring many of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket today. His experience, winning mindset, and ability to connect with players will be invaluable to our squad."&nbsp;Expressing excitement about joining in his new role, Yuvraj said, “I have an old association with the franchise and know the owners well, which makes this a special opportunity for me. I'm also looking forward to teaming up with Dada, this time as coaches. Coaching is something I am truly passionate about, and I cannot wait to get started with this extremely talented squad.”<h2>DC in safe hands after Yuvraj’s appointment</h2>While Yuvraj-trained Abhishek broke into the Indian team and wreaked havoc since his T20I debut two years ago, Prabhsimran Singh has emerged as a dangerous batter for Punjab Kings in the IPL.&nbsp;Abhishek is second in the ICC T20I batting rankings and is known for amassing quick runs for fun in international cricket. Following a submissive start to his IPL and domestic career, Abhishek emerged as the best Indian opener since the 2024 T20 World Cup. His exploits saw him break several T20I batting records and helped India defend their T20 crown earlier this year.&nbsp;Elsewhere, Prabhsimran Singh was instrumental in guiding PBKS to its second IPL final in 2025, which they lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The right-hander has scored over 1,000 IPL runs in the past two editions, including 10 fifties and a career strike rate of over 156.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are yet to win an IPL title, having reached the final just once (in 2020) in 18 years of this tournament's history.

Yuvraj Singh joins Delhi Capitals as assistant and batting coach for IPL 2027, reuniting with head coach Sourav Ganguly to lead the franchise forward.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has joined Delhi Capitals (DC) as the assistant and batting coach ahead of IPL 2027, the franchise officially confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 13). Having played for DC in IPL 2015, when the franchise bought him for INR 15 crore - making him the highest-paid IPL player at that time - Yuvraj is back with the franchise, this time in a different capacity.

Yuvraj Singh joins Delhi Capitals as assistant and batting coach for IPL 2027, reuniting with head coach Sourav Ganguly to lead the franchise forward.

IPL 2027: Yuvraj Singh joins Delhi Capitals as assistant and batting coach

Josh Hazlewood bagged his best Test figures of 6/49 in the second innings, and Matt Renshaw scored 272 runs in the match and returned with two wickets to help Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban. The win also accounted for Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma’s first defeat as the Test captain after 12 matches in charge. Even though Aiden Markram’s gritty outing, which lasted 237 balls for his 75, and contributions from David Bedingham (46), Marco Jansen (35) and Wiaan Mulder (29) kept South Africa afloat in the chase, Australia drew first blood on the fifth and final day in this three-match Test series.&nbsp;Chasing a massive 421 on a spicy Durban pitch, Hazlewood first removed opener Ryan Rickelton on two before Bedingham and Markram stitched a 66-run stand for the second wicket to stabilise South Africa’s chase. Hazlewood broke the stand before Renshaw dismissed Bavuma on one, and captain Pat Cummins accounted for Tristan Stubbs (1) soon after to leave South Africa reeling at 86 for four at one stage.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-concussion-test-durban-test-sa-vs-aus-1791879905898">SA vs AUS 1st Test: Steve Smith takes field on day 5 following concussion scare in Durban</a>&nbsp;Mulder and Markram tried saving South Africa’s sinking ship on the fifth day but couldn’t hang on for longer, as Hazlewood returned to break the fifth-wicket stand and send Mulder packing on 29. Renshaw, who starred with the bat across two innings, including his career-best 190 in the first, picked up his second of the match to push South Africa’s back against the wall.&nbsp;A 45-run partnership between Markram and Jansen kept them alive until the second session, only for lanky quick Hazlewood to come back and pick his fourth in the second innings. He dismissed Jansen bowled on 35 off 54 balls. Simon Harmer was the next to depart on a duck before Mitchell Starc dismissed Markram to put the final nail in the coffin.&nbsp;Hazlewood picked up his sixth and final wicket of the innings to wrap up South Africa on 206 in 86.5 overs.&nbsp;“I think he gets a lot of wraps for how consistent he is, but I think that undersells him a little bit,” Cummins said of Hazlewood. “You can bowl him at any time with a new ball, obviously class, but with the reversing ball he's got so many skills, can get the speed gun up when he wants to as well. So captain's dream, I feel like I can bowl him at any stage.”<h3>Cummins praises Renshaw for Durban Test win</h3>Carrying his white-ball form into the Test side, Renshaw revived Australia’s first innings with a brilliant 190, with Cummins and Nathan Lyon providing a helping hand with the bat.&nbsp;Renshaw carried Australia on his back after they were reduced to 124/6 at one stage on day one, later guiding Australia to 390 in their first innings.&nbsp;Praising the left-hander and how his innings helped set the tone for Australia, Cummins said, “I think a lot of it was built on what Matty Renshaw did on day one as well. Got through that day, that first day, and then that got us ahead and managed to clinch and hold on to that lead for the rest of it.”

Josh Hazlewood's 6/49 and Matt Renshaw's all-round brilliance powered Australia to a 214-run win over South Africa, handing Temba Bavuma his first Test loss.

Josh Hazlewood bagged his best Test figures of 6/49 in the second innings, and Matt Renshaw scored 272 runs in the match and returned with two wickets to help Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban. The win also accounted for Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma’s first defeat as the Test captain after 12 matches in charge. Even though Aiden Markram’s gritty outing, which lasted 237 balls for his 75, and contributions from David Bedingham (46), Marco Jansen (35) and Wiaan Mulder (29) kept South Africa afloat in the chase, Australia drew first blood on the fifth and final day in this three-match Test series. Chasing a massive 421 on a spicy Durban pitch, Hazlewood first removed opener Ryan Rickelton on two before Bedingham and Markram stitched a 66-run stand for the second wicket to stabilise South Africa’s chase. Hazlewood broke the stand before Renshaw dismissed Bavuma on one, and captain Pat Cummins accounted for Tristan Stubbs (1) soon after to leave South Africa reeling at 86 for four at one stage. Also read| SA vs AUS 1st Test: Steve Smith takes field on day 5 following concussion scare in Durban Mulder and Markram tried saving South Africa’s sinking ship on the fifth day but couldn’t hang on for longer, as Hazlewood returned to break the fifth-wicket stand and send Mulder packing on 29. Renshaw, who starred with the bat across two innings, including his career-best 190 in the first, picked up his second of the match to push South Africa’s back against the wall. A 45-run partnership between Markram and Jansen kept them alive until the second session, only for lanky quick Hazlewood to come back and pick his fourth in the second innings. He dismissed Jansen bowled on 35 off 54 balls. Simon Harmer was the next to depart on a duck before Mitchell Starc dismissed Markram to put the final nail in the coffin. Hazlewood picked up his sixth and final wicket of the innings to wrap up South Africa on 206 in 86.5 overs. “I think he gets a lot of wraps for how consistent he is, but I think that undersells him a little bit,” Cummins said of Hazlewood. “You can bowl him at any time with a new ball, obviously class, but with the reversing ball he's got so many skills, can get the speed gun up when he wants to as well. So captain's dream, I feel like I can bowl him at any stage.” Cummins praises Renshaw for Durban Test win Carrying his white-ball form into the Test side, Renshaw revived Australia’s first innings with a brilliant 190, with Cummins and Nathan Lyon providing a helping hand with the bat. Renshaw carried Australia on his back after they were reduced to 124/6 at one stage on day one, later guiding Australia to 390 in their first innings. Praising the left-hander and how his innings helped set the tone for Australia, Cummins said, “I think a lot of it was built on what Matty Renshaw did on day one as well. Got through that day, that first day, and then that got us ahead and managed to clinch and hold on to that lead for the rest of it.”

Josh Hazlewood's 6/49 and Matt Renshaw's all-round brilliance powered Australia to a 214-run win over South Africa, handing Temba Bavuma his first Test loss.

