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Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management has been a topic of discussion ever since. The ace seamer has spent plenty of time on the sidelines recovering from a persistent back injury that troubled him over the years, something that also kept the Indian fans and team management on their toes. Ravichandran Ashwin, Bumrah’s former India teammate and bowling great, recently shared his views on managing his workload better, suggesting a bold move - something that differs from Bumrah’s goals. Despite BCCI selectors preferring to play him in Tests over white-ball cricket, Ashwin suggests otherwise, urging the Indian quick to play Tests only when he’s dearly needed.&nbsp;Since missing the final Test against England at the Oval this year, Bumrah featured in the triumph 2025 Asia Cup campaign, the home Tests against West Indies, the five away T20Is against Australia, and just concluded Proteas Tests. Although he sits out of the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa, Bumrah will return for the five T20Is that follow.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2025-shubman-gill-shreyas-iyer-return-from-injuries-bowling-coach-morne-morkel-answers-1764393411615">How long before Gill and Iyer return from injuries? Bowling coach Morkel answers</a> &nbsp;Speaking with AB de Villiers during a YouTube chat, Ashwin suggested, “If I were anywhere near him, I'd tell him to stick to white-ball cricket. Unless India desperately need him, don’t step into the Test side. But I know him well. He loves the format and wants to keep playing despite the challenge.” He continued that Bumrah must only feature in high-stakes Test matches, urging him to focus more on T20 cricket.&nbsp; &nbsp;“For India’s sake and Bumrah’s sake, I’d rather he focus on T20 cricket. Not waste energy on meaningless ODIs. Play only the Tests that matter, especially the away ones. And we should be developing a group of fast bowlers for home conditions anyway,” he added.<h3>De Villiers shares same thoughts</h3>Agreeing with Ashwin’s remarks, the former South African captain shared the same sentiments, suggesting that Bumrah must skip playing Tests in India and the Asian conditions, and only appear when Team India travels to SENA countries. &nbsp;“I’d pull him out of all the home and Asian Tests,” de Villiers said. “Use him only in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England. Keep him fresh for those, and let him focus on the white-ball formats where World Cups are on the line.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, Bumrah’s fitness remains key to India’s international calendar, considering the home T20 World Cup early next year, where he is assumed to lead the pace attack.&nbsp;

Since missing the final Test against England at the Oval this year, Bumrah featured in the triumph 2025 Asia Cup campaign, the home Tests against West Indies, the five away T20Is against Australia, and just concluded Proteas Tests.

Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management has been a topic of discussion ever since. The ace seamer has spent plenty of time on the sidelines recovering from a persistent back injury that troubled him over the years, something that also kept the Indian fans and team management on their toes. Ravichandran Ashwin, Bumrah’s former India teammate and bowling great, recently shared his views on managing his workload better, suggesting a bold move - something that differs from Bumrah’s goals. Despite BCCI selectors preferring to play him in Tests over white-ball cricket, Ashwin suggests otherwise, urging the Indian quick to play Tests only when he’s dearly needed. Since missing the final Test against England at the Oval this year, Bumrah featured in the triumph 2025 Asia Cup campaign, the home Tests against West Indies, the five away T20Is against Australia, and just concluded Proteas Tests. Although he sits out of the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa, Bumrah will return for the five T20Is that follow. Also read | How long before Gill and Iyer return from injuries? Bowling coach Morkel answers Speaking with AB de Villiers during a YouTube chat, Ashwin suggested, “If I were anywhere near him, I'd tell him to stick to white-ball cricket. Unless India desperately need him, don’t step into the Test side. But I know him well. He loves the format and wants to keep playing despite the challenge.” He continued that Bumrah must only feature in high-stakes Test matches, urging him to focus more on T20 cricket. “For India’s sake and Bumrah’s sake, I’d rather he focus on T20 cricket. Not waste energy on meaningless ODIs. Play only the Tests that matter, especially the away ones. And we should be developing a group of fast bowlers for home conditions anyway,” he added. De Villiers shares same thoughts Agreeing with Ashwin’s remarks, the former South African captain shared the same sentiments, suggesting that Bumrah must skip playing Tests in India and the Asian conditions, and only appear when Team India travels to SENA countries. “I’d pull him out of all the home and Asian Tests,” de Villiers said. “Use him only in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England. Keep him fresh for those, and let him focus on the white-ball formats where World Cups are on the line.” Meanwhile, Bumrah’s fitness remains key to India’s international calendar, considering the home T20 World Cup early next year, where he is assumed to lead the pace attack.

Since missing the final Test against England at the Oval this year, Bumrah featured in the triumph 2025 Asia Cup campaign, the home Tests against West Indies, the five away T20Is against Australia, and just concluded Proteas Tests.

‘Stick to white-ball cricket,’ Ashwin’s BOLD take on protecting Bumrah from injuries; de Villiers agrees

In a lighthearted yet inspiring moment, Indian Army soldiers were recently seen enjoying a game of cricket in the snow, reminding everyone that joy can be found even in the toughest conditions. A video shared on the Indian Army’s official Instagram account shows soldiers playing with a makeshift cricket kit. Snowballs replaced cricket balls, and a shovel stood in for a bat.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the freezing temperatures and lack of proper equipment, the soldiers’ energy and enthusiasm were impossible to miss. Their laughter echoed through the snowy landscape, showing how sports can lift spirits anywhere.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-we-have-moved-on-ben-stokes-resets-tone-ahead-of-pink-ball-test-in-brisbane-1764396342290">‘We have moved on’: Ben Stokes resets tone ahead of pink-ball Test in Brisbane</a>&nbsp;The video caption read, “Where the cold bites hardest, their laughter echoes the loudest,” perfectly capturing the scene. Within just four hours of posting, the reel had been viewed nearly 2 million times, clearly striking a chord with viewers. Fans flooded the comments with praise and admiration. One person wrote, “The fact that despite all the hardships, they are still enjoying and making the best memories!” Another commented, “This video made my morning so happy.”&nbsp;

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Actor Anupam Kher also joined in, leaving a simple, “Jai Ho!” Many viewers also paid respect to the soldiers, with one asking, “Make a prayer for the unknown soldiers who are fighting for you. It’s the least we can do for them.” The reel is more than just a fun clip; it highlights the resilience and positivity of the soldiers. Even in extreme conditions, they find ways to stay active, enjoy themselves, and create lasting memories. Cricket, a sport beloved across India, becomes a symbol of their determination and spirit in this unique setting. This video is a reminder of the human side of life in the armed forces. While the soldiers are trained to face serious challenges, they also make time for simple joys like sports. Moments like these connect the public to the army, showing that behind the uniform are people who laugh, play, and celebrate life, no matter where they are.

Despite the freezing temperatures and lack of proper equipment, the soldiers’ energy and enthusiasm were impossible to miss. Their laughter echoed through the snowy landscape, showing how sports can lift spirits anywhere.



In a lighthearted yet inspiring moment, Indian Army soldiers were recently seen enjoying a game of cricket in the snow, reminding everyone that joy can be found even in the toughest conditions. A video shared on the Indian Army’s official Instagram account shows soldiers playing with a makeshift cricket kit. Snowballs replaced cricket balls, and a shovel stood in for a bat. Despite the freezing temperatures and lack of proper equipment, the soldiers’ energy and enthusiasm were impossible to miss. Their laughter echoed through the snowy landscape, showing how sports can lift spirits anywhere. Also read | ‘We have moved on’: Ben Stokes resets tone ahead of pink-ball Test in Brisbane The video caption read, “Where the cold bites hardest, their laughter echoes the loudest,” perfectly capturing the scene. Within just four hours of posting, the reel had been viewed nearly 2 million times, clearly striking a chord with viewers. Fans flooded the comments with praise and admiration. One person wrote, “The fact that despite all the hardships, they are still enjoying and making the best memories!” Another commented, “This video made my morning so happy.”

Despite the freezing temperatures and lack of proper equipment, the soldiers’ energy and enthusiasm were impossible to miss. Their laughter echoed through the snowy landscape, showing how sports can lift spirits anywhere.

WATCH: Indian army’s snow cricket reel takes internet by storm

England suffered a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth, where Australia chased down the target with eight wickets to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The match finished inside two days, and the result hit England hard. But captain Ben Stokes says the team has moved on and is focused on getting things right in Brisbane. Stokes spoke to the media ahead of the second day-night Test at the Gabba and said the group had honest conversations after the Perth collapse. According to him, the players know exactly where things slipped and what needs to improve.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kapil-dev-slams-india-after-heavy-test-series-defeat-to-south-africa-1764392952494">Kapil Dev slams India after heavy Test series defeat to South Africa</a>&nbsp;“We’ve talked about it, and we’ve moved on,” he said. “There were moments where we were in control, but we didn’t hold those moments for long enough.” The first Test saw batting collapses from both sides, but Travis Head’s outstanding 123 turned the match. Stokes praised Head’s innings but made it clear that England’s defeat wasn’t because of one knock alone. Instead, he pointed to chances missed, poor decision-making, and the failure to build on strong positions. England now heads into a tougher challenge at the Gabba, where Australia has dominated pink-ball Tests, winning 13 of their 14 matches under lights. England’s own record with the pink ball is mixed, which made their preparation even more debated.<h2>Michael Vaughan questions England's decision</h2>The team management faced criticism for skipping a two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. Former captain Michael Vaughan called the decision 'amateurish”, arguing that England needed more match practice. Stokes defended the move, saying the conditions in Canberra had no relevance to Brisbane and that extra training sessions were a better option. “You look at the pros and cons. We felt preparing here, in these conditions, was the right call,” Stokes said. “We know we are doing everything we can to be ready.” England now needs a strong response to keep the Ashes alive. Australia has the momentum, the home crowd, and a pitch that suits them.

The first Test saw batting collapses from both sides, but Travis Head’s outstanding 123 turned the match. Stokes praised Head’s innings but made it clear that England’s defeat wasn’t because of one knock alone. 

England suffered a heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth, where Australia chased down the target with eight wickets to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The match finished inside two days, and the result hit England hard. But captain Ben Stokes says the team has moved on and is focused on getting things right in Brisbane. Stokes spoke to the media ahead of the second day-night Test at the Gabba and said the group had honest conversations after the Perth collapse. According to him, the players know exactly where things slipped and what needs to improve. Also read | Kapil Dev slams India after heavy Test series defeat to South Africa “We’ve talked about it, and we’ve moved on,” he said. “There were moments where we were in control, but we didn’t hold those moments for long enough.” The first Test saw batting collapses from both sides, but Travis Head’s outstanding 123 turned the match. Stokes praised Head’s innings but made it clear that England’s defeat wasn’t because of one knock alone. Instead, he pointed to chances missed, poor decision-making, and the failure to build on strong positions. England now heads into a tougher challenge at the Gabba, where Australia has dominated pink-ball Tests, winning 13 of their 14 matches under lights. England’s own record with the pink ball is mixed, which made their preparation even more debated. Michael Vaughan questions England's decision The team management faced criticism for skipping a two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. Former captain Michael Vaughan called the decision 'amateurish”, arguing that England needed more match practice. Stokes defended the move, saying the conditions in Canberra had no relevance to Brisbane and that extra training sessions were a better option. “You look at the pros and cons. We felt preparing here, in these conditions, was the right call,” Stokes said. “We know we are doing everything we can to be ready.” England now needs a strong response to keep the Ashes alive. Australia has the momentum, the home crowd, and a pitch that suits them.

