Brisbane Heat confirmed Jemimah Rodrigues will not return for the remainder of the WBBL season after requesting to stay in India following the postponement of teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding. Rodrigues had flown home after a match against Hobart Hurricanes to join the celebrations, but the event was called off when Mandhana’s father fell ill. The 24-year-old chose to remain in India to support the family, with the franchise fully respecting her decision. CEO Terry Svenson acknowledged fans’ disappointment but emphasized Rodrigues’ wellbeing as the priority. Despite her absence, she remains in touch with teammates. Brisbane Heat, still winless, now prepare to face Sydney Sixers with Grace Harris returning.

Deepti Sharma made history at the Women's Premier League 2026 mega auction, becoming the costliest player after being sold to UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore. She became the first women's cricketer to fetch over Rs 2.5 crore in two separate WPL auctions. Shikha Pandey was the second-most expensive Indian buy at Rs 2.4 crore, also acquired by UPW. New Zealand all-rounders Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians, Rs 3 crore) and Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants, Rs 2 crore) were the highest overseas buys. The auction's biggest shocks included experienced Australian wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy and India's Women's World Cup 2025 winner Uma Chetry going unsold. (PC: NDTV)

India’s disappointing 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa has reignited criticism of coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, as their “stubborn insistence” on all-rounders and omission of domestic stars like Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran draws ire. Analyst suggest that Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, is “tied down” despite mounting pressure and public blame, because Gambhir and Gill hold decision-making power. With India underperforming, names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh are now being floated for a comeback. A former BCCI selector warns that only Gambhir truly controls the future of the squad. (PC: AFP)

India’s long home dominance in Test cricket has crashed in the past year. Once unbeatable under Virat Kohli, the team has now lost two home series in a single year for the first time in four decades. New Zealand beat India 0–3 last year, and South Africa have now won 2–0. Many key players retired or left Tests, and Gautam Gambhir’s new team has struggled with unstable plans and frequent changes. Senior players say there is no clear path for transition. India have lost five of their last seven home Tests, raising major concerns about direction and leadership. (PC: India Today)

India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant formally apologised to fans following his side’s heavy 0-2 loss to South Africa, including a 408-run defeat in the Guwahati Test, where he led in Shubman Gill’s absence. Pant managed only 49 runs across four innings (average 12.25) and acknowledged the team “didn’t play good enough cricket over the last two weeks.” He said representing India is “the greatest honour” and promised the squad will “work hard, regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger.” (PC: AP)

Jemimah Rodrigues will not return to play for Brisbane Heat in the 2025 WBBL season. The team confirmed that she asked to stay in India to support Smriti Mandhana after Mandhana’s wedding was put on hold due to health issues in the family. Rodrigues had already missed games to attend the wedding but will now skip the rest of the season. Brisbane Heat said it was a difficult time for her and agreed to release her. Mandhana’s father and fiancé were both hospitalised, forcing the wedding to be postponed. The Heat have lost all six matches so far this season. (PC: X)

Ravichandran Ashwin has called on Rishabh Pant to take greater responsibility after India’s 408-run loss to South Africa in the second Test. India lost the series 0-2, marking their second straight home whitewash under coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin praised Pant’s talent and strong defence but said his risky shot selection continues to hurt the team. Pant led India in the match as Shubman Gill was injured but scored only 49 runs in four innings. Ashwin said the team lacked fight and must show accountability. He added that India’s Test side is short on experience and needs time to grow. (PC: NDTV)

Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj expressed frustration over Air India flight IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad, scheduled for 7:25 PM Wednesday, which was delayed four hours without proper communication. Siraj criticized the airline on X, calling it the "worst airline experience" and stating passengers were left stranded with no updates despite repeated follow-ups. He advised others against taking the flight if the airline couldn't take responsibility. Air India responded with an apology, revealing the flight was ultimately cancelled due to unforeseen operational reasons. The airline mentioned their airport team was assisting passengers with necessary arrangements and promised continued updates and support during the difficult situation.

India’s home Test record has taken a heavy hit after back-to-back defeats to New Zealand (3–0) and South Africa (2–0). Under coach Gautam Gambhir, the team showed poor planning, weak batting, and lack of Test temperament. Questionable pitch choices and selection of unprepared players added to the problems. The second Test ended in a 408-run loss, highlighting India’s struggles. Experts say the team’s confused strategies and lack of application allowed visiting sides to dominate. India’s once-feared home advantage has weakened, raising concerns about coaching decisions and the team’s readiness for high-pressure matches. (PC: BBC)

South Africa created cricket history by whitewashing India 2-0 at home, inflicting a record 408-run defeat in Guwahati's second Test. This marks only the second time India has been whitewashed on home soil, the first occurring in 2000 under Hansie Cronje. South African coach Shukri Conrad's controversial "grovel" remark sparked debate, echoing Tony Greig's 1976 racially-charged comment against West Indies. India's decline began with New Zealand's 3-0 whitewash last year, followed by losses in Australia and England. Team management has rushed transitions, constantly changed squads, produced unpredictable pitches, and selected bits-and-pieces T20 players instead of genuine Test specialists, leading to systemic uncertainty and weakened team structure. (PC: Mint, India Today & TOI)