The Centre on Wednesday rolled back its order requiring smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app. The decision came after two days of strong protests from opposition parties and civil rights groups, who said the rule threatened user privacy and could allow surveillance. The government said the mandate was meant to increase access, as downloads had already crossed six lakh in 24 hours. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told Parliament the app is safe, can be deleted, and cannot be used for snooping. Apple had also raised concerns. Opposition leaders called the order “ridiculous” and compared it to surveillance states. (PC: NDTV)

FIFA has stepped back from using dynamic pricing for all 2026 World Cup tickets after fans raised concerns about rising costs. The organisers said some tickets will stay at fixed prices, including those for fans following their national teams. Supporters will get 8% of seats for each match at set rates. FIFA said the cheapest group-stage tickets will start at $60, while the most expensive final tickets will cost $6,730. The move comes days before the tournament draw in Washington DC. The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, with 48 teams and 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico. (PC: Sky News)

Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley announced Tuesday evening. The domestic 50-over competition begins December 24, with Delhi facing Andhra Pradesh. Kohli's decision aligns with Indian team management's directive, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, requiring senior players to play domestic cricket for World Cup 2027 consideration. Kohli last participated in 2010, captaining Delhi against Services. He'll likely play multiple matches before joining India's January 11 ODI series against New Zealand. Delhi's group fixtures run through January 8 against Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Odisha, Services, Railways, and Haryana. (PC: The Cricketer)

The BCCI changed its mediation plan after reports of rising tension between Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was set to meet Kohli before the second ODI against South Africa. But sources said the “situation was not good,” so selector Pragyan Ojha was sent instead. Videos showed Ojha speaking with Kohli at the airport, and another clip showed him talking with Rohit Sharma and Gambhir. Kohli was not part of that talk. Rumours of a cold relationship and a communication gap have increased concern about India’s dressing-room atmosphere and the future of senior players.

Star India batter Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, informing Delhi and District Cricket Association president Rohan Jaitley on Tuesday. The domestic 50-over competition begins December 24, with Delhi facing Andhra Pradesh in their opener. Kohli's decision ends speculation about his domestic commitments and alleged reluctance to participate. The current management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, has encouraged senior players' participation to ensure match readiness ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Kohli last played the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2010 when he captained Delhi against Services. His return after 15 years aims to strengthen Delhi's campaign following disappointing performances.(PC: The Cricketer)

The BCCI has changed its plan to ease tensions between Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir after reports of a strained relationship. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was set to meet Kohli before the second ODI in Raipur, but the board sent selector Pragyan Ojha instead because the “situation was not good”. Videos from the airport showed Kohli in a serious talk with Ojha, while another clip showed Ojha speaking with Rohit Sharma and Gambhir without Kohli. The communication gap and questions over the ODI future of Kohli and Rohit have increased concern as India builds toward the 2027 World Cup. (PC: NDTV)

India’s Khardung La Challenge is one of the world’s highest and toughest ultra-marathons. The 72 km race takes runners to an elevation of 17,618 feet, where oxygen levels drop to nearly half of what they are at sea level. The event has grown from 11 runners in 2012 to about 250 in 2023. National Geographic shared a video showing the harsh terrain and the demanding conditions. In 2025, Shabbir Hussain won the men’s race, while Namgyal Lhamo won in the women’s category. The marathon is open only to very fit and experienced runners due to its extreme altitude.

A short video from the Ranchi ODI sparked talk that Virat Kohli ignored head coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s win over South Africa. The clip showed Kohli walking past Gambhir near the dressing room, leading to claims of a rift. A report also said Kohli and Rohit Sharma were uneasy with the coach. But another video later showed Kohli giving Gambhir a brief side-hug after the match. Fans said the first clip was misleading. The team is in a transition phase, and both senior players aim to extend their ODI careers as India looks ahead to future events. 

Virat Kohli delivered a spectacular century against South Africa in Ranchi, scoring 135 off 120 balls with eleven fours and seven sixes in India's 17-run victory. The knock marked his record-extending 52nd ODI hundred and first home appearance since February. Social media buzzed over screengrabs showing head coach Gautam Gambhir congratulating Kohli, with their interaction drawing significant attention. Kohli confirmed his retirement from T20Is and Tests, committing exclusively to ODI cricket. The 37-year-old addressed form concerns, emphasizing that physical fitness and mental readiness matter more than constant match practice given his 15-year career spanning 306 ODIs and 14,390 runs. Rohit Sharma's dressing room reaction also went viral.

The BCCI has called an urgent meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar before the second ODI against South Africa. According to reports, the meeting will also include BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and other officials. The board wants clarity on team selection, long-term plans, and recent on-field decisions. The move comes after India lost the home Test series to South Africa and amid talk about the future of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Officials said they want “selection consistency” and clear planning with major tournaments coming up. (PC: NDTV)