Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a crucial half-century as India secured their third Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a tense final on Sunday.

After losing his 12th consecutive toss, Rohit’s men bowled first, restricting New Zealand to 251/7 in 50 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) played pivotal roles with the ball, ensuring the Kiwis never ran away with the game. Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101), Michael Bracewell (53* off 40), and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) were New Zealand’s key contributors.

Chasing 252, India got off to a steady start, with Rohit anchoring the innings with a fluent 76 off 83 balls. Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) provided valuable support, keeping India on track. However, a couple of quick wickets at 183/3 created some tension. Hardik Pandya’s brisk 18-run cameo and KL Rahul’s composed 34* off 33 balls ensured India crossed the finish line with six balls to spare.

This triumph capped an unbeaten campaign for India, showcasing their dominance throughout the tournament. With this win, India became the only team to lift the Champions Trophy three times, having previously won in 2002 and 2013.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 251/7 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*, Rachin Ravindra 37; Kuldeep Yadav 2/40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/45).
India: 254/6 in 49 overs (Rohit Sharma 76, Shreyas Iyer 48; Mitchell Santner 2/46, Michael Bracewell 2/28).

Virat Kohli’s masterful 84-run knock guided India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia, securing their spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 265, India reached the mark in 48.1 overs, showcasing a composed batting performance under pressure.

Kohli anchored the innings with his brilliant stroke play, while Shreyas Iyer (45) and KL Rahul (42*), along with a quick 28 from Hardik Pandya, ensured India crossed the finish line. Captain Rohit Sharma provided a brisk start before falling early, but the middle order stepped up to keep the chase on track.

Earlier, India’s bowlers put up a disciplined show after being asked to bowl first. Mohammed Shami led the attack with figures of 3/48, while mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each. Australia struggled to build big partnerships, with Steve Smith’s fighting 73 off 96 balls standing out. Despite a few cameos from the lower order, the Aussies were bowled out for 264.

India’s victory marks yet another dominant performance in the tournament, with their bowlers setting the stage before the batters sealed the deal. They now await the winner of the South Africa vs New Zealand semifinal for a high-stakes final showdown.

With Kohli in sublime touch, Rahul holding the innings together, and the bowling unit delivering under pressure, India looks well-prepared to reclaim the Champions Trophy. The final promises an exciting contest as Rohit Sharma’s men eye another ICC title on the big stage.

A well-known gym chain with a reputation for providing high-quality, multi-amenity services, Crunch Fitness has signed a master franchise agreement to expand in India. In the upcoming years, this growth will bring at least 75 Crunch Fitness outlets nationwide. Although Crunch+, the company's online fitness program, has long been accessible to Indian users, this will be their first physical location in South Asia. The first gym is expected to start in Delhi.

Dr. Umesh Kansal, M.D., a business leader with experience in fitness, financial services, and the international garment industry, and Nikhil Kakkar, a former COO of Gold's Gym India, are spearheading the brand's Indian development.

"This is an exciting time of expansion for Crunch, and with the Indian fitness market rapidly growing, we saw this as a natural next step in our international rollout," said John Kersh, Managing Director of International Development for Crunch Fitness. Crunch Fitness had a historic year that included celebrating its 35th anniversary, launching Crunch 3.0, a revamped gym concept, surpassing three million members, and growing its global franchise network to 500 sites. Along with Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, and Spain, India is now a part of the global Crunch market.

"The Indian fitness industry is evolving rapidly, with more people prioritizing health and wellness than ever before," said Nikhil Kakkar. "Crunch Fitness is known for its inclusive and high-energy approach to fitness, and we are excited to introduce this game-changing brand to the Indian market." Dr. Umesh Kansal added, "Crunch’s unique blend of world-class amenities, innovative group classes, and an engaging community experience will set a new standard for gyms in India. We look forward to building a strong network of Crunch locations and making high-quality fitness accessible to more people."

Jim Rowley, the CEO of Crunch Fitness, stated, "We are excited to introduce the Crunch experience to India, which will be a major milestone in our global expansion. With our special combination of top-notch facilities, cutting-edge programs, and welcoming community, we are thrilled to open our first physical site in India, a thriving and dynamic market with a growing interest in fitness. Our dedication to making fitness interesting, approachable, and enjoyable for everyone, wherever they may be in the world, is reflected in this expansion.”

