Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia captain Pat Cummins took playful digs at opponents in a commercial. Targeting Virat Kohli, Cummins quipped, “I’ve never seen you bat this slowly.” He also mocked Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope. Australia, the reigning ODI World Cup champions, and India, the T20 World Cup holders, are tournament favorites. Meanwhile, India vice-captain Shubman Gill emphasized that the upcoming ODI series against England is not just Champions Trophy preparation but a crucial contest. India’s squad remains largely unchanged, with Harshit Rana replacing Jasprit Bumrah.

India has added mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to its ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England. Vice-captain Shubman Gill confirmed his inclusion, with reports suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir wants him to maintain rhythm ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Chakaravarthy, who took 14 wickets in the recent T20I series against England, was named Player of the Series. He has already joined training in Nagpur, but his final selection for the Champions Trophy will depend on his ODI performances. India can make squad changes until February 12, giving Chakaravarthy a crucial opportunity.

Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan stunned Virat Kohli in the Ranji Trophy, bowling him for 6 and sending his off-stump flying. Before the match, even the team bus driver advised Sangwan, saying, “Bowl at the fourth-fifth stump line to Virat Kohli, and he’ll get out.” However, Sangwan stuck to his strengths, delivering a sharp inswinger. His Instagram followers soared from 750 to over 18,000 after the viral dismissal. Kohli later signed the match ball, joking, “Oh teri ki! Maza aa gaya tujhe toh.” Sangwan, who struggled for years in domestic cricket, credited hard work and patience for his success.

Cristiano Ronaldo has settled the debate about who is the best player between him and Lionel Messi. In a recent interview, Ronaldo admitted that some people may prefer Messi, Maradona, or Pele, but he believes he is the most complete footballer ever. He proudly stated, "I'm the best player in football history." Ronaldo also revealed that he and Messi have always had a good relationship despite their rivalry. He emphasized his goal-scoring ability, versatility, and skills, stating that he has no equal in football history.

Tickets for the India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sold out within minutes. The high-demand match will be played on 23 February in Dubai. Fans rushed to buy tickets, but most were gone almost instantly. Prices for premium seats went up to AED 5,000. The tournament follows a hybrid format, with India playing all matches in Dubai. Other teams will play in Pakistan. India’s first match is against Bangladesh on 20 February. The Champions Trophy runs from 19 February to 9 March, featuring top teams from around the world.

Abhishek Sharma dazzled at Wankhede, hammering 135(54) in the fifth T20I against England—the second-fastest T20I century for India. Despite his explosive innings, he downplayed competition with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, stating, “We’ve played together since U-16. No competition, just a dream to play for India.” Sharma credited Suryakumar Yadav’s advice for his knock and acknowledged mentor Yuvraj Singh’s guidance. India posted 249/9, with Sharma’s blitz setting the stage. With his stellar performance, he’s made a strong case for a permanent spot in the T20I squad.

Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa clinched his maiden Tata Steel Chess Masters title, defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh in a dramatic sudden-death tiebreaker. Both prodigies finished with 8.5/13 points, leading to a tiebreak. Gukesh won the first game after Praggnanandhaa’s blunder, but Pragg fought back, using the Trompowsky opening to force sudden death. Gukesh initially gained an advantage, but under time pressure, he blundered, losing control and ultimately the match. The victory marks a breakthrough for Praggnanandhaa, while Gukesh finished runner-up for the second consecutive year. The thrilling finale showcased the rising dominance of India’s young chess stars.

India’s Abhishek Sharma blasted a 37-ball century against England in Mumbai, making him the fastest player to reach a T20I hundred within 11 overs. He missed Rohit Sharma and David Miller’s 35-ball record but surpassed Quinton de Kock’s previous milestone of 10.2 overs. Abhishek’s explosive innings featured relentless hitting, including a 17-ball fifty. His dominance helped India post their highest-ever T20I Powerplay score of 95/1. Partnered with Tilak Varma, he dismantled England’s bowling attack. Abhishek had earlier scored a 28-ball hundred in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

India secured a commanding 150-run victory over England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, closing the series 4-1. Batting first, India posted a massive 247/9, with Abhishek Sharma smashing 135 runs off 37 balls. England’s chase faltered as they were bowled out for just 97 runs in 10.3 overs. India’s bowlers dominated, cutting through the English lineup. Despite a valiant half-century from Phil Salt, it wasn’t enough to stop the Indian team from sealing a dominant win in the series.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla spoke about MS Dhoni’s possible entry into politics. He believes Dhoni “can become a good politician” but says the decision is up to him. Shukla recalled asking Dhoni if he would contest the Lok Sabha elections. Dhoni’s reply was a firm “No, no, no.” Shukla also shared that Dhoni does not keep a mobile phone and prefers to stay away from the limelight. The former Indian captain retired from international cricket in 2019 but will play in IPL 2025. While Dhoni has no plans for politics now, the discussion may continue in the future.