India's World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes face a major setback as "unusual" weather in Brisbane threatens the third Test against Australia. The match, starting Saturday at the iconic Gabba, comes after India's 10-wicket loss in Adelaide. Brisbane has experienced heavy rainfall, making conditions uncertain for the Test. Forecasts predict a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms on Day 1, with chances rising to 60% on the final day. If the match is washed out, India’s path to the WTC final becomes even more difficult, as a loss or draw in the remaining series matches could eliminate them.

Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat was Google India's most-searched personality in 2024. Her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final for being overweight and her subsequent appeal rejection grabbed headlines. Upon returning to India, she joined the Congress and won the Julana seat in Haryana's elections, though her party lost to BJP. Phogat's activism alongside Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh also kept her in the spotlight. The top-searched list also included Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, cricketer Hardik Pandya, and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan.

South Africa's 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka has almost secured their spot in the 2024 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s. India, currently in third, faces mounting pressure from South Africa's surge and must avoid further losses in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy to stay in contention. To guarantee qualification, India needs a 2-1 series win over Australia or a 2-2 draw, while hoping for favorable results in Sri Lanka's series against Australia. With South Africa needing one more win, the final WTC spot hinges on upcoming matches.

Mohammed Siraj has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point following his heated exchange with Travis Head during the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Adelaide. Head was also sanctioned with a demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The altercation took place after Siraj dismissed Head with a yorker, having previously been hit for a six. Despite the verbal clash, both players avoided suspension, as it was their first offense in the last 24 months. The incident added drama to Australia’s 10-wicket win, and the matter was resolved amicably afterward.

India dropped to 3rd in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings after a 10-wicket loss to Australia in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide on December 8. Australia regained the top spot with a points percentage of 60.71, while India stands at 57.29. New Zealand, after losing to England in Wellington, is now out of the WTC final race, slipping to 6th with 44.23%. India must win all remaining matches and rely on Sri Lanka defeating South Africa to secure a WTC final berth. The next India-Australia Test begins in Brisbane on December 14.

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Travis Head will face ICC sanctions for their on-field altercation during Day 2 of the Adelaide Test. Siraj celebrated Head’s dismissal with a fiery send-off, prompting a heated verbal exchange. While Head admitted his reaction was excessive, Siraj denied accusations of disrespect, citing video evidence. The duo later reconciled with a handshake on Day 3, earning praise on social media. The ICC’s disciplinary hearing is expected to issue fines, with no suspensions anticipated. Cricket enthusiasts hope this serves as a reminder of the game’s spirit and sportsmanship.

Bangladesh retained their U19 Men’s Asia Cup title by defeating India by 59 runs in the final on December 8, 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh posted 198/9, with Rizan Hossain contributing 47 runs. India’s chase faltered as they were dismissed for 139 in 35.2 overs. Key performances came from Iqbal Hossain Emon, who took 3 wickets, and captain Azizul Hakim, who claimed 3 wickets for just 8 runs. This victory marks Bangladesh’s second consecutive title after winning their first in 2023, handing India a rare defeat in the competition.

India's captain Rohit Sharma faced criticism following his disappointing performance in the second Test against Australia, where he scored 6 and 3 batting at No. 6. Former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe questioned Rohit's position in the playing XI after the double failure in Adelaide. "It’s a tough gig to come here at 37 years of age. Rohit has averaged 13 in his last five Test matches," O'Keeffe said. He added, "You could count on one hand the number of 37-year-old plusses who have had a significant effect on the series." O'Keeffe suggested considering a "Plan B" for Rohit, noting the relentless Australian pace attack.

India’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final are in jeopardy if they lose the Pink-Ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. A defeat would reduce India's points percentage from 61.11 to 57.29, pushing them out of the top two. With only three remaining Tests, India can’t afford another loss. To secure qualification, they need a maximum of one draw and two wins. A 3-2 series victory over Australia would give them a solid chance, but any further setbacks could eliminate them from the race.

Australia dominated India in the 2nd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, securing a 10-wicket victory in just three days at Adelaide Oval. Travis Head's brilliant 140 and skipper Pat Cummins' five-wicket haul highlighted Australia's emphatic performance. India managed scores of 180 and 175 in their two innings, with Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scoring in both. Mitchell Starc also shone with six wickets in the first innings. Australia's unbeaten streak in pink-ball Tests at Adelaide extends to eight matches. The series is now tied 1-1, with the third Test set for Brisbane on December 14, promising a thrilling contest ahead.