Sports Bulletin December 12: Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Confirmation, Lionel Messi to arrive in Kolkata

In the world of sports, various new developments have taken place in the last 24 hours. India have suffered a defeat in the T20 series against South Africa, while Virat Kohli is set to feature in Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Check out the latest sports news and unmissable stories from the day, here in the Bulletin for December 12.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi slams U19 Asia Cup Ton

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old Indian batting prodigy, smashed a stunning 56-ball century against UAE in the Under-19 Asia Cup opener at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. He finished unbeaten on 171 off 95 balls, including nine fours and multiple sixes, eclipsing previous tournament records for sixes hit. Despite a dropped chance at 85, his explosive knock propelled India to a strong start, marking the second-highest U19 ODI

score by an Indian.

RCB's Chinnaswamy Stadium Clearance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru received major relief as the Karnataka Cabinet conditionally approved M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026 matches. The decision follows a tragic June stampede during RCB's victory celebrations that killed 11 and halted cricket there. KSCA must complete safety upgrades verified by the Home Department; president Venkatesh Prasad hailed it as a cricket victory after discussions with state leaders and BCCI.​

India suffer defeat in New Chandigarh

India suffered a 51-run defeat to South Africa in the second T20I of their five-match series at New Chandigarh. Chasing 214, India collapsed to 162 with five balls remaining after Quinton de Kock's 90 powered South Africa's 213/4. Tilak Varma top-scored with 62 for India, but Ottneil Baartman's four wickets sealed the win; the series now stands 1-1.​

Lionel Messi set to arrive in Kolkata

Lionel Messi is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on December 13 for a high-profile visit, drawing massive fan excitement. The Argentina superstar will receive a grand celebrity welcome in the football-crazy city. His trip highlights growing global football fandom in India.​ The Argentine will visit Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi in his 3-day tour to India.

Messi to Unveil 70-Foot Kolkata Statue

Messi will inaugurate a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Sribhumi, Kolkata, next to the clock tower-billed as the world's largest. Artist Monty Pal and his team of 30 crafted it rapidly using special fibre technology. The unveiling caps Messi's whirlwind visit, promising an unforgettable spectacle for fans.​ Following that, the Argentina star will head to Salt Lake Stadium for further events.

Virat Kohli set to play in Vijay Hazare for Delhi

Virat Kohli has confirmed availability for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, potentially his first since 2010. Listed among probables with Rishabh Pant, he follows BCCI mandates for senior players; Delhi faces Andhra on December 24 in Alur. Kohli's recent 302-run ODI series haul against South Africa boosts expectations and the India star is expect to draw large crowd with his availability.

Nitish Reddy registers SMAT Hat-Trick

Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed a dramatic hat-trick for Andhra against Madhya Pradesh in SMAT 2025 Super League at DY Patil Academy, Pune, dismissing key batsmen including Rajat Patidar. Despite rattling MP to 37/4, Andhra defended 113 poorly as MP chased it down with 15 balls left via Rishabh Chouhan's 47 and Rahul Batham's unbeaten 35.​

Chicharito Exits Chivas

Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has officially left Chivas after a disappointing second stint, becoming the first player cut ahead of Liga MX Clausura 2026. The club announced his departure via social media post-Apertura 2025, where they finished sixth. The Mexican striker's lackluster form ends his time with the team.

Vinesh Phogat announces Wrestling Return

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has reversed her retirement decision, announcing her return to the mat on December 12, 2025, after an 18-month hiatus. The 31-year-old three-time Olympian, who retired days after her heartbreaking disqualification in the 50kg final at Paris 2024 for failing weigh-in, shared an emotional X post reflecting on her journey. She revealed rediscovering her passion amid exhaustion, stating the "fire never left" and committing to chase an Olympic medal at LA 2028.