The first Test saw batting collapses from both sides, but Travis Head’s outstanding 123 turned the match. Stokes praised Head’s innings but made it clear that England’s defeat wasn’t because of one knock alone.&nbsp;

‘We have moved on’: Ben Stokes resets tone ahead of pink-ball Test in Brisbane

The WPL 2026 full schedule is now out. While the forthcoming season, starting January 9, will see two double-headers, both played on Saturdays, its final will also be played on a weekday (February 5) for the first time in four seasons. The 28-day tournament will get underway in Navi Mumbai – the very venue where the Indian women’s team lifted its maiden ODI World Cup crown earlier this month, with the remaining matches scheduled in Vadodara, the second of the two venues for WPL 2026.&nbsp;The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the first 11 matches, including two double headers, before the action moves to Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, which will also stage the Eliminator (February 3) and the finale on Thursday (Feb 5).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2025-shubman-gill-shreyas-iyer-return-from-injuries-bowling-coach-morne-morkel-answers-1764393411615">How long before Gill and Iyer return from injuries? Bowling coach Morkel answers</a>&nbsp;While the dates and the two venues were confirmed ahead of the first-ever WPL 2026 mega auction this Thursday (Nov 27) in New Delhi, with the league chairman Jayesh George making it official, all games, barring the first fixtures in the double headers, will be played in the evenings.&nbsp;Besides the two first-timers, including a weekday hosting the finale and two double headers, it’s also for the first time that a WPL season shall be held in the January-February window. Since its inception in 2023, the February-March window has hosted the three concluded seasons. Also, for the first time, WPL 2026 will not coincide with significant international fixtures.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians (MI) won it twice in three seasons, while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) also tasted success in 2024. Delhi Capitals (DC), however, were the runners-up in all three seasons.<h2>WPL 2026 Full Schedule –</h2>Navi Mumbai leg&nbsp;<ul><li>Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru</li><li>Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants</li><li>Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals</li><li>Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants</li><li>Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz</li><li>Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants</li><li>Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals</li><li>Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz</li><li>Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants</li><li>Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians</li><li>Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru</li></ul>Vadodara leg&nbsp;<ul><li>Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru</li><li>Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians</li><li>Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz</li><li>Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals</li><li>Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians</li><li>Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals</li><li>Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru</li><li>Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians</li><li>Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz</li><li>Feb 3: Eliminator</li><li>Feb 5: Final</li></ul>

Navi Mumbai will host the first 11 matches, including two double headers, before the action moves to Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, which will also stage the Eliminator (February 3) and the finale on Thursday (Feb 5).

The WPL 2026 full schedule is now out. While the forthcoming season, starting January 9, will see two double-headers, both played on Saturdays, its final will also be played on a weekday (February 5) for the first time in four seasons. The 28-day tournament will get underway in Navi Mumbai – the very venue where the Indian women’s team lifted its maiden ODI World Cup crown earlier this month, with the remaining matches scheduled in Vadodara, the second of the two venues for WPL 2026. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the first 11 matches, including two double headers, before the action moves to Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, which will also stage the Eliminator (February 3) and the finale on Thursday (Feb 5). Also read | How long before Gill and Iyer return from injuries? Bowling coach Morkel answers While the dates and the two venues were confirmed ahead of the first-ever WPL 2026 mega auction this Thursday (Nov 27) in New Delhi, with the league chairman Jayesh George making it official, all games, barring the first fixtures in the double headers, will be played in the evenings. Besides the two first-timers, including a weekday hosting the finale and two double headers, it’s also for the first time that a WPL season shall be held in the January-February window. Since its inception in 2023, the February-March window has hosted the three concluded seasons. Also, for the first time, WPL 2026 will not coincide with significant international fixtures. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians (MI) won it twice in three seasons, while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) also tasted success in 2024. Delhi Capitals (DC), however, were the runners-up in all three seasons. WPL 2026 Full Schedule – Navi Mumbai leg Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vadodara leg Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Feb 3: Eliminator Feb 5: Final

Navi Mumbai will host the first 11 matches, including two double headers, before the action moves to Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium, which will also stage the Eliminator (February 3) and the finale on Thursday (Feb 5).

WPL 2026 Full Schedule - Two double headers, final on weekday; details inside

Team India will be without their two star batters, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, for the forthcoming ODI series, as both are recovering from respective injuries. While Gill suffered a neck injury two weeks ago during the Kolkata Test against South Africa and has been out since, Iyer has been missing from the cricketing scene since he lacerated his spleen during the Australian ODIs. When asked about their status ahead of Team India's first ODI on Sunday (Nov 30) in Ranchi, Morkel dropped a welcoming update on their road to recovery.&nbsp;"I think the best is for the medical [team] to give that [update]," Morkel said. "I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he is recovering well. So, that is pleasing to hear.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is that they are healthy, and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” he continued.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smat-2025-26-ayush-mhatre-creates-history-with-record-ton-breaks-rohit-sharma-s-record-1764342057347">SMAT 2025-26: Ayush Mhatre creates history with record ton; breaks Rohit Sharma’s record</a> &nbsp;With both missing South Africa's white-ball leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal could take up Gill’s place for the three One-Dayers, while one of Rishabh Pant or Tilak Varma could come in at number four.<h3>‘Time to refocus’</h3>Team India surrendered its home dominance with a series defeat to the Proteas, having lost five of the last seven matches at home. Sitting fifth on the points table for the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they have plenty to do to get back to the top, but Morkel feels the format change will help them rediscover their form and place they think they belong in across formats. &nbsp;"Look, it's a change of colour by clothing, and it's a change of ball which always brings a different energy," Morkel said. "But I feel you know the South African team, they have that momentum with them, and a confident Proteas team is a dangerous team. It will be important to start well, for us to play good cricket over the next week or two, because they're here to win. &nbsp;"Luckily, we have got some good experience ahead now in the team. For us, it is now a focus for the next two days. Give ourselves the best opportunity to prepare well and go out there and put the last couple of weeks behind us and really focus on playing solid cricket,” he added.&nbsp;

After losing the home Test series to South Africa, Team India will engage in the white-ball leg, including three ODIs and five T20Is, starting this Sunday in Ranchi.

Team India will be without their two star batters, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, for the forthcoming ODI series, as both are recovering from respective injuries. While Gill suffered a neck injury two weeks ago during the Kolkata Test against South Africa and has been out since, Iyer has been missing from the cricketing scene since he lacerated his spleen during the Australian ODIs. When asked about their status ahead of Team India's first ODI on Sunday (Nov 30) in Ranchi, Morkel dropped a welcoming update on their road to recovery. "I think the best is for the medical [team] to give that [update]," Morkel said. "I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him, and he is recovering well. So, that is pleasing to hear. "Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is that they are healthy, and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” he continued. Also read | SMAT 2025-26: Ayush Mhatre creates history with record ton; breaks Rohit Sharma’s record With both missing South Africa's white-ball leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal could take up Gill’s place for the three One-Dayers, while one of Rishabh Pant or Tilak Varma could come in at number four. ‘Time to refocus’ Team India surrendered its home dominance with a series defeat to the Proteas, having lost five of the last seven matches at home. Sitting fifth on the points table for the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they have plenty to do to get back to the top, but Morkel feels the format change will help them rediscover their form and place they think they belong in across formats. "Look, it's a change of colour by clothing, and it's a change of ball which always brings a different energy," Morkel said. "But I feel you know the South African team, they have that momentum with them, and a confident Proteas team is a dangerous team. It will be important to start well, for us to play good cricket over the next week or two, because they're here to win. "Luckily, we have got some good experience ahead now in the team. For us, it is now a focus for the next two days. Give ourselves the best opportunity to prepare well and go out there and put the last couple of weeks behind us and really focus on playing solid cricket,” he added.

After losing the home Test series to South Africa, Team India will engage in the white-ball leg, including three ODIs and five T20Is, starting this Sunday in Ranchi.

How long before Gill and Iyer return from injuries? Bowling coach Morkel answers

India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev expressed his frustration after the home Test series loss against South Africa, saying the team has become too focused on white-ball cricket and is ignoring the basics needed to succeed in the longest format. India were beaten 0-2 on home soil, marking their second straight Test series loss at home in two years, something that has not happened since 1984. Kapil Dev felt India’s batting looked unprepared for tough conditions and a strong South African attack, especially against off-spinner Simon Harmer, who ended as the Player of the Series. He said India’s players are not getting enough domestic cricket, which helps them understand different pitches and styles of bowling.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-virat-kohli-s-record-against-south-africa-in-odi-cricket-1764326478360">What is Virat Kohli’s record against South Africa in ODI cricket?</a>&nbsp;He pointed out that earlier players improved because they played many domestic games on varied surfaces. According to him, today’s players skip domestic cricket and therefore lack the technique and patience required in Test matches. Kapil also criticised the pitch used for the first Test in Kolkata, where the match ended inside three days. He said such pitches do not help the game, as the team that loses the toss instantly falls behind. He added that the focus on ODIs and T20Is has changed the mindset of batters. With white-ball cricket dominating schedules, batters rarely face bowler-friendly wickets anymore. As a result, when they come across turning or seam tracks in Tests, they struggle because they are used to flat pitches and high-scoring games. India’s defeat has dropped them to fifth place in the World Test Championship table. With nine more Tests left in this cycle, including four away from home, the challenge becomes even tougher for the Shubman Gill-led side. India will be away from red-ball cricket till August 2026, but they will need to ensure steps from now to make a mark

Kapil also criticised the pitch used for the first Test in Kolkata, where the match ended inside three days. He said such pitches do not help the game, as the team that loses the toss instantly falls behind.

India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev expressed his frustration after the home Test series loss against South Africa, saying the team has become too focused on white-ball cricket and is ignoring the basics needed to succeed in the longest format. India were beaten 0-2 on home soil, marking their second straight Test series loss at home in two years, something that has not happened since 1984. Kapil Dev felt India’s batting looked unprepared for tough conditions and a strong South African attack, especially against off-spinner Simon Harmer, who ended as the Player of the Series. He said India’s players are not getting enough domestic cricket, which helps them understand different pitches and styles of bowling. Also read | What is Virat Kohli’s record against South Africa in ODI cricket? He pointed out that earlier players improved because they played many domestic games on varied surfaces. According to him, today’s players skip domestic cricket and therefore lack the technique and patience required in Test matches. Kapil also criticised the pitch used for the first Test in Kolkata, where the match ended inside three days. He said such pitches do not help the game, as the team that loses the toss instantly falls behind. He added that the focus on ODIs and T20Is has changed the mindset of batters. With white-ball cricket dominating schedules, batters rarely face bowler-friendly wickets anymore. As a result, when they come across turning or seam tracks in Tests, they struggle because they are used to flat pitches and high-scoring games. India’s defeat has dropped them to fifth place in the World Test Championship table. With nine more Tests left in this cycle, including four away from home, the challenge becomes even tougher for the Shubman Gill-led side. India will be away from red-ball cricket till August 2026, but they will need to ensure steps from now to make a mark

Kapil also criticised the pitch used for the first Test in Kolkata, where the match ended inside three days. He said such pitches do not help the game, as the team that loses the toss instantly falls behind.

