Sports Bulletin on March 12: Shubman Gill Named ICC Player of the Month, Rohit Sharma jumps to 3rd Spot in ODI Batting Rankings

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In today’s sports bulletin (March 12), Shubman Gill has earned the ICC Player of the Month award after an impressive February campaign, while Rohit Sharma has climbed the ODI batting rankings.

Meanwhile, Lord’s faces a financial setback due to India’s absence in the WTC Final, and Shane Bond issues a stark warning for Jasprit Bumrah. Here’s a look at the top stories. Let's find out the sports bulletin of the day in detail below:

Shubman Gill Named ICC Player of the Month for February

India’s Shubman Gill has been crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2025 after a series of outstanding performances. The opener outshone Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips to claim the award. Gill amassed 406 runs in five ODIs at an impressive average of 101.50 and a strike rate of 94.19. His standout displays included three consecutive fifties in India's 3-0 series sweep against England, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top batters in world cricket. Meanwhile, Australia spinner Alana King was awarded February's Women's Player of the Month following her exceptional performance against England in the Women’s Ashes.

Rohit Sharma Rises to No. 3 in ICC ODI Rankings, Virat Kohli Slips to No. 5

India captain Rohit Sharma has climbed to No. 3 in the latest ICC ODI Rankings after his match-winning 76 in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. Shubman Gill retains the top spot with 784 points, while Pakistan’s Babar Azam remains at No. 2. Virat Kohli has dropped to No. 5 despite finishing as India's second-highest run-getter in the tournament. In the bowling charts, Kuldeep Yadav surged to No. 3, while Mitchell Santner moved up to No. 2. India’s Ravindra Jadeja re-entered the top 10 at No. 10.

Lord’s Set to Lose £4 Million Due to India’s Absence in WTC Final

India’s failure to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final is expected to cost Lord’s nearly £4 million in revenue. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) had initially set premium ticket prices, anticipating a financial boost from India’s participation. However, with Australia and South Africa now contesting the final, ticket demand has dropped, forcing MCC to reduce prices. India slipped to third in the WTC standings after consecutive series losses to New Zealand and Australia, marking their first absence from the final in three editions.

Another Injury Could End Jasprit Bumrah’s Career

Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond has cautioned that another injury to Jasprit Bumrah’s surgically repaired back could be career-threatening. Bond, who has battled similar injuries, advised careful workload management, stating Bumrah should not play more than two consecutive Test matches. With IPL 2025 approaching, his availability remains uncertain. Bond highlighted the risk of transitioning from IPL’s T20 format to England’s five-Test series. He emphasized that Bumrah’s longevity depends on smart decision-making and open discussions with Indian cricket authorities.

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Rishabh Pant Light Up Dance Floor at Pant’s Sister’s Wedding

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Rishabh Pant stole the show at Pant’s sister Sakshi Pant’s wedding in Mussoorie, with their dance moves going viral. A video of the trio grooving to Dama Dam Mast Kalandar captivated fans, with Dhoni’s rare celebratory side delighting viewers. Pant, fresh from India’s Champions Trophy triumph, flew in from Dubai, while Dhoni arrived in Dehradun on March 11. As the wedding festivities wrap up, Dhoni and Pant will shift focus to IPL 2025, where Pant leads Lucknow Super Giants.

Bayern, Inter, Barcelona, PSG Secure Champions League Quarterfinal Spots

Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain booked their places in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday. PSG edged Liverpool in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-0 win, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making crucial saves. Barcelona cruised past Benfica 3-1 (4-1 aggregate), inspired by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Inter Milan overcame Feyenoord 2-1 (4-1 aggregate), while Bayern Munich sealed a dominant 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen (5-0 aggregate), with Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies on the scoresheet.

East Bengal Crash Out of AFC Challenge League After Late Arkadag Blow

East Bengal's continental campaign ended in heartbreak as they fell 2-1 to Arkadag in the AFC Challenge League second leg, losing 3-1 on aggregate. Messi Bouli’s early goal gave them hope, but Lalchunnunga’s red card in the 35th minute turned the tide. Arkadag capitalized late, with Hydyrow scoring a penalty in the 87th minute before Annadurdyyev sealed the result in stoppage time. East Bengal, already out of ISL playoff contention, now face mounting fan unrest, while Arkadag marches into the semifinals.