Chennai Super Kings has traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026. Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan cited the need for a top-order Indian batsman and the team's transition as reasons for this challenging decision. Samson's experience and age were key factors in the move.
South Africa will not pursue the stump-mic incident from the first Test, with batting coach Ashwell Prince dismissing it as a non-issue. The remark, overheard during an appeal involving Temba Bavuma, sparked online debate. Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling, taking 5/27, dominated the day, reducing South Africa to 159 all out. India ended at 37/1, setting up a compelling second day.
South Africa faces uncertainty over Kagiso Rabada's availability for the second Test due to a rib injury. The pace spearhead was sidelined from the series opener after experiencing discomfort during training and undergoing medical assessments. His return for the next match in Guwahati remains under evaluation by the medical team, with Corbin Bosch drafted into the XI as a replacement.
Afghanistan's Allah Ghazanfar hailed Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as superstars, admiring their character and on-field prowess. He credited the IPL for learning from Rohit's planning and execution. Ghazanfar also expressed excitement about bowling with fellow Afghan star Rashid Khan, anticipating invaluable guidance. He is set to play in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025.
Punjab Kings have initiated their pre-auction preparations by releasing four players, including overseas all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and domestic talents Kuldeep Sen and Vishnu Vinod. This strategic move aims to rebalance the squad and free up overseas slots ahead of the upcoming IPL auction in Abu Dhabi. They reached the final last season before falling to RCB.
Indian Grandmasters P Harikrishna and Arjun Erigaisi secured draws in their fifth-round FIDE World Cup matches against tough opponents. Harikrishna expertly navigated an endgame despite being a pawn down, while Erigaisi's pressure on Levon Aronian ultimately led to a peaceful resolution. Many players opted for caution, leading to several draws as the tournament narrows down.
Jasprit Bumrah, after a stellar 5-wicket haul, firmly shut down workload discussions, stating his focus is on giving his best and managing his body. He emphasized patience and discipline on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch, where he was the standout performer. Bumrah's commitment to contributing across formats remains unwavering despite a demanding schedule.