Sports Bulletin November 1: South Africa Beat Australia, India Win Kabaddi Titles, Rohit Sharma gives VHT assurance

Welcome to the Sports Bulletin for November 1, 2026. From major cricketing achievements to football results and international sporting developments, here are the seven biggest stories making headlines today.

1. South Africa Beat Australia to Clinch Test Series

South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third and final Test at Cape Town to clinch the series 2-1. Simon Harmer starred with a sensational six-wicket haul in the second innings, while Kagiso Rabada reached 350 Test wickets. The victory marked another significant achievement for the Proteas in red-ball cricket.

2. India Men and Women Win Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship

India's women's kabaddi team won the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad after defeating Uganda in the final. The Indian team had dominated the competition, including a convincing semi-final victory over Sri Lanka. The triumph marks another milestone for Indian women's kabaddi and strengthens the country's position in the international sport. The men's team also beat Sri Lanka later in the final to complete a double for India.

3. Rohit Sharma Set for Mumbai Indians Captaincy Return

Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to return as Mumbai Indians captain for IPL 2027, with the franchise considering a leadership change after a disappointing 2026 campaign under Hardik Pandya. Rohit previously guided MI to five IPL titles. However, the franchise has not officially confirmed the reported captaincy change.

4. Rohit Sharma Confirms Vijay Hazare Trophy Availability

Rohit Sharma has reportedly confirmed his availability for Mumbai in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The India opener's participation will provide him with valuable domestic match practice ahead of future international assignments. His availability is also significant for Mumbai, who will benefit from the experience of the former India captain.

5. Mohun Bagan Edge Past Punjab FC in ISL

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured an important 2-1 victory over Punjab FC in their ISL 2026-27 encounter in Kolkata. The Mariners produced a strong performance to collect all three points at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, as they came from behind with goals from Lee Erwin and Dejan Drazic. The result strengthened their position in the early stages of the league campaign as they occupy top spot.

6. Manchester United Continue Losing Streak

Manchester United's difficult run continued following another disappointing Premier League result against Chelsea. The defeat extended their winless sequence and increased pressure on head coach Michael Carrick. United have struggled for consistency, with defensive problems and an inability to convert opportunities continuing to affect their performances. They lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge as Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scored for the Blues.

7. ICC Plans Ballon d'Or-Style Awards Ceremony

The ICC is planning to transform its annual awards into a major in-person ceremony inspired by football's Ballon d'Or. The revamped awards are expected to return in 2027, combining performances from the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The initiative aims to give cricket's leading individual honours greater global visibility and prestige. Ballon d'Or is a football award ceremony organized by France Football and recently, Harry Kane won the award in 2026.