Sunil Chhetri marked his international comeback with a goal as India defeated the Maldives 3-0 in Shillong. Rahul Bheke opened the scoring with a header in the 35th minute, followed by Liston Colaco’s strike in the 66th. Chhetri sealed the victory with a classic header in the 76th minute, netting his 95th international goal. Despite the dominant display, India’s midfield struggles remain a concern ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The win boosts India’s morale as they prepare to face Bangladesh next.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings on March 23. Regular captain Hardik Pandya is banned for one match due to slow over-rate offences last season. Pandya said the ban is unfortunate but beyond his control. MI coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the BCCI's decision. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will miss the start of IPL as he recovers from injury at the National Cricket Academy. He may join MI in April. Pandya said he is lucky to have experienced players like Rohit, Surya, and Bumrah to support him.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), replacing regular captain Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match suspension for a slow over-rate violation in IPL 2024. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the decision, highlighting Yadav as the ideal stand-in captain. Pandya admitted to the over-rate lapse and accepted the penalty. MI will also be without Jasprit Bumrah due to a back injury, but the team remains focused on their campaign to secure a record sixth IPL title despite early setbacks.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed concerns over India's Test batting, stating that most players, except Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, do not average over 40 overseas. Speaking at the RevSportz Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave, Ganguly urged players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to deliver big scores in away Tests. He emphasized that India’s success in England depends on posting 400-500 runs rather than collapsing for under 250. Citing past victories, Ganguly stressed that strong batting performances led to India’s best overseas results. India’s upcoming five-Test series in England will be a crucial challenge in the WTC cycle.

In 2014, MS Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor, was reportedly angered when a Hyderabad five-star hotel refused to allow homecooked biryani inside. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had 180 rooms booked but shifted to Taj Krishna after the ITC Grand Kakatiya restricted outside food. Ambati Rayudu had sent biryani for the team, but the hotel’s policy prevented players from consuming it in common areas. Despite the disruption, CSK played against Kolkata Knight Riders the next day, losing by three wickets. However, players at least enjoyed their biryani. CSK has since won five IPL titles, equaling Mumbai Indians.

India coach Manolo Marquez confirmed that Sunil Chhetri will play against the Maldives on March 19, marking his return after retiring in June 2024. Marquez defended his decision, stating that Chhetri remains India's top scorer this season and fitness, not age, determines selection. "If we need to win, we need the best players," he said. Chhetri, set to earn his 152nd cap, could start or come off the bench. Marquez also emphasized squad rotation ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. India aims for a strong performance in both matches.

Australian cricketer Brad Hogg faced severe backlash after a video mocking Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan's English proficiency went viral. In the clip, Hogg interviews a content creator impersonating Rizwan, highlighting his distinctive speaking style. When asked about Virat Kohli, the impersonator humorously responded, "I and Virat are alike. He drinks water, I drink water. He eats food, I eat food. We are both the same; there is no difference." The impersonator also echoed Rizwan's popular phrase, "Ya win hai, learn," when discussing team strategy. Hogg's attempt at humor was met with widespread criticism on social media, with users labeling the act as "pathetic" and a "disgrace," urging Australia to be "ashamed."

Elon Musk praised Indian strongman Vispy Kharadi for achieving a Guinness World Record in the Hercules Pillars Hold. Kharadi, a black belt holder and BSF commando trainer, set the record in Surat by holding 160 kg pillars for 2 minutes and 10.75 seconds. The feat, recognized by Guinness World Records, highlights his incredible endurance. A 13-time record holder, Kharadi also crushed 89 drink cans by hand in a minute and bent 24 iron bars with his head. His latest achievement showcases India’s strength on the global stage.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have named South African batter Faf Du Plessis as vice-captain for IPL 2025, supporting Axar Patel, who was earlier announced as captain. The 40-year-old, with vast T20 experience, has played 145 IPL matches, scoring 4,571 runs at an average of 35.99. He previously captained Dubai for three seasons, leading them to two playoff appearances. KL Rahul, linked to a leadership role, opted out. DC, which acquired Du Plessis for ₹2 crore, will start their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 in Vizag. Fans await Axar-Faf’s leadership duo in the upcoming season.

Anushka Sharma shared a cryptic Instagram post after Virat Kohli criticized the BCCI’s family time restrictions for cricketers. She wrote, “A different version of you exists in the minds of everyone who knows you.” Kohli, speaking in Bangalore, expressed disappointment over the new rule, saying families provide emotional grounding. “Maybe rule-makers who don’t understand this need to be kept away,” he said. The couple’s reaction has sparked debate among cricket fans. Kohli has often been accompanied by Anushka and their children on international tours.