Suryakumar Yadav's fine fifty laid the foundation for India's comfortable win in the first ODI against Australia. Suryakumar scored 50 off 49 balls in his impactful stand with KL Rahul, who finished unbeaten on 62. Earlier, Mohammed Shami's 5 wickets restricted Australia to 276 despite Steve Smith's 94. India were flying early before Australia fought back. But Rahul anchored the chase with support from Suryakumar before sealing the win. His composed batting ensured India chased down the target easily to go 1-0 up. Suryakumar's maiden ODI fifty paved the way for India's convincing victory.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami displayed his superb bowling skills, picking up impressive figures of 5/51 to help India restrict Australia to 276 in the first ODI on Friday. In his very first over, Shami got an outswinger to deviate slightly and induce an edge from Mitchell Marsh to second slip. Shami's artistic bowling was on full display as he bamboozled the Aussies with swing, seam and perfect line and length. His five-wicket haul underscored why he remains one of India's biggest match winners and an asset across formats. Shami's performance restricted Australia's total to a gettable one for India on a batting-friendly pitch. 

Three Indian wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh - Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu - have been denied entry to China for the Asian Games 2023. The rest of the 7-member Indian team flew to Hangzhou after transiting in Hong Kong. But the three players were not allowed to board the flight to China due to lack of proper clearance, and were brought back to New Delhi. Indian officials have taken up the matter with the Asian Games organisers and the Olympic Council of Asia. Chef de Mission Bhupinder Singh Bajwa said he is in talks with OCA to resolve the issue and hopes the players can fly out by evening. The players were earlier issued stapled visas instead of stamped ones for the University Games in July, leading to India's withdrawal from the event.

Shreyas Iyer returns after injury and will aim to prove match fitness. R Ashwin and Washington Sundar are in contention for the second spinner spot alongside Axar Patel. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma also need time in the middle. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav being rested for the first two ODIs, India have chances to experiment but also balance workload. Head coach Rahul Dravid has to strike the right balance between trying combinations and managing player workload ahead of the World Cup. The series will help cement spots and roles before the marquee tournament.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh predicted India, Australia, England and New Zealand as the four semifinalists for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Despite Pakistan's T20 success, Harbhajan considers them an average 50-over side. He believes the top four have stronger ODI credentials to progress further. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will aim to secure their third World Cup trophy after wins in 1983 and 2011, eager to end their ICC title drought since being hosts and champions in 2011.

The upcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia will serve as India's final tune-up before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 starts on October 5th. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will sit out the first two games, enabling head coach Rahul Dravid to evaluate bench talent. India wants to sustain winning momentum after clinching its 8th Asia Cup title. The series offers a chance to assess play under dew, a key factor for the World Cup at home. Focus is also on injuries, with anticipation around Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel's return. After a triumphant Asia Cup, India eyes fine-tuning its preparations for the World Cup through the Australia ODIs.

Mohammed Siraj is back as the No.1 ODI bowler following his spectacular Asia Cup final performance, where his 6/21 dismantled Sri Lanka for 50. Siraj's ten Asia Cup wickets at a 12.20 average enabled him to climb eight spots to the summit, his second time at the top. Afghanistan spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan also entered the top five. Siraj's dream 6-wicket haul included a rare 4-wicket over setting the ground for India's Asia Cup victory against Sri Lanka in the finals. His heroics in the final propelled him back to No.1 in ODI rankings after displacing Josh Hazlewood. 

The official anthem 'Dil Jashn Bole' for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 has been released, featuring Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and coveted composer Pritam. Blending traditional Indian instruments with an international flavor, the anthem aims to capture the emotions of the global cricket community. At the launch, Ranveer Singh expressed his privilege to deliver the song to the cricket world. Fans can also showcase their passion by performing the hook-step and sharing videos with #CWC23. The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 kicks off on October 5, 2023, with the defending champions England facing the Kiwis in Ahmedabad.

The Indian men's football team suffered a 1-5 thrashing against China in their Group A encounter at the Asian Games on Tuesday. India managed to equalize 1-1 in first-half injury time through Rahul KP after conceding early. But China dominated the second half, scoring 4 more goals to hand India a heavy defeat. India's performance was hampered by a lack of players due to visa issues, last-minute arrivals without practice, and ISL clubs' refusal to release players before the new season. Problems of assembling a full-strength squad also reflected on the field. With the loss, India has an uphill task in the group that also includes hosts China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. India had reached China late on Monday without any practice heading into the crucial opener.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with his family at home, worshipping Lord Ganesha. He wished everyone a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi on social media, saying he prays the 'Elephant-Headed God' will bring peace, happiness, and good health to all as he is welcomed home. The Master Blaster said he looks forward to Ganpati Bappa's arrival each year. Videos showed Tendulkar and his family praying reverently before Lord Ganesha adorned with flowers. Devotees across India have welcomed Ganpati Bappa on the 10-day festival considered auspicious to seek blessings at the start of the festive season.