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More Sports news

Sunderland match sparks debate, Arsenal tipped for title, and NFL stars like Kelce break records as Chiefs advance.

Sports in focus: Top 10 headlines that scored big 

Sunderland vs. Derby goal dispute, Arsenal's potential title claim, NFL playoffs shakeups, and strategic decisions highlight sports news.

From NFL playoff triumphs to Arsenal's title hopes and Fenway's Celtics interest, the sports world buzzed with action. Key wins, bold moves, and surprises kept fans engaged over the past 24 hours. Here's what made headlines!

Controversial Officiating in Sunderland vs. Derby Match
In a Championship clash, Sunderland was denied a second goal after it was initially awarded, leading to fan outrage and analyst confusion. The absence of VAR in the match added to the controversy.&nbsp; 
Emmanuel Petit Backs Arsenal for Premier League Title
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the Gunners can surpass Liverpool to clinch their first league title in 21 years, citing focused competitions, returning key players, and Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities.&nbsp; 
Travis Kelce Shines as Chiefs Advance in Playoffs
Kansas City Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce, at 35, showcased his enduring talent by recording 117 yards and a touchdown in the divisional round win against the Houston Texans, surpassing Jerry Rice for the most 100+ yard receiving games in playoff history.&nbsp; 
Chicago Bears Appoint Ben Johnson as Head Coach
The Chicago Bears have hired Ben Johnson, former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach. This move is seen as pivotal for the development of quarterback Caleb Williams.&nbsp; 
Fenway Sports Group Eyes Acquisition of Boston Celtics 
Owners of Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group, are reportedly targeting the purchase of NBA champions Boston Celtics, potentially expanding their sports portfolio, which already includes the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins.&nbsp; 
Conor McGregor Poses with Jake and Logan Paul
Conor McGregor surprised fans by posing for photos with Jake and Logan Paul, fueling rumors of a potential fight. The image, shared on social media, led to speculation about McGregor's future in boxing.&nbsp; 
Houston Texans' Will Anderson Calls for More
Home Playoff Games Following the Texans' loss to the Chiefs, player Will Anderson emphasized the need for more home playoff games to boost team performance in future seasons.&nbsp; 
Washington Commanders Upset Top-Seeded
Detroit Lions The Washington Commanders stunned the top-seeded Detroit Lions with a 45-31 victory, advancing to their first NFC Championship game since 1991.&nbsp; 
Chiefs Secure Another AFC Title Game Appearance
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 23-14, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes maintaining a 7-0 record in divisional round games, propelling the team to another AFC Championship appearance.&nbsp; 
Bears' Quarterback Caleb Williams Undergoes Wrist Surgery 
Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams had elective surgery on his throwing wrist. The procedure is reported as 'nothing serious,' and he is expected to recover swiftly.&nbsp;

Here are the top 10 tennis rivalries that defined the sport, from Nadal vs Federer to Williams sisters. These legendary matchups showcased contrasting styles, intense battles, and unforgettable moments that captivated fans worldwide.

Top 10 Tennis Rivalries That Defined the Sport

Dive into the top 10 tennis rivalries that shaped the sport, from the legendary clashes between Nadal and Federer to the fierce battles of Djokovic and Nadal. These rivalries go beyond titles, showcasing passion, intensity, and unforgettable moments.










<h2>Take a look at tennis' 10 famous rivalries that shaped the sport, featuring iconic players like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Williams sisters. Find out the statistics, and moments that defined tennis history.</h2>

Tennis has witnessed some of the most iconic rivalries in history. Contrasting styles, mental battles, and unforgettable matches have created moments etched in time. Fueled by passion, aggression, and style, these rivalries have inspired millions of fans worldwide.&nbsp;
Here are the top 10 tennis rivalries that shaped the sport over the years. 
<h3>1. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 40&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to head- Nadal leads 24-16</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 2008 Wimbledon Final &ndash; Often regarded as one of the greatest matches in tennis history.</li>
</ul>
Their rivalry was defined not only by high-quality tennis but also by their battles for titles, which stood as a testament to their mutual respect and enduring friendship.
They both redefined the meaning of tennis in more than one way. From the first time they clashed against each other in 2004 to the last time they met in 2019, Federer and Nadal have given their fans numerous unforgettable moments.
<h3>2. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 60</li>
<li>Head to head-&nbsp; Djokovic leads 31&ndash;29</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 2012 Australian Open Final &ndash; A near 6-hour marathon war won by Djokovic.</li>
</ul>
Few rivalries in sports can match the intensity and quality of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. As two of the greatest players in tennis history, their battles tested both physical endurance and mental strength.
Nadal&rsquo;s dominance on clay and Djokovic&rsquo;s brilliance on hard courts shaped an era of tennis that thrilled fans all around the world.
<h3>3. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 50</li>
<li>Head to head- Djokovic leads 27&ndash;23</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 2019 Wimbledon Final &ndash; Djokovic saved match points to win the longest Wimbledon final ever.</li>
</ul>
Federer&rsquo;s finesse and Djokovic&rsquo;s relentless defense created thrilling encounters, often culminating in nail-biting finishes on tennis&rsquo;s grandest stages.
<h3>4. Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 80&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to Head- Navratilova leads 43&ndash;37</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 1985 French Open Final &ndash; Evert won a thrilling three-set battle.</li>
</ul>
This rivalry, spanning 16 years, highlighted a clash of styles: Evert&rsquo;s baseline consistency versus Navratilova&rsquo;s aggressive serve-and-volley game. Their mutual respect and contrasting approaches defined women&rsquo;s tennis in the 1970s and 1980s.
<h3>5. Steffi Graf vs. Monica Seles</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 15</li>
<li>Head to head - Graf leads 10&ndash;5</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 1992 French Open Final &ndash; Seles triumphed in an intense three-set battle.</li>
</ul>
Graf's powerful forehand and Seles' two-handed strokes produced exciting matches in the early 1990s. Tragically, Seles' career was interrupted by an attack in 1993, leaving fans to speculate about what could have been. Still, the tennis they played was nothing short of extraordinary.
<h3>6. Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 34</li>
<li>Head to head- Sampras leads 20&ndash;14</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 2001 US Open Quarterfinal &ndash; A flawless match with no breaks of serve.</li>
</ul>
Their contrasting personalities and playing styles made their rivalry captivating. Sampras was introverted and composed, known for his exceptional serve-and-volley game and relentless Grand Slam dominance. In contrast, Agassi&rsquo;s fiery baseline aggression and charisma stood out. Together, their rivalry defined men&rsquo;s tennis in the 1990s.
&nbsp;
<h3>7. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 31&nbsp;</li>
<li>Head to head - Serena leads 19&ndash;12</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 2003 Wimbledon Final &ndash; Serena won in straight sets.</li>
</ul>
 Sisters off the court, rivals on it&mdash;the Williams sisters' rivalry was truly unique. Their matches featured intense grunting, fierce aggression, and powerful baseline play. Often clashing in Grand Slam finals, they showcased their dominance in women's tennis like no other.
<h3> &nbsp; 8. Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 14 (7&ndash;7)</li>
<li>Grand Slam Finals: 4</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 1980 Wimbledon Final &ndash; Borg won in a dramatic five-set thriller.</li>
</ul>
 This rivalry contrasted Borg&rsquo;s cool demeanor with McEnroe&rsquo;s fiery personality. Their epic matches in the late 1970s and early 1980s captivated fans and showcased their brilliance.
&nbsp;
<h3>9. Ivan Lendl vs. John McEnroe</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 36 Lendl</li>
<li>Head to head- Lendl leads 21&ndash;15</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 1984 French Open Final &ndash; Lendl staged a stunning comeback to win.</li>
</ul>
 Lendl&rsquo;s consistency and McEnroe&rsquo;s creativity clashed in a rivalry that symbolized the 1980s. Their matches often delivered drama and contrasting styles.
&nbsp;
<h3>10. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matches Played: 36</li>
<li>Head to head- Djokovic leads 25&ndash;11</li>
<li>Iconic Match: 2013 Wimbledon Final &ndash; Murray won to end Britain&rsquo;s 77-year drought.</li>
</ul>
 Murray and Djokovic&rsquo;s rivalry is built on similar styles, featuring baseline battles and tactical brilliance. Their clashes, particularly in Grand Slam finals, highlight their mental and physical endurance.
&nbsp;
These rivalries go beyond records and titles&mdash;they embody passion, endurance, and greatness. These players have elevated tennis, inspiring generations and defining the sport&rsquo;s essence.

A day of historic NFL wins, media debates in tennis, major signings in MLB, and captivating performances in basketball. Follow the latest sports buzz.

Daily Sports Wrap: Top 10 updates you need to know

Historic NFL milestones, media controversies in tennis, strategic MLB signings, and NBA highlights mark an exhilarating day in sports. Catch the latest stories.

Chiefs make NFL history with 7th AFC title spot; Sabonis powers Kings' win. Djokovic faces Australian Open media row, Staley sets women's basketball pay record. Blue Jays secure Santander with a $92.5M MLB deal.

Sports fans have had plenty to cheer, debate, and discuss over the past 24 hours. From stunning victories to controversies and milestone achievements, here&rsquo;s a quick look at the top stories making waves.
Top Sports Stories
 Chiefs Create NFL History with AFC Championship Streak
 The Kansas City Chiefs have done it again, making their seventh consecutive AFC Championship game after a dominant win over the Houston Texans. Travis Kelce added to the celebrations by smashing playoff records.
Djokovic Sparks Controversy at Australian Open
 Novak Djokovic came under fire for snubbing Channel 9 interviews after his latest Australian Open victory. The boycott stemmed from comments by presenter Tony Jones, sparking debate about media relations in sports.
Blue Jays Land Anthony Santander in Major Deal
 In a big move for the Toronto Blue Jays, the team signed outfielder Anthony Santander on a $92.5 million deal, locking in a key player to bolster their MLB roster for the upcoming season.
Domantas Sabonis Powers Kings to Victory
 Domantas Sabonis delivered a masterclass, scoring 29 points and grabbing 18 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings to a commanding 123-100 win over the Washington Wizards.
Will Anderson Calls for Texans' Home Playoff Push
 Following their loss to the Chiefs, Houston Texans' Will Anderson urged the team to focus on securing more home playoff games, emphasizing how it could change their fortunes in key matches.
Dawn Staley Becomes the Highest-Paid Women's Basketball Coach
 South Carolina&rsquo;s Dawn Staley is setting records off the court, becoming the highest-paid coach in women&rsquo;s basketball. The landmark deal highlights the growing investment in women&rsquo;s sports.
Aryna Sabalenka Shines at Australian Open
 Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive form, powering through her match at the Australian Open. Fans now have high hopes for the star as she eyes a deep run in the tournament.
West Virginia Football Gets Boost with Rich Rodriguez
 West Virginia&rsquo;s decision to rehire Rich Rodriguez as head football coach is already paying off, with ticket sales surging as fans show renewed enthusiasm for the program.
Nebraska Men&rsquo;s Basketball in Trouble After Fourth Loss
 It&rsquo;s been a tough stretch for Nebraska basketball. A fourth consecutive loss has raised questions about their form and what needs to change for a turnaround.
South Carolina Women Eye Another NCAA Title
 The South Carolina women&rsquo;s basketball team is making headlines as they gear up to defend their NCAA title, with experts tipping them for another championship run.
Final Whistle
 From the Chiefs&rsquo; record-breaking NFL streak to the growing excitement around the Australian Open, sports continue to deliver thrilling moments and big headlines. With action heating up across leagues, fans are in for an exciting week ahead! Stay tuned.

