Virat Kohli’s much-awaited Adelaide appearance ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for a duck in the second ODI against Australia. The former captain was trapped LBW by Xavier Bartlett after facing just four balls, marking his second straight duck in the series. As Kohli walked back, he waved to the Adelaide crowd, sparking talk that it could be his final game at the venue. Fans responded with a standing ovation for one of their favourites. Kohli has scored 976 runs at Adelaide Oval — the most by a visiting batter — making it one of his most successful grounds. (PC: X)

India face Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide on Thursday, looking to level the series after losing the opener in Perth. All eyes are on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who struggled in the first match. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said both stars are in good form and confident of a comeback. India’s record in Adelaide is strong, with nine wins in 15 ODIs. Rain and a damp pitch may help Australia’s pace attack, led by Starc and Hazlewood. Alex Carey and Adam Zampa return for Australia, boosting their balance as India aim to fight back. (PC: X)

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has questioned India coach Gautam Gambhir over the non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan. Despite strong performances in domestic cricket and a Test century against New Zealand, Sarfaraz was left out of India’s recent tours to Australia and England, as well as the India A team against South Africa A. Mohamed hinted the omission might be due to Sarfaraz’s surname. AIMIM leaders also raised concerns over his exclusion. Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar cited injuries and team balance for some decisions, but critics say Sarfaraz’s consistent form deserved more opportunities. The debate has sparked discussion on fairness in cricket selection. (PC: India Today)

India’s Women’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after three straight defeats, leaving captain Harmanpreet Kaur under pressure to spark a turnaround. India’s latest loss to England by four runs has put their semifinal chances in danger, though they remain fourth on the points table. Harmanpreet scored a gritty 70 but her leadership is being questioned as India struggle with focus and consistency. With two matches left, wins against New Zealand and Bangladesh could still secure qualification. For Harmanpreet, this is a defining moment — to rally her team or risk another lost campaign. (PC: X)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has accused Pakistan of carrying out a drone strike that killed three Afghan cricketers in Paktika province on October 17, 2025. The cricketers were returning home after a local match when the attack occurred. The Board claims to have evidence linking Pakistan to the strike. The incident has intensified tensions between the two nations, already strained due to border disputes and militant activities. Pakistan has yet to comment on the allegations. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has vowed to seek justice for the victims. (PC: X)  

ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as PCB Chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister, has refused to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to India unless their captain collects it personally from the ACC office. India defeated Pakistan in the Dubai final but declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing his political position. The presentation ceremony was delayed over an hour as tensions escalated. Individual awards were distributed by other dignitaries, but the trophy was removed from the podium. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called the situation unfortunate and announced plans to lodge a formal protest with the ICC. The trophy remains at ACC headquarters in Dubai. (PC: Business Standard) 

Rishabh Pant returns from injury to captain India A in two unofficial Tests against South Africa A starting October 30 and November 6. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee confirmed his appointment. Pant, who missed action since the fourth Test vs England due to a foot injury, was expected to play Ranji Trophy but will skip Delhi’s second round. India A will also play three unofficial ODIs. Ayush Mhatre, Rajat Patidar, and others feature in the first Test; KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Mohammed Siraj join for the second. Pant, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, and Tanush Kotian will play both matches. Pant is also set for a Test comeback vs South Africa. (PC: M9 News)

Virat Kohli is just one century away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s world record for the most hundreds in a single format. The 36-year-old Indian star, with 51 ODI centuries, will play his first international match in over seven months as India faces Australia in Perth on Sunday. Kohli is currently tied with Tendulkar, who had 51 Test centuries. Overall, Kohli has 82 international tons across formats. Known for his strong record in Australia, he has scored five ODI centuries there. This series could mark another historic milestone in Kohli’s legendary career. (PC: NDTV)

India suffered their third straight defeat in the Women’s World Cup 2025, losing to England by four runs in Indore on Sunday. Chasing 273, India fell short despite strong knocks from Smriti Mandhana (88) and Harmanpreet Kaur (70). Deepti Sharma also scored a fighting fifty, but the middle order collapsed in the final overs. England captain Heather Knight shone with a brilliant 109 in her 300th international match. With this win, England sealed their spot in the semi-finals, joining Australia and South Africa. India now face must-win games against New Zealand and Bangladesh to stay in contention. (PC: Reuters)

Sunil Gavaskar has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to bounce back strongly in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. After their poor show in Perth, where Kohli scored 8 and Rohit got out for 0, Gavaskar said, “Don’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two games.” He explained that returning after months away from international cricket made the Perth challenge tougher. Gavaskar added that more practice and time in the middle would help them find form again. Kohli’s strong record at Adelaide could boost India as they trail 0-1 in the series. (PC: India Today)