Ravichandran Ashwin, 38, announced his retirement after the Brisbane Test, telling captain Rohit Sharma, “If I’m not needed, I’m better off saying goodbye.” Ashwin’s illustrious career includes 537 Test wickets, 37 five-wicket hauls, and 11 Player of the Series awards. Rohit hailed Ashwin as a "true match-winner" and a "servant of Indian cricket," emphasizing his impact in crucial moments. Ashwin retires as the leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship with 195 scalps. While stepping away from international cricket, Ashwin plans to continue showcasing his skills in club cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's greatest cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. Ashwin, 38, ends his illustrious career with 765 wickets across formats, including 537 Test wickets in 106 matches. Known for his match-winning performances, Ashwin finishes with 37 five-wicket hauls and 11 Player of the Series awards, ranking among Test cricket’s finest spinners. He made his debut in 2010 and his final match will be the Adelaide Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin thanked the BCCI and his teammates, expressing pride in his journey.

Rain ended the thrilling 3rd Test between India and Australia at Gabba in a draw, keeping the series tied at 1-1. Persistent rain allowed only 2.1 overs in India's second innings after Australia set a target of 275. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep starred with the ball, taking crucial wickets. Earlier, their 39-run last-wicket partnership helped India avoid the follow-on. Australia's aggressive batting, led by Travis Head (Player of the Match), aimed to force a result, but weather dictated otherwise. Both teams now shift focus to the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.

India requires 267 runs to secure victory on Day 5 of the 3rd Test against Australia in Brisbane. Chasing a target of 275, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began India’s innings, while Australian bowlers aim to claim quick wickets. Earlier, Australia declared at 89/7, with Pat Cummins (22) and Alex Carey (20) contributing. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj picked 2 each. India’s first innings ended at 260. The match hangs in balance as both teams battle for a decisive result.

The Gabba Test between Australia and India is set for a dramatic finish, weather permitting. India avoided the follow-on, thanks to Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah's efforts. Still trailing by 193 runs at 252/9, Australia might consider bold options, including forfeiting their second innings. Under MCC Law 15.2, captains can forfeit an innings to push for a result. However, Australia is unlikely to risk giving India a modest target. Cummins' team will aim to wrap up India early on Day 5, build a quick lead, and put India under pressure, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the match.

India ended Day 4 of the 3rd Test at the Gabba on 252/9, trailing by 193 runs. KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) led the resistance with vital fifties. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep's unbeaten 39-run partnership for the final wicket ensured India avoided the follow-on, frustrating Australia. Rain interruptions and resilient batting from India left the Aussies searching for breakthroughs. Pat Cummins claimed 4/80, while Nathan Lyon took 1/54. Australia's bowling effort was hindered by Josh Hazlewood's injury. With rain forecasted for Day 5, the match appears poised for a draw.

Fans have criticized Gautam Gambhir's decision to exclude Ravindra Jadeja from the first two Tests of India's series against Australia, after the all-rounder’s impactful performance in the third Test. Jadeja scored a gritty fifty at Gabba, showcasing his crucial batting skills. Despite being the world’s No. 1 all-rounder, Jadeja’s exclusion raised eyebrows, especially after his performance outshone those of other all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin. Jadeja’s batting average in Australia is now higher than that of Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, reinforcing his significance in the team.

After winning the FIDE World Chess Championship, 18-year-old Gukesh D celebrated his historic victory in style by attempting his first-ever bungee jump in Singapore. Following a dramatic win over China’s Ding Liren, Gukesh shared a video of himself preparing for the bungee jump at the Sentosa Skypark, expressing both excitement and nervousness. Gukesh became the youngest chess world champion and the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this feat. He also played a pivotal role in India’s Olympiad gold earlier this year. The young grandmaster’s victory has catapulted him to stardom in India and worldwide.

India captain Rohit Sharma continued his poor form, scoring just 10 runs in the 1st innings of the 3rd Test against Australia in Brisbane. Battling Pat Cummins' out-swinging delivery, Rohit was caught behind after adding minimal runs on Day 4. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, creating memes and criticizing his repeated failures. While Sharma, Kohli, and Jaiswal struggled on the tricky Gabba pitch, KL Rahul stood out, anchoring India’s innings with resilience. This pink-ball Test has exposed batting weaknesses in India’s lineup as Australia maintains pressure. Rohit's form remains a major concern for the Indian team.

Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has plunged into the ‘severe’ category, with 26 out of 37 monitoring stations recording levels above 400. Jahangirpuri (466), Anand Vihar (465), and Bawana (465) were the worst-hit areas. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reinstated GRAP-IV restrictions, banning non-essential truck entry and halting construction activities. Schools and colleges have shifted to online classes, and odd-even vehicle restrictions are under consideration. Meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds and high humidity, are likely to keep pollution levels elevated. The Supreme Court has urged a nationwide approach to tackle this "pan-India" issue.