Sports

Virat Kohli Heads to London After Epic 54th ODI Century in Indore


Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass, smashing his 54th ODI century during India’s final match against New Zealand in Indore. The iconic batter reached the milestone in 108 balls, showcasing composure and class under pressure.

Kohli topped the series as India’s leading run-getter, registering scores of 93, 24, and 124, underlining his consistency and hunger for runs. However, his heroic effort wasn’t enough as India fell 41 runs short while chasing 338, allowing New Zealand to script history with their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.

Despite the series setback, Kohli’s performance propelled him back to the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings, a feat he achieved after more than four years. The achievement sparked celebrations among fans, even as many expressed disappointment over his upcoming six-month break from international cricket.

Kohli is expected to return to action later this year, with India scheduled to tour Afghanistan in June and England in July. Before that, fans can look forward to seeing him light up the IPL once again with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where expectations remain sky-high.

As Kohli heads to London for a short break, the cricketing world continues to marvel at his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to rise on the biggest stages.

Sports

Maharashtra Government Announces ₹2.25 Crore Cash Rewards for World Cup-Winning Cricketers


In a gesture celebrating excellence and national pride, the Maharashtra Government has announced ₹2.25 crore each for Indian cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav, following India’s sensational victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

The trio played pivotal roles in scripting one of India’s greatest sporting triumphs — a win that united the nation and showcased the rising dominance of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the players for their performance, calling them “icons of inspiration for the youth of India.” The felicitation ceremony will soon be held in Mumbai to honour the players’ achievements.

The announcement comes as a significant boost to women’s sports, emphasizing the government’s commitment to recognizing female athletes who have brought international glory to the country.

As the celebrations continue across the nation, this recognition from Maharashtra underscores the impact of India’s World Cup heroes — both on and off the field. 🇮🇳

Human Interest

“Am I Still Dreaming?” — Palash Muchhal Celebrates Fiancée Smriti Mandhana’s Historic World Cup Win


After India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup title against South Africa, the nation erupted in joy — and so did Smriti Mandhana’s fiancé, filmmaker and music composer Palash Muchhal. The emotional victory unfolded on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Mandhana played a key role in leading the team to their maiden championship glory.

Soon after the win, Palash Muchhal took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with Smriti. In the picture, the Indian opener is seen draped in the tricolour, proudly holding the glittering World Cup trophy, while Palash stands beside her with his arm around her shoulders. Captioning the photo, he wrote, “Am I still dreaming?”, a simple yet touching expression of pride and disbelief at her monumental achievement.

Just days before the final, Muchhal had shared another celebratory post following India’s dramatic victory over Australia in the semifinals, captioning it, “This part of my life right here is called… happiness.”

Last month, Palash Muchhal confirmed his wedding to Smriti Mandhana at a press event in Indore. When asked about their relationship, he hinted at the upcoming nuptials with a smile, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that is all I want to say. I have given you the headline.”

According to reports, the couple will begin their wedding celebrations on November 20 in Sangli, Maharashtra. The two have reportedly been dating since 2019 but kept their relationship private until making it Instagram official last year.

Palash Muchhal, known for composing music for several Bollywood films alongside his sister Palak Muchhal, is currently directing his film Raju Bajewala, featuring Avika Gor and Chandan Roy. With Smriti Mandhana’s career soaring and their wedding on the horizon, both are entering a new chapter in life filled with celebration, pride, and love — marking a fairytale moment where sports and art come beautifully together.

Sports

Apollo Tyres Inks ₹579 Crore Deal as Team India’s New Lead Sponsor


Apollo Tyres has officially stepped into the cricketing spotlight, signing a landmark sponsorship deal worth ₹579 crore to become the lead sponsor of Team India. The agreement marks one of the biggest corporate partnerships in Indian cricket and underscores the growing synergy between brands and sports in India.

As part of the deal, Apollo Tyres’ branding will be prominently featured on Team India’s jerseys across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. With cricket being India’s most popular and unifying sport, the partnership provides Apollo a powerful platform to connect with billions of fans both in India and globally.

Why This Deal Matters

  • 💰 ₹579 crore – one of the largest cricket sponsorships in recent years.
  • 🌍 Apollo Tyres gains global visibility, with Team India playing marquee tournaments, ICC events, and bilateral series across continents.
  • 🏏 Reinforces Apollo’s commitment to performance, resilience, and global recognition.

The sponsorship comes at a time when cricket’s commercial value is surging, driven by massive fan engagement, broadcast rights, and brand visibility. Apollo Tyres’ move signals confidence in the sport’s reach and its ability to deliver long-term brand impact.

This landmark deal cements Apollo Tyres as not just a leader in the tyre industry, but also a key player in India’s sports ecosystem.

Sports

Amit Mishra Retires After 25-Year Career, Bids Farewell to Cricket


New Delhi | September 4, 2025

Veteran Indian leg spinner Amit Mishra has officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, marking the end of an illustrious journey that spanned more than 25 years.


Mishra, who made his international debut in 2003, quickly rose to prominence as a dependable leg spinner known for his accuracy and ability to outsmart batsmen. Over the years, he represented India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, earning a reputation as one of the finest leg spinners of his generation.


In addition to his international career, Mishra was a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he became one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers. His hat-tricks and consistent breakthroughs made him a match-winner for multiple franchises.


On September 4, 2025, Mishra took to social media to share the news, expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, fans, and coaches. He reflected on his journey, describing cricket as his “greatest teacher and lifelong passion.”


Known for his calm demeanor and exceptional skills, Mishra’s contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond statistics. He served as a mentor to younger spinners and remained a key presence in domestic cricket well into his 40s.


As Amit Mishra steps away from the cricketing field, he leaves behind not only records but also memories cherished by millions of fans. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on Indian cricket and the art of leg spin will endure.

👉 Stay tuned to allycaral.com for more updates on sports, cricket legends, and retirement tributes.