As the country went glowing with Diwali lights, the cricketing world was seen getting along with the jolly festival spirit of joy and togetherness. The festival seen cricketers along with their families and loved ones join the festivities, which was a scene filled with warmth, laughter, and lots of lights. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan joined the celebrations and was seen going with his girlfriend, Sophie Shine.

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine, who live in Ireland, tweeted out a peek of their Diwali celebrations on October 20. The two looked beautiful as they celebrated the spirit of the festival, sitting together in traditional Indian dress. Their bright picture gained attention within seconds, and the comments section was soon filled with festive greetings and appreciations.

In his Instagram post, Dhawan posted a lovely Diwali message for his fans, stating, "Pyar aur roshni se bhari ye Diwali sabke jeevan mein khushiyan laaye!" (May this Diwali, with love and light, bring happiness into everyone's life). His post was absolutely iconic of the warmth of the festival as well as his approach to life post-cricket.

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine’s Growing Bond

This is not the first time Sophie Shine has been spotted embracing Indian culture with Dhawan. The couple last visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain a few weeks ago to attend the divine Bhasma Aarti of Lord Mahakal. Photos of the couple asking blessings from God went viral, and fans were appreciative of the couple's devotion and bond.

Shikhar Dhawan celebrating Diwali. 🪔 pic.twitter.com/43SFcncLKt

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 20, 2025

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Bangladesh-W lost to Sri Lanka-W in the Women's World Cup 2025 match 21

Shikhar Dhawan, who had retired from international cricket in August 2024, still remains one of India's most beloved erstwhile cricketers. A winner of the 2013 Champions Trophy as well as an Asia Cup champion twice, Dhawan played for India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is. Famous for his wide smile and aggressive batting, Dhawan's Diwali celebrations with Sophie Shine have again reminded everyone why he is still such a popular figure, on as well as off the field.

Dhanashree Verma, former wife of Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, has been making several accusations against him on the OTT reality show “Rise and Fall.” The couple got divorced on March 20, 2025, after the Bandra family court in Mumbai approved their joint petition for mutual consent. They were married in December 2020 but had been living separately since June 2022.

Amid the controversy, Chahal appeared in a funny reel with his close friend and former India opener Shikhar Dhawan. In the video, a voice in the background says, “We’ll get you married, son. Let me get married first.” The clip shows Dhawan acting as Chahal’s father, creating a light-hearted moment that quickly went viral on social media.

Chahal looks surprised in the video and asks, “Papa, are you married?” Dhawan’s girlfriend, Sophie Shine, then appears, and Dhawan jokes, “This is your third mother.” Chahal, shocked and holding his head, reacts in disbelief while Dhawan offers him something to eat. The fun exchange left fans amused and brought some humor amid the tense headlines surrounding Chahal’s personal life.

Dhawan’s New Chapter and Chahal’s Cricket Comeback

Shikhar Dhawan announced retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket on August 24, 2024. He has since been busy with many Legends leagues across the globe. He became news recently by deciding against playing against Pakistan in World Championship of Legends in England, evidencing his hardline national approach.

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A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

See Also: Rahul Dravid’s son named Karnataka U-19 captain in Vinoo Mankad Trophy

Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal is focusing on making his return to the Indian team. The IPL’s highest wicket-taker last played international cricket in August 2023. For Punjab Kings last season, he took 16 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.88. The 35-year-old now aims to perform well in domestic cricket and earn his comeback.

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) recently grabbed worldwide attention with a fun Instagram post that posed a "What if?" scenario to fans. They asked what if any of these legends decided to come out of T20I retirement to play for Japan, mentioning Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma, and many other cricketing legends. The viral post highlighted the enduring popularity of these players, especially Kohli, who is loved even in emerging cricket countries like Japan.

Kohli, who retired from T20I cricket in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025 to concentrate on ODIs, remains a cricketing powerhouse. He is still a huge figure in the sport of cricket, as of 2025, he has amassed a world record for the most ODI centuries with 51. He also recently became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs, which he did in 287 innings during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Kohli is set to return to international cricket in a three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth. Shubman Gill is India’s new ODI captain, and Shreyas Iyer is the vice-captain. Even so, Kohli’s presence will be very important for the team. His experience will help India stay strong, especially in tough overseas conditions like Australia.

