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Elections 2025Sports / The Times of India
India's perplexing team selection, particularly at the No. 3 position, has drawn criticism during the ongoing Test series against South Africa. Despite experimenting with different players, the management's choices have been questioned, leading to a confused batting order. On the field, India struggled significantly, facing a large first-innings deficit.
India's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games is set for formal approval at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. Ahmedabad has emerged as the preferred host city, marking a significant step in India's ambition to become a global sporting hub. This hosting opportunity paves the way for India's larger goal of bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Michael Vaughan playfully teased Wasim Jaffer on X after India's batting collapse against South Africa's left-arm pace. Marco Jansen's six-wicket haul left India trailing significantly. This exchange follows Jaffer's earlier jab at Vaughan after England's Ashes defeat, with both former players sharing humorous digs over their teams' recent struggles.
Cricketer Smriti Mandhana's wedding was postponed after her father was hospitalised with heart-attack-like symptoms. Music composer Palash Muchhal, deeply attached to Smriti's father, also fell ill due to emotional stress and required hospitalisation. Doctors suspect stress triggered the father's condition amidst hectic wedding preparations. The family remains hopeful for a swift recovery and a future wedding.
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel faced pressure after a poor outing at No. 4 against South Africa. He was dismissed for a duck after a hesitant pull shot against Keshav Maharaj. Former keeper Parthiv Patel criticized the shot selection and Jurel's inability to capitalize on opportunities at the crucial batting position.
Former RCB player Shreevats Goswami believes India's Test team lacks Virat Kohli's infectious energy and belief, especially after another batting collapse against South Africa. Goswami argued Kohli's Test retirement was premature, stating the format misses his passion and the confidence he instilled. This sentiment resonates as Team India faces a potential home series loss, a stark contrast to Kohli's dominant era.
Everton stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory, despite Idrissa Gueye's early red card for striking teammate Michael Keane. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's goal proved decisive as the 10-man Toffees displayed remarkable resilience. This historic win ended United's unbeaten streak and marked David Moyes' first triumph at the Theatre of Dreams.
Jhajjar's Rahul Pawariya is making waves in archery, securing a silver in the individual recurve and a team gold at the 2025 Asian Archery Championships. This marked a significant achievement, ending Korea's dominance and bringing India its first team gold since 2007. Supported by seasoned archers, Pawariya is poised for future success.
India's batting collapsed spectacularly against South Africa's Marco Jansen, who generated steep bounce and exploited the pitch's unevenness. Despite a promising start, the hosts were reduced to 122-7, with Jansen taking six wickets. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav offered some resistance, but South Africa holds a commanding lead, leaving India needing a miracle for a draw.
India faces a potential repeat of a 2000 home series loss to South Africa, struggling to cross 250 in their innings. Rishabh Pant's early dismissal, described as 'man-child carelessness,' significantly hampered India's fightback. The team also grapples with questionable management decisions regarding player positions, impacting their performance.
Rishabh Pant's aggressive approach backfired again in the second Test against South Africa, costing him his wicket for just 7 runs. Former selector Saba Karim criticized the captain's baffling decision-making, especially after tea when India desperately needed stability. Pant's impulsive shot put the team in a precarious position, highlighting a lack of patience and judgment.
Ravi Shastri has strongly criticized India's batting approach and selection strategy in the second Test against South Africa. He questioned the decision to promote Washington Sundar to number three in the previous Test and then drop him to number eight in the current match, highlighting a lack of clarity in the team's planning.
Anil Kumble slammed India's poor batting, citing a lack of application and patience against South Africa's bowlers, particularly Marco Jansen. Meanwhile, Dale Steyn lauded the Proteas' dominant performance, highlighting their strategic decisions and execution over three days. South Africa extended their lead significantly, aiming to secure a historic series win.
The All India Football Federation has adopted constitutional clauses preventing officials from holding dual national and state positions, as directed by the Supreme Court. This move, approved in a virtual meeting, resolves a long-standing issue and aligns the AIFF with FIFA and AFC statutes. The current administration's term remains unaffected until September 2026.
India's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey clash with Belgium was postponed due to heavy rain, initially halted after three minutes and then rescheduled for Tuesday, November 25th. The Indian team, returning after a six-year break, had previously secured a 1-0 win against Korea, with Mohammed Raheel scoring the decisive goal.
The National Rifle Association of India is seeking clarity from the Delhi government on holding its upcoming National Championships amid severe air pollution. The government had previously advised postponing outdoor sports events for students and institutions. The NRAI awaits a decision, considering alternative venues if necessary, and will adhere to official directives.
