Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat protests against the treatment of female wrestlers, returning her Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Stopped from reaching the Prime Minister's Office, Phogat expresses disappointment over the Wrestling Federation's handling of the situation: "I was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, but they hold no meaning in my life anymore." Her actions follow Bajrang Punia returning his Padma Shri earlier this month. Wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, oppose the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide of the accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Sports Ministry intervenes, suspending the newly-elected panel, highlighting ongoing discontent within Indian wrestling.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath questions the absence of Virat Kohli as India's Test captain, citing his impressive record and leadership skills, stating"Kohli has a great record as a Test leader." Expressing concerns over Rohit Sharma's role as an opener in non-subcontinent conditions, Badrinath emphasizes Kohli's prowess as a Test batter. Despite Kohli's strong performances in the recent Test against South Africa, questions arise about the captaincy shift two years ago. Badrinath calls for a reevaluation of Kohli's leadership role, highlighting his significant contributions and unmatched record in Test cricket.

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia calls on the Sports Ministry to restart wrestling activities ahead of the Paris Games, expressing concern over the lack of seriousness in preparations. Wrestling faced disruptions due to internal issues, stemming from protests against former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite a new committee, normalcy eludes the Wrestling Federation of India. Punia emphasizes the urgency, stating the upcoming Olympics require immediate attention. The plea comes amidst protests within the wrestling community, with Sakshi Malik retiring and Vinesh Phogat returning awards. Punia urges swift action to safeguard the future of players and uphold India's strong Olympic wrestling tradition. 

Former England captain Nasser Hussain showers praise on Shubman Gill, projecting him as the next cricket sensation for India. In a heartwarming acknowledgment, Hussain states, "'I am going with Shubman Gill. He is a super talent and he is going to be the next sensation for India for years to come. Hopefully, he will have a good 2024.'" Gill's impressive record, with 2,126 runs, seven centuries, and ending the year as the highest run-scorer, has caught the attention of the cricketing community. As Hussain predicts a bright future for Gill, the headline encapsulates the ex-England skipper's admiration for the young Indian opener, setting the stage for his anticipated rise in the world of cricket.

The year ends with Virat Kohli, creating another piece of cricket history by becoming the first player ever to score 2000 runs in seven different calendar years, the first time in 146 years. Despite India's crushing defeat to South Africa in the 1st Test, Kohli showcased his batting prowess by contributing 76 runs off 82 balls, bringing his 2023 tally to 2006 runs. This remarkable achievement adds to Kohli's previous milestones in 2012 (2186 runs), 2014 (2286 runs), 2016 (2595 runs), 2017 (2818 runs), 2018 (2735 runs), and 2019 (2455 runs), setting an unparalleled record since the inception of international cricket in 1877, as per official records.

India suffered an embarrassing loss to South Africa in the 1st Test, trailing 1-0 in the two-match series. Despite Virat Kohli's resilient 76, India collapsed, posting a meager 131 in the second innings, leading to an innings and 32-run defeat in Centurion. South Africa's commanding performance, with Dean Elgar's stellar 185 and a substantial first-innings lead of 157 runs, showcased their dominance. KL Rahul's century and Kohli's efforts were overshadowed by India's inability to counter the Proteas' prowess. India's total runs: 245 (1st Innings) + 131 (2nd Innings) = 376. South Africa's commanding total: 408 (1st Innings). The Rohit Sharma-led team faces a challenging comeback in the next match to level the series.      

In the 2nd day the boxing test match against South Africa,Indian Bowlers faced a formidable challenge. Despite an impressive showing by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, South Africa took a slender 11 run lead on day 2 of the first Test in Centurion. Bumrah (2/63) removed Tony de Zorzi and Keegan Petersen while Siraj (2/63) accounted for Aiden Markram and David Bedingham. However, captain Dean Elgar batted brilliantly for his unbeaten 140 to lead South Africa's reply. Resuming from 208/8, India were bowled out for 245 with KL Rahul scoring 101 on day 1. Elgar shared crucial partnerships with de Zorzi and Bedingham as the Proteas reached 256/5 at stumps. The match is evenly poised heading into day 3 with the South African lower order looking to extend the lead further.

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi reveals facing severe online abuse from Indian fans after a controversial wicket-celebration against India's Suryakumar Yadav. Shamsi removed a boot and mimicked speaking into it during the second T20I in Gqeberha earlier this month, sparking negative reactions. The spinner expressed dismay at the personal attacks, stating, "It's the worst it's ever been." Shamsi urged more players to speak against such behavior, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse, "Yes, we're all trying our best... but you need to behave like a human being. You can't carry on like an animal." Despite defending his celebration on social media, Shamsi encountered further hate. The incident highlights the impact of online abuse on players and the call for sportsmanship.

In the first Test match between India and South Africa, India's batting faltered on the rain-hit day 1. KL Rahul showcased resilience with an unbeaten 70, steering India to 208/8 in 59 overs. However, Kagiso Rabada's fifer (5/44) left India struggling, dismissing key players. Virat Kohli managed 38, Rohit Sharma 5, and Shreyas Iyer contributed 31. Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur also fell victim to Rabada's incisive spells. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill faced challenges, scoring 2 and 8, respectively. India faces an uphill task to reach a competitive total, highlighting the batting lineup's vulnerability against South Africa's formidable bowling attack.

Afghanistan cricketers Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq face uncertainty in IPL 2024 as the Afghanistan Cricket Board rejects No Objection Certificates over a central contract disagreement. The players sought release from annual contracts, emphasizing private leagues. ACB deems it a breach of national duty, prompting disciplinary action. The trio, including a Kolkata Knight Riders recruit, faces potential exclusion. Notable global players, Trent Boult and Faf du Plessis, abandoning central contracts, echo broader tensions. ACB forms a committee to investigate, signaling the far-reaching impact of prioritizing personal interests over national commitments.