Crunch Fitness President Chequan Lewis underlined the significance of this calculated action, saying, "Journeying into India is a daring step in our global franchising endeavors. India has a high demand for high-quality fitness solutions and is one of the fastest-growing fitness markets. We are thrilled to share our 'No Judgments' concept with the nation's fitness aficionados.

Crunch Fitness intends to keep growing internationally until 2025, focusing on areas with robust economies and franchising prospects. Due to the company's efforts, Entrepreneur's annual Franchise 500® list—the most renowned franchise ranking in the industry—ranked it #32 overall and #1 in the fitness area for the second year in a row.

To learn more about Crunch Fitness' international presence, please visit: www.crunch.com/franchise/international.

About Crunch:

Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals, exercising all different ways, working it out at the same place together. Today, we are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for our wildly diverse members. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves three million members with over 500 gyms worldwide in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe.

Team India unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the three-match ODI series against England. The announcement was made by skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a press conference.

A major highlight was Shubman Gill's appointment as vice-captain, reflecting his growing stature in the team. Jasprit Bumrah, included in the squad, is under close monitoring, with Agarkar stating that more clarity on his fitness will emerge by February.

Sanju Samson was omitted, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant chosen as the squad’s wicketkeepers. Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion also raised eyebrows, with the selectors opting for a balanced mix of experience and youth.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was absent from the announcement but had contributed to discussions with Rohit and the selection panel earlier.

The squad includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, aiming to reclaim the Champions Trophy. Alongside Rohit and Gill, the batting lineup features Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel provide depth, while Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar strengthen the spin department. The pace attack comprises Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh.

Mohammed Shami has made a much-anticipated return to the Indian cricket team for the five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22. The seasoned pacer, who last played in the ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19, adds depth to India’s bowling attack.

However, the squad announcement by the BCCI featured some notable surprises. Rishabh Pant, a regular in the shorter format, has been left out, with no official explanation provided. Instead, the wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson. Another notable omission is all-rounder Shivam Dube, despite his consistent performances. Rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed in domestic cricket, has been included in the squad.

In addition to Shami, the pace attack will feature Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. The spin department includes Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Washington Sundar, offering a mix of experience and youth.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the squad, with Axar Patel serving as his deputy. The batting line-up boasts a mix of power and finesse, with names like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and the in-form Rinku Singh.

The series will be a test of India's depth and new combinations, as the team aims to fine-tune its strategy ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.

India's Squad for the T20I Series Against England:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Sanju Samson (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar.

Australia ended India's decade-long dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a six-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, sealing the series 3-1. Chasing a modest target of 162, Travis Head (34*) and Beau Webster (39*) guided the hosts to a comfortable win on Day 3.

India's batting woes persisted as they resumed at 141/6 in their second innings but collapsed for 157, losing their last four wickets for just 16 runs. Scott Boland shone with a six-wicket haul, supported by Pat Cummins, as Australia dominated with the ball.

This defeat caps a series of disappointments for India under head coach Gautam Gambhir. After losing the ODI series to Sri Lanka, a historic 0-3 Test whitewash at home, and now the BGT, India's cricketing fortunes have taken a sharp downturn.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was the standout performer for India, scoring 391 runs at an average of 43.44, showing composure and skill. KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy had flashes of brilliance, while Rishabh Pant lit up moments in the series. However, frequent unforced errors from the batting unit proved costly.

The struggles of India's senior players were glaring. Rohit Sharma averaged just 6.20 in five innings, while Virat Kohli's recurring flaw—edging behind—led to his dismissal in eight of nine innings. Tactical missteps compounded India’s woes. Poor team selections, like opting for two spinners on a green SCG pitch, left them vulnerable.

Australia’s disciplined approach, particularly their potent bowling attack, highlighted India's inconsistency. Though not at their peak, Australia capitalized on India’s errors to reclaim the trophy after eight years and secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.

For India, it’s a moment for introspection as they face hard questions about form, leadership, and strategy.

Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah reached a remarkable milestone in his career, claiming his 200th Test wicket on Day 4 of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bumrah dismissed Travis Head to achieve this historic feat, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. His exceptional performance in the series saw him leading the wicket charts, and with this milestone, he surpassed legends like Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, and Curtly Ambrose in terms of bowling averages.

Bumrah’s career average of 19.5 in Test cricket is now the best among all bowlers with 200 or more wickets, edging out the likes of Marshall (20.9), Garner (21.0), and Ambrose (21.0). Notably, he is the first bowler in the history of Test cricket to achieve 200 wickets while maintaining an average below 20.