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A post shared by Japan Cricket Association｜日本クリケット協会 (@japan_cricket)

See Also: "End of..."- Rohit Sharma's old-shared cryptic post goes viral after Shubman Gill becomes India's new ODI captain

India vs Australia ODI Series Schedule:

• 1st ODI: Oct 19, 2025 – Perth Stadium, Perth, 9:00 AM IST
• 2nd ODI: Oct 23, 2025 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 9:00 AM IST
• 3rd ODI: Oct 25, 2025 – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, 9:00 AM IST

Kohli has a wonderful record against Australia in ODIs. He has made 2,367 runs in 49 matches at an average of 53.79, with eight hundreds and 14 fifties as part of the tally. The return of the India captain will be music to the ears of fans, as they are eager to see him adding more runs to his tally. His return to experience a team going through a leadership transition will add stability. This upcoming series is set to be thrilling, with Kohli set to sparkle once again on the world stage.

India batter Sanju Samson marked the occasion of Onam by posting a heartfelt message along with pictures on social media. Celebrating with his wife, Charulatha Remesh, the Kerala cricketer shared four images on Instagram dressed in traditional attire. He captioned the post: “Onam wishes to all from us.”

Away from festivities, Samson is preparing for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, which begins on September 9. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts UAE, Oman, and Pakistan. The 30-year-old batter has played 42 T20Is for India, scoring 861 runs at an average of 25.32 with a strike rate of 152.38, including two fifties and three centuries. His highest score remains 111.

Samson has developed into one of India’s frontline openers alongside Abhishek Sharma after the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, with Test skipper Shubman Gill being appointed vice-captain of the T20I side, competition for the opening spot has intensified, leaving the Kerala batter under pressure to retain his position.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sanju V Samson (@imsanjusamson)

See Also: 'Now I know...'- Gautam Gambhir swags humour on celebration of Teacher's Day in funny social media caption

India’s squad for the Asia Cup

Squad features Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), and Harshit Rana.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik added a touch of humor to the ongoing Test series between England and India by revealing a doppelganger of Cheteshwar Pujara. Currently part of the broadcast and commentary panel for the series, Karthik shared a light-hearted video on Instagram comparing Pujara with a British sports journalist. The post quickly went viral among fans and fellow commentators.

“What I'm going to show you right now is one cricketer and another person who looks so similar, from a completely different part of the globe. Let me show you all. This is Cheteshwar Pujara, an Indian cricketer and a man who's into broadcasting recently, and have a look at this, this is Alex Noble,” Karthik said in the video. He then asked both individuals if they thought they resembled each other, which led to a hearty laugh among them all. Karthik affectionately dubbed Alex Noble a “proper doppelganger.”

Alex Noble is a sports journalist with BBC Sport, while Cheteshwar Pujara is currently working as part of the broadcast team during the England series. The moment provided a much-needed comic relief amid the intensity of the ongoing Test battle.

Pujara Continues to Wait for India Recall

Pujara, 37, last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he has been consistently overlooked, missing out on both home and away series, including the ongoing five-match tour of England. Despite his vast experience of 103 Tests and over 7000 runs, Pujara has not been selected in favor of younger players.

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See Also: 'Prepare him for surgical strikes... ' - Former India coach's intriguing advice for Jasprit Bumrah during ENG vs IND 2025 series

Pujara has been active in first-class cricket, scoring 402 runs in seven matches for Saurashtra during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, which included a double hundred. While senior pros like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are absent from the current squad, Pujara still hasn’t found a way back into the team. For now, his role behind the mic is the only presence fans can witness during the England tour.

