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.

Mumbai Indians has retained star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for a whopping INR 18 crore, making him the highest-paid player in the team. Bumrah, considered one of the world's top bowlers, was the team's first-choice pick. Other retained players include Suryakumar Yadav (INR 16.35 crore), Rohit Sharma (INR 16.30 crore), Hardik Pandya (INR 16.35 crore), and Tilak Varma (INR 8 crore). Bumrah's retention underscores his value in the T20 format, where his exceptional skills continue to intimidate batsmen worldwide.

The IPL 2025 retentions have been revealed, with Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul set for the auction next month. Pant's departure marks the end of his eight-year tenure with Delhi Capitals, while Iyer, KKR's former captain, is released after guiding the team to victory. Virat Kohli was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 21 crore, making him the most expensive Indian player. Notably, MS Dhoni was retained as an 'uncapped player' by Chennai Super Kings. Punjab Kings heads into the auction with the largest purse of INR 110.5 crore, while Rajasthan released Jos Buttler.

In a major update ahead of IPL 2025, all ten franchises have released their player retention lists. Virat Kohli has been retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 21 crore, though Heinrich Klaasen set a new IPL record by being retained by SunRisers Hyderabad for Rs 23 crore. MS Dhoni was retained by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 4 crore. Notably, top captains like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will head to the auction. In a surprising move, Mumbai Indians released Ishan Kishan. The auction promises to be highly competitive with major players available.