SA vs AUS: Hazlewood, Renshaw star as Australia hand Bavuma first defeat as Test captain in Durban

Former Zimbabwe women’s team fast bowler and umpire Sarah Dambanevana has sadly passed away at 36. A Zimbabwe Cricket release stated that Dambanevana had been receiving care at a hospital following a medical procedure in March this year, and died on Monday (Oct 12).&nbsp;"Sarah served Zimbabwe with distinction, first as a player and then as an umpire whose ability earned her a place on the world stage," ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said. "Watching her stand in a World Cup final was a moment of immense pride for our cricket community and our country. She showed young Zimbabwean women that they belong at the highest levels of the game, including in roles where opportunities had long been limited.&nbsp;“Through her achievements, she opened doors and gave others the confidence to pursue their own ambitions. We will remember her dedication, her professionalism and her willingness to help others grow. Her passing leaves a painful void in our cricket family, but the example she set will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/totoa-auvaa-sacked-saracens-ben-stokes-nightclub-incident-1791882123868">Totoa Auvaa, rugby player involved in Stokes' nightclub altercation, sacked over new incident</a>&nbsp;Zimbabwe ODI captain Sikandar Raza also took to his social media handle (X) to pay tribute to Dambanevana.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Such a heartbreaking news 

Sarah was a lovely human being, always smiling 

Sincere condolences to her family and loved ones&mdash; Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) <a href="https://x.com/SRazaB24/status/2109658680828584051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Who was Sarah Dambanevana?</h3>As a player, Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014, including at the 2011 World Cup Qualifier. She joined the ICC development panel of umpires in 2022.&nbsp;Dambanevana’s senior international umpiring career began on September 2, 2023, and she officiated at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and the Women’s ODI World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka, where she was part of the tournament’s historic all-female match officials panel.&nbsp;Before that, Dambanevana officiated in the final between India and England at the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, making history as the first Zimbabwean woman umpire in a World Cup final. Overall, she took the field as an ICC umpire in 63 senior international matches, comprising 42 Women’s T20Is, 11 Women’s ODIs and 10 Men’s T20Is, besides her assignments in domestic cricket and global youth tournaments.&nbsp;

Former Zimbabwe fast bowler and pioneering ICC umpire Sarah Dambanevana has passed away at the age of 36 following a medical procedure in Harare.

Former Zimbabwe women’s team fast bowler and umpire Sarah Dambanevana has sadly passed away at 36. A Zimbabwe Cricket release stated that Dambanevana had been receiving care at a hospital following a medical procedure in March this year, and died on Monday (Oct 12). "Sarah served Zimbabwe with distinction, first as a player and then as an umpire whose ability earned her a place on the world stage," ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said. "Watching her stand in a World Cup final was a moment of immense pride for our cricket community and our country. She showed young Zimbabwean women that they belong at the highest levels of the game, including in roles where opportunities had long been limited. “Through her achievements, she opened doors and gave others the confidence to pursue their own ambitions. We will remember her dedication, her professionalism and her willingness to help others grow. Her passing leaves a painful void in our cricket family, but the example she set will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.” Also read| Totoa Auvaa, rugby player involved in Stokes' nightclub altercation, sacked over new incident Zimbabwe ODI captain Sikandar Raza also took to his social media handle (X) to pay tribute to Dambanevana.

Former Zimbabwe fast bowler and pioneering ICC umpire Sarah Dambanevana has passed away at the age of 36 following a medical procedure in Harare.

Who was Sarah Dambanevana? Former Zimbabwe player & umpire dies at 36

England named a full-strength squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, with Jofra Archer, Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell making comebacks to the 50-over side. With less than a year to go for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, England prioritised the longer format by resting key quicks, including Archer, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Sonny Baker, for the five T20Is that follow. Meanwhile, Archer and Bethell are added to the group that will leave for Pakistan for the ODI tri-series, starting October 18.&nbsp;"The returns of Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer for the ODI series means that we will be at close to full strength as we ramp up preparations for a World Cup in a year's time," Marcus North, England's national selector, said. “The four quick bowlers will then leave after the three-game ODI series as we look to manage them ahead of the Test tour of South Africa.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/totoa-auvaa-sacked-saracens-ben-stokes-nightclub-incident-1791882123868">Totoa Auvaa, rugby player involved in Stokes' nightclub altercation, sacked over new incident</a><h3>England Squad for Australia ODIs –</h3>Harry Brook (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Josh Tongue<h3>England Squad for Australia T20Is –</h3>Harry Brook (captain), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald, Eddie Jack, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Thomas Rew, Phil Salt and Luke Wood&nbsp;While Rehan Ahmed remains a notable absentee from the two squads following an underwhelming domestic season, injury forced seamer Saqib Mahmood out of contention.&nbsp;Besides, fellow quick Brydon Carse has again been overlooked for the ODIs and T20Is as the Cricket Regulator’s investigation into his conduct on a night out in Derby continues. Robert Key, England’s managing director, said on Monday that Carse needed to ‘get his house in order’, adding that ‘Once all of this is dealt with, we'll decide if he can play international cricket again.’&nbsp;England will tour Australia for three ODIs starting November 13 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, with Adelaide (Nov 15) and Hobart (Nov 18) hosting the remaining two matches. The T20I series will get underway at the iconic MCG (Nov 21), with Gold Coast (Nov 24), Brisbane (Nov 27), Sydney (Nov 29) and Canberra (Dec 2) staging the last four T20Is.

Jofra Archer returns as England name a full-strength ODI squad for the Australia tour, while key fast bowlers are rested for the five-match T20I series.

England named a full-strength squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, with Jofra Archer, Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell making comebacks to the 50-over side. With less than a year to go for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, England prioritised the longer format by resting key quicks, including Archer, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Sonny Baker, for the five T20Is that follow. Meanwhile, Archer and Bethell are added to the group that will leave for Pakistan for the ODI tri-series, starting October 18. "The returns of Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer for the ODI series means that we will be at close to full strength as we ramp up preparations for a World Cup in a year's time," Marcus North, England's national selector, said. “The four quick bowlers will then leave after the three-game ODI series as we look to manage them ahead of the Test tour of South Africa.” Also read| Totoa Auvaa, rugby player involved in Stokes' nightclub altercation, sacked over new incident England Squad for Australia ODIs – Harry Brook (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Josh Tongue England Squad for Australia T20Is – Harry Brook (captain), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald, Eddie Jack, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Thomas Rew, Phil Salt and Luke Wood While Rehan Ahmed remains a notable absentee from the two squads following an underwhelming domestic season, injury forced seamer Saqib Mahmood out of contention. Besides, fellow quick Brydon Carse has again been overlooked for the ODIs and T20Is as the Cricket Regulator’s investigation into his conduct on a night out in Derby continues. Robert Key, England’s managing director, said on Monday that Carse needed to ‘get his house in order’, adding that ‘Once all of this is dealt with, we'll decide if he can play international cricket again.’ England will tour Australia for three ODIs starting November 13 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, with Adelaide (Nov 15) and Hobart (Nov 18) hosting the remaining two matches. The T20I series will get underway at the iconic MCG (Nov 21), with Gold Coast (Nov 24), Brisbane (Nov 27), Sydney (Nov 29) and Canberra (Dec 2) staging the last four T20Is.

Jofra Archer returns as England name a full-strength ODI squad for the Australia tour, while key fast bowlers are rested for the five-match T20I series.

England name full-strength squad for Australia ODIs, rest Archer among key quicks for T20Is

Months after an altercation at a London nightclub plunged England cricket into headlines, Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa has been sacked following an entirely separate incident. Auvaa, England seamer Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes were at the centre of an uncalled-for controversy, which later led to Stokes’ shocking decision to relinquish his Test captaincy and step aside from England cricket.&nbsp;Per the latest reports, Saracens sacked Auvaa for punching another man in St Albans this weekend. The rugby club announced it was carrying out a thorough investigation into an unnamed academy player before confirming that Auvaa left the club with immediate effect.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-penalises-west-indies-duo-powell-rutherford-for-code-of-conduct-breach-1791821766818">ICC penalises West Indies duo Powell, Rutherford for Code of Conduct breach</a>&nbsp;"Saracens can confirm that Totoa Auvaa, a member of the senior men's academy, has left the club with immediate effect. Following an incident this weekend, the club has determined that his conduct falls short of the standards expected of everyone who represents Saracens, both on and off the pitch.&nbsp;"We take our responsibilities to our supporters, young people and partners seriously and we remain committed to upholding the standards of our conduct expected across the club. We will not be making any further comment on this matter,” the club statement read.<h3>Infamous London Nightclub Incident</h3>Shortly after leading England to a convincing 115-run win over New Zealand in the series opener at Lord’s, Stokes and Atkinson were out celebrating, where a reported altercation broke out between the two and Auvaa. There, Auvaa landed a punch, aimed at Atkinson, on a member of England’s security staff in the Rex Room nightclub in Chelsea in June.&nbsp;That episode prompted the ECB to suspend Atkinson and Stokes, with the two being dropped from the squad for the second Test, which the visitors won to level the series. Although the Independent Cricket Regulator and ECB’s own probe said that they breached specific contractual obligations, Stokes and Atkinson were not blamed for their conduct.&nbsp;Stokes and Atkinson returned to contention for the series decider at Trent Bridge, where, late during the fourth day, the ECB announced Stokes’ decision to retire from international cricket.

