Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made her first Instagram appearance following the postponement of her wedding to composer Palash Muchhal, initially scheduled for November 23. In a promotional video for a toothpaste brand, fans quickly noticed she was not wearing her engagement ring, triggering widespread speculation about the timing of the ad and her engagement status. Mandhana’s post has gone viral, with supporters expressing curiosity and concern. The wedding delay was reportedly due to health emergencies in both families. Her return to social media marks her first public engagement update since the postponement. (PC: X)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center placed Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and USA in Group D. Defending champions Argentina were placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, opening their campaign against Algeria. France landed in a tough Group I with Senegal, Norway, and a play-off winner, creating a “group of death” scenario. England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. At the ceremony, Donald Trump received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize. (PC: X)

India's junior men's hockey team defeated Belgium 2-2 (4-3) in a thrilling penalty shootout quarter-final at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in Chennai. Goalkeeper Princedeep Singh was Player-of-the-Match with crucial saves reminiscent of coach PR Sreejesh's style. Captain Rohit equalized in the 45th minute, while Sharda Nand Tiwari put India ahead 2-1 before Belgium's Nathan Rogge forced the shootout. Tiwari scored thrice in the shootout; Ankit Pal netted the winner. India faces seven-time defending champions Germany in Sunday's semi-final. Meanwhile, India's junior women's team dominated Ireland 4-0 in Pool C, with Purnima Yadav scoring twice. India awaits Saturday's results to confirm quarter-final qualification. (PC: HT) 

Cricketer Smriti Mandhana broke her social media silence with a toothpaste promotional video, her first post since her November wedding postponement. Fans immediately noticed her missing engagement ring, though the video's filming date remains unclear. Smriti's wedding to composer Palash Muchhal, scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, was postponed after her father's medical emergency and Palash's stress-related hospitalization. Cheating rumors circulated following alleged private chat screenshots and social media changes, though neither party confirmed allegations. Both added nazar emojis to Instagram bios. Smriti's brother denied new wedding date rumors. Teammate Jemimah Rodrigues withdrew from WBBL to support her. Smriti returns for India's Sri Lanka T20I series December 21-30.

Singer Palak Muchhal has broken her silence on the controversy surrounding her brother Palaash Muchhal's postponed wedding to cricketer Smriti Mandhana. Calling it a "very tough time" for both families, Palak urged for positivity amid swirling speculation. The wedding, scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, Maharashtra, was indefinitely postponed after Smriti's father experienced chest discomfort and required hospitalization. Reports surfaced with unverified claims about infidelity, though no official statements have been issued. Palaash himself was hospitalized due to emotional distress, requiring IV treatment and tests. Both Palaash and Smriti recently added the nazar emoji to their Instagram bios, symbolically warding off negativity during this challenging period. (PC: X)

India’s loss to South Africa in Raipur has again exposed the team’s weakness in the final overs. Despite centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India finished with 358, at least 20 to 30 runs short after a slow end. KL Rahul tried to lift the score with an unbeaten 66, but support from the lower order never came. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja struggled to accelerate, scoring only 25 runs between them. South Africa chased 359 with confidence, showing better power-hitting in the death overs. The defeat has renewed calls for India to find a reliable ODI finisher. (PC: India Today)

India’s World Cup-winning cricketer Richa Ghosh has joined Bengal Police as an assistant commissioner. She reported for duty in her new uniform at Bhabani Bhavan on Wednesday and met state police chief Rajeev Kumar. Richa will serve in the Siliguri Police Commissionerate. She has been appointed as a deputy superintendent of police but given the post of assistant commissioner. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper played a key role in India’s title win, scoring 34 off 24 balls in the final. Bengal Police shared her joining picture on X, calling her a proud addition to the force. (PC: Instagram)

Virat Kohli struck his 53rd ODI century in Raipur against South Africa, his second ton in consecutive matches after scoring 135 in Ranchi. The 37-year-old reached the milestone in just 90 balls, extending his record tally in the format and registering his 84th international century. Kohli now edges closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100 international tons (51 Tests, 49 ODIs). This was also the 11th time Kohli has scored back-to-back ODI centuries, the most by any player. He climbed to fourth in ICC ODI batting rankings, just 32 points behind Rohit Sharma. Kuldeep Yadav also rose to sixth among ODI bowlers, boosting India’s overall standing.(PC: The Guardian)

South Africa defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring second ODI in Raipur to level the three-match series 1-1. India scored 358 for five after Virat Kohli hit 102 and Ruturaj Gaikwad made his maiden ODI hundred with 105. South Africa chased the target with four balls left, finishing at 362 for six. Aiden Markram led the chase with a brilliant 110, while Matthew Breetzke scored 68 and Dewald Brevis added 54. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets each for India. The series will now be decided in the final ODI. (PC: ICC)

Virat Kohli scored his second straight century as India faced South Africa in the Raipur ODI on Wednesday. The 37-year-old reached his 53rd ODI hundred off 90 balls, showing calm control and sharp timing. This was his 11th instance of back-to-back ODI centuries, the most by any player. Kohli now has seven ODI hundreds against South Africa and 84 international centuries overall. He started his innings with a pull for six off Lungi Ngidi and kept rotating strike with ease. Kohli was finally out for 102. Ruturaj Gaikwad also scored a fine hundred earlier in the match. (PC: BCCI)