In the world of sports, there were multiple developments in the last 24 hours. After the India T20 World Cup squad was announced, news have emerged on
how Shubman Gill was snubbed at the very last hour.
Check Out the unmissable stories from the last 24 hours, here on MyKhel in the Bulletin for December 21.
1. Shubman Gill was not aware of T20 WC Snub
Shubman Gill, India's Test and ODI captain, was surprisingly omitted from the 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, announced on December 20, 2025. Reports indicate Gill was informed of his exclusion only hours or minutes before the official announcement, leaving him unaware until the last moment. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited poor recent form and team combinations favoring openers like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as reasons. Ishan Kishan returned after strong domestic performances, while Axar Patel was named vice-captain.
2. Australia win Ashes Series
Australia retained the Ashes with a dominant 82-run victory over England in the third Test at Adelaide Oval on December 21, 2025, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a record 435, England were bowled out for 352, despite spirited lower-order resistance. Key performances included Alex Carey's century and 72, plus Mitchell Starc's wickets. The series was decided in just 11 days of play, the quickest in a century for a 3-0 result. Australia overcame injuries, including Nathan Lyon's hamstring issue, to extend their home Ashes dominance. England continue without a Test win in Australia since 2010-11.
3. Sanju Samson included in Kerala Vijay Hazare squad
Sanju Samson has been named in Kerala's 19-member squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, the domestic 50-over tournament starting December 24 in Ahmedabad. Opener Rohan Kunnummal will captain the side, which includes wicketkeepers Vishnu Vinod and Mohammad Azharuddeen, alongside players like Salman Nizar and MD Nidheesh. Samson's inclusion boosts Kerala after disappointing Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaigns. Recently selected in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad as a potential opener, Samson aims to shine in List A cricket. Kerala are in Group E, facing Tripura first.
4. Wasim Jaffer gives massive verdict on Ishan Kishan
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer criticized the inclusion of Ishan Kishan in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad, stating he would have preferred Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma instead of Kishan and Washington Sundar. Jaffer argued Axar Patel, as vice-captain, is likely to play, making Sundar surplus alongside spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Jitesh Sharma hadn't done anything wrong to be dropped, while Jaiswal's explosive form warranted selection. Kishan earned his recall via strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performances for Jharkhand, but Jaffer questioned his spot over more consistent options.
5. Liverpool secure victory at Spurs
Liverpool earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over nine-man Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 20, 2025, extending their unbeaten run to six games. Second-half goals from substitute Alexander Isak (56th minute) and Hugo Ekitike (66th) secured the win, despite Isak's subsequent injury. Tottenham's Xavi Simons was sent off in the 33rd minute for a studs-up challenge, and captain Cristian Romero received a late second yellow. Richarlison pulled one back in the 83rd minute, creating a nervy finish. The result lifted Arne Slot's side to fifth in the Premier League, level with Chelsea.
6. Viktor Gyokeres' strike keeps Arsenal at PL summit
Viktor Gyokeres' first-half penalty secured a 1-0 win for Arsenal over Everton on December 20, 2025, reclaiming top spot in the Premier League at Christmas. The spot-kick was awarded after Jake O'Brien's handball from a Declan Rice corner, confirmed by VAR. It ended Gyokeres' five-game goal drought since returning from injury. Arsenal dominated possession but couldn't extend the lead, holding firm despite late pressure. The victory responded to Manchester City's earlier win, putting Mikel Arteta's side ahead on points. Gyokeres' composed finish highlighted growing team understanding.
7. Records Tumble as Cheptegei Reigns and Indian Stars Rewrite History at Tata Steel World 25K
The Tata Steel World 25K saw historic performances as Joshua Cheptegei and Degitu Azimeraw secured international titles with commanding displays of pace. However, the day belonged to Indian distance running, led by Gulveer Singh and Seema, who both shattered course records. Gulveer sliced over two minutes off his previous mark, finishing in 1:12:06, while Seema eclipsed an eight-year-old record with a time of 1:26:04.