From NFL playoffs and the Australian Open to BBL revivals and Premier League transfers, today's sports stories are filled with compelling narratives and action-packed events.

From big hits to big plays: Today’s must-know sports stories

NFL's snowy spectacle, Big Bash League revivals, and the Australian Open take center stage today. Explore key moments like Barkley's performance and Djokovic’s Grand Slam quest, alongside Caitlin Clark’s big league opportunity and Miami's new venue debut.

<h2>Saquon Barkley powers the Eagles to playoff victory; Djokovic targets Australian Open glory under Andy Murray; and the Unrivaled basketball league makes waves with a $1M offer for Caitlin Clark in a day packed with sports drama.</h2>

It&rsquo;s been a day packed with action, drama, and some jaw-dropping moments across the sports world. Here&rsquo;s your ultimate roundup of what&rsquo;s buzzing in the arena.
Saquon Barkley&rsquo;s Snowy Masterclass
&nbsp;The Eagles star delivered a game-winning performance, rushing for 205 yards in a thrilling NFL Divisional Round clash against the Rams.
NFL Playoffs Bring Fire and Controversy
The Texans-Chiefs game sparked debates with a controversial call, while playoff action reached fever pitch across snowy fields.
David Warner sparks thunder comeback:
Sydney Thunder is roaring back in the Big Bash League under Warner&rsquo;s captaincy, transforming from last season&rsquo;s underdogs.
Rolling Out the Greens
&nbsp;The World Indoor Bowls Championships 2025 are underway, promising intense action from the sport&rsquo;s best.
Serve it up! Australian Open begins
&nbsp;Tennis fans are in for a treat as Melbourne hosts the first Grand Slam of the year, with Djokovic eyeing glory under Andy Murray&rsquo;s guidance.
Big bucks for Caitlin Clark?
&nbsp;Unrivaled women&rsquo;s basketball league eyes Caitlin Clark with a $1 million offer, looking to elevate its debut season.
Miami gets sporty glam
 The Unrivaled league unveils its $35 million venue in Miami, ready to host stars like Angel Reese.
College football expands its horizon
&nbsp;A 12-team playoff format is set to shake up the 2025 college football season, with schedules now released.
Premier League transfer frenzy
January&rsquo;s transfer window heats up as top clubs strategize big moves for the second half of the season.
Clippers edge bulls in close clash
A high-stakes showdown between the Bulls and Clippers delivered on drama, with fans treated to thrilling highlights.
Final Whistle From icy fields to glitzy arenas, today&rsquo;s sports stories showcase the best of grit and glamour. Keep an eye out for what&rsquo;s next in this unstoppable action-packed ride!
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Rinku Singh and Priya Saroj, a notable cricketer and MP respectively, are joining hands in marriage next year. Their families have confirmed this auspicious event as they continue to focus on their careers.

Cricketer Rinku Singh to marry MP Priya Saroj next year

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh and Lok Sabha MP Priya Saroj set to marry next year, confirmed by families. As Rinku excels in cricket and Priya in politics, this union showcases a blend of talent and dedication.

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Cricketer Rinku Singh and MP Priya Saroj will marry next year, their families confirmed. Rinku, an IPL star and India player, and Priya, a lawyer-turned-MP, balance busy careers as they plan their union blending sports and politics.
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Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is set to marry Lok Sabha MP Priya Saroj, with both families confirming the alliance. The wedding is planned for next year, though no ceremonies or engagement events have taken place yet.
Rinku Singh, 27, from Aligarh, has played two ODIs and 30 T20 Internationals for India. Currently preparing for the T20 series against England starting Wednesday, Rinku rose to fame during the 2023 IPL season when he smashed five consecutive sixes in a game-winning over against Gujarat Titans. His impressive performances earned him a spot on the national team and a standby role in India&rsquo;s victorious ICC T20 World Cup campaign.
Priya Saroj, 26, is a lawyer-turned-politician who became an MP from Machhlishahr in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating BJP&rsquo;s B.P. Saroj by 35,000 votes. She hails from Varanasi and holds a law degree from Delhi. Priya&rsquo;s father, Toofani Saroj, is a Samajwadi Party MLA and a former three-term MP.
&ldquo;While the marriage is finalized, no dates for ceremonies have been decided as Priya is busy with parliamentary duties in Thiruvananthapuram, and Rinku is occupied with his cricket commitments,&rdquo; Toofani Saroj said.
The wedding will mark the union of two accomplished individuals from diverse fields, bringing together the worlds of sports and politics.

Mohammed Shami is poised for a T20I comeback with Team India after overcoming an ankle injury. Demonstrating commitment at Eden Gardens, he readies for England series.

Shami makes India comeback, impresses in T20I practice session

Mohammed Shami, overcoming an ankle injury, is set to rejoin India’s T20I squad. His intensive practice at Eden Gardens hints at a promising performance in the England series.

Mohammed Shami makes his comeback to Team India, showing promising signs at the T20I practice session ahead of the England series. Despite knee discomfort, he bowled with intensity and showcased his rhythm at Eden Gardens.

Star fast bowler Mohammed Shami is poised to make his highly anticipated return to the Indian cricket team after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out for the entire 2024 season. The 34-year-old, who was the top wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, last played for India on November 19, 2023. After a successful return to domestic cricket with Bengal in November, Shami has been included in India&rsquo;s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England.
On January 19, Shami took part in India&rsquo;s first practice session at Eden Gardens. Reports indicate that while the pacer bowled with intensity for over an hour, he experienced slight discomfort and was seen limping back to the dressing room. However, he soon returned to the field and interacted with his Bengal teammates while managing his heavily strapped left knee.
Shami, who will spearhead India&rsquo;s pace attack for the series, started his practice with a gentle warm-up session under the guidance of bowling coach Morne Morkel. After initially bowling with short strides, he gradually increased his intensity, bowling a fiery spell with a long run-up, reminiscent of his prime form. He troubled the young batters in the nets, including Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, extracting bounce and movement. Dhruv Jurel, however, took on Shami with some aggressive shots, challenging the pacer&rsquo;s rhythm.
Despite the taxing session, Shami completed nearly 45 minutes of intense bowling without needing assistance from the team&rsquo;s medical staff, signaling a promising return to full fitness.

Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra marries Himani Mor in a private Shimla ceremony. Celebrated among close family and friends, the couple's intimate wedding was followed by a honeymoon in the United States, with a reception in India to follow.

Neeraj Chopra marries Himani Mor in private ceremony, shares wedding photos

Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra enters a new chapter by marrying Himani Mor in Shimla. This intimate ceremony was attended by close family. Post-wedding, they are honeymooning in the USA and planning a grand reception in India. Celebrations continue!

Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra married former tennis player Himani Mor in a private ceremony in Shimla. The intimate wedding, attended by close family, was followed by a honeymoon in the U.S. A grand reception will be held upon their return.

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has officially tied the knot with Himani Mor, a former tennis player, in an intimate wedding ceremony. The javelin star shared the joyous occasion on social media on Sunday, January 19, expressing gratitude for the new chapter in his life.
"Started a new chapter of life with my family. Grateful for every blessing that brought us to this moment together. Bound by love, happily ever after," Neeraj wrote in his post, accompanied by heartwarming pictures from the ceremony.
The wedding took place in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with only close family members attending. The couple is currently on their honeymoon in the United States, and a grand reception is expected in India once they return.
Neeraj, who kept the wedding details private, surprised fans by sharing photos, including a special moment where his mother blessed him at the ceremony.
This milestone comes after Neeraj&rsquo;s remarkable achievements in athletics, including winning a silver at the Paris Olympics, following his historic gold in 2021, making him the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in track and field.
Who is Himani Mor?
Himani Mor, originally from Sonipat, Haryana, is a former tennis player. She played at Miranda House, Delhi University, before pursuing a career in Sports Management at Southeastern Louisiana University. She is currently working as a graduate assistant and team manager for the women's tennis team at Amherst College in Massachusetts, where she handles coaching, venue management, recruiting, and strategic planning.
The wedding was met with an outpouring of congratulations from celebrities, including former cricketer Suresh Raina, who wished the couple a future filled with "beautiful memories and unwavering companionship."
Neeraj, who recently competed in the Diamond League, is now focusing on his personal life, celebrating his love with Himani.

England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has received his visa for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, set to begin on January 22.

England's Saqib Mahmood secures visa for India tour after delay

England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has received his visa for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, set to begin on January 22.

After several days of delays, England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has finally received his visa for the upcoming white-ball series in India, set to begin on January 22.
Mahmood, originally from Pakistan, has faced visa issues on multiple occasions in the past. Back in 2019, he was unable to join the England Lions tour of India due to similar delays. Last year, England spinner Shoaib Bashir also missed the first Test against India in Hyderabad due to visa problems, forcing him to return home to resolve the matter.
This time, while Saqib was granted his visa, the delay caused him to miss England's training camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In contrast, fellow players of Pakistani heritage in the squad, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, had no trouble obtaining their visas.
Saqib had been scheduled to attend a pace bowling camp in Abu Dhabi, where England's fast bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Saqib himself, were set to train under the guidance of fast bowling consultant James Anderson. However, due to the visa delays, Saqib missed the camp.
The Lancashire bowler, who made his international debut in February 2020, has represented England in nine One-Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals, claiming 38 wickets across formats. His most recent appearance came in November 2024 during England's T20I series against the West Indies, where he was named Player of the Series after taking nine wickets in four games at an impressive average of 10.55 and an economy rate of 6.33.
England's tour of India includes five T20Is and three ODIs, with the first T20I scheduled for January 22 in Kolkata.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) set a new Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Cricket Ball Sentence,' using 14,505 balls to form the phrase "Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium."

