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Australia suffered a massive blow to its quest to inflict a series whitewash on England in the ongoing Ashes after losing its Test captain Pat Cummins for the remainder of the matches. Not only this, but the Aussies could also be without him for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7 next year.&nbsp;After Australia announced the squad for the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday (Dec 23) morning, leaving out both Cummins and Nathan Lyon, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the selectors and the medical staff were unwilling to put Cummins’ long-term health at risk, keeping his T20 WC chances hanging. &nbsp;The ace quick was diagnosed with a lumber stress reaction following the West Indies tour, which kept him out of action for a few months. However, an aggressive rehab program enabled him to regain full fitness in time for the concluding third Ashes Test, where he returned to captain the side, helping them win the match and secure the urn. Cummins bowled impressively in Adelaide, picking six wickets across both innings.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-nathan-lyon-miss-out-as-australia-name-squad-for-boxing-day-ashes-test-1766462317858">Cummins, Lyon miss out as Australia name squad for Boxing Day Ashes Test</a> &nbsp;Speaking on the same lines, McDonald confirmed that Cummins was always supposed to make a lone or limited appearance in this series, given his back injury.&nbsp; &nbsp;"He's pulled up fine," McDonald said. "He won't play any part in the rest of the series, and that was a discussion that we had a long time out around his return.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We were taking on some risk, and people that reported on that would understand the risk associated with that rebuild. We've now won the series, and that was the goal. So, to position him for further risk and jeopardise him long-term is not something that we want to do, and Pat's really comfortable with that,” he continued.<h3>Cummins’ T20 WC chances</h3>Having not played a T20I for Australia since the 2024 World Cup in the Americas, Cummins' chances of appearing in the upcoming edition look gloomy, with his fitness and forthcoming IPL 2026 playing a handy role in the final decision.&nbsp; &nbsp;McDonald confirms that all departments concerned will assess his situation, but as things stand, his selection remains under dark clouds.&nbsp; &nbsp;"That'll be an assessment," McDonald said of Cummins' T20 World Cup chances. "I'm assuming he'll have a check-in scan at some point and gather more information around where his back is at… looking forward to the World Cup, whether he'll be there or not. I can't really say. It's quite grey at the moment. We're hopeful." &nbsp;Meanwhile, the fourth Ashes Test will get underway on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Cummins played a handy role in helping Australia win the Adelaide Test and secure the Ashes.

Australia suffered a massive blow to its quest to inflict a series whitewash on England in the ongoing Ashes after losing its Test captain Pat Cummins for the remainder of the matches. Not only this, but the Aussies could also be without him for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7 next year. After Australia announced the squad for the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday (Dec 23) morning, leaving out both Cummins and Nathan Lyon, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the selectors and the medical staff were unwilling to put Cummins’ long-term health at risk, keeping his T20 WC chances hanging. The ace quick was diagnosed with a lumber stress reaction following the West Indies tour, which kept him out of action for a few months. However, an aggressive rehab program enabled him to regain full fitness in time for the concluding third Ashes Test, where he returned to captain the side, helping them win the match and secure the urn. Cummins bowled impressively in Adelaide, picking six wickets across both innings. Also read | Cummins, Lyon miss out as Australia name squad for Boxing Day Ashes Test Speaking on the same lines, McDonald confirmed that Cummins was always supposed to make a lone or limited appearance in this series, given his back injury. "He's pulled up fine," McDonald said. "He won't play any part in the rest of the series, and that was a discussion that we had a long time out around his return. "We were taking on some risk, and people that reported on that would understand the risk associated with that rebuild. We've now won the series, and that was the goal. So, to position him for further risk and jeopardise him long-term is not something that we want to do, and Pat's really comfortable with that,” he continued. Cummins’ T20 WC chances Having not played a T20I for Australia since the 2024 World Cup in the Americas, Cummins' chances of appearing in the upcoming edition look gloomy, with his fitness and forthcoming IPL 2026 playing a handy role in the final decision. McDonald confirms that all departments concerned will assess his situation, but as things stand, his selection remains under dark clouds. "That'll be an assessment," McDonald said of Cummins' T20 World Cup chances. "I'm assuming he'll have a check-in scan at some point and gather more information around where his back is at… looking forward to the World Cup, whether he'll be there or not. I can't really say. It's quite grey at the moment. We're hopeful." Meanwhile, the fourth Ashes Test will get underway on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Cummins played a handy role in helping Australia win the Adelaide Test and secure the Ashes.

Bad news for Australia as Cummins out of remainder of Ashes, doubtful for T20 World Cup

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the Premier League champions revealed he had surgery on an ankle injury that includes a fibula fracture on Monday. Isak, signed from Newcastle for a British record £125 million ($168 million) in September, suffered the injury in the process of scoring in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday. The 26-year-old was tackled by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and limped off immediately after his goal.&nbsp;"Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday," a Liverpool statement said. "After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.&nbsp;"Isak's rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bruno-fernandes-injury-leaves-manchester-united-facing-midfield-headache-1766426804704">Bruno Fernandes injury leaves Manchester United facing midfield headache</a>&nbsp;Isak's injury is the latest setback in his disappointing start to his life with Liverpool. He has scored just three goals in 16 appearances since completing his protracted move to Anfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;A dispute with Newcastle meant he did not have a proper pre-season programme and arrived at Liverpool well behind his team-mates in terms of fitness.&nbsp;His season was then interrupted by a groin injury.&nbsp;Isak's absence will be a major blow for Reds boss Arne Slot, with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo not ready to return from a muscle injury until early in the new year. It leaves Slot with Hugo Ekitike, who has five goals in his past four games, and the little-used Federico Chiesa as his only senior forwards.<h3>‘Really bad luck’</h3>"It's a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports. "It's just really bad luck for Isak. It's probably one of the first glimpses we've seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt."&nbsp;Liverpool, whose Premier League title defence collapsed after a shocking run of results, have climbed to fifth in the table after extending their unbeaten league run to five games.&nbsp;Speaking immediately after the game, Slot had admitted Isak's injury was "not a good thing".&nbsp;Now Slot is likely to have to plan with Isak for a sustained period. That raises the prospect of Liverpool moving for an attack in the January transfer window.&nbsp;Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Anfield and Carragher said: "I think we all know he's got a buy-out clause in January and then you've got wide players in Salah and (Cody) Gakpo, who've played a lot of games through the middle as well."&nbsp;Isak's injury may also sway Liverpool to keep Salah, who had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia following his recent claim that he had been thrown under the bus by the club and no longer had a relationship with Slot.&nbsp;Salah's rant, which came after he was left on the bench for three successive matches, prompted Liverpool to leave him out of the squad for a Champions League match at Inter Milan. But he returned to action as a substitute against Brighton before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.&nbsp;"I think for certain now Mo Salah will be staying at the club. I think there's a good chance Harvey Elliott will come back from his loan at Aston Villa as well," Carragher said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Isak, signed from Newcastle for a British record £125 million ($168 million) in September, suffered the injury in the process of scoring in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday. 

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the Premier League champions revealed he had surgery on an ankle injury that includes a fibula fracture on Monday. Isak, signed from Newcastle for a British record £125 million ($168 million) in September, suffered the injury in the process of scoring in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday. The 26-year-old was tackled by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and limped off immediately after his goal. "Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday," a Liverpool statement said. "After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. "Isak's rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return." Also read | Bruno Fernandes injury leaves Manchester United facing midfield headache Isak's injury is the latest setback in his disappointing start to his life with Liverpool. He has scored just three goals in 16 appearances since completing his protracted move to Anfield. A dispute with Newcastle meant he did not have a proper pre-season programme and arrived at Liverpool well behind his team-mates in terms of fitness. His season was then interrupted by a groin injury. Isak's absence will be a major blow for Reds boss Arne Slot, with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo not ready to return from a muscle injury until early in the new year. It leaves Slot with Hugo Ekitike, who has five goals in his past four games, and the little-used Federico Chiesa as his only senior forwards. ‘Really bad luck’ "It's a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports. "It's just really bad luck for Isak. It's probably one of the first glimpses we've seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt." Liverpool, whose Premier League title defence collapsed after a shocking run of results, have climbed to fifth in the table after extending their unbeaten league run to five games. Speaking immediately after the game, Slot had admitted Isak's injury was "not a good thing". Now Slot is likely to have to plan with Isak for a sustained period. That raises the prospect of Liverpool moving for an attack in the January transfer window. Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Anfield and Carragher said: "I think we all know he's got a buy-out clause in January and then you've got wide players in Salah and (Cody) Gakpo, who've played a lot of games through the middle as well." Isak's injury may also sway Liverpool to keep Salah, who had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia following his recent claim that he had been thrown under the bus by the club and no longer had a relationship with Slot. Salah's rant, which came after he was left on the bench for three successive matches, prompted Liverpool to leave him out of the squad for a Champions League match at Inter Milan. But he returned to action as a substitute against Brighton before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations. "I think for certain now Mo Salah will be staying at the club. I think there's a good chance Harvey Elliott will come back from his loan at Aston Villa as well," Carragher said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Isak, signed from Newcastle for a British record £125 million ($168 million) in September, suffered the injury in the process of scoring in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday.&nbsp;

Liverpool’s Isak faces lengthy spell on sidelines after surgery on broken leg

Australian skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were on Tuesday ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test against England with the veteran spinner facing surgery and an extended period on the sidelines. Quick bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy were named as cover in a 15-man squad for the clash starting on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia have already retained the Ashes with eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run victory in Adelaide.&nbsp;"Pat Cummins will miss the match as part of his ongoing management plan," Cricket Australia said, with Adelaide his first Test since July after lower back issues.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-i-don-t-know-says-mccullum-about-staying-on-as-england-coach-in-next-summer-1766413241415">'I don't know,' says McCullum about staying on as England coach in next summer</a>&nbsp;Steve Smith, who captained the team in Cummins' absence during the first two Tests, will lead the team again in Melbourne after missing Adelaide with vertigo symptoms.&nbsp;"Nathan Lyon will have surgery on a torn right hamstring which will sideline him for an extended period," the governing body added.&nbsp;Lyon, 38, damaged his right hamstring saving a boundary on day five in Adelaide fielding and hobbled off after. In Adelaide, he claimed his 564th wicket to move clear of fellow Australian great Glenn McGrath and into sixth on the all-time Test bowling list.&nbsp;Murphy is set to play his first home Test, with his seven previous Tests all overseas. He last played for Australia in Sri Lanka earlier this year.&nbsp;Richardson was included after a four-year Test absence, during which he underwent three shoulder surgeries. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc are again set to lead the attack after pulling up well from Adelaide, with Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Richardson battling to join them.<h3>Australia squad for Boxing Day Test -</h3>Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Steve Smith, who captained the team in Cummins' absence during the first two Tests, will lead the team again in Melbourne after missing Adelaide with vertigo symptoms.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were on Tuesday ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test against England with the veteran spinner facing surgery and an extended period on the sidelines. Quick bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy were named as cover in a 15-man squad for the clash starting on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia have already retained the Ashes with eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run victory in Adelaide. "Pat Cummins will miss the match as part of his ongoing management plan," Cricket Australia said, with Adelaide his first Test since July after lower back issues. Also read | 'I don't know,' says McCullum about staying on as England coach in next summer Steve Smith, who captained the team in Cummins' absence during the first two Tests, will lead the team again in Melbourne after missing Adelaide with vertigo symptoms. "Nathan Lyon will have surgery on a torn right hamstring which will sideline him for an extended period," the governing body added. Lyon, 38, damaged his right hamstring saving a boundary on day five in Adelaide fielding and hobbled off after. In Adelaide, he claimed his 564th wicket to move clear of fellow Australian great Glenn McGrath and into sixth on the all-time Test bowling list. Murphy is set to play his first home Test, with his seven previous Tests all overseas. He last played for Australia in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Richardson was included after a four-year Test absence, during which he underwent three shoulder surgeries. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc are again set to lead the attack after pulling up well from Adelaide, with Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Richardson battling to join them. Australia squad for Boxing Day Test - Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Steve Smith, who captained the team in Cummins' absence during the first two Tests, will lead the team again in Melbourne after missing Adelaide with vertigo symptoms.