Bollywood hunk Tiger Shroff recently ignited the internet with a now-viral Instagram video that highlighted his cricketing abilities in nothing but black underwear. Joining him for practice was seasoned actor Akshay Kumar as they took a break from filming, and Shroff's cut body and strong batting elicited mixed reactions. While others admired his sportsmanship, others trolled him for his out-of-the-belongings outfit, with people posting "Kapde pehen ke bhi khel lo" on social media. The video, titled "Koi technique nahi par bahot jaan hai" (No technique, but a lot of power), was meant to point out that he had the skills to play huge shots, even impressing Akshay Kumar, who cheered from the non-striker's end.

This isn’t Shroff’s first experience with cricket or bold behaviors. He is known for being fit and taking action in roles and has shared parts of his athleticism time and time again through his gym workouts or football games. The cricket clip we saw recently was filmed during a casual game with friends, including Ganesh Acharya, which echoes his love for sport and ability to seek attention. However, the decision to wear underwear started a flow of memes and negative comments, where netizens questioned his choice of clothing, while some praised the confidence and six-pack abs.

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Also Read: WTC Final 2025, Australia vs South Africa: Live streaming, timing, venue, and squad details

Social Media Storm and Shroff’s Star Power

The video’s virality reflects Shroff’s knack for staying relevant, whether through films or hilarious social media behavior. While there was lots of trolling on social media, his fans were excited that he has this all-rounder vibe, which has led to comparisons to cricketers like Virat Kohli. Shroff is currently shooting Baaghi 4; this bold move cements his image as a fearless entertainer, unafraid to push boundaries.

The Mumbai Indians have just dropped exciting news for their fans! Jonny Bairstow, a prominent cricketer who has been leading Yorkshire this year, announced on social media that he’ll be joining the Mumbai Indians for the remainder of the IPL season as a replacement for Will Jacks. The announcement, made on May 20, 2025, has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans, who are eager to see how this talented player will contribute to the team’s campaign. Bairstow shared his gratitude to Yorkshire for their support and expressed his excitement about returning to the IPL with Mumbai Indians.

In his heartfelt post, Bairstow reflected on the tough decision to leave Yorkshire mid-season, noting how much he’s enjoyed leading the club. However, the opportunity to play for Mumbai Indians, one of the IPL’s most successful franchises, was too good to pass up. The Mumbai Indians, known for their dynamic gameplay and passionate fanbase, have consistently been a dominant force in the IPL, and Bairstow’s addition is expected to bring fresh energy to the squad. His experience and leadership skills could prove vital as the team pushes through the latter stages of the tournament.

The announcement has already created a buzz on social media, with hashtags like #MumbaiIndians and #IPL trending among cricket enthusiasts. Bairstow’s post concluded with an enthusiastic message to Mumbai fans, saying he can’t wait to “get started and experience the energy of Mumbai.” His optimism is infectious, and fans are already counting down to his first match in the Mumbai Indians jersey.

Instagram story of Jonny Bairstow, the new member of One Family 💙 pic.twitter.com/fPLPPgEXjo

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 20, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla steps into calm Abhishek Sharma-Digvesh Rathi clash

What’s Next for Jonny Bairstow and Mumbai Indians?

As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Bairstow to see how he adapts to the fast-paced environment of the tournament. His track record suggests he’ll bring a mix of aggressive batting and strategic thinking to the team, which could be a game-changer for Mumbai Indians.

The team’s management will likely be working on integrating him into their strategies quickly, especially with the playoffs approaching. Fans are hopeful that Bairstow’s arrival will help Mumbai Indians secure another IPL title, adding to their illustrious history.

Anushka Sharma shared an emotional tribute to her husband, Virat Kohli, on Instagram following his Test retirement. Instead of getting caught up in the numbers, Anushka's loving tribute to Virat provided an insight into the emotional strength, commitment, and sacrifices that were part of his personal journey in the whites. She provided insight into the tears he never shed, the battles he faced that no one saw, and large amounts of love for the format. Anushka detailed how Kohli changed with every Test series, continuing on to become smarter, more humble, and more robust than before.  
 
In a poignant ending, Anushka revealed that she always thought of Kohli retiring in whites, reflecting her respect for his dedication to Test cricket. Yet she honored his decision to pursue his heart, and in love and pride, proclaimed he had "earned every bit of this goodbye." The post touched the hearts of fans, not only as a goodbye from a partner but as a lovely expression of the emotional toll a player endures over so long and so grueling a career.

