Sports Bulletin For December 5: From domestic cricket buzz to international headlines, the sports world had plenty of talking points this week. Rohit Sharma
may be gearing up for a return to domestic action, Virat Kohli's form is drawing massive crowds, and Shafali Verma continues to make history on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's World Cup future remains a topic of intrigue, a three-year-old chess prodigy has stunned the world, and key performances and injury updates made waves across cricket. Here are the top sports highlights you need to know:
1) Rohit Sharma Wants To Play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Knockouts: Report
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is on June 29, 2024, after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup final in the West Indies, wants to play for Mumbai in the knockout matches of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The knockout matches of the premier domestic T20 tournament will be played from December 12 to 18 in Indore.
According to a report in the Times of India on Thursday, December 4, Rohit has expressed his desire to play for his domestic side. "Rohit has expressed his desire to play for Mumbai in the knockouts of SMAT," a source in the Mumbai Cricket Association was quoted as saying by TOI.
2) Tickets For 3rd IND-SA ODI Sold Out Citing Virat Kohli Effect
Virat Kohli's stunning form in the ODI series against South Africa - including consecutive centuries - has sparked a surge in excitement nationwide. His heroics have reportedly played a major role in filling the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Vizag, which initially saw slow ticket sales.
ACA officials noted that online ticket demand was underwhelming when sales began on November 28. The association even considered selling tickets offline to boost turnout. However, Kohli's ton in the opening ODI at Ranchi on November 30 quickly shifted momentum, driving a rapid spike in sales and leading to a full-house scenario for the December 6 match.
3) Shafali Verma Only Indian Nominated For ICC Player Of The Month In Men And Women Categories
Shafali Verma, the star of India's 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, has been shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month for November - and is the only Indian on the list.
With limited women's internationals played last month, Shafali's standout performance in the World Cup final proved decisive. She smashed a crucial 87 at the top of the order and later chipped in with two key wickets, earning the Player of the Match award as India defeated South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium.
4) Lionel Messi Hopes 'I Can Be There' At 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi has once again left the door open on a possible 2026 World Cup appearance - but says that even if he isn't playing, he'll be there as a fan.
Speaking to ESPN ahead of Friday's World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., the 38-year-old said, "I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there. At worst, I'll be there watching it live. It will be special. "
The tournament holds deep meaning for Messi, especially after leading Argentina to the title in 2022.
5) Aussie Pacer Josh Hazelwood's Ashes Return Set To Be Delayed
Josh Hazlewood's chances of featuring in the 2025-26 Ashes have suffered a setback, with the Australian pacer developing Achilles soreness during his recovery from a hamstring injury that already sidelined him from the opening two Tests.
6) 3-Year-Old Sarwagya Kushawha Becomes Youngest Chess Player To Get FIDE Rapid Rating
Three-year-old Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, has become the youngest FIDE Rapid Rated chess player in the world. At just three years, seven months, and 13 days, he features in FIDE's December rankings with a Rapid rating of 1572 - a remarkable milestone for someone his age.
7) Sanju Samson's Kerala Stun Mumbai By 15 Runs In SMAT
Former CSK pacer KM Asif produced a brilliant spell of 5/24 in 3.4 overs to guide Kerala to a stunning 15-run victory over defending champions Mumbai in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group A clash in Lucknow on Thursday.
Despite the upset loss - their first in five matches - Mumbai remain on top with 16 points, while Kerala climbed to third with 12 points, level with second-placed Andhra.
8) Riyan Parag Needs To Bat Different Positions For India Call-Up: Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Riyan Parag will have to prove he can adapt to multiple batting roles if he hopes to break into India's current ODI squad.
Responding to a discussion on X - sparked by former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami comparing Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar's roles - Ashwin noted that Parag's "versatility" will be key to his future chances.