Cummins, Lyon miss out as Australia name squad for Boxing Day Ashes Test

Manchester United are facing a major test after captain Bruno Fernandes suffered a hamstring injury during their 2-1 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa. The Portuguese midfielder pulled up late in the first half, played on briefly, and was replaced at the break. While the club is still assessing the injury, manager Ruben Amorim expects Fernandes to miss some time. Any absence would be a big blow for United.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since joining the club from Sporting in January 2020, Fernandes has been one of the most reliable players in the league. Out of 221 Premier League matches played by United during that period, he has featured in 212 and started 208. Only three of the nine games he missed were due to injury or illness.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-scored-the-first-and-last-centuries-of-2025-full-list-across-formats-revealed-ft-jaiswal-shah-and-more-1766424946705">Who scored the first and last centuries of 2025? Full list across formats revealed ft. Jaiswal, Shah and more</a>&nbsp;United’s recent record without Fernandes makes the situation more worrying. The club has lost four straight league matches he did not play and five of the last six overall. With tough fixtures coming up against Newcastle, Wolves, Manchester City and Arsenal, Amorim will need to find solutions quickly.&nbsp;Kobbie Mainoo is the most natural replacement in terms of style. Amorim has often said Mainoo and Fernandes compete for the same role, but the 20-year-old is currently struggling with a calf injury and may miss the Newcastle game. Amorim has not confirmed how long he will be unavailable.&nbsp;Another option is Manuel Ugarte, who could partner Casemiro if the Brazilian returns from suspension. However, Ugarte and Casemiro usually play similar roles, and United have not won any league game started by Ugarte so far. Lisandro Martinez is also an option, having replaced Fernandes at Villa Park, though he is mainly a defender and lacks attacking creativity.&nbsp;Mason Mount could offer a more attacking solution. He can play centrally or further forward and is in good form after scoring in recent matches. Amorim likes his flexibility, which could be useful during this spell. Youngster Jack Fletcher is another name in the mix. The 18-year-old made his debut recently and has impressed with his energy and passing, but starting him regularly in the Premier League may be a big ask.&nbsp;There is also a chance Amorim tweaks his system. United have been using a two-man midfield, but a shift to three could suit Mainoo when he returns and help balance the side without Fernandes.&nbsp;

Manchester United face a tough challenge after their captain picked up a hamstring injury. With key league games ahead, the manager must reshuffle the midfield and find the right balance to cope without his main creator.


Manchester United are facing a major test after captain Bruno Fernandes suffered a hamstring injury during their 2-1 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa. The Portuguese midfielder pulled up late in the first half, played on briefly, and was replaced at the break. While the club is still assessing the injury, manager Ruben Amorim expects Fernandes to miss some time. Any absence would be a big blow for United. Since joining the club from Sporting in January 2020, Fernandes has been one of the most reliable players in the league. Out of 221 Premier League matches played by United during that period, he has featured in 212 and started 208. Only three of the nine games he missed were due to injury or illness. Also read | Who scored the first and last centuries of 2025? Full list across formats revealed ft. Jaiswal, Shah and more United’s recent record without Fernandes makes the situation more worrying. The club has lost four straight league matches he did not play and five of the last six overall. With tough fixtures coming up against Newcastle, Wolves, Manchester City and Arsenal, Amorim will need to find solutions quickly. Kobbie Mainoo is the most natural replacement in terms of style. Amorim has often said Mainoo and Fernandes compete for the same role, but the 20-year-old is currently struggling with a calf injury and may miss the Newcastle game. Amorim has not confirmed how long he will be unavailable. Another option is Manuel Ugarte, who could partner Casemiro if the Brazilian returns from suspension. However, Ugarte and Casemiro usually play similar roles, and United have not won any league game started by Ugarte so far. Lisandro Martinez is also an option, having replaced Fernandes at Villa Park, though he is mainly a defender and lacks attacking creativity. Mason Mount could offer a more attacking solution. He can play centrally or further forward and is in good form after scoring in recent matches. Amorim likes his flexibility, which could be useful during this spell. Youngster Jack Fletcher is another name in the mix. The 18-year-old made his debut recently and has impressed with his energy and passing, but starting him regularly in the Premier League may be a big ask. There is also a chance Amorim tweaks his system. United have been using a two-man midfield, but a shift to three could suit Mainoo when he returns and help balance the side without Fernandes.

Manchester United face a tough challenge after their captain picked up a hamstring injury. With key league games ahead, the manager must reshuffle the midfield and find the right balance to cope without his main creator.

Bruno Fernandes injury leaves Manchester United facing midfield headache

The Pro Wrestling League (PWL), sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India, unveiled its new official logo ahead of the fifth season, marking a fresh chapter for Indian wrestling and signalling the league’s revival after a seven-year hiatus. The new identity reflects a renewed vision and a comprehensive restructuring of the league ahead of its return to competitive action in January 2026.&nbsp;The newly launched logo is a modern and dynamic emblem inspired by the traditional red and blue wrestling mat, symbolising strength, balance and competitive spirit. More than a visual refresh, the logo represents a complete reset for the Pro Wrestling League, which has undergone a significant structural and operational overhaul under its new ownership and management.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-scored-the-first-and-last-centuries-of-2025-full-list-across-formats-revealed-ft-jaiswal-shah-and-more-1766424946705">Who scored the first and last centuries of 2025? Full list across formats revealed ft. Jaiswal, Shah and more</a>&nbsp;The league is now being operated under the ownership and execution of ONO Media, led by partners Akhil Gupta and Dayaan Farooqui. The new management has moved away from previous frameworks to build a transparent, athlete-first ecosystem focused on professionalism, integrity and long-term sustainability within Indian wrestling.&nbsp;PWL’s renewed mission is centred on creating a world-class professional platform for wrestlers by bridging the gap between grassroots akhadas and the global competitive stage. The league aims to provide structured opportunities, international exposure and a professionally managed environment for athletes, while contributing to the long-term growth and credibility of wrestling in India.&nbsp;The revitalised vision is being executed in close affiliation with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), ensuring that the league functions in line with national regulations and governance standards. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the pathway for emerging wrestlers to progress from traditional training systems to the national and international spotlight.&nbsp;Speaking on the occasion, Akhil Gupta, CEO, Pro Wrestling League, said, “The new logo reflects our vision for the future of the Pro Wrestling League – modern, aggressive and world-class. More importantly, it represents a clean slate. We are building a league that honours the sport and its athletes through transparency, professionalism and long-term commitment. The past is behind us, and the focus is firmly on creating a sustainable ecosystem for Indian wrestling.”&nbsp;“This logo launch marks the beginning of a new era for the Pro Wrestling League. The identity represents trust, opportunity and ambition. As we prepare for our return after seven years, our priority is firmly on placing athletes at the centre of the ecosystem and delivering a league that wrestlers, fans and stakeholders can truly believe in,” said Dayaan Farooqui, Chairman, Pro Wrestling League.&nbsp;The Pro Wrestling League is scheduled to return in January 2026 with top Indian and international wrestlers, promising high-intensity competition and a commercially viable framework designed to support the sport’s growth. With its new identity and reimagined structure, PWL aims to usher in a new era for professional wrestling in India.&nbsp;

The Pro Wrestling League has revealed a new logo ahead of its return after seven years, marking a fresh start for Indian wrestling as the league prepares for its fifth season in January 2026.


The Pro Wrestling League (PWL), sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India, unveiled its new official logo ahead of the fifth season, marking a fresh chapter for Indian wrestling and signalling the league’s revival after a seven-year hiatus. The new identity reflects a renewed vision and a comprehensive restructuring of the league ahead of its return to competitive action in January 2026. The newly launched logo is a modern and dynamic emblem inspired by the traditional red and blue wrestling mat, symbolising strength, balance and competitive spirit. More than a visual refresh, the logo represents a complete reset for the Pro Wrestling League, which has undergone a significant structural and operational overhaul under its new ownership and management. Also read | Who scored the first and last centuries of 2025? Full list across formats revealed ft. Jaiswal, Shah and more The league is now being operated under the ownership and execution of ONO Media, led by partners Akhil Gupta and Dayaan Farooqui. The new management has moved away from previous frameworks to build a transparent, athlete-first ecosystem focused on professionalism, integrity and long-term sustainability within Indian wrestling. PWL’s renewed mission is centred on creating a world-class professional platform for wrestlers by bridging the gap between grassroots akhadas and the global competitive stage. The league aims to provide structured opportunities, international exposure and a professionally managed environment for athletes, while contributing to the long-term growth and credibility of wrestling in India. The revitalised vision is being executed in close affiliation with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), ensuring that the league functions in line with national regulations and governance standards. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the pathway for emerging wrestlers to progress from traditional training systems to the national and international spotlight. Speaking on the occasion, Akhil Gupta, CEO, Pro Wrestling League, said, “The new logo reflects our vision for the future of the Pro Wrestling League – modern, aggressive and world-class. More importantly, it represents a clean slate. We are building a league that honours the sport and its athletes through transparency, professionalism and long-term commitment. The past is behind us, and the focus is firmly on creating a sustainable ecosystem for Indian wrestling.” “This logo launch marks the beginning of a new era for the Pro Wrestling League. The identity represents trust, opportunity and ambition. As we prepare for our return after seven years, our priority is firmly on placing athletes at the centre of the ecosystem and delivering a league that wrestlers, fans and stakeholders can truly believe in,” said Dayaan Farooqui, Chairman, Pro Wrestling League. The Pro Wrestling League is scheduled to return in January 2026 with top Indian and international wrestlers, promising high-intensity competition and a commercially viable framework designed to support the sport’s growth. With its new identity and reimagined structure, PWL aims to usher in a new era for professional wrestling in India.

The Pro Wrestling League has revealed a new logo ahead of its return after seven years, marking a fresh start for Indian wrestling as the league prepares for its fifth season in January 2026.

