India clinched a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi on Sunday, sealing a high-scoring contest marked by momentum swings, standout individual performances and tense endgame drama.

Batting first, India posted an imposing 349/8, anchored by Virat Kohli’s masterful 52nd ODI century — a record he continues to stretch with remarkable consistency. Kohli was in complete control throughout his innings, pacing his knock with trademark precision and calm. Skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone with a fluent fifty at the top, while stand-in captain KL Rahul added another composed half-century, ensuring India maintained dominance despite occasional breakthroughs by the South African bowlers. Cameos down the order pushed the total to a formidable level on a pitch offering true bounce but demanding smart shot selection.

South Africa’s reply began in disarray as India’s young pacer Harshit Rana delivered a fiery opening spell, claiming two wickets in a single over and reducing the visitors to 11/3. What followed, however, was a remarkable fightback. Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67) counterattacked with fearless stroke play, stitching together crucial partnerships that resurrected South Africa’s hopes and put India under pressure.

But Kuldeep Yadav once again proved to be India’s game-changer. The left-arm wrist-spinner delivered a sensational spell, breaking the backbone of the South African chase with four wickets. His double strike — removing both Breetzke and Jansen in the same over — turned the match decisively in India’s favour just as the visitors seemed poised for a shock upset.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for 332 in the final over, falling short despite their spirited fight. With this hard-fought win, India go 1-0 up in the three-match series and head into the next ODI with confidence and momentum on their side.

South Africa shattered India’s long-standing aura of invincibility at home, storming to a 2-0 Test series sweep that will be remembered as one of the most commanding visiting performances on Indian soil. After a sharp, clinical three-day win in Kolkata, the Proteas delivered a crushing blow in Guwahati, sealing a historic 408-run victory — the biggest defeat India has ever suffered in a home Test. It also marked South Africa’s first series triumph in India since the 2000-01 tour.

The Guwahati result eclipsed India’s previous worst home loss, a 342-run defeat to Australia in 2004. For the Proteas, it was their most emphatic win in India since 1996, reaffirming their dominance and resilience in subcontinental conditions. The visitors combined disciplined fast bowling with relentless spin to dismantle India twice in five days.

Set an improbable target of 549, India collapsed under sustained pressure. By stumps on Day 4, the hosts were wobbling at 27-2 after Yashasvi Jaiswal edged behind for 13 and KL Rahul was bowled for six. Day 5 offered little respite as wickets tumbled regularly, with B. Sai Sudharsan’s 139-ball 14 symbolising India’s grim battle for survival. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard for a half-century, but his resistance merely delayed the inevitable.

Simon Harmer orchestrated India’s downfall in the second innings, weaving through the batting order with a brilliant 6-for-37. He was complemented by Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Marco Jansen, who chipped in with key breakthroughs.

Earlier, Jansen’s fiery 6-48 in the first innings handed South Africa a massive 314-run lead after India replied to the visitors’ 489 with a modest 201. The commanding all-round effort ensured that the reigning World Test Champions completed the series with authority, leaving India to reckon with a rare and humbling home drubbing.

India’s dismal collapse to 93 all out in the second innings handed Temba Bavuma’s South Africa a stunning 30-run win in the first Test at Eden Gardens — a defeat that raises serious concerns about the team’s mental toughness, batting discipline and overall preparedness under coach Gautam Gambhir. Chasing a modest 124, which would have been a record fourth-innings chase at the venue but still far from daunting, India imploded from the outset. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul managed just one run between them, triggering a slide that exposed the frailties of a batting unit that looked rattled rather than resolute.

The nation came together in a spectacular display of unity and pride as the Centenary Celebrations of Indian Hockey concluded successfully at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi today. The event marked 100 glorious years of Indian Hockey — a journey that has defined India’s sporting identity across generations.

The grand celebration was graced by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, among several dignitaries, sports administrators, and former Olympians.

Over 1,400 matches were held across 550 districts nationwide as part of the centenary festivities, symbolising the sport’s reach and emotional connect with millions of Indians. The main event in New Delhi began at 8:30 AM with a ceremonial opening, followed by a series of memorable moments that celebrated the sport’s rich legacy and its bright future.

A 30-minute exhibition match between the Union Ministers’ XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI (Men & Women) captivated the audience. The match stood as a symbolic representation of gender equality, teamwork, and inclusivity, with several national-level players showcasing their skill and spirit on the field.

The highlight of the event was the felicitation of hockey legends who have contributed immensely to India’s hockey glory over the decades. Their presence was met with thunderous applause from the packed stands, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the icons who brought honour to the tricolour.

In a significant moment of the day, the official commemorative volume “100 Years of Indian Hockey” was released. The publication chronicles India’s illustrious hockey journey—from its early triumphs under the British Raj and golden Olympic era to the resurgence of Indian hockey in the modern era.

Complementing the ceremony was a large-scale photo exhibition at the stadium, taking visitors through a visual chronicle of India’s unmatched achievements in world hockey. The exhibition featured rare archival photographs, memorabilia, and iconic moments, offering a nostalgic yet inspiring glimpse into the nation’s century-long hockey saga.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mandaviya lauded Hockey India for its efforts in nurturing talent and preserving the sport’s heritage. Kiren Rijiju emphasised the importance of youth participation and grassroots development, while Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu’s contribution to the sport and reaffirmed his state’s commitment to supporting national sporting excellence.

As the celebrations concluded with the national anthem echoing through the historic stadium, the event left an indelible mark on India’s sporting consciousness — reaffirming that hockey is not just a game, but an emotion that unites the nation.