Kapil Dev slams India after heavy Test series defeat to South Africa

Global star and football great Lionel Messi’s GOAT India tour will kick off in the second week of December, and the Argentine captain has an update for his Indian fans. In his latest social media post, Messi confirmed Hyderabad as the latest and final entrant to his four-city tour of India, scheduled to kick off in Kolkata on December 13. The World Cup-winning captain will be in Hyderabad after the Kolkata leg, later proceeding to Mumbai and then to the capital city (New Delhi), where he might also meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;“Thanks for all the love from India! The GOAT tour kicks off in a few weeks’ time!!! I’m happy to share that Hyderabad has been added to my visits to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. See you soon India!” Messi posted.

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Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also took to his social media handle X, welcoming Messi to Hyderabad as part of his GOAT tour. He added that the city cannot wait to open its arms for perhaps the greatest ever, with every fan remaining excited to greet its football hero.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-cannot-lose-games-pep-guardiola-on-manchester-city-little-room-for-premier-league-title-race-errors-1764386229271">‘We cannot lose games,’ Guardiola on Man City’s little room for title race errors</a> &nbsp;“I look forward to welcoming and hosting G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi in #Hyderabad on December 13. It is an exciting moment for our city and for every football fan who has dreamt of seeing a legend like you on our soil. Hyderabad is ready to host him with warmth, pride and the spirit that defines our people,” Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I look forward to welcoming and hosting G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> on December 13. It is an exciting moment for our city and for every football fan who has dreamt of seeing a legend like you on our soil. Hyderabad is ready to host him with warmth, pride and the spirit… <a href="https://t.co/oBPRsb1uZf">pic.twitter.com/oBPRsb1uZf</a>&mdash; Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) <a href="https://twitter.com/revanth_anumula/status/1994346558889119880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the call to add Hyderabad to Messi’s GOAT tour came in the aftermath of the cancellation of Argentina’s proposed friendly in Kochi, originally scheduled for November 17, as also announced by Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman. Besides, the latest plan ensured Messi’s much-awaited tour would span across the country's four corners - east (Kolkata), south (Hyderabad), west (Mumbai), and north (New Delhi). &nbsp;An Indian Express report also confirms that, alongside Messi, the Indian fans will see Argentina great Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul feature in the tour, both of whom share a close bond with Messi. &nbsp;This visit, however, would be Messi’s second to India since a friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium in 2011. Incidentally, that was the first time Messi captained Argentina.

It is the second time in his professional career that Lionel Messi will visit India. He first visited the country 14 years ago in 2011.

Global star and football great Lionel Messi’s GOAT India tour will kick off in the second week of December, and the Argentine captain has an update for his Indian fans. In his latest social media post, Messi confirmed Hyderabad as the latest and final entrant to his four-city tour of India, scheduled to kick off in Kolkata on December 13. The World Cup-winning captain will be in Hyderabad after the Kolkata leg, later proceeding to Mumbai and then to the capital city (New Delhi), where he might also meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Thanks for all the love from India! The GOAT tour kicks off in a few weeks’ time!!! I’m happy to share that Hyderabad has been added to my visits to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. See you soon India!” Messi posted.

It is the second time in his professional career that Lionel Messi will visit India.&nbsp;He first visited the country 14 years ago in 2011.

Lionel Messi confirms fourth and final city for his GOAT India tour in latest social media post

Pep Guardiola believes that his Manchester City side cannot afford many more slip-ups in the race for the Premier League title. Last weekend's loss at Newcastle -- City's fourth of the campaign -- has left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal. The Gunners have been in superb form so far this season, suffering just one defeat in 12 games.&nbsp;"We cannot lose games, absolutely -- that is the truth," City manager Guardiola said on Friday. "They are so strong and winning games, and winning games in a way where they are so solid, like we had in the past with Liverpool against us, and they were not going to drop many points.&nbsp;"That's why you have to be up there, and this is what we will try to do."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-premier-league-matheus-cunha-still-out-as-man-utd-seek-to-rebound-at-crystal-palace-1764353077303">Premier League: Matheus Cunha still out as Man Utd seek to rebound at Crystal Palace</a>&nbsp;Reflecting on the Newcastle loss, he added: "We made a really good game, we created more in Newcastle than in previous seasons, and it was quite good, but we lost.&nbsp;"Now we have to regain our momentum to start winning games and being there because there is still so long in the season."&nbsp;City endured another disappointing defeat when a team showing 10 changes to the starting line-up went down 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in midweek. Guardiola felt his players were too risk-averse against the German side.&nbsp;“We didn't try. In football, when you play on the green, you have to try things, and we didn't try.” He added: “I think they played not to make mistakes, not to play to do something, that is so difficult. In football, you have to play offensive, and you have to try... they played to be safe.”&nbsp;Guardiola, whose team face struggling Leeds on Saturday, suggested that the players who started against Leverkusen had lacked confidence.&nbsp;"I have a lot of confidence in them, still right now I have a lot," he said. "I have a huge value in what they are as football players, and that maybe is higher than (they have) themselves."&nbsp;There were occasions against Leverkusen when City players tried to rally the crowd, but Guardiola said he could understand the supporters' lack of enthusiasm.&nbsp;"As a fan, I would not cheer my team, playing in the way we played. I don't blame (them), I blame myself. Our fans make the effort to come to see us, and we are incredibly grateful and I know the stadium because I've been here for many, many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you do what you have to do, they are there, and this is what you have to try to do."&nbsp;City are still without midfielder Rodri for the Leeds game, but Guardiola said the Spanish international would be back soon.&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.

Pep Guardiola, whose team face struggling Leeds on Saturday, suggested that the players who started against Leverkusen had lacked confidence.

Pep Guardiola believes that his Manchester City side cannot afford many more slip-ups in the race for the Premier League title. Last weekend's loss at Newcastle -- City's fourth of the campaign -- has left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal. The Gunners have been in superb form so far this season, suffering just one defeat in 12 games. "We cannot lose games, absolutely -- that is the truth," City manager Guardiola said on Friday. "They are so strong and winning games, and winning games in a way where they are so solid, like we had in the past with Liverpool against us, and they were not going to drop many points. "That's why you have to be up there, and this is what we will try to do." Also read | Premier League: Matheus Cunha still out as Man Utd seek to rebound at Crystal Palace Reflecting on the Newcastle loss, he added: "We made a really good game, we created more in Newcastle than in previous seasons, and it was quite good, but we lost. "Now we have to regain our momentum to start winning games and being there because there is still so long in the season." City endured another disappointing defeat when a team showing 10 changes to the starting line-up went down 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in midweek. Guardiola felt his players were too risk-averse against the German side. “We didn't try. In football, when you play on the green, you have to try things, and we didn't try.” He added: “I think they played not to make mistakes, not to play to do something, that is so difficult. In football, you have to play offensive, and you have to try... they played to be safe.” Guardiola, whose team face struggling Leeds on Saturday, suggested that the players who started against Leverkusen had lacked confidence. "I have a lot of confidence in them, still right now I have a lot," he said. "I have a huge value in what they are as football players, and that maybe is higher than (they have) themselves." There were occasions against Leverkusen when City players tried to rally the crowd, but Guardiola said he could understand the supporters' lack of enthusiasm. "As a fan, I would not cheer my team, playing in the way we played. I don't blame (them), I blame myself. Our fans make the effort to come to see us, and we are incredibly grateful and I know the stadium because I've been here for many, many years. "If you do what you have to do, they are there, and this is what you have to try to do." City are still without midfielder Rodri for the Leeds game, but Guardiola said the Spanish international would be back soon. 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.

Pep Guardiola, whose team face struggling Leeds on Saturday, suggested that the players who started against Leverkusen had lacked confidence.

‘We cannot lose games,’ Guardiola on Man City’s little room for title race errors

Matheus Cunha remains sidelined as Manchester United look to bounce back after a "really tough" week, manager Ruben Amorim said Friday.&nbsp;United stumbled to a 1-0 home loss against 10-man Everton on Monday, ending a five-match unbeaten run that had lifted spirits at Old Trafford.&nbsp;Amorim's side were missing Cunha after the Brazil forward suffered a knock in training, compounding the absence of striker Benjamin Sesko, who has a knee injury.&nbsp;Neither will be available for Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, where experienced defender Maguire will again miss out.&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;"Sesko is going to take a little bit more time," United boss Amorim said. "Harry the same. I expect to have Matheus in the next one (against West Ham on Thursday), not this one."&nbsp;The absence of Cunha and Sesko is a major blow for United, who have failed to score in their past four Premier League meetings against Palace.&nbsp;Amorim's side need to lift the mood after Monday's embarrassing home loss to an Everton team reduced to 10 men early in the game after Idrissa Gana Gueye slapped teammate Michael Keane.&nbsp;"It was really tough, the week, as it should be," Amorim said. "It was hard this result, this defeat, but the process needs to continue, and we need to go for the next game.&nbsp;"We need to understand that especially in our league this year, everything can change really fast, so let's go again and focus on the next one."&nbsp;United are seeking just their second away win of the campaign against a Palace side unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League home matches.&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;Amorim's men blew leads against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham earlier this month before snatching 2-2 draws in both games.&nbsp;"It's hard to point to one thing why we are not winning away," said the Portuguese, whose team are 10th in the Premier League.&nbsp;"There's a lot of issues. We are improving... We need to know how to finish the games in order to win."&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.

Manchester United stumbled to a 1-0 home loss against 10-man Everton on Monday, ending a five-match unbeaten run that had lifted spirits at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha remains sidelined as Manchester United look to bounce back after a "really tough" week, manager Ruben Amorim said Friday. United stumbled to a 1-0 home loss against 10-man Everton on Monday, ending a five-match unbeaten run that had lifted spirits at Old Trafford. Amorim's side were missing Cunha after the Brazil forward suffered a knock in training, compounding the absence of striker Benjamin Sesko, who has a knee injury. Neither will be available for Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, where experienced defender Maguire will again miss out. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes "Sesko is going to take a little bit more time," United boss Amorim said. "Harry the same. I expect to have Matheus in the next one (against West Ham on Thursday), not this one." The absence of Cunha and Sesko is a major blow for United, who have failed to score in their past four Premier League meetings against Palace. Amorim's side need to lift the mood after Monday's embarrassing home loss to an Everton team reduced to 10 men early in the game after Idrissa Gana Gueye slapped teammate Michael Keane. "It was really tough, the week, as it should be," Amorim said. "It was hard this result, this defeat, but the process needs to continue, and we need to go for the next game. "We need to understand that especially in our league this year, everything can change really fast, so let's go again and focus on the next one." United are seeking just their second away win of the campaign against a Palace side unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League home matches. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Amorim's men blew leads against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham earlier this month before snatching 2-2 draws in both games. "It's hard to point to one thing why we are not winning away," said the Portuguese, whose team are 10th in the Premier League. "There's a lot of issues. We are improving... We need to know how to finish the games in order to win." 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.