Mumbai Cricket Association commemorates 50 years of Wankhede Stadium with a Guinness World Record

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) set a new Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Cricket Ball Sentence,' using 14,505 balls to form the phrase "Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium."

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday achieved a monumental milestone by securing the Guinness World Records title for the 'Largest Cricket Ball Sentence.'
This accomplishment was part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The record was set on the anniversary of the first-ever international match held at the stadium in 1975, when India faced the West Indies in a memorable Test match from January 23 to 29.
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MCA dedicated this extraordinary feat to the late Eknath Solkar, who scored a century in that historic match, and to other departed Mumbai players who made significant contributions to the sport.
The MCA, known for its unwavering commitment to excellence, arranged 14,505 leather cricket balls on the Wankhede Stadium field to create the sentence: "Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium."
The record-breaking arrangement was achieved in the presence of MCA President Ajinkya Naik, alongside office-bearers and Apex Council Members. The breakdown of the balls used for each word is as follows:
<ul>
<li>FIFTY: 1,902 balls</li>
<li>YEARS: 2,831 balls</li>
<li>OF: 1,066 balls</li>
<li>WANKHEDE: 4,990 balls</li>
<li>STADIUM: 3,672 balls</li>
<li>FULL STOP (.): 44 balls</li>
<li>Total: 14,505 balls</li>
</ul>
The MCA will donate the balls used in this record to aspiring cricketers from schools, clubs, and NGOs across the city, encouraging them to be inspired by this achievement and aim for even greater milestones in their cricketing careers.
"Mumbai cricket has contributed significantly to the sport and it holds a special place in cricket's history. The city has produced some of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. Wankhede Stadium is the pride of Mumbai and has witnessed countless historic moments. This Guinness World Records title is a reflection of Mumbai cricket's passion, legacy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It is also a special tribute to all the players, officials, and unsung heroes who have contributed to Mumbai's cricketing legacy," said Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
In addition to this achievement, the MCA had hosted a series of events earlier to commemorate the stadium's golden jubilee. These included honoring the captains of Mumbai&rsquo;s men's and women&rsquo;s teams, the members of the Mumbai team that played the first-ever first-class match at Wankhede Stadium in 1974, and former Elected Managing Committee members.
The Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai and the association&rsquo;s groundsmen were also felicitated, with a special Polly Umrigar Health Camp and lunch organized for them in recognition of their invaluable contributions.
The grand celebrations on January 19 were attended by cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Diana Edulji, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane, in front of a packed stadium.
The evening also featured mesmerizing performances by Ajay-Atul and Avadhoot Gupte, followed by a stunning laser show that capped off the event.

Sports

Rishabh Pant, sold to Lucknow Super Giants for a record Rs 27 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, has been named captain of the franchise. 

Rishabh Pant named Lucknow Super Giants captain for IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant, sold to Lucknow Super Giants for a record Rs 27 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, has been named captain of the franchise.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant, the trailblazing wicketkeeper, has been appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the franchise announced on Monday.
The 27-year-old, who made history during the IPL auction in November by being sold to Lucknow for Rs 27 crores ($3.2 million), joins the team for the upcoming edition of the lucrative T20 tournament.
Pant, known for his flamboyant left-handed batting, returned to captain Delhi Capitals last season after a 14-month hiatus from elite cricket due to a car accident. However, he parted ways with the Capitals after the team finished sixth in the 2024 IPL season standings.
"I see a born leader in Rishabh Pant. From my point of view, he will be probably the best captain IPL has seen," said Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow, during a special TV broadcast. "Surely Rishabh Pant will play for at least 14-15 years for us, we hope at least five IPL titles in these years."
Pant has represented India in 150 international matches across all three formats, amassing 5,028 runs, including seven centuries.
The 18th edition of the IPL is set to commence on March 21, with the opening match scheduled to be held in Kolkata, while the final will take place on May 25, according to reports from Indian media.
The IPL continues to be a major revenue generator for Indian cricket, contributing more than $11 billion annually to the economy. It has also played a pivotal role in popularizing T20 cricket globally, inspiring similar events worldwide.

Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja make it to the prestigious ICC Men's Test Team of the Year 2024, showcasing outstanding performances in a year filled with remarkable cricketing feats.

Jaiswal, Bumrah, and Jadeja named in ICC Men's Test Team of the Year 2024

Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja make it to the prestigious ICC Men's Test Team of the Year 2024, showcasing outstanding performances in a year filled with remarkable cricketing feats.

Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah have made it to the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year 2024, announced on Friday.
Alongside them, the squad features some of Test cricket's top players, including England&rsquo;s Joe Root, New Zealand&rsquo;s Kane Williamson, and Australian captain Pat Cummins.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to the incredibly talented players named in the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year 2024 👏 <a href="https://t.co/0ROskFZUIr">pic.twitter.com/0ROskFZUIr</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1882737620360495485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)</h3>
Jaiswal&rsquo;s rise in 2024 has been nothing short of sensational. After a tough tour of South Africa, he made an incredible comeback during the home series against England, scoring 712 runs, which included two double centuries and three fifties.
His consistency continued throughout the year, with key performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he finished as India&rsquo;s top scorer with 391 runs, including a brilliant 161 in Perth.
By the end of 2024, he had accumulated 1,478 runs at an average of 54.74, including three centuries and nine half-centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the year, behind Joe Root.
<h3>Ben Duckett (England)</h3>
Duckett played a pivotal role in England&rsquo;s Test triumphs this year. After an impressive start with 343 runs in India, including a knock of 153 in Rajkot, Duckett continued his form with centuries in multiple series, including against West Indies, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. By the end of the year, Duckett had scored 1,149 runs at an average of 37.06, including two centuries and six fifties, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer of 2024.
<h3>Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</h3>
Despite a challenging year due to injuries, Williamson proved why he&rsquo;s one of the best Test batsmen. After an outstanding start with centuries against South Africa and a superb series against England, he finished the year with 1,013 runs at an average of 59.58.
His tally included four centuries and four half-centuries, with his standout performance being a match-winning 156 against England.
<h3>Joe Root (England)</h3>
Joe Root once again dominated Test cricket in 2024. After a slow start against India, Root found his rhythm with some impressive performances, including a monumental 375-run series against Sri Lanka, where he surpassed Alastair Cook's record for most Test centuries by an English player.
He ended the year with 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57, including six centuries and five fifties.
<h3>Harry Brook (England)</h3>
Brook had a stellar 2024, especially in the latter half of the year. After missing the India tour, he returned with a century against the West Indies and then had a sensational partnership with Joe Root in Pakistan, where he scored a triple century.
Brook finished with 1,100 runs at an average of 55, including four centuries and three fifties.
<h3>Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)</h3>
Mendis made a sensational return to Test cricket in 2024, finishing the year as Sri Lanka&rsquo;s top run-scorer. His remarkable performances included two centuries in Bangladesh and a career-best 182* against New Zealand.
Mendis accumulated 1,049 runs at an exceptional average of 74.92, including five centuries and three fifties.
<h3>Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper) (England)</h3>
Smith, in his debut year, made a strong impact. He scored a half-century and a century against Sri Lanka, followed by a gritty 89 against Pakistan.
In total, Smith made 637 runs in 2024 at an average of 42.46, including a century and four fifties, and played a key role behind the stumps with 32 dismissals.
<h3>Ravindra Jadeja (India)</h3>
Jadeja had a superb all-round year in 2024. He was a key figure in India&rsquo;s series wins against England and Bangladesh, contributing with both bat and ball.
He took 48 wickets at an average of 24.29 and scored 527 runs, including a century and three half-centuries, helping India dominate in multiple series.
<h3>Pat Cummins (Australia, captain)</h3>
Pat Cummins led Australia to victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading them to a 3-1 win against India.
As captain, he also contributed significantly with both bat and ball, taking 37 wickets at an average of 24.02 and scoring 306 runs.
His leadership helped Australia reclaim the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.
<h3>Matt Henry (New Zealand)</h3>
Henry was a standout performer for New Zealand in 2024. His most notable performances came against Australia, where he claimed 17 wickets in the home series, including a memorable eight-wicket haul.
Henry finished the year with 48 wickets at an exceptional average of 18.58, the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the year.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Bumrah was the best bowler in Test cricket in 2024, finishing as the highest wicket-taker of the year. He took 71 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.92, including five five-wicket hauls.
His performances against Australia were particularly memorable, where he led India to crucial victories, including a mesmerizing 5/30 in the first Test at Perth and a nine-wicket haul in Melbourne.
<h2>ICC Test Team of the Year 2024:</h2>
Pat Cummins (c) (Australia), Yashasvi Jaiswal (India), Ben Duckett (England), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Joe Root (England), Harry Brook (England), Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka), Jamie Smith (wk) (England), Ravindra Jadeja (India), Matt Henry (New Zealand), Jasprit Bumrah (India).
These 11 players have truly set the benchmark in Test cricket for 2024, showcasing their dominance in both batting and bowling.

Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma have been named to the ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year for 2024. While no Indian male cricketers made it to the ICC Men's ODI Team, Sri Lanka's dominance in the category led the way.

Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma in ICC women's ODI Team of the Year; no Indian in men's side

Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma have been named to the ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year for 2024. While no Indian male cricketers made it to the ICC Men's ODI Team, Sri Lanka's dominance in the category led the way.

