The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to express India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This formal bid was made on October 1, 2024, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the event. Hosting the games is expected to provide significant benefits, including economic growth, social progress, and increased youth empowerment across India. Currently, the 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, and Brisbane will host the 2032 Games. The IOC President noted that many cities have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Games.

Fulham defeated Brentford 2-1 in a thrilling west London derby, with Harry Wilson scoring twice in stoppage time. Brentford initially led after Vitaly Janelt’s first-half goal, despite Fulham’s dominant play. However, Wilson, coming off the bench, scored an equalizer in added time before netting a late winner, securing three points for Fulham. The victory moved Marco Silva's side up to ninth place in the Premier League, just three points behind the top four. Brentford, who were close to breaking into the top half, dropped to 12th after the disappointing late turnaround.

After India’s 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand, questions arise over Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain. Though Jasprit Bumrah is the vice-captain, former player Mohammad Kaif believes wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is the ideal successor. “Pant is worthy of Test captaincy,” Kaif shared on Instagram Live. “He’s delivered match-winning performances across conditions, showing complete batting skills.” Kaif also praised Pant’s recent improvements, particularly in keeping, and predicted he’d retire a “legend.” Despite Kaif’s support for Pant, the BCCI currently appears to favor Bumrah as the top candidate for Test captain.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah withdrew from the Duleep Trophy, citing "lack of motivation," according to a report from The Indian Express. The Indian cricket stars were initially set to participate in the domestic competition ahead of their Test series against New Zealand. However, their withdrawal sparked criticism following India’s 0-3 loss to New Zealand, with experts like Sunil Gavaskar suggesting that a lack of match practice hurt India's performance. Ravindra Jadeja, who was pulled out after their withdrawal, impressed with a 10-wicket haul during the series.

India faced a historic 3-0 whitewash in their home Test series against New Zealand, marking the first time they've lost all matches in a three-Test home series. The final match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw India bowled out for 121 on Day 3, failing to chase a modest target of 146. Rishabh Pant’s valiant 64 couldn’t prevent the collapse against Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips’ effective spin. India's World Test Championship (WTC) standing dropped, now trailing Australia with a PCT of 58.33, jeopardizing their top-two position. New Zealand’s commentators hailed it as the "greatest-ever series win."

New Zealand stunned India with a 3-0 series sweep, marking India’s first home clean sweep loss in a 3-match Test series since 1934. Despite a promising start, India’s batting lineup collapsed in the final Test, falling from a strong position led by Rishabh Pant’s 64-run knock. Pant’s controversial dismissal shattered India’s chase hopes, allowing New Zealand to clinch victory and rewrite history as the first team to beat India 3-0 at home in a 3-match series. This historic achievement adds New Zealand to the elite group of teams to sweep India, alongside England, Australia, and West Indies.

India’s captain Rohit Sharma took full responsibility for the 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand, admitting his performance “was not at my best, both as captain and batter.” Addressing the press in Mumbai, he reflected on India’s historic loss, saying, “As a captain and as a leader as well, I have not been at the best of my abilities right from the start of the series.” He noted the need to “learn from the likes of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant,” aiming to improve before the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.

Shubman Gill displayed remarkable maturity on Day 2 of the Mumbai Test against New Zealand, scoring a crucial 90 that kept India in the game. Gill, batting at No. 3, steadied the innings after India suffered an overnight collapse, losing three wickets for just six runs. Partnering with Rishabh Pant, he added a solid 96-run stand that held New Zealand’s bowlers at bay on a challenging Wankhede pitch. Reflecting on his innings, Gill described it as one of his best in Test cricket, highlighting his focus on improving against spin. India now looks to him for another crucial knock.

Shah Rukh Khan celebrated his 59th birthday surrounded by family and close friends. His wife, Gauri Khan, shared a heartfelt glimpse of the celebration held at their Mumbai residence, Mannat. In a photo posted on Instagram, SRK is seen cutting a cake with Gauri and their daughter Suhana standing by his side. Shah Rukh wore an all-black ensemble, while Suhana and Gauri donned a golden saree and grey ethnic attire, respectively. Gauri captioned the post, “A memorable evening last night with friends and family.” Bollywood celebrities and fans across social media extended warm wishes for the beloved superstar.

At 38, Ravichandran Ashwin wowed fans with an extraordinary catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell on Day 2 of the India vs New Zealand Test in Mumbai. Mitchell, who had been partnering with Will Young for a 50-run stand, skied a ball from Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin sprinted back from mid-on and made a stunning diving grab, breaking the partnership and sparking a New Zealand collapse. Following the dismissal, New Zealand lost five wickets for just 77 runs, ending Day 2 at 171/9. Ashwin and Jadeja combined to take seven wickets, placing India in a strong position.