Across the World of Sports, numerous developments have taken place in the last 24 hours. As we bid adieu to 2025 and embrace 2026, here are the stories
which dominate on January 1. From India's ODI squad against New Zealand to Virat Kohli wishing Happy New Year, check out the unmissable ones.
1. India ODI squad vs NZ to be announced on Saturday
The India squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand will be announced on Saturday, January 3. Shubman Gill is set to return as captain while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to be included. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will be rested while some new faces may be selected. The series starts from January 11 and it will be 3 ODIs, followed by 5 T20I matches.
2. India set for 6 ODI series in 2026
India will participate in six ODI series in the Calendar Year 2026 - four at home and two away. The Indian team will face New Zealand at home, followed by away in England. They will travel to New Zealand as well later this year, while the other home series includes West Indies, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
3. Australia name squad for T20 World Cup
Australia announced its provisional 15-player squad for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup on December 31, 2025, led by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have returned with Mitchell Owen gets snubbed.
AUS Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
4. RCB, DC, UPW name replacements in WPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru women have named Sayali Satghare as a replacement for Ellyse Perry, while Delhi Capitals named Alana King in place of Annabel Sutherland ahead of WPL 2026.. Both Perry and Sutherland opted out of WPL 2026 citing personal reasons. UP Warriorz have also named Charli Knott replacing Tara Norris, who will be on national duty with USA.
5. Roberto Carlos undergoes Heart Surgery
Former Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, 52, underwent a coronary angioplasty in SÃo Paulo after a heart obstruction was detected during tests for a leg blood clot. The preventive procedure was successful; he clarified he suffered no heart attack and is recovering well in hospital, thanking fans and medical staff for their support. He remains stable under observation.
6. Sourav Ganguly registers first win in Coaching Career
Sourav Ganguly secured his first win as head coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20 on December 31, 2025, defeating MI Cape Town by 85 runs at Newlands. Capitals posted 220/5, powered by Wihan Lubbe's 60, Shai Hope's 45, and Sherfane Rutherford's explosive 47* off 15 balls, including multiple sixes. MICT crumbled to 135 in 14.2 overs, with Rutherford claiming 4/24. This victory came after two initial losses, marking a turnaround for Ganguly's debut coaching stint.
7. Kylian Mbappe to miss Real Madrid match
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's prolific striker, has been ruled out of key January 2026 matches after suffering a knee ligament injury confirmed via MRI on December 31. The setback, building from weeks of discomfort, sidelines him for at least three weeks, impacting the La Liga restart against Real Betis on January 4, Supercopa semi-final versus Atletico Madrid, and possibly Champions League clashes.
8. Virat Kohli wishes Happy New Year with Wife Anushka
Virat Kohli welcomed 2026 with a heartwarming Instagram post featuring a joyful photo of himself and wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli sports playful Spiderman face paint, while Sharma's resembles a whimsical butterfly. The caption reads: "Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life, Anuskha Sharma". Kohli will be in action for India in the upcoming New Zealand ODI series.