Saracens have sacked academy forward Totoa Auvaa with immediate effect following a new incident in St Albans, months after his London nightclub brawl.

Months after an altercation at a London nightclub plunged England cricket into headlines, Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa has been sacked following an entirely separate incident. Auvaa, England seamer Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes were at the centre of an uncalled-for controversy, which later led to Stokes’ shocking decision to relinquish his Test captaincy and step aside from England cricket. Per the latest reports, Saracens sacked Auvaa for punching another man in St Albans this weekend. The rugby club announced it was carrying out a thorough investigation into an unnamed academy player before confirming that Auvaa left the club with immediate effect. Also read| ICC penalises West Indies duo Powell, Rutherford for Code of Conduct breach "Saracens can confirm that Totoa Auvaa, a member of the senior men's academy, has left the club with immediate effect. Following an incident this weekend, the club has determined that his conduct falls short of the standards expected of everyone who represents Saracens, both on and off the pitch. "We take our responsibilities to our supporters, young people and partners seriously and we remain committed to upholding the standards of our conduct expected across the club. We will not be making any further comment on this matter,” the club statement read. Infamous London Nightclub Incident Shortly after leading England to a convincing 115-run win over New Zealand in the series opener at Lord’s, Stokes and Atkinson were out celebrating, where a reported altercation broke out between the two and Auvaa. There, Auvaa landed a punch, aimed at Atkinson, on a member of England’s security staff in the Rex Room nightclub in Chelsea in June. That episode prompted the ECB to suspend Atkinson and Stokes, with the two being dropped from the squad for the second Test, which the visitors won to level the series. Although the Independent Cricket Regulator and ECB’s own probe said that they breached specific contractual obligations, Stokes and Atkinson were not blamed for their conduct. Stokes and Atkinson returned to contention for the series decider at Trent Bridge, where, late during the fourth day, the ECB announced Stokes’ decision to retire from international cricket.

Saracens have sacked academy forward Totoa Auvaa with immediate effect following a new incident in St Albans, months after his London nightclub brawl.

Totoa Auvaa, rugby player involved in Stokes' nightclub altercation, sacked over new incident

In a massive boost to Australia’s slip cordon, Steve Smith took the field on the final day of the first Test in Durban after passing a concussion assessment. Smith had been struck on the helmet by an Anrich Nortje bouncer while batting in the second innings on Monday (Oct 12). Team doctors assessed Smith for concussion after Anrich Nortje’s brutal bouncer hit him on the head on his fourth delivery in Australia’s second innings.<h3>Watch Smith train before the start of Day 5 -</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Promising signs for Australia and Steve Smith - he is out practicing slips catching before day five #SAvAUS https://t.co/jxfwLxXMZn&mdash; Josh Schönafinger (@joshschon) <a href="https://x.com/joshschon/status/2109897251447615688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The right-hander scored 27 off 41 balls before falling to off-spinner Simon Harmer.&nbsp;Smith did not take the field at the start of South Africa’s second innings, with substitute fielder Michael Neser fielding in his place. However, on the fifth and final day of the Test, with the hosts chasing 421, Smith attained full fitness and returned to take the field, standing at his usual position in the slips.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nathan-mcsweeney-virat-kohli-youtube-videos-australia-a-beat-india-a-1791788649715">McSweeney reveals how studying Virat Kohli’s YouTube clips helped Australia A conquer India</a>&nbsp;On day three, Smith made headlines for his slip catching not once but twice, and both were off Nathan Lyon. Lyon first accounted for South African captain Temba Bavuma, who reverse-swept the off-spinner, only for Smith, standing in first slip, to anticipate it by moving to his right and successfully grab it.&nbsp;Soon after, he caught a brilliant diving catch at second slip off Pat Cummins to dismiss David Bedingham, and with that, surpassed Joe Root to become the most successful fielder in Tests.&nbsp;However, the second catch off Lyon that made headlines was taken similarly to dismiss keeper-batter Kyle Verreynne on 13. Like Bavuma, Verreynne also played a reverse sweep shot to Lyon, only for Smith to pluck a blinder, leaving everyone stunned.&nbsp;Usually a brilliant catcher, Smith picked up four catches in the first innings to sit at 223 Test catches and counting.&nbsp;Meanwhile, South Africa lost four wickets overnight, with Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder batting.

Steve Smith passed a concussion test to take the field on Day 5 of the Durban Test after an Anrich Nortje bouncer strike, aiding Australia's push for victory.

In a massive boost to Australia’s slip cordon, Steve Smith took the field on the final day of the first Test in Durban after passing a concussion assessment. Smith had been struck on the helmet by an Anrich Nortje bouncer while batting in the second innings on Monday (Oct 12). Team doctors assessed Smith for concussion after Anrich Nortje’s brutal bouncer hit him on the head on his fourth delivery in Australia’s second innings. Watch Smith train before the start of Day 5 -

Steve Smith passed a concussion test to take the field on Day 5 of the Durban Test after an Anrich Nortje bouncer strike, aiding Australia's push for victory.

SA vs AUS 1st Test: Steve Smith takes field on day 5 following concussion scare in Durban

Indian tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi has made history by becoming the youngest Indian woman to win an ITF W35 singles title, achieving the milestone at 17 years and three months in Lagos, Portugal. The teenager capped a memorable week by winning her maiden ITF singles title without dropping a set, underlining her growing potential as she begins to make her mark on the professional circuit. She also won the doubles title, making it a memorable double triumph. For Maaya, however, the breakthrough is not a moment to get carried away with expectations. Instead, it is a confidence boost and an opportunity to build on the progress she has made.&nbsp;“This is just sort of a start because it's the first title. And it's a good sign to start off the pro career. It's a good start for sure,” Maaya said in an exclusive interview with WION. “I don't think this is going to make that big of a deal, because it's just a start. And now it's just a confidence that I've given myself that I can compete better. So, probably I'll carry the confidence into the tournament that I'm going after.”<h2>Maaya Rajeshwaran on historic ITF title: ‘I came in with no expectations’</h2>Maaya's title run was particularly impressive because she entered the tournament as a qualifier and approached the challenge without placing unnecessary pressure on herself. With the prospect of facing the top seed early in the competition, the youngster focused on playing her best tennis rather than worrying about the outcome. “I came in with no expectations. I won a round in the qualifiers and I was set up to play the top seed in the first round. I just went out there and tried to play as good as I can because I think I was the underdog in this tournament,” she said.&nbsp;The Indian teenager credited her performance to the level of tennis she produced throughout the week, acknowledging that professional tournaments demand consistency and the ability to perform on the day. “I think overall, I delivered better tennis than my opponents,” she added. One of the biggest lessons from the title-winning campaign was the importance of trusting herself. Competing against experienced opponents helped Maaya realise that she could challenge players at this level and potentially achieve even more.&nbsp;“One important thing is that I really have to trust myself more, to be more confident in myself. There's always something to work on. But when you deliver a certain level and step on court next time, I just want to feel like I can do it. I can actually do better and I can actually be there,” she said. “That sort of confidence has developed this week for sure, which wasn't there before.”<h2>Maaya Rajeshwaran recalls stunning comeback from 0-5 down</h2>One of the defining moments of Maaya's title-winning campaign came during her match against Justina, when she found herself trailing 0-5 in the opening set. Rather than giving up, the teenager concentrated on staying in the set and taking the match one point at a time. Recalling the comeback, Maaya revealed that a simple thought helped her change her approach. “I looked at the clock and it was, I think, 25 minutes into the match. And the first thing that came into my mind is, I'm not losing a set in 25 minutes,” she said.&nbsp;“So I just tried to stay. I just tried to play one point at a time and stay alive in the set as long as I could.” The comeback shifted the momentum in her favour, allowing her to carry the confidence into the second set. “First of all, if I'm taking a set from 0-5 down, I think that plays a part. The momentum was with me and I just tried to keep going the way that I was, not changing anything,” she added.&nbsp;Maaya also revealed how she handled the pressure of the championship point in the final. Instead of dwelling on the significance of the moment, she tried to relax and keep her mind away from the outcome. “I started singing something in my head just to get out, just to be light and just let go. And I think that really helped. By the match point, I didn't really think of it as match point. It was just another point for me,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fight-till-our-last-breath-sujeet-kalkal-on-asian-games-gold-wrestling-and-pwl-1791638175674">‘Fight till our last breath’: Sujeet Kalkal on Asian Games gold, wrestling and PWL</a><h2>Maaya Rajeshwaran on Sania Mirza: ‘She'll forever be my idol’</h2>As India's youngest woman to win an ITF W35 singles title, Maaya is beginning to establish her own identity in Indian tennis. Yet, she remains deeply respectful of the players who helped inspire her journey. Asked about surpassing Sania Mirza, Maaya was quick to emphasise the legendary Indian tennis star's lasting impact on the sport. “I don't think you can actually surpass her, because she's a legend and she'll always remain a legend,” she said.&nbsp;“I still do look up to her in a lot of ways because I think she was the idol when I was growing up in the country. She's someone who's made tennis visible in the country after so many years.” Maaya revealed that she follows Sania's podcasts and interviews and hopes to learn more from the former Indian tennis star in the future. “I still look up to her, hear all her podcasts, hear all her interviews. And I think with Sania, she'll remain a legend and she'll forever be my idol,” she added.<h2>Maaya targets women's rankings breakthrough</h2>Currently ranked world no. 16 in the ITF junior rankings and world no. 1038 in the WTA singles rankings, Maaya is looking to build on her maiden professional singles title and make further progress in the women's game. The teenager has begun competing more regularly in professional tournaments in Europe and acknowledged that the transition from the junior circuit to the senior level is still a learning process. “I haven't played so many tournaments to actually experience that transition on a larger scale. This is one of the very few pro tournaments that I've played in Europe,” she said. “The plan is to play more pro tournaments. I'm still here and I'm looking forward to a lot of good, exciting stuff because I don't know how the transition's going to look, to be honest.”&nbsp;Maaya also confirmed that she had moved on from the Rafa Nadal Academy and was training at the Elite Tennis Centre (ETC) in the south of France, where she has been based for the past couple of months. Looking ahead, the focus will be on competing more, making technical improvements and strengthening her physical conditioning as she prepares for the next stage of her career. “I want to compete more. I'm going to take some time to train, to improve some technical changes, to build more physically. I think that is important as well, to stay out of injuries, to build more physically, to be more fit and agile on court,” she said.&nbsp;For now, Maaya's approach remains simple: continue working, enjoy competing and allow the results to follow. “I'm just going to go and try to give my best, see what happens. I don't think you can actually decide earlier that you want to win this tournament or whatever. I just want to go play and enjoy, have fun on court and see how it goes,” she signed off.

