INDIA’S FEARLESS CHASE IN THE LAND OF THE KIWIS
New Zealand has always been one of the toughest terrains to conquer in cricket. The Men in Blue, however, began their campaign with remarkable audacity, chasing down a target of 226 in the opening T20I to register their highest successful run chase in the format.
It was a collective effort, with Sanju Samson’s explosive 67 off 33 balls providing the foundation before Naman Dhir’s breathtaking, unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries sealed a four-wicket victory with two balls to spare. In a contest that briefly threatened to slip away, India demonstrated right temperament to match their firepower.
Naman Dhir and Prince Yadav appear to be emerging as promising long-term prospects for the Men in Blue. Both youngsters have shown encouraging signs of possessing the skill, temperament and composure required at the highest level.
The second T20I offered another compelling demonstration of India’s resilience. Chasing New Zealand’s 180/5 on a surface where batting was far from easy, India held their nerve to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory with one ball to spare. Tilak Varma’s brilliant, unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls once again proved that he is made of different clay. He has a knack for rising to the occasion when the going gets tough. Technically sound and mentally strong, Tilak continues to demonstrate that batting in different positions is as much about mental toughness as it is about skill. With Naman Dhir contributing a valuable 31 off 17 balls, India’s middle order showed the depth and adaptability that could prove crucial in the matches ahead. Tilak’s composure under pressure strengthens the feeling that a new chase master may be emerging for India.
THE BALLON D’OR CONUNDRUM
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi continues to weave his magic in theInter Miami shirt, reminding the footballing world that genius knows no age. Yet, with the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching, the question remains: who truly deserves to be crowned the world’s best?
Will Harry Kane’s phenomenal goal-scoring form, relentless work rate and consistency earn him football’s most coveted individual honour? Or will Kylian Mbappé’s extraordinary skills and prolific performances strengthen his claim? Then there is Lamine Yamal, the prodigiously gifted youngster whose audacity, vision and maturity belie his age. The verdict willl be out on 26th October, but the debate itself celebrates football’s extraordinary abundance of talent.
NIC MADDINSON: A TRIUMPH BEYOND THE SCORECARD
Some stories in sport transcend the numbers on a scorecard. Australian batter Nic Maddinson’s return to Test cricket after battling testicular cancer is one such story.
Diagnosed in 2025, Maddinson faced a daunting battle after the disease spread to his lymph nodes and lung. Following treatment, his return to Australia’s Test squad for the South Africa series marked a remarkable comeback, nearly a decade after his previous Test appearance.
The series itself has offered its share of drama. Australia won the Durban opener by 214 runs, with Matt Renshaw playing a crucial role in the victory. South Africa struck back in Gqeberha, winning the second Test by an innings and 31 runs to level the series at 1–1. Temba Bavuma’s commanding 179, supported by Marco Jansen’s incisive bowling, proved decisive. The third Test begins in Cape Town on 27th October.
Maddinson’s own numbers may not yet tell a triumphant tale, but to judge his comeback by runs alone would be to miss the point. In a sport obsessed with averages and records, his return is a reminder that courage can be the most compelling statistic of all. Sometimes, greatness lies not in how many runs one scores, but in finding the strength to walk back onto the field after life’s most daunting battle.
INDIA’S PARA-ATHLETES REWRITE HISTORY
India’s para-athletes returned from the Asian Para Games with a record 114 medals — 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze — finishing fourth overall. Achieved with a contingent of just 168 athletes, the haul surpassed India’s previous best of 111 medals at the 2022 edition, held in Hangzhou in 2023.
Beyond the tally lies a larger story of determination, preparation and sporting ambition. These athletes continue to challenge not merely their opponents, but also the limits that others too readily place on human potential.
PANKAJ ADVANI: THE ART OF LONGEVITY
Age has done little to diminish Pankaj Advani’s mastery of the cue. The Indian maestro claimed his 29th career world title, defeating England’s Robert Hall 1906–1206 in the World Billiards Championship final. A phenomenal 587-point break helped turn the contest around, reaffirming Advani’s place among the sport’s greats.
NEW TALENT, NEW POSSIBILITIES
Indian squash found another reason for optimism as Anahat Singh reached her maiden PSA Gold-level semifinal at the Silicon Valley Open. Her victory over Egypt’s Salma Hany followed an impressive win against eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini.
At the French Open badminton, Ashmita Chaliha stunned Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21–19, 21–18 to reach the quarter-finals, while P. V. Sindhu also advanced to the last eight. Different generations, one shared ambition: to make Indian badminton increasingly competitive on the global stage.
