![Gautam Gambhir and the India U19 squad [Source: AFP and @sameer_kunhok/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766845670470_Gambhir_India_Squad.jpg?type=hq)
Gautam Gambhir and the India U19 squad [Source: AFP and @sameer_kunhok/X]
In a shocking revelation, it has been reported that the BCCI went to VVS Laxman in order to request him to take over coaching duties from Gautam Gambhir after the South Africa tour 2025. MS Dhoni met and greeted Salman Khan on his birthday with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. In other news, England won the 4th Ashes Test on a dramatic MCG pitch.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged on Saturday, December 27.
BCCI approached VVS Laxman to replace Gambhir after SA tour: Report
In a shocking revelation, according to a PTI report by Kushan Sarkar, the BCCI approached India great VVS Laxman to replace Gautam Gambhir as the red-ball head coach following India’s recent Test whitewash against South Africa.
However, the former India batter turned down the offer, as he is currently serving as the Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Notably, discussions are ongoing within the BCCI regarding the possible removal of Gambhir from the red-ball coaching role.
England won the Boxing Day Test in Australia after 15 long years
After two days of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England won the fourth Ashes Test by four wickets, making Ben Stokes only the third captain in cricket history to win a Boxing Day Test against Australia in the last 15 years.
Stokes and his team sealed the victory after 20 wickets fell on the opening day of the Test, and with Australia failing to build a substantial lead, England chased the target aggressively to secure the win and salvage their pride by avoiding a series whitewash.
India squad announced for U19 World Cup 2026
The BCCI have recently announced India U19 squad for the upcoming U19 World Cup and the tour of South Africa. The World Cup squad features players such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George and Abhigyan Kundu, with Ayush Mhatre named captain and Vihaan Malhotra appointed his deputy.
The South Africa squad, meanwhile, will be led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, with Ayush Mhatre being rested. For the unaware, India will begin their U19 World Cup campaign against the USA on January 15.
MS Dhoni meets Salman Khan on the actor’s 60th birthday at Panvel
On December 27, India cricket legend MS Dhoni visited Panvel, Maharashtra, to attend Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s 60th birthday celebration. MS Dhoni arrived at the private event with his wife, Sakshi Dhoni and daughter Ziva.
As the birthday celebration was kept low-key and attended only by close family members and friends, the former India captain, along with his family, was spotted outside the venue, with pictures of the meet-up quickly going viral on social media.
Tim David gets injured while batting during BBL 2025-26 clash
Australia’s star power-hitter Tim David has suffered a major setback after sustaining a freak injury during the Big Bash League match between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers on December 26.
While batting and running between the wickets, David suddenly felt pain in his hamstring and was advised to leave the field, appearing visibly uncomfortable in front of the medical staff. With no clear timeline yet on his recovery, the injury raises concerns that Australia’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026 could be at risk.
