Recent Match Highlights

The Indian cricket team's T20 series against South Africa saw an unfortunate turn of events yesterday, December 17th. The highly anticipated fourth T20 International in Lucknow was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to excessive fog and poor visibility. This unexpected washout means India retains their 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the decider set to take place in Ahmedabad on December 19th. This abandonment has also sparked discussions about the BCCI's scheduling choices for matches in North Indian cities during the winter months.

In a previous encounter, India secured a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the third T20I held in Dharamsala, showcasing a strong performance from the Men in Blue.

Upcoming Fixtures

  • India vs. South Africa 5th T20I: The series concludes on December 19th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
  • ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2025: The Indian U19 team is participating in this tournament, with recent fixtures including a Round 3 match on December 15th.
  • Sri Lanka Women Tour of India T20I Series 2025: The Indian women's team is set to host Sri Lanka for a T20I series starting December 21st.

Other Indian Sports News

In the realm of football, Indian men's team defender Sandesh Jhingan has voiced strong criticism regarding the allocation of funds. Jhingan questioned the decision to spend significant amounts on Lionel Messi's 'GOAT India Tour' while expressing concern over the lack of investment in Indian football, which he believes is currently at a standstill. The Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League have yet to commence, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the domestic season. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been handed a one-season ban from AFC competitions and fined USD 100,729 for withdrawing from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two.

In hockey, former Indian international and coach Mohammed Riaz expressed optimism about the sport's trajectory in India, citing recent back-to-back Olympic medals as a sign of progress. He emphasized the need for a long-term strategy to improve medal colors in future games and focus on consistent performance in major tournaments like the World Cup, Asian Games, and Olympics. Sadly, the Indian hockey fraternity mourns the passing of Dorai Swamy, a reputed coach from Hyderabad who mentored several former internationals.

In kabaddi, a significant development occurred with the suspect in the murder of kabaddi promoter Digvijay Singh, Harpinder Singh alias Middhi, being shot dead by police in an encounter near Chandigarh. Two police personnel were injured during the exchange of fire. The mastermind of the murder, Aishdeep Singh, was apprehended at Delhi airport while attempting to flee the country.