January 18

Gill's water purifier part of routine travel setup

India batter Shubman Gill has been travelling with a personal water purifier as part of his fitness routine, team sources said, adding that the practice is not new and is not limited to the current stop in Indore.

Such purifiers are used by top sportspersons across disciplines, not just cricketers. However, there is no information of other cricketers carrying similar machines to Indore, where the third and final ODI against New Zealand will be played on Sunday (January 18).

The practice is understood to have continued since Gill's recovery from dengue, with an emphasis on maintaining strict hydration standards as part of his fitness routine. The machine is designed to further treat drinking water, including bottled or RO-filtered water.

The purifier, that's reportedly been installed in Gill's hotel room in Indore, came into the spotlight following a recent incident in the city in which contaminated water claimed 23 lives. Several affected people remain hospitalised, and the episode triggered a nationwide uproar.

Against such a backdrop, extra caution by elite sportspersons is not uncommon. However, sources said Gill's purifier has become a permanent fixture for the India skipper.

The Indian team management has not issued an official comment.

Aqil Khan Obaid replaces Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan U-19 squad

Aqil Khan Obaid has been approved as a replacement for Hafieezullah Zadran in the Afghanistan squad for the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026.

Zadran has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after fracturing his left wrist during Afghanistan's opening match against South Africa. The replacement was approved by the tournament's Event Technical Committee, as per ICC regulations.