Pro Wrestling League unveils official logo ahead of its fifth season

For years, Indian chess stood on the cusp of something historic. In 2025, it finally arrived. What unfolded over twelve months wasn’t merely a run of good results or a lucky streak of prodigies; it was a full-scale transformation, systemic, cultural, and emotional, that redefined India’s place in the global chess order. From world titles to teenage grandmasters, from hosting major global events to dominating junior championships, Indian chess experienced a surge that felt less like a trend and more like a takeover.&nbsp;The rise was not sudden. But the culmination, the confluence of triumphs in 2025, made it feel as if everything had aligned: talent, infrastructure, fan interest, technology, and opportunity. The year will likely be remembered as the most significant since Viswanathan Anand first created the blueprint of Indian ambition. This time, the scale was bigger, the pool deeper, and the impact more far-reaching. And at the centre of this seismic year stood a teenager with fearlessness in her eyes and steel in her moves: Divya Deshmukh.<h2>The year of a new queen</h2>If Indian chess was waiting for a moment that captured its growing dominance in a single frame, it came in early 2025, when 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated the experienced Koneru Humpy in a nail-biting tiebreak to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup. The championship had everything: the drama of rapid tiebreaks, the symbolism of an Indian final, and the crowning of a young champion who became a Grandmaster with that victory. For years, India celebrated individual brilliance in women’s chess. In 2025, it saw generational renewal right before its eyes. Divya’s win wasn’t a fairy tale; it was a statement, that India’s new wave had arrived, and it was ready to take on the world.&nbsp;Her journey, starting from local tournaments in Nagpur to the world stage, embodied the Indian chess story: talented children nurtured in academies, mentored by strong coaches, supported by parents who believed in early exposure to competitive play, and amplified by technology that connected them to the world’s best. In Divya’s triumph, India didn’t just see a champion. It saw a future.<h2>The unstoppable tide of young grandmasters</h2>India’s conveyor belt of grandmasters continued at a frightening pace in 2025. The numbers themselves became headlines. Srihari LR became India’s 86th Grandmaster; Ilamparthi AR, just 16, completed his norms to become the 90th; Raahul VS soon followed as the 91st. Each new GM was more than a statistic; it was evidence of how deeply chess had penetrated training centres, schools, and online learning platforms. India entered 2025 with the world’s fastest-growing pool of elite junior talent, and the year only widened the gap.&nbsp;But the most significant youth achievement came from GM Pranav Venkatesh, who produced a flawless run to win the FIDE World Junior U20 Championship, ending a 17-year drought for India. His unbeaten performance was clinical, almost brutal in its precision, and it showcased the relentless competitive edge that marks this generation. For a country once reliant solely on Anand for elite representation, India’s reservoir now looked almost bottomless.<h2>A national champion emerges again</h2>In a year stacked with global triumphs, P Iniyan’s domestic dominance stood out. The Tamil Nadu Grandmaster won the National Championship with an undefeated run over 11 rounds. He had already claimed the National Rapid title earlier, making 2025 a rare double triumph. Iniyan’s consistency reflected the strength of India’s internal competition. The national championship, once a quiet annual event, has become one of the most fiercely contested tournaments thanks to India’s expanding pool of masters and grandmasters. Winning it in 2025 meant outplaying one of the deepest fields in the tournament’s history.<h2>India hosts the FIDE World Cup 2025</h2>One major marker of India’s global rise was not a title but the right to host the FIDE World Cup 2025. Returning to India after 23 years, the event transformed Goa into a chess carnival. Fans traveled from around the country to watch global stars compete in person, while India's younger players soaked in the atmosphere of a world-class event. The organisational success, the packed viewing halls, and the media coverage collectively demonstrated that India was ready to host and consume, chess as a mainstream sport. But if the World Cup was India’s formal introduction to global hosting duties, the year’s biggest spectator phenomenon came from a newer, more entertainment-driven format.<h2>Chess becomes entertainment, and India loves it</h2>The Global Chess League (GCL) 2025 held in Mumbai was unlike anything Indian chess had experienced before. Franchise teams. Star players. Dramatic camera angles. Thousands of fans are watching live. Millions are following online. Chess was suddenly being televised like cricket, with commentary boxes, team anthems, branding, and storylines. The league brought global stars such as Hikaru Nakamura and Hou Yifan to Indian soil, playing alongside Indian favourites like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa.&nbsp;For a sport long associated with quiet halls and hushed tension, GCL was a cultural shock, a good one. It turned chess into spectator content. It made fans scream for blitz victories. It made rapid games feel like death-defying stunts. And importantly, it made chess accessible to children and casual viewers who had never been part of the ecosystem before.2025 was the year chess stopped being an intellectual pursuit and started becoming a sporting experience in India.Schools, academies, and the grassroots engine&nbsp;While grandmasters and global leagues were the headline-makers, Indian chess’s most reassuring developments came from the grassroots. Chennai’s Velammal School, long known as India’s chess nursery, dominated the FIDE World Schools Team Championship with a perfect score. Their win wasn’t surprising; it was expected, and that was the story. India has built a school culture where chess excellence is institutionalised.&nbsp;Across metros and even tier-two cities, chess academies are running at full capacity. Digital tools have closed the gap between Indian kids and the world’s best coaches. Online tournaments have made competitive exposure inexpensive and frequent. Parents increasingly look at chess as a serious sporting career, not merely an extracurricular activity.India’s depth, the real reason behind its 2025 boom, is a result of this ecosystem.<h2>A changing culture around the sport</h2>Beyond titles and tournaments, the biggest shift in 2025 was psychological. Chess finally became cool in India. Streaming exploded, with YouTube creators, titled players, and tournament commentators turning chess into a digital community. Schools introduced chess into regular timetables. Sponsors, once hesitant, now lined up. Tech companies released India-specific chess products. Apps saw record sign-ups.&nbsp;A sport once confined to libraries and quiet coaching rooms spilled out into living rooms, cafes, classrooms, social media feeds, merchandise stores, and now stadiums. There was also a perception shift: chess players were no longer treated as quirky intellectuals; they were recognised as elite athletes requiring discipline, conditioning, mental toughness, and team structures. The success of players like Gukesh, capped by his Khel Ratna award in 2025, helped cement chess as a mainstream sport worthy of national recognition.<h2>What lies next for India in chess?</h2>International commentators spent much of 2025 marvelling at how India had essentially built a modern version of the Soviet chess ecosystem, but democratised, decentralised, and digitally enabled. Unlike the Soviet machine, India’s growth wasn’t top-down. It was organic, spread across cities, powered by parental support, school systems, and private academies. By the end of the year, it was clear that the balance of global chess power had tilted. Norway had Carlsen.&nbsp;The US had Nakamura, Caruana, and Wesley So. China had Ding and Hou Yifan. But India had numbers, youth, hunger, and momentum, an unbeatable combination in a sport where the future belongs to the bold.&nbsp;If 2025 was a breakout year, 2026 and beyond promise something even bigger. Several Indian teenagers are now hovering near the 2700 mark. Divya, already a world champion, is setting her sights on deeper women’s world title runs. Gukesh continues to be a World Championship contender. Praggnanandhaa is entering his prime. And new grandmasters continue emerging every few months. India’s chess boom is not a bubble; it is a generational wave. 2025 was the year the wave crashed into the global stage. The next decade may well be the decade India defines world chess.

YEARENDER | 2025: The year chess became India’s favourite mind sport

For years, Indian chess stood on the cusp of something historic. In 2025, it finally arrived. What unfolded over twelve months wasn’t merely a run of good results or a lucky streak of prodigies; it was a full-scale transformation, systemic, cultural, and emotional, that redefined India’s place in the global chess order. From world titles to teenage grandmasters, from hosting major global events to dominating junior championships, Indian chess experienced a surge that felt less like a trend and more like a takeover. The rise was not sudden. But the culmination, the confluence of triumphs in 2025, made it feel as if everything had aligned: talent, infrastructure, fan interest, technology, and opportunity. The year will likely be remembered as the most significant since Viswanathan Anand first created the blueprint of Indian ambition. This time, the scale was bigger, the pool deeper, and the impact more far-reaching. And at the centre of this seismic year stood a teenager with fearlessness in her eyes and steel in her moves: Divya Deshmukh. The year of a new queen If Indian chess was waiting for a moment that captured its growing dominance in a single frame, it came in early 2025, when 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated the experienced Koneru Humpy in a nail-biting tiebreak to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup. The championship had everything: the drama of rapid tiebreaks, the symbolism of an Indian final, and the crowning of a young champion who became a Grandmaster with that victory. For years, India celebrated individual brilliance in women’s chess. In 2025, it saw generational renewal right before its eyes. Divya’s win wasn’t a fairy tale; it was a statement, that India’s new wave had arrived, and it was ready to take on the world. Her journey, starting from local tournaments in Nagpur to the world stage, embodied the Indian chess story: talented children nurtured in academies, mentored by strong coaches, supported by parents who believed in early exposure to competitive play, and amplified by technology that connected them to the world’s best. In Divya’s triumph, India didn’t just see a champion. It saw a future. The unstoppable tide of young grandmasters India’s conveyor belt of grandmasters continued at a frightening pace in 2025. The numbers themselves became headlines. Srihari LR became India’s 86th Grandmaster; Ilamparthi AR, just 16, completed his norms to become the 90th; Raahul VS soon followed as the 91st. Each new GM was more than a statistic; it was evidence of how deeply chess had penetrated training centres, schools, and online learning platforms. India entered 2025 with the world’s fastest-growing pool of elite junior talent, and the year only widened the gap. But the most significant youth achievement came from GM Pranav Venkatesh, who produced a flawless run to win the FIDE World Junior U20 Championship, ending a 17-year drought for India. His unbeaten performance was clinical, almost brutal in its precision, and it showcased the relentless competitive edge that marks this generation. For a country once reliant solely on Anand for elite representation, India’s reservoir now looked almost bottomless. A national champion emerges again In a year stacked with global triumphs, P Iniyan’s domestic dominance stood out. The Tamil Nadu Grandmaster won the National Championship with an undefeated run over 11 rounds. He had already claimed the National Rapid title earlier, making 2025 a rare double triumph. Iniyan’s consistency reflected the strength of India’s internal competition. The national championship, once a quiet annual event, has become one of the most fiercely contested tournaments thanks to India’s expanding pool of masters and grandmasters. Winning it in 2025 meant outplaying one of the deepest fields in the tournament’s history. India hosts the FIDE World Cup 2025 One major marker of India’s global rise was not a title but the right to host the FIDE World Cup 2025. Returning to India after 23 years, the event transformed Goa into a chess carnival. Fans traveled from around the country to watch global stars compete in person, while India's younger players soaked in the atmosphere of a world-class event. The organisational success, the packed viewing halls, and the media coverage collectively demonstrated that India was ready to host and consume, chess as a mainstream sport. But if the World Cup was India’s formal introduction to global hosting duties, the year’s biggest spectator phenomenon came from a newer, more entertainment-driven format. Chess becomes entertainment, and India loves it The Global Chess League (GCL) 2025 held in Mumbai was unlike anything Indian chess had experienced before. Franchise teams. Star players. Dramatic camera angles. Thousands of fans are watching live. Millions are following online. Chess was suddenly being televised like cricket, with commentary boxes, team anthems, branding, and storylines. The league brought global stars such as Hikaru Nakamura and Hou Yifan to Indian soil, playing alongside Indian favourites like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa. For a sport long associated with quiet halls and hushed tension, GCL was a cultural shock, a good one. It turned chess into spectator content. It made fans scream for blitz victories. It made rapid games feel like death-defying stunts. And importantly, it made chess accessible to children and casual viewers who had never been part of the ecosystem before. 2025 was the year chess stopped being an intellectual pursuit and started becoming a sporting experience in India. Schools, academies, and the grassroots engine While grandmasters and global leagues were the headline-makers, Indian chess’s most reassuring developments came from the grassroots. Chennai’s Velammal School, long known as India’s chess nursery, dominated the FIDE World Schools Team Championship with a perfect score. Their win wasn’t surprising; it was expected, and that was the story. India has built a school culture where chess excellence is institutionalised. Across metros and even tier-two cities, chess academies are running at full capacity. Digital tools have closed the gap between Indian kids and the world’s best coaches. Online tournaments have made competitive exposure inexpensive and frequent. Parents increasingly look at chess as a serious sporting career, not merely an extracurricular activity. India’s depth, the real reason behind its 2025 boom, is a result of this ecosystem. A changing culture around the sport Beyond titles and tournaments, the biggest shift in 2025 was psychological. Chess finally became cool in India. Streaming exploded, with YouTube creators, titled players, and tournament commentators turning chess into a digital community. Schools introduced chess into regular timetables. Sponsors, once hesitant, now lined up. Tech companies released India-specific chess products. Apps saw record sign-ups. A sport once confined to libraries and quiet coaching rooms spilled out into living rooms, cafes, classrooms, social media feeds, merchandise stores, and now stadiums. There was also a perception shift: chess players were no longer treated as quirky intellectuals; they were recognised as elite athletes requiring discipline, conditioning, mental toughness, and team structures. The success of players like Gukesh, capped by his Khel Ratna award in 2025, helped cement chess as a mainstream sport worthy of national recognition. What lies next for India in chess? International commentators spent much of 2025 marvelling at how India had essentially built a modern version of the Soviet chess ecosystem, but democratised, decentralised, and digitally enabled. Unlike the Soviet machine, India’s growth wasn’t top-down. It was organic, spread across cities, powered by parental support, school systems, and private academies. By the end of the year, it was clear that the balance of global chess power had tilted. Norway had Carlsen. The US had Nakamura, Caruana, and Wesley So. China had Ding and Hou Yifan. But India had numbers, youth, hunger, and momentum, an unbeatable combination in a sport where the future belongs to the bold. If 2025 was a breakout year, 2026 and beyond promise something even bigger. Several Indian teenagers are now hovering near the 2700 mark. Divya, already a world champion, is setting her sights on deeper women’s world title runs. Gukesh continues to be a World Championship contender. Praggnanandhaa is entering his prime. And new grandmasters continue emerging every few months. India’s chess boom is not a bubble; it is a generational wave. 2025 was the year the wave crashed into the global stage. The next decade may well be the decade India defines world chess.

India’s chess boom hit full force in 2025, with historic world titles, new teen grandmasters, major events at home, and a cultural shift that made chess mainstream

The 2025 season began and ended with memorable centuries across formats. From gritty Test knocks to explosive ODI and T20I hundreds, these first and last tons defined key moments and big wins in international cricket.


The 2025 season began and ended with memorable centuries across formats. From gritty Test knocks to explosive ODI and T20I hundreds, these first and last tons defined key moments and big wins in international cricket.