Maaya Rajeshwaran makes history as India's youngest ITF W35 singles champion. Read her interview on Sania Mirza, confidence and future tennis goals

Indian tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi has made history by becoming the youngest Indian woman to win an ITF W35 singles title, achieving the milestone at 17 years and three months in Lagos, Portugal. The teenager capped a memorable week by winning her maiden ITF singles title without dropping a set, underlining her growing potential as she begins to make her mark on the professional circuit. She also won the doubles title, making it a memorable double triumph. For Maaya, however, the breakthrough is not a moment to get carried away with expectations. Instead, it is a confidence boost and an opportunity to build on the progress she has made. “This is just sort of a start because it's the first title. And it's a good sign to start off the pro career. It's a good start for sure,” Maaya said in an exclusive interview with WION. “I don't think this is going to make that big of a deal, because it's just a start. And now it's just a confidence that I've given myself that I can compete better. So, probably I'll carry the confidence into the tournament that I'm going after.” Maaya Rajeshwaran on historic ITF title: ‘I came in with no expectations’ Maaya's title run was particularly impressive because she entered the tournament as a qualifier and approached the challenge without placing unnecessary pressure on herself. With the prospect of facing the top seed early in the competition, the youngster focused on playing her best tennis rather than worrying about the outcome. “I came in with no expectations. I won a round in the qualifiers and I was set up to play the top seed in the first round. I just went out there and tried to play as good as I can because I think I was the underdog in this tournament,” she said. The Indian teenager credited her performance to the level of tennis she produced throughout the week, acknowledging that professional tournaments demand consistency and the ability to perform on the day. “I think overall, I delivered better tennis than my opponents,” she added. One of the biggest lessons from the title-winning campaign was the importance of trusting herself. Competing against experienced opponents helped Maaya realise that she could challenge players at this level and potentially achieve even more. “One important thing is that I really have to trust myself more, to be more confident in myself. There's always something to work on. But when you deliver a certain level and step on court next time, I just want to feel like I can do it. I can actually do better and I can actually be there,” she said. “That sort of confidence has developed this week for sure, which wasn't there before.” Maaya Rajeshwaran recalls stunning comeback from 0-5 down One of the defining moments of Maaya's title-winning campaign came during her match against Justina, when she found herself trailing 0-5 in the opening set. Rather than giving up, the teenager concentrated on staying in the set and taking the match one point at a time. Recalling the comeback, Maaya revealed that a simple thought helped her change her approach. “I looked at the clock and it was, I think, 25 minutes into the match. And the first thing that came into my mind is, I'm not losing a set in 25 minutes,” she said. “So I just tried to stay. I just tried to play one point at a time and stay alive in the set as long as I could.” The comeback shifted the momentum in her favour, allowing her to carry the confidence into the second set. “First of all, if I'm taking a set from 0-5 down, I think that plays a part. The momentum was with me and I just tried to keep going the way that I was, not changing anything,” she added. Maaya also revealed how she handled the pressure of the championship point in the final. Instead of dwelling on the significance of the moment, she tried to relax and keep her mind away from the outcome. “I started singing something in my head just to get out, just to be light and just let go. And I think that really helped. By the match point, I didn't really think of it as match point. It was just another point for me,” she said. Also Read: ‘Fight till our last breath’: Sujeet Kalkal on Asian Games gold, wrestling and PWL Maaya Rajeshwaran on Sania Mirza: ‘She'll forever be my idol’ As India's youngest woman to win an ITF W35 singles title, Maaya is beginning to establish her own identity in Indian tennis. Yet, she remains deeply respectful of the players who helped inspire her journey. Asked about surpassing Sania Mirza, Maaya was quick to emphasise the legendary Indian tennis star's lasting impact on the sport. “I don't think you can actually surpass her, because she's a legend and she'll always remain a legend,” she said. “I still do look up to her in a lot of ways because I think she was the idol when I was growing up in the country. She's someone who's made tennis visible in the country after so many years.” Maaya revealed that she follows Sania's podcasts and interviews and hopes to learn more from the former Indian tennis star in the future. “I still look up to her, hear all her podcasts, hear all her interviews. And I think with Sania, she'll remain a legend and she'll forever be my idol,” she added. Maaya targets women's rankings breakthrough Currently ranked world no. 16 in the ITF junior rankings and world no. 1038 in the WTA singles rankings, Maaya is looking to build on her maiden professional singles title and make further progress in the women's game. The teenager has begun competing more regularly in professional tournaments in Europe and acknowledged that the transition from the junior circuit to the senior level is still a learning process. “I haven't played so many tournaments to actually experience that transition on a larger scale. This is one of the very few pro tournaments that I've played in Europe,” she said. “The plan is to play more pro tournaments. I'm still here and I'm looking forward to a lot of good, exciting stuff because I don't know how the transition's going to look, to be honest.” Maaya also confirmed that she had moved on from the Rafa Nadal Academy and was training at the Elite Tennis Centre (ETC) in the south of France, where she has been based for the past couple of months. Looking ahead, the focus will be on competing more, making technical improvements and strengthening her physical conditioning as she prepares for the next stage of her career. “I want to compete more. I'm going to take some time to train, to improve some technical changes, to build more physically. I think that is important as well, to stay out of injuries, to build more physically, to be more fit and agile on court,” she said. For now, Maaya's approach remains simple: continue working, enjoy competing and allow the results to follow. “I'm just going to go and try to give my best, see what happens. I don't think you can actually decide earlier that you want to win this tournament or whatever. I just want to go play and enjoy, have fun on court and see how it goes,” she signed off.

Tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran reflects on her historic ITF W35 title, a stunning 0-5 comeback, Sania Mirza idol and her plans to climb the women's rankings

‘This is just the start’: Maaya Rajeshwaran on historic ITF title, confidence boost and future goals

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two matches of India A’s tour of New Zealand due to a left-side strain he suffered while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Pant is recovering under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team and his availability for the third match will be decided later. Kumar Kushagra has been named as his replacement for the first two games.&nbsp;“Rishabh Pant, whose availability for the India A tour of New Zealand was subject to fitness, has been ruled out of the first two matches. The wicketkeeper-batter had sustained a left-side strain while leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He remains under the care of the BCCI Medical Team and is recovering well. A decision on his availability for the third match will be taken at a later stage. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Kumar Kushagra as Pant’s replacement for the first two matches,” BCCI said in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-penalises-west-indies-duo-powell-rutherford-for-code-of-conduct-breach-1791821766818">ICC penalises West Indies duo Powell, Rutherford for Code of Conduct breach</a>&nbsp;India A will play a three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand from Oct 24 to Nov 10, with matches scheduled in Lincoln and Christchurch.&nbsp;The squad includes several players with international experience, such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. Their experience will be important as India A prepare for the overseas tour.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-rejects-venue-shift-reports-india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-odi-to-remain-in-delhi-1791804930359">BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi</a><h2>India A’s updated squad</h2>Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Dhruv Jurel (C) (WK), Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, Mukesh Kumar and Kumar Kushagra (WK) (1st and 2nd matches).

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two India A matches in New Zealand due to a side strain, with Kumar Kushagra named as his replacement.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two matches of India A’s tour of New Zealand due to a left-side strain he suffered while captaining Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Pant is recovering under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team and his availability for the third match will be decided later. Kumar Kushagra has been named as his replacement for the first two games. “Rishabh Pant, whose availability for the India A tour of New Zealand was subject to fitness, has been ruled out of the first two matches. The wicketkeeper-batter had sustained a left-side strain while leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He remains under the care of the BCCI Medical Team and is recovering well. A decision on his availability for the third match will be taken at a later stage. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Kumar Kushagra as Pant’s replacement for the first two matches,” BCCI said in a statement. Also Read - ICC penalises West Indies duo Powell, Rutherford for Code of Conduct breach India A will play a three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand from Oct 24 to Nov 10, with matches scheduled in Lincoln and Christchurch. The squad includes several players with international experience, such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. Their experience will be important as India A prepare for the overseas tour. Also Read - BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi India A’s updated squad Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Dhruv Jurel (C) (WK), Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, Mukesh Kumar and Kumar Kushagra (WK) (1st and 2nd matches).

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the first two India A matches in New Zealand due to a side strain, with Kumar Kushagra named as his replacement.

Rishabh Pant ruled out of India A squad for New Zealand tour, Kumar Kushagra named replacement

Two West Indies cricketers, Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, have received one demerit point each from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their behaviour during the second T20I against India in Ranchi on Friday (Oct 9). According to an ICC statement, Powell was penalised for hitting the ball away with his bat after getting dismissed by Mayank Yadav in the sixth over and was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with the misuse of cricket equipment.&nbsp;Rutherford, meanwhile, was punished for showing dissent towards the umpire. The left-handed batter angrily reacted in the 13th over after a delivery he believed was wide was ruled legitimate. He breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers disagreement with an umpire’s decision.&nbsp;Both players admitted their offences and accepted the penalties proposed by match referee Prakash Bhatt. As a result, no formal hearings were required.&nbsp;Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct can result in an official warning, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee and one or two demerit points.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-indians-sign-tara-norris-in-trade-deal-with-up-warriorz-ahead-of-wpl-2027-1791815756458">Mumbai Indians sign Tara Norris in trade deal with UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2027</a>&nbsp;Despite the incident, Rutherford impressed with the bat, scoring 84 off just 37 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes. He also shared a 120-run fourth-wicket partnership off 54 balls with captain Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 deliveries.&nbsp;Rutherford was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav before he could complete his century, but his innings helped put West Indies in a strong position to chase the target.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-rejects-venue-shift-reports-india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-odi-to-remain-in-delhi-1791804930359">BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi</a>&nbsp;The 84-run knock was Rutherford’s second half-century of the series. He had also scored a fifty in the opening T20I, helping West Indies post a total of 171 runs.

Both West Indies players received one demerit point each, marking their first offences in a 24-month period.

Two West Indies cricketers, Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, have received one demerit point each from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their behaviour during the second T20I against India in Ranchi on Friday (Oct 9). According to an ICC statement, Powell was penalised for hitting the ball away with his bat after getting dismissed by Mayank Yadav in the sixth over and was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with the misuse of cricket equipment. Rutherford, meanwhile, was punished for showing dissent towards the umpire. The left-handed batter angrily reacted in the 13th over after a delivery he believed was wide was ruled legitimate. He breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which covers disagreement with an umpire’s decision. Both players admitted their offences and accepted the penalties proposed by match referee Prakash Bhatt. As a result, no formal hearings were required. Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct can result in an official warning, a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee and one or two demerit points. Also Read - Mumbai Indians sign Tara Norris in trade deal with UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2027 Despite the incident, Rutherford impressed with the bat, scoring 84 off just 37 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes. He also shared a 120-run fourth-wicket partnership off 54 balls with captain Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 deliveries. Rutherford was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav before he could complete his century, but his innings helped put West Indies in a strong position to chase the target. Also Read - BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi The 84-run knock was Rutherford’s second half-century of the series. He had also scored a fifty in the opening T20I, helping West Indies post a total of 171 runs.

Both West Indies players received one demerit point each, marking their first offences in a 24-month period.

ICC penalises West Indies duo Powell, Rutherford for Code of Conduct breach

Carlos Alcaraz fell to Zizou Bergs in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters on Monday, interrupting the former world number one's in-form return to the professional Tour after being sidelined for months by injury. The 39th-ranked Belgian beat the second-seeded Spanish star 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in the third round to land the tournament's biggest upset yet and will play Tommy Paul next.&nbsp;"Today wasn't a good match from my side. I didn't feel good," Alcaraz told reporters, crediting Bergs for taking chances and serving big.&nbsp;"In a few important moments I didn't play my best, and I would say there were a few moments that he was lucky," the 23-year-old said of their two-hour battle.&nbsp;Alcaraz said he was "disappointed" by a loss riddled with errors, which came a week after he won the Tokyo Open, adding he would return home and hit practice.&nbsp;"Right now, you know, all the negative thoughts come to my mind and none of the positives, but I think I will take it, you know, the good things," he said.&nbsp;His loss also ensures current world number two Alexander Zverev, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, will replace Jannik Sinner as world number one by the year's end, with the Italian's season over due to a knee injury.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-indians-sign-tara-norris-in-trade-deal-with-up-warriorz-ahead-of-wpl-2027-1791815756458">Mumbai Indians sign Tara Norris in trade deal with UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2027</a>&nbsp;Zverev, the top seeded player in Shanghai, will face Alexander Bublik in the last 16 on Tuesday.<h2>‘Disbelief’</h2>Alcaraz started with more quality until Bergs broke the Spaniard's serve to go up 3-2 in the first set.&nbsp;Alcaraz grabbed back that break in the next game but was uncharacteristically off-target, sending a mess of shots into the net.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-tilak-varma-enters-elite-club-with-india-s-best-catch-ratio-in-t20is-1791804240871">IND vs WI: Tilak Varma enters elite club with India’s best catch ratio in T20Is</a>&nbsp;He double-faulted to hand Bergs a critical break point in the 11th game and lost the first set when a volley went short.&nbsp;Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, was visibly frustrated during the second set as he vented to his corner following a series of misfired shots that left him with no points in the fourth and eighth games.&nbsp;He forced a tie-break but could not reach&nbsp;a third set as Bergs closed things out on the first match point.&nbsp;"It's a little disbelief and not feeling too much," Bergs, 27, said after winning.&nbsp;"You're just really in the moment, being focused on the points you have to play," he said.

World No. 39 Belgian stunned Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, winning 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) to knock the Spaniard out of the Shanghai Masters in the third round.

Carlos Alcaraz fell to Zizou Bergs in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters on Monday, interrupting the former world number one's in-form return to the professional Tour after being sidelined for months by injury. The 39th-ranked Belgian beat the second-seeded Spanish star 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in the third round to land the tournament's biggest upset yet and will play Tommy Paul next. "Today wasn't a good match from my side. I didn't feel good," Alcaraz told reporters, crediting Bergs for taking chances and serving big. "In a few important moments I didn't play my best, and I would say there were a few moments that he was lucky," the 23-year-old said of their two-hour battle. Alcaraz said he was "disappointed" by a loss riddled with errors, which came a week after he won the Tokyo Open, adding he would return home and hit practice. "Right now, you know, all the negative thoughts come to my mind and none of the positives, but I think I will take it, you know, the good things," he said. His loss also ensures current world number two Alexander Zverev, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, will replace Jannik Sinner as world number one by the year's end, with the Italian's season over due to a knee injury. Also Read - Mumbai Indians sign Tara Norris in trade deal with UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2027 Zverev, the top seeded player in Shanghai, will face Alexander Bublik in the last 16 on Tuesday. ‘Disbelief’ Alcaraz started with more quality until Bergs broke the Spaniard's serve to go up 3-2 in the first set. Alcaraz grabbed back that break in the next game but was uncharacteristically off-target, sending a mess of shots into the net. Also Read - IND vs WI: Tilak Varma enters elite club with India’s best catch ratio in T20Is He double-faulted to hand Bergs a critical break point in the 11th game and lost the first set when a volley went short. Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, was visibly frustrated during the second set as he vented to his corner following a series of misfired shots that left him with no points in the fourth and eighth games. He forced a tie-break but could not reach a third set as Bergs closed things out on the first match point. "It's a little disbelief and not feeling too much," Bergs, 27, said after winning. "You're just really in the moment, being focused on the points you have to play," he said.

