An old tweet has gone viral of the former Indiancaptain, Virat Kohli, soon after the musical retirement of Bollywood playback singer, Arijit Singh, it called it a day and informed his decision of not taking any future assignment from now as the decision, which he informed on the social media platform, sent shockwaves across his fan base and will be a massive headache to the directors. 

In a message that has been shared on Instagram, Mr. Singh said that he has decided to step away from playback singing, which is a shocking move that comes at the peak of his career and is one of the most popularly demanding voices in the Hindi cinema as this decision has been compared to Virat Kohli’s Test retirement.

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“I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerized by his talent and soulful voice. I am short of words actually.” Kohli’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter), that he posted on the 24^th day of January in 2016, went viral around the social media platforms.

Virat Kohli’s old X post on Arijit Singh’s retirement goes viral

Arijit, aged 35, who has been famous across various languages in the music, has clarified that he would continue to make music independently and complete the existing commitments.

I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerised by his talent and soulful voice. I am short of words actually.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 24, 2016

“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.” Wrote Arijit on his X account.

“God has been really kind to me. I am a fan of good music and in future will be learning more and do more on my own as a small little artist. Thanks again for all your support. I still have to finish some pending commitments, will finish them. So you might get some releases this year. Just to be clear that I won’t stop making music.” He added. 

Team India players and support staff watched the Bollywood movie ‘Border 2’ in Vizag on Republic Day, Monday, January 26. The outing happened ahead of the penultimate game of the five-match T20I series against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand, which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, in Visakhapatnam.

The film, released on January 23, stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh in lead roles. In a video shared on X by fan account @rushiii_12, the players and staff were seen coming out of the bus and walking towards the theatre.

According to Bollywood Hungama, the film earned ₹30 crore on its opening day in India.

Watch the video here:

The whole Indian T20 team from suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya t coach Gautam Gambhir and all other support staff everyone watched Border 2 in Vizag last night.🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/veXLOhT23b

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) January 27, 2026

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Meanwhile, a few days earlier, Team India stars KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were seen at a special screening of the newly released Bollywood film Border 2 in Mumbai on Friday, January 23. The movie features Rahul’s brother-in-law, Ahan Shetty, in a lead role.

Videos and photos shared on social media showed Rahul and Jaiswal posing with Ahan Shetty on the red carpet. Rahul kept a simple look in a brown shirt, while Jaiswal wore a stylish leather jacket over a white T-shirt. Notably, Border 2 is the sequel to the 1997 hit film Border. It is a war drama inspired by the 1971 India-Pakistan battle of Longewala.

India seal series with dominant third T20I win

India dominated the third match of the series, played on Sunday, January 25, in Guwahati. Chasing a target of 154, Abhishek Sharma scored an unbeaten 68 off 20 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav remained not out on 57 off 26 balls. India chased down the target with eight wickets in hand and 60 balls to spare.

With this convincing victory, the Men in Blue sealed the five-match T20I series. They now hold an unassailable 3-0 lead with two matches still to be played.

Shreyas Iyer stays as Tilak Varma ruled out

Earlier, Tilak Varma was named in India’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand. However, on January 8, the BCCI announced that he would miss the first three matches after undergoing surgery for an abdominal issue. Shreyas Iyer was named as his replacement.

Ahead of the fourth T20I on January 28, the BCCI confirmed on January 26 that Shreyas Iyer will remain with the team for the final two matches, as Tilak Varma is still not fully fit.

In an official statement, the BCCI said that Tilak Varma has resumed physical training and is making good progress in his recovery. However, he needs more time to regain full match fitness and will not be available for the last two T20Is. Tilak is expected to join the squad in Mumbai on February 3, ahead of India’s warm-up match for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Tilak Varma’s T20I record

Tilak Varma has played 40 T20I matches for India. He has scored 1,183 runs at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09. His record includes six half-centuries and two centuries.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the full schedule for the warm-up games of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place on February 07. Ahead of the competition, the teams will have their best preparation through the practice games over the five days.

Bengaluru will host a few games of the tournament, but none of those games will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Those matches will happen at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. India will play only a warm-up clash against the runners-up of the previous edition, South Africa, on February 04, at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.  

See Also: ICC to replace Pakistan with Bangladesh for T20 World Cup 2026? Report drops bombshell

England will not play a single clash of the competition, having prepared themselves for the event through the T20I series in Sri Lanka. The latter’s A-side will be taking on Oman in Colombo for the World Cup games.

