Debutant Sarfaraz Khan made an impressive start in Test cricket by slamming a brisk half-century during the first day of the 3rd Test against England in Rajkot. Khan, who replaced skipper Rohit Sharma, showcased his batting prowess by reaching his fifty in just 48 balls, adorned with 7 boundaries and 1 six. However, his innings was cut short at 62 due to a run-out confusion with Ravindra Jadeja. Earlier, Khan's emotional moment with his father, Naushad Khan, marked the occasion as he received his debut cap from former leg-spinner Anil Kumble. India's strong batting display, led by Rohit Sharma's century, propelled them to a commanding position in the match.

Rohit Sharma showcased his return to form with a splendid century in the third Test against England in Rajkot. Despite early dismissals, Sharma's resilient knock of 157 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes, anchored India's innings. Teaming up with Ravindra Jadeja, the duo's partnership of over 150 runs thwarted England's bowlers. Sharma's feat not only propelled India but also propelled him past Sourav Ganguly in total runs for India in international cricket, reaching 18577 runs, and surpassed MS Dhoni in the number of sixes by an Indian batter in Test cricket.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, showcased resilience on Day 1 of the third Test against England in Rajkot, scoring a vital half-century after the top-order collapse. Despite losing three early wickets to Mark Wood and Tom Hartley, Sharma anchored the innings, easing pressure on the batting side. His innings, accompanied by a steady partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, steadied India to 93 for 3 at lunch. Sharma's fifty, ending a six-month drought, signifies a crucial comeback and boosts confidence for the team amidst concerns over his form. India aims to build a substantial score in their first innings, capitalizing on Sharma's presence at the crease.        

Jharkhand's Ishan Kishan's reluctance to play first-class cricket prompts BCCI to consider enforcing a minimum Ranji Trophy game requirement for IPL eligibility. Kishan's absence from Jharkhand's matches, citing "travel fatigue," drew criticism. BCCI may mandate 3-4 Ranji games for IPL participation, aiming to deter players from prioritizing T20 leagues. Concerns arise over players' commitment to domestic cricket. Indian team management also frustrated with reluctance to play Ranji Trophy. While Kishan's future in BCCI retainership remains uncertain, his adherence to the new policy may decide his IPL fate. Discussions ongoing, but no decisions made yet regarding central contracts.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with immediate effect. The decision comes after the WFI was placed under provisional suspension last August for failing to hold elections. Following a meeting on February 9, the UWW Bureau decided to revoke the suspension under certain conditions, including new elections for the Athletes' Commission. The WFI must also provide written guarantees for non-discrimination in all events. This development allows Indian wrestlers to represent their nation and compete under the national flag at upcoming UWW events.          

Indian cricketers Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah were notable absentees from the team's training session in Rajkot ahead of the third Test against England. While Bumrah is set to join the squad later, Gill arrived late on Monday night. Devdutt Padikkal and Akash Deep, also absent, are expected to join later in the evening. Gill's absence is attributed to his late arrival, with no injury concerns reported. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj had an intense training session, receiving batting lessons from captain Rohit Sharma. Yashasvi Jaiswal focused on leaving deliveries during his practice session.

Kenya mourns the loss of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana, killed in a road accident near Eldoret. Kiptum, 24, set the world record with a time of 2:00:35 in the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Tributes pour in from athletics world, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressing shock and sadness. Kiptum's manager and London Marathon organizers also offer condolences. Kenyan Olympians and political figures pay respects to the athlete hailed as a rising superstar. The tragic accident highlights the fragility of life and leaves a void in the world of marathon running.

Tragedy struck on the football field as a 35-year-old Indonesian player lost his life after being struck by lightning during a friendly match between 2 FLO FC Bandung and FBI Subang. The distressing incident, captured on video, shook the Indonesian football community. This marks the second lightning-related fatality in the country within a year. Despite the match commencing under clear skies, weather conditions rapidly deteriorated, prompting discussions on safety measures during adverse weather. The incident underscores the inherent dangers posed by outdoor sports activities during inclement weather, urging authorities to prioritize player and spectator safety.

India's KL Rahul has been ruled out of the third Test match against England in Rajkot due to fitness concerns, with fellow Karnataka batsman Devdutt Padikkal set to take his place. The BCCI medical team deemed Rahul unfit, opting to observe him for another week. Padikkal, in excellent form, replaces Rahul after scoring consistently in domestic and unofficial international matches. His flexibility in batting order adds depth to the team's lineup. The absence of key players like Rahul and Virat Kohli has posed challenges for the Indian team in the ongoing series.          

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan responded strongly to Pakistani fans' trolling after India's defeat to Australia in the U-19 World Cup final. Pathan criticized "keyboard warriors" across the border for finding pleasure in India's loss despite Pakistan not making it to the final. Australia's U-19 team outclassed India by 79 runs, with Pathan highlighting the negative attitude reflected by such trolling. Meanwhile, in the final, Australia set a record target of 253, and India's batting lineup faltered, ending at 174. Mahli Beardman's three-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award.