Sports Bulletin of November 20: Devdutt Padikkal added in India squad to Lionel Messi coming to Kerala

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The world of Sports has witnessed a lot of developments in the last 24 hours. As we approach India's crucial Test series against Australia, there are a couple of new aspects which have emerged on Wednesday (November 20).

Apart from that, Rafael Nadal has ended his illustrious career as Spain got ousted from the Davis Cup. Lionel Messi is reportedly set to visit India as well. Here are ten stories from the world of sports.

1. Devdutt Padikkal added to India squad for Perth Test

Devdutt Padikkal is set to feature for India in the first Test against Australia. The southpaw has been included in the main squad as a replacement for injured Shubman Gill, who hurt his finger before the match. Padikkal, who made his debut earlier this year for India, scored 151 runs in the India A tour down under. The Karnataka batter may be included for the rest of the series if it is required.

2. Tilak Varma jumps 69 places in latest ICC T20I Rankings

Tilak Varma has made a gigantic leap in his rankings as ICC released the latest T20I rankings on Wednesday. The Indian batter scored consecutive centuries against South Africa which has propelled him to no. 3 in the batter's rankings, the highest position achieved by an India player currently. Hardik Pandya meanwhile remains on top of the all-rounder chart in T20I rankings.

3. Yash Dayal included in the Reserves List for BGT

Yash Dayal has been roped in as a reserve player for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The left-arm pacer was with the India team in South Africa but is now set to fly to Australia to be part of India's travelling reserves squad. Dayal's addition means the tally has gone to 4 - with Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini.

4. Sanju Samson set to captain Kerala in Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Sanju Samson is set to lead Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which is set to start from November 23. The India batter is fresh from his India heroics against South Africa and will now lead his state in the domestic T20 tournament. All of Kerala's group-stage matches will be played in Hyderabad. The Kerala team features the seasoned campaigners like Sachin Baby, Vishnu Vinod, Basil Thampi and others.

5. Brazil held while Argentina wins in FIFA WC Qualifiers

Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw at home at the hands of Uruguay. Federico Valverde opened the scoring for the visitors while Gerson scored the equalizer for the Selecao. The draw means they are currently placed 5th in the World Cup Qualifiers points table with 18 points in 12 matches. Argentina, on the other hand, won 1-0 against Peru as Lautaro Martinez scored from an outrageous Lionel Messi assist. They are placed top of the standings with 25 points in 12 matches.

6. Lionel Messi set for India return after 14 years

Lionel Messi is likely to make a return to India after 14 years as the Argentina team is set to play two matches in Kerala in 2025. The Kerala government has agreed to terms with the AFA and Messi and co. may come back to the country. Kerala has a massive following for Argentina and it promises to be an intriguing extravaganza in Cochin.

7. Rafael Nadal career ends as Spain beaten in Davis Cup

The illustrious career of Rafael Nadal has ended with Spain's elimination from the Davis Cup. Spain was beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup finals. Nadal also lost his match 4-6, 4-6 at the hands of Botic van de Zandschulp. Although Carlos Alcaraz won his singles match, the double defeat meant Spain's departure from the tournament.

8. Pakistani journalist reveals true state of stadiums ahead of Champions Trophy

A Pakistan journalist has revealed the true state of Pakistan's stadiums ahead of the Champions Trophy next year. Although PCB boasted about the renovation and timely upgrades, a journalist revealed the real picture, which looks far bleaker. Unnecessary demolitions have led to an issue in Karachi and Lahore, which may jeopardize the degradation within the timeline.

9. Mexico destroy Honduras to advance to Nations League Semis

Mexico decimated Honduras 4-0 to progress to the Concacaf Nations League semis. Raul Jimenez, Jorge Sanchez scored one each while Henry Martin scored a brace as El Trio overcame the 0-2 deficit from the first leg. Mexico will now face Canada in the semis, while USA will take on Panama in the other semi-final. In the first leg in San Pedro Sula, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was hit by a can at the stadium.

10. India to play China in Hockey Women's ACT Final

The Indian women's Hockey team will lock horns against China in the Final of the Asian Champions Trophy on Wednesday in Rajgir. After a flawless group stages, India defeated Japan in the semifinals. The Indian women have scored 28 goals so far in six matches, conceding only two in total. In the group stage match against China, India won 3-0.