January 23, 2026

Australia’s T20 World Cup preparations have taken another hit with Hobart Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League finals due to a hamstring injury. The setback has not only dented the Hurricanes’ hopes of defending their BBL title but has also raised fresh concerns for Australia just weeks out from the global tournament. Ellis, who has been a central figure in Hobart’s campaign, will miss Friday’s Challenger clash against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG. The winner of that match will progress to the final against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on Sunday. For the Hurricanes, losing their captain and leading wicket-taker at such a decisive stage represents a major blow.

The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday in Raipur. After clinching the series opener by 48 runs in Nagpur, India lead the series and will be looking to build on that momentum while managing player fitness ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. India may be forced into a late change for the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur as vice-captain Axar Patel continues to recover from a finger injury sustained during the series opener in Nagpur. The all-rounder was struck on his bowling hand while delivering to Daryl Mitchell and did not return to the field for the remainder of the match.

India’s ace shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Indonesia Masters 500 after losing in straight games to top-seeded Chen Yu Fei. Playing the quarter-final of the tournament on Friday, January 23, Sindhu went down 13-21, 17-21 to the Chinese player. Drama ensued on Court 1 in Jakarta when Sindhu was shown a yellow card and then a red card in quick succession midway through the second game. Both cards were a result of Sindhu losing her temper while trailing 12-17, forcing the match referee to step in and calm matters between the Indian shuttler and the chair umpire.