Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan emphasized the significance of Virat Kohli's continued absence alongside KL Rahul's injury, providing a lifeline for struggling batters Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. With both failing to make an impact recently, their positions in the squad were under scrutiny. However, the void left by Kohli and Rahul's unavailability prompts a potential reprieve for Gill and Iyer. Despite calls for new blood, the team management leans towards experience amidst a challenging series against England. Pathan's optimism resonates with India's capacity to bounce back, maintaining hope for victory despite a setback in the opener.

Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik accuses suspended WFI chief Sanjay Singh of organizing fake championships and distributing fake certificates. Appealing to the sports ministry, Malik questions how a suspended member can misuse WFI funds. She expresses concern that fake certificates could harm athletes. The Sports Ministry warns of legal action against Singh, emphasizing that any WFI-organized tournament is considered "unsanctioned." Singh, despite the suspension, claims recognition for WFI and announces events. Malik urges Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to intervene and safeguard players' futures. The ministry dismisses Singh's claims as baseless and mischievous.

Indian cricketer Mayank Agarwal was rushed to the ICU at ILS Hospital in Agartala after falling ill on a New Delhi-bound flight. Suffering from a major health scare, Agarwal complained of a throat issue mid-flight, prompting immediate medical attention. Tests were conducted after he vomited and felt unease, and he will miss the next game against Saurashtra. Karnataka State Cricket Association officials confirm Agarwal is stable but under observation. IndiGo flight 6E 5177, on which the incident occurred, returned to Agartala for medical assistance. Agarwal's condition is improving, and he will return to Bengaluru once cleared by doctors.            

India's cricket team faces setbacks as Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are sidelined from the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test against England in Vizag. Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during the Hyderabad Test's Day 4, while Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain. The BCCI medical team is monitoring their progress. To fill the gaps, Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar are added to the squad. Meanwhile, Saransh Jain replaces Sundar in the India A squad. Avesh Khan remains with Madhya Pradesh's Ranji Trophy team but could join the Test squad if needed.

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has been disqualified from the 2022 Olympics, nearly two years after her doping case stirred controversy at the Beijing Games. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld appeals by the World Anti-Doping Agency, leading to Valieva's four-year ban. The decision is set to strip Russia of the gold medal in figure skating's team event, with the United States expected to be named the new Olympic champion. Valieva's lawyers argued contamination, but the court found she couldn't establish the doping violation wasn't intentional, impacting the results of the event in Beijing.

India's Jasprit Bumrah faces ICC reprimand and a demerit point for inappropriate physical contact with England's Ollie Pope during the Hyderabad Test. The incident occurred during the 81st over of England's second innings. Bumrah obstructed Pope's path while running between wickets, resulting in a collision. Bumrah admitted to the offence, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. According to ICC's Code of Conduct, any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited. As it's Bumrah's first transgression within two years, he received an official reprimand and one demerit point, added to his record.      

Ollie Pope's sensational 196, filled with unconventional sweeps and reverse sweeps, led England to a thrilling 28-run victory over India in the Hyderabad Test. Acknowledging the challenge posed by Pope's 'Bazball,' India's head coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the need for disciplined execution from bowlers. Dravid praised Pope's exceptional innings while expressing confidence in India's spinners bouncing back. Despite an injury scare to Ravindra Jadeja, Dravid remains focused on strategizing for the upcoming Visakhapatnam Test starting on February 2. India aims to counter Pope's unorthodox approach and regain control in the series.

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble provided insight into Shubman Gill's recent struggles following India's loss to England in the 1st Test. Kumble emphasized the need for Gill to adapt his approach, particularly against spin, stating: "He needs to be a lot freer. He needs to score runs." Regarding Gill's opportunity in the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara, Kumble remarked: "He has been given the cushion perhaps even a Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t get." With India seeking a comeback in the upcoming Test, all eyes will be on Gill as he aims to rediscover his form, Kumble added.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain highlights England's victory in Hyderabad as a "wake-up call" for India, emphasizing their successful adaptation to Indian conditions. Despite facing initial setbacks, including a 190-run deficit, England's aggressive approach, dubbed 'Bazball,' prevailed. Hussain lauds Ollie Pope's remarkable innings and debutant Tom Hartley's resilience, who redeemed himself with a seven-wicket haul in the second innings. England's tenacity and mental strength, particularly in challenging conditions, signal a paradigm shift in their Test strategy. Hussain's analysis underscores the evolving dynamics of the ongoing England-India series.

Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna made history at the Australian Open by clinching his maiden Grand Slam men's doubles title alongside partner Matthew Ebden. Bopanna, 43, became the oldest-ever man in the Open Era to win a major in this category. His remarkable achievement drew admiration from 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who hailed it as "unique." Nadal, who skipped the tournament due to injury, congratulated Bopanna via an Instagram story. Bopanna expressed his joy, calling it the "best moment" in his career. The duo's dominant performance secured victory without facing a single break point, sealing a memorable triumph in Melbourne.