Jasprit Bumrah, India's vice-captain, dismissed rumors about his fitness, stating reports of bed rest are "unreliable." Bumrah had sustained a back issue during the fifth Test against Australia, where he didn’t bowl in the second innings. While sources suggested he might miss the Champions Trophy's league stage, Bumrah clarified the misinformation on X. A final update from the BCCI is awaited as the pacer remains pivotal for India’s campaign. The Champions Trophy squad will be announced on January 19. Bumrah had a historic performance in Australia, taking 32 wickets and leading India to their only Test win in Perth.

India set a new record in women's ODI cricket, posting their highest-ever total of 435 against Ireland in Rajkot on January 15, 2025. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal were the stars, each scoring a century. Mandhana's 135 off 80 balls was the fastest by an Indian in women's ODIs, while Rawal scored a stunning 154 off 129 balls. This marked India's third-highest partnership in women's ODIs with 233 runs between the openers. India became the third team to surpass 400 runs in a women's ODI, following New Zealand and Australia.

The BCCI summoned Test captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to address India's disappointing Test performance. In the meeting, IPL salaries were cited as a possible factor, with some players allegedly prioritizing T20 cricket over Tests. As a corrective measure, new protocols have been introduced, limiting players' family time and independent commutes during tours. Families can accompany players for 14 days on longer tours and 7 days on shorter ones. These measures aim to refocus the team's commitment to Test cricket as India navigates this challenging phase.

The BCCI will review Gautam Gambhir’s position as India’s head coach after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Since Gambhir took over, India has struggled, losing six of 10 Tests and an ODI series in Sri Lanka. Reports suggest a rift between Gambhir and senior players over his efforts to end the “superstar culture.” Some players have criticized his communication style, while Gambhir has expressed concerns about player demands. The national selectors also raised issues over his involvement in team decisions. If India performs poorly in the Champions Trophy, Gambhir’s future as coach may be uncertain.

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has criticised Indian batter Shubman Gill for his poor performances in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gilchrist remarked that Gill should prioritise improving his batting instead of focusing on his hairstyle. The young opener scored just 93 runs in five innings, averaging a disappointing 18.60. Gilchrist quipped, “No cricketer looks good with their hair after taking off the helmet unless they score centuries.” Gilchrist gave Gill a performance rating of 4 out of 10, urging him to focus on consistency and big scores. He also praised Ravindra Jadeja, calling him a "brilliant cricketer."

England pacer Saqib Mahmood, who is yet to make his T20I debut, has not received his visa for the upcoming tour of India. The England Cricket Board (ECB) was forced to cancel his flight as his passport remains with the Indian Embassy. Mahmood was scheduled to join a pace bowling camp in the UAE with fellow bowlers but could not travel due to the visa delay. With the first T20I against India set for January 22, it is unclear if Mahmood will be able to join the team in time.

Karun Nair, who scored a historic triple century for India in 2016, faced a tough phase when he was dropped from the national team. However, he has made a strong comeback in domestic cricket, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Nair has been in sensational form, scoring multiple centuries, including a 163* and 122, helping Vidarbha reach the semi-finals. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I stood on the balcony and thought, ‘What just happened?’” Nair remains hopeful of returning to the Indian team, saying, “I dream of playing for my country again.” His resilience continues to inspire.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented strict measures following India's 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. To restore discipline, BCCI has restricted wives and girlfriends from accompanying players for more than 14 days on tours exceeding 45 days. Players must now use the team bus and cover extra luggage charges if exceeding 150 kg. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s personal manager is barred from the team bus and VIP box. These actions aim to improve team focus ahead of the Champions Trophy in six weeks. The review follows dressing room controversies and poor performances.

Nishesh Basavareddy, a 19-year-old American tennis player of Indian origin, made an impressive Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open. Facing 24-time champion Novak Djokovic, Basavareddy stunned the crowd by winning the first set before losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a nearly 3-hour match. Born to Indian parents from Andhra Pradesh, Basavareddy has risen through the tennis ranks with grit, overcoming knee surgeries and excelling in junior and Challenger tournaments. Djokovic praised his dynamic game and fighting spirit, saying, "He pleasantly surprised me." Basavareddy’s debut marks him as a future star in tennis.

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, elites are hiring private firefighting services at $2,000 per hour to protect their properties. Over 24 people have died, 16 are missing, and 12,000 structures destroyed in the firestorms, including the Palisades area. Public firefighting resources have been overwhelmed, leading wealthy individuals like Rick Caruso to deploy private crews with fire engines and chemical retardants. Critics argue this highlights class divides, as only the affluent can afford such services. Private companies also assist insurers to mitigate claims. While some see it as resourceful, others deem it unfair during a time of widespread tragedy and loss.