India’s Neeraj Chopra secured second place at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial 2025 in Chorzw, Poland, with a best throw of 84.14m. Despite challenging weather, the Olympic champion delivered his top effort in the final round, extending his streak of top-two finishes to 22 consecutive events since Tokyo 2021. Germany’s Julian Weber, the Doha Diamond League winner, topped the event with 86.12m. Grenada’s Anderson Peters came third with 83.24m. Chopra, who recently crossed 90m in Doha, showed composure under pressure, improving late in the contest after early fouls. The Indian star continues to impress ahead of a crucial athletic season. (PC: AFP)

Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem has responded to Neeraj Chopra’s recent statement that “we were never close friends,” made ahead of the Doha Diamond League. Neeraj cited the Pahalgam terror attack and escalating India-Pakistan tensions as reasons for the change in their rapport. While Arshad refrained from addressing Neeraj directly, he stated, “My family and I will always stand with our army.” Their rivalry dates back to the 2018 Asian Games, with Nadeem’s 92.97m throw clinching gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Neeraj had earlier invited Arshad to his event, which was later postponed due to the conflict. (PC: AP)

Mohammed Shami is set to be excluded from India's squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England. Despite returning to competitive cricket with four-over spells in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, concerns remain about his ability to handle the rigors of Test cricket. The BCCI's medical team has indicated uncertainty over Shami's capacity to bowl more than 10 overs a day, leading to his likely omission. Selectors prefer fully fit bowlers for the demanding tour. Emerging pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj are being considered as replacements. Additionally, Shubman Gill is reportedly a frontrunner to assume India's red-ball captaincy, having engaged in discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. (PC: AP)

Mitchell Marsh smashed his maiden IPL century, scoring a blazing 117 off 62 balls, as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Gujarat Titans by 33 runs in a crucial IPL 2025 match. Marsh and Aiden Markram shared a solid 91-run opening stand, while Nicholas Pooran added a quickfire 56* off 27 balls. Rishabh Pant’s late cameo helped LSG post 233. In response, GT could only manage 202/9, despite Shahrukh Khan’s valiant 57 off 29. Will O'Rourke starred with the ball, picking up three wickets. The defeat dented GT’s hopes of finishing in the top two, while LSG broke their four-match  losing streak. (PC: BCCI)

The BCCI has named a 16-member India U-19 squad for the upcoming England tour, appointing 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre as captain. Mhatre recently made his IPL debut with Chennai Super Kings and has shown strong leadership and batting skills. Notably, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar, the youngest IPL centurion, has also been selected. The squad will play five One-Day Internationals and two multi-day matches in England. This tour aims to provide crucial international exposure and development opportunities for the next generation of Indian cricket stars. (PC: IPL)

Golf legend Rory McIlroy is set to make his professional debut in India at the inaugural DP World India Championship, scheduled from October 16 to 19 at Delhi Golf Club. The $4 million event marks McIlroy's first competitive appearance in the country. Expressing enthusiasm, McIlroy stated, "I'm excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also visit a country that I've always wanted to explore." He highlighted India's potential for golf growth and his eagerness to play before Indian fans. At 36, McIlroy recently completed the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory and is currently ranked No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking.(PC: The Telegraph)

With Virat Kohli retired and India set to face England in a five-Test series, the No. 4 spot has become a key talking point. While Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were seen as frontrunners, former India coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Karun Nair for the role. Bangar cited Nair’s prolific 2024–25 domestic season, including a Ranji Trophy win and a blistering 89-run IPL knock, as reasons for his return. Nair, one of only two Indians with a Test triple century, could be set for a comeback. Bangar also supported Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran’s inclusion for the England series. (PC: BCCI)

Mumbai Indians secured the final IPL 2025 playoff spot with a commanding 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, MI posted 180/5, powered by a superb unbeaten 73 off 43 balls from Suryakumar Yadav. Despite losing wickets at intervals, MI maintained momentum. In response, Delhi Capitals collapsed for 121 in 18.2 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) and Mitchell Santner (3/11) dismantling the batting lineup. DC, missing regular skipper Axar Patel due to illness, were eliminated from the tournament. MI now join RCB, GT, and PBKS in the playoffs, with league positions still to be finalized. (PC: BCCI)

Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world with a record-breaking IPL century, scoring 101 off just 38 balls to become the youngest centurion in tournament history. Overwhelmed by the spotlight, Suryavanshi revealed he received 500 missed calls and kept his phone off for four days. Praised for his maturity and focus, the prodigy is now set to represent India U-19 in England. Head coach Rahul Dravid applauded his season but warned of tougher challenges ahead as bowlers will target him next year. Suryavanshi remains grounded, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and playing for the team. (PC: PTI)

Basava Raju, the Supreme Commander of CPI (Maoist) and mastermind of several deadly attacks, was killed along with 26 others in a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh. The 70-year-old was the movement’s key strategist and held the highest rank in the insurgency’s command. His death marks a critical blow to the Maoist insurgency, signaling a leadership crisis and lowering cadre morale. Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi hailed the success, reaffirming the goal of a Naxal-free India by 2026. Raju’s elimination validates the intensified counter-insurgency efforts and represents a milestone in India’s decades-long battle against left-wing extremism. (PC: News18)