Star batter Smriti Mandhana and all-rounder Deepti Sharma were on Friday named in the ICC women's ODI Team of the Year 2024 but none of their male counterparts found a place in the men's side that was dominated by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The women's all-star team has three players from England, two Australians, two South Africans and one each from Sri Lanka and West Indies, besides the two Indians.
South African batter Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 697 runs in 12 matches in 2024, was named captain of the ICC team.
The men were, however, absent from the ICC XI and that can be attributed to lack of ODI engagements for the country last year. India played only three ODIs -- an away series against Sri Lanka --, losing two of them while the third one ended in a tie.
The 28-year-old Mandhana accumulated 747 runs in 13 matches to be the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs in 2024. She is also in the running for the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 award.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Honouring talent, skill, and consistency as part of the ICC Women&rsquo;s ODI Team of the Year 2024 ✨ <a href="https://t.co/gkGd0XqEi1">pic.twitter.com/gkGd0XqEi1</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1882714990832169237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
She began her year with a run-a-ball 29 against Australia in January, but had to wait six months for her next ODIs, a home series against South Africa.
When she returned, Mandhana was in sublime form, beginning with back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs against the Proteas. She narrowly missed a third consecutive ton, falling for 90, though her remarkable tally of 343 runs in the series earned her the Player-of-the-Series award.
Mandhana had a shaky start in the first two ODIs against New Zealand in October, but ended the series on a high note with a brilliant century in the final match. With this hundred, Mandhana became the most prolific century-maker for India in the Women's 50-over format.
A similar story unfolded during the away series against Australia, where she capped off in style with a century at the WACA. She came close to back-to-back centuries in the opening ODI against West Indies but fell agonisingly short in the nervous nineties once again. Mandhana wrapped up the series with two half-centuries.
Deepti scored 186 runs and took 24 wickets in 13 matches in an all-round show in 2024.
She began the year with a gritty all-round performance in the lone ODI against Australia at Wankhede in January, scoring an unbeaten 25 runs and taking a wicket.
In the three-match series against South Africa in Bengaluru in June, Deepti showcased her bowling brilliance, picking up two wickets in each of the three matches. In her only opportunity to bat, she scored a crucial 37 in the opening game.
Deepti starred in the ODI series against New Zealand in October, earning Player-of-the-Match honours for her 41 runs and figures of 1/41 in the opening game. She followed up with a strong showing in the second match, taking 2/30 in a losing cause, and was the standout bowler in the final ODI, spinning India to victory with figures of 3/39.
Meanwhile, the absence of any Indian in the men's all-star team could be attributed to very less number of matches the country played last year. India played only three ODIs -- an away series against Sri Lanka --, losing two of them while the third one ended in a tie.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Presenting the ICC Men&rsquo;s ODI Team of the Year 2024 featuring the finest players from around the world 👏 <a href="https://t.co/ic4BSXlXCc">pic.twitter.com/ic4BSXlXCc</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1882692313392251067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The all-star ODI team announced by the ICC features four players from Sri Lanka, three each from Pakistan and Afghanistan and one from the West Indies.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka was named skipper of the ICC team as well for his stupendous batting through the year.
In his 16 ODI appearances in 2024, Asalanka scored 605 runs at an average of 50.2 including a century and four fifties.
Sri Lanka played 18 ODIs in the year gone by, the highest among all teams, and won 12 of them.
Pakistan picked up seven victories from its nine ODI engagements, while Afghanistan won eight of their 14 one-dayers.
Big-hitting West Indian Sherfane Rutherford, who made his international debut in 2023, was the lone non-Asian in the all star XI for his 425 runs from nine games at an astonishing average of 106.2.
<h3>ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year for 2024:&nbsp;</h3>
Smriti Mandhana (India), Laura Wolvaardt (c) (South Africa), Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Ashleigh Gardner (Australia), Annabel Sutherland (Australia), Amy Jones (WK) (England), Deepti Sharma (India), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Kate Cross (England).
<h3>ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024:</h3>
Charith Asalanka (C) (Sri Lanka), Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Kusal Mendis (WK) (Sri Lanka), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Haris Rauf (Pakistan), AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan).

India leads the five-match T20I series 1-0, with the second match set in Chennai. England aims to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the first game, while India looks to capitalize on spin-friendly conditions.

India vs England 2nd T20I preview: Hosts look to extend series lead

India leads the five-match T20I series 1-0, with the second match set in Chennai. England aims to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the first game, while India looks to capitalize on spin-friendly conditions.

After a commanding performance in the opening T20I, India and England are set to clash once again in the second T20I on January 25, 2025, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST, with England looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the series. India currently leads 1-0 in the five-match series.
India made an emphatic statement in Kolkata, cruising to a seven-wicket victory in just 12.5 overs. Abhishek Sharma&rsquo;s blistering 79 off 34 balls was the highlight of the chase, while the bowlers, operating in unison, kept England&rsquo;s batsmen in check, limiting them to a modest total of 132.
For England, only Jos Buttler stood out with a defiant 68, but the rest of the team fell short in what was an underwhelming performance.
As the series shifts to Chennai, England will need to regroup and address the shortcomings that were exposed in the first match.
Changes to the lineup are on the cards, with the possibility of players like Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, or Saqib Mahmood being brought in to strengthen the attack.
India, meanwhile, will aim to keep the momentum flowing. The management has given players like Abhishek Sharma the freedom to express themselves, a tactic that paid off handsomely in the first match.
With spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel in excellent form, India will look to dominate once again.
The spin-friendly conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium are expected to play into India&rsquo;s hands, but England&rsquo;s batsmen will be determined to adapt and come up with a stronger performance.
The stage is set for a compelling contest as both teams battle for supremacy in this exciting series.
<h1>India&rsquo;s Triumph in the 1st T20I</h1>
<h3>Abhishek Sharma&rsquo;s Match-Winning Knock:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679337a8d7823_1737701288.jpg" width="582" height="327">
Sharma&rsquo;s aggressive 79 from just 34 balls was the standout contribution in India&rsquo;s chase. His swashbuckling style, combined with his ability to find the boundary at will, put England on the back foot from the start, ensuring a relatively easy win for the hosts.
<h3>Impressive Bowling Effort:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679337b51c70e_1737701301.jpg" width="581" height="326">
India&rsquo;s bowlers were on top of their game, with Arshdeep Singh setting the tone with the new ball and Varun Chakravarthy playing a key role in the middle overs.
The spinners, in particular, kept England&rsquo;s batters in check, taking crucial wickets to reduce the visitors to a paltry total.
<h3>Smart Captaincy:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679337c0ee00a_1737701312.jpg" width="586" height="329">
Suryakumar Yadav&rsquo;s decision to bowl first was a tactical masterstroke. India adapted well to the pitch, which helped them control proceedings from the start. SKY&rsquo;s calm and composed leadership was evident as the team executed their plans with precision.
<h3>Solid Fielding Display:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679337d46e61a_1737701332.jpg" width="581" height="326">
India&rsquo;s fielding was sharp and efficient, backing up their bowlers with some excellent stops and sharp throws.
England&rsquo;s batters were rarely given any easy runs, and the fielding played a key role in maintaining pressure throughout the match. 
<h1>England&rsquo;s Struggles in the 1st T20I</h1>
<h3>Batting Woes:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679337e316d03_1737701347.jpg" width="581" height="326">
Despite Jos Buttler&rsquo;s valiant knock of 68 off 44 balls, England&rsquo;s batting crumbled around him. Key players like Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook failed to fire, and the team was left with too little to defend.
Their total of 132 never looked like being enough on a pitch where India&rsquo;s batsmen thrived.
<h3>Bowling Inconsistencies:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679337ef99f28_1737701359.jpg" width="581" height="326">
England&rsquo;s bowlers were unable to apply pressure during India&rsquo;s chase. Abhishek Sharma&rsquo;s early onslaught left them scrambling, and while Jofra Archer impressed with the ball, the rest of the attack, including Adil Rashid, failed to contain the Indian batsmen. The lack of variety and control in the attack was glaring.
<h3>Fielding Errors:</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67933800e983c_1737701376.jpg" width="577" height="324">
A few missed chances in the field only compounded England&rsquo;s woes. In a match where every small mistake is magnified, these lapses allowed India to maintain momentum and assert their dominance throughout.
Heading into the second T20I, England will be looking to iron out these issues, while India will be determined to replicate their performance and extend their lead in the series.
<h1>Will Either Team Make Changes to Their Playing XI?</h1>
India: With their dominant win in the first T20I, India is unlikely to make any changes to their lineup. The team will be keen to keep the momentum going, especially with players like Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh in fine form.
The only potential change could come in the form of Mohammad Shami&rsquo;s inclusion. While he was expected to feature in the first match, Shami&rsquo;s return was delayed for fitness assessments.
If cleared, he could replace one of the pacers in the squad, but for now, India is likely to stick with the same XI.
England: After their lackluster performance, England may look to make a few changes. The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is traditionally spin-friendly, which could see Rehan Ahmed brought in to add an extra dimension to the spin attack.
This would likely mean dropping a pacer. England will need more from their senior spinners, particularly Adil Rashid, and the inclusion of Ahmed could help shore up a bowling attack that looked a little one-dimensional in the opening game.
With both teams eager to assert themselves in the series, the second T20I promises to be an intriguing contest. England will need to quickly address their issues, while India will look to maintain their dominance and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

Novak Djokovic retired after losing the first set of his Australian Open semi-final to Alexander Zverev, ending his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title. 

Djokovic retires hurt to send Zverev into Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic retired after losing the first set of his Australian Open semi-final to Alexander Zverev, ending his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic retired injured after losing a gruelling first set of his Australian Open semi-final to Alexander Zverev, leaving his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam crown in tatters on Friday.
The 37-year-old Serbian great's upper left leg was again heavily taped after he hurt it in the quarter-finals and he called time after going down 7-6 (7/5).
He left the court to a mixture of boos and applause from the crowd as Germany's Zverev reached his first Melbourne final.
It means Djokovic has now gone five Grand Slams without winning the title he needs to surpass Margaret Court's 24 and become the all-time leader.
He failed to collect one for the first time in seven years in 2024 with his last coming at the 2023 US Open, casting further doubt on whether he will ever get past Court.
The defeat also deprived him of a 100th career title. Roger Federer (102) is the only player, man or woman, to reach the century mark.
Zverev's reward is a clash in Sunday's showdown with either world number one Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton.
While the German has been a Grand Slam runner-up twice before, at last year's French Open and the 2020 US Open, he has never before been to the final in Melbourne.
Last year at the same semi-final stage he crashed to Daniil Medvedev in five sets after holding a 2-0 lead.
But he came into the season with renewed vigour after ending 2024 as world number two, winning more matches than anyone bar Sinner and back to his best after a horrific ankle injury.
Djokovic came into the clash with questions over his fitness after needing medical attention in his four-set quarter-final win against Carlos Alcaraz.
He said before the match he was worried about his physical condition.
But he has demonstrated remarkable powers of recovery more than once in his career and it didn't appear to hinder him initially.
He moved with his customary zip in an opening service game that featured a 27-shot rally and again in saving four break points as his serve mis-fired.
It was then Zverev's turn to save three break points and keep the match on serve at 2-2, with both players blowing hot and cold.
Another break point went begging for the German at 4-4, with Djokovic barely getting 50 percent of his first serves in.
It went to a tight tiebreak after which Djokovic retired.

Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill made a highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy, but all three were dismissed cheaply in the ongoing round of matches. 

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill fail to impress in Ranji Trophy comebacks

Despite the BCCI mandating contracted players' participation, the India stars struggled to make an impact, with performances falling short ahead of the Champions Trophy.

