Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off. Posting on Instagram, she said, “Over the past weeks, there has been plenty of speculation. I feel it is important to speak out. The wedding is called off.” The ceremony was postponed in November after her father faced a medical emergency and reports surfaced of Muchhal’s stress-related hospitalisation. Mandhana added, “I would like to close this matter here and request privacy for both families.” She stressed her focus remains on cricket, saying, “Representing my country is my highest priority.” (PC: NDTV)

Virat Kohli said he played at his best in two to three years as India clinched a 2–1 ODI series win over South Africa. The 37-year-old scored 302 runs, including two centuries and an unbeaten 65, at an average of 151, earning him the Player of the Series. In the final game in Visakhapatnam, he struck 65 off 45 balls — hitting three sixes — and then charged down the pitch to finish the chase. Kohli described the series as mentally freeing: “I feel really free in my mind … I don’t think I’ve played at this level for a good two-three years.” He also reflected on the internal struggles of being a seasoned batsman, admitting that self-doubt and pressure still affect him, but overcoming them has made him stronger and more balanced. (PC: Reuters)

After South Africa lost the ODI series 2–1 to India, coach Shukri Conrad expressed regret for saying he wanted to make India “grovel” during the recent Test series. He admitted that his choice of words, though not intended to offend, had “taken the sheen” off South Africa’s big Test win. Conrad explained he meant India should “work really hard” in the field, but conceded he could have picked a better expression. He promised to be more cautious with his language, acknowledging how quickly words can be misinterpreted. 

Virat Kohli said he feels “free in the mind” after scoring 302 runs in the ODI series against South Africa. He hit 12 sixes in three matches and scored at a strike rate above 100. Kohli said he has not batted like this in 2–3 years and called it very satisfying. He said long careers bring doubt, but he always works on improving himself. Kohli picked his 135 in Ranchi as his best knock. He said playing freely helps him hit more sixes. India won the series 2–1, and Kohli said tough deciders always bring out the best in the team. (PC: HT)

India defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the third ODI at Visakhapatnam to win the series 2-1. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his maiden ODI hundred, remaining unbeaten on 116. He shared a 155-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma, who made 75 and crossed 20,000 international runs. Virat Kohli finished the chase with an unbeaten 65 as India reached the target of 271 with 10.1 overs left. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna took four wickets each to bowl South Africa out for 270. Quinton de Kock scored 106 for the visitors. Both teams now move to the T20 series. (PC: AFP)

Rohit Sharma reached a major milestone by crossing 20,000 runs in international cricket. He achieved the feat during India’s chase in the third ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Rohit is now the fourth Indian batter to reach this mark, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid. The 38-year-old scored 75 off 73 balls, helping India with a strong opening stand of 155 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Most of Rohit’s runs have come in white-ball cricket, where he has been one of India’s most powerful openers. He remains the only player with three ODI double centuries. (PC: PTI)

India bowled out South Africa for 270 in the third ODI in Visakhapatnam. Prasidh Krishna led India’s fightback with four wickets. He removed Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram and centurion Quinton de Kock in key moments. Kuldeep Yadav also took four wickets and kept the pressure on. De Kock scored a strong 106, but India’s bowlers controlled the game in the middle overs. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli supported the attack with sharp catches. India must win this match to take the series and stop a second straight ODI series loss. The chase will decide the series. (PC: NDTV)

In the series-decider of the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA‑VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, India’s captain KL Rahul won the toss — breaking a 20-match toss drought — and elected to field first. In team news, India brought in Tilak Varma for Washington Sundar as they favoured batting depth over additional bowling options. The match carries high tension — with the series tied 1-1, the winner today will clinch the tour. 

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made her first Instagram appearance following the postponement of her wedding to composer Palash Muchhal, initially scheduled for November 23. In a promotional video for a toothpaste brand, fans quickly noticed she was not wearing her engagement ring, triggering widespread speculation about the timing of the ad and her engagement status. Mandhana’s post has gone viral, with supporters expressing curiosity and concern. The wedding delay was reportedly due to health emergencies in both families. Her return to social media marks her first public engagement update since the postponement. (PC: X)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center placed Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and USA in Group D. Defending champions Argentina were placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, opening their campaign against Algeria. France landed in a tough Group I with Senegal, Norway, and a play-off winner, creating a “group of death” scenario. England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. At the ceremony, Donald Trump received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize. (PC: X)