Manchester United stumbled to a 1-0 home loss against 10-man Everton on Monday, ending a five-match unbeaten run that had lifted spirits at Old Trafford.

Premier League: Matheus Cunha still out as Man Utd seek to rebound at Crystal Palace

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says second-placed Chelsea "fully deserve" to be considered Premier League title contenders as he prepares his team for Sunday's game at Stamford Bridge.&nbsp;Arteta's men are currently six points clear of the second-placed Blues after 12 games of the season.&nbsp;They are in buoyant mood after a 4-1 win over arch-rivals Tottenham was followed by a 3-1 defeat of German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League.&nbsp;Chelsea's tails are also up following three straight league wins and a thumping 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday.&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;Despite their fine form, Enzo Maresca's youthful Chelsea side are still considered outsiders to win the Premier League title.&nbsp;But Arteta is not underestimating his opponents, who won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup last season.&nbsp;"I think we are all there and they (Chelsea) are there because they fully deserve to be," he told reporters on Friday.&nbsp;"What they have done in the last few years, I think the squad that they assembled, the numbers that they have, the quality that they have, the number of coaches they have, it makes sense that what is happening there is very, very positive and they deserve to be there."&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 former Arsenal and Spain midfielder said Chelsea were one of the teams he most enjoyed watching.&nbsp;"They have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, they have a lot of individual talent, they are very clear what they want to do and that's why they are very tough," he said.&nbsp;"Obviously it's a big game, it's a big London derby. We're going to play a really, really good opponent. They are in really good form and we know the challenge, we know the opportunity that we have as well on Sunday, so we are fully ready for it."&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.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are currently six points clear of the second-placed Blues after 12 games of the season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says second-placed Chelsea "fully deserve" to be considered Premier League title contenders as he prepares his team for Sunday's game at Stamford Bridge. Arteta's men are currently six points clear of the second-placed Blues after 12 games of the season. They are in buoyant mood after a 4-1 win over arch-rivals Tottenham was followed by a 3-1 defeat of German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Chelsea's tails are also up following three straight league wins and a thumping 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Despite their fine form, Enzo Maresca's youthful Chelsea side are still considered outsiders to win the Premier League title. But Arteta is not underestimating his opponents, who won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup last season. "I think we are all there and they (Chelsea) are there because they fully deserve to be," he told reporters on Friday. "What they have done in the last few years, I think the squad that they assembled, the numbers that they have, the quality that they have, the number of coaches they have, it makes sense that what is happening there is very, very positive and they deserve to be there." ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes The former Arsenal and Spain midfielder said Chelsea were one of the teams he most enjoyed watching. "They have a lot of fluidity, they have a lot of threat, they have a lot of individual talent, they are very clear what they want to do and that's why they are very tough," he said. "Obviously it's a big game, it's a big London derby. We're going to play a really, really good opponent. They are in really good form and we know the challenge, we know the opportunity that we have as well on Sunday, so we are fully ready for it." 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.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are currently six points clear of the second-placed Blues after 12 games of the season.

Premier League: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Chelsea 'deserve' to be considered title rivals

The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has opened ticketing for its much-awaited Season 3 while simultaneously turning Mumbai into a citywide chessboard. As the league prepares to take over the Royal Opera House from December 13 to 24, a fleet of purple-and-white GCL cabs has begun rolling through the city in an eye-catching prelude to the world’s premier team chess event. In line with the rollout, GCL has partnered with District as its official ticketing platform, ensuring fans can seamlessly secure their seats for every clash of the season.&nbsp;The initiative—which began with a fleet of GCL-themed cars rolling up to the Royal Opera House, trophy in tow—will see 1000+ cabs, buses, and autos across Mumbai donning the league’s colours throughout the tournament window. As these vehicles move through the city’s arteries, from SoBo to the suburbs, they act as roaming “pieces” signalling that the world’s biggest chess spectacle has arrived on Indian soil for the very first time.&nbsp;The Royal Opera House hosted the official flag-off, befitting a tournament that blends world-class intensity with the fun and flair of a true team spectacle. The fleet heralds the arrival of an elite lineup, including World Champion Gukesh D, legend Viswanathan Anand, and rising stars R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, alongside global icons like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, Hou Yifan, Zhu Jiner, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, among others. With this mix of legends and prodigies descending on Mumbai, GCL is once again pushing the envelope, offering fans an innovative, high-energy, and unforgettable sporting experience.&nbsp;Fans can choose from premium lower-stall views close to the action, elevated balcony vantage points that frame the entire board, or the grand circle’s sweeping birds-eye perspective. With carefully tiered seating across the Royal Opera House—starting from INR 499 to premium categories priced at INR 1299 and above, offering the best sightlines—every ticket puts spectators inside one of India’s most atmospheric stages.&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;Speaking on the occasion, Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said, “This season, Mumbai itself becomes the seventh participant of the Global Chess League. Every purple-and-white cab on the road is a reminder that the city has become the board, the fans are the energy behind it, and every ticket purchased is a square claimed. Our partnership with District brings fans closer to the experience than ever before.”&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;GCL’s six powerhouse teams—Triveni Continental Kings, PBG Alaskan Knights, Ganges Grandmasters, Alpine SG Pipers, Fyers American Gambits, and the upGrad Mumba Masters—return this season with star-packed lineups featuring icons, elite men and women, and rising prodigies. The flag-off reflected that energy, with franchise leaders Suhail Chandhok, Akash Premsen, Kailash Kandpal, and League Commissioner Gourav Rakshit joining hands to officially launch what is shaping up to be GCL’s most exciting edition yet.&nbsp;Designed as Mumbai’s invitation to step straight into the heart of the action, the initiative sets the stage for Season 3, where these global franchises will square off in the world’s only mixed-team chess league. With District as the official ticketing partner, fans can now lock in seats for high-stakes league clashes, fierce rivalries, and the grand finale—all unfolding at the iconic Royal Opera House. &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.

The initiative—which began with a fleet of GCL-themed cars rolling up to the Royal Opera House, trophy in tow—will see 1000+ cabs, buses, and autos across Mumbai donning the league’s colours throughout the tournament window. 

The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has opened ticketing for its much-awaited Season 3 while simultaneously turning Mumbai into a citywide chessboard. As the league prepares to take over the Royal Opera House from December 13 to 24, a fleet of purple-and-white GCL cabs has begun rolling through the city in an eye-catching prelude to the world’s premier team chess event. In line with the rollout, GCL has partnered with District as its official ticketing platform, ensuring fans can seamlessly secure their seats for every clash of the season. The initiative—which began with a fleet of GCL-themed cars rolling up to the Royal Opera House, trophy in tow—will see 1000+ cabs, buses, and autos across Mumbai donning the league’s colours throughout the tournament window. As these vehicles move through the city’s arteries, from SoBo to the suburbs, they act as roaming “pieces” signalling that the world’s biggest chess spectacle has arrived on Indian soil for the very first time. The Royal Opera House hosted the official flag-off, befitting a tournament that blends world-class intensity with the fun and flair of a true team spectacle. The fleet heralds the arrival of an elite lineup, including World Champion Gukesh D, legend Viswanathan Anand, and rising stars R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, alongside global icons like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, Hou Yifan, Zhu Jiner, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, among others. With this mix of legends and prodigies descending on Mumbai, GCL is once again pushing the envelope, offering fans an innovative, high-energy, and unforgettable sporting experience. Fans can choose from premium lower-stall views close to the action, elevated balcony vantage points that frame the entire board, or the grand circle’s sweeping birds-eye perspective. With carefully tiered seating across the Royal Opera House—starting from INR 499 to premium categories priced at INR 1299 and above, offering the best sightlines—every ticket puts spectators inside one of India’s most atmospheric stages. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Speaking on the occasion, Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said, “This season, Mumbai itself becomes the seventh participant of the Global Chess League. Every purple-and-white cab on the road is a reminder that the city has become the board, the fans are the energy behind it, and every ticket purchased is a square claimed. Our partnership with District brings fans closer to the experience than ever before.” ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes GCL’s six powerhouse teams—Triveni Continental Kings, PBG Alaskan Knights, Ganges Grandmasters, Alpine SG Pipers, Fyers American Gambits, and the upGrad Mumba Masters—return this season with star-packed lineups featuring icons, elite men and women, and rising prodigies. The flag-off reflected that energy, with franchise leaders Suhail Chandhok, Akash Premsen, Kailash Kandpal, and League Commissioner Gourav Rakshit joining hands to officially launch what is shaping up to be GCL’s most exciting edition yet. Designed as Mumbai’s invitation to step straight into the heart of the action, the initiative sets the stage for Season 3, where these global franchises will square off in the world’s only mixed-team chess league. With District as the official ticketing partner, fans can now lock in seats for high-stakes league clashes, fierce rivalries, and the grand finale—all unfolding at the iconic Royal Opera House. 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.

The initiative—which began with a fleet of GCL-themed cars rolling up to the Royal Opera House, trophy in tow—will see 1000+ cabs, buses, and autos across Mumbai donning the league’s colours throughout the tournament window.&nbsp;

Global Chess League turns Mumbai into chessboard, flags off more than 1,000 chess-themed taxis, autos

The football community had plenty of bright moments in 2025, which included historic wins for Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and others. However, the year also saw a tragic incident unfold as Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their life in a car accident in Spain. The sports fraternity was lost for words as the incident shocked everyone on July 3. So, as we wrap the year, we take a look at how the football community reacted to Jota’s death as tributes poured from different corners of the world.<h2>How fans react to Diogo Jota’s death</h2>Before the 2025 Club World Cup contest between Al Hilal and Fluminense, both teams gathered for a minute’s silence. A tribute was played for the 28-year-old Jota and his brother Silva, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. Jota’s international teammates Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were seen in tears as they started the contest against Fluminense.&nbsp;FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also spotted in the stands as he and other members of the delegation paid tribute to the Liverpool star.<h2>Everton pay special tribute</h2>One of Liverpool’s arch rivals, Everton, paid a special tribute to Jota as they laid flowers outside the city centre. They also put out a social media post in memory of the player who had scored in the Merseyside derby earlier. During Everton’s first Derby visit to Anfield in the 2025-26 season, club Ambassador Ian Snodin joined Portugal-born strikers Beto and Youssef Chermiti to pay tribute to Jota and André.&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><h2>Real Madrid, Manchester United join with special tribute</h2>Social media posts and tributes were posted by football clubs around the globe. Despite serving an age-old rivalry with Liverpool and Real Madrid, both clubs were the first to lead the tribute, posting messages for Diogo and Andre. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, who have a close rivalry with Liverpool, also paid their tributes.&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;Premier League, on its opening match day in August, observed a minute’s silence before kick-off in all matches.<h2>Liverpool retire number 20</h2>After consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and family, Liverpool announced the squad number 20 will be retired in honour and memory of Jota across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy. The tribute was fitting for the forward who played a key role in Liverpool winning their record-equaling 20th league title.