Know full schedule of T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up clashes

Pakistan will lock horns with Australia in Lahore for the three-match T20I series before the World Cup, as they will go up against Ireland for one warm-up clash in Chennai. New Zealand, despite the five-match T20I series against India, will face the USA for the warm-up game in Navi Mumbai.

On the opening day of the T20 World Cup 2026, three encounters will take place with Pakistan facing the Dutch, West Indies taking on Scotland at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and India beginning their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Full schedule of T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches

India’s premier all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, has looked back on his 10-year international cricket career as he reflected on just starting on the path that he truly wished to take. The veteran marked his international debut against Australia in an ODI at Adelaide on the Republic Day in 2016, as he shared his feelings on Instagram with a video. 

Hardik has smashed a total of 2027 runs in 98 innings of the shortest format at an average of 28.54 and a strike rate of 143.65, with the help of 11 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 71 runs. With the ball, the Indian all-rounder has picked up 105 wickets at an average of 26.54 and an economy rate of 8.29.

See Also: Watch: Babar Azam smashes Shaheen Afridi for 21 runs in five balls ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

“10 years of this journey, the year I turn 33. It is one thing to play the sport I love with all my heart, and it is another to be able to serve my country through it. I love you all, thank you for everything. Thank you, God, for the trials and tribulations that got me here. The chances that so many people took. The opportunity to live this life.” Hardik wrote on the video that he shared on Instagram.

Hardik Pandya shares emotional video on his 10-year journey for India

Hardik has been part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning side, where he contributed both with the bat and ball, including in the crunch situation where he bowled the final over against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Watch the video here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93)

“This year has taught me that this is merely the beginning. I am only just getting started on the path I truly wish to walk. Young Hardik running an extra few miles to get to play from Baroda - a batsman bowling extra balls in the nets to bowlers who never got to practice batting, becoming an all-rounder at 19, and from getting noticed and getting rejected.” The Baroda all-rounder shed light.

“Getting to play for my desh has been the most worthwhile journey for me. God had great plans for me when he let me debut on the 26th of January. I have become a man while playing this sport, and I will grow old playing it too.” Hardik Pandya informed.

The former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Inderjit Singh Bindra, played a major role, along with the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, in India hosting the World Cup in 1987, which was the first time the tournament took place outside England. Bindra passed away at the age of 84, as he was the BCCI president from 1993 to 1996.

IS Bindra was also the president of the Punjab Cricket Association for over three decades and served as the principal advisor of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He was instrumental in getting the international stadium at Mohali named after him as the Punjab Cricket Association president, which was a post he held from 1974 to 2014.

See Also: Star India player set to return from injury ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

“I had met Mr. Bindra in Patiala, where he was posted at that time. The first impression was of him being dedicated to his work, as well as his ability to plan cricketing activities in Patiala and in Punjab. When he came up with the idea of having an international stadium at Mohali, he regularly visited many banks to seek loans,” retired captain of PCA office bearers, Sushil Kapoor, expressed.

Know former PCA president IS Bindra who died aged 84

Bindra had become the BCCI president in 1993 and held it till 1997. Along with Dalmiya, he got some sponsorship to help them conduct the marquee event in the subcontinent. Kapoor recalls one of the moments during Bindra’s tenure when he stayed the whole night to host the India-Pakistan ODI game after incredible rain.

“When we came to the stadium, we got to know that Mr. Bindra stayed the whole night at the stadium, ensuring that the ground staff, as well as other staff, made sure that the match would happen. Such was his dedication. Over the years, international teams as well as captains would praise the hospitality of PCA Stadium.” Kapoor shed light.

The former Indian team manager and senior BCCI official reckoned that when England and Australia raised concerns over security after the India-Pakistan tensions in the political department, it was Bindra who advised Pakistan’s military director to visit India to break the deadlock. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Inderjit Singh (IS) Bindra?

IS Bindra was a former BCCI president and one of India’s most influential cricket administrators who helped host the 1987 World Cup.

What was IS Bindra’s contribution to Indian cricket?

He co-led India’s first World Cup hosting in 1987, modernized cricket administration, and built strong infrastructure like the Mohali stadium.

What positions did IS Bindra hold?

Bindra served as BCCI president (1993–1996), PCA president (1974–2014), and advisor to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

How did IS Bindra help develop the PCA Stadium in Mohali?

He envisioned and built the Mohali stadium, securing funds and personally overseeing its construction to international standards.

When did IS Bindra pass away?