Tensions ran high on day three as Mohammed Siraj's frustration was evident, prompting a calm response from KL Rahul. In another moment, Siraj lightened the mood with a playful 'prank' on the spidercam, much to the crowd's amusement. These moments offered brief respites amidst India's struggle for a breakthrough, as South Africa ended Day 3 without loss.
Wei Yi drew his first FIDE World Cup final game against Javokhir Sindarov. Wei Yi played with black pieces and secured a draw. Andrey Esipenko won the third-place match against Nodirbek Yakubboev. Esipenko's victory puts him in a strong position for the Candidates tournament. The FIDE World Cup 2025 final continues.
An adjudicator has overturned the life ban on Salman Butt, coach to Pakistan's javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem. Senator Pervez Rashid deemed the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation's action unconstitutional, citing a lack of due process. Butt is now free to continue coaching Nadeem and represent Pakistan internationally.
Washington Sundar defended India's aggressive batting despite a batting collapse against Marco Jansen's pace. He stated the plans were sound, with execution falling short, and emphasized trusting the batters' proven skills. Sundar also clarified the pitch was good, with Jansen's height aiding his bounce. Despite a significant deficit, he remains optimistic about India's chances.
Smriti Mandhana's wedding to Palash Muchhal has been indefinitely postponed due to her father's sudden hospitalisation. Palak Muchhal confirmed the sensitive situation, requesting privacy. Both Smriti's father and fianc were hospitalised, though Palash has since been discharged. The family is focused on Mr Mandhana's recovery, with his condition stable but requiring observation.
I, like many others, took an instant liking to Dharmendra ji, the actor, who entertained us with his versatility. That on-screen bond became stronger off-screen when I met him. His energy was incredibly infectious, and he would always tell me, Tumko dekhkar ek kilo khoon badh jaata hai mera. He had an effortless warmth, making everyone around him feel valued and special, Tendulkar wrote on X.
Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved a significant personal milestone with his gritty fifty on a day that saw India's batting collapse in unbelievable fashion. Despite the collapse against South Africa's Marco Jansen and co., Jaiswal's composed 58 highlighted his rapid rise and elite company. SA have opted to bat again instead of enforcing the follow-on for India.
India secured the Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025. They defeated Chinese Taipei in the final. This marks India's second consecutive title. The team showed discipline and aggression throughout the tournament. Five players from Himachal Pradesh played key roles. Captain Ritu Negi and vice-captain Pushpa Rana led the squad. India's victory reinforces its dominance in women's kabaddi.
Ravichandran Ashwin humorously suggested it would be easy to 'Mankad' South Africa's Marco Jansen, while praising his talent. Jansen's impressive performance with both bat and ball in the ongoing Test match has put South Africa in a strong position to win the series. South Africa are closing on a first series win in India since Hansie Cronje's team triumphed in 2000.
Former Pakistani cricket captain Rashid Latif mourned the passing of legendary Indian actor Dharmendra, calling him a hero whose film 'Sholay' is an all-time classic. Dharmendra, 89, who passed away on Monday after a brief hospitalization, leaves a remarkable legacy and was immensely popular in Pakistan. His six-decade career saw him excel in various genres, cementing his stardom.
'I'm the happiest that way': Washington Sundar reacts to his Team India role after Day 3 in Guwahati
Indian cricket stars, including Virat Kohli, Deepti Sharma, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Kedar Jadhav, and Shikhar Dhawan, have paid heartfelt tributes to legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away at 89. IPL teams also joined in mourning the iconic actor, remembering his charm, talent, and enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
Mohammed Siraj's lighthearted moment with the Spidercam offered a brief respite for Indian fans amidst a tough day 3 in Guwahati. South Africa dominated, with Marco Jansen's exceptional all-round performance, including 6/48, crippling India's first innings and bundling them out for 201. The Proteas did not enforce the follow-on and opted to bat again.
Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra has passed away at 89 in Mumbai. The acclaimed star, known for his iconic roles, was also a cricket enthusiast. He once met cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on a flight. Dharmendra's family, including wife Hema Malini and children Sunny, Bobby, and Esha Deol, are prominent in the film industry. Many personalities are mourning his loss.
