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)    

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar have faced criticism for removing Rohit Sharma from India's ODI captaincy. Despite leading India to victories in the 2024 Champions Trophy and the 2023 ODI World Cup, Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill. Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, citing the impracticality of having three different captains across formats. However, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed disappointment, stating that Sharma deserved more time, especially considering his contributions over 16 years and his recent performances. (PC: AP)  

India announced a 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series in Australia, starting October 19. Shubman Gill has been named the new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, while Shreyas Iyer will serve as vice-captain. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the squad after being rested earlier. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Rohit was informed about the decision. The team also includes KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. Young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana have been given chances. Dhruv Jurel joins as a second wicketkeeper alongside Rahul. (PC: India Today)

India’s star opener Shubman Gill has been appointed ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, beginning October 19, 2025. The BCCI made the move to groom the 26-year-old as a long-term leader ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup. Gill, who impressed as Test captain during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, replaces Rohit Sharma, who is set to make a comeback after an eight-month break. Despite the leadership shift, both Rohit and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the squad, offering experience alongside Gill’s fresh leadership approach.

Ravindra Jadeja joined an elite list of Indian cricketers after scoring his sixth Test century against West Indies in Ahmedabad. With this, he became only the third Indian after Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin to record at least six Test centuries and six five-wicket hauls. Jadeja scored 104 runs from 176 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. He also shared a 206-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who scored his maiden century. India ended the second day at 448 for five, leading West Indies by 286 runs. Jadeja also overtook MS Dhoni’s record of most sixes in Tests for India. (PC: BCCI)

India clinched the 2025 Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan in a dramatic final, but the post-match ceremony erupted into controversy. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy or medals from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi—also Pakistan’s interior minister—citing his political role. As tensions escalated, Naqvi reportedly removed the trophy from the dais and secured it in his hotel room. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has threatened to lodge a formal protest with the ICC.   

Dhruv Jurel scored his maiden Test century against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, making 125 runs off 210 balls. He struck 15 fours and 3 sixes, steadying India after early wickets of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Jurel shared a 206-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, putting India in control. After reaching his hundred with a boundary, Jurel gave a military salute, honouring his father, Nem Chand, a Kargil War veteran. The Indian dressing room applauded his knock. Jurel became the 12th Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century, marking a special milestone in his young career. 

At the 2025 Asian Aquatics Championships in Ahmedabad, India achieved a historic feat in diving. Manipuri duo Indiver Sairem and Willson Ningthoujam secured bronze in the men’s synchronized 10m platform, marking India’s first diving medal at this continental event. Alongside this, swimmer Srihari Nataraj added two silver medals and helped India to a relay bronze, contributing to a record haul of 13 medals — India’s best performance ever at the tournament. (PC: X)

Abhishek Sharma has become India’s new batting star after a dream run in the Asia Cup 2025, where he scored 314 runs in seven matches and won Player of the Tournament. His mentor Yuvraj Singh praised him on Instagram, writing, “Single bhi lelo Maharaj (Take a single as well).” Simon Helmot, assistant coach of SunRisers Hyderabad, also said, “I see some similarities between Yuvraj and Abhishek. Both rely on balance and timing rather than brute force.” With fearless hitting and careful planning, Abhishek has given India strong starts and is now ranked the world’s No.1 T20I batter. (PC: AP)

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has eclipsed Australia’s Mitchell Starc to claim the most Test wickets in 2025. In the first Test against the West Indies, Siraj secured three wickets before lunch, raising his annual tally to 30 wickets, surpassing Starc’s 29. Known for consistently breaking top orders and striking in crucial middle overs, Siraj has emerged as the spearhead of India’s bowling attack this year. His rise is particularly significant as he shoulders greater responsibility in India’s pace unit, especially with the team rotating senior fast bowlers under load management strategies.