A Goodbye Filled with Grace and Gratitude

Anushka's tribute hit home across social media, reminding the world that behind the greatness in sport is, in the end, the human side. Her reflections not only illustrated a wife's pride but also the reverence of someone who has seen the emotional and physical wear and tear of a round-the-clock job firsthand.

 

 

 

 

 

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Also Read: WATCH: Wimbledon shares post on Virat Kohli's retirement

In a world of numbers, her words were a serious reminder of the human behind the hero. As Kohli waves goodbye to Test cricket, her words are a significant and emotional layer to his storied goodbye.

In a touching gesture, Wimbledon honored Indian cricket great Virat Kohli after his Test cricket retirement. The official Instagram account of the elite tennis tournament posted a photo of Kohli, dressed in a suit and looking dignified, with the caption: "Congratulations on a glorious career in white, Virat Kohli." The post was a considerate respect for his glorious career in Test cricket, where a player normally dresses in white, following the dress code typically used at Wimbledon.

The post quickly went viral, bringing out emotional reactions from fans and followers around the world. The comments poured in, with broken-heart and heart emojis all reflecting people's similar reactions - admiration, sadness, and the end of an era. Kohli's influence is much greater than just the boundaries of cricket. He was an inspiration for a generation of athletes and sport lovers everywhere, known for his fierce determination on the field, his leadership, and consistency. The fact that Wimbledon—a tennis institution—recognised his career was big enough on its own to show how wide-ranging Kohli's reach goes.

A Legacy Beyond Cricket

For Wimbledon to do what it did, shows just how respected Kohli was away from cricket. An athlete in one sport celebrated by another sporting institution, with pride and grace, how often does this happen? Furthermore, that Kohli's legacy is not only within cricket. He exemplifies dedication, discipline, and charisma; he is an ambassador of excellence, and crosses sporting lines.

 

 

 

 

 

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Also Read: Virat Kohli retirement impact on India vs England Test series

As Kohli steps back from Test cricket, the tributes from around the world of sport reiterates just how important he has been. Wimbledon’s elegant message is not only a farewell, but a tribute to a sporting icon with a legacy that will continue inspire.

On May 6, 2025, singer Rahul Vaidya confronted the paparazzi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport regarding his internet controversy with cricket player Virat Kohli. He clearly showed irateness when they asked him about his previous comments where he claimed Kohli was a “joker” after he was blocked by Kohli on the Internet. The controversy stemmed from Vaidya mocking Kohli’s excuse about accidentally liking actress Avneet Kaur’s bold Instagram post. After mocking Kohli, Kohli's fans attacked Vaidya, who called them a "joker" too with his own online commentary, and the dispute became a back-and-forth exchange. 

When asked why he called Kohli a “joker,” Vaidya responded, “I didn’t call him pagal. I said, Joker,” while citing Kohli's fanbase abuse in the messages.  Vaidya was visibly annoyed, saying Kohli blocked him, and asked, "Does Virat have time for this?  I had times that got giggles from those watching, but lingering was the chance he was annoyed too.

A Heated Exchange

 By referring to a screenshot of the so-called abuse from Kohli's fanbase, he justified his grievance. Showing his irritation and expectations of being defended with his comments as a reaction rather than an outright personal attack. His insistence that Kohli should “answer” for blocking him added a defiant tone to the interaction, showing he was unwilling to back down despite the backlash.

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Paparazzi questioned Rahul Vaidya on comments on Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/tV7g2Q02rd

— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) May 6, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Shubman Gill with dream delivery in MI vs GT match

Since then, the disagreement has rapidly escalated, and Vaidya's comments have received plenty of attention on social media. Some fans have viewed Vaidya's remarks as justified context regarding fan abuse, with others arguing that he has taken a cowardly dig at Kohli, who remains silent. The airport encounter in question had Vaidya acting a little sarcastically and frustrated, has kept the dispute active for at least a little while longer, and raised more questions than answers regarding whether the public spat leads to any disparagement between the two entertainers.