Who scored the first and last centuries of 2025? Full list across formats revealed ft. Jaiswal, Shah and more

Former Indian all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has announced his retirement from professional cricket, stepping away from all formats of the game. The 37-year-old announced at a special press conference held at the KSCA Media Lounge, which was attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, vice-president Sujith Somasundar, and secretary Santosh Menon. Gowtham’s decision marks the end of a unique and eventful career in Indian cricket.&nbsp;Gowtham’s international career may have been brief, but it was memorable. He played a single One Day International (ODI) for India against Sri Lanka on July 23, 2021. In that match, he claimed his lone international wicket, dismissing wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka, leaving fans curious about what more he could have achieved on the global stage.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-anthony-taylor-throws-water-bottle-at-neeraj-goyat-after-misfits-boxing-loss-1766398412938">WATCH: Anthony Taylor throws water bottle at Neeraj Goyat after Misfits Boxing loss</a>&nbsp;Despite limited opportunities internationally, Gowtham carved out a remarkable journey in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is one of only ten players to win an IPL title with both Mumbai Indians (2017) and Chennai Super Kings (2021), and notably, he is the only player to achieve this without actually playing a single match for either franchise during those title-winning seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;His domestic career also highlighted his potential, especially during his stint with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018. Under Shane Warne’s captaincy, Gowtham played the full season, taking 11 wickets and making a memorable unbeaten 33 off just 11 balls in a crucial win against Mumbai Indians, which brought him into the spotlight.&nbsp;Gowtham’s IPL journey reached new heights in 2021 when he became the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the IPL auction. Chennai Super Kings signed him for a staggering INR 9.25 crore, a record that reflected the faith franchises had in his all-round abilities. This made him one of the most talked-about names in the auction.

The 2025 cricket season saw a seasoned Indian all-rounder retire, leaving behind a unique legacy with brief international play, standout IPL moments, record-breaking auctions, and memorable domestic performances.


Former Indian all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has announced his retirement from professional cricket, stepping away from all formats of the game. The 37-year-old announced at a special press conference held at the KSCA Media Lounge, which was attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, vice-president Sujith Somasundar, and secretary Santosh Menon. Gowtham’s decision marks the end of a unique and eventful career in Indian cricket. Gowtham’s international career may have been brief, but it was memorable. He played a single One Day International (ODI) for India against Sri Lanka on July 23, 2021. In that match, he claimed his lone international wicket, dismissing wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka, leaving fans curious about what more he could have achieved on the global stage. Also read | WATCH: Anthony Taylor throws water bottle at Neeraj Goyat after Misfits Boxing loss Despite limited opportunities internationally, Gowtham carved out a remarkable journey in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is one of only ten players to win an IPL title with both Mumbai Indians (2017) and Chennai Super Kings (2021), and notably, he is the only player to achieve this without actually playing a single match for either franchise during those title-winning seasons. His domestic career also highlighted his potential, especially during his stint with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018. Under Shane Warne’s captaincy, Gowtham played the full season, taking 11 wickets and making a memorable unbeaten 33 off just 11 balls in a crucial win against Mumbai Indians, which brought him into the spotlight. Gowtham’s IPL journey reached new heights in 2021 when he became the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the IPL auction. Chennai Super Kings signed him for a staggering INR 9.25 crore, a record that reflected the faith franchises had in his all-round abilities. This made him one of the most talked-about names in the auction.

The 2025 cricket season saw a seasoned Indian all-rounder retire, leaving behind a unique legacy with brief international play, standout IPL moments, record-breaking auctions, and memorable domestic performances.

Two-time IPL winner and once the most expensive uncapped buy announces retirement

The 2025 tennis season delivered unforgettable matches, thrilling comebacks, and historic moments, with top players shining across Grand Slams and making the year one of the most exciting in tennis history.


The 2025 tennis season delivered unforgettable matches, thrilling comebacks, and historic moments, with top players shining across Grand Slams and making the year one of the most exciting in tennis history.

5 best tennis matches of 2025: THIS athlete features twice and it’s neither Alcaraz nor Sinner

The year 2025 saw several historic moments across global sports, with major tournaments capturing massive attention worldwide. From thrilling finals to iconic performances, these events stood out as the top five of the year.

The year 2025 saw several historic moments across global sports, with major tournaments capturing massive attention worldwide. From thrilling finals to iconic performances, these events stood out as the top five of the year.

From India’s CT title to Chelsea’s FIFA Club WC glory: 5 sports events that ruled Google searches in 2025

The Ashes 2025-26 loss has put not only Bazball under most intense scrutiny till date but also has raised a question on the future of Brendon McCullum has England coach as well. The Three Lions are 0-3 down the five-Test series with two more matches left which can not impact the series result even if England win. Ben Stokes-led side lost the first two Tests by eight wickets in Perth and Brisbane, respectively before losing the do-or-die Adelaide Test by 82 runs.<h2>McCullum speaks on future as England coach</h2>While the Ashes result has indeed put McCullum in hot waters, the England coach wants to continue but acknowledges that the decision is not his to make.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-broad-still-hung-up-on-current-australia-team-being-worst-in-15-years-1766398333520">Ashes: Broad still hung up on 'current Australia team being worst in 15 years'</a>Asked after Adelaide loss if he believes he will be in charge for England's home summer next year, McCullum said: "I don't know. It's not really up to me, is it?"I'll just keep trying to do the job, trying to learn the lessons I haven't quite got right here and try to make some adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me," he added.<h2>How has England performed under McCullum?</h2>Ever since England was handed to McCullum as coach and Stokes as captain in 2022, they right away started going after target, playing belligerent cricket which sometimes bordered to reckless. The duo, nonetheless, had a promising start to their respective roles before fading away gradually. Overall, McCullum-Stokes have won 25 Tests and lost 17 while drawing only two. The results started going off the mark since 2024 and England have lost more (13) matches since than they have won (12). England have also not featured once in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and look uncertain for the the 2027 WTC final as well.

McCullum-Stokes have won 25 Tests and lost 17 while drawing only two. The results started going off the mark since 2024 and England have lost more (13) matches since than they have won (12). 

The Ashes 2025-26 loss has put not only Bazball under most intense scrutiny till date but also has raised a question on the future of Brendon McCullum has England coach as well. The Three Lions are 0-3 down the five-Test series with two more matches left which can not impact the series result even if England win. Ben Stokes-led side lost the first two Tests by eight wickets in Perth and Brisbane, respectively before losing the do-or-die Adelaide Test by 82 runs. McCullum speaks on future as England coach While the Ashes result has indeed put McCullum in hot waters, the England coach wants to continue but acknowledges that the decision is not his to make. Also Read - Ashes: Broad still hung up on 'current Australia team being worst in 15 years' Asked after Adelaide loss if he believes he will be in charge for England's home summer next year, McCullum said: "I don't know. It's not really up to me, is it? "I'll just keep trying to do the job, trying to learn the lessons I haven't quite got right here and try to make some adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me," he added. How has England performed under McCullum? Ever since England was handed to McCullum as coach and Stokes as captain in 2022, they right away started going after target, playing belligerent cricket which sometimes bordered to reckless. The duo, nonetheless, had a promising start to their respective roles before fading away gradually. Overall, McCullum-Stokes have won 25 Tests and lost 17 while drawing only two. The results started going off the mark since 2024 and England have lost more (13) matches since than they have won (12). England have also not featured once in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and look uncertain for the the 2027 WTC final as well.

McCullum-Stokes have won 25 Tests and lost 17 while drawing only two. The results started going off the mark since 2024 and England have lost more (13) matches since than they have won (12).&nbsp;

'I don't know,' says McCullum about staying on as England coach in next summer

2025 saw historic moments in cricket as long-standing title droughts ended across IPL, WTC, ODI World Cup, BBL, and WBBL, with standout performances earning top Player of the Match awards.

2025 saw historic moments in cricket as long-standing title droughts ended across IPL, WTC, ODI World Cup, BBL, and WBBL, with standout performances earning top Player of the Match awards.

2025 Year-ender: 5 cricket teams that broke long title droughts ft. IPL, WBBL and more

Former India skipper Kris Srikkanth has an advice for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as India gear up for defence of T20 World Cup title early next year. Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from the squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out. Srikkanth says that Samson has to convert those starts to make sure he isn't dropped from the playing XI anymore.<h2>Srikkanth's advice for Samson</h2>“He batted really well. What an innings it was. Some of the strokes he played were brilliant. When he is striking, he is striking deadly. Only thing I will tell Sanju is, don’t get out on 37. Convert that 37 into 73. If you do that, you can’t be removed. People forget 30s and 40s,” remarked Srikkanth, as reported by the Indian Express, after India's win against South Africa in Ahmedabad.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-test-wickets-as-captain-imran-cummins-benaud-sobers-vettori-1766400790984">Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list</a>“Sanju Samson got one chance and he grabbed it in yesterday’s match. I think they might have told him [Gill] yesterday that you don’t play. Maybe that’s why he was declared unfit. They might have told him that he’s not in the team.”<h2>Why was Gill dropped?</h2>Earlier this year, Gill was named India's Test and ODI skipper as well as being named Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in the T20Is as well. He played 15 matches since the appointment, replacing Samson as Abhishek Sharma's opening partner but returned modest numbers - scoring only one half-century in 15 innings.While he was clearly out of form, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar insisted that it is team combination because of which Gill has been dropped as the management wanted a keeper to open. India have also handed a call back to Ishan Kishan in the T20I squad after his stunning campaign in domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) for Jharkhand.

Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out.

Former India skipper Kris Srikkanth has an advice for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as India gear up for defence of T20 World Cup title early next year. Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from the squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out. Srikkanth says that Samson has to convert those starts to make sure he isn't dropped from the playing XI anymore. Srikkanth's advice for Samson “He batted really well. What an innings it was. Some of the strokes he played were brilliant. When he is striking, he is striking deadly. Only thing I will tell Sanju is, don’t get out on 37. Convert that 37 into 73. If you do that, you can’t be removed. People forget 30s and 40s,” remarked Srikkanth, as reported by the Indian Express, after India's win against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Also Read - Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list “Sanju Samson got one chance and he grabbed it in yesterday’s match. I think they might have told him [Gill] yesterday that you don’t play. Maybe that’s why he was declared unfit. They might have told him that he’s not in the team.” Why was Gill dropped? Earlier this year, Gill was named India's Test and ODI skipper as well as being named Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in the T20Is as well. He played 15 matches since the appointment, replacing Samson as Abhishek Sharma's opening partner but returned modest numbers - scoring only one half-century in 15 innings. While he was clearly out of form, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar insisted that it is team combination because of which Gill has been dropped as the management wanted a keeper to open. India have also handed a call back to Ishan Kishan in the T20I squad after his stunning campaign in domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) for Jharkhand.

Samson was picked ahead of vice-captain Shubman Gill who has been dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad altogether. Samson had played in the last T20I of five-match series against South Africa at home and scored a quickfire 37 before getting out.

Ex-India skipper Srikkanth says Samson needs to convert starts as 'people forget 30s and 40s'

The Haryana Steelers have added another major milestone to their success story by being named Franchise of the Year at the recently concluded CII Sports Business Awards 2025, according to a release. A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run. The club's high-performance programme is built on sports science, data-driven recruitment, and a clear pathway through the Steelers Academy and its centres in Rohtak and Jhajjar. Beyond the mat, the Steelers' work in the community has grown deeper.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-test-wickets-as-captain-imran-cummins-benaud-sobers-vettori-1766400790984">Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list</a> The Udaan programme in Panipat, which now engages more than 160 school children, has introduced kabaddi as a space for confidence-building, life skills, and conversations around gender and equality. Meanwhile, the School and Academy Contact Programme across Noida and Hyderabad has crossed 500 children, opening doors for young athletes who may not otherwise have considered the sport. This season also marked a shift in how the team told its stories. Through the second edition of the Faulad documentary, the Haryana Steelers Magazine Cover, and campaigns blending local music, style, and kabaddi culture, the franchise found a new voice. One that resonated strongly with young fans. That connection carried over online as well, with the Steelers becoming the fastest-growing PKL franchise on Instagram and YouTube, leading the league in views and overall engagement. The team garnered over 420M video views and 30M+ engagements, and also adopted a creator-led approach to reach new audiences and fans. Partnerships such as the Chhota Bheem collaboration, Stage OTT's Haryanvi Kaksha, and work with regional creators helped the team reach deeper into Haryana than ever before. The Season 11 trophy tour across Hisar and Rohtak, a girls' kabaddi showcase, live digital interactions, and merchandise giveaways turned the win into a shared celebration across the state. Speaking about the award, Divyanshu Singh, CEO of Haryana Steelers and JSW Sports, said: "Honestly, this one means a lot because it captures the kind of year we've had. Winning the title was huge, of course, but what really struck us was how people connected with the team; whether it was through the Faulad film, the music and culture around our campaigns, or just the way the boys carried themselves all season." "Our digital growth surprised us too; it showed that fans weren't just watching, they were travelling with us every step. And then there's the work with children in Panipat, Noida, Hyderabad... watching them open up, try new things, and challenge old ideas through kabaddi has been incredibly grounding. If we've managed to make people proud of Haryana and given young kids something to aspire to, that's a bigger win than any trophy. Ultimately, the endeavour and mission is to operate like a year-round club in Indian kabaddi." As the franchise steps into the next phase of its journey, aiming to capture more titles in the coming years and provide a steady pipeline of talent to Indian Kabaadi, this award will energise the squad and the backend team to continue to excel both on and off the mat.

