The BCCI has decided to allow the parents of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to travel with him during India's T20I tours of Ireland and England. According to reports, the board will bear all their expenses to help the youngster adjust to international cricket.   BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision was taken because Sooryavanshi is still a child and family support will help him settle into the new environment.   The teenage star earned his maiden India call-up after a record-breaking IPL 2026 season, where he scored 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the explosive batter had "picked himself" for the squad with his outstanding performances. (PC: NDTV)

After being replaced by Shreyas Iyer as India’s T20I captain and omitted from the latest squad, Suryakumar Yadav responded with a positive message on social media. Rather than expressing disappointment, the star batter congratulated the selected players and extended a warm welcome to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his maiden senior call-up. Suryakumar’s reaction was widely praised for its sportsmanship and support for the next generation. The squad overhaul marks a new era under Iyer’s leadership, while Sooryavanshi’s inclusion highlights India’s commitment to nurturing young talent for the future. (PC: NDTV)

India’s T20 setup has undergone a major shake-up, with Shreyas Iyer appointed as the new captain for upcoming assignments, replacing former skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has been left out of the squad. The selectors have also named Tilak Varma as vice-captain, signaling a transition toward a younger leadership group. Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden senior T20I call-up after impressive performances in age-group and domestic cricket. While several members of India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning core remain in the squad, the changes indicate a fresh direction as the team begins a new chapter under Iyer’s leadership. (PC: India Today)

R Praggnanandhaa has won the Norway Chess 2026 title after a dramatic final round in Oslo. He secured a crucial victory against Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the last game, which helped him clinch the championship. The Indian Grandmaster finished the tournament strongly after a late surge, beating top players including Magnus Carlsen during the event. His win came on Carlsen’s home turf, making the achievement even more special. Earlier, Praggnanandhaa had been in a tight race for the title, but his final-round victory ensured he finished ahead of competitors like Wesley So and Alireza Firouzja, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.

R Praggnanandhaa has created history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. Competing against an elite field featuring top grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana, he delivered a consistent and composed performance throughout the tournament. Praggnanandhaa showcased exceptional strategic depth, strong preparation, and calm endgame skills under pressure, which helped him secure crucial victories and draws in key rounds. His triumph marks a major milestone for Indian chess on the global stage, highlighting the country’s rising dominance in the sport. The victory also strengthens his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in modern chess. (PC: Getty Images)

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa secured a key win over reigning World Champion D. Gukesh at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, keeping the open section title race alive until the final round. The victory strengthened Praggnanandhaa’s position among the leaders in a closely contested event held in Oslo, where multiple top players remain in contention. Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed the women’s title with a round to spare after a dominant performance throughout the tournament. The final round in the open section will decide the champion, with the standings still extremely tight and top contenders separated by a narrow margin. (PC: DD)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 in the one-off Test against Afghanistan beginning in New Chandigarh. Gambhir said Sudharsan “hasn't got a fair chance” so far and deserves a sustained opportunity in the longest format. The decision reflects India's ongoing transition phase in Test cricket, with the management focusing on nurturing emerging talent. Sudharsan's promotion to the crucial top-order position highlights the team's faith in his technique and temperament as India looks to strengthen its future Test batting lineup. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Rishabh Pant after his removal as India's Test vice-captain, stressing that the wicketkeeper-batter should not alter his natural attacking style. However, Gambhir emphasized the importance of adapting to match situations and playing with greater awareness in the longer format. While KL Rahul has reportedly taken over the vice-captaincy role, Gambhir made it clear that Pant remains a key leader within the dressing room. The coach's remarks come ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, where Pant will be expected to balance aggression with responsibility as a senior member of the squad. (PC: X)

The BCCI is reportedly preparing a significant leadership change in India's T20I setup, with Shreyas Iyer expected to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland and England. Reports suggest Suryakumar could be dropped from the squad due to a prolonged dip in form and a suspected wrist injury. The selection panel is also considering appointing Tilak Varma as vice-captain, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may receive his maiden national call-up. The move signals BCCI's long-term leadership planning as India begins preparations for future ICC events and the Asian Games. (PC: X)

  Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa strengthened his Norway Chess 2026 title challenge by defeating reigning World Champion D Gukesh in Round 9, securing a third consecutive classical victory and climbing to second place with 15 points. The 20-year-old now trails tournament leader Wesley So by just half a point. After earlier defeats to Gukesh and So, Praggnanandhaa staged a remarkable comeback, registering consecutive wins against Magnus Carlsen, Alireza Firouzja and Gukesh. He credited improved time management and calculation for his resurgence. With So, Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa separated by narrow margins, the title race heads into a dramatic finish. Bibisara Assaubayeva clinched the women's title.