Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa clinched his maiden Tata Steel Chess Masters title, defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh in a dramatic sudden-death tiebreaker. Both prodigies finished with 8.5/13 points, leading to a tiebreak. Gukesh won the first game after Praggnanandhaa’s blunder, but Pragg fought back, using the Trompowsky opening to force sudden death. Gukesh initially gained an advantage, but under time pressure, he blundered, losing control and ultimately the match. The victory marks a breakthrough for Praggnanandhaa, while Gukesh finished runner-up for the second consecutive year. The thrilling finale showcased the rising dominance of India’s young chess stars.

India’s Abhishek Sharma blasted a 37-ball century against England in Mumbai, making him the fastest player to reach a T20I hundred within 11 overs. He missed Rohit Sharma and David Miller’s 35-ball record but surpassed Quinton de Kock’s previous milestone of 10.2 overs. Abhishek’s explosive innings featured relentless hitting, including a 17-ball fifty. His dominance helped India post their highest-ever T20I Powerplay score of 95/1. Partnered with Tilak Varma, he dismantled England’s bowling attack. Abhishek had earlier scored a 28-ball hundred in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

India secured a commanding 150-run victory over England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, closing the series 4-1. Batting first, India posted a massive 247/9, with Abhishek Sharma smashing 135 runs off 37 balls. England’s chase faltered as they were bowled out for just 97 runs in 10.3 overs. India’s bowlers dominated, cutting through the English lineup. Despite a valiant half-century from Phil Salt, it wasn’t enough to stop the Indian team from sealing a dominant win in the series.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla spoke about MS Dhoni’s possible entry into politics. He believes Dhoni “can become a good politician” but says the decision is up to him. Shukla recalled asking Dhoni if he would contest the Lok Sabha elections. Dhoni’s reply was a firm “No, no, no.” Shukla also shared that Dhoni does not keep a mobile phone and prefers to stay away from the limelight. The former Indian captain retired from international cricket in 2019 but will play in IPL 2025. While Dhoni has no plans for politics now, the discussion may continue in the future.

Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who bowled out Virat Kohli for 6 in the Ranji Trophy match, approached the cricket star for an autograph. Kohli graciously signed for him, acknowledging his talent. "Well bowled, keep working hard," Kohli reportedly told Sangwan. The young pacer had delivered a stunning delivery that sent Kohli’s off-stump flying, earning praise from cricket experts, including Ravichandran Ashwin. The moment highlighted Kohli's sportsmanship and Sangwan’s rising potential. Fans applauded Kohli's humility and Sangwan’s impressive performance. The Delhi vs. Railways match saw massive fan turnout due to Kohli’s participation.

Delhi's Shivam Sharma received a signed match ball from Virat Kohli after his stunning 5-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy win over Railways. Despite scoring just 6 runs in his return, Kohli made Sharma's performance even more memorable with his gesture. "This 5-wicket haul will always be close to my heart. Virat Kohli bhaiya signing the ball made it more special," Sharma shared. Delhi dominated the match, winning by an innings and 19 runs. Kohli now shifts focus to India's ODI series against England, starting February 6, before the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

India has allocated ₹600 crore in developmental aid to Maldives in the 2025-26 Budget, marking a 28% increase from ₹470 crore in 2024-25. The move follows strained ties after Maldivian leaders made derogatory remarks about PM Modi in 2024. Relations improved after President Mohamed Muizzu’s October visit to India, where he called India a “key partner.” Bhutan received the highest aid at ₹2,150 crore, followed by Nepal at ₹700 crore. Mauritius saw a reduction to ₹500 crore, while Myanmar’s budget was cut to ₹350 crore. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka retained their previous allocations.

Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan clean-bowled Virat Kohli for just 6 runs, cutting short his highly-anticipated Ranji Trophy return. Playing for Delhi after 13 years, Kohli lasted only 15 balls before Sangwan shattered his off-stump in the 28th over. The Arun Jaitley Stadium saw thousands of fans gather, only for many to leave disappointed. Sangwan, a 29-year-old Delhi-born pacer, has 77 first-class wickets and has represented Railways in all formats. Kohli had trained extensively before the match but struggled against deliveries outside off-stump, a weakness exposed once again. His early exit left fans and Delhi reeling.

Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated Ranji Trophy return ended in heartbreak as he was bowled for 6 by Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Fans queued from 3 AM to watch the Indian superstar but were left stunned as his off-stump was shattered. Many exited the stadium after his dismissal. Kohli, struggling for form, had a tough Test season, prompting BCCI to mandate domestic participation. He will aim for redemption in the second innings. Delhi, led by Ayush Badoni, faces a crucial battle. Supporters remain hopeful for a classic Kohli comeback.

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, will not attend the Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Pakistan. Due to scheduling conflicts, England and Australia also won’t participate in the pre-tournament events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the cancellation of the captains’ photo shoot and press conference. India will play all its matches in Dubai for security reasons, and if they reach the final, it will also be in Dubai. England and Australia will skip warm-up matches, entering the tournament directly. Despite the changes, the tournament remains highly anticipated, set to start in mid-February.