A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run.

The Haryana Steelers have added another major milestone to their success story by being named Franchise of the Year at the recently concluded CII Sports Business Awards 2025, according to a release. A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run. The club's high-performance programme is built on sports science, data-driven recruitment, and a clear pathway through the Steelers Academy and its centres in Rohtak and Jhajjar. Beyond the mat, the Steelers' work in the community has grown deeper. Also Read - Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list The Udaan programme in Panipat, which now engages more than 160 school children, has introduced kabaddi as a space for confidence-building, life skills, and conversations around gender and equality. Meanwhile, the School and Academy Contact Programme across Noida and Hyderabad has crossed 500 children, opening doors for young athletes who may not otherwise have considered the sport. This season also marked a shift in how the team told its stories. Through the second edition of the Faulad documentary, the Haryana Steelers Magazine Cover, and campaigns blending local music, style, and kabaddi culture, the franchise found a new voice. One that resonated strongly with young fans. That connection carried over online as well, with the Steelers becoming the fastest-growing PKL franchise on Instagram and YouTube, leading the league in views and overall engagement. The team garnered over 420M video views and 30M+ engagements, and also adopted a creator-led approach to reach new audiences and fans. Partnerships such as the Chhota Bheem collaboration, Stage OTT's Haryanvi Kaksha, and work with regional creators helped the team reach deeper into Haryana than ever before. The Season 11 trophy tour across Hisar and Rohtak, a girls' kabaddi showcase, live digital interactions, and merchandise giveaways turned the win into a shared celebration across the state. Speaking about the award, Divyanshu Singh, CEO of Haryana Steelers and JSW Sports, said: "Honestly, this one means a lot because it captures the kind of year we've had. Winning the title was huge, of course, but what really struck us was how people connected with the team; whether it was through the Faulad film, the music and culture around our campaigns, or just the way the boys carried themselves all season." "Our digital growth surprised us too; it showed that fans weren't just watching, they were travelling with us every step. And then there's the work with children in Panipat, Noida, Hyderabad... watching them open up, try new things, and challenge old ideas through kabaddi has been incredibly grounding. If we've managed to make people proud of Haryana and given young kids something to aspire to, that's a bigger win than any trophy. Ultimately, the endeavour and mission is to operate like a year-round club in Indian kabaddi." As the franchise steps into the next phase of its journey, aiming to capture more titles in the coming years and provide a steady pipeline of talent to Indian Kabaadi, this award will energise the squad and the backend team to continue to excel both on and off the mat.

A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run.

Pro Kabaddi League 11 champion Haryana Steelers named 'Franchise of the Year' at CII Sports Business Awards 2025

An ugly incident took place backstage at the Misfits Boxing event in Dubai after Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat defeated American fighter Anthony Taylor, with a video of the clash quickly going viral on social media. Neeraj beat Anthony Taylor through a unanimous decision after a one-sided fight. While the bout ended inside the ring, emotions spilt over moments later behind the scenes. After the fight, Taylor followed Goyat backstage and offered him a handshake. Goyat refused and was heard telling the American, “You don't even know about boxing, man.” The comment angered Taylor, who then picked up a water bottle from the ground and threw it at the Indian boxer.&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-nerves-of-steel-6-one-run-thrillers-in-t20-world-cup-history-t20-world-cup-suryakumar-1766245755812"> 'Nerves of steel': 6 one-run thrillers in T20 World Cup history</a>&nbsp;The situation became tense as Goyat moved towards Taylor in anger. Security officials and team members rushed in to stop things from getting out of hand. One of Goyat’s team members was heard calming him down by saying, “Relax, relax, you won,” while Taylor was escorted out of the area by security.&nbsp;The tension between the two fighters had been building even before the fight began. Reports suggest Taylor made comments related to India, which upset Goyat. The Indian boxer warned him several times not to say anything disrespectful about his country.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SHOCKING BEHAVIOR BY ANTHONY 😱 Unable to accept his defeat, Boxer Anthony Taylor confronted &amp; attacked Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat backstage 😳 Neeraj Goyat has defeated Anthony Taylor 🇺🇸 by unanimous decision (3–0) at Misfits Mania Warning ⚠️ : Language <a href="https://t.co/bymMoPO3Eh">pic.twitter.com/bymMoPO3Eh</a>&mdash; News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsAlgebraIND/status/2002829566986035231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After his victory, Goyat spoke strongly in a video message and addressed the issue directly. “The American guy underestimates me. I just want to say, don't underestimate Indians. I had said, India is your father, so India is your father. The Indians, they do what they say and also add extra,” Goyat said. Neeraj Goyat is one of the most well-known professional boxers from India. He is a three-time WBC Asia Champion and the first Indian boxer to enter the World Boxing Council world rankings. Goyat has also competed in Mixed Martial Arts and holds a professional record of 19 wins, four losses and two draws. In 2024, he gained global attention after defeating Brazilian Whindersson Nunes at the high-profile Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul event in Texas. He later became the first international fighter to sign with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

Neeraj Goyat beat Anthony Taylor at Misfits Boxing in Dubai before a backstage clash saw Taylor throw a water bottle. The incident went viral as security stepped in to stop the fight.

An ugly incident took place backstage at the Misfits Boxing event in Dubai after Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat defeated American fighter Anthony Taylor, with a video of the clash quickly going viral on social media. Neeraj beat Anthony Taylor through a unanimous decision after a one-sided fight. While the bout ended inside the ring, emotions spilt over moments later behind the scenes. After the fight, Taylor followed Goyat backstage and offered him a handshake. Goyat refused and was heard telling the American, “You don't even know about boxing, man.” The comment angered Taylor, who then picked up a water bottle from the ground and threw it at the Indian boxer. Also read | 'Nerves of steel': 6 one-run thrillers in T20 World Cup history The situation became tense as Goyat moved towards Taylor in anger. Security officials and team members rushed in to stop things from getting out of hand. One of Goyat’s team members was heard calming him down by saying, “Relax, relax, you won,” while Taylor was escorted out of the area by security. The tension between the two fighters had been building even before the fight began. Reports suggest Taylor made comments related to India, which upset Goyat. The Indian boxer warned him several times not to say anything disrespectful about his country.

Neeraj Goyat beat Anthony Taylor at Misfits Boxing in Dubai before a backstage clash saw Taylor throw a water bottle. The incident went viral as security stepped in to stop the fight.

WATCH: Anthony Taylor throws water bottle at Neeraj Goyat after Misfits Boxing loss

Imran Khan (187) has most Test wickets as captain followed by Pat Cummins (151), Richie Benaud (138), Garry Sobers (117), Daniel Vettori (116).

Imran Khan (187) has most Test wickets as captain followed by Pat Cummins (151), Richie Benaud (138), Garry Sobers (117), Daniel Vettori (116).

Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list

The ongoing five-Test Ashes between Australia and England has already been decided with two matches to spare. Hosts Australia are 3-0 up in the series following winning the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs. The series has exposed England's Bazball badly with some personnel changes might be coming soon. Before the series though, former England pacer Stuart Broad had said that the current Australia team is worst in 15 years, since England last won the Ashes in 2010-11. The result, however, clearly shows otherwise but Broad has refused to take his statement back.<h2>Broad still believe current Australia team worst since 2010-11</h2>“Do I regret saying that? No. I did say Australia would have to play very badly and England would have to play very well. Australia haven't played very badly, and England haven't played very well,” Broad said on his For The Love of Cricket podcast after England lost the Ashes despite putting up a fight in Adelaide but it came too little too late. England had lost the first two Test by eight wickets in Perth and Brisbane, respectively.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-jhye-richardson-australia-lock-in-pat-cummins-replacement-for-boxing-day-test-1766389313491">Ashes: Australia lock in Pat Cummins' replacement for Boxing Day Test</a><h2>Ashes performance comparison</h2>Australia started the first Test without Pat Cummins, dropped Nathan Lyon for second match and Steve Smith pulled out of the third Test at the last minute. England, despite playing an injury-hit Australia, could not contain them, especially Travis Head who is the highest run-getter in the series - 379 in six innings at an average of 63 with two tons already.Aussie Alex Carey is the second on the list with 267 runs in four innings batted including a match-winning 106 in first innings in Adelaide to go with two fifties as well. For England Joe Root is the highest run-getter - 219 in six innings but that includes a highest of 138 not out as well.Among the bowlers, Mitchell Starc leads the chart with 22 wickets with two five-fors while Brydon Carse tops for England with 14 wickets in five innings.

England, despite playing an injury-hit Australia, could not contain them, especially Travis Head who is the highest run-getter in the series - 379 in six innings at an average of 63 with two tons already.

The ongoing five-Test Ashes between Australia and England has already been decided with two matches to spare. Hosts Australia are 3-0 up in the series following winning the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs. The series has exposed England's Bazball badly with some personnel changes might be coming soon. Before the series though, former England pacer Stuart Broad had said that the current Australia team is worst in 15 years, since England last won the Ashes in 2010-11. The result, however, clearly shows otherwise but Broad has refused to take his statement back. Broad still believe current Australia team worst since 2010-11 “Do I regret saying that? No. I did say Australia would have to play very badly and England would have to play very well. Australia haven't played very badly, and England haven't played very well,” Broad said on his For The Love of Cricket podcast after England lost the Ashes despite putting up a fight in Adelaide but it came too little too late. England had lost the first two Test by eight wickets in Perth and Brisbane, respectively. Also Read - Ashes: Australia lock in Pat Cummins' replacement for Boxing Day Test Ashes performance comparison Australia started the first Test without Pat Cummins, dropped Nathan Lyon for second match and Steve Smith pulled out of the third Test at the last minute. England, despite playing an injury-hit Australia, could not contain them, especially Travis Head who is the highest run-getter in the series - 379 in six innings at an average of 63 with two tons already. Aussie Alex Carey is the second on the list with 267 runs in four innings batted including a match-winning 106 in first innings in Adelaide to go with two fifties as well. For England Joe Root is the highest run-getter - 219 in six innings but that includes a highest of 138 not out as well. Among the bowlers, Mitchell Starc leads the chart with 22 wickets with two five-fors while Brydon Carse tops for England with 14 wickets in five innings.

England, despite playing an injury-hit Australia, could not contain them, especially Travis Head who is the highest run-getter in the series - 379 in six innings at an average of 63 with two tons already.

Ashes 2025-26: Broad still hung up on 'current Australia team being worst in 15 years' despite England's loss

Suzie Bates (4,716) is the first batter to scored 4,000-plus runs in WT20Is with Smriti Mandhana (4,007) being the second batter. Other batters with most runs in WT20Is are Harry Kaur (3,669), Chamari Athapaththu (3,472), Sophie Devine (3,431).

Suzie Bates (4,716) is the first batter to scored 4,000-plus runs in WT20Is with Smriti Mandhana (4,007) being the second batter. Other batters with most runs in WT20Is are Harry Kaur (3,669), Chamari Athapaththu (3,472), and Sophie Devine (3,431).

Smriti Mandhana is now second batter to score 4,000-plus WT20I runs. Check who is first

Shubman Gill has returned to the drawing board following his shock T20 World Cup snub late last week. Picked as the new vice-captain for the recently concluded South Africa T20Is, Gill played the first three matches before getting sidelined for the remainder. While he remained in contention for a spot in the 15-man T20 WC squad, the selectors overlooked him at the last minute, picking Ishan Kishan in his place. Gill, however, has returned to the drawing board after being picked in the 18-man Punjab squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;Alongside Gill, T20I superstars and World Cup-bound players, opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh, have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24. Besides the three Indian internationals, Punjab has also picked Prabhsimran Singh, Naman Dhir, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sanvir Singh and Harpreet Brar, with Gurnoor Brar and Krish Bhagat leading the pace attack.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-drops-shocking-revelation-reveals-the-moment-he-considered-announcing-retirement-1766383952449">Rohit drops shocking revelation, reveals moment he considered announcing retirement</a> &nbsp;While there remains no clarity on their availability for the season, with Team India scheduled to play New Zealand for three One-Dayers and five T20Is starting January 11, Gill, who is out of the T20I squad for the dress-rehearsal NZ series, will lead the One-Day side, which doesn’t include Arshdeep and Abhishek. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Punjab, which will play seven of its league matches in Jaipur this season, is placed alongside Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa and Mumbai in the group stage, which concludes on January 8.&nbsp; &nbsp;Getting knocked out in last season’s quarters, Punjab has not named a captain in their official statement.<h3>Punjab's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad -</h3>Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Harnoor Pannu, Anmolpreet Singh, Uday Saharan, Naman Dhir, Salil Arora (wk), Sanvir Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Harpreet Brar, Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, Gourav Choudhary and Sukhdeep Bajwa

Alongside Gill, T20I superstars opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24.

