Sports Bulletin of November 21: From Rohit Sharma Return Date to BGT to Indian Women's Hockey Team Winning Third ACT

Add as a preferred source on Google

From Rohit Sharma set to travel to Perth for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on November 24 to the Indian hockey team winning their third Women's Asian Champions Trophy, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Both Indian Cricket Team and their Hockey Team along with football star Lionel Messi are dominating the proceedings on a busy Thursday (November 21) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Rohit Sharma will join team on November 24 for BGT

Skipper Rohit Sharma will join the Indian team in Perth on November 24, during the third day of the first Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His travel was delayed due to the birth of his second child on November 15. While speculation surrounded his arrival, it was confirmed he would miss the initial days of the series but will bolster the squad mid-Test.

2. Jasprit Bumrah speaks ahead of BGT

Ahead of the Perth Test, stand-in Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah addressed the media, discussing his approach to leadership and challenges. He emphasized enjoying responsibility, stating, "I wanted to do the tough job since I was a child." Bumrah acknowledged the influence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but highlighted his instinctive style of play. Confident in pacers' tactical edge, he added, "Bowlers are more data-driven and research-oriented than batters."

3. Mohammad Shami takes dig at Sanjay Manjrekar

Mohammad Shami responded sharply to Sanjay Manjrekar's remarks about his potential IPL 2025 auction value dropping due to injury concerns. Manjrekar stated, "There will definitely be interest from teams, but concerns about a potential breakdown might lower his price tag." Shami mocked the comment on Instagram, writing, "Baba ki jay ho... Save some wisdom for your own future, Sanjay Ji." Shami recently impressed with a seven-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy.

4. Indians in ICC Test rankings

India's dominance in the ICC Test rankings continues, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the all-rounder category and Ashwin following in second. Yashasvi Jaiswal (4th) and Rishabh Pant (6th) highlight India's batting strength, though Virat Kohli has dropped to 22nd after recent struggles. Bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja maintain top-10 positions, showcasing India's depth ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Akash Deep's rise to 76th adds to India's pace arsenal.

5. No Indian in ICC ODI All-rounder rankings, Jadeja at 12th

India currently lacks representation in the ICC ODI All-Rounder top 10 rankings, with Ravindra Jadeja placed at 12th. Despite his exceptional contributions, his ranking reflects a dip from his career-best rating of 372 in 2013. Hardik Pandya, at 22nd, and Kuldeep Yadav, at 35th, also feature, showcasing India's depth. Other contributors like Axar Patel and Washington Sundar underline India's all-round potential despite the absence of a top-tier position.

6. Indian Women's Hockey Team wins third Women's Asian Champions Trophy

India clinched their third Women's Asian Champions Trophy title with a thrilling 1-0 win over China in Rajgir, Bihar. Young forward Deepika's decisive reverse-hit goal in the 31st minute, from a penalty corner, sealed the victory. Deepika, the tournament's leading scorer with 11 goals, ensured India matched South Korea as the most successful team in ACT history. India had previously won the championship in 2016 and 2023.

7. Jofra Archer in IPL Mega Auction

England pacer Jofra Archer has dramatically entered the IPL 2025 mega auction, reversing his earlier decision to opt out due to injury concerns and Ashes preparations. Now fully recovered, Archer secured an ECB No-Objection Certificate and is among 574 players in the auction. Despite past injury setbacks, his raw pace and match-winning abilities make him a sought-after asset likely to ignite a bidding war in Jeddah.

8. Indian blind cricket team withdraws from T20 Blind Cricket World Cup

India's blind cricket team has withdrawn from the fourth T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan due to the Indian government's refusal to grant travel clearance. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) expressed disappointment but respected the decision, emphasizing their commitment to developing the sport. India, the reigning champions, has won all previous editions of the tournament, including two finals against Pakistan.

9. Lionel Messi equals record for most assists in history of international football

Lionel Messi has equaled Landon Donovan's record of 58 assists, the most in men's international football history, after setting up Lautaro Martinez's goal in Argentina's win over Peru on November 19, 2024. While Donovan's mark remains historic, Messi and Brazil's Neymar are poised to surpass it soon, solidifying their legendary status in international football.

10. Pep Guardiola extends contract with Man City

Pep Guardiola has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Manchester City, with an option for an additional year, potentially extending his tenure to over a decade. Despite recent poor form, the club sees Guardiola as key to rebuilding the squad and maintaining success. His renewal offers stability amid leadership changes, including the arrival of Hugo Viana as the new director of football. An official announcement is expected soon.