India's star players, including Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, made a high-profile return to the Ranji Trophy, but their comebacks were short-lived, as all three fell cheaply during the penultimate round of the premier red-ball competition on Thursday.
Rohit, back in action after a challenging run in Australia, was looking to find some rhythm ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, his return to the Ranji Trophy was underwhelming as he was dismissed for just 3 runs in Mumbai's first innings against Jammu and Kashmir. Rohit attempted his signature pull shot off Umar Nazir, only to edge it to J&amp;K skipper Paras Dogra at mid-off. His opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, also had a tough time, getting out for just 4 runs, trapped in front by Auqib Nabi, who exploited the fresh wicket well to produce some movement off the surface at the BKC Ground.
Shreyas Iyer, named in the Champions Trophy squad, could only manage 11 runs before being dismissed at mid-on off pacer Yudhvir Singh.
Meanwhile, in Rajkot, Pant made his first-class appearance for Delhi since the 2017-18 season but was dismissed for just 1 run off 10 balls by Saurashtra's Dharmendrasingh Jadeja, with India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also featuring for Saurashtra.
In Bengaluru, Shubman Gill didn't last long either, getting caught behind for just 4 runs in the match between Punjab and Karnataka, falling to Abhilash Shetty in the fourth over.
The big names made themselves available for the Ranji Trophy after the BCCI mandated participation for contracted players in domestic cricket, following India's series loss to Australia. However, despite the anticipation around their returns, the stars couldn't make an impact in the ongoing round of matches.

India defeats England in the T20I series opener with a 7-wicket win. Abhishek Sharma shines, while Mohammed Shami's exclusion sparks debate. Discussions focus on team strategy and Shami's potential return as India gears up for the Champions Trophy.

India wins first T20I against England, but Shami’s omission sparks questions

India secures a 7-wicket win against England in the T20I opener. Abhishek Sharma excels, but talks surround Mohammed Shami's exclusion due to strategy and fitness concerns, as India prepares for the Champions Trophy.

India won the 1st T20I vs England by 7 wickets, chasing 160 easily. Mohammed Shami&rsquo;s omission, cited as a "team combination" decision, sparked fitness concerns despite his intense training. His comeback is likely later in the series.

India opened their T20I series against England with a solid 7-wicket win at Eden Gardens, chasing down England's 159/8 with nine balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma stole the show with an all-round performance, but much of the buzz surrounded Mohammed Shami&rsquo;s absence from the playing XI.
The veteran pacer, eyeing a return to international cricket after 14 months, was expected to feature in the match. However, skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed at the toss that Shami was left out due to the team&rsquo;s strategy and the conditions at Eden Gardens. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s always about the combinations,&rdquo; Abhishek Sharma later said, explaining the decision to opt for three spinners and just one frontline pacer.
But Shami&rsquo;s omission has raised eyebrows. While team management emphasized it was purely tactical, questions linger about the 34-year-old pacer&rsquo;s fitness. Shami was seen bowling at full throttle in the nets, and though his knee remained heavily strapped, he appeared ready to go. Yet, his cautious movements when heading back to the dressing room didn&rsquo;t go unnoticed.
Shami himself had spoken about his eagerness to return, sharing how hard he had worked through domestic tournaments to prove his fitness. &ldquo;The hunger to play for the country never ends,&rdquo; he said earlier this week, stressing the importance of making every opportunity count.
While India&rsquo;s new T20 setup, largely driven by Gautam Gambhir&rsquo;s condition-specific approach, has delivered results, not including Shami for a crucial match sparked debates about whether his skills were undervalued against England&rsquo;s "Bazball" approach.
As India looks to refine its lineup ahead of the Champions Trophy, Shami&rsquo;s availability will be closely watched, especially with concerns over Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s fitness. For now, fans will have to wait to see the seasoned pacer back in action.

Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah continues as the No. 1 Test bowler, while Ravindra Jadeja holds onto the top position in the all-rounders' category in the latest ICC rankings.

Jasprit Bumrah retains No. 1 spot in ICC Test bowler rankings

Jasprit Bumrah continues as the No. 1 Test bowler, while Ravindra Jadeja holds onto the top position in the all-rounders' category in the latest ICC rankings.

&nbsp; Jasprit Bumrah remains the top-ranked Test bowler, while Ravindra Jadeja holds onto his No. 1 spot in the all-rounders&rsquo; category, according to the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday.
Bumrah, who achieved a career-high rating of 907 points ahead of the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia in January, has now surpassed that with 908 points. This makes him the highest-ranked Indian bowler ever. Australia&rsquo;s Pat Cummins (841) and South Africa&rsquo;s Kagiso Rabada (837) sit in second and third positions, respectively.
Pakistan's Noman Ali (761) broke into the top-10 after an impressive six-wicket haul in the first Test against West Indies in Multan.
The all-rounders' top-10 list remains unchanged, with Jadeja retaining the top spot with 400 rating points. South Africa&rsquo;s Marco Jansen (294) and Bangladesh&rsquo;s Mehidy Hasan (263) are in second and third place.

The much-anticipated India vs England 1st T20I begins today in Kolkata. Both teams boast explosive line-ups with standout players like Suryakumar Yadav, Jos Buttler, Arshdeep Singh, and Jofra Archer set to take center stage.

India vs England 1st T20I: Key players to watch out for from both teams

The much-anticipated India vs England 1st T20I begins today in Kolkata. Both teams boast explosive line-ups with standout players like Suryakumar Yadav, Jos Buttler, Arshdeep Singh, and Jofra Archer set to take center stage.

India&rsquo;s dominance in the shortest format of cricket continues as they prepare for a thrilling five-match T20I series against England, with the 1st T20I set to begin today in Kolkata.
After lifting the T20 World Cup in Barbados last year, India&rsquo;s T20I squad remains one of the strongest in the world, with some key players looking to make an impact in the series.
&nbsp;
<h1>INDIA</h1>
<h3>Suryakumar Yadav</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679096289473b_1737528872.jpg" width="582" height="327">
Suryakumar Yadav, who has established himself as one of the most destructive batters in T20 cricket, will be leading India in the upcoming series against England.
His aggressive batting style and ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a high strike rate make him a pivotal player. With 2570 runs in 78 T20Is at an incredible strike rate of 167.86, Suryakumar has proven to be one of the most reliable performers for India in this format.
His leadership qualities, combined with his batting prowess, will be crucial in the high-stakes series.
&nbsp;
<h3>Arshdeep Singh</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679096381c593_1737528888.jpg" width="584" height="326">
Arshdeep Singh, India's young and talented left-arm seamer, has been a standout performer in T20I cricket since his debut in 2022.
With 95 wickets in 60 matches, his pace and accuracy, especially in the death overs, make him a key weapon for India.
Arshdeep&rsquo;s economy rate of 8.32, paired with his knack for picking up crucial wickets, has made him one of India&rsquo;s most promising pacers in T20Is.
&nbsp;
<h3>Rinku Singh</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67909650f02d0_1737528912.jpg" width="579" height="325">
India&rsquo;s middle-order will be bolstered by the hard-hitting Rinku Singh, who has been in exceptional form in recent months.
With 507 runs in 30 T20Is at a strike rate of 165.14, Rinku has emerged as a reliable finisher for India.
His recent performances, especially in domestic T20s, have made him a player to watch out for, and his contributions could prove vital in the high-pressure moments of the series.
&nbsp;
<h3>Sanju Samson</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790965cb3308_1737528924.jpg" width="581" height="326">
Sanju Samson, known for his stylish batting and consistency, has been a key player for India in T20Is. Although he missed out on a spot in the Champions Trophy squad, Samson has excelled in T20 cricket, especially in recent times.
With 810 runs in 37 T20I matches at a striking average of 27.93, his strike rate of 155.17 highlights his aggressive approach.&nbsp;
His recent twin centuries in South Africa&rsquo;s T20I tour stand testament to his quality and his ability to rise to the occasion.
&nbsp;
<h3>Mohammad Shami</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679096685bbdc_1737528936.jpg" width="582" height="327">
Mohammad Shami, one of India's most experienced pacers, has been a crucial part of the Indian cricket team. After a year-long injury break, Shami&rsquo;s return to T20I cricket is highly anticipated.
Shami has featured in 23 T20I matches, taking 24 wickets with an economy rate of 8.94. His pace, accuracy, and ability to bowl under pressure make him a key player, especially in the death overs.&nbsp;
While his T20I career has been somewhat limited, his ODI success and experience make him a vital addition to India&rsquo;s T20 setup, especially as they look to face tough opponents like England.
<h1> ENGLAND</h1>
<h3>Phil Salt</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67909673dcb42_1737528947.jpg" width="582" height="327">
Phil Salt, the explosive England opener, will be a major threat for India in the upcoming series. Since his debut in 2022, Salt has shown exceptional consistency, scoring 1106 runs in 38 T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 165.32. His aggressive batting at the top of the order provides England with a solid platform, and his ability to take on the Indian bowlers in the powerplay could shape the outcome of the series.
&nbsp;
<h3>Jos Buttler</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790967f73f4b_1737528959.jpg" width="577" height="324">
England&rsquo;s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, is one of the most experienced and dangerous T20 players in the world. With 3389 runs in 129 T20Is at a strike rate of 147.03, Buttler is a proven match-winner.
His leadership skills, combined with his ability to turn the game around with his explosive batting, make him one of the most influential players in the series.
&nbsp;
<h3>Jofra Archer</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679096894dee3_1737528969.jpg" width="579" height="325">
Jofra Archer, one of the world&rsquo;s fastest bowlers, brings pace and precision to England's T20I attack. Known for his lethal yorkers and consistency at high speeds, Archer has taken 35 wickets in 29 T20Is with an economy rate of 7.53.
His ability to provide early breakthroughs and finish games makes him crucial to England&rsquo;s plans against India. After recovering from injury, his return adds significant firepower to England's bowling attack.
&nbsp;
<h3>Harry Brook</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67909693344f8_1737528979.jpg" width="581" height="326">
Harry Brook has emerged as one of England's brightest young talents, quickly making his mark in T20 cricket. With 707 runs in 39 T20Is at a strike rate of 146.07, Brook is known for his explosive batting and ability to handle pressure.
His versatility in the batting order and knack for accelerating the innings makes him a potent threat.
&nbsp;
<h3>Liam Livingstone</h3>
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6790969ca0a79_1737528988.jpg" width="582" height="327">
Liam Livingstone is a key all-rounder for England, known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin. With 881 runs in 55 T20Is at a strike rate of 151.11, he is a game-changer in the middle order.
His ability to clear boundaries and provide vital overs makes him crucial to England&rsquo;s T20 series against India.
&nbsp;
<h1>Conclusion</h1>
As the India vs England 1st T20I kicks off today in Kolkata, both teams will look to set the tone for the rest of the series.&nbsp;
India has been in excellent form in T20 cricket, with a solid winning streak, including their dominant T20 World Cup victory in Barbados last year. However, despite their recent successes, India has also faced some disappointing losses, which have highlighted areas for improvement.
Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Rinku Singh will be key in maintaining India's momentum.
On the other hand, England's explosive squad, led by players like Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Jofra Archer, ensures a highly competitive series.
With both teams boasting match-winners and exciting talents, this series promises to deliver thrilling cricket as both sides look to assert their dominance in the T20 format.