Shubman Gill has returned to the drawing board following his shock T20 World Cup snub late last week. Picked as the new vice-captain for the recently concluded South Africa T20Is, Gill played the first three matches before getting sidelined for the remainder. While he remained in contention for a spot in the 15-man T20 WC squad, the selectors overlooked him at the last minute, picking Ishan Kishan in his place. Gill, however, has returned to the drawing board after being picked in the 18-man Punjab squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Alongside Gill, T20I superstars and World Cup-bound players, opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh, have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24. Besides the three Indian internationals, Punjab has also picked Prabhsimran Singh, Naman Dhir, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sanvir Singh and Harpreet Brar, with Gurnoor Brar and Krish Bhagat leading the pace attack. Also read | Rohit drops shocking revelation, reveals moment he considered announcing retirement While there remains no clarity on their availability for the season, with Team India scheduled to play New Zealand for three One-Dayers and five T20Is starting January 11, Gill, who is out of the T20I squad for the dress-rehearsal NZ series, will lead the One-Day side, which doesn’t include Arshdeep and Abhishek. Meanwhile, Punjab, which will play seven of its league matches in Jaipur this season, is placed alongside Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa and Mumbai in the group stage, which concludes on January 8. Getting knocked out in last season’s quarters, Punjab has not named a captain in their official statement. Punjab's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad - Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Harnoor Pannu, Anmolpreet Singh, Uday Saharan, Naman Dhir, Salil Arora (wk), Sanvir Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Harpreet Brar, Raghu Sharma, Krish Bhagat, Gourav Choudhary and Sukhdeep Bajwa

Alongside Gill, T20I superstars opener Abhishek Sharma and seamer Arshdeep Singh have also been named in the team, which starts its campaign against Maharashtra on December 24.

Shubman Gill returns to drawing board after T20 WC snub, to play for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Australia has locked in seamer Jhye Richardson as a potential replacement for regular captain Pat Cummins for the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England. Richardson, who underwent a successful shoulder surgery, is in the fray to be included in Australia’s injury-hit squad for the fourth Test. The hosts have claimed the Ashes following an 82-run win in the just-concluded Adelaide Test, taking a 3-0 lead in this five-match series. With no Josh Hazlewood around, Australia is likely to go back to the domestic giants to fill in for the captain.&nbsp;Cummins, who returned to the playing XI for the first time since July this year, confirmed missing out on the Boxing Day Test, saying, "We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it's the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it," he said. "Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job's done and let's reassess the risk."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-mitchell-starc-urges-icc-to-pay-for-drs-amid-rising-complaints-against-snicko-1766381182062">Ashes: Mitchell Starc urges ICC to pay for DRS amid rising complaints against Snicko</a> &nbsp;Even though Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who picked up his maiden Test five-for in the Pink-Ball Test at the Gabba, are also running for the same spot, Richardson could be back in Australia’s Test squad for the first time since facing England in the Adelaide Test in 2021. He trained with the Ashes-bound squad ahead of the third match but did not feature for them in the team. The right-arm seamer, however, was last picked for the Boxing Day Test against India one year ago, after which he decided to go under the knife for his troubled shoulder that ruled him out of all cricket action for 12 months. &nbsp;On the other hand, Australia will also have to look into options to replace veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who suffered a right hamstring while fielding on day five in Adelaide. Lyon did not play any part in that game. Todd Murphy is said to be the frontrunner, while Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli is also in line to receive his maiden Test call-up.&nbsp; &nbsp;Matthew Kuhnemann, who had successful away tours of Sri Lanka and the West Indies earlier this year, also remains among contention to replace Lyon in the XI in Melbourne. &nbsp;However, Ashes 2025's highest wicket-taker, Mitchell Starc, could also get an extended run, with local Scott Boland expected to make waves at the iconic MCG.&nbsp;

Australia will be without two of its premier first-team players, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, for the Boxing Day Test.

Australia has locked in seamer Jhye Richardson as a potential replacement for regular captain Pat Cummins for the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England. Richardson, who underwent a successful shoulder surgery, is in the fray to be included in Australia’s injury-hit squad for the fourth Test. The hosts have claimed the Ashes following an 82-run win in the just-concluded Adelaide Test, taking a 3-0 lead in this five-match series. With no Josh Hazlewood around, Australia is likely to go back to the domestic giants to fill in for the captain. Cummins, who returned to the playing XI for the first time since July this year, confirmed missing out on the Boxing Day Test, saying, "We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it's the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it," he said. "Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job's done and let's reassess the risk." Also read | Ashes: Mitchell Starc urges ICC to pay for DRS amid rising complaints against Snicko Even though Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who picked up his maiden Test five-for in the Pink-Ball Test at the Gabba, are also running for the same spot, Richardson could be back in Australia’s Test squad for the first time since facing England in the Adelaide Test in 2021. He trained with the Ashes-bound squad ahead of the third match but did not feature for them in the team. The right-arm seamer, however, was last picked for the Boxing Day Test against India one year ago, after which he decided to go under the knife for his troubled shoulder that ruled him out of all cricket action for 12 months. On the other hand, Australia will also have to look into options to replace veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who suffered a right hamstring while fielding on day five in Adelaide. Lyon did not play any part in that game. Todd Murphy is said to be the frontrunner, while Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli is also in line to receive his maiden Test call-up. Matthew Kuhnemann, who had successful away tours of Sri Lanka and the West Indies earlier this year, also remains among contention to replace Lyon in the XI in Melbourne. However, Ashes 2025's highest wicket-taker, Mitchell Starc, could also get an extended run, with local Scott Boland expected to make waves at the iconic MCG.

Australia will be without two of its premier first-team players, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, for the Boxing Day Test.

Ashes: Australia lock in Pat Cummins' replacement for Boxing Day Test

The crushing World Cup final defeat at the hands of Australia in 2023 not only broke a billion hearts but also almost led then-Indian captain Rohit Sharma to walk away from the game he loved the most. Rohit’s Men in Blue were the favourites to win the home final against Australia, but fell shy of living their dream at the grandest stage of them all. While the Indian players had an unbearable pain written all over their faces, the former skipper admitted to running away from cricket, as that loss took away everything from him.&nbsp;“After the 2023 World Cup final, I was completely distraught and felt like I didn't want to play this sport anymore because it had taken everything out of me, and I felt I had nothing left,” Rohit said while speaking at the Masters’ Union event on Sunday.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-mitchell-starc-urges-icc-to-pay-for-drs-amid-rising-complaints-against-snicko-1766381182062">Ashes: Mitchell Starc urges ICC to pay for DRS amid rising complaints against Snicko</a> &nbsp;Of all the previously held editions, the Indian Team had perhaps the perfect run till the final, winning all matches, including a hard-fought semi, all convincingly though. However, they ran out of luck on the day it mattered the most, losing out to the former five-time winners in a lop-sided finale.&nbsp; &nbsp;Speaking of how he and the entire dressing room felt after losing that final, Rohit said, “Everybody was extremely disappointed, and we just couldn't believe what had happened. It was a very tough time for me personally because I had put everything into that World Cup — not just two or three months before it, but ever since I became captain.”<h3>Took months to recover mentally</h3>Losing that final was hard for the skipper, who admitted to taking months to let that feeling sink in and move on with the outcome.&nbsp; &nbsp;“There was no energy left in my body. It took me a couple of months to recover and bring myself back,” Rohit continued. &nbsp;Further speaking about what he took from that loss, Rohit said, “I knew life doesn't end there. It was a big lesson — how to deal with disappointment, reset, and start fresh. It's very easy to say this now, but at that moment, it was extremely difficult.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, as things stand, Rohit is pushing to retain his place in the One-Day side for the next World Cup in 2027 in Africa. He is also named in Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, and shall return to India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand at home next month.

Rohit will feature for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before returning to the Indian Team for the home ODIs against New Zealand.

The crushing World Cup final defeat at the hands of Australia in 2023 not only broke a billion hearts but also almost led then-Indian captain Rohit Sharma to walk away from the game he loved the most. Rohit’s Men in Blue were the favourites to win the home final against Australia, but fell shy of living their dream at the grandest stage of them all. While the Indian players had an unbearable pain written all over their faces, the former skipper admitted to running away from cricket, as that loss took away everything from him. “After the 2023 World Cup final, I was completely distraught and felt like I didn't want to play this sport anymore because it had taken everything out of me, and I felt I had nothing left,” Rohit said while speaking at the Masters’ Union event on Sunday. Also read | Ashes: Mitchell Starc urges ICC to pay for DRS amid rising complaints against Snicko Of all the previously held editions, the Indian Team had perhaps the perfect run till the final, winning all matches, including a hard-fought semi, all convincingly though. However, they ran out of luck on the day it mattered the most, losing out to the former five-time winners in a lop-sided finale. Speaking of how he and the entire dressing room felt after losing that final, Rohit said, “Everybody was extremely disappointed, and we just couldn't believe what had happened. It was a very tough time for me personally because I had put everything into that World Cup — not just two or three months before it, but ever since I became captain.” Took months to recover mentally Losing that final was hard for the skipper, who admitted to taking months to let that feeling sink in and move on with the outcome. “There was no energy left in my body. It took me a couple of months to recover and bring myself back,” Rohit continued. Further speaking about what he took from that loss, Rohit said, “I knew life doesn't end there. It was a big lesson — how to deal with disappointment, reset, and start fresh. It's very easy to say this now, but at that moment, it was extremely difficult.” Meanwhile, as things stand, Rohit is pushing to retain his place in the One-Day side for the next World Cup in 2027 in Africa. He is also named in Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, and shall return to India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand at home next month.

Rohit will feature for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before returning to the Indian Team for the home ODIs against New Zealand.

Rohit drops shocking revelation, reveals moment he considered announcing retirement

Tensions rose during the recently concluded third Ashes Test in Adelaide, where several decisions led to confusion and frustration across both camps, also influencing the outcome. Although Australia stood tall in the end, all because they played better cricket across five days, a couple of decisions involving Snicko technology drew attention. Starc, who bashed it sometime during this Test, asking for it to be sacked, raised his voice against the ICC’s decision of not using just one technology across all series, diluting all confusion.&nbsp;A Snicko error earlier saved Aussie gloveman Alex Carey, who edged one to the keeper on day one, only for England to have that review reinstated; it, however, further led to frustrations across both camps later in the game, twice involving the same batter, Jamie Smith, within the span of a few overs. While the English camp felt relieved over the first decision involving Smith, with the Aussies fuming over it, the visitors sought answers a couple of overs later when a Snicko error led to his dismissal, putting England on the backfoot.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-eng-brendon-mccullum-admits-errors-in-ashes-preparations-as-england-aim-to-salvage-pride-1766376902058">Brendon McCullum admits errors in Ashes preparations as ENG aim to salvage pride</a> &nbsp;"I'm sure it's frustrating for everyone, viewers, officials, broadcasters, no doubt," Starc said about the technology. "One thing I will say ... I'm only going to speak for myself here, the officials use it, right? So why doesn't the ICC pay for it? And why is it not just one [provider] across the board? Why don't we use the same technology in all the different series? That's going to perhaps create less confusion, less frustration? So that's where I'll leave that." Two different technologies &nbsp;The apex body – the ICC has approved two ‘sound-based edge detection technology’ suppliers – the RTS, used in Australia and UltraEdge, used across all competitions worldwide. While former Australian captain Ricky Ponting admitted that the UltraEdge technology is superior to the RTS, which he said cannot be trusted, current Test captain Pat Cummins shared altered views on it.&nbsp; &nbsp;"The one here seems a little bit different to sometimes what you get overseas," Cummins said. "There's always a few murmurs. You're hoping that it matches up if you're the bowling team. Sometimes you kind of just making sure that it's all okay if you're batting, even though you feel like you haven't hit it. It sometimes doesn't feel super consistent, but you just crack on whatever the umpire says,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia has retained the Ashes following winning the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs. They play England next in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic MCG starting December 26.

