India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant formally apologised to fans following his side’s heavy 0-2 loss to South Africa, including a 408-run defeat in the Guwahati Test, where he led in Shubman Gill’s absence. Pant managed only 49 runs across four innings (average 12.25) and acknowledged the team “didn’t play good enough cricket over the last two weeks.” He said representing India is “the greatest honour” and promised the squad will “work hard, regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger.” (PC: AP)

Jemimah Rodrigues will not return to play for Brisbane Heat in the 2025 WBBL season. The team confirmed that she asked to stay in India to support Smriti Mandhana after Mandhana’s wedding was put on hold due to health issues in the family. Rodrigues had already missed games to attend the wedding but will now skip the rest of the season. Brisbane Heat said it was a difficult time for her and agreed to release her. Mandhana’s father and fiancé were both hospitalised, forcing the wedding to be postponed. The Heat have lost all six matches so far this season. (PC: X)

Ravichandran Ashwin has called on Rishabh Pant to take greater responsibility after India’s 408-run loss to South Africa in the second Test. India lost the series 0-2, marking their second straight home whitewash under coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin praised Pant’s talent and strong defence but said his risky shot selection continues to hurt the team. Pant led India in the match as Shubman Gill was injured but scored only 49 runs in four innings. Ashwin said the team lacked fight and must show accountability. He added that India’s Test side is short on experience and needs time to grow. (PC: NDTV)

Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj expressed frustration over Air India flight IX 2884 from Guwahati to Hyderabad, scheduled for 7:25 PM Wednesday, which was delayed four hours without proper communication. Siraj criticized the airline on X, calling it the "worst airline experience" and stating passengers were left stranded with no updates despite repeated follow-ups. He advised others against taking the flight if the airline couldn't take responsibility. Air India responded with an apology, revealing the flight was ultimately cancelled due to unforeseen operational reasons. The airline mentioned their airport team was assisting passengers with necessary arrangements and promised continued updates and support during the difficult situation.

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)