India, the most successful hockey nation in the world with eight Olympic gold medals and 13 Olympic podium finishes, stands poised to carry forward this proud legacy into its next century with renewed passion and promise.

India continued their impressive run in the Asia Cup 2025 with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Captain Suryakumar Yadav once again rose to the occasion, guiding his side home with a composed unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. India wrapped up the modest 128-run chase in just 15.5 overs, underlining their supremacy in the high-pressure clash.

The chase had a fiery start thanks to Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 31 from just 13 balls, dismantling Pakistan’s new-ball attack. Though Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope by dismissing Abhishek, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma, India’s captain ensured there were no further slip-ups. His calm yet authoritative innings kept the scoreboard ticking until the winning runs were struck.

Earlier, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed against India’s spin-heavy attack. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) spun a web around their opponents, while Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) provided crucial breakthroughs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan’s 40 was the lone bright spot before Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo of 33 off 16 balls lifted Pakistan to 127/9, saving them from complete humiliation.

India’s balanced display with bat and ball left no doubt about their credentials as tournament favourites.

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters of the modern era, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a career built on grit, patience, and selfless service to the team.

Pujara, who last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, had been out of the selectors’ plans for nearly two years. Despite murmurs of a potential recall for the 2025 Australia tour, the selectors preferred to back younger, less experienced batters. After India’s disastrous showing in that series—and with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin also stepping away from the longest format—the path for Pujara’s return effectively closed.

In his retirement note on Instagram, Pujara reflected on the privilege of representing the nation. “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field—it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support,” he wrote.

Known as the backbone of India’s Test batting, Pujara amassed more than 7,000 runs in 100-plus matches at an average touching 44, anchoring countless victories at home and abroad. His defining knocks include a marathon effort in Sydney in 2021 that helped India script a historic series win in Australia.

In recent months, Pujara had been seen more in commentary boxes, taking up expert roles during India’s international assignments. While his absence from the field will be deeply felt, his legacy as one of India’s great Test match warriors will remain etched in the game’s history.

India’s much-awaited squad for the Asia Cup 2025 was unveiled in Mumbai on Tuesday, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressing the media amid heavy showers in the city. The biggest surprise came with the inclusion of Shubman Gill, who not only earned a place in the squad but was also named vice-captain, ending weeks of speculation about his role.

Gill, who last featured in T20 cricket against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in 2024, recently impressed with a stellar maiden stint as India’s Test captain against England. His elevation to deputy skipper effectively ruled out a spot for Shreyas Iyer, despite the latter’s consistent performances across formats.

Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 crown and took Punjab Kings to the 2025 final, was considered a frontrunner for selection. He further cemented his credentials in India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 243 runs at an average of 48.60. Yet, the selectors admitted that squad balance and the rise of Abhishek Sharma forced difficult calls. “With Abhishek doing well and adding bowling value, it was unfortunate for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer,” Agarkar said.

Another point of interest was the inclusion of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, marking his return to T20 cricket for the first time since the 2024 World Cup. Questions lingered over his workload ahead of the home Test series against West Indies in October, but the selectors backed his readiness.

The 15-member squad blends established stars with emerging talent, aiming to defend India’s regional supremacy in the Asia Cup.

India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.

In a dramatic turnaround at Old Trafford, India clawed their way back from the brink to secure a draw that felt every bit like a victory. Trailing by 311 runs at lunch on Day 4, India were staring down the barrel. But by stumps on Day 5, Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*) stood tall — unbeaten, unbothered, and unbowed — as India closed on 425/4.

Akash Deep, a little-known pacer from Bihar’s Sasaram, scripted a dream comeback story as India crushed England by 336 runs at Edgbaston to level the five-Test series 1-1 and break a 58-year jinx at the venue. With Jasprit Bumrah missing, the 28-year-old seized the moment, grabbing a match-haul of 10 wickets, including a career-best 6/99 in the second innings.

England, chasing a daunting 608, were bundled out for 271 on the final day. Shubman Gill, leading in place of Rohit Sharma, starred with the bat, scoring 269 and 161, but it was Akash’s lion-hearted spells that stole the show on a batting-friendly pitch.

Coming from a humble background—the son of a schoolteacher who once played tennis-ball cricket for pocket money—Akash’s rise has been meteoric. Discovered by Bengal selectors, he made his first-class debut in 2019. On Day 5, he dismissed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook early, before removing Jamie Smith with a slow bouncer to seal his maiden five-wicket haul. Fittingly, he took the final wicket too, triggering jubilant celebrations.

Siraj, with seven wickets and sharp catching, supported brilliantly. Spinners Jadeja and Sundar also contributed crucial breakthroughs, while England’s resistance crumbled under pressure. Only Jamie Smith (88) offered a fight.

The atmosphere at Edgbaston turned electric as Indian fans, who outnumbered local supporters after ticket prices were slashed, roared in delight. With Bumrah set to return for the Lord’s Test, Akash has likely sealed his place after a performance that announced his arrival on the world stage.

For Gill, it was a perfect captaincy debut. For Akash Deep, it was a cathartic release—each stride towards the crease powered by the image of his cancer-stricken sister, watching from afar.

South Africa scripted history at Lord’s on Sunday, ending a 27-year-long wait for an ICC title by defeating Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final. In a match filled with drama, grit, and unforgettable performances, the Proteas chased down a challenging 282-run target to seal a remarkable seven-wicket win on Day 4.