IS Bindra passed away at 84, and the cricket world is paying tribute to his lasting impact on Indian cricket.

India has received great news ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, beginning on February 07 against the United States of America at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Their star number three batter, Tilak Varma, is expected to return to full fitness and join their camp on February 03. 

Tilak Varma picked up the injury during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26 clash in Hyderabad and was out of action for three weeks, missing the ongoing five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand, which saw Sanju Samson opening the batting with Abhishek Sharma, while Ishan Kishan batted at number three.

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Kishan played magnificently to cement his place in the XI, but the concern is around Samson, who has returned with three consecutive poor scores at the opening position, being dismissed thrice inside the powerplay, which now creates questions and doubt whether the management would try to slot Kishan as the opener and bring Varma at number three in the playing XI for the World Cup. 

Tilak Varma set to return for India in T20 World Cup 2026

Varma has been a phenomenal performer for the blue brigade, having collected 1183 runs in 37 innings of the shortest format at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09, thanks to six half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of unbeaten 120 runs, along with the essential knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

If Tilak returns to the XI and Kishan gets the promotion for the opening spot with Abhishek, and India continue to have Shivam Dube at number five, then they will have four left-handed batters among the top five. That will increase the importance of the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, at the top.

Tilak won’t, in that case, feature in the fourth and fifth T20I of the ongoing series, which will give some breathing space to Samson. The Hyderabad batter is likely to play India’s only warm-up clash against South Africa on February 04 at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

When India lost Sanju Samson on the very first ball of their 154-run chase during the third T20I of the five-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, New Zealand perhaps smelt a chance to make regular inroads in the evening and create trouble for the home side to make a strong return in the series. However, it didn’t happen at all.

Ishan Kishan, who smashed a jaw-dropping knock a couple of evenings ago, continued with the same approach and used the pace of Matt Henry to put him into the stands for a massive six on the opening over, which caused the New Zealand pacer 14 runs despite getting the success. Abhishek Sharma was equally excellent from the other end, but Kishan’s video of that shot went viral on social media platforms.

See Also: Twitter Reactions: Abhishek Sharma celebrates India’s second fastest T20I half-century in IND vs NZ 3rd T20I

India completed the chase in just 10 overs with eight wickets in hand as Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 runs in just 20 deliveries, thanks to his seven boundaries and five sixes. At the same time, the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, smashed 57 undefeated runs at a strike rate of around 220.

Ishan Kishan's six goes viral from Guwahati T20I

India completed the victory in 60 deliveries, which is the most balls to spare against a full-member team in a chase of over 150 runs in a T20I game, which overtook West Indies' win with 37 balls to spare against the Proteas in Kingston, a couple of years ago.  

Watch the video here: 

Isko bolte hai CARNAGE 🔥💯pic.twitter.com/2dzwRih0Hf

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) January 25, 2026

India also labeled with Pakistan in winning eleven consecutive T-28 series wins among the Full Member nations. It’s also the 10 consecutive series victories at home among the Full Member nations, two more than Australia, which got eight series victories at home between 2006 and 2010.

“That's what my team wants from me, and I just want to execute all the time. But obviously, it's not easy to do it every time, but I think it's all about mental as well, and the atmosphere you get around your dressing room as well. That's more than impossible for anyone.” Abhishek expressed after completing the 14-ball fifty.

Brief Score: India 155/2 (Abhishek Sharma 68*, Suryakumar Yadav 57*, Matt Henry 1/28) beat New Zealand 153/9 (Glenn Phillips 48, Jasprit Bumrah 3/17, Ravi Bishnoi 2/18) by eight wickets

Amidst the fallout rumours with the Indian leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, RJ Mahvash has dropped a cryptic message on the social media platform. On January 23, she took to her Instagram stories and dropped a video of herself in which she could be seen sitting in her car, fixing her hair. But the caption on her clip grabbed the eyeballs on the social platforms.

In another story, Mahvash shared a picture of herself and wrote, ‘sending some peace your way’ with a hand-heart emoji. This, interestingly, has come days after Indian cricketer and content creator, RJ Mahvash, caught everyone’s attention for unfollowing each other on Instagram. The reason for their decisions remains unknown, as netizens are buzzing with speculation about potential fallout. 

See Also: “Caught with another woman…”- Smriti Mandhana’s friend makes shocking claim on Palash Muchhal

“90% of the time, you will see me fixing my hair. Rest of the time – Fixing my life.” She wrote on her Instagram story with a laughing emoji as it went viral on social media platforms.

