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)

India captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test. Initially thought to be minor, the injury required hospitalisation and observation, leaving Gill unfit despite his efforts to recover. Left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan, Gill’s Gujarat Titans teammate, will replace him in the XI, while vice-captain Rishabh Pant will lead India for the first time in Tests. Sudharsan, who has shown flashes of promise, adds to India’s left-hander-heavy lineup, posing a tactical challenge against South Africa’s off-spinner Simon Harmer. Gill continues to be monitored by the BCCI medical team.(PC: Facebook)

Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup sparked jubilant scenes in Hampden Park and rare celebrations in the House of Commons. Steve Clarke’s side defeated Denmark 4-2 to top their group, ending a 28-year wait since 1998. Arsenal fan and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised former Gunners left-back Kieran Tierney, who scored a stoppage-time goal to put Scotland ahead, while Kenny McLean sealed victory with a spectacular strike from his own half. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle joked about “Scottish MPs” amid chamber cheers. MP Torchuil Crichton humorously asked Starmer to seek affordable hotels near MetLife Stadium and urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to ease whisky excise duties.

India’s sport climbers face daunting financial and institutional challenges as they strive for Olympic recognition. With no government-recognised body to support them, athletes rely largely on the Armed Forces for livelihood opportunities. The Olympic movement has embraced sport climbing, a modern spin-off from traditional rock climbing, yet in India the path remains steep. Many athletes dream of wearing the India jersey, but reality often forces them to improvise. Nagaland’s Kehihyulo Khing, for instance, was asked to create his own competition t-shirt and attach the logo of an unofficial governing body to compete internationally. For India’s climbers, scaling walls is easier than scaling systemic barriers. (PC: The Indian Express & YourStory.com)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir responded to criticism over the surface at Eden Gardens after India’s 30-run loss to South Africa national cricket team in Kolkata. He stated the wicket “was what we asked for” and rejected ideas it was unplayable, saying there were “no demons” in it. Former India great Sunil Gavaskar backed Gambhir, arguing India’s batting technique—not the pitch—was to blame. Meanwhile, curator Sujan Mukherjee defended his work, saying he prepared the track as instructed despite widespread criticism of its sharp turn and variable bounce. (PC: HT)