New Delhi, September 12: Indian cricket has seen a significant change behind the scenes, with Team India physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain submitting his resignation
after four years with the national setup. His departure comes amid growing attention on player fitness and injuries, adding another talking point around the team's support staff.
On the field, there is more positive news for Indian cricket as the women's team booked their place in the T20 Asia Cup 2026 final after a convincing semi-final win over Bangladesh. Shafali Verma's explosive knock and Deepti Sharma's three-wicket haul powered India into the summit clash.
Meanwhile, the focus shifts beyond cricket, with India naming its 10-member table tennis squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Here is your daily sports roundup in the Sports Bulletin for September 12.
Team India Physio Kamlesh Jain submits Resignation to BCCI
Team India's physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain has submitted his resignation to the BCCI after four years with the national team. Jain, who joined the setup in June 2022, is serving a three-month notice period. His decision is primarily driven by a desire to reduce extensive travel commitments to spend more time with his young family. His impending departure follows recent exits of other support staff members and comes amid increased scrutiny over recurring player injuries within the squad.
Indian Women's Team Reach Asia Cup Finals
India Women reached the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 final by defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semi-final in Dubai. Batting first, India scored 149/6, powered by Player of the Match Shafali Verma's 64 off 40 balls, along with contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh. In reply, Bangladesh was restricted to 109/7 in 20 overs. Deepti Sharma led the bowling effort with 3/26, securing India's place in every edition of the tournament final.
Pakistan Switches Back To Kookaburra After Dukes Backfired
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reintroduced Kookaburra balls across its first-class system for the 2026-27 domestic season, abandoning a two-year experiment with Dukes balls. The move to Dukes backfired, leading to an unprecedented 2-0 Test series loss against Bangladesh. With domestic matches played in seam-friendly northern regions, the PCB aims to restore balance. Officials hope the Kookaburra ball will challenge pacers to improve technique, allow batters longer crease time, and give spinners greater influence.
FC Bengaluru United set to play IFL Matches at Bangalore Football Stadium
FC Bengaluru United plans to host its upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) home matches at the Bangalore Football Stadium (BFS) after exploring alternative venues. However, the venue presents a major challenge, as BFS currently fails to meet several All India Football Federation (AIFF) structural and operational standards, including field, lighting, and medical requirements. Promoted from I-League 2, the club hopes the AIFF grants regulatory leniency due to limited stadium availability in Bengaluru ahead of the October 30 kickoff.
Indian Table tennis squad for Asian Games
India will send a 10-member table tennis squad to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, competing from September 20 to 28. The men's team features Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Harmeet Desai, and Payas Jain, with Thakkar and Shah playing singles. The women's squad includes Sreeja Akula, Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee, and Syndrela Das, led by Akula and Ghorpade in singles. India aims to build on its past success of three historic bronze medals.
Rajasthan's Suraj Meena comes second in Ultra Marathon
Rajasthan runner Suraj Meena achieved a dream podium finish by placing second overall in the gruelling 122-km Silk Route Ultra Marathon in Ladakh. Clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes, he became the fastest non-Ladakhi runner in the event's history, shattering the previous non-local record of 15 hours and 6 minutes. After training in high altitude for a month, Meena led the initial 40 km before adopting a run-walk strategy to tackle thinning oxygen levels and severe elevation.