RJ Mahvash reacts to decision of unfollowing Yuzvendra Chahal on Instagram

For the unversed, Chahal and Mahvash’s relationship has been a subject of speculation, particularly after the players’ divorce from Dhanashree Varma in 2025. The rumours had been circulating about the possible romance between Chahal and Mahvash, with many thinking that they might just remain friends. Both have maintained that they would remain just good friends.

“No, there’s nothing. People can think whatever they want to think. For the first time, when I was seen with someone, people started linking us right away. Even though she clarified it, it was very hard for her. She was called a homewrecker. People said really nasty things. I felt terrible.” Chahal appeared on Raj Shamani’s podcast on the dating speculation.

“It will take time to process. I need to gather myself. I’m not afraid to fall in love again, but I’m scared of losing the person because I get attached with all my heart.” Chahal admitted to the same podcast.

The star opening batter of the Indian women’s side, Smriti Mandhana, was set to tie the knot with the Bollywood musician, Palash Muchhal, in November 2025. But, later, the wedding was called off, as a couple of months after the discussion, Mandhana’s childhood friend, Vidnyan Mane, who claimed to be present at the wedding functions, dropped a shocking claim on Palash.

Mane revealed that Palash cheated Mandhana and was even caught red-handed with another woman in bed. He spoke about this during his interaction with the Hindustan Times. Mane is Smriti’s childhood friend and was introduced to Palash by the the Indian batter's family.

See Also: Watch: Suryakumar Yadav touches Raghu’s feet after strong return to form in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I

“I was at the wedding celebrations (November, 23, 2025) when he was caught red-handed with another woman in bed. Bhayanak scene tha, he was beaten up by the Indian female cricketers. The entire family is chindi chor. I thought he’d get married and settle in Sangli, but it has completely backfired on me.” Mane expressed.

Smriti Mandhana’s friend drops surprising statement on Palash Muchhal  

Mandhana, after the incident, has returned to competitive cricket in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The left-handed opener smashed 192 runs in five innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 140.14, thanks to one half-century.

“When I met his mother (Amita Muchhal) last month, she said the budget to release the movie has now increased to ₹1.5 crore. They asked me to invest another ₹10 lakh, or I wouldn’t get any money back. They started blackmailing me and threatened to throw me out of the film; thus, I was forced to file a complaint.” Mane shed light.

“After the wedding was called off, the family blocked me from everywhere. I found out that other artists from the movie had not received the payment they were due to receive either. I had heard of directors fleecing producers in the film industry, but this is complete theft. I have saved all proofs, including my chats and phone conversations that I’m willing to share with the police and the media.” Mandhana’s friend concluded.

The dip in the form of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian T20I captain, was a headache for him despite him not revealing it in public. But his unbeaten knock of 82 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 221.62, thanks to nine boundaries and four sixes, completed India’s seven-wicket victory in the second T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand in Raipur, during the 209-run chase. 

After the end of the clash, as teams were lined up for the customary handshake, Sky walked up to Raghu, the thrower of the national side, and touched his feet to take blessings as the video went viral around the social media platform. The form of the leader is vital for the defending champions ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

See Also: Watch: Hardik Pandya engaged in heated argument with Murli Kartik during IND vs NZ 2nd T20I

Suryakumar got a massive contribution from Ishan Kishan, on the other end, who drilled a terrific knock of 76 runs in only 32 balls at a strike rate of 237.50, smashing 11 boundaries and four sixes, while Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 36 runs in 18 balls.

Suryakumar Yadav takes blessings of Raghu

New Zealand, batting first in the encounter, posted a massive score of 208 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with their captain, Mitchell Santner, remaining unbeaten on 47 runs in just 27 balls while Rachin Ravindra clubbed 44 runs in 26 balls.

Watch the video here: 

Best video on the Internet 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WP5KxjI1py

— 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗰Celeb (@Jara_1319) January 24, 2026

“As I’ve said before, I was batting really well in the nets. Everything I did back home over the last two or three weeks helped. I got a good break to spend time with my family and friends, had good practice sessions, and I’m really enjoying what’s happening right now.” Suryakumar expressed in the post-match presentation ceremony.

India didn’t make a great start with the bat, as both their openers, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, fell for eight runs on the board in the second over, before their strong middle order took them over the line.

Brief Scores: India 209/3 (Suryakumar Yadav 82*, Ishan Kishan 76*, Ish Sodhi 1/34) beat New Zealand 208/6 (Mitchell Santner 47*, Kuldeep Yadav 2/35).