Sports Bulletin For Dec 27: From a landmark Test win in Australia and a long-awaited boost for Indian football to inspiring stories of teenage prodigies
and moments beyond the field, the sports world delivered a mix of history, emotion and promise.
Here's a quick look at the top stories that grabbed attention - spanning cricketing milestones, rising young champions, heartfelt tributes and off-field moments involving some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment.
1) AUS vs ENG: England End 5468-Day Wait With Gritty MCG Victory
December 27, 2025, marked a defining moment for England cricket as they finally ended a 15-year wait for a Test victory in Australia. Under clear skies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England banished a long-standing hoodoo, their first success Down Under since January 2011, bringing an end to years of disappointment and near-misses.
2) MS Dhoni Joins Salman Khan's 60th Birthday Celebration at Panvel Farmhouse
Salman Khan celebrated his 60th birthday on December 27 with an intimate gathering at his Panvel farmhouse, opting for a low-key affair with close friends and family. Despite the private setting, the celebration caught attention with a handful of notable guests, including former India captain MS Dhoni, who attended along with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva.
3) ISL 2025-26 Could Kick Off on February 5 as AIFF Tables New Ownership Model: Report
Following a prolonged period of uncertainty, the Indian Super League may finally be set for a return, with the 2025-26 season provisionally pencilled in to start on February 5. The possible restart date emerged after a key discussion between the All India Football Federation and officials from the league's 14 clubs, as Indian football works toward resolving months of administrative deadlock.
4) Dhaka Capitals Coach Mahbub Ali Zaki Passes Away After Medical Emergency
Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki passed away on Saturday, December 27, after collapsing ahead of his team's Bangladesh Premier League match against Rajshahi Royals. Despite immediate CPR from team staff and medical personnel and being rushed to Al Haramain Hospital, he could not be saved.
5) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Meets PM Narendra Modi After Receiving Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
Just 14 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a name for himself in cricket. The young batting prodigy enjoyed a breakthrough year, earning worldwide attention for his record-setting feats in the IPL and youth cricket. In recognition of his remarkable rise, he received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi and also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ceremony.
6) 15-Year-Old Krishna Goutham Shocks Field, Joins Magnus Carlsen In FIDE World Rapid Championships Lead
Teenage International Master Krishna Goutham grabbed the spotlight at the FIDE World Rapid Championships on Friday, surging into a surprise joint lead after winning his first three games. The 15-year-old from Kerala, a former National Championship runner-up, matched the perfect start of elite names such as world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, India's Arjun Erigaisi and Russian grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev, while D Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa made measured starts to their campaigns.
7) President Droupadi Murmu Presents 14-Year-Old Yogita Mandavi With Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
Fourteen-year-old judo player Yogita Mandavi's rise from a remote, Maoist-affected village in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district to national recognition is a story of grit and perseverance. Her achievements were honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi, where children from across India were celebrated for excellence in sports and other fields.
8) Virat Kohli Signs Ball For Gujarat Bowler Who Dismissed Him In VHT
Virat Kohli marked his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years with a standout showing for Delhi in Bengaluru. The veteran batter powered Delhi to consecutive wins, smashing a century against Andhra and following it up with a fluent half-century against Gujarat at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Kohli scored 131 off 101 in a successful chase against Andhra and added 77 off 61 in a tight win over Gujarat. His brief yet impactful campaign ended when left-arm spinner Vishal Jayswal dismissed him, with the Gujarat bowler later sharing a heartfelt note on social media about claiming Kohli's prized wicket.
