Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Director Zubin Bharucha has urged chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to include 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the senior Indian cricket team. Bharucha compared Suryavanshi’s talent to Sachin Tendulkar, saying selectors must “blood him immediately.” The young left-hander from Bihar made headlines with the fastest IPL century by an Indian—off 35 balls—and a record youth ODI century against England. Bharucha said Suryavanshi even stunned Jofra Archer during IPL nets. The prodigy, who debuted in first-class cricket at 12, is currently part of India’s U19 squad and has already played in England and Australia. (PC: HT)

Rohit Sharma has accepted the BCCI’s decision to remove him as India’s ODI captain, with Shubman Gill appointed in his place. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said the move was necessary to prepare younger players and warned of more changes ahead. Gavaskar noted that Rohit and Virat Kohli face challenges due to limited ODI matches, which could affect their readiness for the 2027 World Cup. India will play fewer ODIs in the next two years, making match practice a concern. Rohit and Kohli are expected to return in the Australia series starting October 19, but the end of their ODI careers may be approaching. (PC: BCCI)

World No.2 Hikaru Nakamura created controversy after defeating Indian world champion D Gukesh in the Checkmate tournament on Saturday. After his win, Nakamura threw Gukesh’s king piece into the crowd, drawing criticism from fans who called it disrespectful. The USA beat India 5-0 in the opening leg held in Arlington. Nakamura later said he planned the act to entertain fans during the dramatic match. Commentator Levy Rozman clarified that both teams were told theatrics were allowed to engage the audience. Gukesh remained calm and did not react. The return leg will take place in India soon. (PC: India Today)

India ended the World Para Athletics Championships with a record 22 medals, finishing 10th overall. Javelin thrower Navdeep Singh won silver in the F41 category with a 45.46m throw, his best of the season. Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah took gold. Simran Sharma won silver in the women’s 200m T12, battling exhaustion. Preethi Pal also claimed silver in the women’s 100m T35 after a race restart. Sandeep added bronze in the men’s 200m T44 with a personal best of 23.60s. India’s final tally stood at six gold, nine silver, and seven bronze medals in the New Delhi event.  (PC: India Today)

India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in the Women’s World Cup 2025 at Colombo, extending their record to 12-0. Batting first, India scored 247 runs, with Richa Ghosh making 35 not out. Pakistan bowler Diana Baig took 4 wickets for 69 runs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sidra Amin scored 81, but her effort went in vain. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud led India’s bowling attack. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s effort but said there is “room to improve.” India now lead the points table and will next face South Africa. (PC: India Today)

India women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, continued their no-handshake policy during the toss before their ICC Women’s World Cup match against Pakistan in Colombo. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bowl first. The two captains did not greet or shake hands, reflecting India’s continued stance seen earlier in the men’s Asia Cup. Reports say the policy was approved by the Indian government due to political and security reasons. The match was held under tight security as tensions remain high between the two nations following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. (PC: India Today)

Simran Sharma, India's first-ever 100m World Para Athletics Champion, and her husband, Gajendra Singh, have exemplified resilience and unwavering support. Born prematurely with visual impairment, Simran faced numerous challenges. Gajendra, recognizing her potential, sold his family land to fund her training and competitions. Their partnership, both personal and professional, has been instrumental in Simran's success. Together, they've overcome societal norms and financial hurdles, with Gajendra not only coaching but also being Simran's steadfast supporter. Their story is a testament to dedication, love, and the power of belief in each other. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)    

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar have faced criticism for removing Rohit Sharma from India's ODI captaincy. Despite leading India to victories in the 2024 Champions Trophy and the 2023 ODI World Cup, Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill. Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, citing the impracticality of having three different captains across formats. However, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed disappointment, stating that Sharma deserved more time, especially considering his contributions over 16 years and his recent performances. (PC: AP)  

India announced a 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series in Australia, starting October 19. Shubman Gill has been named the new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, while Shreyas Iyer will serve as vice-captain. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the squad after being rested earlier. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Rohit was informed about the decision. The team also includes KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. Young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana have been given chances. Dhruv Jurel joins as a second wicketkeeper alongside Rahul. (PC: India Today)

India’s star opener Shubman Gill has been appointed ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, beginning October 19, 2025. The BCCI made the move to groom the 26-year-old as a long-term leader ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup. Gill, who impressed as Test captain during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, replaces Rohit Sharma, who is set to make a comeback after an eight-month break. Despite the leadership shift, both Rohit and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the squad, offering experience alongside Gill’s fresh leadership approach.