Sports Bulletin of January 7: From BCCI to Take Call on Rohit Sharma as Test Captain to Jasprit Bumrah Injury Ignored at Sydney Test

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From reports coming in on BCCI soon to take a call on the continuation of Rohit Sharma as Test captain to Jasprit Bumrah's injury happening at the Melbourne Test and being ignored at the Sydney Test, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Real Madrid's dominating performance at Copa del Rey are dominating the proceedings on a busy Tuesday (January 7) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. BCCI Soon to Take a Call on Rohit Sharma Continuing as Test Captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is evaluating Rohit Sharma's role as Test captain following India's recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat. At 37, Sharma's performance has declined, averaging just over 10 runs in his last eight Tests. Although he dismissed retirement rumors after opting out of the Sydney Test, the BCCI's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will decide his future in an upcoming Special General Meeting.

2. Hardik Pandya likely to lead Mumbai Indians again, looks set for big bang comeback

All-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to captain the Mumbai Indians in the 2025 IPL season, signaling his return after a challenging period marked by a dip in form and the loss of India's T20 captaincy. His leadership and performance will be crucial for the franchise's success.

3. Jasprit Bumrah Injury Ignored, Risked at Sydney Test Despite of it

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance, taking a record 32 wickets, ended abruptly due to a back injury during the Sydney Test. Reports suggest the injury may have originated earlier, with concerns that "India had cooked its golden goose" by overworking him during the Melbourne Test. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to provide an official update on the severity of Bumrah's injury.

4. KL Rahul to Miss Vijay Hazare Trophy Knockouts After Requesting Break Post BGT

KL Rahul has opted out of Karnataka's Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout matches, citing the need for rest after the demanding Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India's emphasis on players participating in domestic cricket during breaks, Rahul has chosen to sit out. In his absence, Mayank Agarwal will lead Karnataka in the quarterfinals against Baroda on January 11 in Vadodara.

5. BCCI Criticises Sunil Gavaskar's Absence at Border-Gavaskar Trophy Presentation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has criticized Cricket Australia for excluding Sunil Gavaskar from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy presentation after the Sydney Test. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla remarked, "Trophy is in their names, and one of them was not invited to the podium."

Gavaskar, present at the stadium, expressed his perplexity over the omission, stating, "I'm not feeling sad, but I'm just feeling a little perplexed." Cricket Australia has since acknowledged the oversight, conceding that involving both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar in the presentation would have been ideal.

6. Yuvraj Singh Speaks up, Backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Post-BGT Loss

Talking to PTI, Yuvraj Singh has backed up senior players, like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who disappointed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Yuvraj Singh said, "I look at what India has achieved in the last five-six years. They have achieved two back-to-back victories in Australia. I don't remember if any other team has done that. We are saying bad things about our greats Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli... we forget what they have achieved in the past. It is very easy to criticise players when they are not performing. My job is to support my friends... brothers. These cricketers have played more cricket than me and for me they are my family."

7. South Africa Crush Pakistan by 10 Wickets in 2nd Test, Seal Series 2-0

South Africa secured a 2-0 series victory over Pakistan with a commanding 10-wicket win in the second Test at Cape Town. After enforcing the follow-on, the Proteas chased down a modest target of 58 runs without losing a wicket. This triumph marks South Africa's seventh consecutive Test win, solidifying their position in the ICC World Test Championship final.

8. Mumbai Indians Management Tightens the Rope on Rohit Sharma and Team

The Mumbai Indians management has reportedly issued a stern warning to captain Rohit Sharma and the team, emphasizing the need for improved discipline and performance ahead of the IPL 2025 season. This directive follows a disappointing previous season, where internal tensions and lackluster performances led to the team finishing last on the points table. The management aims to foster a cohesive and focused environment to reclaim their winning form.

9. East Bengal's Comeback Hopes in ISL 2024-25 Thwarted by Mumbai City

East Bengal FC's defensive lapses led to a 3-2 defeat against Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium. Despite overcoming a 2-0 halftime deficit with goals from Sahil Panwar and David Hmar, a critical error by defender Hijazi Maher allowed Nikolaos Karelis to score the decisive goal for Mumbai. This loss leaves East Bengal in 11th place with 14 points, while Mumbai City climbs to fifth with 23 points.

10. Real Madrid Run Riot Against Deportiva Minera in Copa del Rey Round of 32

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey last 16 with a commanding 5-0 victory over fourth-tier Deportivo Minera. Goals from Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler in the first half set the tone, with Luka Modric and Güler adding to the tally after the break. Manager Carlo Ancelotti rested key players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, introducing them only in the second half, ahead of the upcoming Spanish Super Cup.