Before the 2025 Club World Cup contest between Al Hilal and Fluminense, both teams gathered for a minute’s silence. A tribute was played for the 28-year-old Diogo Jota and his brother Silva, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. 

The football community had plenty of bright moments in 2025, which included historic wins for Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and others. However, the year also saw a tragic incident unfold as Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their life in a car accident in Spain. The sports fraternity was lost for words as the incident shocked everyone on July 3. So, as we wrap the year, we take a look at how the football community reacted to Jota’s death as tributes poured from different corners of the world. How fans react to Diogo Jota’s death Before the 2025 Club World Cup contest between Al Hilal and Fluminense, both teams gathered for a minute’s silence. A tribute was played for the 28-year-old Jota and his brother Silva, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. Jota’s international teammates Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were seen in tears as they started the contest against Fluminense. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also spotted in the stands as he and other members of the delegation paid tribute to the Liverpool star. Everton pay special tribute One of Liverpool’s arch rivals, Everton, paid a special tribute to Jota as they laid flowers outside the city centre. They also put out a social media post in memory of the player who had scored in the Merseyside derby earlier. During Everton’s first Derby visit to Anfield in the 2025-26 season, club Ambassador Ian Snodin joined Portugal-born strikers Beto and Youssef Chermiti to pay tribute to Jota and André. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Real Madrid, Manchester United join with special tribute Social media posts and tributes were posted by football clubs around the globe. Despite serving an age-old rivalry with Liverpool and Real Madrid, both clubs were the first to lead the tribute, posting messages for Diogo and Andre. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, who have a close rivalry with Liverpool, also paid their tributes. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Premier League, on its opening match day in August, observed a minute’s silence before kick-off in all matches. Liverpool retire number 20 After consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and family, Liverpool announced the squad number 20 will be retired in honour and memory of Jota across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy. The tribute was fitting for the forward who played a key role in Liverpool winning their record-equaling 20th league title.

Before the 2025 Club World Cup contest between Al Hilal and Fluminense, both teams gathered for a minute’s silence. A tribute was played for the 28-year-old Diogo Jota and his brother Silva, who also lost his life in the tragic accident.&nbsp;

Yearender 2025: Diogo Jota's tragic death and how football community united to pay tribute

India's emerging name in cricket, Ayush Mhatre, had a day he will remember for a long time. The 18-year-old Mumbai batter smashed his maiden T20 century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Friday (Nov 28) and, in the process, broke Rohit Sharma’s record to become the youngest man to score a hundred in all three domestic formats: First-class, List A and T20.<h2>Five youngest to score hundreds in all three domestic formats</h2>Mhatre reached this rare milestone at 18 years and 135 days, going past Rohit’s mark of 19 years and 339 days. Unmukt Chand (20y 0d), Quinton de Kock (20y 62d), and Ahmed Shehzad (20y 97d) follow next on the list. For Mhatre to join and top such a group at this age shows how quickly he is rising.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-virat-kohli-s-record-against-south-africa-in-odi-cricket-1764326478360">What is Virat Kohli’s record against South Africa in ODI cricket?</a>&nbsp;Mumbai were chasing 193 against Vidarbha in Lucknow, and the pressure was high. But from the moment Mhatre walked in, he looked calm and in control. He picked the right balls to attack, kept rotating the strike, and slowly took the game away from the bowlers.&nbsp;&nbsp;His hundred arrived in only 49 balls; a knock full of confidence and clean hitting.He ended unbeaten on 110 off 53 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes. Shivam Dube supported him well with 39 not out off 19 balls as Mumbai cruised to a seven-wicket win, making it their second victory of the tournament.&nbsp;This T20 hundred now completes a century each in First-class, List A and T20 cricket for Mhatre. Very few players have managed this before turning 20, and even fewer have done it with such authority. The fact that he has now broken Rohit Sharma’s record makes the achievement even more special, considering Rohit went on to become one of India’s greatest white-ball batters.&nbsp;To add a cherry on the top, Mhatre was also announced as India’s Under-19 captain for the Asia Cup in Dubai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mumbai were chasing 193 against Vidarbha in Lucknow, and the pressure was high. But from the moment Mhatre walked in, he looked calm and in control. He picked the right balls to attack, kept rotating the strike, and slowly took the game away from the bowlers.

India's emerging name in cricket, Ayush Mhatre, had a day he will remember for a long time. The 18-year-old Mumbai batter smashed his maiden T20 century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Friday (Nov 28) and, in the process, broke Rohit Sharma’s record to become the youngest man to score a hundred in all three domestic formats: First-class, List A and T20. Five youngest to score hundreds in all three domestic formats Mhatre reached this rare milestone at 18 years and 135 days, going past Rohit’s mark of 19 years and 339 days. Unmukt Chand (20y 0d), Quinton de Kock (20y 62d), and Ahmed Shehzad (20y 97d) follow next on the list. For Mhatre to join and top such a group at this age shows how quickly he is rising. Also read | What is Virat Kohli’s record against South Africa in ODI cricket? Mumbai were chasing 193 against Vidarbha in Lucknow, and the pressure was high. But from the moment Mhatre walked in, he looked calm and in control. He picked the right balls to attack, kept rotating the strike, and slowly took the game away from the bowlers. His hundred arrived in only 49 balls; a knock full of confidence and clean hitting. He ended unbeaten on 110 off 53 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes. Shivam Dube supported him well with 39 not out off 19 balls as Mumbai cruised to a seven-wicket win, making it their second victory of the tournament. This T20 hundred now completes a century each in First-class, List A and T20 cricket for Mhatre. Very few players have managed this before turning 20, and even fewer have done it with such authority. The fact that he has now broken Rohit Sharma’s record makes the achievement even more special, considering Rohit went on to become one of India’s greatest white-ball batters. To add a cherry on the top, Mhatre was also announced as India’s Under-19 captain for the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Mumbai were chasing 193 against Vidarbha in Lucknow, and the pressure was high. But from the moment Mhatre walked in, he looked calm and in control. He picked the right balls to attack, kept rotating the strike, and slowly took the game away from the bowlers.

SMAT 2025-26: Ayush Mhatre creates history with record ton; breaks Rohit Sharma’s record

Manchester United’s Old Trafford could be one of the venues for the 2035 Women’s FIFA World Cup, as they won the bid for the tournament. England, who were runners-up in the 2035 tournament having lost to Spain, submitted a joint bid alongside Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Old Trafford, which will be renovated as mentioned in an earlier release, could be the host as will be Wembley.<h2>FA confirms bid for 2035 bid</h2>A joint statement from the CEOs of The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales also said: "Hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil, with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.&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;"We are proud of the growth that we've driven in recent years across the women's and girls' game, but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that. Working together with FIFA, a Women's World Cup in the UK has the power to turbocharge the women's and girls' game both in the UK and globally,” the statement added.&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;As things stand, Old Trafford won’t be on the list of venues for Euro 2028, with Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium instead hosting matches. The stadium was confirmed unavailable for the showpiece event in the UK after the Red Devils announced plans to renovate the stadium. They were expected to renovate the stadium by 2028 at least, meaning it won’t be available for Euro 2028, where the UK is the host.&nbsp;Wembley Stadium in London, Principality Stadium in Wales and a few venues in Ireland will be on the cards as they host Euro 2028.

Old Trafford, which will be renovated as mentioned in an earlier release, could be the host as will be Wembley.

Manchester United’s Old Trafford could be one of the venues for the 2035 Women’s FIFA World Cup, as they won the bid for the tournament. England, who were runners-up in the 2035 tournament having lost to Spain, submitted a joint bid alongside Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Old Trafford, which will be renovated as mentioned in an earlier release, could be the host as will be Wembley. FA confirms bid for 2035 bid A joint statement from the CEOs of The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales also said: "Hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil, with 4.5 million tickets available for fans. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes "We are proud of the growth that we've driven in recent years across the women's and girls' game, but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that. Working together with FIFA, a Women's World Cup in the UK has the power to turbocharge the women's and girls' game both in the UK and globally,” the statement added. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes As things stand, Old Trafford won’t be on the list of venues for Euro 2028, with Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium instead hosting matches. The stadium was confirmed unavailable for the showpiece event in the UK after the Red Devils announced plans to renovate the stadium. They were expected to renovate the stadium by 2028 at least, meaning it won’t be available for Euro 2028, where the UK is the host. Wembley Stadium in London, Principality Stadium in Wales and a few venues in Ireland will be on the cards as they host Euro 2028.

Old Trafford, which will be renovated as mentioned in an earlier release, could be the host as will be Wembley.

Revamped Old Trafford likely to be venue for 2035 Women's FIFA World Cup as UK wins unopposed bid

The WPL auction brought plenty of surprises as several high-profile players went unsold. Teams focused on younger picks and multi-skill options, leading to unexpected omissions that stood out through the bidding day.

The WPL auction brought plenty of surprises as several high-profile players went unsold. Teams focused on younger picks and multi-skill options, leading to unexpected omissions that stood out through the bidding day.

Big surprises at WPL auctions: Top 5 players who went unsold

Liverpool legend and former player Jamie Carragher has raised fears for manager Arne Slot as the Reds suffered their ninth defeat in 11 matches on Wednesday (Nov 26). Carragher, who played his entire club career at Liverpool, has warned Slot that he has one week to save his job at the club. While the form is poor, the Reds are on their worst form since 1953 and have lost six Premier League matches in their last seven.<h2>Carragher warns Arne Slot</h2>"Arne Slot has a week to save his job," wrote Carragher in a damning assessment of his former club.&nbsp;"No matter how much goodwill the manager has, Liverpool Football Club cannot sustain the drop in standards witnessed over the past three months.&nbsp;"No one knows better than me how much that reality will be hurting everyone connected with my old club. Liverpool do not willingly sack coaches, especially those that bring great success.”&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;Liverpool have lost back-to-back games at home and endured a tough form in the last few months. They lot 0-3 against Nottingham Forest last Saturday before losing to PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday.&nbsp;The Reds’ only wins during the tough period have come against Aston Villa (2-0) and then Real Madrid (1-0). However, Liverpool’s slump in form has become a huge talking point as they now sit in the bottom half of the table. They are 12th in the standings and have won six games so far in the season, having earlier won five games in a row at the start of the season.&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;Carragher also took a dig at captain and defender Virgil van Dijk, who has been largely responsible for the poor form Liverpool are suffering.&nbsp;"Van Dijk now can't help other players. He needs help himself, and that just means that he's a normal centre-back, like I was at one stage, so maybe he's not superhuman right now. But they've been that good for the football club,” the former defender added in his column.

