Axar Patel’s career has been shaped by injuries, patience, and quiet excellence. From missing the 2023 ODI World Cup to starring in India’s 2024 T20 triumph, the all-rounder has grown into a vital cog across formats. Understated yet indispensable, a lot will depend on Axar’s all-round skillsets in India’s T20 World Cup title defence, starting from February 7.

Delhi Capitals cruised into their fourth straight WPL final with a dominant seven-wicket win over Gujarat Giants. After restricting Gujarat to 168/7, led by Chinelle Henry’s 3/35, DC chased the target in 15.4 overs. Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee starred up top before Jemimah Rodrigues sealed a final clash with RCB.

Willow by Cricbuzz has announced major updates for the 2026 season, including free streaming of all four Team USA matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on YouTube for the first time. The platform has also partnered with Jomboy Media for creator-led alternate telecasts and unveiled a revamped, faster viewing experience across its apps and devices.

In Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, India arguably have the best quartet of bowlers at the T20 World Cup. Not to forget, Kuldeep Yadav might have to wait for his chances and the vastly improved Shivam Dube is no pushover. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team looks dangerous not just on paper but has also walked the talk on the field.

The Athletics Federation of India has set extremely high qualification standards for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes in 17 events required to match or break national records. With a reduced squad size, even record holders face challenges. The Federation Cup will be the final trials, though selectors retain discretion to pick medal prospects.