Shubman Gill's golden duck dismissal in the 2nd T20I against South Africa sparked severe criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar for alleged favoritism. Lungi Ngidi dismissed Gill first over with a 135 km/h seaming delivery caught at first slip by Reeza Hendricks. Fans demanded Yashasvi Jaiswal's inclusion, noting he was the T20 World Cup backup opener now sidelined. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also struggled, scoring five off four balls before Marco Jansen dismissed him via review. Suryakumar has managed only 227 runs at 13.35 average across his last 23 innings, with a top score of 47 not out against Pakistan.(PC: India Today)

India made a dramatic late comeback in the 2nd T20I against South Africa in Mullanpur. After South Africa's blazing start, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel struck crucial blows, dismissing Quinton de Kock (90 off 46) and Dewald Brevis (14 off 10) in consecutive overs. De Kock was brilliantly run out by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma's lightning-quick reflexes, missing his century by ten runs. Axar dismissed Brevis caught by Tilak Varma at long-on. However, Jasprit Bumrah struggled, conceding three boundaries to David Miller in the 18th over through full tosses, swinging momentum back to South Africa. At 18 overs, South Africa stood at 179/4 with Miller (12*) and Donovan Ferreira (7*) batting.

India won the toss and elected to field in the 2nd T20 against South Africa in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. South Africa blazed to 79/1 in 9 overs at a run rate of 8.78, with Quinton de Kock smashing 52 off 27 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes) in dangerous form. The Proteas scored 53 runs in the powerplay for one wicket as De Kock and Reeza Hendricks launched a fierce assault. Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Hendricks to provide India a breakthrough. Aiden Markram stands at 13 off 17 balls. Hardik Pandya conceded 17 runs in 1.6 overs. The match remains evenly poised, though India needs quick wickets to regain control.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan confirmed he will meet football legend Lionel Messi at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 during Messi's GOAT India Tour. Khan posted on X, expressing excitement about the "Messi" day ride, sparking massive fan enthusiasm online. Fans celebrated the meeting between megastars from their respective fields. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan prepares for his upcoming action drama King, co-starring daughter Suhana Khan, alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and others. Khan revealed he's wanted to make this film for seven-eight years, collaborating with director Sujoy Mukerji for emotional correctness. Director Siddharth Anand, who made Pathaan, maintains strict secrecy about production details.

A 70-foot iron statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been unveiled at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, Kolkata, by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, with work finishing touches underway. The towering sculpture depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy and was completed in just 40 days, club president and West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose said, claiming it’s the biggest Messi statue in the world. Organisers say Messi will virtually inaugurate the statue on December 13 during his India visit, due to security concerns, while fans eagerly await the tribute ahead of the 2026 World Cup. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi will arrive in Kolkata on December 13 to begin his GOAT India Tour 2025. This will be his first visit to India since 2011, and the city is preparing for a huge welcome. Messi is scheduled for a meet-and-greet, the virtual unveiling of his statue, and a friendly match at Yuva Bharati Stadium. He will then fly to Hyderabad later in the day. Kolkata is expected to see large crowds as fans gather to see the football legend. Former Barcelona star Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will join Messi for parts of the tour. (PC: X)

The FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025 saw a thrilling turnaround as Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team overturned a 0–2 deficit to beat Argentina Junior Men’s Hockey Team 4–2 in the third‑place playoff in Chennai. Trailing until the fourth quarter, India scored four goals in just 11 minutes through Ankit Pal (49′), Manmeet Singh (52′), Shardanand Tiwari (57′) and Anmol Ekka (58′). This marks India’s first podium finish in the tournament in nine years. The win brings their total Junior World Cup medals to four — two golds, one silver, now bronze. (PC: PTI)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made her first public appearance after calling off her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal. Speaking at the Amazon Smbhav Summit 2025, she avoided personal details but stated that nothing matters more to her than cricket. Mandhana said she stays focused by avoiding overthinking and draws strength from wearing the India jersey. Reports earlier confirmed that the wedding was cancelled due to personal and family reasons. Her appearance and statements signal a clear prioritisation of her cricketing career as she prepares for upcoming national and international commitments. (PC: NDTV)

Smriti Mandhana opened up about her 12-year cricket journey in her first public appearance since calling off her marriage with musician Palash Mucchal. Speaking at the Amazon Smbhav Summit Wednesday, India's vice-captain declared, "I don't think I love anything more than cricket. Wearing that Indian jersey is the motivation that drives us." Reflecting on November's World Cup triumph, she called it "a reward for the battle we fought over years." The presence of veterans Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami at the final made emotions run high. "Seeing tears in their eyes made it feel like women's cricket itself was winning," she said, describing it as a victory for all.

President Droupadi Murmu honoured India’s women boxers on Wednesday after their strong performance at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. She met the medal winners at Rashtrapati Bhavan and praised their “exceptional performances.” Jaismine Lamboria and Minakshi Hooda won gold medals, Nupur Sheoran took silver, and Pooja Rani won bronze. India finished the event with four medals in total. Minakshi defeated Paris 2024 bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay to win the 48 kg title. The President said their achievements highlight India’s growing strength in world boxing. Twenty Indian boxers competed, including Olympians Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen. (PC: X/@rashtrapatibhvn)