Sports

Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has opened up about one of the most emotional and challenging phases of her life — her divorce from Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. Speaking candidly on the first episode of her new YouTube talk show, “Serving It Up with Sania,” the 37-year-old revealed how she suffered panic attacks during that time and how filmmaker Farah Khan stood by her as a pillar of strength. “I Was Shaking, But Farah Held Me Together” Sania recalled the dark days following her separation, saying, “It was one of the lowest points of my life. I don’t usually say these things on camera, but there was a moment when I was completely broken. Farah came to my set that day, and I had a live show right after. I was shaking… I wouldn’t have been able to go through with it if ...

As the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaches on November 15, all ten franchises are finalizing their lists of retained and released players. While several names are expected to be let go due to poor performances in the previous season, a few underperformers are surprisingly set to be retained — thanks to their reputation, potential, and strategic importance to their teams. Here are five players who had an ordinary IPL 2025 season but are unlikely to be released: 1. Liam Livingstone (Punjab Kings) One of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, Liam Livingstone had a forgettable IPL 2025. In 8 innings, he managed only 112 runs, and had to leave before the final due to national duty. Despite his dip in form, the Punjab Kings — who went on to win the title — value his match-wi...

Dunedin (New Zealand): After three thrilling encounters and one rain-hit game, New Zealand sealed the five-match T20 series 3–1 with a commanding win over the West Indies in the final match at the University Oval. The hosts chased down a modest target of 141 runs in just 15.4 overs, winning by eight wickets with 26 balls to spare. West Indies Collapse Early West Indies began with fireworks as skipper Shai Hope smashed a six off the first ball, but their joy was short-lived. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson drew first blood in the second over, dismissing Alick Athanaze, before Jacob Duffy delivered a game-changing over that shattered the visitors’ batting order. In that over, Duffy removed Hope, Akeem Auguste, and Sherfane Rutherford, reducing the Windies to 21 for 4 within the powerplay....

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to make his much-awaited return to competitive cricket later this month. The Baroda captain will represent his home state in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, marking his comeback ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa. Pandya, who has been undergoing intense rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, is said to be nearing full match fitness. If all goes as planned, he is expected to feature in Baroda’s opening match in Hyderabad on November 26. In the worst-case scenario, Pandya will be back in action by the team’s second game. Sources confirmed that Hardik will not take any additional rest and will join his team immediately after receiving the official ‘Return to Play’ (RTP) clearance from the BCCI. The 3...

Dhaka: In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mustafizur Rahim played a record-breaking innings against Zimbabwe, facing 411 balls—the highest ever faced by a Bangladeshi batsman in a single Test innings. No other Bangladeshi cricketer has surpassed this milestone. Bangladesh Clinches Victory by 218 Runs Mustafizur Rahim remained not out on 218, guiding Bangladesh to a commanding first-innings total of 522 for 7 declared. His innings was complemented by Moinul Haque’s 161, giving Bangladesh a massive advantage. Zimbabwe responded with 304 all out, despite Brendon Taylor’s 110, and in the second innings, Bangladesh declared at 224 for 6, setting Zimbabwe a daunting target of 443 runs. The visitors crumbled for 224, handing Bangladesh a c...

Kolkata: The South African cricket team has arrived in India for a highly anticipated series against Team India, featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20 matches. The series is set to begin on 14th November 2025. After a challenging ODI series in Australia but a victorious T20 campaign, Team India enters this series with confidence. The Tests are crucial for the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, and South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, is eager to adapt to Indian conditions, even sending a South Africa-A side for practice matches. Test Series Schedule The 2-match Test series will kick off on 14th November at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The second Test will take place from 22nd November at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, marking the venue’s first-ever Test match. Both matches ...

New Delhi: India’s cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will now represent the national team only in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Both players have retired from Test and T20 formats, with their T20 retirement following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, and Test retirement announced during the 2025 IPL season. However, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has issued a clear directive to the duo: to continue playing for India, they must participate in domestic cricket. BCCI’s Message to Rohit and Virat A BCCI official told the Indian Express, “The Board and team management have explicitly communicated to both Rohit and Virat that if they want to continue representing India, they need to play domestic cricket. Since they have retired from two formats, particip...

H I New Delhi: The India vs South Africa Test series is set to begin on 14 November 2025, with the first match scheduled at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The second Test, to be played at Barasapara Stadium in Guwahati, will start on 22 November with revised timings due to early sunrise and sunset in India’s northeastern region. Traditionally, Test matches in India commence at 9:30 am, with a two-hour first session, followed by a 40-minute lunch break, a second session of two hours, a 20-minute tea break, and then the final session. However, the Guwahati Test will follow a modified schedule to accommodate shorter daylight hours. Revised Match Schedule Toss: 8:30 am Match Start: 9:00 am Tea Break: 11:00 am (20 minutes) Lunch Break: 1:20 pm (40 minutes) Second Session...

New Delhi: On this day, 8th November, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid created a monumental partnership that still ranks among the top three highest partnerships in ODI cricket history. Known as the “God of Cricket,” Tendulkar played international cricket for nearly 24 years, setting records that continue to challenge batsmen even a decade after his retirement. A Record-Breaking Second-Wicket Stand On 8th November 1999, India faced New Zealand in the second ODI of the series at Hyderabad. After Sourav Ganguly was dismissed cheaply for 4 runs, Tendulkar and Dravid stitched an incredible 331-run partnership for the second wicket, achieved in just 278 balls. At the time, this was the highest partnership in ODI cricket history for any wicket globally. Tendulkar’s Explosive Innings ...

Bengaluru: Team India management is facing fresh concerns as Rishabh Pant, India-A captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, was forced to retire hurt during the second unofficial Test against South Africa-A in Bengaluru. On the third day of the match, Pant sustained three separate injuries from three different deliveries while batting, prompting him to leave the field in pain. Pant had recently returned to the cricket pitch after recovering from a fractured leg sustained during the England Test series. He is part of India’s squad for the upcoming senior Test series against South Africa starting 14th November. His unexpected retirement, however, has raised concern for captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, currently in Australia. Three Hits in Quick Succession In the second i...