Liverpool have lost back-to-back games at home and endured a tough form in the last few months. They lot 0-3 against Nottingham Forest last Saturday before losing to PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool legend and former player Jamie Carragher has raised fears for manager Arne Slot as the Reds suffered their ninth defeat in 11 matches on Wednesday (Nov 26). Carragher, who played his entire club career at Liverpool, has warned Slot that he has one week to save his job at the club. While the form is poor, the Reds are on their worst form since 1953 and have lost six Premier League matches in their last seven. Carragher warns Arne Slot "Arne Slot has a week to save his job," wrote Carragher in a damning assessment of his former club. "No matter how much goodwill the manager has, Liverpool Football Club cannot sustain the drop in standards witnessed over the past three months. "No one knows better than me how much that reality will be hurting everyone connected with my old club. Liverpool do not willingly sack coaches, especially those that bring great success.” ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Liverpool have lost back-to-back games at home and endured a tough form in the last few months. They lot 0-3 against Nottingham Forest last Saturday before losing to PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Reds’ only wins during the tough period have come against Aston Villa (2-0) and then Real Madrid (1-0). However, Liverpool’s slump in form has become a huge talking point as they now sit in the bottom half of the table. They are 12th in the standings and have won six games so far in the season, having earlier won five games in a row at the start of the season. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Carragher also took a dig at captain and defender Virgil van Dijk, who has been largely responsible for the poor form Liverpool are suffering. "Van Dijk now can't help other players. He needs help himself, and that just means that he's a normal centre-back, like I was at one stage, so maybe he's not superhuman right now. But they've been that good for the football club,” the former defender added in his column.

Liverpool have lost back-to-back games at home and endured a tough form in the last few months. They lot 0-3 against Nottingham Forest last Saturday before losing to PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday.

'Arne Slot has a week to save his job': Jamie Carragher warns Liverpool manager ahead of decisive week

India will take on South Africa in a three-match ODI series starting Sunday (Nov 30), and the hosts will be desperate for a turnaround after being swept 0–2 in the Tests. KL Rahul will lead the side with Shubman Gill ruled out injured, while the big boost comes with the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. And here’s the thing: Kohli has a strong record against South Africa in ODIs, so let’s break down his numbers. Kohli has always enjoyed batting against the Proteas, and the numbers back that up. Across 29 innings, he has scored 1504 runs at an average of 65.39, which is one of his best returns against any major team. His highest score against South Africa is an unbeaten 160, a knock that still stands out in his ODI career for its control and quality.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-amelia-kerr-to-sophie-devine-top-5-foreign-buys-in-wpl-2025-auctions-1764315034072">From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions</a><h2>5 hundreds and 8 fifties in 29 innings</h2>When you look deeper, the consistency is even clearer. Kohli has hit five hundreds and eight fifties against South Africa in ODIs. That means in almost every third innings, he crosses fifty, which shows how reliable he has been at key moments. His strike rate of 85.74 also shows that he scores at a steady pace without taking too many risks, something that has always made him one of the best chase masters in modern cricket. He has also hit 121 fours and 17 sixes against South Africa, which tells you how often he finds the gaps and how rarely he needs to go aerial. &nbsp;For India, his return comes at the right time. The team needs stability after a tough Test series, and Kohli’s presence in the middle order gives them experience and control.&nbsp;&nbsp;With Rohit Sharma also back, the side suddenly looks more settled and confident heading into the ODIs.South Africa will know that stopping Kohli early is half the battle. India, on the other hand, will hope their most dependable ODI batter once again delivers.

 KL Rahul will lead the side with Shubman Gill ruled out injured, while the big boost comes with the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

India will take on South Africa in a three-match ODI series starting Sunday (Nov 30), and the hosts will be desperate for a turnaround after being swept 0–2 in the Tests. KL Rahul will lead the side with Shubman Gill ruled out injured, while the big boost comes with the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. And here’s the thing: Kohli has a strong record against South Africa in ODIs, so let’s break down his numbers. Kohli has always enjoyed batting against the Proteas, and the numbers back that up. Across 29 innings, he has scored 1504 runs at an average of 65.39, which is one of his best returns against any major team. His highest score against South Africa is an unbeaten 160, a knock that still stands out in his ODI career for its control and quality. Also read | From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions 5 hundreds and 8 fifties in 29 innings When you look deeper, the consistency is even clearer. Kohli has hit five hundreds and eight fifties against South Africa in ODIs. That means in almost every third innings, he crosses fifty, which shows how reliable he has been at key moments. His strike rate of 85.74 also shows that he scores at a steady pace without taking too many risks, something that has always made him one of the best chase masters in modern cricket. He has also hit 121 fours and 17 sixes against South Africa, which tells you how often he finds the gaps and how rarely he needs to go aerial. For India, his return comes at the right time. The team needs stability after a tough Test series, and Kohli’s presence in the middle order gives them experience and control. With Rohit Sharma also back, the side suddenly looks more settled and confident heading into the ODIs.South Africa will know that stopping Kohli early is half the battle. India, on the other hand, will hope their most dependable ODI batter once again delivers.

&nbsp;KL Rahul will lead the side with Shubman Gill ruled out injured, while the big boost comes with the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

What is Virat Kohli’s record against South Africa in ODI cricket?

Th 2008 IPL champions Rajasthan Royals are reportedly being considered for sale before the 2026 season. This information comes from Harsha Goenka, the elder brother of Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka and he claims that RR is looking for new owners. Goenka on Thursday (Nov 27) posted on his X, saying that not one but two franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are now reportedly up for sale.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale- RCB and RR. It seems clear that people want to cash in the rich valuations today. So two teams for sale and 4/5 possible buyers! Who will be the successful buyers- will it be from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?" Harsh Goenka wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-amelia-kerr-to-sophie-devine-top-5-foreign-buys-in-wpl-2025-auctions-1764315034072">From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale- RCB and RR. It seems clear that people want to cash in the rich valuations today. So two teams for sale and 4/5 possible buyers! Who will be the successful buyers- will it be from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?&mdash; Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) <a href="https://twitter.com/hvgoenka/status/1994055287712674098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While his claim about RR remains unverified by the franchise, but Harsh statement quickly led to a wave of rumours. Unlike, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which has openly started a formal sale process, RR’s situation is not clear yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals are owned by Royal Multisports Private Limited, with Manoj Badale as the main shareholder. So far, neither the owners nor the team have said anything about selling of the franchise. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-mega-auction-2026-check-complete-squads-of-mi-gg-rcb-dc-upw-1764305575242">WPL 2026: How teams stack up after auction - Check full squads of all five franchises</a>&nbsp;Whereas, On Nov 5, RCB’s parent company, United Spirits Ltd (USL), which is owned by UK-based Diageo, announced that it was reviewing its investment in the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;If both RCB and RR end up with new owners, it could bring big changes to the IPL, as fresh investment could influence auction strategies, player spending and long-term planning. It could also affect fan loyalty, especially for RCB, one of the league’s most popular teams.



Unlike the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which has openly started a formal sale process, RR’s situation is not clear yet. 

Th 2008 IPL champions Rajasthan Royals are reportedly being considered for sale before the 2026 season. This information comes from Harsha Goenka, the elder brother of Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka and he claims that RR is looking for new owners. Goenka on Thursday (Nov 27) posted on his X, saying that not one but two franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are now reportedly up for sale. "I hear, not one, but two IPL teams are now up for sale- RCB and RR. It seems clear that people want to cash in the rich valuations today. So two teams for sale and 4/5 possible buyers! Who will be the successful buyers- will it be from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru or USA?" Harsh Goenka wrote. Also read | From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions

Unlike, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which has openly started a formal sale process, RR’s situation is not clear yet.&nbsp;

Indian Premier League: Is Rajasthan Royals on sale? Harsh Goenka thinks so

The Formula One 2025 season will have a decisive weekend as Lando Norris could seal his maiden title in Qatar. With just two races remaining in the remainder of the season, Norris can win the title if results go in his favour. While Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are hot on their heels after last week’s drama in Las Vegas, Norris will be eager for a first world title. So here are all the details on how the British driver could win the F1 title in Qatar.<h2>What is the current standing?</h2>At the time of writing on Friday (Nov 28), Norris leads the standings with 390 points while Piastri is second with 366 points. Joining Piastri on the same number of points is Verstappen, who also has 366 points and was handed a wildcard entry into the title race after Norris and Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas GP for skid wear on both McLaren MCL39 machines, which was below the minimum 9mm thickness by technical delegates on inspection.&nbsp;The matter, which was referred to the stewards, subsequently disqualified both cars from the official result, with Norris finishing second and Piastri fourth.&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><h2>Norris’s equation to win F1 title</h2>As things stand, both Verstappen and Piastri can reach a maximum of 424 points, meaning 425 points would be enough for Norris to seal the title. This means he needs 35 more points to win the F1 title, even if his direct rivals pick up maximum points. However, he may still seal the title in Qatar GP if the equations go his way.&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;If Norris finishes the Grand Prix in Qatar leading Piastri and Verstappen by 26 points or more, then he will have done enough to win the title.&nbsp;If Norris wins the Qatar GP main race along with the sprint race, he will have 423 points and therefore win the 2025 F1 title. On the other hand, if Norris earns at least three points in the sprint race and then the main race on Sunday, he will seal the title in Qatar even if the nearest rival finishes second in the main race, along with a sprint win.&nbsp;

At the time of writing on Friday (Nov 28), Norris leads the standings with 390 points while Piastri is second with 366 points. Joining Piastri on the same number of points is Verstappen, who also has 366 points and was handed a wildcard entry into the title race. 

The Formula One 2025 season will have a decisive weekend as Lando Norris could seal his maiden title in Qatar. With just two races remaining in the remainder of the season, Norris can win the title if results go in his favour. While Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are hot on their heels after last week’s drama in Las Vegas, Norris will be eager for a first world title. So here are all the details on how the British driver could win the F1 title in Qatar. What is the current standing? At the time of writing on Friday (Nov 28), Norris leads the standings with 390 points while Piastri is second with 366 points. Joining Piastri on the same number of points is Verstappen, who also has 366 points and was handed a wildcard entry into the title race after Norris and Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas GP for skid wear on both McLaren MCL39 machines, which was below the minimum 9mm thickness by technical delegates on inspection. The matter, which was referred to the stewards, subsequently disqualified both cars from the official result, with Norris finishing second and Piastri fourth. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Norris’s equation to win F1 title As things stand, both Verstappen and Piastri can reach a maximum of 424 points, meaning 425 points would be enough for Norris to seal the title. This means he needs 35 more points to win the F1 title, even if his direct rivals pick up maximum points. However, he may still seal the title in Qatar GP if the equations go his way. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes If Norris finishes the Grand Prix in Qatar leading Piastri and Verstappen by 26 points or more, then he will have done enough to win the title. If Norris wins the Qatar GP main race along with the sprint race, he will have 423 points and therefore win the 2025 F1 title. On the other hand, if Norris earns at least three points in the sprint race and then the main race on Sunday, he will seal the title in Qatar even if the nearest rival finishes second in the main race, along with a sprint win.

