Sports Bulletin December 28: Ayush Mhatre to lead India in U19 World Cup, Bhutan Spinner creates stellar World Record

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Have a look at the top stories across the world of sport for December 28. Ayush Mhatre makes headlines after appointment of India's U19 captain for World Cup. Bhutan bowler creates world record, while Arsenal maintain top spot in the Premier League.

Ayush Mhatre to lead India in U19 World Cup

Ayush Mhatre has been appointed captain of the Indian Under-19 cricket team for the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup, set to begin in January in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The 15-member squad includes vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Aaron George, and Vedant Trivedi, among others. Mhatre's leadership comes after a strong performance in continental competitions, positioning India as strong contenders for the title.

ICC to punish Cricket Australia after MCG Test

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to penalize Cricket Australia following the controversial pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the fourth Ashes Test in December 2025. The pitch, criticized for being underprepared with excessive grass, led to 20 wickets falling on the first day and 36 over two days, creating a "shambles." MCG curator admitted an error in preparation. The ICC may rate the pitch as "unsatisfactory," potentially costing Cricket Australia up to $16 million in fines and lost revenue.

Bhutan's Sonam Yeshey creates World Record with 8 wickets in T20I match

Bhutan spinner Sonam Yeshey etched his name in history books with a world record feat, picking up 8 wickets against Mynamar. Yeshey's figure of 8 for 7 in four overs is the best in the history of T20I cricket, as he surpassed Malaysia's Syazrul Idrus. With Yeshey's stellar performance, Bhutan bundled out Myanmar for 45 and won the match by 82 runs.

Rohit-Virat to be demoted in BCCI central contract

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely facing demotion from Grade A+ to Grade A in the BCCI's central contracts for the 2025-26 season, resulting in a Rs 2 crore pay cut each. This stems from their reduced participation in Test matches and T20Is, with Kohli focusing more on ODIs and Sharma retiring from certain formats. The BCCI's annual meeting on December 22, 2025, was expected to finalize the list. Currently, both hold elite A+ contracts, but limited involvement has prompted the downgrade, affecting their annual retainers.

Gautam Gambhir removal as head coach is baseless: Saikia

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed rumors of Gautam Gambhir's removal as India's head coach as "baseless and speculative." Following India's recent Test series losses, reports suggested VVS Laxman might replace him, but Saikia confirmed Gambhir's position remains secure. He emphasized no discussions have occurred about a change, reaffirming Gambhir's role across formats. This comes amid scrutiny after poor performances, but the BCCI stands by Gambhir.

Arsenal maintain top spot with 2-1 win

Arsenal reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27, 2025. Captain Martin Odegaard scored his first goal of the season, and a Georginio Rutter own goal secured the win, despite Brighton's response. The result came after Manchester City briefly led following their 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. Arsenal's performance highlighted fine margins but showed resilience under pressure from rivals like City and Aston Villa. This keeps them ahead in a tightly contested title race.

Sourav Ganguly starts coaching career with defeat

Sourav Ganguly began his coaching career with a defeat as head coach of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league. On December 27, 2025, his team lost to Jo'burg Super Kings in their opening match. Appointed in August 2025, this marks Ganguly's first full-time coaching role after his tenure as BCCI president. The former Indian captain, known for his leadership, aims to turn things around in the franchise.

Women's HIL start in Ranchi with 4 teams

The second season of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) commenced on December 28, 2025, in Ranchi, featuring four teams: JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Ranchi Royals, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Delhi SG Pipers. Running until January 10, 2026, the league aims to boost women's hockey with high-octane matches. The opening day includes JSW Soorma vs. Ranchi Royals on Sunday.