New Delhi, Oct 17: As India gears up for the high-voltage ODI series against Australia, the spotlight inevitably falls on two modern greats — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The duo, who have defined an era of Indian cricket, were seen training intensely in Perth, looking as sharp and motivated as ever. But amid the excitement, a cloud of uncertainty looms large – is this the last dance for India’s iconic pair?

Both Rohit and Virat have served Indian cricket with unmatched consistency and leadership. Yet, with a generational shift underway and the rise of new stars under young skipper Shubman Gill, speculation about the veterans’ future refuses to die down.

Some believe the management might be using this series as a litmus test – giving them one last shot before gradually transitioning to younger legs. Others argue that form and fitness should be the only yardsticks, and if the two perform in Australia, they deserve to stay in contention till the 2027 ODI World Cup.

What’s certain is that the series means more than just runs and wickets. For fans, it’s a chance to relive the magic of Rohit’s effortless stroke play and Kohli’s fierce determination – traits that have brought India countless memorable victories.

For the team, it’s about striking the perfect balance between experience and youth as Gill begins his journey as India’s new leader Down Under.

Whether this tour marks a new beginning or the closing chapter of a golden era, one thing is undeniable – the cricketing world will be glued to Rohit and Virat once again, hoping their bats do the talking, just as they have for over a decade.

The opening clash between India and Australia will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19.

India’s ODI squad for the Australia tour includes Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

New Delhi, Oct 16: Veteran New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has been appointed as the new strategic advisor of IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Williamson will take on the role following the departure of India’s fast bowling legend Zaheer Khan, who was the franchise’s mentor for IPL 2025.

Interestingly, Williamson had been a part of the Durban’s Super Giants, the sister franchise of LSG, in this year’s SA20. “Kane has been a part of the Super Giants family and it’s an absolute delight to welcome him in his new role as Strategic Advisor for @LucknowIPL.”

“His leadership, strategic insight, deep understanding of the game, and ability to inspire players make him an invaluable addition to the team,” wrote Goenka, the chairman of RPSG Group, on his ‘X’ account on Thursday.

Williamson is currently on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and his most recent appearance for the Blackcaps came in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where the side finished runners-up to India.

In 79 IPL matches, while turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, Williamson made 2128 runs at an average of 35.46 and a strike rate of 125.61, including being the leading run-getter in the 2018 season.

The franchise had previously hired former India bowling coach Bharat Arun as their bowling coach. Sources in the franchise have also told IANS on Thursday that Carl Crowe has been added to LSG’s support staff as the spin bowling coach.

Crowe was previously in the same role with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and worked on making Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy a lethal spin bowling pair for the three-time IPL winners.

“It was confirmed some time back that Crowe will also join Arun in LSG now, and an official statement will come soon. With Justin Langer also being retained as the head coach following talks going on back and forth, the franchise will soon kickstart its preparations for IPL 2026 auction,” further said sources.

LSG, under the leadership of India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, ended their IPL 2025 campaign at seventh place – matching their finish from the previous season of the competition. The back-to-back mid-table results mark a dip from their impressive third-place finishes in the IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra sports department has sought a list of vacant land from the Waqf Board and its own department to develop sports facilities for children and youth across Mumbai.

The initiative aims to ensure better access to sports infrastructure, training opportunities, and to promote greater participation in sports at the community level. Speaking to the FPJ, sports, youth and minority development minister Manikrao Kokate said he has already directed officials to identify all vacant plots under their jurisdiction where such facilities can be established.

“I will receive the complete list within a month, and work will begin immediately,” Kokate said. The minister made the statement after being asked about the inaccessibility of several sports complexes and clubs in Mumbai, so that children not from affluent backgrounds are able to participate. Kokate also shared that to further boost sports activities among youth, his department recently held a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

During the meeting, Pawar instructed officials to create modern and upgraded sports facilities across the state and to draft a new sports policy after a detailed study of various aspects of sports development. “The aim is to raise the standard of sports culture in Maharashtra and give a new direction to the sector,” Pawar said. Officials have also studied sports infrastructure models from other Indian states and countries, exploring options to utilise Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding for sports development.

The government recently announced plans to provide dedicated, safe, and fully equipped changing rooms for women players at all sports complexes, gymkhanas, stadiums, and local playgrounds across Maharashtra. The new facilities will include toilets, health amenities, CCTV surveillance, and female security staff to ensure safety, hygiene, and dignity for women athletes. The minister also revealed plans to introduce water sports activities at Powai Lake, modelled on facilities in Dubai. “Padel-based water karting will soon be available at Powai Lake,” he announced.

The government is also drafting a new state youth policy aimed at the welfare and empowerment of the state’s youth. “We are seeking ideas and recommendations from young people to ensure that the new policy truly reflects their needs, challenges, and aspirations,” he said. Meanwhile, under the Government of India’s initiative marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the state has launched the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’.

District administrations, along with the Sports Department, MY Bharat, NSS, and NCC, will organise district-level marches of 8-10km. The programme will also include essay and debate competitions, discussions on Sardar Patel’s life, street plays, antidrug pledges, yoga and health camps, cleanliness drives, and cultural performances across Maharashtra.