India's batting collapsed spectacularly on day three in Guwahati, succumbing to poor decisions and shot selection against South Africa. Despite a pitch described as a 'road', India was bowled out for 201, with Marco Jansen claiming six wickets. South Africa, leading by 314 runs, is poised for a series victory, leaving India hoping for a miracle.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has removed all wedding-related posts from her Instagram. This comes as her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, was hospitalised. The wedding ceremony, scheduled for November 23, has been indefinitely postponed. Her manager confirmed the postponement due to Mr Mandhana's health. The couple and families request privacy during this time.
India collapsed to 201 all out on day three of the second Test, conceding a 288-run first-innings lead to South Africa. Despite a good start, the hosts lost wickets rapidly, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar offering significant resistance. A late eighth-wicket partnership between Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav provided brief respite.
Marco Jansen achieved a historic all-round performance in Guwahati, becoming the first South African to score a half-century and take a six-wicket haul in the same Test on Indian soil. His stellar display, including a fluent 93 and figures of 6/48, propelled South Africa into a commanding position, leaving India with a significant deficit.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has postponed her wedding due to her father's health emergency, highlighting a trend of delayed marriages among athletes. Several cricketers, including Rinku Singh, Rajat Patidar, and Kuldeep Yadav, have also faced postponements due to professional commitments and unexpected events, showcasing the challenges of balancing personal milestones with demanding sporting careers.
Bollywood legend Dharmendra is being remembered for his love of Indian sports. An old post dedicated to fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has resurfaced. Dharmendra praised Siraj's courage after his father's death. Siraj played for India and returned to his father's grave. This act deeply moved the veteran actor. The post highlights Dharmendra's humanity.
South Africa opted against enforcing the follow-on, leading by a substantial 288 runs. India, bowled out for 201, saw a late fightback from Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler for the Proteas with six wickets, while Simon Harmer chipped in with three.
India fans in Guwahati are behind the hosts, expect a fightback on Day 3
Are selectors confused? First Ravindra Jadeja now Axar Patel | Musical chairs!
Prithvi Shaw will captain Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad. Shaw has been in excellent form for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 470 runs. This captaincy comes at a crucial time for Shaw, who went unsold in the IPL last year.
Karun Nair's cryptic social media update caused quite a stir among fans during India's tumultuous batting display against South Africa. With his impressive domestic performance fresh in everyone's minds and Ashwin joining the dialogue, debates about Nair's absence grew louder.
KL Rahul will captain India in the ODI series against South Africa, with Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad returning. Irfan Pathan believes Tilak Varma, who impressed in the Asia Cup final, deserves a chance at No. 4 in the middle order and could be very effective in ODIs.
Team India faces a potential follow-on at home for the first time in 15 years, trailing South Africa by 348 runs at 141/7 on day three. A collapse to under 290 would see them bat again, a rare humiliation last inflicted by the Proteas in 2010.
The two-day Ashes Test in Perth reignited the long-running debate on pitch standards after 32 wickets fell in 141 overs. Indian players and experts questioned the double standards in global criticism of turning tracks. But unlike the underprepared Eden Gardens surface, the Perth pitch improved with time, offered consistent bounce, and allowed Travis Heads match-defining century, showing that the collapses were due to skillful bowling rather than an unplayable wicket.
Aiden Markram's spectacular one-handed catch at second slip electrified the stadium in Guwahati, stealing the show as India's batting collapsed against South Africa. Nitish Kumar Reddy was the victim of the stunning grab, leaving India in deep trouble at 119/6. Marco Jansen's impressive bowling further pushed India towards a potential follow-on.
Sunil Gavaskar has sharply criticized the global double standards in pitch debates, highlighting the lack of scrutiny on the Perth Ashes Test's two-day finish compared to criticism of the Eden Gardens pitch.
Australia's Test cricket team is exploring a tactical shift, potentially using different openers based on pitch conditions and match situations. This move, inspired by limited-overs strategies and Travis Head's recent century, signals a departure from fixed opening pairs. Captain Pat Cummins also supports flexible batting orders, prioritizing adaptability over traditional roles.
Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha has etched his name in cricketing history, surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni by making the most international appearances in a single calendar year. His 54th match this year, a T20I against Zimbabwe, saw him achieve this remarkable feat, highlighting a demanding schedule across all formats.
Pakistan A clinched the Asia Cup Rising Stars trophy for a record third time, overcoming Bangladesh A in a thrilling Super Over. Despite a shaky start, Pakistan posted 125, with Saad Masood's aggressive 38 proving crucial. Bangladesh fought back but fell short in the Super Over, with Pakistan's bowlers holding their nerve.

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