India secured a commanding 150-run victory over England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, closing the series 4-1. Batting first, India posted a massive 247/9, with Abhishek Sharma smashing 135 runs off 37 balls. England’s chase faltered as they were bowled out for just 97 runs in 10.3 overs. India’s bowlers dominated, cutting through the English lineup. Despite a valiant half-century from Phil Salt, it wasn’t enough to stop the Indian team from sealing a dominant win in the series.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla spoke about MS Dhoni’s possible entry into politics. He believes Dhoni “can become a good politician” but says the decision is up to him. Shukla recalled asking Dhoni if he would contest the Lok Sabha elections. Dhoni’s reply was a firm “No, no, no.” Shukla also shared that Dhoni does not keep a mobile phone and prefers to stay away from the limelight. The former Indian captain retired from international cricket in 2019 but will play in IPL 2025. While Dhoni has no plans for politics now, the discussion may continue in the future.

Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who bowled out Virat Kohli for 6 in the Ranji Trophy match, approached the cricket star for an autograph. Kohli graciously signed for him, acknowledging his talent. "Well bowled, keep working hard," Kohli reportedly told Sangwan. The young pacer had delivered a stunning delivery that sent Kohli’s off-stump flying, earning praise from cricket experts, including Ravichandran Ashwin. The moment highlighted Kohli's sportsmanship and Sangwan’s rising potential. Fans applauded Kohli's humility and Sangwan’s impressive performance. The Delhi vs. Railways match saw massive fan turnout due to Kohli’s participation.

Delhi's Shivam Sharma received a signed match ball from Virat Kohli after his stunning 5-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy win over Railways. Despite scoring just 6 runs in his return, Kohli made Sharma's performance even more memorable with his gesture. "This 5-wicket haul will always be close to my heart. Virat Kohli bhaiya signing the ball made it more special," Sharma shared. Delhi dominated the match, winning by an innings and 19 runs. Kohli now shifts focus to India's ODI series against England, starting February 6, before the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

India has allocated ₹600 crore in developmental aid to Maldives in the 2025-26 Budget, marking a 28% increase from ₹470 crore in 2024-25. The move follows strained ties after Maldivian leaders made derogatory remarks about PM Modi in 2024. Relations improved after President Mohamed Muizzu’s October visit to India, where he called India a “key partner.” Bhutan received the highest aid at ₹2,150 crore, followed by Nepal at ₹700 crore. Mauritius saw a reduction to ₹500 crore, while Myanmar’s budget was cut to ₹350 crore. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka retained their previous allocations.

Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan clean-bowled Virat Kohli for just 6 runs, cutting short his highly-anticipated Ranji Trophy return. Playing for Delhi after 13 years, Kohli lasted only 15 balls before Sangwan shattered his off-stump in the 28th over. The Arun Jaitley Stadium saw thousands of fans gather, only for many to leave disappointed. Sangwan, a 29-year-old Delhi-born pacer, has 77 first-class wickets and has represented Railways in all formats. Kohli had trained extensively before the match but struggled against deliveries outside off-stump, a weakness exposed once again. His early exit left fans and Delhi reeling.

Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated Ranji Trophy return ended in heartbreak as he was bowled for 6 by Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Fans queued from 3 AM to watch the Indian superstar but were left stunned as his off-stump was shattered. Many exited the stadium after his dismissal. Kohli, struggling for form, had a tough Test season, prompting BCCI to mandate domestic participation. He will aim for redemption in the second innings. Delhi, led by Ayush Badoni, faces a crucial battle. Supporters remain hopeful for a classic Kohli comeback.

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, will not attend the Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Pakistan. Due to scheduling conflicts, England and Australia also won’t participate in the pre-tournament events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the cancellation of the captains’ photo shoot and press conference. India will play all its matches in Dubai for security reasons, and if they reach the final, it will also be in Dubai. England and Australia will skip warm-up matches, entering the tournament directly. Despite the changes, the tournament remains highly anticipated, set to start in mid-February.

Virat Kohli is making his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, playing for Delhi against Railways in their Elite Group D match on January 30, 2025. Kohli's last appearance in the tournament was in November 2012. The crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has been electrified by his return, with fans lining up as early as 3 AM to catch a glimpse of the star. Delhi, with slim chances of advancing to the knockouts, needs an outright win over Railways to keep their hopes alive.

Former India captain Virat Kohli’s humility shone through when he declined an offer to have his kit bag carried during his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012. Delhi team manager Mahesh Bhati, who coached Kohli during his Under-19 days, revealed that Kohli, despite his superstar status, insisted on carrying his own gear. Kohli's down-to-earth nature extended to his interactions with teammates, reminiscing about playing on matting during training. "It’s my playing gear, I’ll carry it myself," Kohli said, demonstrating the same commitment to hard work that has defined his cricketing journey.