New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner delivered a career-best performance, taking 13 wickets to secure his team’s first-ever series win against India. The left-arm spinner dominated both innings of the Pune Test, helping New Zealand clinch a 113-run victory. Santner, previously overlooked for the first Test, played a crucial role in this match, effectively dismantling India’s middle and top orders with precision and variation in his deliveries. He described the experience as "sore but rewarding," expressing pride in his consistent line and pace adjustments. The win marks a historic achievement for New Zealand in Indian Test cricket.

The Premier League is set to propose a new financial settlement plan for its clubs and the English Football League (EFL) next month, following recent government legislation that enables the establishment of an independent football regulator. This new regulatory body will have the authority to enforce significant financial reforms within English football. To navigate these changes, the Premier League has enlisted consultants, including Global Counsel, the firm led by Lord Mandelson, to advise on issues tied to the incoming regulator. The initiative marks a step towards addressing financial disparities within English football through structured oversight and financial settlements.

Ravichandran Ashwin made history on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (WTC). Ashwin, who had 186 wickets before the match, surpassed Australia's Nathan Lyon by dismissing New Zealand’s Tom Latham and Will Young, bringing his total to 188 wickets. India made three changes for the match, while New Zealand brought in Mitchell Santner. At lunch, New Zealand was 92/2 with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra at the crease. New Zealand leads the series 1-0 after winning the first Test.

Washington Sundar delivered a stellar performance on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, taking a career-best 7 for 59 to restrict New Zealand to 259. Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) provided some resistance, but Sundar, supported by R Ashwin’s 3/64, spun out New Zealand. Sundar’s figures included five bowled dismissals, and Ashwin surpassed Nathan Lyon’s 530 wickets. India ended Day 1 at 16/1, trailing by 243 runs, with Tim Southee removing Rohit Sharma. India is aiming to continue its 18-series home winning streak.

Zimbabwe made history by setting the highest total in T20 cricket, scoring 344 for 4 against Gambia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Sikandar Raza smashed Zimbabwe’s first T20I century in just 33 balls, finishing unbeaten on 133 with 15 sixes. Zimbabwe also set records for most sixes in an innings (27) and won by the biggest margin ever in T20s, beating Gambia by 290 runs. Gambia was bowled out for 54. Raza’s century is the second-fastest in T20I history, matching Namibia's Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.

Ahead of the 2nd Test against New Zealand, Washington Sundar is likely to replace Kuldeep Yadav, as India looks to enhance control with Sundar’s off-spin. Key players Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, and Shubman Gill spent extensive hours at the nets, preparing to recover from the 1st Test defeat. Gill is set to return after recovering from a stiff neck, while KL Rahul skipped nets, sticking to his usual pre-Test routine. Speculation continues over Rahul or Sarfaraz's spot in the final XI, following Sarfaraz's strong performance in Bengaluru.

After India’s eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the first Test, Sarfaraz Khan’s position in the team is in question, despite his crucial 150-run knock. Sarfaraz was brought in as a replacement for Shubman Gill, who missed out due to a stiff neck. However, Gill appears ready to return for the second Test, creating a selection dilemma for the team management. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra referenced Karun Nair’s exclusion after his 303* in 2016, suggesting Sarfaraz could face a similar fate. However, outside pressure may favor Sarfaraz's inclusion for the next game.

Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik has claimed that BJP leader Babita Phogat initiated the wrestlers' protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Malik alleged that Phogat encouraged the protest with the intent of replacing Singh as WFI president. In an interview Malik stated that Phogat held a meeting with several wrestlers, urging them to protest against alleged misconduct within the federation, including instances of molestation. Malik suggested that Phogat's motivation was to gain control of the WFI, using the protest to further her own agenda.

India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) Final took a hit after an eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru. Chasing 107, New Zealand cruised to victory, dropping India’s WTC points percentage to 68.06%. Despite the defeat, India remains at the top of the standings but must win five of their remaining seven matches, including two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-match series in Australia. New Zealand's win lifted them to fourth in the standings with 44.44%. Australia and Sri Lanka trail India, making the next matches crucial for WTC Final qualification.

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy has announced he has terminal cancer. In an interview with the Sunday Times, the 48-year-old cyclist shared that he has prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Hoy has been told he has two to four years to live. Despite the diagnosis, he remains positive, saying he is "feeling fit and strong." Hoy's story has sparked a wave of support from fans, fellow athletes, and public figures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called him "a British sporting legend" admired by the nation.