Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum sparked a major debate after he waved the Indian flag during a concert in Nepal. A fan threw the flag on stage, and Anjum caught it, waved it, and wrapped it around himself. The video went viral and brought strong criticism, while many others praised him for showing peace. With India-Pakistan cultural ties frozen since the May conflict, the act stood out even more. Anjum later said he did not care about the backlash and would do it again, adding that his art has “no borders”. 

Sunil Gavaskar backed Gautam Gambhir's defence of Eden Gardens pitch after India's embarrassing 30-run loss to South Africa, collapsing for 93 while chasing 124. Gavaskar blamed poor technique and temperament, not pitch conditions, stating the target was chaseable with five wickets remaining. He criticized batters for attempting big shots too early, playing like T20 instead of five-day Test cricket. Gavaskar praised South African captain Temba Bavuma's disciplined 55 off 136 balls as the example Indian batters ignored. The Test ended in two-and-a-half days, marking India's first sub-100 fourth-innings total. With four home Test losses in six matches, pressure mounts on Gambhir ahead of Guwahati's second Test. (PC: NDTV Sports) 

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana sparked controversy by referencing Harmanpreet Kaur while denying explosive abuse allegations from former pacer Jahanara Alam. Alam claimed junior players complained that Sultana physically hit and misbehaved with them. Responding sharply, Sultana asked, "Why would I get physical? Am I Harmanpreet?" referencing the Indian captain's infamous 2023 stump-smashing incident during India's Bangladesh tour after an LBW decision. Sultana questioned why players would call Alam in Australia instead of approaching team management if abuse occurred. She emphasized her personal space activities differ from professional conduct and challenged anyone to verify the allegations with other players or staff members.(PC: India TV News)

India captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to play the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati after being advised not to fly due to acute neck pain. Gill injured his neck while batting on Day 2 of the first Test and later retired hurt. Medical scans showed neck spasms, and doctors have advised him to rest for three to four days and continue wearing a neck collar. The team is monitoring his recovery daily and will make a final decision by Tuesday. If he misses the match, India may turn to B Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal as replacements.

India’s 30-run loss to South Africa at Eden Gardens has led to sharp criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said India are “leaving too much to chance” by choosing risky turning pitches. He said that under Virat Kohli, India “batted long and put scoreboard pressure,” but now the team is struggling in simple chases. Haddin also said India have “taken their world-class batters out of the game” with such surfaces. South Africa legend Shaun Pollock questioned the team’s mindset, asking, “Where are those old Indian batters who found ways of dominating tough conditions?” (PC: BCCI)

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma delivered a pointed assessment after defeating India by 30 runs at Eden Gardens, stating his team adapted better to conditions India requested. The controversial pitch, prepared per India's specifications for spin-friendly conditions, backfired spectacularly as India collapsed to 93 chasing 124. Bavuma's disciplined 55 proved decisive on a surface offering sharp turn and uneven bounce from Day 1. While India banked on spinners Jadeja, Axar and Kuldeep dominating, South Africa's Simon Harmer claimed eight wickets. Both coach Gautam Gambhir and CAB president Sourav Ganguly confirmed the pitch aligned with India's demands. South Africa leads 1-0, with the second Test starting November 22 in Guwahati. (PC: India Today)

India captain Shubman Gill has been discharged from a Kolkata hospital after his neck injury during the first Test against South Africa. Doctors say he is stable and moving better, but he will stay under watch at the team hotel. His travel to Guwahati for the second Test is still uncertain. Gill was hurt on Day 2 after a sudden jerk while playing a shot and retired hurt soon after. His absence was felt in India’s chase of 124, which ended in a 30-run defeat. India now wait to see if Gill recovers in time for the match starting 22 November. (PC: PTI)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch after the team’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test, saying the surface was “exactly what we asked for” and contained “no demons”. The pitch drew criticism for unpredictable bounce and sharp turn as India were bowled out for 93 while chasing 124, raising debate over whether it was suitable for Test cricket. Sourav Ganguly supported the curator, insisting the conditions matched team demands. The loss gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.    

India suffered a shock defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens after failing to chase 124 runs. The pitch turned sharp and uneven, and India’s batting fell apart without injured captain Shubman Gill. South Africa’s Simon Harmer led the attack with key wickets, while captain Temba Bavuma’s brave 55 proved match-changing. Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets earlier, but India’s second innings collapsed under pressure. Washington Sundar fought hard with 31, and Axar Patel tried a late comeback, but it was not enough. South Africa won by 30 runs, taking a 1-0 series lead after 15 years. (PC: HT)

Jadeja achieved the milestone during the opening Test against South Africa national cricket team at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, by crossing 4,000 runs in just his 88th Test. He now joins elite all-rounders Ian Botham, Kapil Dev and Daniel Vettori in that rare club. Only Botham reached the double faster, in 72 Tests. The feat underscores Jadeja’s exceptional value as a batting-and-bowling all-rounder for the India national cricket team. (PC: X)