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Australia batting mainstay Steve Smith (39, 11,205 Test runs @56.99) dismisses retirement rumours post-Ashes, committing to future tours including WTC cycle and stating he's far from finished despite age concerns.

Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj furious at Shubman Gill's T20 WC 2026 exclusion despite captaincy credentials, questioning "if Abhishek Sharma fails, you'll drop him too?" in favour of inconsistent selection logic.

Aakash Chopra picks Shubman Gill (c), Rohit, Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Jadeja, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Shami, Arshdeep for NZ ODIs, backing Gaikwad's consistency over Iyer/Padikkal.

Irfan Pathan questions short 3-match ODI series, pushing for 5 ODIs to boost competitiveness and fan interest, citing packed calendars and T20/IPL priorities diluting 50-over format.

Chetan Sakariya feared never gripping the ball again after 2024 wrist surgery, but returns for Saurashtra domestic season post-IPL 2026 unsold, setting small goals like top wicket-taker for Ranji comeback.

Post-Ashes Boxing Day Test rankings: Brook #2 batting (846), Tongue +13 to #30 bowling (573), Atkinson #13 (698), Starc ties #2 bowling (843), Stokes #3 AR (316). AUS 152-110-132; ENG chased 73/6.

RCB star Ellyse Perry pulls out of WPL 2026 for personal reasons (replaced by Sayali Satghare), but plays Super Smash for Wellington scoring 39 & 3/11 vs Northern Brave on Dec 31 - sparking speculation as leagues overlap Jan-Feb.

Parthiv Patel urges Rishabh Pant to bat long after dismal IPL 2025 (128 runs @12.80 SR99 in 10 inns), saying “he just needs to bat, and bat” to regain confidence post-LSG move.

Former Australia Test cricketer Damien Martyn (54) is in critical condition in a Brisbane hospital, placed in an induced coma after meningitis diagnosis; cricket community including Gilchrist, Lehmann sends prayers for recovery.

Aakash Chopra ranks India's defining 2025 moments: 1) Women's World Cup win, 2) Champions Trophy, 3) Undefeated Asia Cup, 4) England Test series draw post-Rohit/Kohli retirement, 5) RCB's maiden IPL title.