Times of India

Rohit Sharma's poor performance in Australia is raising concerns about his place in the Indian Test team. With only 22 runs in four innings, his form has drawn criticism from former players. The team management faces a critical decision on Rohit's role, considering KL Rahul's fine performance as an opener.

Babar Azam achieved his first Test half-century in over two years by scoring 50 runs in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. His 85-ball effort ended a streak of 19 innings without a fifty, dating back to December 2022.

D Gukesh, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating Ding Liren of China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Gukesh's dedication, humility, and his parents' unwavering support.

Rishabh Pant's dismissal in the Boxing Day Test ignited a debate between Australian legends Mark Waugh and Michael Hussey over his shot selection. Waugh criticized Pant's choice as too risky given the field setup, while Hussey defended Pant's unconventional playing style, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his natural game.

World No.1 chess champion Magnus Carlsen exited the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after a dress code violation in Round 9. Penalized for wearing jeans, Carlsen refused to comply, leading to his removal from that round. Carlsen expressed frustration with FIDE and announced his decision to skip the Blitz section.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an Israeli airstrike on Yemen. A video shows the chaotic moment of the attack, after which Tedros and his colleagues evacuated safely. The strike targeted Sanaa's international airport and comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and Houthi rebels.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unbeaten 105 in the fourth Test against Australia has drawn praise for his skill and maturity. With India at 191/6, Reddy’s partnership with Washington Sundar helped avoid the follow-on and revive hopes of a result. Their historic 127-run stand kept India in the game, showcasing the resilience and promise of young Indian cricketers.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's maiden Test century at the MCG left his family in emotional joy, marking the culmination of years of support. Reddy's unbeaten 105 helped India end the day at 358/9, reducing the deficit to 116 runs. His partnership with Washington Sundar was crucial in stabilizing India's innings after Australia's first-innings score of 474.

Afghanistan's defence ministry reported launching retaliatory strikes on Pakistani positions after Pakistan's recent airstrikes in Paktika province caused significant casualties, including women and children. The Taliban claimed their response targeted militant hideouts used to plan attacks in Afghanistan, while Pakistan insisted the Taliban are not sufficiently curbing cross-border militant activities.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the government's decision to cremate former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat, calling it a disrespect to his legacy. Congress and other leaders demanded a memorial site for Singh's cremation. The government announced plans for a memorial, clarifying that space allocation requests were received late. Singh was cremated with full state honours.

Elon Musk called for a rise in immigration to address the skilled tech worker shortage in the US. He emphasized attracting top talent from around the world to maintain the country's competitive edge. Musk also criticized those prioritizing personal gain over national well-being. His statement comes amid ongoing debates on immigration policies.

China has deployed nearly 400 troops at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy to enforce stricter surveillance, with plans to impose regulations in 2022 limiting monks' residency to 15 years and requiring registration. These measures aim at reducing the monastery's population. The academy has experienced significant crackdowns since its founding, including demolitions in 2016-2017.

Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved his maiden Test century at the MCG in front of a massive crowd, including his emotional father. Reddy's composed batting under pressure, highlighted by his expert balance and footwork, rescued India from a precarious position, securing his place as a promising talent.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's maiden Test century at the MCG, achieved in the fourth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, is a testament to the sacrifices and support of his father, Mutyala Reddy. Overcoming financial hardships and early criticisms, he supported Nitish and his efforts have played a crucial role in putting his son among India's cricket heroes.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu urges Indians to focus on developing technological capabilities within India instead of seeking validation abroad. Highlighting the importance of retaining talent to advance India's technological prowess, he questions the sustainability of relying on imported talent for national achievements.

Heavy snowfall has severely disrupted life in Kashmir, affecting travel, power supply, and infrastructure. With around 17 inches of snow recorded in some areas, the Jammu-Srinagar Highway and train services are suspended. The region faces power outages and ongoing road clearance efforts, amidst the harsh 'Chillai-Kalan' winter period.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test and international hundred during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Despite some anxious moments and tight drama as India lost wickets late on on Day 3, Reddy successfully reached the milestone off 171 balls. Bad light later stopped play with India at 358 for 9 in response to Australia's 474.