Sports Bulletin for December 3: Virat Kohli continues Regal Form, Shubman Gill set to join T20 Side

In the world of sports, Virat Kohli dominates the headlines yet again as the India star scored his 53rd ODI ton against South Africa. More on the other sports across the globe, here on the Bulletin for December 3.

Virat Kohli registers 53rd ODI Century

Virat Kohli smashed his record-extending 53rd ODI century in the second match against South Africa in Raipur on December 3, 2025, reaching the milestone in 90 balls. This followed his 135 in the Ranchi opener, silencing critics and marking his 84th international ton as he closes in on Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 hundreds.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's Maiden ODI Ton

Ruturaj Gaikwad notched his first ODI century against South Africa in Raipur on December 3, 2025, anchoring India after they batted first at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium. The opener's 105 came off 77 balls with 12 fours and two sixes, featuring a 195-run stand with Kohli after early wickets. Gaikwad accelerated post-fifty, assaulting spinners like Keshav Maharaj to boost India's total past 280.​

Shubman Gill for South Africa T20Is

Shubman Gill is poised for selection in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, following fitness clearance at the National Cricket Academy. Recovering from neck spasms since the Eden Test, Gill impressed in batting and fielding drills, ticking key boxes for selectors. The squad announcement is imminent, possibly December 3, with Gill eyed as vice-captain ahead of the 2026 World Cup; he could join in Bhubaneswar by December 7.​

Harshit Rana gets ICC Reprimandation

Harshit Rana faced ICC reprimand and a demerit point for breaching Code of Conduct Article 2.5 during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. In the 22nd over of South Africa's chase, Rana gestured toward the dressing room after dismissing Dewald Brevis for 37, actions deemed provocative. The 23-year-old admitted the Level 1 offence, avoiding a hearing; it's his first demerit in 24 months.​

Virat Kohli in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Virat Kohli confirmed availability for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, his first since 2010, as per DDCA on December 2, 2025. He informed president Rohan Jaitley amid speculation, likely playing multiple group matches before India's New Zealand ODIs from January 11. Kohli may feature post the South Africa series end on December 6, balancing international and domestic commitments.​

Portugal to play Mexico at Azteca

Mexico will host Portugal at the renovated Estadio Azteca in a March 2026 friendly, marking the venue's reopening before the World Cup it will host starting June 11. Announced recently, the match features Cristiano Ronaldo, contractually tied, as Portugal nears qualification. Azteca, closed since May 2024, boasts history like Pele's 1970 triumph and Maradona's 1986 "Goal of the Century."​

East Bengal Super Cup Semis Prep

East Bengal FC advanced unbeaten to the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 semifinals, topping Group A on goal difference after a 0-0 Kolkata derby draw with Mohun Bagan in Goa. They face Punjab FC on December 4, having prepped with a Dempo practice match; no injuries reported, with Saul Crespo back training. East Bengal edged rivals dramatically, setting up a first-ever semi-final clash.​

India face Belgium in Junior Hockey World Cup

India's junior men's hockey team secured a quarterfinal spot at the FIH Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 with a 5-0 rout of Switzerland on December 2 at Madurai. Unbeaten in league play under captain Rohit and coach PR Sreejesh, India faces Belgium on December 5. The colts dominated, showcasing experience en route to the knockout stage.