At the time of writing on Friday (Nov 28), Norris leads the standings with 390 points while Piastri is second with 366 points. Joining Piastri on the same number of points is Verstappen, who also has 366 points and was handed a wildcard entry into the title race.&nbsp;

Explained: How McLaren star Lando Norris can seal F1 title in Qatar GP

Portugal won the FIFA U17 World Cup after a tight 1–0 win over Austria in the final in Qatar. Anisio Cabral scored the only goal of the match in the 32nd minute at the Khalifa International Stadium, sealing a historic first title for Portugal at this level and capping off a year in which their youth program has made major strides.<h2>Ronaldo reacts to the historic win</h2>Cristiano Ronaldo shared his joy on social media soon after the final whistle. He congratulated the young squad and called it a proud moment for Portugal. His message quickly picked up attention among fans, and for many of these players, having their national icon acknowledge their achievement made the night even more special.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-the-one-link-that-ties-cricket-and-tennis-together-explained-1757163013602">What is the one link that ties cricket and tennis together? EXPLAINED</a><h2>Portugal’s path to the title</h2>Portugal started the tournament strongly. They opened with big wins against New Caledonia (6–1) and Morocco (6–0) before a narrow 2–1 loss to Japan pushed them into second place in their group. From the knockout rounds, they looked settled and confident. They beat Belgium 2–1 in the round of 32, dominated Mexico 5–0 in the round of 16, and controlled Switzerland 2–0 in the quarterfinal. Their semifinal against Brazil went down to penalties, where Portugal held their nerve to book a spot in the final.<h2>Cabral and Mide lead the charge</h2>Anisio Cabral finished the tournament with seven goals, the second-highest tally overall, and his calm finish in the final summed up his impact. Austria’s Johannes Moser edged him for the Golden Boot. Portugal’s Mateus Mide won the Golden Ball for his consistent and influential performances throughout the campaign.<h2>A promising future for Portuguese football</h2>The win has brought fresh excitement back home. With both the European U17 title and the World Cup secured in the same year, many believe this group could shape the senior national team in the years ahead. The next challenge is whether the senior side can carry this momentum into major tournaments in 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;

With both the European U17 title and the World Cup secured in the same year, many believe this group could shape the senior national team in the years ahead. The next challenge is whether the senior side can carry this momentum into major tournaments in 2026 and 2027. 

Portugal won the FIFA U17 World Cup after a tight 1–0 win over Austria in the final in Qatar. Anisio Cabral scored the only goal of the match in the 32nd minute at the Khalifa International Stadium, sealing a historic first title for Portugal at this level and capping off a year in which their youth program has made major strides. Ronaldo reacts to the historic win Cristiano Ronaldo shared his joy on social media soon after the final whistle. He congratulated the young squad and called it a proud moment for Portugal. His message quickly picked up attention among fans, and for many of these players, having their national icon acknowledge their achievement made the night even more special. Also read | What is the one link that ties cricket and tennis together? EXPLAINED Portugal’s path to the title Portugal started the tournament strongly. They opened with big wins against New Caledonia (6–1) and Morocco (6–0) before a narrow 2–1 loss to Japan pushed them into second place in their group. From the knockout rounds, they looked settled and confident. They beat Belgium 2–1 in the round of 32, dominated Mexico 5–0 in the round of 16, and controlled Switzerland 2–0 in the quarterfinal. Their semifinal against Brazil went down to penalties, where Portugal held their nerve to book a spot in the final. Cabral and Mide lead the charge Anisio Cabral finished the tournament with seven goals, the second-highest tally overall, and his calm finish in the final summed up his impact. Austria’s Johannes Moser edged him for the Golden Boot. Portugal’s Mateus Mide won the Golden Ball for his consistent and influential performances throughout the campaign. A promising future for Portuguese football The win has brought fresh excitement back home. With both the European U17 title and the World Cup secured in the same year, many believe this group could shape the senior national team in the years ahead. The next challenge is whether the senior side can carry this momentum into major tournaments in 2026 and 2027.

With both the European U17 title and the World Cup secured in the same year, many believe this group could shape the senior national team in the years ahead. The next challenge is whether the senior side can carry this momentum into major tournaments in 2026 and 2027.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as Portugal lift historic FIFA U17 World Cup trophy

Iran is to boycott next week's World Cup finals draw in Washington because the United States refused to grant visas to several members of the delegation, the Iranian football federation announced on Friday.&nbsp;"We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken have nothing to do with sports and the members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw," the federation's spokesperson told state television.&nbsp;Iranian sports website Varzesh 3&nbsp;had claimed on Tuesday the United States had declined issuing visas to several members of the delegation including the president of the federation Mehdi Taj.&nbsp;On Thursday Taj had denounced the decision as being a political one.&nbsp;"We have told the head of FIFA mister (Gianni) Infantino, that it is purely a political position and that FIFA must tell them (US) to desist from this behaviour," added Taj.&nbsp;According to Varzesh 3 four members of the delegation including Amir Ghalenoei, the coach, had been granted visas for the draw on December 5.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-reacts-as-portugal-lift-historic-fifa-u17-world-cup-trophy-1764319821396">Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as Portugal lift historic FIFA U17 World Cup trophy</a>&nbsp;The United States -- which is co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico -- and Iran have been at loggerheads for over four decades.&nbsp;They had, though, been holding high-level nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington that had begun in April, during which the two sides were at odds over Iran's right to enrich uranium -- which Tehran defends as "inalienable".&nbsp;However, they ended when in mid-June, Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran, triggering a 12-day war that the United States briefly joined with strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities.&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&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Iran has decided not to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Dec 5 in Washington, after the United States refused to issue visas

Iran is to boycott next week's World Cup finals draw in Washington because the United States refused to grant visas to several members of the delegation, the Iranian football federation announced on Friday. "We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken have nothing to do with sports and the members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw," the federation's spokesperson told state television. Iranian sports website Varzesh 3 had claimed on Tuesday the United States had declined issuing visas to several members of the delegation including the president of the federation Mehdi Taj. On Thursday Taj had denounced the decision as being a political one. "We have told the head of FIFA mister (Gianni) Infantino, that it is purely a political position and that FIFA must tell them (US) to desist from this behaviour," added Taj. According to Varzesh 3 four members of the delegation including Amir Ghalenoei, the coach, had been granted visas for the draw on December 5. Also Read - Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as Portugal lift historic FIFA U17 World Cup trophy The United States -- which is co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico -- and Iran have been at loggerheads for over four decades. They had, though, been holding high-level nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington that had begun in April, during which the two sides were at odds over Iran's right to enrich uranium -- which Tehran defends as "inalienable". However, they ended when in mid-June, Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran, triggering a 12-day war that the United States briefly joined with strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. 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.

Iran has decided not to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Dec 5 in Washington, after the United States refused to issue visas

FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran set to boycott tournament draw because of US visa restrictions, says federation

Abhishek Sharma walked into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as the world’s No. 1 T20I batter and the captain of Punjab. The expectation was clear: he had to lead from the front. But so far, the tournament has not gone the way he or his team would have hoped. On Friday (Nov 28) in Hyderabad, those struggles continued, and Punjab once again felt the impact.&nbsp;Punjab were chasing a big target of 208 against Haryana at the Gymkhana Ground. They needed Abhishek to give them a strong start, but he fell early for just six runs from five balls. Anshul Kamboj bowled him in the third over, pushing Punjab into trouble right at the beginning of the chase.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-amelia-kerr-to-sophie-devine-top-5-foreign-buys-in-wpl-2025-auctions-1764315034072">From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions</a>&nbsp;Before getting out, Abhishek managed one boundary and put on a 27-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh. But their start did not last long. Prabhsimran, who made waves in the IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, also fell quickly. He made 20 from 10 balls, hitting one four and two sixes, but could not turn it into a big knock.&nbsp;For Abhishek, this was his second straight failure in the SMAT 2025. He had scored just four runs in Punjab’s first match against Himachal Pradesh. Even before this tournament, his form was dipping. In the three unofficial ODIs between India A and South Africa A, he scored 31, 32, and 11. Steady numbers, but no impactful knocks.&nbsp;This phase has hurt his chances of breaking into India’s ODI squad. There was a window after Shubman Gill’s injury, but Maharashtra’s Ruturaj Gaikwad stepped up instead. Gaikwad scored a century and a half-century in the India A series and earned the ODI call-up as Gill’s replacement.&nbsp;While Abhishek struggled, the match still had strong batting on display. Haryana’s young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu stood out with a sharp 61 off 32 balls. He smashed eight fours and three sixes and stitched important partnerships with Ankit Kumar and Yashvardhan Dalal, keeping Haryana in control from the start.&nbsp;Punjab now need their captain to find rhythm quickly. With a big T20I series against South Africa coming up next month, Abhishek’s form will be watched closely.&nbsp;

Punjab were chasing a big target of 208 against Haryana at the Gymkhana Ground. They needed Abhishek to give them a strong start, but he fell early for just six runs from five balls.

Abhishek Sharma walked into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as the world’s No. 1 T20I batter and the captain of Punjab. The expectation was clear: he had to lead from the front. But so far, the tournament has not gone the way he or his team would have hoped. On Friday (Nov 28) in Hyderabad, those struggles continued, and Punjab once again felt the impact. Punjab were chasing a big target of 208 against Haryana at the Gymkhana Ground. They needed Abhishek to give them a strong start, but he fell early for just six runs from five balls. Anshul Kamboj bowled him in the third over, pushing Punjab into trouble right at the beginning of the chase. Also read | From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions Before getting out, Abhishek managed one boundary and put on a 27-run opening stand with Prabhsimran Singh. But their start did not last long. Prabhsimran, who made waves in the IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, also fell quickly. He made 20 from 10 balls, hitting one four and two sixes, but could not turn it into a big knock. For Abhishek, this was his second straight failure in the SMAT 2025. He had scored just four runs in Punjab’s first match against Himachal Pradesh. Even before this tournament, his form was dipping. In the three unofficial ODIs between India A and South Africa A, he scored 31, 32, and 11. Steady numbers, but no impactful knocks. This phase has hurt his chances of breaking into India’s ODI squad. There was a window after Shubman Gill’s injury, but Maharashtra’s Ruturaj Gaikwad stepped up instead. Gaikwad scored a century and a half-century in the India A series and earned the ODI call-up as Gill’s replacement. While Abhishek struggled, the match still had strong batting on display. Haryana’s young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu stood out with a sharp 61 off 32 balls. He smashed eight fours and three sixes and stitched important partnerships with Ankit Kumar and Yashvardhan Dalal, keeping Haryana in control from the start. Punjab now need their captain to find rhythm quickly. With a big T20I series against South Africa coming up next month, Abhishek’s form will be watched closely.

Punjab were chasing a big target of 208 against Haryana at the Gymkhana Ground. They needed Abhishek to give them a strong start, but he fell early for just six runs from five balls.

Abhishek Sharma falls early again in SMAT, raising concerns over form

The WPL Mega Auctions 2025 showed again how important overseas players are in shaping a squad. Teams are allowed only four overseas names in an eleven, which means every pick has to bring real value. These signings give balance, depth, and the kind of all-round strength that can lift a side through long tournaments. Now, let's glance at the top five costliest overseas players snapped in the auction.<h2>1. Amelia Kerr – Mumbai Indians (₹3 Cr / $360,000)</h2>Amelia Kerr ended as the top overseas buy. Mumbai Indians wanted a dependable all-rounder who can control the middle overs and guide chases with calm batting. Her strong game awareness and steady approach make her a major addition to their squad.&nbsp;

Amelia Kerr

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-anderson-expects-england-to-stick-with-same-xi-in-brisbane-despite-perth-defeat-1764233387837">James Anderson expects England to stick with same XI in Brisbane despite Perth defeat</a><h2>2. Sophie Devine – Gujarat Giants (₹2 Cr / $240,000)</h2>Sophie Devine’s power at the top and her experience made her a priority pick. Gujarat Giants signed her for her quick scoring, sharp fitness and ability to change a match within a few overs. She also adds proven leadership.

