Sports Bulletin For 21st November: A busy day across the sporting landscape saw major updates from cricket, hockey, boxing, and the upcoming WPL auction. From key team changes and on-field heroics to important administrative developments and standout performances, here are the top highlights you need to know:
1) IND vs SA: Shubman Gill Ruled Out Of 2nd Test, Rishabh Pant To Lead
India will take the field with a new leader for the must-win second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati starting Saturday. Regular skipper Shubman Gill has been sidelined due to a neck spasm, paving the way for vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to step in as captain for the crucial clash.
2) She Said Yes! Palash Muchhal
Posts Video Of His Proposal To Smriti Mandhana
India's cricket icon Smriti Mandhana and music composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal are reportedly set to tie the knot on November 23. Muchhal recently shared a video on social media capturing the moment he proposed to Mandhana at the iconic DY Patil Stadium, making the occasion even more memorable.
3) Australia Finish On 123/9 At Day 1 Stumps, Trail By 49 Runs
Ben Stokes delivered a superb five-wicket spell to put England slightly ahead after a dramatic opening day of the first Test in Perth. England, who chose to bat, collapsed to 39/3 before brief resistance from Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) lifted them to 172, with Mitchell Starc tearing through the innings for 7/58. Stokes, dismissed for just six earlier, hit back brilliantly with the ball, taking 5/23 as Australia stumbled to 123/9 at stumps, still 49 runs behind.
4) WPL 2026 Auction List Announced: 277 Players Shortlisted, 73 Spots Available
The WPL 2026 auction list is out, with 277 players competing for 73 spots at the November 27 auction in New Delhi. Of these, 194 are Indian players-52 capped and 142 uncapped-contesting 50 slots. The remaining 23 places will be filled from 66 overseas capped and 17 overseas uncapped players. In the base-price categories, 19 players have entered the ₹50 lakh bracket, 11 in the ₹40 lakh range, and 88 in the ₹30 lakh group.
5) 'Kagiso Rabada Has Been Ruled Out' Temba Bavuma Confirms Ahead Of 2nd Test In Guwahati
South Africa's lead pacer Kagiso Rabada has been sidelined from the second Test against India, starting Saturday, after failing to recover from the rib injury he picked up ahead of the series opener. Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed Rabada's unavailability, noting that the fast bowler had also missed the first Test in Kolkata, which South Africa won by 30 runs.
6) Mitchell Starc Creates Ashes History in 1st Test vs England
Mitchell Starc delivered a stunning opening-day spell to skittle England for 172 in the first Ashes Test at Perth. The left-arm quick was unstoppable, claiming a career-best 7 for 58 and setting the tone early. After England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat, Starc made an immediate impact in his 101st Test, removing Zak Crawley in the first over with a sharp, full delivery edged to Usman Khawaja. It marked the 24th time he has taken a wicket in an innings' opening over, reinforcing his reputation as a lethal new-ball threat.
7) Sports Ministry To Probe India Junior Women's Hockey Team Coach Over Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct
With the Indian junior women's hockey team set to leave for Chile for the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup on December 1, the Sports Ministry has ordered an inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a coach linked to the squad. The alleged incident reportedly occurred during the team's tours of Argentina, Belgium, the Netherlands in June, and Australia in September, with claims that a player was seen frequently visiting the coach's room. Though no formal complaint has been filed, the matter surfaced internally during Hockey India's centenary celebrations last week.
8) Women Lead The Charge: Seven Golds In India's 20-Medal Boxing Sweep
Indian women's boxers, spearheaded by Nikhat Zareen, delivered a dominant performance at the World Boxing Cup Finals, securing seven gold medals. Hitesh Gulia and Sachin Siwach added two more golds for the hosts, who earned a podium finish in every one of the 20 weight categories, ending the tournament with nine gold, six silver, and five bronze medals.