The 1st T20I between India and England kicks off today in Kolkata, with both teams eyeing early momentum in the five-match series. 

1st T20I: Comeback-man Shami in focus as India eye fresh start against England

The 1st T20I between India and England kicks off today in Kolkata, with both teams eyeing early momentum in the five-match series. Watch out for Shami&rsquo;s return to the Indian squad, Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge, and England&rsquo;s explosive lineup.&nbsp;

Fit-again pacer Mohammed Shami&rsquo;s comeback would be keenly watched when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team takes on an evenly-matched England in a five-match series starting in Kolkata on Wednesday, aiming to make up for the recent Test disasters that have caused considerable turmoil and heartbreak.&nbsp;
The white-ball rubber, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs after that, presents an ideal platform for both the teams to experiment with combinations and assess form before next month&rsquo;s Champions Trophy.
Shami, despite missing four matches, emerged as India&rsquo;s leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps, including a sensational 7/57 in the semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede.&nbsp;
Interestingly, the pacer has claimed the same number of wickets -- 24 at an average of 29.62 -- in his limited T20I career and will aim to improve on that while proving his fitness. Shami was sidelined after the lost final against Australia on November 19, 2023 due to an ankle injury that required surgery.
The recovery from that was followed by swelling on his left knee during the domestic comeback some weeks back. Following his inclusion in India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad, Shami&rsquo;s return will garner national attention.&nbsp;
With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah nursing a back injury and his Champions Trophy participation doubtful, Shami&rsquo;s comeback assumes greater significance. The 34-year-old made his competitive return in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, guiding them to their first win of the season with a seven-wicket haul.
He followed it up with impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (11 wickets) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (five wickets). Shami&rsquo;s T20I career has been sporadic, with just 23 appearances since his debut in 2014. His last outing in the format was against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal.&nbsp;
With the Rohit Sharma-led Indian Test set-up still reeling from a horror tour of Australia, a good performance from the T20 side has become imperative especially after the Board had to step in to reinforce diktats on team discipline.
All-rounder Axar Patel will debut as India&rsquo;s vice-captain in the T20I format. He has been rewarded for his stellar all-round contributions in India&rsquo;s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last year.&nbsp;
All eyes will also be on Kerala&rsquo;s Sanju Samson, who faces another critical juncture in his career after being omitted from India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad. He was subsequently ignored by Kerala selectors for their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;
Promising all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who scored his maiden Test century against Australia in December at Melbourne, has also earned a spot in the squad, giving the team another option pace-bowling all-rounder along with the redoubtable Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/india-vs-england-1st-t20i-key-players-to-watch-out-for-from-both-teams-1737529303982" target="_blank">India vs England 1st T20I: Key players to watch out for from both teams</a>
For the Jos Buttler-led England, the series marks a new chapter under head coach Brendon McCullum, who signed a three-year contract following Matthew Mott&rsquo;s resignation following their T20 World Cup exit.
Known for revolutionising Test cricket with his aggressive &lsquo;Bazball&rsquo; approach, McCullum will now seek to replicate that success in the limited-overs format.&nbsp;
After Wednesday&rsquo;s game, the series would move to Chennai for the second T20I (January 25), followed by matches Rajkot (Jan 28), Pune (Jan 31) and Mumbai (February 2). The ODI leg will start in Nagpur on February 6, followed by Cuttack (February 9) and Ahmedabad (February 12).
Teams (from):
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel (wk).
England: Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook (vc), Phil Salt (wk), Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood.

Excitement brews in Chennai for India vs England T20I at Chepauk, with free metro rides for fans. A packed stadium promises electrifying cricket as India aims for glory post-World Cup success.

TNCA offers free metro rides for T20I fans as India prepares for England Series

Excitement brews in Chennai as India faces England at Chepauk. TNCA offers free metro travel for fans, ensuring a seamless game day experience. Thrilling cricket action awaits a packed stadium.

TNCA announces free metro rides for ticket holders at Chennai's second T20I. India preps rigorously in Kolkata for England series opener, with Shami's return and wet-ball drills tackling dew. Packed Chepauk awaits thrilling cricket action.

Cricket fever is set to grip Chennai as the MA Chidambaram Stadium gears up to host the second T20I between India and England on Saturday, January 25. In a move to enhance fan convenience, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has announced free metro travel for ticket holders to and from the stadium. This initiative, previously implemented during IPL 2023, aims to ease traffic congestion around the iconic Chepauk venue, located near Marina Beach.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Plan your travel wisely for the India vs England 2nd T20I at Chepauk on January 25! 🇮🇳 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNCA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNCA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChepaukStadium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChepaukStadium</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduCricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/bezEaE7Xqi">pic.twitter.com/bezEaE7Xqi</a>
&mdash; TNCA (@TNCACricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/TNCACricket/status/1881723526752952650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
Packed Chepauk Awaits White-Ball Action
Tickets for the second T20I have already sold out, promising a packed Chepauk stadium just days after the city celebrated Pongal. This will be Chennai&rsquo;s first international white-ball match since the 2023 World Cup, and the first overall since the Test match against Bangladesh in September 2024. TNCA&rsquo;s social media post confirmed, &ldquo;Match ticket holders can avail free metro rides for both up and down journeys.&rdquo;
India Ready for England After Intensive Preparations
Team India is set to open their limited-overs campaign against England after a disappointing 2024-25 Test season, which saw defeats to New Zealand and Australia. However, the Men in Blue are riding high on their T20 World Cup-winning momentum, having recently defeated Bangladesh and South Africa in impressive fashion.
The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, held an intense three-day training camp in Kolkata to fine-tune their preparations. Bowlers practised with wet balls to adapt to the dewy conditions expected during the match. Mohammed Shami, making his international comeback after a year-long hiatus, is set to strengthen the bowling attack.
Speaking ahead of the match, Suryakumar Yadav addressed the team&rsquo;s readiness, saying, &ldquo;If we know there is going to be heavy dew, we start preparing with the wet ball during practice sessions. These are the things that are within our control.&rdquo;
England Brings Firepower
England announced a strong playing XI for the series opener, setting the stage for an exciting five-match contest. Following the opener in Kolkata, the series will move to Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and conclude in Mumbai.
 As Chennai eagerly anticipates the return of international cricket at Chepauk, the TNCA&rsquo;s free metro travel initiative reflects efforts to enhance the fan experience. Meanwhile, India, after rigorous preparations, is determined to regain its winning touch and capitalize on its T20 World Cup success. With top-tier cricket action and packed stadiums, this series promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans. &nbsp;

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expresses confidence in winning the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy during Wankhede Stadium's 50th-anniversary celebration. He recalls cherished moments at the iconic venue and highlights its special atmosphere.

'We will try to bring Champions Trophy back to Wankhede': Rohit Sharma

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expresses confidence in winning the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy during Wankhede Stadium's 50th-anniversary celebration. He recalls cherished moments at the iconic venue and highlights its special atmosphere.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has set his sights on leading the Men in Blue to victory at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Speaking at a celebratory event marking 50 years of Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, Rohit also reflected on the memorable moments and personal milestones he has experienced at the historic venue.
Discussing the ICC Champions Trophy, Rohit stated, "We will try our best (to win the title). It is always a dream to represent the Indian team in any ICC trophy. We will embark on another dream. I am sure that when we will reach Dubai, 140 crore people will be behind us. We will try to do everything we can to bring the trophy back again at Wankhede."
The Wankhede Stadium has been home to many significant achievements in Indian cricket history, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory, Virat Kohli's 50th ODI century during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinals, and other landmark events like the 1996 day-night World Cup match and Mumbai's 2007 Ranji Trophy title.
Rohit fondly reminisced about his early days watching Ranji Trophy matches at Wankhede and highlighted the unique energy the venue brings. "The crowd does not disappoint here, no matter which team you play, India, Mumbai, or Mumbai Indians (MI). When we won the 2007 T20 World Cup and celebrated it here, that day I dreamt of bringing the World Cup trophy to Wankhede. Luckily, we celebrated the 2024 T20 WC victory in Mumbai and Wankhede. The atmosphere here is different. Even the players who are not from Mumbai really love coming here and playing," he said.
Reflecting on the grand celebration of India&rsquo;s 2024 T20 World Cup win at Wankhede, Rohit shared how special it was to celebrate with fans. "When we were in Barbados, we could not go out due to a hurricane. We could celebrate as a team, but celebrating the win with your people is special. There were so many people watching us, celebrating with us," he added.
The ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE under a hybrid model, with India's matches scheduled in Dubai. The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches, with India&rsquo;s campaign starting against Bangladesh on February 20. The much-anticipated clash with Pakistan will take place on February 23, also in Dubai. India&rsquo;s final group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.
India is placed in Group A alongside defending champions Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features 2023 Cricket World Cup winners Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
Team India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja.
India&rsquo;s Group Stage Fixtures:
February 20: India vs Bangladesh, Dubai February 23: India vs Pakistan, Dubai March 2: India vs New Zealand, Dubai

Virat Kohli is named in Delhi's squad for their Ranji match against Saurashtra, though his participation remains uncertain due to a neck injury.

Ranji Trophy: Kohli named in 22-member provisional squad for Delhi's next game

Virat Kohli is named in Delhi's squad for their Ranji match against Saurashtra, though his participation remains uncertain due to a neck injury.

