Sports Bulletin on December 24: Rohit Sharma Defends Virat Kohli, Australia Hand Debut to Sam Konstas

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In today's sports bulletin (December 24), India’s captain Rohit Sharma defends Virat Kohli’s form despite ongoing criticisms, while also reassuring fans about his own fitness ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Sam Konstas is set to debut for Australia in the upcoming Test against India. Also, updates from the world of shooting, cricket, and more.

Rohit Sharma Confirms Fitness, Defends Virat Kohli Amid Off-Stump Criticism

India skipper Rohit Sharma assured fans that his knee injury, sustained during practice, is not a concern ahead of the Boxing Day Test. While keeping his batting position under wraps, he emphasized prioritizing team strategy. Rohit also backed Virat Kohli to overcome his form slump, dismissing worries about his off-stump vulnerability. Additionally, he encouraged Yashasvi Jaiswal to trust his instincts despite recent struggles. The series stands poised at 1-1 after three Tests.

Rohit Sharma Explains Tanush Kotian's Selection Over Kuldeep and Axar

Tanush Kotian has replaced Ravichandran Ashwin for the final two Tests of India's Australia tour. Captain Rohit Sharma explained Kotian's inclusion, citing his recent form, readiness, and consistent domestic performances. Kuldeep Yadav is recovering from hernia surgery, while Axar Patel couldn’t travel due to personal commitments. Kotian’s all-round skills, including 101 First-Class wickets and 1525 runs, made him a reliable option to strengthen India's spin department amid Ashwin’s retirement.

Sam Konstas Set for Test Debut; Travis Head's Fitness in Doubt

Nineteen-year-old Sam Konstas is poised to make his Test debut for Australia in the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG, becoming the nation's fourth-youngest Test debutant. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Konstas' inclusion, highlighting his composure and recent form, including a century against India in Canberra. Meanwhile, Travis Head's participation is uncertain due to a quad strain sustained during the Brisbane Test. Head, the series' leading run-scorer, is undergoing fitness assessments, with reserve batter Josh Inglis on standby. Meanwhile Mitchell Marsh is fully fit and ready to bowl in the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG.

Vinod Kambli Diagnosed with Brain Clots: Causes and Risk Factors Explained

Former cricketer Vinod Kambli, 52, has been hospitalized due to brain clots. Brought to a hospital in Thane, his condition is stable, though the precise cause is unclear. Brain clots, or cerebral thrombosis, result from blood clots in brain arteries, often caused by conditions like hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or cholesterol buildup. Experts warn that factors like age, lifestyle, and heart conditions heighten risks, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and management.

Jaspal Rana Criticizes Sports Authorities Over Manu Bhaker's Khel Ratna Snub

Jaspal Rana, coach of Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker, has criticized the Sports Ministry and National Rifle Association of India for sidelining Bhaker’s credentials for the Khel Ratna award. Rana condemned the system requiring athletes to self-nominate, calling it demeaning and detrimental to sports. Despite the Ministry's claim that Bhaker didn’t apply, her father asserts due process was followed. A Sports Ministry source hinted that Bhaker’s name might still feature in the final list to be decided soon by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

India Announces 15-Member Squad for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

India has named a 15-member squad for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. Niki Prasad will lead the team, with Sanika Chalke as her deputy. The squad features standout players like G Kamalini, recently picked by Mumbai Indians in the WPL auction for ₹1.6 crore, and Bhavika Ahire as wicket-keepers. India U19 squad: Niki Prasad (C), Sanika Chalke (VC), G Trisha, Kamalini G (WK), Bhavika Ahire (WK), Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S.

Ben Stokes Sidelined for Three Months Due to Hamstring Injury, Surgery in January

England Test captain Ben Stokes will miss three months of cricket after suffering a torn left hamstring during the third Test against New Zealand. The injury, which previously sidelined him during The Hundred, requires surgery scheduled for January. Despite the setback, Stokes remains optimistic, expressing his determination to recover. England’s next Test is against Zimbabwe in May, giving the 33-year-old time to return for the five-match series against India in July.

England Announces Squads for India Tour and ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025

England has named its squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, including three ODIs, five T20Is, and the 2025 ICC Men's Champions Trophy. Joe Root returns to the ODI side after missing the 2023 World Cup, while Ben Stokes is absent due to injury. The T20I and ODI squads are similar, with 20-year-old Rehan Ahmed included only for T20Is. England’s tour starts on January 22, with the T20I series followed by ODIs in February.

Raiza Dhillon Breaks and Equalls National Shooting Records at 67th NSCC

Olympian Raiza Dhillon set a new junior women’s skeet national record and equalled the senior record at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions in New Delhi. Dhillon scored 122, topping both the junior and senior qualification rounds. Her score surpassed Simranpreet Kaur Johal’s 120 in the junior category, while matching Ganemat Sekhon’s senior record set at the ISSF World Cup Final in Delhi.