Sanju Samson has impressed fans and experts with his strong T20I performances last year, including centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa. Former India coach Sanjay Bangar compared Samson's six-hitting ability to Yuvraj Singh, praising his consistency when given regular chances. Samson, a key part of India's T20 World Cup-winning team in June, is likely to return for the limited-overs series against England this month. With KL Rahul expected to rest, Samson may also play in ODIs. The Kerala batter aims to secure a spot for the Champions Trophy in February and continue his strong run in international cricket.

The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has rejected KL Rahul's request for a break from the upcoming white-ball series against England. Rahul had asked for time off following his demanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Initially agreed upon, the committee reversed the decision, instructing Rahul to participate in the ODIs starting February 6. This decision was made to provide Rahul with match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy, starting February 19. The committee aims to finalize India's combination for the tournament, with Rahul being a key figure, especially as a wicketkeeper in the ODIs.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, along with their children Vamika and Akaay, visited Vrindavan Dham to meet spiritual guru Premanand Ji Maharaj. A viral video captured the family kneeling and seeking blessings from the renowned guru. Anushka shared her experiences with Premanand, expressing her spiritual growth through his teachings. Premanand praised the couple's devotion, calling it a rare achievement. This public appearance with their children marked a rare moment for the family, who typically keep them away from the spotlight. Virat, after a tough Australia series, now focuses on upcoming ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy.

The BCCI has requested an extension from the ICC to announce India’s provisional Champions Trophy squad, delaying the original January 12 deadline. Reports suggest the squad will now be revealed on January 19, one month before the tournament begins in Pakistan. The delay is attributed to ongoing deliberations after India’s performance in Australia and ahead of the England series, which could shape the final squad. The provisional squad will feature 15 members and 3 reserves as per ICC rules. A review meeting with captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir will finalize the team for both events.

Novak Djokovic has claimed he was poisoned during his detention in Melbourne before the 2022 Australian Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was held due to unvaccinated status and travel document discrepancies. During the quarantine, Djokovic said he experienced severe flu-like symptoms, later confirmed by toxicology tests in Serbia to be caused by heavy metals, including lead and mercury. The visa saga led to his deportation and missed tournaments, including the US Open. Despite lingering trauma, Djokovic returned in 2023, winning his 10th Australian Open title. He holds no grudges but admitted to feeling uneasy during subsequent Australian visits.

Star cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, at a college graduation event in Chennai, stated that Hindi is not India’s national language but an official one. His remarks came after students hesitated to ask questions in Hindi, prompting him to address India’s linguistic diversity. Ashwin highlighted Tamil Nadu's sensitive relationship with Hindi due to historical resistance to its imposition in schools and government policies. Known for his candid views, Ashwin also shared personal anecdotes on persistence and lifelong learning. His comment reignited debates over Hindi’s status, especially in Tamil Nadu, where pride in Tamil culture and language remains deeply rooted.

Manoj Tiwary has criticized India head coach Gautam Gambhir, calling him a hypocrite and questioning his coaching style. Tiwary claimed Gambhir took undue credit for Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL successes, attributing them to effective PR. He also suggested a rift between Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma. In response, KKR players Harshit Rana and Nitish Rana defended Gambhir, praising his selflessness and leadership. Both players emphasized that Gambhir's contributions to KKR's success, including the 2024 IPL victory, were genuine, and criticized Tiwary for personal insecurities in his criticism.

Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains a concern ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian pacer, struggling with back spasms, recently consulted New Zealand orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten. Reports suggest Bumrah might be included in the squad but will only play if he is pain-free. Meanwhile, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif advised against making Bumrah India’s Test captain, citing risks to his fitness and career longevity. Kaif suggested KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant as better options for the role. Speculation about Rohit Sharma stepping down as Test captain has fueled discussions about leadership changes in Indian cricket.

Brazilian football star Neymar has announced the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last, calling it his "final shot" at glory. Neymar also hinted at a potential reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami once his Al-Hilal contract ends in June 2024. He described the prospect as “incredible,” praising their past partnership at Barcelona. Neymar has played only seven matches for Al-Hilal since his €90M move in 2023 due to injuries. Brazil currently ranks 5th in World Cup qualifiers, and Neymar is determined to represent his nation one final time.

Michael Clarke has criticized Cricket Australia (CA) for excluding Sunil Gavaskar from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy presentation despite his presence at the SCG. The trophy, named after Gavaskar and Allan Border, saw only Border present the award to Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins. Gavaskar, who was reportedly meant to present the trophy had India won, expressed disappointment. Clarke, defending Gavaskar, emphasized that both legends should have jointly presented the trophy. He called the decision a missed opportunity and an oversight, stating that having both men present at the same time was a rare privilege.