World No. 39 Belgian stunned Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, winning 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) to knock the Spaniard out of the Shanghai Masters in the third round.

Carlos Alcaraz suffers shock third-round exit at Shanghai Masters

Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed USA left-arm fast bowler Tara Norris from UP Warriorz (UPW) through a trade for her base price of INR 10 lakh ahead of the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Norris previously played for Delhi Capitals in the inaugural WPL season in 2023 and made history by becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the tournament. She achieved the feat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Brabourne Stadium, finishing with figures of 5 for 29.&nbsp;&nbsp;UP Warriorz picked Norris at the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. However, she later pulled out of the tournament to play for the USA in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.&nbsp;Her arrival gives Mumbai Indians more flexibility in team selection. Since players from Associate nations are exempt from the regular overseas-player limit, MI can field five overseas players in their playing XI.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-tilak-varma-enters-elite-club-with-india-s-best-catch-ratio-in-t20is-1791804240871">IND vs WI: Tilak Varma enters elite club with India’s best catch ratio in T20Is</a>&nbsp;The move will also see Norris return to an MI franchise after representing MI London in The Hundred earlier this year. She played six matches for the team, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 7.83.&nbsp;Norris will reunite with MI’s new head coach Luke Williams. The two previously worked together at Southern Brave during the 2021 edition of The Hundred, when Williams was an assistant coach to Charlotte Edwards.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-rejects-venue-shift-reports-india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-odi-to-remain-in-delhi-1791804930359">BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi</a>&nbsp;Apart from Norris, Mumbai Indians have several pace-bowling options, including Shabnim Ismail, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur and Nicola Carey.&nbsp;MI have won two titles in the first four seasons of the Women’s Premier League and will look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2027 campaign.

Norris did not feature for UP Warriorz in the WPL earlier this year but played five matches for Delhi Capitals in the 2023 edition.

Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed USA left-arm fast bowler Tara Norris from UP Warriorz (UPW) through a trade for her base price of INR 10 lakh ahead of the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Norris previously played for Delhi Capitals in the inaugural WPL season in 2023 and made history by becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the tournament. She achieved the feat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Brabourne Stadium, finishing with figures of 5 for 29. UP Warriorz picked Norris at the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. However, she later pulled out of the tournament to play for the USA in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Her arrival gives Mumbai Indians more flexibility in team selection. Since players from Associate nations are exempt from the regular overseas-player limit, MI can field five overseas players in their playing XI. Also Read - IND vs WI: Tilak Varma enters elite club with India’s best catch ratio in T20Is The move will also see Norris return to an MI franchise after representing MI London in The Hundred earlier this year. She played six matches for the team, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 7.83. Norris will reunite with MI’s new head coach Luke Williams. The two previously worked together at Southern Brave during the 2021 edition of The Hundred, when Williams was an assistant coach to Charlotte Edwards. Also Read - BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi Apart from Norris, Mumbai Indians have several pace-bowling options, including Shabnim Ismail, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur and Nicola Carey. MI have won two titles in the first four seasons of the Women’s Premier League and will look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2027 campaign.

Norris did not feature for UP Warriorz in the WPL earlier this year but played five matches for Delhi Capitals in the 2023 edition.

Mumbai Indians sign Tara Norris in trade deal with UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2027

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday (Oct 12) dismissed reports claiming that the first ODI of the upcoming three-match series between India and Sri Lanka had been shifted from Delhi to Ahmedabad. Saikia clarified that Delhi had been allotted the Dec 13 match as per the board’s standard policy and also confirmed that there had been no change in the venue.&nbsp;“Reports suggesting that the India–Sri Lanka ODI match scheduled in Delhi may be shifted to Ahmedabad are not accurate. There has been no such decision by the BCCI,” Saikia was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;“Further, it needs to be reiterated that bilateral matches are primarily allotted by following a standard policy,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abhishek-sharma-uneasy-preparation-18-ball-fifty-record-2000-t20i-runs-indore-1791793946345">Abhishek credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win</a>&nbsp;The rumours emerged amid reports that the match could be moved to Ahmedabad due to ongoing construction work at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the third and final ODI of the series on Dec 19.&nbsp;Apart from the three ODIs, Sri Lanka will also play a three-match T20I series during the tour.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-had-planned-how-to-keep-things-tight-arshdeep-reveals-india-s-game-plan-for-shai-hope-1791798778420">‘We had planned how...’: Arshdeep reveals India’s game plan for Shai Hope</a><h2>India vs Sri Lanka 2026: Full Schedule</h2>ODI Series<ul><li>1st ODI: Dec 13 - Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi</li><li>2nd ODI: Dec 16 - M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru</li><li>3rd ODI: Dec 19 - Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad</li></ul>T20I Series<ul><li>1st T20I: Dec 22 - Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot</li><li>2nd T20I: Dec 24 - Barabati Stadium in Cuttack</li><li>3rd T20I: Dec 27 - Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune</li></ul>

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed venue-change reports, confirming that India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka will take place in Delhi on Dec 13.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday (Oct 12) dismissed reports claiming that the first ODI of the upcoming three-match series between India and Sri Lanka had been shifted from Delhi to Ahmedabad. Saikia clarified that Delhi had been allotted the Dec 13 match as per the board’s standard policy and also confirmed that there had been no change in the venue. “Reports suggesting that the India–Sri Lanka ODI match scheduled in Delhi may be shifted to Ahmedabad are not accurate. There has been no such decision by the BCCI,” Saikia was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. “Further, it needs to be reiterated that bilateral matches are primarily allotted by following a standard policy,” he added. Also Read - Abhishek credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win The rumours emerged amid reports that the match could be moved to Ahmedabad due to ongoing construction work at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the third and final ODI of the series on Dec 19. Apart from the three ODIs, Sri Lanka will also play a three-match T20I series during the tour. Also Read - ‘We had planned how...’: Arshdeep reveals India’s game plan for Shai Hope India vs Sri Lanka 2026: Full Schedule ODI Series 1st ODI: Dec 13 - Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi 2nd ODI: Dec 16 - M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru 3rd ODI: Dec 19 - Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad T20I Series 1st T20I: Dec 22 - Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot 2nd T20I: Dec 24 - Barabati Stadium in Cuttack 3rd T20I: Dec 27 - Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed venue-change reports, confirming that India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka will take place in Delhi on Dec 13.

BCCI rejects venue shift reports, India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI to remain in Delhi

India vice-captain Tilak Varma may have suffered an unusual run-out in the third T20I against the West Indies, but he also achieved a major personal milestone during the match in Indore on Sunday (Oct 11). The left-handed batter became the fifth Indian fielder to take 50 catches in T20 internationals and joined Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli on the elite list.&nbsp;Tilak has reached the milestone in just 68 T20I appearances, making his achievement even more impressive, as his ratio of catches per innings stands at 0.757, the best among Indian fielders with at least 50 outfield catches in the format.&nbsp;At the global level, only the United Arab Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem has a better record. Waseem has taken 76 catches in 99 appearances, with a ratio of 0.767.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abhishek-sharma-uneasy-preparation-18-ball-fifty-record-2000-t20i-runs-indore-1791793946345">Abhishek credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win</a><h3>Most catches by Indian fielders in T20Is</h3><ul><li>Rohit Sharma - 65</li><li>Hardik Pandya - 64</li><li>&nbsp;Suryakumar Yadav - 58</li><li>Virat Kohli - 54</li><li>Tilak Varma - 50</li></ul>The milestone came in a match that also saw Tilak involved in an unusual run-out. During the 17th over, Tilak and Axar Patel appeared to believe that West Indies fielder Kamil Pooran had touched the boundary rope while stopping a shot.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-had-planned-how-to-keep-things-tight-arshdeep-reveals-india-s-game-plan-for-shai-hope-1791798778420">‘We had planned how...’: Arshdeep reveals India’s game plan for Shai Hope</a>&nbsp;The batters completed a single and exchanged a fist bump, seemingly expecting the umpire to signal a four. However, Pooran had kept the ball inside the boundary and quickly returned it.&nbsp;Despite Axar reaching safety at the striker’s end, Tilak was run out at the bowler’s end after failing to realise the situation, with the third umpire confirming the dismissal.&nbsp;Tilak scored 28 off 16 balls, hitting four boundaries. India recovered from the dismissal to post 223 runs, with Abhishek Sharma leading the way with 69 off 30 balls.&nbsp;Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets, while Naman Dhir claimed two as the West Indies were restricted to 209/7. India won the match by 14 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Tilak Varma became the fifth Indian fielder to take 50 catches in T20Is during Sunday’s match against West Indies in Indore, joining Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli in the elite club.