The Snicko technology came under the scanner for a few controversial calls during the concluded Ashes Test in Adelaide. 

Tensions rose during the recently concluded third Ashes Test in Adelaide, where several decisions led to confusion and frustration across both camps, also influencing the outcome. Although Australia stood tall in the end, all because they played better cricket across five days, a couple of decisions involving Snicko technology drew attention. Starc, who bashed it sometime during this Test, asking for it to be sacked, raised his voice against the ICC’s decision of not using just one technology across all series, diluting all confusion. A Snicko error earlier saved Aussie gloveman Alex Carey, who edged one to the keeper on day one, only for England to have that review reinstated; it, however, further led to frustrations across both camps later in the game, twice involving the same batter, Jamie Smith, within the span of a few overs. While the English camp felt relieved over the first decision involving Smith, with the Aussies fuming over it, the visitors sought answers a couple of overs later when a Snicko error led to his dismissal, putting England on the backfoot. Also read | Brendon McCullum admits errors in Ashes preparations as ENG aim to salvage pride "I'm sure it's frustrating for everyone, viewers, officials, broadcasters, no doubt," Starc said about the technology. "One thing I will say ... I'm only going to speak for myself here, the officials use it, right? So why doesn't the ICC pay for it? And why is it not just one [provider] across the board? Why don't we use the same technology in all the different series? That's going to perhaps create less confusion, less frustration? So that's where I'll leave that." Two different technologies The apex body – the ICC has approved two ‘sound-based edge detection technology’ suppliers – the RTS, used in Australia and UltraEdge, used across all competitions worldwide. While former Australian captain Ricky Ponting admitted that the UltraEdge technology is superior to the RTS, which he said cannot be trusted, current Test captain Pat Cummins shared altered views on it. "The one here seems a little bit different to sometimes what you get overseas," Cummins said. "There's always a few murmurs. You're hoping that it matches up if you're the bowling team. Sometimes you kind of just making sure that it's all okay if you're batting, even though you feel like you haven't hit it. It sometimes doesn't feel super consistent, but you just crack on whatever the umpire says,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Meanwhile, Australia has retained the Ashes following winning the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs. They play England next in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic MCG starting December 26.

The Snicko technology came under the scanner for a few controversial calls during the concluded Ashes Test in Adelaide.&nbsp;

Ashes: Mitchell Starc urges ICC to pay for DRS amid rising complaints against Snicko

Coach Brendon McCullum concedes England got their preparations wrong heading into the Ashes, but believes they can salvage some pride in the final two Tests at Melbourne and Sydney. The tourists arrived in Australia bullish that they could win a series in the country for the first time since 2010-11. But their hopes imploded with heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane before a closer contest at Adelaide, leaving the ultra-aggressive "Bazball" style of cricket McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes pioneered in tatters. Their Ashes demise in just 11 days was the joint-second quickest in more than a century.&nbsp;England had just one warm-up fixture in Australia, against their second-tier Lions side, and lost the opening Test in Perth inside two days. Former captains Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan and Graham Gooch all criticised the limited preparation, with disgruntled skipper Ben Stokes sparking a backlash after calling them "has-beens". They then opted to skip a pink-ball opportunity in Canberra before the day-night second Test at the Gabba, instead spending five days in the Brisbane nets.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-wi-3rd-test-jacob-duffy-five-for-triggers-west-indies-collapse-as-new-zealand-seal-series-1766376330724">Duffy’s five-for triggers West Indies collapse as New Zealand seal Test series 2-0</a>&nbsp;Like Perth, that Test was lost by eight wickets and McCullum bizarrely claimed they had "overprepared".&nbsp;"What did we get right? What did we get wrong? Probably we go back to the preparation, that'll be something that gets questioned," McCullum told TNT Sports after the 82-run Adelaide defeat. "And when you've lost 3-0, you need to put your hand up and say, 'maybe I didn't get that preparation right'.&nbsp;"It's not just leading into the first game. It's could we have done more leading into game one, and could we have done less leading into game two?&nbsp;"I didn't get that right because we lost 3-0. Lots to digest, look through and be better next time."&nbsp;The fourth Test starts in Melbourne on December 26, and England could freshen up the side.<h3>‘Great opportunity’</h3>&nbsp;An under-performing Ollie Pope is facing the axe with Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings, but their options are limited, and McCullum said they would not be looking outside the squad they have.&nbsp;"We'll have a look a look at the conditions (in Melbourne) and, as we always do, we'll try and work out what we think will give us the best chance in that game," he said. “If that's changes, it's changes. If it's not, it's not. We'll assess that when we get to Melbourne.”&nbsp;England at least showed more fight in Adelaide as they chased what would have been a world record 435 to win.&nbsp;McCullum admitted they had been outplayed across all three Tests, but said he saw encouraging signs in Adelaide and "we do have a great opportunity in the next two Tests".&nbsp;"We need to find something out of this tour, salvage some pride and play for all the people who have come to Australia to support this team and all the people back in England who have supported this team as well," he said. “If we get into that state where we just play the game and immerse yourself in the state of what needs to be done and allow your talent to come out in pressure situations, then you've got every opportunity.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

England lost the series opener in Perth inside two days, the next day/night Test at the Gabba, before conceding the Ashes in the third Test in Adelaide. 

Coach Brendon McCullum concedes England got their preparations wrong heading into the Ashes, but believes they can salvage some pride in the final two Tests at Melbourne and Sydney. The tourists arrived in Australia bullish that they could win a series in the country for the first time since 2010-11. But their hopes imploded with heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane before a closer contest at Adelaide, leaving the ultra-aggressive "Bazball" style of cricket McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes pioneered in tatters. Their Ashes demise in just 11 days was the joint-second quickest in more than a century. England had just one warm-up fixture in Australia, against their second-tier Lions side, and lost the opening Test in Perth inside two days. Former captains Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan and Graham Gooch all criticised the limited preparation, with disgruntled skipper Ben Stokes sparking a backlash after calling them "has-beens". They then opted to skip a pink-ball opportunity in Canberra before the day-night second Test at the Gabba, instead spending five days in the Brisbane nets. Also read | Duffy’s five-for triggers West Indies collapse as New Zealand seal Test series 2-0 Like Perth, that Test was lost by eight wickets and McCullum bizarrely claimed they had "overprepared". "What did we get right? What did we get wrong? Probably we go back to the preparation, that'll be something that gets questioned," McCullum told TNT Sports after the 82-run Adelaide defeat. "And when you've lost 3-0, you need to put your hand up and say, 'maybe I didn't get that preparation right'. "It's not just leading into the first game. It's could we have done more leading into game one, and could we have done less leading into game two? "I didn't get that right because we lost 3-0. Lots to digest, look through and be better next time." The fourth Test starts in Melbourne on December 26, and England could freshen up the side. ‘Great opportunity’ An under-performing Ollie Pope is facing the axe with Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings, but their options are limited, and McCullum said they would not be looking outside the squad they have. "We'll have a look a look at the conditions (in Melbourne) and, as we always do, we'll try and work out what we think will give us the best chance in that game," he said. “If that's changes, it's changes. If it's not, it's not. We'll assess that when we get to Melbourne.” England at least showed more fight in Adelaide as they chased what would have been a world record 435 to win. McCullum admitted they had been outplayed across all three Tests, but said he saw encouraging signs in Adelaide and "we do have a great opportunity in the next two Tests". "We need to find something out of this tour, salvage some pride and play for all the people who have come to Australia to support this team and all the people back in England who have supported this team as well," he said. “If we get into that state where we just play the game and immerse yourself in the state of what needs to be done and allow your talent to come out in pressure situations, then you've got every opportunity.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

England lost the series opener in Perth inside two days, the next day/night Test at the Gabba, before conceding the Ashes in the third Test in Adelaide.&nbsp;

Brendon McCullum admits errors in Ashes preparations as ENG aim to salvage pride

New Zealand crushed West Indies by 323 runs after tea on Monday to win the third Test at Mount Maunganui and seal a 2-0 series victory, with Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul proving crucial to the win. The hosts set a target of 462 and bowled out the tourists for 138, wrapping up the innings in just four overs after tea following a dramatic collapse either side of lunch. Duffy finished with 5-42, backed up by Ajaz Patel, who claimed 3-23, while opener Brandon King top-scored for West Indies with 67.&nbsp;New Zealand's Devon Conway scored 227 and 100 in two innings, while captain Tom Latham scored 137 and 101 -- the first opening pair in first-class cricket history to score twin centuries in the same match -- to help set up the Black Caps' win.&nbsp;The series began with a draw in Christchurch, before New Zealand won the second Test in Wellington.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jemimah-rodrigues-unbeaten-half-century-helps-india-women-take-1-0-lead-against-sri-lanka-1766338404710">Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten half-century helps India Women take 1-0 lead against Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;On a cracked surface offering uneven movement and bounce, seamer Duffy and spinner Patel posed constant danger to both edges of the bat. West Indies collapsed from 87-0 to 112-8 either side of lunch. The visitors had started the day 43-0, with Brandon King on 37 and John Campbell on two.King dominated early, hitting a flurry of cuts and drives and scoring 53 of the team's first 59 runs.&nbsp;Initially, New Zealand captain Latham's fields lacked aggression on a pitch that looked increasingly difficult to bat on, but that changed after the drinks break. Duffy broke the opening stand at 87, King gloving a rising delivery to Glenn Phillips at gully for 67. Patel struck in the next over, removing Campbell for 16 after a rash attempt to slog down the ground. Phillips then took another good catch in the deep. Patel claimed another soon after, first-innings centurion Kavem Hodge falling for a duck with Rachin Ravindra taking a catch at silly square leg.&nbsp;Hodge's preparation before the match was hampered by a series of poor throwdowns dished out by a coaching assistant, with head coach Daren Sammy stepping in.&nbsp;Duffy then dismissed Alick Athanaze for two and Justin Greaves for nought in successive overs, leaving the West Indies reeling. Duffy struck again two overs later, with Alick Athanaze edging to keeper Tom Blundell for 2, before removing Justin Greaves for nought with an edge to Daryl Mitchell at slip. Duffy had Roston Chase caught off the gloves by Tom Latham at slip for five, capping a miserable series for the West Indies captain.&nbsp;Chase scored just 42 runs at an average of seven in three matches, the second-worst figures for a skipper dismissed six or more times in a Test series.&nbsp;Patel claimed Shai Hope's wicket for three from 78 balls after a controversial LBW review. Having not played a shot, the ball was deemed to be hitting Hope's foot on the full and going on to hit the stumps.&nbsp;Glenn Phillips then took his first wicket of the match, bowling a hobbled Kemar Roach for four, who is nursing a hamstring strain.&nbsp;Ravindra was introduced in the final session and snared Anderson Phillip's wicket with an LBW, before Duffy wrapped up the innings, bowling Jayden Seales.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Seamer Duffy finished with 5-42, backed up by Ajaz Patel, who claimed 3-23, while opener Brandon King top-scored for West Indies with 67.

