India’s reply to Australia’s 474 in the 4th Test was led by Nitish Reddy, who scored a historic 105* on Day 3 in Melbourne. Coming in at 191/6, Reddy’s 105 off 176 balls, including a 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50), helped India avoid the follow-on and reduce the deficit to 116 runs by stumps. Despite a resilient effort, heavy rain led to the early end of play. India finished Day 3 at 358/8, still trailing Australia by 116 runs, with hopes of continuing their fight tomorrow.

Magnus Carlsen, reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion, was disqualified from the 2024 tournament in New York for violating FIDE’s dress code. He wore jeans, explicitly prohibited in the regulations, and refused to change despite being fined $200. FIDE cited impartial application of rules, referencing Ian Nepomniachtchi, who complied after a similar infraction. Carlsen criticized the rules as “stupid” and declared his disinterest in future FIDE events. “It became a matter of principle for me,” Carlsen said, choosing not to appeal. FIDE defended the dress code, emphasizing professionalism and fairness for all participants.

The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday, will be conducted today at 11:45 am at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi, with full military honours. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed a state funeral for the veteran leader, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Known for his pivotal role in India's economic liberalization and landmark policies like NREGA, Dr. Singh was also a celebrated economist. Tributes have poured in from leaders worldwide, including the US, Canada, and Russia, acknowledging his immense contributions to global diplomacy and economic reform.

Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out mix-up on Day 2 of the fourth Test at MCG has divided opinions. Jaiswal, batting on 82, was run out due to miscommunication. Sunil Gavaskar opined that while Kohli’s fitness could’ve completed the run, the risk was unnecessary at that stage. Justin Langer echoed this, citing Pat Cummins’ athletic prowess as a deterrent. The run-out triggered a collapse, with Kohli falling for 36 and India ending the day at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja remain at the crease, attempting to stabilize India’s innings.

Virat Kohli, Indian cricket star, reacted angrily to a fan’s taunt following his dismissal for 36 on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Provoked by the Australian crowd’s boos, Kohli began walking toward the spectator before an official intervened, calming him down. Earlier, Kohli showcased resilience during his 86-ball innings but lost rhythm after Yashasvi Jaiswal's run-out. The duo’s 102-run partnership had steadied India before Australia's resurgence left India at 164/5. The incident follows Kohli’s controversial altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1, which resulted in a 20% match fee fine.

India's promising position on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne crumbled in a dramatic collapse. A 102-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) had steadied India at 153/2, but a disastrous 30 minutes saw them lose three wickets for 11 runs. Jaiswal’s run-out, followed by Kohli’s dismissal to Scott Boland, triggered the collapse. India ended the day at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Rishabh Pant (6*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) are at the crease as India faces a daunting task to avoid the follow-on.

Ricky Ponting faced criticism from fans after accusing Virat Kohli of instigating a verbal altercation with debutant Sam Konstas during Day 2 of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ponting's comments on Channel 7, blaming Kohli for walking over to confront Konstas, were met with backlash on social media. Fans reminded Ponting of his own controversial encounter with a 19-year-old Harbhajan Singh in 1998. Konstas impressed on his debut, scoring 60 off 65 balls, as Australia reached 311/6 at Stumps on Day 1. India struggled on Day 2, finishing at 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs.

India’s hopes were dashed by a late collapse on Day 2 of the 4th Test in Melbourne, as they reached 164/5, trailing Australia by 310 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) had steadied the innings with a 102-run stand, but both were dismissed in quick succession. Australia’s first innings total of 474 was bolstered by Steve Smith’s 140, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4 wickets. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland claimed 2 wickets each for Australia. India will rely on Rishabh Pant to revive their innings on Day 3.

India reached 51/2 at Tea on Day 2 of the 4th Test against Australia at the MCG, losing KL Rahul’s wicket on the final ball before the break. Earlier, Australia posted 474, with Steve Smith scoring his 34th Test century and Pat Cummins narrowly missing a half-century. Jasprit Bumrah claimed 4 wickets for India. Rohit Sharma, opening the innings, was dismissed cheaply for 3 runs. As Virat Kohli walked out to bat, loud boos echoed through the stadium. The final session promises intense cricket as India looks to stabilize its innings.

The Indian cricket team donned black armbands on Day 2 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne to honor former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. Singh, India’s PM from 2004 to 2014, died at AIIMS Delhi due to age-related issues. The BCCI stated, “The Indian team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.” Meanwhile, Steve Smith scored his 34th Test century, solidifying Australia’s strong position. Pat Cummins added 49 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.