Rohit Sharma Tells Kohli Not to Lose His Sleep Over Form Issues, Sam Konstas to Debut for Australia

A lot of drama was witnessed in the world of sports today. Notably, cricket did witness some exciting changes while the shooters too kept up with the action. Here's a story roundup as on December 24, 2024.

Faith of Rohit Sharma in Kohli and Himself

India's cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, responded to growing concerns over his batting form of cricketing icon Virat Kohli due to fitness amid the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test. Rohit said that this knee injury after practice would have no bearing on how he plays in the event. Just contrary to initial misgivings, he had declared that he was about fair shape for the series.

Additionally, Sharma defended Kohli against criticisms of his recent slump in form. Kohli’s struggles with off-stump deliveries have been a focal point, but Sharma expressed confidence that the seasoned batsman would soon find his rhythm. With the Test series tied at 1-1, India will look to their seasoned leaders to perform under pressure in the final match.

Tanush Kotian is the man to replace Ravichandran Ashwin in the last two Tests of the Australian tour, in a surprise from the selectors. Rohit Sharma spoke about Kotian's inclusion into the side; he was in a splendid form with 101 wickets and more than 1,500 runs, in domestic cricket. More importantly, his inclusion strengthens India's spin department as Ravichandran Ashwin retires. Kuldeep Yadav is recovering from a recent surgery, and Axar Patel did not play owing to personal reasons.

Junior Sam Konstas to Break into Australia Test Team

Australia has given a Test debut to 19-year-old Sam Konstas, making him the fourth-youngest player ever to represent Australia in the format. Konstas is to play in the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG after impressing selectors with his composure and recent form, which features a century against India in Canberra. Coach Andrew McDonald described Konstas as mature and believed he was ready for the challenge.

The Australian batsman Travis Head will not be available for the Brisbane Test as he is suffering from a quad strain in that test. Head, being the lead run-scorer for the series, is being closely watched. On the other hand, Josh Inglis is available and on standby in reserve. Despite the injury report against Travis Head, the management has declared Mitchell Marsh fit to play the Boxing Day Test.

Former cricketer Vinod Kambli, 52, was hospitalized after a diagnosis of brain clots. His condition is reportedly stable, but the cause of the clots remains unknown. Brain clots, or cerebral thrombosis, are formed when blood clots are developed within the arteries in the brain. Such clots can be caused by conditions that include high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Experts believe that such conditions increase the risk and therefore emphasize early detection through proper medical intervention.

Snub over Khel Ratna sparks controversy for Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker

Olympic medal winner Manu Bhaker is in controversy after she was reportedly left out of the prestigious Khel Ratna award. Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana attacked the Sports Ministry and National Rifle Association of India NRAI for not nominating the young shooter. However, Bhaker's father outrightly denied that the due procedure had not been followed regarding the process of award distribution, whereas a source at the Ministry of Sports reported that she might still get included in the final list to be decided by none other than Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

The BCCI has announced today India's 15-woman squad for the U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025. Niki Prasad will lead the team, and Sanika Chalke will be the deputy. Some of the new talents include G Kamalini, who has already been signed by Mumbai Indians for ₹1.6 crore in the WPL auction, and wicket-keepers Bhavika Ahire and Kamalini G. This will make it a good blend of experience and young energies, providing it with a great look for the tournament.

Ben Stokes to miss three months with injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for three months after he tore his left hamstring during the third Test against New Zealand. He has scheduled his surgery for January, and though he won't make it in time to play during that period, he feels positive and is hopeful to make a comeback when the Indian series rolls in July. May is good enough as England will face Zimbabwe at that time and Stokes should be ready.

Raiza Dhillon breaks national shooting records.

Olympian Raiza Dhillon broke the junior women's skeet national record and equalled the senior record at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions held in New Delhi. Dhillon shot an impressive 122 breaking the previous junior record of 120 set by Simranpreet Kaur Johal. Her score equalled the senior record, which was set by Ganemat Sekhon at the ISSF World Cup Final. Dhillon's achievement speaks of her skills and commitment towards the sport.