In a heartwarming incident in Australia, three Indian cricketers booked an Uber ride, leading to a delightful surprise for the driver. The driver, initially unaware of his passengers' identities, was taken aback upon recognizing them. The cricketers engaged in friendly conversation, making the ride memorable for both the driver and themselves. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, showcasing the down-to-earth nature of the athletes and their willingness to connect with fans and locals alike. This gesture has been widely appreciated, highlighting the positive impact of sports figures off the field. 

The Argentine Football Association confirmed that Lionel Messi and Argentina will not travel to Kerala for a November friendly match, contrary to Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman's repeated claims. Argentina will instead train in Spain and play Angola on November 14 in Luanda before returning to South America. Delays in FIFA approval caused the postponement, with organizers suggesting March 2026 as a potential rescheduled date. AFA officials cited Kerala's failure to meet requirements and "repeated breaches" despite their delegation inspecting the venue. Australia, announced as Argentina's opponents, confirmed they'll play Venezuela and Colombia in the USA instead. However, Messi will visit India in December for his GOAT Tour.

A 29-year-old man named Aqeel Khan, arrested for allegedly molesting two Australian women cricketers in Indore during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, is a habitual offender with over 10 criminal cases registered against him. His extensive record includes charges of molestation, robbery, assault, and attempted murder dating back to 2012, with cases under the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He had recently completed a 10-year sentence at Bhairavgarh jail. Aqeel approached the cricketers on his motorcycle near their hotel on Khajrana Road, groping both players before fleeing. Police tracked him through CCTV footage; he crashed his bike during pursuit, suffering fractures.

Australia secured top spot in the Women's World Cup league stage after defeating South Africa by seven wickets, confirming a semifinal clash with India at Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Leg-spinner Alana King produced a masterclass performance with career-best figures of 7/18 in seven overs, the best-ever by an Australian bowler in WODIs and best individual bowling performance in Women's World Cup history. King bowled South Africa out for 97 in just 24 overs, with victims including Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk. Beth Mooney (42) and Georgia Voll (38 not out) shared a 76-run partnership as Australia overhauled the target with 199 balls remaining, extending their unbeaten run. (PC: India Today & The Indian Express) 

Two Australian Women's World Cup cricketers were molested in Indore on Thursday when Aqeel Khan, riding a bike, followed and inappropriately touched them while walking from their hotel to a café. Khan was arrested after an eyewitness noted his motorcycle number. He faces charges under Section 74 (outraging woman's modesty) and Section 78 (stalking), with police confirming prior criminal cases against him. The incident sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing Madhya Pradesh's BJP government over law and order failures. Congress chief Jitu Patwari blamed CM Mohan Yadav, calling it "proof of government failure" that "tears apart 'Atithi Devo Bhava' spirit." BJP defended swift arrest, promising strict action and new preventive laws.

Virat Kohli won hearts with a patriotic gesture at Sydney Cricket Ground after spotting an Indian flag dropped on the ground by a fan. The 36-year-old quickly picked up the tri-colour and handed it back while speaking to the supporter, with the moment going viral on social media. This came after Kohli's match-winning 74-run knock against Australia, ending his seven-month international cricket hiatus following two consecutive ducks. His 168-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, who scored 121, secured India's nine-wicket victory. Kohli also broke records, becoming ODI cricket's second-highest run-getter and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's white-ball cricket tally, likely marking his final Australian appearance.

Virat Kohli roared back to form in Sydney's third ODI against Australia, scoring a half-century in his 305th ODI appearance after two consecutive ducks. With 70 fifty-plus scores in ODI chases, Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar's world record of 69. He also surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history with 14,235 runs in just 293 innings, trailing only Tendulkar's 18,426 runs from 452 innings. Kohli celebrated his first run with a fist pump, acknowledging mounting pressure. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan had urged Kohli to focus on strike rotation, noting that once he starts rotating strikes well, opposition teams struggle to stop him. (PC: X) 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered a memorable farewell in Sydney, with the SCG packed despite the dead rubber. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 marking his 33rd ODI century while Kohli remained 74 not out as their 168-run partnership secured India's victory. The crowd, dominated by Indian supporters, gave standing ovations with "Here for Ro-Ko" banners everywhere. Kohli faced retirement speculation after consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide, making his first run in seven months significant. Rohit, who shed 11 kilograms for his comeback, finished with an ODI average of 90.80 in Sydney. Both legends, who endured disappointing Test farewells earlier, left Australian soil with the send-off they deserved.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli produced a batting masterclass in Sydney, leading India to a 9-wicket win over Australia. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121, while Kohli made 74 not out, sharing a 164-run partnership to chase 237 with 11.3 overs left. Their superb show also signaled intent to play in the 2027 World Cup. Earlier, fast bowler Harshit Rana took four wickets as Australia were bowled out for 236. The Sydney crowd gave an emotional farewell to the two legends, chanting “Thank you, Rohit” and “Thank you, Virat.” The win helped India avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. (PC: BCCI)

Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable career milestone by registering his 50th international century, equalling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for India. The landmark knock came in a key match, underscoring Sharma’s consistency across formats—Tests, ODIs and T20Is. His feat not only places him among the elite globally but also highlights his longevity and adaptability in international cricket. While celebrating the milestone, many noted Sharma still has room to write his own chapter in the record books rather than merely replicating past greats. (PC: BCCI)