Adding to the milestone, Bumrah quickly claimed his 201st and 202nd Test wickets, further showcasing his dominance on the field. His relentless accuracy, searing pace, and ability to adapt to any condition have made him a formidable force in world cricket. Bumrah's achievement cements his legacy as a modern great and a game-changer for Indian cricket. 

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. Gukesh triumphed over China's reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Securing victory in the 14th game of the match, Gukesh achieved 7.5 points to Ding's 6.5, claiming the title and a significant share of the $2.5 million prize purse.

The final game was a tense battle of wits, lasting 58 moves over four hours. Initially appearing destined for a draw, Gukesh's strategic precision ultimately secured him the decisive win. As the match concluded, the typically stoic teenager celebrated with a rare, wide grin and raised arms, marking a momentous occasion in his budding career.

Gukesh's victory breaks a longstanding record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest World Chess Champion at 22 in 1985 by defeating Anatoly Karpov. Gukesh also becomes the second Indian to hold the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand, who last won the title in 2013.

Gukesh entered the championship as the youngest challenger in history, having secured his spot by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier this year. Throughout the match, Gukesh showcased exceptional skill, winning the third and 11th games before clinching the title in the final round. Ding Liren, 32, had previously taken the first and 12th games, setting up a high-stakes finale.

Had the final game ended in a draw, the championship would have been decided through rapid tiebreak matches. However, Gukesh's clinical performance left no need for such measures, solidifying his place in chess history as the 18th World Chess Champion.

Australia delivered a resounding 10-wicket victory over India in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, leveling the five-match series 1-1 with a clinical performance in all departments. Chasing a paltry target of 19, openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney comfortably sealed the win on day three of the pink-ball Test.

India, resuming on 128-5, crumbled under the relentless pace of Australia’s attack, folding for 175. Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Rishabh Pant for a duck in the opening over. Pat Cummins then accounted for Ravichandran Ashwin (7) and Harshit Rana (0), while Nitish Kumar Reddy offered resistance with a gritty 42 before falling to Scott Boland.

Boland wrapped up the tail, dismissing Mohammed Siraj (7), as Australia’s pace trio wreaked havoc. Cummins finished with 5-57, Boland claimed 3-51, and Starc’s eight wickets across the match included a first-innings 6-48, his career best.

The defeat reignited painful memories for India, who suffered a similar three-day collapse in Adelaide in 2020 when they were skittled for a historic low of 36.

India’s troubles began on the first ball of the match, with Starc trapping opener Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw. Bowled out for 180 in the first innings, India lacked discipline with the pink ball as Travis Head’s explosive 140 and Marnus Labuschagne’s 64 powered Australia to 337 and a commanding 157-run lead.

Australia’s bowlers capitalized on the twilight conditions, dismantling India’s top order on day two and leaving the visitors with an insurmountable deficit.

The hosts now boast an impeccable 8-0 record in day-night Tests at Adelaide, while India’s struggles under lights persist. The series moves to Brisbane for the third Test, where both teams will aim to seize the upper hand.

India tightened their grip on the first Test against Australia in Perth, ending Day 3 on a high with a commanding all-round performance. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling charge, leaving Australia tottering at 12/3 in their pursuit of an improbable 534-run target.

Bumrah was at his fiery best, dismissing Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, while Siraj cleaned up Pat Cummins with a sharp delivery. Usman Khawaja (3*) managed to survive the testing final session but faces a daunting challenge as Australia still require 522 runs to win.

Earlier in the day, India piled on the runs with a declaration at 487/6, thanks to stellar contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Jaiswal continued to impress with a magnificent 161, displaying remarkable composure and shot selection. Kohli, meanwhile, rolled back the years, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 143 balls—his 30th Test century and first in 16 months. The milestone also saw Kohli surpassing the legendary Sir Donald Bradman on the all-time list of Test centuries.

Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in patience and timing, anchoring India’s innings as they built an insurmountable lead. Supported by aggressive cameos from Shreyas Iyer (42) and Ravindra Jadeja (37*), India’s declaration put the pressure squarely on the Australian batters.

Australia’s response got off to a disastrous start. Bumrah’s lethal spells underlined why he is one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, while Siraj provided the perfect foil with his consistent accuracy. With three wickets down and an uphill task ahead, Australia faces an almost insurmountable challenge going into Day 4.

India, buoyed by their dominant performance, will look to wrap up the game and take an early lead in the series.