Sports Bulletin For January 8: A busy day in sports brought major updates across disciplines-Shreyas Iyer has been cleared for the New Zealand ODIs, while
Tilak Varma's injury has raised World Cup concerns. Domestic cricket saw Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan smash records in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Australia sealed the Ashes 4-1, and former batter Damien Martyn returned home after a serious health scare. Outside cricket, shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj was suspended over assault allegations, and Darren Fletcher will continue as Manchester United's caretaker manager for their clash against Brighton.
1) Shreyas Iyer Declared Fit, Gets Green Signal for New Zealand ODIs: Report
Shreyas Iyer has received full fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, as per media reports, paving the way for his return to competitive cricket. The update arrives right ahead of India's three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara.
2) Australia Seal Ashes Series 4-1
Australia sealed the Ashes with a dominant performance, beating England by five wickets in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday (January 8), and clinching the series with an impressive 4-1 margin.
3) Tilak Varma Undergoes Surgery, Set To Miss NZ T20Is, T20 World Cup In Doubt: Report
India's buildup to the home T20I series against New Zealand-and more crucially, to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026-has hit a setback with an untimely injury to rising middle-order batter Tilak Varma. The 23-year-old is understood to be dealing with a significant abdomen problem, which could sideline him for the entire five-match New Zealand series and potentially cast doubt over his participation in India's early World Cup matches.
4) Ruturaj Gaikwad Scripts History In Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sets New World Record In List A Cricket
Ruturaj Gaikwad produced another standout performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but his latest knock carried special significance. The Maharashtra skipper's unbeaten 134 off 131 balls in Jaipur not only rescued his team but also helped him break a world record that had stood for 20 years. With this innings, Gaikwad now holds the highest batting average in List A cricket, overtaking Australian great Michael Bevan.
Gaikwad has amassed 5050 runs in 95 innings at an exceptional average of 58.72, along with 20 centuries and 19 half-centuries-remarkable numbers for someone who has played far fewer matches than many global stars. Bevan's long-standing record of a 57.86 average across 385 innings has finally been surpassed, cementing Gaikwad's status as one of the most consistent performers in the 50-over format.
5) Sarfaraz Khan blazes to 15-ball Half Century, creates Unique Record in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Sarfaraz Khan smashed a stunning 15-ball fifty against Punjab in round seven of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, setting a new record for the fastest half-century by an Indian in List A cricket. The Mumbai batter went past the previous Indian best of 16 balls, jointly held by Abhijit Kale (1995) and Atit Sheth (2021). His whirlwind knock now stands as the fourth-fastest List A fifty worldwide, trailing only Kaushalya Weeraratne's 12-ball milestone from the 2005-06 season.
6) Damien Martyn Released From Hospital After Severe Meningitis: Adam Gilchrist Shares Update
Former Australian batter Damien Martyn has returned home after a serious medical emergency that left him hospitalised on the Gold Coast and placed in an induced coma following a severe bout of meningitis. Earlier in the week, hopeful news surfaced when a former teammate shared that Martyn had regained consciousness. The most reassuring update came on Thursday (January 8) during Kayo Sports' Ashes coverage, where Adam Gilchrist announced that Martyn had been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home with his family.
7) National Shooting Coach Ankush Bharadwaj Suspended after Alleged Sexual Assault to Minor
In a disturbing development that has drawn widespread attention, India's shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj has been suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) after a 17-year-old female shooter levelled allegations of sexual assault against him. The minor athlete claims the incident took place during a national shooting event last month. The case has now triggered a police investigation under child protection laws.
8) Manchester United Caretaker Darren Fletcher To Helm Red Devils Against Brighton
Manchester United caretaker manager Darren Fletcher has confirmed that he will remain in charge for the club's upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton, as the team aims to secure a vital win against the Seagulls.
Fletcher, who oversaw United's 2-2 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, will continue to lead the side for the Brighton fixture.
