Indian sports witnessed a whirlwind of emotions on Tuesday (November 11) - from IPL trade speculations surround Sanju Samson to Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy win over Delhi and passionate appeals
of Indian footballers.
In cricket, uncertainty surrounds Shreyas Iyer's fitness ahead of the South Africa ODIs, while IPL trade talks involving Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson, and Sam Curran have set the stage for a blockbuster move. Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, shared key insights ahead of India's Test challenge against South Africa.
Beyond cricket, Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal's visa struggle, and Indian footballers' united call to revive the ISL also emerged as the top stories of the day. Here's the sports bulletin of November 11.
Shreyas Iyer's Fitness Woes Cast Doubt Over South Africa ODI Series
India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer's availability for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30, remains uncertain. The middle-order batter, who recently returned from Australia, continues to recover from a health setback that saw his oxygen levels drop dangerously during training.
Medical staff have advised the BCCI that Iyer will need more than a month to regain full match fitness. The selectors, aware of his importance in the setup, are taking no risks ahead of a busy season. India's ODI series will follow the two-match Test series beginning November 14, with fixtures scheduled in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Should Iyer remain unavailable, the selectors may turn to younger options like Rinku Singh or Tilak Varma to fill the void.
Blockbuster Swap Looms: Jadeja-Samson Trade Talks Intensify Between CSK and RR
In what could be one of the most sensational trades in IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in advanced talks over a potential three-player swap. The proposed trade would see Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to RR, while Sanju Samson heads to CSK. Reports indicate that the deal has entered its final stage, awaiting IPL Governing Council's approval.
The trade has reportedly received the consent of all three players. For CSK, bringing in Samson is a long-term investment as the franchise prepares for a future beyond MS Dhoni. For RR, adding Jadeja and Curran would significantly boost their all-round strength. The development has already created massive buzz on social media, setting the stage for a new chapter in IPL's dynamic transfer history.
Sourav Ganguly Throws Weight Behind Shami
Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has thrown his support behind senior pacer Mohammed Shami, saying the experienced bowler deserves a place in the national side if fit. Ganguly lauded Shami's skill and seam control, describing him as a match-winner across formats.
"Shami's experience and temperament are rare. If he's fully fit, he walks into any Indian side," Ganguly told reporters. The statement comes as India prepares for their upcoming South Africa tour, where the team's bowling depth will be tested. Shami, who last played during the 2023 World Cup, has been recovering from an ankle injury but remains a vital cog in India's pace arsenal. Ganguly also emphasised balancing youth with experience to maintain India's competitive edge in all conditions.
Siraj Confident Ahead of South Africa Tests: 'I'm Bowling With Good Rhythm'
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is brimming with confidence ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, beginning November 14 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Speaking to JioStar, Siraj said he is "bowling with good rhythm" and is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
The Hyderabad pacer, currently the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing WTC cycle, will spearhead India's attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah. "Facing the defending champions is never easy, but we're ready," he said. Siraj highlighted India's strong recent performances overseas and the team's focus on maintaining momentum in the new cycle. With his improved control and consistent pace, Siraj remains one of India's most reliable Test bowlers, determined to deliver match-winning spells in home conditions.
Kaif Claims Dhoni Ready to 'Sacrifice Jadeja' to Secure Samson for CSK
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has made a bold statement amid reports of an imminent IPL mega trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson. Kaif believes MS Dhoni could be the mastermind behind CSK's strategic decision to trade Jadeja for Rajasthan Royals' captain Samson. "Dhoni might be thinking long-term. He wants to secure a future leader for CSK," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
With Dhoni likely to retire after IPL 2026, Kaif suggested that Samson's arrival could mark the start of CSK's next leadership era. Jadeja, despite being a CSK mainstay, had a tough stint as captain in 2022, which might have influenced the management's decision. If the trade is completed, it will symbolize both an emotional farewell and a strategic transition for CSK.
Sumit Nagal Appeals to Chinese Embassy After Visa Rejection
India's top-ranked tennis player, Sumit Nagal, has sought urgent help from the Chinese Embassy after his visa application for the Australian Open Playoff in Chengdu was rejected without explanation. Nagal, ranked 275 in the ATP rankings, took to X (formerly Twitter) to make a public plea to the Chinese Ambassador and embassy spokesperson, requesting immediate assistance.
"My visa was rejected without reason, and I need to travel soon to represent India," he wrote. The 27-year-old's situation has drawn attention from the Indian tennis community, who have urged diplomatic intervention. Nagal's participation in the playoff is crucial for his preparation ahead of the 2026 season. The visa issue has reignited discussions about the challenges Indian athletes face in securing travel permissions for global competitions.
Indian Footballers Unite to Demand ISL Revival: 'Desperation Has Set In'
In a rare show of unity, top Indian footballers have come together to demand the immediate revival of the suspended Indian Super League (ISL). Players including Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shared a joint statement urging the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to act swiftly. "Our frustration and anger have turned into desperation," read the statement, highlighting the growing uncertainty surrounding players' careers.
The AIFF had earlier revealed that no bids were received for the league's commercial rights, putting the upcoming season in jeopardy. "We've sacrificed too much to see our season vanish in silence," said Jhingan in an emotional video post. The unified call has put pressure on the federation to resolve the crisis and resume India's premier football competition.
Jammu & Kashmir Script Historic Ranji Trophy Win Over Delhi After 57 Years
History was made in Delhi as Jammu & Kashmir secured their maiden victory over Delhi in Ranji Trophy history, ending a 57-year wait. Playing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, J&K delivered a stunning all-round performance to win by seven wickets. Auqib Nabi's five-wicket haul and captain Paras Dogra's century laid the foundation, while Qamran Iqbal's unbeaten 133 off 147 balls sealed the chase.
Delhi, bowled out for 211 and 277 in their innings, were outplayed by J&K's disciplined bowling and aggressive batting. The triumph, J&K's first in 43 meetings against Delhi, symbolizes the steady rise of cricket in the region. The historic win sparked celebrations across social media, with fans and cricketers alike hailing it as a moment of pride and perseverance.
CSK's Birthday Wish for Samson Adds Fire to Trade Speculations
Chennai Super Kings' birthday post for Sanju Samson on November 11 has reignited speculations surrounding his possible trade to the franchise. "More power to you, Sanju! Wishing you a Super Birthday," CSK wrote on Instagram - a message fans quickly interpreted as a cheeky hint amid ongoing transfer talks.
Samson, who turned 31, is reportedly close to joining CSK as part of a major trade that could see Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan Royals. The timing of CSK's wish added fuel to the rumours, with fans flooding social media with reactions. As CSK prepares for life beyond Dhoni, Samson's potential inclusion is seen as part of a broader leadership transition - one that could redefine the franchise's future direction.
Gambhir Urges Team-First Mindset After ODI Loss to Australia
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his players to focus on collective goals instead of individual milestones following the ODI series defeat against Australia. In an interview with BCCI.tv, Gambhir admitted that team selection can be the toughest part of coaching but stressed the importance of honest communication.
"Telling someone he isn't playing is never easy, but clarity builds trust," Gambhir said. He also dismissed outside speculation about dressing-room politics, emphasizing that India's strength lies in transparency and unity. "We discuss everything openly. There's no place for conspiracy theories," he added. Gambhir's firm stance reflects his intent to maintain discipline and accountability as India looks to bounce back in the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
