Recent Match Highlights

Team India is reeling after a tough loss to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. In a low-scoring thriller that concluded earlier this week, the Indian batting lineup crumbled while chasing a modest target of 124, getting bowled out for a mere 93. [13, 14] The 30-run defeat has put the hosts on the back foot in the two-match series, raising questions about the batting unit's performance on challenging home pitches. [13, 18] The loss has set up a pressure-filled, must-win scenario for the second and final Test of the series.

Upcoming Fixtures

Crucial 2nd Test vs South Africa (November 22-26)

All eyes now turn to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, which is set to host its maiden Test match starting tomorrow, November 22. [2, 3] For Team India, this is more than just a game; it's a battle to level the series and avoid a second consecutive home Test series loss in two years. [13] The team's preparations are heavily overshadowed by a significant injury cloud over captain Shubman Gill. [7] The skipper suffered a neck spasm during the first Test and is highly unlikely to play in Guwahati. [18] A final fitness test will be conducted today, but reports suggest Rishabh Pant is poised to take over the captaincy duties in Gill's absence. [13] The management is also carefully considering workload, with reports indicating that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the subsequent ODI series. [7] The squad for the upcoming limited-overs series is expected to be announced soon, with injuries to key players like Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya creating further selection dilemmas. [7]

Emerging T20 Asia Cup: India A vs Bangladesh A (Today, November 21)

While the senior team prepares for a red-ball challenge, the future stars of Indian cricket are in action today. India A is taking on Bangladesh A in a high-stakes semi-final of the Emerging T20 Asia Cup in Doha. [9] The Indian colts secured their spot after a dominant performance against Oman. [9] Young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been a standout performer, scoring an incredible 201 runs at a strike rate of over 242 in the tournament. [9] All-rounder Harsh Dubey has also been instrumental with both bat and ball. Today's clash is a significant opportunity for these rising stars to shine on a prominent stage.

Other Indian Sports News

Beyond the cricket field, there are major developments in other Indian sports.

  • Football: ISL Future in Doubt
    Indian football is facing a period of uncertainty as the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season is currently on hold due to contractual issues and a failure to secure commercial partners. [19, 20] The situation has prompted legacy club East Bengal to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention to resolve the "unprecedented crisis" and revive the sport's ecosystem. [10]
  • Hockey: National Teams on Duty
    The Indian Men's Hockey Team has departed for Ipoh, Malaysia, to compete in the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which begins on November 23. [4] Meanwhile, Hockey India has announced the 18-member squad for the FIH Men's Junior World Cup, set to be held in Tamil Nadu from November 28. [5, 12] The team, coached by the legendary PR Sreejesh, will be led by defender Rohit. [5, 12]