Haridev Pushparaj

DP World PGTI leaders, including Amitabh Kant, Atul Chaturvedi and Amandeep Johl, believe India can produce world-class golfers within the next decade. Speaking at the DP World India Championship in Delhi, they emphasised grassroots development, opportunities for tribal youth, international exposure and golf tourism. Kant also proposed reserving 25 per cent of college admissions for sporting merit

Naman Dhir impressed in India's rain-hit T20I against West Indies with an unbeaten 24 off six balls, including three sixes and a boundary. He also claimed five wickets during the series, showcasing his growing all-round abilities. His performances underline his potential to become a valuable option in India's T20 setup, combining explosive batting with useful off-spin.

Mumbai-born batter Chinmay Sutar scored an unbeaten 400 off 517 balls for Mizoram against Nagaland, becoming the second Indian to register a first-class quadruple century after Bhausaheb Nimbalkar. Playing only his second first-class match, Sutar struck 46 fours and seven sixes, helping Mizoram declare at 581/9 in Sovima.

Sarfaraz Khan strengthened his India Test comeback hopes with an unbeaten 139 against Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. His 18th first-class century helped Mumbai reach 398/4 and secure a 258-run first-innings lead. The knock followed his omission from national squads and a disappointing outing against Chandigarh recently.

India begin their five-match T20I series against New Zealand on October 22, with Shreyas Iyer's young side facing challenging overseas conditions. Without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, India must balance aggressive batting with bowling depth. Mitchell Santner's hosts will rely on their experienced pace attack and home advantage.

Former India captain Kapil Dev said Indian cricket's biggest transformation has been its winning mindset, with World Cup victories now expected rather than considered unlikely. Speaking in Mumbai, he credited improved infrastructure and opportunities for cricket's progress, avoided criticising India's bowling attack and urged greater corporate investment in other sports.

Mumbai's Willingdon Sports Club will host the inaugural Shri Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship from January 12 to 15, 2027, offering ₹2 crore in prize money. Organised by DP World PGTI and Essar Foundation, the annual tournament honours Essar's co-founder and will continue through 2031 under a five-year partnership agreement.

Mumbai Indians have appointed former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as head coach ahead of IPL 2027, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene. A five-time IPL champion with the franchise, Pollard has served as batting coach since 2022. His biggest challenge will be ending Mumbai Indians' title drought and restoring the winning consistency that defined their golden era.

Abhishek Sharma smashed 113 off 38 balls, reaching his century in just 35 deliveries, as India beat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I in Wellington on October 27. India chased 199 in 13.2 overs to seal the five-match series 3-0. Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also powered India to a world-record 118 runs in the Powerplay, with the latter scoring 45.

India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I, chasing 199 in just 13.2 overs. Abhishek Sharma smashed 113 off 38 balls, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 45 off 19, showcasing India's fearless batting approach and the team's emphasis on adaptability.