India will host the T20 World Cup 2026, with the marquee India-Pakistan clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Defending champions India have been grouped with Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and Netherlands. The tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs February 7 to March 8, marking the first T20 World Cup during Asian winter. India opens against USA at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 8, followed by matches against Namibia (Delhi, February 12) and Netherlands (Mumbai, February 18). Mumbai hosts a semi-final on March 5, while the final will be held in Ahmedabad on March 8. Pakistan's potential semi-final or final appearances would be played in Colombo.(PC: Hindustan Times & TOI)

India’s Women’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be honoured with a wax statue at Jaipur’s historic Nahargarh Fort. The Jaipur Wax Museum announced the statue will be unveiled on March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day, commemorating India’s 2025 World Cup triumph and celebrating women’s achievements in sports. Museum founder Anup Srivastava described Harmanpreet as a symbol of courage and global ambition, joining cricket icons MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli at the venue. Sculptors are using her 2025 World Cup appearance as reference, employing advanced techniques to capture her intensity. Positioned among women achievers like Kalpana Chawla and Saina Nehwal, the statue aims to inspire young girls nationwide. (PC: BCCI)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana celebrated her Haldi ceremony with a lively dance performance alongside several national teammates, creating a vibrant all-yellow festive moment. Mandhana is set to marry music composer Palash Muchhal on November 23. Joining her on the dance floor were teammates Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh, Shivali Shinde, Radha Yadav, and Jemimah Rodrigues, all dressed in bright yellow matching the traditional theme. The camaraderie was unmistakable as the group grooved to upbeat wedding tracks, celebrating Mandhana's big day with infectious energy. The World Cup-winning opener's wedding festivities continue to capture fans' hearts across the nation.

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana's engagement to composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal captured hearts after he shared his proposal video filmed at DY Patil Stadium, a symbolic venue for cricket fans. Mandhana revealed her engagement through a playful Instagram reel with teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, and Radha Yadav dancing to 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya,' ending by displaying her ring. PM Modi sent an unusually personal congratulatory message describing their marriage as "two accomplished journeys" uniting, referencing their November 23 wedding date before official confirmation. The announcement comes during Mandhana's career peak after she scored record-breaking 434 runs in the Women's ODI World Cup 2025, the highest by any Indian in a single tournament. 

India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second and final Test against South Africa due to a neck injury sustained during the first match. The Test, scheduled at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, will see wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant take over as captain, marking a significant leadership change. The Indian team is also exploring options for a replacement batter, with Nitish Kumar Reddy reportedly in consideration. Gill’s absence poses a challenge for India’s batting lineup, while Pant’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the team through the decisive match. (PC: Reuters)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana confirmed her engagement to music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal through a viral dance video with World Cup-winning teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, and Shreyanka Patil. The group danced to 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya' from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, with Mandhana revealing her engagement ring at the end. Reports indicate the wedding is scheduled for November 23. Palash, 30, has created over 40 music videos and is working on film 'Ardh' featuring Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik. His sister Palak Muchhal is a celebrated playback singer. PM Modi sent congratulations, referencing the wedding date before official announcement.

India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Dhruv Jurel as a potential No. 4 batsman for the final Test against South Africa in Guwahati, pending Shubman Gill's fitness test Friday. Gill developed a spasm on day two of the opening Test in Kolkata, which India lost by 30 runs, and hasn't returned to nets since. Jurel batted at No. 4 during India's second innings after Gill's injury. The BCCI sports science team is waiting before making a final decision, with the second Test starting Saturday, November 22. Kotak stated Gill is recovering well but physios must assess whether spasm recurrence risk remains, even if fully recovered.(PC: Forbes India)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana confirmed her engagement to music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal through a humorous Instagram reel with teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, and Arundhati Reddy. The viral video featured choreographed dancing to 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya' from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, ending with Mandhana flashing her engagement ring. Muchhal had hinted at the relationship in October, joking Mandhana would become Indore's daughter-in-law. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the couple, revealing their wedding date as November 23. The announcement follows Mandhana's stellar World Cup performance where she scored record-breaking 434 runs, surpassing Mithali Raj's tournament record and helping India win the championship.

India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a neck spasm. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the team already has a new No.4 ready if Gill cannot play. Dhruv Jurel batted at No.4 in Kolkata and may take the role again. Gill will undergo a final fitness test on Friday, but doctors fear the injury could return during the match. Kotak said Gill is recovering well but may need more rest. India must win the Test to avoid a rare home series loss to South Africa. (PC: HT)

Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa due to a neck injury suffered in the first match in Kolkata. He showed improvement but medical tests confirmed he cannot play the Guwahati Test. Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain, will lead India in the must-win game. Left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan is likely to join the playing XI as Gill’s replacement. Gill travelled with the team and is expected to start neck exercises soon. His recovery may take a week. India trail 0–1 in the two-match series and begin the second Test on Saturday. (PC: X)