India vice-captain Tilak Varma may have suffered an unusual run-out in the third T20I against the West Indies, but he also achieved a major personal milestone during the match in Indore on Sunday (Oct 11). The left-handed batter became the fifth Indian fielder to take 50 catches in T20 internationals and joined Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli on the elite list. Tilak has reached the milestone in just 68 T20I appearances, making his achievement even more impressive, as his ratio of catches per innings stands at 0.757, the best among Indian fielders with at least 50 outfield catches in the format. At the global level, only the United Arab Emirates’ Muhammad Waseem has a better record. Waseem has taken 76 catches in 99 appearances, with a ratio of 0.767. Also Read - Abhishek credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win Most catches by Indian fielders in T20Is Rohit Sharma - 65 Hardik Pandya - 64 Suryakumar Yadav - 58 Virat Kohli - 54 Tilak Varma - 50 The milestone came in a match that also saw Tilak involved in an unusual run-out. During the 17th over, Tilak and Axar Patel appeared to believe that West Indies fielder Kamil Pooran had touched the boundary rope while stopping a shot. Also Read - ‘We had planned how...’: Arshdeep reveals India’s game plan for Shai Hope The batters completed a single and exchanged a fist bump, seemingly expecting the umpire to signal a four. However, Pooran had kept the ball inside the boundary and quickly returned it. Despite Axar reaching safety at the striker’s end, Tilak was run out at the bowler’s end after failing to realise the situation, with the third umpire confirming the dismissal. Tilak scored 28 off 16 balls, hitting four boundaries. India recovered from the dismissal to post 223 runs, with Abhishek Sharma leading the way with 69 off 30 balls. Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets, while Naman Dhir claimed two as the West Indies were restricted to 209/7. India won the match by 14 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Tilak Varma became the fifth Indian fielder to take 50 catches in T20Is during Sunday’s match against West Indies in Indore, joining Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli in the elite club.

IND vs WI: Tilak Varma enters elite club with India’s best catch ratio in T20Is

From Muttiah Muralitharan to Anil Kumble, here's a look at the top five spinners with most wickets in international cricket. This list also includes Shane Warne, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shakib Al Hasan

From Muttiah Muralitharan to Anil Kumble, here's a look at the top five spinners with most wickets in international cricket. This list also includes Shane Warne, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shakib Al Hasan

Meet top 5 spinners with most international wickets

India had a clear plan to stop West Indies captain Shai Hope, who had been in excellent form throughout the ODI and T20I series and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was happy to see the plan work in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday. Hope had scored two consecutive centuries in the ODI series before hitting a half-century in the first T20I and an unbeaten 102 in the second, however, he managed only five runs before Arshdeep dismissed him in the second over.&nbsp;India restricted the West Indies to 209/7 while defending a target of 224, securing a 14-run win and taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Arshdeep played a key role with three wickets, dismissing Hope, Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul.&nbsp;“Before the match, we had planned how to keep things tight to him and when you execute that plan in the match, it feels good when you get the result. I am grateful to the coaches for working through the plan and they told me that I can use this in the match and that thing got executed,” Arshdeep said in a video posted on BCCI.tv on Monday.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abhishek-sharma-uneasy-preparation-18-ball-fifty-record-2000-t20i-runs-indore-1791793946345">Abhishek Sharma credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for blistering 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win</a>&nbsp;The pacer praised the entire bowling unit for maintaining pressure while defending a big total. India bounced back after the West Indies chased down 250 in the previous match.&nbsp;“I bowled very well. Mayank kept the pressure from the other end and all the six bowlers, all chipped in and bowled very well. It feels good when you get a little pressure for executing plans. So, it’s good fun,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nathan-mcsweeney-virat-kohli-youtube-videos-australia-a-beat-india-a-1791788649715">McSweeney reveals how studying Kohli YouTube clips helped AUS A conquer India</a>&nbsp;Arshdeep also apologised to Axar Patel for the mix-up in the middle that led to the all-rounder’s run-out.&nbsp;“I would like to apologise to Axar bhai. Sorry, Axar bhai. I got you run out,” he said.The left-arm pacer also spoke about his efforts to improve his batting and contribute useful runs lower down the order.&nbsp;“I keep trying in batting. The results are rare. But today, it just connected well. As much as the coaches trust us, we have to do it in batting as well and get a few runs down the order. So it is important to work like this in batting,” he added.

India’s bowling plans paid off as Arshdeep Singh dismissed in-form West Indies captain Shai Hope for five in the third T20I, helping India secure a 14-run victory and take a 2-1 series lead. 

India had a clear plan to stop West Indies captain Shai Hope, who had been in excellent form throughout the ODI and T20I series and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was happy to see the plan work in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday. Hope had scored two consecutive centuries in the ODI series before hitting a half-century in the first T20I and an unbeaten 102 in the second, however, he managed only five runs before Arshdeep dismissed him in the second over. India restricted the West Indies to 209/7 while defending a target of 224, securing a 14-run win and taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Arshdeep played a key role with three wickets, dismissing Hope, Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul. “Before the match, we had planned how to keep things tight to him and when you execute that plan in the match, it feels good when you get the result. I am grateful to the coaches for working through the plan and they told me that I can use this in the match and that thing got executed,” Arshdeep said in a video posted on BCCI.tv on Monday. Also Read - Abhishek Sharma credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for blistering 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win The pacer praised the entire bowling unit for maintaining pressure while defending a big total. India bounced back after the West Indies chased down 250 in the previous match. “I bowled very well. Mayank kept the pressure from the other end and all the six bowlers, all chipped in and bowled very well. It feels good when you get a little pressure for executing plans. So, it’s good fun,” he said. Also Read - McSweeney reveals how studying Kohli YouTube clips helped AUS A conquer India Arshdeep also apologised to Axar Patel for the mix-up in the middle that led to the all-rounder’s run-out. “I would like to apologise to Axar bhai. Sorry, Axar bhai. I got you run out,” he said. The left-arm pacer also spoke about his efforts to improve his batting and contribute useful runs lower down the order. “I keep trying in batting. The results are rare. But today, it just connected well. As much as the coaches trust us, we have to do it in batting as well and get a few runs down the order. So it is important to work like this in batting,” he added.

India’s bowling plans paid off as Arshdeep Singh dismissed in-form West Indies captain Shai Hope for five in the third T20I, helping India secure a 14-run victory and take a 2-1 series lead.&nbsp;

‘We had planned how to keep things tight’: Arshdeep reveals India’s game plan for Shai Hope

Abhishek Sharma has risen to the top of men’s T20I rankings for batters with his explosive strokeplay since his debut more than two years ago. The left-handed batter has broken several T20I records, and against the West Indies in Indore on Sunday evening (Oct 11), smashed a brilliant 18-ball fifty. He became the quickest to 2,000 T20I runs (ball-wise) during the knock, and alongside Ishan Kishan at No.3, added 108 for the second wicket. Abhishek credited his ‘uneasy preparation’ ahead of the match for his game-changing outing against the T20I powerhouse, West Indies.&nbsp;“Preparation is really important. If I want to continue playing like this and utilise the Powerplay, as the team wants me to, preparation really matters. I always believe it depends on which team I’m going to play against and which bowlers I’m going to face. Whenever I have time, whether it’s a week, a few days or two or three days, the preparation is very specific: which bowler is going to plan for me, and how I’m going to execute my plan and dominate. That’s always there,” Abhishek said in the post-match presser after the match.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prince-yadav-equals-ashwin-15-year-old-t20i-record-indore-win-1791779272538">Prince Yadav’s late blitz with bat equals 15-year-old T20I record in India’s Indore win</a>&nbsp;On how he approaches his gameplay during a match, Abhishek said he likes to be ready, which depends on his preparation. Adding, the left-hander said he wants to practice to be uncomfortable.&nbsp;“It’s very personal for me because, as an attacking batter, if you have to face world-class bowlers, you have to be ready for all the plans. That comes down to my preparation. I always want my preparation in practice to make me a bit uncomfortable so that I wouldn’t be surprised in a match. I always allow myself to be in that position during practice and training, so that I won’t be surprised when bowlers and teams actually have that plan in a match,” he added.<h3>India take 2-1 lead in T20I Series</h3>After winning the series opener in Lucknow, courtesy of captain Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20I hundred, West Indies fought back to win the second game in Ranchi. Shai Hope's masterclass helped the visitors chase their highest team total against India in India and the second-highest overall.&nbsp;In the recently concluded fixture in Indore, Abhishek’s explosive start and Arshdeep Singh’s three wickets for 44 kept India’s nose in front as the hosts won the match by 14 runs to take a 2-1 lead.&nbsp;Hyderabad will host the 4th T20I on Wednesday (Oct 14).

