Sports

New Chandigarh: India suffered a 51-run defeat against South Africa in the second T20 of the series, with the visitors posting 213 runs while India could manage only 162 all out. The loss has once again put India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir under scrutiny, not just for strategy but also for his unconventional approach on the sidelines. Football-Style Coaching on the Cricket FieldDuring the match at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Gambhir was seen giving instructions to the captain and players from the dugout in a football-style manner. Using continuous hand signals, he directed the team much like a football manager does from the sidelines. While cricket decisions are traditionally made on the field by the captain, Gambhir’s style drew attention for being unusual...

Dubai: The U19 Asia Cup 2025 kicks off today, with India taking on the UAE in the tournament’s opening match. This One-Day format competition features eight teams: India, UAE, Pakistan, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Serving as key preparation for the upcoming U19 World Cup, the tournament also offers teams valuable match practice. Bangladesh enters the tournament as the two-time defending champions. Match Schedule and VenueThe India vs UAE clash will be played at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. The toss is scheduled for 9:30 AM IST, with the match starting at 10:30 AM IST on 12 December (Friday). Where to Watch in IndiaCricket fans in India can watch the match live on Sony Sports Network. Additionally, Sony Liv App and website will provide live streaming f...

New Chandigarh: India endured a crushing 51-run defeat against South Africa in the second T20 International of the series, marking the largest margin of defeat at home in T20 Internationals. Chasing a target of 214 runs set by South Africa, India could manage only 162 all out, falling short on the first ball of the final over. Record Loss at HomeThis was India’s 96th T20 International at home, and in the previous 95 matches, the team had never lost by 50 or more runs. South Africa had previously inflicted India’s biggest home T20 defeat in 2022 at Indore, winning by 49 runs. Overall, India has now lost by 50+ runs only twice in T20 Internationals, the other being an 80-run loss to New Zealand in Wellington in 2019. Other significant home defeats include: 49 runs vs South Africa, Ind...

Mullaanpur: India suffered a 51-run defeat against South Africa in the second T20 International, leveling the five-match series 1-1. While the bowlers struggled to contain the opposition, a questionable batting order decision by the team management, attributed to Gautam Gambhir, also contributed to the loss. The Batting MishapChasing a target of 214, India lost Shubman Gill in the first over, after which the team made a surprising move by sending Axar Patel to bat at number three. The left-handed batter appeared completely unsettled by South Africa’s swing bowling, scoring just 21 runs off 21 balls. It seemed unclear how Axar was expected to handle the high-pressure situation at that position. Questionable Changes in the Batting OrderInstead of Axar, Tilak Varma, who had previously e...

New Delhi: After India’s defeat against South Africa in the second T20 International, team captain Suryakumar Yadav described the loss as part of a learning process and expressed disappointment over key batsmen not taking responsibility. Speaking after the match, Yadav said, “Yes, this is a learning process. We just need to learn and move forward. There was some dew, and if our first plan didn’t work, we should have had a second plan, but we didn’t follow through.” He added that the team observed South Africa’s bowling in the second innings and will use these insights to perform better in the next game. Top-Order Batsmen Need to Shoulder ResponsibilityYadav admitted that the top-order batsmen should not have relied entirely on Abhishek Sharma. He said, “I feel that Shubman Gill and I...

Excitement is building as the U19 Asia Cup 2025 kicks off in the UAE from 12 December, with the final scheduled for 21 December. As always, the India–Pakistan rivalry is at the centre of attention, and fans are eagerly waiting to see when the two young teams will lock horns. Here’s India’s complete schedule and key tournament details. When Will India Face Pakistan? The high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter will take place on: Date: 14 December 2025 (Sunday) Venue: ICC Academy Ground, Dubai Start Time: 10:30 AM (IST) In the senior Asia Cup earlier this year, India dominated Pakistan with three wins, including the final. However, Pakistan defeated India in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. The U19 clash is expected to be equally thrilling.Ayush Mhatre will lead India in the t...

The countdown has begun for one of the most thrilling events in franchise cricket — the IPL 2026 Mini Auction. The BCCI has officially confirmed the date and venue, and fans across the world are gearing up to witness intense bidding wars, surprise picks, and major tactical moves as teams reshape their squads ahead of the 2026 season. Here is everything you need to know about the auction’s schedule, telecast, live streaming and key details. IPL 2026 Mini Auction — Date, Venue & Timings EventDetailsAuction DateTuesday, 16 December 2025VenueEtihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)Start Time (IST)2:30 PMStart Time (Local - UAE)1:00 PM The Etihad Arena, one of the UAE’s premier indoor venues, will host the high-voltage event where all 10 IPL franchises will bid to strengthen their line-ups...

Year 2025 will be remembered as a defining year in world cricket — a year that marked the end of an era. Several giants of the game across all three formats bid farewell to international cricket, leaving fans emotional and teams worldwide entering a phase of transition. While some icons retired from all formats, others chose to step away only from select formats. From India’s biggest names Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Australia’s fiery pacer Mitchell Starc, the year saw many greats call time on their illustrious careers. Retirements From All Formats A number of renowned cricketers announced retirement from Tests, ODIs, and T20Is altogether. The list features India’s modern-day wall, Cheteshwar Pujara, and West Indies’ explosive batter Nicholas Pooran, alongside several other veter...

Old social-media posts of Team India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir have once again triggered discussion online. These posts from 2019 and 2020 show Gambhir’s strong endorsement of Sanju Samson, whom he had then termed India’s best wicketkeeper-batter and a leading contender for the No. 4 spot in the World Cup lineup. Now, as Gambhir takes charge as head coach and Samson continues to battle for a consistent place in the playing XI, these remarks are going viral across platforms. Gambhir’s Old Posts Show Unwavering Support for Sanju Gambhir had repeatedly backed Samson’s talent and potential. Some of his old posts include: 22 September 2020:“Strange that Sanju Samson doesn’t find a place in India’s playing XI. Everyone else is ready to take him with open arms.” 22 September...

New Delhi: Following Shubman Gill being handed the captaincy in both Test and ODI formats, the BCCI is reportedly planning to revise his contract category—potentially affecting the earnings of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as captain in Test cricket after Rohit’s sudden retirement mid-IPL 2025 and also assumed ODI leadership ahead of the Australia tour. Now, according to reports, the young star could surpass Rohit and Kohli financially as the BCCI prepares to upgrade his contract grade. Contract Revision on the Agenda The BCCI Apex Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for 22nd December, where the revision of player contracts, including women cricketers, is on the agenda. The report claims that Rohit and Kohli could see their a...