Debate around Olympic champion Imane Khelif's gender has resurfaced after a leaked medical report allegedly revealed she has XY chromosomes and male anatomical traits. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova questioned Khelif’s eligibility in women's boxing, referencing the report and criticizing the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow her participation. Khelif, the first Algerian woman to win Olympic gold in boxing, defended her identity, saying, “I am a woman like any other woman.” The IOC continues to support her right to compete, condemning any criticism as hate speech. India Today could not confirm the report’s authenticity.

The early departure of KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to Australia, ahead of the India A match, has sparked concerns over India's batting lineup following their 0-3 series loss to New Zealand. The move, led by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir, suggests a lack of confidence in India's top order, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra questioning the decision. Chopra also highlighted Sarfaraz Khan's potential exclusion from the squad despite his recent performances. With Australia awaiting, the upcoming series could see Rahul and Jurel being considered for the starting XI.

Following India's 0-3 defeat to New Zealand, David Warner has questioned the form and attitude of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both struggling with low scores ahead of the Australia Test series. Kohli tallied only 93 runs in six innings, while Rohit managed just 91. With India aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Warner stressed that their performance is crucial. "Age is just a number, but they’re at the backend," Warner said, adding that India's chances hinge on these two senior batters. India must also secure a 4-0 series victory to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to express India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This formal bid was made on October 1, 2024, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the event. Hosting the games is expected to provide significant benefits, including economic growth, social progress, and increased youth empowerment across India. Currently, the 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, and Brisbane will host the 2032 Games. The IOC President noted that many cities have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Games.

Fulham defeated Brentford 2-1 in a thrilling west London derby, with Harry Wilson scoring twice in stoppage time. Brentford initially led after Vitaly Janelt’s first-half goal, despite Fulham’s dominant play. However, Wilson, coming off the bench, scored an equalizer in added time before netting a late winner, securing three points for Fulham. The victory moved Marco Silva's side up to ninth place in the Premier League, just three points behind the top four. Brentford, who were close to breaking into the top half, dropped to 12th after the disappointing late turnaround.

After India’s 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand, questions arise over Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain. Though Jasprit Bumrah is the vice-captain, former player Mohammad Kaif believes wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is the ideal successor. “Pant is worthy of Test captaincy,” Kaif shared on Instagram Live. “He’s delivered match-winning performances across conditions, showing complete batting skills.” Kaif also praised Pant’s recent improvements, particularly in keeping, and predicted he’d retire a “legend.” Despite Kaif’s support for Pant, the BCCI currently appears to favor Bumrah as the top candidate for Test captain.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah withdrew from the Duleep Trophy, citing "lack of motivation," according to a report from The Indian Express. The Indian cricket stars were initially set to participate in the domestic competition ahead of their Test series against New Zealand. However, their withdrawal sparked criticism following India’s 0-3 loss to New Zealand, with experts like Sunil Gavaskar suggesting that a lack of match practice hurt India's performance. Ravindra Jadeja, who was pulled out after their withdrawal, impressed with a 10-wicket haul during the series.

India faced a historic 3-0 whitewash in their home Test series against New Zealand, marking the first time they've lost all matches in a three-Test home series. The final match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw India bowled out for 121 on Day 3, failing to chase a modest target of 146. Rishabh Pant’s valiant 64 couldn’t prevent the collapse against Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips’ effective spin. India's World Test Championship (WTC) standing dropped, now trailing Australia with a PCT of 58.33, jeopardizing their top-two position. New Zealand’s commentators hailed it as the "greatest-ever series win."

New Zealand stunned India with a 3-0 series sweep, marking India’s first home clean sweep loss in a 3-match Test series since 1934. Despite a promising start, India’s batting lineup collapsed in the final Test, falling from a strong position led by Rishabh Pant’s 64-run knock. Pant’s controversial dismissal shattered India’s chase hopes, allowing New Zealand to clinch victory and rewrite history as the first team to beat India 3-0 at home in a 3-match series. This historic achievement adds New Zealand to the elite group of teams to sweep India, alongside England, Australia, and West Indies.

India’s captain Rohit Sharma took full responsibility for the 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand, admitting his performance “was not at my best, both as captain and batter.” Addressing the press in Mumbai, he reflected on India’s historic loss, saying, “As a captain and as a leader as well, I have not been at the best of my abilities right from the start of the series.” He noted the need to “learn from the likes of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant,” aiming to improve before the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.