Star batter Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi&rsquo;s 22-member provisional squad for their next Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra in Rajkot but doubts remain about his participation after it came to light that he is nursing a niggle.
It is learnt that Kohli has intimated the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) top brass that he has a neck niggle that he sustained in Sydney during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia.
He was treated by the physio there and as of now, there is no clarity on availability for the Ranji match starting January 23.
Whether he will play or just fly down to Rajkot for a couple of days&rsquo; training will be clear only after he details his position to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.
Kohli had last played a red-ball game for Delhi back in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. A year after that, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played his last Ranji Trophy match against Haryana at Lahli.
Talismanic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will feature in a Ranji Trophy game after nearly seven years although it has been learnt that he has declined captaincy, which means Ayush Badoni will continue in the role.
&ldquo;Rishabh felt the existing captain (Badoni) should continue to lead the side. He feels that since he is not available consistently, one shouldn&rsquo;t tinker with leadership," a member of the DDCA apex council told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
&ldquo;When he was offered captaincy, he said that he is very happy to play under Badoni. We have picked 22 players including five U-23, who would fly to Bhilai for their CK Nayudu U-23 match against Chattisgarh, starting January 25," he added.
The BCCI has made it mandatory for all centrally-contracted cricketers to play domestic cricket unless there is some compelling reason to skip the assignment.
The Board has warned that non-compliance would invite sanctions, including deductions from central contract retainer and ban on playing in the Indian Premier League.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/bcci-s-new-10-point-policy-for-indian-cricket-team-with-penalties-for-non-compliance-1737101292303" target="_blank">BCCI's new 10-point policy for Indian cricket team with penalties for non-compliance</a>
Among the big names already confirmed for upcoming Ranji game is Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will turn up for Mumbai, and Shubman Gill who will represent Punjab in the next round.

Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has been defined by incredible success, with 15 major trophies, including the Champions League, making him one of football's most decorated managers. 

"I'm Not Good Enough" – Pep Guardiola Admits Struggles Amid City’s Toughest Season

Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has been defined by incredible success, with 15 major trophies, including the Champions League, making him one of football's most decorated managers.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is enduring one of the most challenging seasons of his career, with his team's recent struggles highlighted by a shocking 2-1 home defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Despite leading the Premier League for the past four seasons and boasting a stellar record of trophies, City&rsquo;s current form has been far from their usual high standards.
The reigning champions have lost eight of their last 11 games across all competitions, a slump that has left them fifth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points. Addressing the disappointing performances, Guardiola took full responsibility, candidly admitting, "I'm the boss, I'm the manager, and I'm not good enough. It's as simple as that. I'm not doing well. That is the truth."
Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has been defined by incredible success, with 15 major trophies, including the Champions League, making him one of football's most decorated managers. Over his illustrious career, spanning stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, Guardiola has secured 33 major titles. However, this season's struggles represent an unprecedented challenge.
Sunday's loss against Manchester United saw City concede late goals to Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, sparking boos from disheartened fans at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, acknowledged the uphill battle, saying, "I knew it would be a tough season from the beginning. I said it many times, even when we were winning, but I didn't expect it to be this hard."
The disappointing run has raised questions about City&rsquo;s ability to maintain their dominance. While Guardiola remains committed to turning things around, the team&rsquo;s inconsistency has cast a shadow over their title defence and underscored the magnitude of the challenges ahead.

Football

City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Dušan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus’ qualification hopes.

Man City Struggles in Champions League, Defeated 2-0 by Juventus, Dropping to 22nd Place

City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Du&scaron;an Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus&rsquo; qualification hopes.

Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus, the latest setback in a scarcely believable run of poor results for the ailing English champions.
City dropped to 22nd place in the 36-team standings, with only the top 24 advancing.
Progressing to the next round of the new-look format looked a certainty before the season for a team that was European champion in 2023 and has won the last four Premier League titles. But not anymore as City manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and an apparent loss of belief among his players.
City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Du&scaron;an Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus&rsquo; qualification hopes.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan described the team&rsquo;s problem as a &ldquo;mental issue.&rdquo;
Opponents &ldquo;are able to break our rhythm with the smallest of things,&rdquo; Gundogan said on Wednesday.
&ldquo;They don&rsquo;t even need to do much and it has such a big effect on us right now.&rdquo;
Barcelona jumped into second place in the league standings, behind Liverpool, and is guaranteed to advance after a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund. Raphinha and Ferran Torres, with two goals, scored for Barca.
Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 mainly thanks to two goals by Bukayo Saka to move into third place and be the highest of six teams on 13 points.
The top eight qualify directly for the last 16 and the teams placed No. 9-24 go into a two-legged playoff.
Danger for City
City has two games to save its faltering Champions League campaign and the first is against Paris Saint-Germain, another giant in trouble in 25th place &mdash; one spot out of the qualifying positions.
Vlahovic put Juventus ahead in the 53rd when he powered a header goalward straight at City goalkeeper Ederson, who could only parry the ball over his own line. Two American substitutes sealed the win for Juve, with McKennie volleying home from Timothy Weah&rsquo;s cross.
Juventus moved into 14th place.
Super-sub Torres
Ferran Torres came off the bench to inspire Barcelona to a fifth win in six games and push Dortmund, last season&rsquo;s runner-up, out of the top eight.
Torres came on in the 71st to replace Robert Lewandowski, who had a quiet game against his former club. Just four minutes later, Torres scored a goal on the rebound from Dani Olmo&rsquo;s shot.
Serhou Guirassy&rsquo;s second goal of the game leveled the score at 2-2 but Torres scored again in the 85th off Lamine Yamal&rsquo;s pass on the counter.
Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead before Guirassy equalised from the penalty spot. Raphinha and Guirassy are tied for second place in the scoring chart on six goals, behind Lewandowski&rsquo;s competition-high seven.
Home comforts for Arsenal
Arsenal secured a third straight home win without conceding in the league stage, with Saka scoring in the 34th and 78th minutes and sending in a shot that was turned into the net by substitute Kai Havertz in the 88th.
Arsenal is ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Brest and Lille on goal difference. Lille won 3-2 at home to Sturm Graz on Wednesday.
In-form Alvarez
Man City could sure do with Julian Alvarez at the moment.
With a brilliant curling finish to open the scoring, the Argentina striker helped Atletico Madrid beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 and provide a timely reminder of what City is missing after selling him for more than USD 100 million in August. Alvarez has 12 goals for the season, with four coming in the Champions League.
Antoine Griezmann scored Atletico&rsquo;s other two goals at Metropolitano stadium as the Spanish team climbed to 11th place after a 10th straight win in all competitions.
Tribute to grieving teammate
When Lukasz Lakomy gave Young Boys the lead against Stuttgart, he ran toward the sideline and held up teammate Meschack Elia&rsquo;s jersey as others gathered around him.
The gesture was a tribute after Elia&rsquo;s son died unexpectedly this week after a short illness. Elia wasn&rsquo;t playing as he was on his way to his native Congo, where his son died, to be with his family.
Both teams wore black armbands and there was a moment of silence before the game, which was won 5-1 by Stuttgart.
Late winner
Tammy Abraham scored an 87th-minute winner as AC Milan beat Red Star Belgrade 2-1 to move one point off the top eight. Milan lost Alvaro Morata and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to muscle injuries in the first half.
Benfica&rsquo;s five-match winning streak ended with a 0-0 home draw against Bologna, and Feyenoord had a 4-2 win over Sparta Prague.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The 2030 tournament will be the first World Cup played in six different countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main hosts while South American nations Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each get one game. 

Ronaldo says 2030 World Cup will be "most special" yet after Portugal confirmed as co-host

The 2030 tournament will be the first World Cup played in six different countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main hosts while South American nations Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each get one game.

Cristiano Ronaldo led the celebrations after Portugal and five other countries were officially announced as hosts of the 2030 men's World Cup, with the player saying the unique tournament will be the "most special" yet.
The 2030 tournament will be the first World Cup played in six different countries, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main hosts while South American nations Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each get one game. The format will help FIFA mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930.
"A dream come true," the 39-year-old Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post that had a photo of him celebrating while wearing Portugal's jersey and featured the words: "The Most Special World Cup ever."
Ronaldo is the only man to have scored at five World Cup tournaments, but he is unlikely to still be playing in 2030.
"Portugal will host the 2030 World Cup and make us proud," he wrote.
The approval of the six-nation bid was mostly a formality at FIFA's online meeting on Wednesday, with Saudi Arabia also officially confirmed as the 2034 World Cup host.
So reactions in Spain and Portugal were muted, but South American governing body CONMEBOL celebrated a day that its president Alejandro Dom&iacute;nguez said "will go down in the history of South American football."
"FIFA decided to honour history. The World Cup returns home," Dominguez said at the CONMEBOL headquarters in Paraguay.
"We are at home, on the continent that organized the first World Cup ever. The first World Cup was played in Uruguay, the first world champion nation and now we also have the last World Cup champion, Argentina.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, despite human rights criticisms. This decision follows Saudi's sole bid as others stepped out. FIFA concurrently announced the 2030 tournament in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

CONFIRMED! Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034

There was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger".

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport despite criticism of the country's human rights record.
At the same time, a virtual Congress of world football's governing body confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, in which three games will also be played in South America.
The Saudi bid was waved through by acclamation during the meeting of FIFA's 211 national member associations, with no rivals standing in its way.
"It is a proud day, a day of celebration, a day that we invite the entire world to Saudi Arabia," said Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Sports.
"We intend to have an extraordinary version of the World Cup in our kingdom."
However, there was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger".
FIFA had invoked its principle of rotating the World Cup between continents, which meant only bids from Asia or Oceania were welcome for 2034.
The unprecedented organisation of the 2030 tournament will involve three continental confederations in Europe, Africa and South America, while the next World Cup in 2026 -- the first involving 48 teams -- will take place across North America.
Controversially, the body gave potential bidders barely a month last year to submit candidacies, and Australia and Indonesia abandoned their interest.
That left Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate, clearing the way for the World Cup to return to the Gulf region so soon after Qatar hosted in 2022.
The kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been using sport for some time to amass influence and improve its global image -- critics say he is effectively "sportswashing" by diverting attention from Saudi Arabia's rights record.
&nbsp;
- 'Moment of great danger' -
The awarding of the World Cup to Saudi will make the issue of human rights a major talking point again, just as it was two years ago.
"We are inclusive and we are non-discriminatory, and we want to obtain positive social impact," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in closing remarks.
"We are of course aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points from this process and deliver a FIFA World Cup which meets expectations."
He added that "social improvements and positive human rights impacts" are "responsibilities of hosting a World Cup."
Rights groups highlight mass executions in Saudi Arabia and allegations of torture, as well as restrictions on women under the conservative country's male guardianship system. Free expression is severely restricted too.
FIFA's decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia "despite the well-known and severe risks to residents, migrant workers and visiting fans alike, marks a moment of great danger," Amnesty International and 20 other organisations said in a joint statement.
"Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty's Head of Labour Rights and Sport.
England's Football Association meanwhile said it had received assurances from Saudi Arabia that LGBTQ fans would be "safe and welcome" at the tournament.
&nbsp;
- 'Centenary celebration' -
The 2030 tournament will mark a century since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, and as a result the unrivalled joint bid by Morocco, Spain and Portugal will also see the South American nation handed one game along with Argentina and Paraguay.
FIFA confirmed over a year ago that the joint proposal led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal was the sole contender for 2030, with all other potential candidacies having fallen by the wayside.
Four South American countries launched a joint bid in 2019, convinced that the centenary World Cup should entirely take place on the continent where it all began.
Meanwhile, Morocco replaced Ukraine as a partner for Spain and Portugal, while South America agreed to step aside in exchange for hosting three games.
Following these "centenary celebrations" in the southern hemisphere winter, the six teams involved will cross the Atlantic to play the rest of the tournament.
Spain, which hosted the 1982 World Cup, should be the main host as it boasts 11 of the 20 proposed stadiums.
Morocco -- after failing in five previous bids -- will become the second African nation to host the competition after South Africa in 2010.
Potential venues for the July 21 final include the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Barcelona's renovated Camp Nou as well as the planned Hassan II stadium between Casablanca and Rabat, set to boast a 115,000 capacity.

Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England's new football manager, succeeding Gareth Southgate. Known for his tactical flexibility and knockout football expertise, the former Chelsea & PSG coach faces immense pressure to break England’s trophy droug

England appoint Thomas Tuchel: Will the German Help the Three Lions Finally Bring it Home?

Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England's new football manager, succeeding Gareth Southgate. Known for his tactical flexibility and knockout football expertise, the former Chelsea & PSG coach faces immense pressure to break England’s trophy drought.

Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England's new football manager, succeeding Gareth Southgate. Known for his tactical flexibility and knockout football expertise, the former Chelsea &amp; PSG coach faces immense pressure to break England&rsquo;s trophy drought.

There's a new man in charge of the England Men's Football team! After months of speculation, Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as Gareth Southgate's successor, becoming the first non-British coach of the Three Lions in over a decade.
 Under Southgate, England became perennial contenders, reaching a World Cup semi-final, two Euros finals, and a third-place finish in the Nations League. Over nearly eight years and more than 100 matches, he raised expectations but left with unfinished business.
 Tuchel steps into a pressure cooker where expectations have never been higher and he must deliver where numerous others before him have fallen short.
 In Tuchel, England have a manager who is no stranger to winning. The German has a track record with top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. His honours list includes three league titles and three domestic cups, alongside the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup to his name. But can his club success translate to the international stage?
 England's history with foreign managers has been mixed. The late Sven-G&ouml;ran Eriksson led the team to three successive quarter-finals between 2001 and 2006 but couldn't secure a trophy. Fabio Capello oversaw a lacklustre 2010 World Cup campaign before his acrimonious exit few months ahead of Euro 2012.
 Since 1966, England have been chasing that elusive second major international trophy. They've come close in recent tournaments but always fall short when it matters most. The question now is, can Tuchel break the curse?
 Tuchel is known for tactical flexibility and meticulous preparation, skills that served him well in the club game. But managing a national team is different - limited time with players, shorter bursts of preparation. The spotlight will be brutal. Southgate was a player&rsquo;s manager, shielding them from media criticism. Tuchel's more direct approach could ruffle feathers with players or fans who remain loyal to Southgate&rsquo;s style.
 One thing working in Tuchel&rsquo;s favour: he&rsquo;s a master of knockout football. At Chelsea, he guided the Blues to a Champions League title in just four months, often outthinking his opponents and adapting tactics mid-game. England may need that same tactical brilliance to finally overcome their mental barriers in major tournaments.
 But history isn't on his side. England&rsquo;s struggles with penalty shootouts and last-minute heartbreaks will weigh heavily. Tuchel&rsquo;s task isn't just tactical; it's about instilling belief and resilience in a side haunted by past failures. Could his pragmatic approach be the missing ingredient to end England's long wait?
 There's no denying that Tuchel's appointment brings both immense promise and daunting challenges. But there are many questions: Can he handle the pressure? Can his club-level success translate to the international stage? Or will the burden of managing the Three Lions prove too much once again?
 One thing&rsquo;s for sure &ndash; the next chapter in England&rsquo;s football story is going to be fascinating.
 Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with more intriguing stories from the world of sports.

Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in 2019, for €120 million, failed to live up to expectations. Struggling to adapt and facing off-field pressures, he returned to Atletico, where he's since rekindled his form.


Antoine Griezmann: How the Atletico Madrid star became a flop show at Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in 2019, for &euro;120 million, failed to live up to expectations. Struggling to adapt and facing off-field pressures, he returned to Atletico, where he's since rekindled his form.

Welcome back to Failed Football Transfers, where we analyse football's most notable transfer flops. Today, we're focusing on Antoine Griezmann, a player whose much-anticipated move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in 2019 promised so much yet ultimately delivered so little. How did a World Cup winner and one of Europe&rsquo;s finest talents struggle to make a lasting impact at Camp Nou? Let&rsquo;s delve into this intriguing saga.
 Antoine Griezmann rose to prominence at Real Sociedad before shining at Atletico Madrid, where he became a key figure. In his first five seasons with Atletico, he recorded 183 goal contributions in 257 appearances. He was vital to the club&rsquo;s success, winning the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and leading Atletico to the 2016 Champions League final. He also played a crucial role in France&rsquo;s 2018 World Cup triumph.
 With such stellar performances under Diego Simeone, speculation about a transfer to Barcelona became inevitable. In 2019, the Catalan giants activated his release clause of a staggering &euro;120 million. Following the underwhelming performances of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, Griezmann was expected to be the missing piece in Barcelona&rsquo;s attacking puzzle, joining superstars like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
 However, the transition from Madrid to Barcelona was anything but smooth. Griezmann found it challenging to adapt to a system that demanded a different role. Often playing second fiddle to Messi, he struggled to make his mark, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency.
 One of the biggest challenges was the lack of clarity about his position. At Atletico, he excelled as a central forward or winger, but at Camp Nou, he was frequently shuffled around, never finding his rhythm. Under pressure to justify his hefty price tag, Griezmann faced constant scrutiny, which further affected his confidence.
 Off-field distractions also played a role. The media relentlessly compared him to his predecessors, highlighting every misstep and undermining his confidence. Despite his best efforts, he could not replicate the goal-scoring form that had previously made him a star.
 By the end of his second season at Barcelona, it became clear that Griezmann was not the transformative signing the club had hoped for. With just 35 goals in 102 appearances, his contributions were decent but fell far short of expectations. He clinched only one trophy, a Copa del Rey in 2021, and his performances often reflected the overall struggle within the squad.
 In the summer of 2021, Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid on loan, effectively marking the end of his time at Barcelona. The move was seen as a form of redemption, allowing him to return to a club where he felt valued and could thrive once again.
 Since his return, Griezmann has rekindled his form and made a significant impact. His loan was made permanent in 2022, and he quickly re-established himself as a pivotal figure in Simeone&rsquo;s attacking setup. In the 2022-23 season, Griezmann played a central role in Atletico's pursuit of success, providing a league-high 16 assists and scoring 15 goals.
 His performances have revitalised his career and helped Atletico remain competitive in both La Liga and European competitions. Griezmann&rsquo;s experience and winning mentality, honed during his time with the French national team and at Atletico, have added vital depth to the squad.
 Although he has now retired from international football, Griezmann continues to help Atletico Madrid challenge for silverware. His resurgence is a testament to his resilience and dedication, proving that his time at Barcelona was an anomaly rather than a true reflection of his abilities.
 Thanks for joining us on this episode of Failed Football Transfers. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon for more stories from the world of football. See you next time!
&nbsp;

Paul Pogba’s £89m return to Manchester United was filled with promise but ended in disappointment. Tactical clashes, injuries, & off-field distractions marred his second stint at Old Trafford. 

Paul Pogba: The £89 million disappointment at Manchester United

Paul Pogba&rsquo;s &pound;89m return to Manchester United was filled with promise but ended in disappointment. Tactical clashes, injuries, &amp; off-field distractions marred his second stint at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Welcome back to Failed Football Transfers, where we break down football&rsquo;s most expensive and high-profile transfer flops. Today, we&rsquo;re looking at a player whose career has been filled with highs and lows - Paul Pogba and his much-anticipated return to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016. How did one of the world&rsquo;s most talented midfielders, who left United as a youngster and thrived at Juventus, fail to make his second stint at Old Trafford a lasting success? Let&rsquo;s find out.
In 2016, Pogba was the talk of world football. After leaving Manchester United in 2012 for free, he became a global superstar at Juventus, winning four Serie A titles and reaching the 2015 Champions League final. His dominant displays in midfield made him one of the most sought-after players in the game. When United announced his return for a then-world record fee of &pound;89 million, the excitement was off the charts, with the #Pogback campaign adding to the hype. With France, he was also a key figure, helping his nation reach the Euro 2016 final
United fans believed that Pogba&rsquo;s return would signal a new era of dominance with Jose Mourinho also taking the reins at Old Trafford. His first season saw him help United lift the League Cup and Europa League. Initially, it seemed like a match made in heaven but cracks soon appeared. Pogba&rsquo;s inconsistent form, combined with tactical clashes with Mourinho, stifled his performances. While there were moments of brilliance, like his brace that inspired a comeback win against Manchester City in 2018, those flashes were too infrequent.
One of the key issues was his breakdown of relationship with Mourinho, which hit rock bottom in 2018 when Pogba was stripped of the vice-captaincy. Off-field distractions, including public comments from his agent Mino Raiola, and persistent transfer rumours, further overshadowed his time at Old Trafford.
By 2022, his injury problems worsened, sidelining him for large portions of his final two seasons. Pogba eventually left Manchester United on a free transfer, once again rejoining Juventus.
Unfortunately, his return to Turin has been no better. Injury troubles persisted, and in 2023, Pogba tested positive for testosterone, resulting in a doping suspension. Originally facing a four-year ban, his sentence was reduced to 18 months, allowing him to return to competitive football in March 2025.
Despite these struggles, Pogba&rsquo;s career wasn&rsquo;t without highlights. In 2018, he was instrumental in France&rsquo;s World Cup triumph, a moment that cemented his place among the world&rsquo;s elite.&nbsp;
Pogba&rsquo;s second spell at Manchester United is one of football&rsquo;s great "what if" stories. On his day, he was one of the best midfielders in the world, capable of dominating games and producing moments of magic. But inconsistency, injuries, and off-field distractions meant that he never fully delivered on his world-record fee. His time at Old Trafford will be remembered as a saga of untapped potential, and another expensive lesson in football&rsquo;s unpredictable world of transfers.
Thanks for tuning into Failed Football Transfers. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon for more episodes. See you next time!