Rohit Sharma's final Instagram post of 2024 went viral after his batting struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite leading India to a T20 World Cup title, Sharma has been facing criticism for his poor form, with scores of 3, 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9 in recent matches. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan criticized Sharma’s performance, stating his place in the team is secured more by captaincy than merit. Pathan suggested that if Sharma weren’t captain, he might not make the playing XI. Sharma’s post thanked 2024 for its ups and downs.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, serving as ISS Commander, will welcome 2025 uniquely by celebrating New Year 16 times in space. The Expedition 72 crew will witness 16 sunrises and sunsets as they orbit Earth at 400 km altitude every 90 minutes. Initially planned for 8 days, Williams’ mission aboard Boeing's Starliner has extended until March 2025 due to technical challenges. The crew will enjoy special meals, connect with loved ones via video calls, and continue vital scientific research. Williams, describing space as her "happy place," embraces this rare experience, showcasing the resilience and joy of human space exploration.

Cricket Australia announced its Test Team of the Year for 2024, naming India’s Jasprit Bumrah as captain. Bumrah, who led India to a historic win in Perth last month, was praised for his leadership and outstanding five-wicket haul. The team featured two players each from India, New Zealand, and Australia, with three from England and one each from Sri Lanka and South Africa. Yashasvi Jaiswal, another Indian star, was recognised for scoring 1,478 runs, including three centuries. Other notable players included England’s Joe Root, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis. Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma were excluded.

Former India pacer Atul Wassan has called for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to have an "exit plan" for Virat Kohli, as the 36-year-old’s poor form continues in Tests. Kohli, who has struggled with his shot selection, has only 67 runs in six innings (excluding a century in Perth). Wassan emphasized the need for clarity in team management, suggesting a succession plan to prevent pressure on Kohli and the team. The player’s poor 2024 Test average of just over 24 has sparked debate about his future in the team.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma may retire from Test cricket after the five-match series against Australia, as per Times of India. The BCCI and selectors reportedly discussed his decision, which could see an official announcement after the final Test in Sydney. If India qualifies for the World Test Championship Final, Rohit might request an extension. Struggling with form, he has scored only 31 runs in six innings, leading to mounting retirement calls. Rohit acknowledged feeling "disturbed" and expressed disappointment with his performance, saying, "Things aren't falling into place." His future as a Test cricketer remains uncertain.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed his frustration with ultra-edge technology after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s contentious dismissal in the fourth Test. Despite Jaiswal’s 84-run knock being cut short, Cummins was confident the batter had edged the ball, stating, “Oh look, I think it was just clear that he hit it. We heard a noise, saw a deviation, so it was absolutely certain that he hit it.” However, he criticized the technology, saying, “Ultra-edge… I don't think anyone has complete confidence in it.” The decision, which came after a review, sparked debate, but Cummins stood by the umpire’s call.

Indian cricket gears up for a pivotal 2025 with major challenges and transitions. The men’s team eyes the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai and possibly the WTC final, but senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face scrutiny over form. Jasprit Bumrah emerges as a potential Test captain, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer vie for ODI leadership. The women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, targets an ICC title as India hosts the ODI World Cup. With Gautam Gambhir’s coaching under review, 2025 marks a defining year for both men's and women's cricket teams.

India lost the MCG Test to Australia by 184 runs, conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the hosts secured a 2-1 series lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal's controversial dismissal on Day 5 sparked debate, with BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla criticizing third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat for overruling the on-field decision without conclusive evidence. Jaiswal, who scored a valiant 84 off 208 balls, fell in the 71st over when a Snicko review suggested no contact with his gloves, yet the umpire ruled him out. The decision proved pivotal as India's hopes crumbled. The fifth Test begins on January 3 in Sydney.

The India-Australia fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set a new attendance milestone for Test matches in Australia, with over 350,700 fans attending across five days. This surpasses the previous record set in 1937. Daily turnout peaked at 87,242 on the first day and remained strong, with over 51,000 attending the fifth day’s first session alone. The Melbourne Cricket Club underestimated the final day’s numbers, causing delays as only one gate was opened. This follows India’s remarkable fan turnout during the 2022 T20 World Cup at the same venue, solidifying the ground’s place in cricket history.

Magnus Carlsen, world’s top chess player, will rejoin the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) relaxed its dress code. The Norwegian grandmaster quit the tournament in New York when informed his jeans violated regulations. FIDE now permits “elegant minor deviations” like jeans paired with a blazer. Carlsen, 34, confirmed his return and his intent to wear jeans. Known for his maverick nature, Carlsen’s actions highlight ongoing debates over tradition in chess. Previously, he faced controversy over allegations of cheating against a rival, which were settled in 2023.