India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth T20I at Ahmedabad, clinching the series 3-1. Chasing 232, South Africa reached 201/8 despite Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis smashing 42 runs in two overs during the ninth and tenth. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy's crucial strikes dismissed both batsmen, ending South Africa's hopes. Earlier, Hardik Pandya's explosive 16-ball fifty, India's second-fastest in men's T20Is and Tilak Varma's consistent half-century powered India to 231/5. Pandya smashed 32 runs off his first eight balls after Suryakumar Yadav's dismissal. The all-rounder and Bumrah led India's dominant performance, ensuring South Africa couldn't pull off an upset in the series finale.

Hardik Pandya blazed to India's second-fastest T20I fifty off just 16 balls against South Africa in the 5th T20I, earning a standing ovation from coach Gautam Gambhir. Pandya hammered George Linde for 27 runs in one over, including consecutive sixes. Tilak Varma contributed a 30-ball fifty, providing crucial support. Earlier, Sanju Samson's aggressive 37 gave India a flying start after Shubman Gill's injury ruled him out. However, captain Suryakumar Yadav's poor form continued with another failure. Abhishek Sharma departed for 34 after a promising start. Pandya's powerful six accidentally hit a cameraman during his explosive innings. India posted a strong total with the duo's partnership propelling them forward. (PC: X)

India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill has traveled with the national cricket team to Ahmedabad ahead of the fifth and final T20 International against South Africa, despite carrying a toe injury sustained during a net session earlier in the series. His participation in the decisive match remains uncertain as team management weighs his fitness and recovery prospects before naming the playing XI. Gill had already missed some matches due to injury and inconsistent form, adding to the selection dilemma for the series decider. India currently lead the five-match T20I series. ‍(PC: India Today)

Sachin Tendulkar met the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, newly crowned T20 Blind Cricket World Cup champions, at Mumbai’s MIG Cricket Club, celebrating their historic achievement. He spent nearly an hour with the players, praising their resilience, hard work and the crucial support of their families. Sachin reminded them that success brings greater responsibility and urged them to stay focused as their victory marks the beginning of a larger journey. The players described meeting him as overwhelming and deeply motivating. Captain Deepika TC called it a dream come true. CABI President Dr. G.K. Mahantesh said Sachin’s encouragement boosts confidence across India’s blind cricket ecosystem.

Pakistani international kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput faces disciplinary action after representing a team labeled "India" at Bahrain's GCC Cup tournament on December 16. Social media photos showing Rajput wearing Indian jersey and waving the flag sparked backlash. Pakistan Kabaddi Federation scheduled emergency meeting for December 27 to decide penalties. PKF secretary Rana Sarwar revealed 16 Pakistani players traveled without mandatory federation or Sports Board clearances. The private tournament featured teams named after countries, with players expected to align with their national origins. Rajput apologized, claiming he discovered the team designation later and requested organizers avoid using national names. He emphasized past mixed tournaments never used country labels, calling this a misunderstanding. (PC: Facebook)

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly filed a ₹50 crore defamation lawsuit against Uttam Saha, president of Argentina Fan Club Kolkata, over allegations linking Ganguly to Lionel Messi's controversial Salt Lake Stadium visit. The complaint filed at Lalbazar claims Saha's accusations damaged Ganguly's reputation without factual basis. Saha alleged Ganguly acted as middleman between organizers and Messi. Ganguly's legal team demanded retraction and damages, stating serious allegations were made publicly without evidence. Ganguly attended the stadium event in a different section and left disappointed as chaos erupted. Messi thanked India for the love during his short visit, promising to return, possibly for a match. (PC: PTI)

An elderly woman found at Mumbai's Belapur Metro station claims to be late cricketer Salim Durani's wife, sparking social media controversy. Identified as Rekha Srivastava, she alleges living luxuriously in Dubai, running an airline company, and owning bungalows before financial ruin. She recalls Durani playing cricket nationwide and meeting prominent personalities. However, Durani's biographies don't mention marriage to Srivastava or Dubai business ventures. Social media reports suggest the woman has been spotted in Vrindavan, Varanasi, and other northern religious cities. Durani's family hasn't issued any statement regarding these claims. The legendary all-rounder, India's first Arjuna Award recipient, died in 2023 aged 88 after scoring 1,202 runs and taking 75 wickets across 29 Tests.

Pakistani international kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput is facing potential disciplinary action after he appeared for a team labelled as India in a private tournament held in Bahrain on December 16, wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has called an emergency meeting on December 27 to investigate the incident, saying no permission or NOC was obtained and that his participation under another nation’s banner is “unacceptable”. Rajput apologised, claiming he didn’t know the side was named “Indian team”. The controversy has sparked debate on cross-border sports representation. (PC: Facebook)

Kartik Sharma’s IPL journey is a story of struggle and hope. The 19-year-old was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 14.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. His family faced deep hardship to support his dream. His mother sold her jewellery and the family sold farmland to fund his training. During a domestic tournament, Kartik and his father even slept hungry after running out of money. Kartik kept working hard despite years without selection. Strong domestic performances changed his fate. Today, his success brings pride to his family and hometown. (PC: NDTV)

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was called off due to dense fog. The match never started as visibility stayed poor all evening. Umpires inspected the ground several times before abandoning the game. The decision has raised serious questions about planning by cricket authorities. Winter fog is common in north India, especially in December. Experts say hosting a night match in Lucknow was a clear mistake. The washout reduced India’s preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup. Fans and former players have demanded accountability for repeated scheduling errors in Indian cricket. (PC: HT)