Sunil Narine etched his name in T20 history, becoming the third bowler to claim 600 wickets in competitive matches during an ILT20 game. The spinner's remarkable achievement places him alongside elite bowlers like Rashid Khan and Dwayne Bravo. His consistent brilliance across various Knight Riders franchises underscores his legendary status in the format.

Virat Kohli's stellar form continues, marked by a century and a half-century in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. The milestone came in classic Kohli fashion — a calm drive to sweeper cover for a single off Lungi Ngidi — bringing up his fifty as chants of "Kohli! Kohli!" echoed around the stadium. The former India captain raised his bat and acknowledged the roaring crowd.

Maharashtra government has lauded the Indian women's cricket team's World Cup victory with substantial cash rewards for players and support staff. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the team to their maiden title, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. Star performers Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav received significant recognition for their exceptional contributions.

Everton stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory, despite Idrissa Gueye's early red card for striking teammate Michael Keane. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's goal proved decisive as the 10-man Toffees displayed remarkable resilience. This historic win ended United's unbeaten streak and marked David Moyes' first triumph at the Theatre of Dreams.

South Africa faces a significant blow as Kagiso Rabada is ruled out of the second Test due to a rib injury. Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed the pacer's unavailability, while India will be led by Rishabh Pant in Shubman Gill's absence. The Guwahati pitch is expected to be a traditional sub-continental track.

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has officially announced her engagement to music composer Palash Muchhal through a fun Instagram reel with teammates. The World Cup winner showcased her ring, confirming weeks of speculation. Muchhal was also in attendance for the World Cup final against South Africa. This personal milestone follows Mandhana's stellar performance in India's historic World Cup victory.

With a busy T20I season for India ahead, starting with the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which will begin from Dec 9 in Cuttack, and culminating in the T20 World Cup in Feb-March in India and Sri Lanka, Suryakumar will desperately look to recover his prolonged run of poor form for the last year or so.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak strongly defended head coach Gautam Gambhir against criticism following the Kolkata Test loss to South Africa. "'Gautam Gambhir, Gautam Gambhir' (criticism) is being done. I am saying this because I am a staff and I feel bad. That's not the way," Kotak said on Thursday ahead of the second Test starting Saturday.

Former Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has stepped down from the national selection committee and head of youth development at the Pakistan's National Cricket Academy. He resigned after Sarfaraz Ahmed was given full control of the Pakistan Shaheens and under-19 teams. Azhar reportedly grew frustrated with the board's functioning and proposals not being advanced.

Team India and South Africa will adopt an unusual practice for the second Test in Guwahati, with play starting 30 minutes early and tea preceding lunch. This adjustment is to accommodate the North East's early daylight window. Players like Sai Sudharsan and Keshav Maharaj are open to the change, while Aiden Markram expresses a preference for the traditional routine.