New Zealand crushed West Indies by 323 runs after tea on Monday to win the third Test at Mount Maunganui and seal a 2-0 series victory, with Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul proving crucial to the win. The hosts set a target of 462 and bowled out the tourists for 138, wrapping up the innings in just four overs after tea following a dramatic collapse either side of lunch. Duffy finished with 5-42, backed up by Ajaz Patel, who claimed 3-23, while opener Brandon King top-scored for West Indies with 67. New Zealand's Devon Conway scored 227 and 100 in two innings, while captain Tom Latham scored 137 and 101 -- the first opening pair in first-class cricket history to score twin centuries in the same match -- to help set up the Black Caps' win. The series began with a draw in Christchurch, before New Zealand won the second Test in Wellington. Also read | Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten half-century helps India Women take 1-0 lead against Sri Lanka On a cracked surface offering uneven movement and bounce, seamer Duffy and spinner Patel posed constant danger to both edges of the bat. West Indies collapsed from 87-0 to 112-8 either side of lunch. The visitors had started the day 43-0, with Brandon King on 37 and John Campbell on two. King dominated early, hitting a flurry of cuts and drives and scoring 53 of the team's first 59 runs. Initially, New Zealand captain Latham's fields lacked aggression on a pitch that looked increasingly difficult to bat on, but that changed after the drinks break. Duffy broke the opening stand at 87, King gloving a rising delivery to Glenn Phillips at gully for 67. Patel struck in the next over, removing Campbell for 16 after a rash attempt to slog down the ground. Phillips then took another good catch in the deep. Patel claimed another soon after, first-innings centurion Kavem Hodge falling for a duck with Rachin Ravindra taking a catch at silly square leg. Hodge's preparation before the match was hampered by a series of poor throwdowns dished out by a coaching assistant, with head coach Daren Sammy stepping in. Duffy then dismissed Alick Athanaze for two and Justin Greaves for nought in successive overs, leaving the West Indies reeling. Duffy struck again two overs later, with Alick Athanaze edging to keeper Tom Blundell for 2, before removing Justin Greaves for nought with an edge to Daryl Mitchell at slip. Duffy had Roston Chase caught off the gloves by Tom Latham at slip for five, capping a miserable series for the West Indies captain. Chase scored just 42 runs at an average of seven in three matches, the second-worst figures for a skipper dismissed six or more times in a Test series. Patel claimed Shai Hope's wicket for three from 78 balls after a controversial LBW review. Having not played a shot, the ball was deemed to be hitting Hope's foot on the full and going on to hit the stumps. Glenn Phillips then took his first wicket of the match, bowling a hobbled Kemar Roach for four, who is nursing a hamstring strain. Ravindra was introduced in the final session and snared Anderson Phillip's wicket with an LBW, before Duffy wrapped up the innings, bowling Jayden Seales. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Seamer Duffy finished with 5-42, backed up by Ajaz Patel, who claimed 3-23, while opener Brandon King top-scored for West Indies with 67.

Duffy’s five-for triggers West Indies collapse as New Zealand seal Test series 2-0

Ruben Amorim fears Bruno Fernandes will be out for "a while" after the Manchester United captain was injured during Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Fernandes has started every Premier League game this season, but the Portugal midfielder is unlikely to extend that run any further following his injury setback at Villa Park. The 31-year-old initially played on after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue just before the break, but he did not return for the second half. Amorim ruled his influential star out of the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle, with severe doubts about his availability for the rest of the Christmas and New Year schedule.&nbsp;"It's a soft tissue. I think he's going to lose some games. I don't know for sure, so let's see," Amorim said. “You never control these things, so we'll see. He is a guy who is always fit, so he can recover quite well, but I don't know.”&nbsp;Fernandes' fitness blow compounded Amorim's injury problems, with England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo missing the Villa game due to a calf issue. The 20-year-old had dominated the build-up to Sunday's game after his half-brother wore a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' t-shirt to Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Mainoo would have been in contention to make his first Premier League start of the season against Newcastle, but instead, he is set to miss out.&nbsp;"I will see what we are going to do," Amorim said. "I think Kobbie Mainoo is out, Bruno is out, so we will see. We are going to find solutions. No excuses.&nbsp;"We need to win the next game, and we will try to win the next game."&nbsp;While Casemiro will return from suspension against Newcastle, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also sidelined.&nbsp;United's selection crisis has raised questions about the potential for new signings during the January transfer window, but Amorim won't panic.&nbsp;"We need to deal with that," he said. "What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency, and make mistakes, and then 'here we go again' with a lot of mistakes.&nbsp;"I'm not going to say 'we need a lot of players' because we have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first.&nbsp;“Of course, we are in a moment where we need points, but we need to find solutions, and we are going to continue with our plan.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Fernandes has started every Premier League game this season, but the Portugal midfielder is unlikely to extend that run any further following his injury setback at Villa Park. 

Ruben Amorim fears Bruno Fernandes will be out for "a while" after the Manchester United captain was injured during Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Fernandes has started every Premier League game this season, but the Portugal midfielder is unlikely to extend that run any further following his injury setback at Villa Park. The 31-year-old initially played on after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue just before the break, but he did not return for the second half. Amorim ruled his influential star out of the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle, with severe doubts about his availability for the rest of the Christmas and New Year schedule. "It's a soft tissue. I think he's going to lose some games. I don't know for sure, so let's see," Amorim said. “You never control these things, so we'll see. He is a guy who is always fit, so he can recover quite well, but I don't know.” Fernandes' fitness blow compounded Amorim's injury problems, with England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo missing the Villa game due to a calf issue. The 20-year-old had dominated the build-up to Sunday's game after his half-brother wore a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' t-shirt to Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Mainoo would have been in contention to make his first Premier League start of the season against Newcastle, but instead, he is set to miss out. "I will see what we are going to do," Amorim said. "I think Kobbie Mainoo is out, Bruno is out, so we will see. We are going to find solutions. No excuses. "We need to win the next game, and we will try to win the next game." While Casemiro will return from suspension against Newcastle, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also sidelined. United's selection crisis has raised questions about the potential for new signings during the January transfer window, but Amorim won't panic. "We need to deal with that," he said. "What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency, and make mistakes, and then 'here we go again' with a lot of mistakes. "I'm not going to say 'we need a lot of players' because we have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first. “Of course, we are in a moment where we need points, but we need to find solutions, and we are going to continue with our plan.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Fernandes has started every Premier League game this season, but the Portugal midfielder is unlikely to extend that run any further following his injury setback at Villa Park.&nbsp;

‘He’s going to lose some games’ Amorim on Fernandes’ injury against Villa

Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten half-century guided the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women to a dominating eight-wicket win against Sri Lanka Women in the first T20I of the five-match series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;With this commanding win, the Women in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;While chasing a 122-run target, Jemimah hammered an unbeaten 69 runs off 44 deliveries, with the help of 10 fours that helped India Women to chase down the target in just 14.4 overs. Jemimah also equalled Mithali Raj's four 50-plus scores against Sri Lanka in T20Is.&nbsp;Earlier, Smriti Mandhana, who scored 25 runs, became the second woman to reach the landmark of 4000 runs in T20Is after New Zealand's Suzie Bates (4716 runs). Mandhana is also the quickest to do so in terms of balls taken (3227) than Bates, who took 3675 balls to reach the 4000 runs milestone.&nbsp;During the chase, Mandhana and Jemimah stitched a crucial 54-run partnership for the second wicket that put India into a commanding position.&nbsp;Jemimah also stitched an unbeaten 55-run stand for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who made an unbeaten 15 that helped Women in Blue win the first T20I by eight wickets.&nbsp;After opting to field first, India Women produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 121/6 in their 20 overs.&nbsp;Three Sri Lankan batters were run out. Kranti Gaud, Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani picked up a wicket each to keep the visitors on a tight leash throughout the innings.&nbsp;Sri Lanka opener Vishmi Gunaratne was the top scorer for the visitors, scoring 39 off 43 balls. She held one end but struggled to accelerate and was eventually dismissed in the 17.5th over.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The visitors suffered an early setback when captain Chamari Athapaththu became the first wicket to fall with the score on 18. She managed 15 before being cleaned up by Kranti Gaud. Sri Lanka reached 31/1 in the power play, which was under six runs per over.&nbsp;Hasini Perera was the second batter to be dismissed after making 20 off 23 balls, falling to Deepti Sharma in the 9.1 over. Sri Lanka brought up their 50 in 9.3 overs but continued to struggle to increase the run rate.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Harshitha Samarawickrama also found boundaries hard to come by, scoring 21 off 23 balls with two fours. The visitors reached the 100-run mark in the 17.4th over. Nilakshika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari were both run out.&nbsp;Among the bowlers, Deepti Sharma was the most economical, returning figures of 1/20 in her four overs, which included a maiden. Kranti Gaud finished with 1/23 from three overs, while Shree Charani conceded 30 runs and picked up one wicket in her four overs.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

While chasing a 122-run target, Jemimah hammered an unbeaten 69 runs off 44 deliveries, with the help of 10 fours that helped India Women to chase down the target in just 14.4 overs. Jemimah also equalled Mithali Raj's four 50-plus scores against Sri Lanka in T20Is.

Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten half-century guided the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women to a dominating eight-wicket win against Sri Lanka Women in the first T20I of the five-match series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With this commanding win, the Women in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka. While chasing a 122-run target, Jemimah hammered an unbeaten 69 runs off 44 deliveries, with the help of 10 fours that helped India Women to chase down the target in just 14.4 overs. Jemimah also equalled Mithali Raj's four 50-plus scores against Sri Lanka in T20Is. Earlier, Smriti Mandhana, who scored 25 runs, became the second woman to reach the landmark of 4000 runs in T20Is after New Zealand's Suzie Bates (4716 runs). Mandhana is also the quickest to do so in terms of balls taken (3227) than Bates, who took 3675 balls to reach the 4000 runs milestone. During the chase, Mandhana and Jemimah stitched a crucial 54-run partnership for the second wicket that put India into a commanding position. Jemimah also stitched an unbeaten 55-run stand for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who made an unbeaten 15 that helped Women in Blue win the first T20I by eight wickets. After opting to field first, India Women produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 121/6 in their 20 overs. Three Sri Lankan batters were run out. Kranti Gaud, Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani picked up a wicket each to keep the visitors on a tight leash throughout the innings. Sri Lanka opener Vishmi Gunaratne was the top scorer for the visitors, scoring 39 off 43 balls. She held one end but struggled to accelerate and was eventually dismissed in the 17.5th over. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes The visitors suffered an early setback when captain Chamari Athapaththu became the first wicket to fall with the score on 18. She managed 15 before being cleaned up by Kranti Gaud. Sri Lanka reached 31/1 in the power play, which was under six runs per over. Hasini Perera was the second batter to be dismissed after making 20 off 23 balls, falling to Deepti Sharma in the 9.1 over. Sri Lanka brought up their 50 in 9.3 overs but continued to struggle to increase the run rate. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Harshitha Samarawickrama also found boundaries hard to come by, scoring 21 off 23 balls with two fours. The visitors reached the 100-run mark in the 17.4th over. Nilakshika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari were both run out. Among the bowlers, Deepti Sharma was the most economical, returning figures of 1/20 in her four overs, which included a maiden. Kranti Gaud finished with 1/23 from three overs, while Shree Charani conceded 30 runs and picked up one wicket in her four overs. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

While chasing a 122-run target, Jemimah hammered an unbeaten 69 runs off 44 deliveries, with the help of 10 fours that helped India Women to chase down the target in just 14.4 overs. Jemimah also equalled Mithali Raj's four 50-plus scores against Sri Lanka in T20Is.

Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten half-century helps India Women take 1-0 lead against Sri Lanka

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Bad news for Australia as Cummins out of remainder of Ashes, doubtful for T20 World Cup

Liverpool’s Isak faces lengthy spell on sidelines after surgery on broken leg

Cummins, Lyon miss out as Australia name squad for Boxing Day Ashes Test

Bruno Fernandes injury leaves Manchester United facing midfield headache

Pro Wrestling League unveils official logo ahead of its fifth season

YEARENDER | 2025: The year chess became India’s favourite mind sport

Who scored first and last centuries of 2025? Full list across formats revealed

2 time IPL winner and once the most expensive uncapped buy announces retirement

5 best tennis matches of 2025: THIS athlete features twice, check who?

From India’s CT title to Chelsea’s FIFA club WC glory: 5 sports events on google

'I don't know,' says McCullum about staying on as England coach in next summer

2025 Year-ender: 5 cricket teams that broke long title droughts

Ex-IND skipper says Samson needs to convert starts as 'people forget 30s & 40s'

Pro Kabaddi League 11 champion Haryana Steelers named 'Franchise of the Year' at CII Sports Business Awards 2025

WATCH: Anthony Taylor throws water bottle at Neeraj Goyat after Misfits Boxing

Next to Imran Khan! Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain

Ashes: Broad still hung up on 'current Australia team being worst in 15 years'

Mandhana now second batter to score 4,000-plus WT20I runs. Check who is first

Gill, Abhishek picked in Punjab squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy | Check full team

Ashes: Australia lock in Pat Cummins' replacement for Boxing Day Test

Rohit Sharma reveals the moment he considered walking away from cricket

Ashes: Starc urges ICC to pay for DRS amid rising complaints against Snicko

Brendon McCullum admits errors in Ashes preparations as ENG aim to salvage pride

Duffy’s five-for triggers WI collapse as New Zealand seal Test series 2-0

‘He’s going to lose some games’ Amorim on Fernandes’ injury against Villa

Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten half-century helps India Women take 1-0 lead vs SL