Abhishek Sharma credits his "uneasy preparation" for smashing an 18-ball fifty and becoming the fastest to 2,000 T20I runs in India’s 3rd T20I win over West Indies in Indore.

Abhishek Sharma has risen to the top of men’s T20I rankings for batters with his explosive strokeplay since his debut more than two years ago. The left-handed batter has broken several T20I records, and against the West Indies in Indore on Sunday evening (Oct 11), smashed a brilliant 18-ball fifty. He became the quickest to 2,000 T20I runs (ball-wise) during the knock, and alongside Ishan Kishan at No.3, added 108 for the second wicket. Abhishek credited his ‘uneasy preparation’ ahead of the match for his game-changing outing against the T20I powerhouse, West Indies. “Preparation is really important. If I want to continue playing like this and utilise the Powerplay, as the team wants me to, preparation really matters. I always believe it depends on which team I’m going to play against and which bowlers I’m going to face. Whenever I have time, whether it’s a week, a few days or two or three days, the preparation is very specific: which bowler is going to plan for me, and how I’m going to execute my plan and dominate. That’s always there,” Abhishek said in the post-match presser after the match. Also read| Prince Yadav’s late blitz with bat equals 15-year-old T20I record in India’s Indore win On how he approaches his gameplay during a match, Abhishek said he likes to be ready, which depends on his preparation. Adding, the left-hander said he wants to practice to be uncomfortable. “It’s very personal for me because, as an attacking batter, if you have to face world-class bowlers, you have to be ready for all the plans. That comes down to my preparation. I always want my preparation in practice to make me a bit uncomfortable so that I wouldn’t be surprised in a match. I always allow myself to be in that position during practice and training, so that I won’t be surprised when bowlers and teams actually have that plan in a match,” he added. India take 2-1 lead in T20I Series After winning the series opener in Lucknow, courtesy of captain Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20I hundred, West Indies fought back to win the second game in Ranchi. Shai Hope's masterclass helped the visitors chase their highest team total against India in India and the second-highest overall. In the recently concluded fixture in Indore, Abhishek’s explosive start and Arshdeep Singh’s three wickets for 44 kept India’s nose in front as the hosts won the match by 14 runs to take a 2-1 lead. Hyderabad will host the 4th T20I on Wednesday (Oct 14).

Abhishek Sharma credits his "uneasy preparation" for smashing an 18-ball fifty and becoming the fastest to 2,000 T20I runs in India’s 3rd T20I win over West Indies in Indore.

Abhishek Sharma credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for blistering 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win

Nathan McSweeney, who made his Test debut against India during the 2024-25 BGT, watched YouTube clips of batting giants Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to help Australia A conquer India. The right-handed batter scored a stunning hundred in the first unofficial ODI, helping the visitors draw first blood in Puducherry. McSweeney finished with 194 runs in three innings, averaging 64.66 and striking at 83.62 on surfaces that were not the easiest to bat on.&nbsp;"I think obviously coming to India as an Australian, it's a heavy spin focus, and you try and work hard and watch the great Indian players on how they play spin," McSweeney told the host broadcaster after the white-ball series ended on Sunday.&nbsp;"[Watching] Virat Kohli on YouTube trying to study how he goes about it, Steve Smith, other Australians that have come over and done really well. So, there's plenty of analysts and data that we are given as well. So, it's nice to action that out in the middle and execute it fairly well."&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasim-jaffer-blames-ajit-agarkar-virat-kohli-bitter-test-retirement-1791786552048">Wasim Jaffer blames Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for Virat Kohli’s Test retirement</a>&nbsp;On his first India visit, McSweeney let his footwork do the talking in the series opener, and never let the India A spinners take control of the game. He used soft hands to find gaps, which made his knock special and memorable. Relishing the challenge, McSweeney said India is not an easy place to bat, with competition against the host nation always tougher.&nbsp;"I'm very pleased to come over here in good conditions and spend some time in the middle, which is always nice, and a series win in India is no easy feat by any international team coming over," McSweeney said. “It's a very tough place to come and play cricket against tough competition always. So, yeah, well done to our boys and it's nice to get a series win.”<h3>Lesson to learn from failed red-ball outings</h3>Unlike how he prospered and guided Australia A to a series win in the 50-over matches, McSweeney failed to make his starts count during the two unofficial Tests. He said he took his lessons from that and hopefully will return better the next time he tours India.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia will tour India for five Test matches in January next year.&nbsp;"I think I missed out in the first innings of a couple of those games," McSweeney said. "We saw anyone that watched the four-day stuff, as the game went on, it got really hard to bat. So, I think I got a couple of thirties in the second innings of both those games.&nbsp;"But, I think where it counts, especially playing cricket in India, is in that first innings of long-form cricket if you can make a big score there. Not only is it probably easier for batting, but also sets up your team to win the game. So, coming back here, hopefully I get another opportunity. I'll be really trying to focus on that."

Nathan McSweeney reveals how studying YouTube clips of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith playing spin helped him lead Australia A to a 2-1 List-A series victory over India A.

Nathan McSweeney, who made his Test debut against India during the 2024-25 BGT, watched YouTube clips of batting giants Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to help Australia A conquer India. The right-handed batter scored a stunning hundred in the first unofficial ODI, helping the visitors draw first blood in Puducherry. McSweeney finished with 194 runs in three innings, averaging 64.66 and striking at 83.62 on surfaces that were not the easiest to bat on. "I think obviously coming to India as an Australian, it's a heavy spin focus, and you try and work hard and watch the great Indian players on how they play spin," McSweeney told the host broadcaster after the white-ball series ended on Sunday. "[Watching] Virat Kohli on YouTube trying to study how he goes about it, Steve Smith, other Australians that have come over and done really well. So, there's plenty of analysts and data that we are given as well. So, it's nice to action that out in the middle and execute it fairly well." Also read| Wasim Jaffer blames Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for Virat Kohli’s Test retirement On his first India visit, McSweeney let his footwork do the talking in the series opener, and never let the India A spinners take control of the game. He used soft hands to find gaps, which made his knock special and memorable. Relishing the challenge, McSweeney said India is not an easy place to bat, with competition against the host nation always tougher. "I'm very pleased to come over here in good conditions and spend some time in the middle, which is always nice, and a series win in India is no easy feat by any international team coming over," McSweeney said. “It's a very tough place to come and play cricket against tough competition always. So, yeah, well done to our boys and it's nice to get a series win.” Lesson to learn from failed red-ball outings Unlike how he prospered and guided Australia A to a series win in the 50-over matches, McSweeney failed to make his starts count during the two unofficial Tests. He said he took his lessons from that and hopefully will return better the next time he tours India. Meanwhile, Australia will tour India for five Test matches in January next year. "I think I missed out in the first innings of a couple of those games," McSweeney said. "We saw anyone that watched the four-day stuff, as the game went on, it got really hard to bat. So, I think I got a couple of thirties in the second innings of both those games. "But, I think where it counts, especially playing cricket in India, is in that first innings of long-form cricket if you can make a big score there. Not only is it probably easier for batting, but also sets up your team to win the game. So, coming back here, hopefully I get another opportunity. I'll be really trying to focus on that."

Nathan McSweeney reveals how studying YouTube clips of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith playing spin helped him lead Australia A to a 2-1 List-A series victory over India A.

McSweeney reveals how studying Virat Kohli’s YouTube clips helped Australia A conquer India

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Abhishek credits ‘uneasy preparation’ for 18-ball fifty in Indore T20I win

McSweeney reveals how studying Kohli YouTube clips helped AUS A conquer India