In a bold move, veteran Indian cricketer R. Ashwin has publicly advised star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic tournaments. The suggestion comes amid discussions about their place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin stated that playing in events like the India 'A' series or the Vijay Hazare Trophy is crucial to prove their commitment and maintain game-level fitness. He supported the selection committee's decision to name Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, calling it a rational step to prepare a new leader for the future. (PC: PTI)

Australia’s Pat Cummins and Travis Head have turned down a ₹58 crore per year offer from an IPL team group to quit international cricket. The deal would have seen them play in global T20 leagues full-time, but both chose to stay loyal to Australia. Cummins, who leads the team, earns about ₹17.5 crore yearly with bonuses, while Head earns ₹8.7 crore. Both also play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. The rejected deal highlights growing pressure from T20 leagues as cricket boards discuss new ways to retain top players and attract private investment. (PC: AP)

In his first comments after stepping down as India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma credited head coach Rahul Dravid for India’s Champions Trophy win, notably omitting former coach Gautam Gambhir from the list of contributors. Rohit emphasized the importance of long-term team culture and development rather than short-term efforts. He also hinted at a return to the ODI squad, stating his readiness to prove himself in the upcoming series against Australia. The omission of Gambhir’s name has sparked debate, as Gambhir was involved with the team during the tournament and has ties with selectors. (PC: PTI)

Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Director Zubin Bharucha has urged chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to include 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the senior Indian cricket team. Bharucha compared Suryavanshi’s talent to Sachin Tendulkar, saying selectors must “blood him immediately.” The young left-hander from Bihar made headlines with the fastest IPL century by an Indian—off 35 balls—and a record youth ODI century against England. Bharucha said Suryavanshi even stunned Jofra Archer during IPL nets. The prodigy, who debuted in first-class cricket at 12, is currently part of India’s U19 squad and has already played in England and Australia. (PC: HT)

Rohit Sharma has accepted the BCCI’s decision to remove him as India’s ODI captain, with Shubman Gill appointed in his place. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said the move was necessary to prepare younger players and warned of more changes ahead. Gavaskar noted that Rohit and Virat Kohli face challenges due to limited ODI matches, which could affect their readiness for the 2027 World Cup. India will play fewer ODIs in the next two years, making match practice a concern. Rohit and Kohli are expected to return in the Australia series starting October 19, but the end of their ODI careers may be approaching. (PC: BCCI)

World No.2 Hikaru Nakamura created controversy after defeating Indian world champion D Gukesh in the Checkmate tournament on Saturday. After his win, Nakamura threw Gukesh’s king piece into the crowd, drawing criticism from fans who called it disrespectful. The USA beat India 5-0 in the opening leg held in Arlington. Nakamura later said he planned the act to entertain fans during the dramatic match. Commentator Levy Rozman clarified that both teams were told theatrics were allowed to engage the audience. Gukesh remained calm and did not react. The return leg will take place in India soon. (PC: India Today)

India ended the World Para Athletics Championships with a record 22 medals, finishing 10th overall. Javelin thrower Navdeep Singh won silver in the F41 category with a 45.46m throw, his best of the season. Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah took gold. Simran Sharma won silver in the women’s 200m T12, battling exhaustion. Preethi Pal also claimed silver in the women’s 100m T35 after a race restart. Sandeep added bronze in the men’s 200m T44 with a personal best of 23.60s. India’s final tally stood at six gold, nine silver, and seven bronze medals in the New Delhi event.  (PC: India Today)

India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in the Women’s World Cup 2025 at Colombo, extending their record to 12-0. Batting first, India scored 247 runs, with Richa Ghosh making 35 not out. Pakistan bowler Diana Baig took 4 wickets for 69 runs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sidra Amin scored 81, but her effort went in vain. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud led India’s bowling attack. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s effort but said there is “room to improve.” India now lead the points table and will next face South Africa. (PC: India Today)

India women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, continued their no-handshake policy during the toss before their ICC Women’s World Cup match against Pakistan in Colombo. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bowl first. The two captains did not greet or shake hands, reflecting India’s continued stance seen earlier in the men’s Asia Cup. Reports say the policy was approved by the Indian government due to political and security reasons. The match was held under tight security as tensions remain high between the two nations following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. (PC: India Today)

Simran Sharma, India's first-ever 100m World Para Athletics Champion, and her husband, Gajendra Singh, have exemplified resilience and unwavering support. Born prematurely with visual impairment, Simran faced numerous challenges. Gajendra, recognizing her potential, sold his family land to fund her training and competitions. Their partnership, both personal and professional, has been instrumental in Simran's success. Together, they've overcome societal norms and financial hurdles, with Gajendra not only coaching but also being Simran's steadfast supporter. Their story is a testament to dedication, love, and the power of belief in each other. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)