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)

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking India's first major global sporting event since hosting the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010. Delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations approved India's bid during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. The centenary edition will feature 15-17 sports disciplines, including archery, badminton, T20 cricket, hockey, shooting, and wrestling. The announcement was celebrated with a cultural performance by Garba dancers and dhol drummers from Glasgow's Indian community. Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare called it the start of a "new golden era" for Commonwealth Sport, praising India's youth, ambition, and sporting passion. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has left his future with the BCCI after India suffered a 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa, their worst in 25 years. Speaking after the 408-run defeat in Guwahati, Gambhir said, “It is for the BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important, I am not.” He accepted partial blame, adding that responsibility lies with the entire team. Gambhir defended his team selection and approach, saying Test cricket requires “tough characters” rather than flashy players. He stressed that India must prioritise Test cricket and work collectively to improve results in the longest format. (PC: Video Grab)

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, following approval from the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly. The Games will feature 15–17 sports, including cricket (T20), rugby sevens, and para triathlon. Community and cultural pride were on display in Glasgow, where Indian dances marked the announcement. Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare said the decision ushers in a “new golden era” for the movement. India’s leadership hopes these Games will reinforce its global sporting ambitions, toward a possible 2036 Olympic bid. (PC: India Today)

Music composer Palash Muchhal has been discharged from a Mumbai hospital after three days of treatment for chest pain and breathing problems. He was first admitted in Sangli and later moved to Mumbai. The health scare happened soon after the wedding of Palash and cricketer Smriti Mandhana was postponed. Smriti’s father fell ill on the morning of the ceremony and was rushed to the hospital. The stress of the situation affected Palash as well. His family said all tests were normal, but he was very emotional. Smriti has removed pre-wedding posts from social media. A new wedding date has not been decided. (PC: NDTV)

Gautam Gambhir’s record as India’s Test coach has hit a new low. In just over a year, India has lost nearly two out of every three Tests under him. This loss rate is worse than any modern coach, including Greg Chappell. India have suffered five home Test defeats under Gambhir, including sweeps by New Zealand and South Africa. His team has struggled abroad too, losing in Australia and drawing in England. Comparatively, previous coaches like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Ravi Shastri had far better records. Critics now call Gambhir India’s worst red-ball coach of the modern era. (PC: HT)

Haryana has suspended Rohtak’s District Sports Officer after two teenage basketball players died in separate pole-collapse accidents within 48 hours. The first death occurred in Bahadurgarh, followed by a similar incident in Rohtak. The 16-year-old Rohtak player, a national-level athlete, died after an iron pole fell on him during solo practice. State Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam has ordered a high-level review and strict inspections of all sports facilities. Officers must remove unsafe equipment, close risky buildings, and ensure personal accountability. The incidents have raised concerns over poor sports infrastructure and urgent reforms are expected in the coming days.

India’s proud home Test record has collapsed after a 2-0 series loss to South Africa, following a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand. The defeats have raised questions about coach Gautam Gambhir’s decisions on pitches and team selection. Critics say India looked confused and lacked fight. South Africa won the second Test by 408 runs, exposing India’s weak batting and poor temperament. Players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant also struggled with basic errors. Analysts say young players were picked without enough domestic form, while key tactical calls backfired. India’s once-strong home advantage now looks lost. (PC: X)

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir faced tough questions after India lost the second Test against South Africa by 408 runs in Guwahati, completing a 0–2 series loss. This is his second home series whitewash, after a 0–3 defeat to New Zealand. When asked if he is still the right man for the job, Gambhir said, “It’s up to the BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important, I am not important.” He highlighted past successes, including the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, and said the young team is learning and improving under his guidance. (PC: X)