Ahead of Asia Cup 2025, Virender Sehwag named Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, and Varun Chakaravarthy as India’s key game-changers excluding popular picks like Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson. Sehwag praised Bumrah’s lethal pace and past World Cup heroics, Abhishek’s explosive strike rate of 193.84 with two centuries in 17 T20Is, and Varun’s mystery spin that rattled batters during India’s Champions Trophy win. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will face UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in Group A, starting September 10 in the UAE. Sehwag believes these three players can single-handedly turn matches, making them vital to India’s title hopes. (PC: News 18 & The Telegraph)

The Union Cabinet has cleared India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, choosing Ahmedabad as the host city. Officials highlighted the city’s strong infrastructure, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, which hosted the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The Games are expected to involve 72 nations, boost tourism, and create jobs. India last hosted the CWG in New Delhi in 2010. The move is also seen as a step toward India’s larger dream of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The Cabinet assured financial support to Gujarat if the bid is approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation. (PC: India Today)

Sanju Samson has made it clear he will not give up his opening slot ahead of the Asia Cup. With Shubman Gill returning as India’s T20I vice-captain, many expected Samson to move down the order. But the wicketkeeper-batter backed his case by smashing 223 runs in the Kerala Cricket League. After a failed attempt at No. 6, he returned as opener and hit 121 and 89 in two innings. Samson has scored three centuries in his last 10 T20I matches. His strong form is seen as a direct challenge to Gill and the selectors. (PC: X)

Seventeen-year-old Koyel Bar from Howrah, West Bengal, created history by lifting a total of 192 kg in the women’s 53 kg category, setting a new youth world record at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships . She achieved 85 kg in snatch and, though she narrowly missed a 109 kg clean and jerk, her 107 kg lift still secured the record . Inspired by her father’s gym visits and trained under coach Vijay Sharma, Koyel has surged from a 147 kg total to this stellar performance . Her feat eclipsed senior silver medallist Sneha Soren’s 185 kg. (PC: The Hindu)

The 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup will take place in Goa, India, from October 30 (or 31) to November 27, marking India’s return as host after a 23-year gap (last held in Hyderabad, 2002) . The knockout tournament features 206 top players competing for a $2 million prize fund and three spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament . India will be well-represented with 21 participants, including champions like D. Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and veteran Viswanathan Anand . Delays in procedural approvals shifted the originally intended venue from New Delhi to Goa just two months before the event.

Cheteshwar Pujara said he has no regrets about his cricket journey after announcing retirement from international cricket. In an interview, he shared that he took a week to think before making the big call. Pujara said he feels proud to have played 100 Test matches for India. He also mentioned that even though he was not picked in the team for the last 2 years, he is happy with what he achieved. Known as a Test specialist, Pujara built his career on patience and determination. He thanked fans for their support and said he will continue playing domestic cricket. (PC: India Today)

Returning from a year-long break, Mirabai Chanu staged a powerful comeback at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships—held in India—by winning gold in the newly configured 48 kg category. She lifted a total of 193 kg, smashing three Commonwealth records across snatch, clean & jerk, and total. Despite a handful of missed attempts, she dominated the field, reaffirming her elite status. This stellar performance not only boosted her morale but also positions her strongly for upcoming global events, including qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and a key lead-up to the World Championships. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian weightlifting ace Mirabai Chanu clinched the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Ahmedabad on August 25, 2025. She lifted a total of 193 kg—84 kg in the snatch and 109 kg in the clean and jerk—breaking Commonwealth Championship records in all three lifts: snatch, clean and jerk, and total . Returning after a year-long hiatus following the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Tokyo silver medallist ensured direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. (PC: PTI)

Dream11, the fantasy sports giant, has officially ended its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming and related advertising . BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the termination and stated the board will refrain from partnering with similar organizations in the future . With the Asia Cup beginning on September 9, BCCI is urgently seeking a new title sponsor—but may face the tournament without one . Meanwhile, industry voices joke that sponsoring Team India’s jersey is a true “brand survival test” amid such volatility. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its sponsorship deal with Dream11 following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating the board will no longer engage with such organizations. The bill, passed by both houses of Parliament, introduces stricter regulations on online gaming platforms, prompting Dream11 to part ways with Indian cricket. This marks a significant shift in BCCI’s commercial partnerships, as Dream11 had been a prominent sponsor across formats. The move reflects growing scrutiny of online gaming in India and its intersection with sports sponsorship. (PC: The Financial Express & The New Indian Express)