Sophie Devine

<h2>3. Meg Lanning – UP Warriorz (₹1.9 Cr / $229,000)</h2>UP Warriorz moved fast for Meg Lanning, knowing what her presence brings. Her clear thinking, steady batting and record in pressure games lift the team’s top order. She adds control, confidence and a winning mindset to the dressing room.

Meg Lanning

<h2>4. Chinelle Henry – Delhi Capitals (₹1.3 Cr / $157,000)</h2>Delhi Capitals selected Chinelle Henry for her pace, energy, and athletic ability. She provides a lively fast-bowling option who can also contribute useful lower-order runs. Her fielding strengths make her a valuable overseas acquisition.

Chinelle Henry

<h2>5. Phoebe Litchfield – UP Warriorz (₹1.2 Cr / $145,000)</h2>UP Warriorz invested in Phoebe Litchfield for her clean stroke play and calm attitude at the crease. She reads situations well for her age and can anchor an innings or lift the scoring when needed. A bright young overseas pick.

Phoebe Litchfield

Teams are allowed only four overseas names in an eleven, which means every pick has to bring real value. These signings give balance, depth, and the kind of all-round strength that can lift a side through long tournaments.

The WPL Mega Auctions 2025 showed again how important overseas players are in shaping a squad. Teams are allowed only four overseas names in an eleven, which means every pick has to bring real value. These signings give balance, depth, and the kind of all-round strength that can lift a side through long tournaments. Now, let's glance at the top five costliest overseas players snapped in the auction. 1. Amelia Kerr – Mumbai Indians (₹3 Cr / $360,000) Amelia Kerr ended as the top overseas buy. Mumbai Indians wanted a dependable all-rounder who can control the middle overs and guide chases with calm batting. Her strong game awareness and steady approach make her a major addition to their squad.

Teams are allowed only four overseas names in an eleven, which means every pick has to bring real value. These signings give balance, depth, and the kind of all-round strength that can lift a side through long tournaments.

From Amelia Kerr to Sophie Devine: Top 5 foreign buys in WPL 2025 auctions

The former Indian captain and legendary wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hosted Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant for dinner at his residence in Ranchi on Thursday (Nov 27). Kohli and Pant are in Ranchi for the first ODI of the three-match India vs South Africa series, which will be played at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday (Nov 30). Kohli arrived in India on Wednesday after flying in from London, where he lives with his family. On Thursday evening, he was seen entering Dhoni’s house and later his fans shared pictures and videos on X showing Dhoni driving Kohli back to the team hotel and the clips quickly went viral on the social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-mega-auction-2026-check-complete-squads-of-mi-gg-rcb-dc-upw-1764305575242">WPL 2026: How teams stack up after auction - Check full squads of all five franchises</a><h2>Here’s a look at the viral video&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Just their 5-second glimpse is enough to break the internet 🔥 KING 🫂 THALA<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> 1st ODI | SUN, 30 NOV, 12:30 PM <a href="https://t.co/IpojMWYs8Z">pic.twitter.com/IpojMWYs8Z</a>&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1994256400214864173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">In THALAinagaram, long drives and Mahirat bonding are a must! 💯💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/RZHBZoTgH1">pic.twitter.com/RZHBZoTgH1</a>&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1994261598157066591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India vs South Africa, ODI series</h2>India and South Africa are all set to lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting on Sunday (Nov 30) in Ranchi. The Indian team will be eager to get back on track after a poor Test series, with KL Rahul set to lead in the absence of Shubman Gill.&nbsp;Both Rohit Sharma&nbsp;and&nbsp;Virat Kohli&nbsp;are returning to India’s ODI setup after a break. Their comeback will bring strength and experience to the top order. Virat Kohli, who is expected to bat at no. 3, last played for India on Oct 25 in Sydney against Australia. He scored an unbeaten fifty in that match and helped his team to avoid a clean sweep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rishabh Pant has returned to India’s ODI squad after more than a year. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Tilak Varma are also back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/which-player-got-the-highest-bid-at-the-wpl-2026-auction-here-s-the-list-of-top-buys-deepti-sharma-amelia-kerr-shikha-pandey-sophie-devine-meg-lanning-1764307874785">Which player got the highest bid at the WPL 2026 auction? Here’s the list of top buys</a><h2>India ODI squad for South Africa series 2025</h2>

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C) (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh and Dhruv Jurel

On Thursday (Nov 27) evening, Kohli was seen entering Dhoni’s house and later his fans shared pictures and videos on X showing Dhoni driving Kohli back to the team hotel 

The former Indian captain and legendary wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hosted Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant for dinner at his residence in Ranchi on Thursday (Nov 27). Kohli and Pant are in Ranchi for the first ODI of the three-match India vs South Africa series, which will be played at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday (Nov 30). Kohli arrived in India on Wednesday after flying in from London, where he lives with his family. On Thursday evening, he was seen entering Dhoni’s house and later his fans shared pictures and videos on X showing Dhoni driving Kohli back to the team hotel and the clips quickly went viral on the social media. Also Read - WPL 2026: How teams stack up after auction - Check full squads of all five franchises Here’s a look at the viral video

On Thursday (Nov 27) evening, Kohli was seen entering Dhoni’s house and later his fans shared pictures and videos on X showing Dhoni driving Kohli back to the team hotel&nbsp;

MS Dhoni drives Virat Kohli back to team hotel after reunion - WATCH

Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers has opined on India coach Gautam Gambhir's style after India lost home Test series against the Proteas 0-2. The series loss opened a pandora box in Indian cricket with many asking for removal of Gambhir as the coach in Test cricket at least. Gambhir, meanwhile, has left the fate up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He may have not been able to get the desired results in Test cricket but has won Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup in white-ball cricket.<h2>AB de Villiers opines on Gambhir's coaching style</h2>"I don’t know what GG is like when it comes to leadership. I’ve known him as an emotional player and if that is the case in the change room, generally an emotional coach is not a good thing to have. But it’s not to say he’s that kind of a coach and the kind of leader behind the scenes,” De Villiers said while talking on Ashwin’s YouTube channel.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-spinner-harbhajan-asks-for-better-pitches-and-says-current-indian-team-lacks-temperament-to-play-tests-1764307812451">Former spinner Harbhajan asks for better pitches and says current Indian team lacks 'temperament' to play Tests</a>While there have been many calls to sack Gambhir as coach from Tests, the decision on it might not be taken by next year before India's next Test series.<h2>When do India play next Test?</h2>India have already played three of the six series in this World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and have four games out of nine. In the next three series scheduled, they play nine more Tests. India next play Sri Lanka in two-Test series in mid 2026 before going to New Zealand for the same number of Tests. The Gill-led team then hosts Australia for the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at home.To have a shot at the WTC Final spot, India need about 84 points more which means they need to win seven of nine Tests remaining with each Test win offering 12 points.

The series loss opened a pandora box in Indian cricket with many asking for removal of Gambhir as the coach in Test cricket at least. Gambhir, meanwhile, has left the fate up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers has opined on India coach Gautam Gambhir's style after India lost home Test series against the Proteas 0-2. The series loss opened a pandora box in Indian cricket with many asking for removal of Gambhir as the coach in Test cricket at least. Gambhir, meanwhile, has left the fate up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He may have not been able to get the desired results in Test cricket but has won Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup in white-ball cricket. AB de Villiers opines on Gambhir's coaching style "I don’t know what GG is like when it comes to leadership. I’ve known him as an emotional player and if that is the case in the change room, generally an emotional coach is not a good thing to have. But it’s not to say he’s that kind of a coach and the kind of leader behind the scenes,” De Villiers said while talking on Ashwin’s YouTube channel. Also Read - Former spinner Harbhajan asks for better pitches and says current Indian team lacks 'temperament' to play Tests While there have been many calls to sack Gambhir as coach from Tests, the decision on it might not be taken by next year before India's next Test series. When do India play next Test? India have already played three of the six series in this World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and have four games out of nine. In the next three series scheduled, they play nine more Tests. India next play Sri Lanka in two-Test series in mid 2026 before going to New Zealand for the same number of Tests. The Gill-led team then hosts Australia for the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at home. To have a shot at the WTC Final spot, India need about 84 points more which means they need to win seven of nine Tests remaining with each Test win offering 12 points.

The series loss opened a pandora box in Indian cricket with many asking for removal of Gambhir as the coach in Test cricket at least. Gambhir, meanwhile, has left the fate up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Ex-Protea AB de Villiers says 'not good thing to have emotional coach' like Gambhir

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction took place in New Delhi on Thursday (Nov 27) with 277 players competing for 73 spots. Franchises ended up by buying 67 cricketers only. Here's a look at some of the most expensive players from the WPL 2026 mega auction:

Deepti Sharma (UP-W) - INR 3.2 crore

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma became the costliest signing of the WPL 2026 auction after UP Warriorz used their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring her back for INR 3.20 crore ($3,57,000). This signing also made her the second-most expensive Indian player in the auction and also the first one to be retained through RTM.

Amelia Kerr (MI) - INR 3 crore

Mumbai Indians spent INR 3 crore ($3,35,000) to sign New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr again, even though they had released her before the auction. She became the second-most expensive overseas player.

Shikha Pandey (UP-W) - INR 2.4 crore

UP Warriorz created a big surprise in the WPL 2026 auction by paying INR 2.40 crore ($2,68,000) for experienced Indian fast bowler Shikha Pandey, who has not played for India since 2023.

Sophie Devine (GG) - INR 2 crore

Gujarat Giants sign Kiwis star Sophie Devine for INR 2 crore ($2,23,000). With her all-round skills and experience, she is expected to be a key player for the side in the upcoming WPL season.

Meg Lanning (UP-W) - INR 1.90 crore

In the WPL 2026 auction, UP Warriorz spent INR 1.90 crore ($2,12,000) to sign former Australian captain Meg Lanning. Her experience with bat will be a key factor for the team in the upcoming WPL season. She is likely to captain the side.

Check the biggest signings from the WPL 2026 mega auction, where teams picked up 67 players. The list includes major names like Deepti Sharma and Amelia Kerr.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction took place in New Delhi on Thursday (Nov 27) with 277 players competing for 73 spots. Franchises ended up by buying 67 cricketers only. Here's a look at some of the most expensive players from the WPL 2026 mega auction:

Check the biggest signings from the WPL 2026 mega auction, where teams picked up 67 players. The list includes major names like Deepti Sharma and Amelia Kerr.

Which player got the highest bid at the WPL 2026 auction? Here’s the list of top buys

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