Joe Root’s remarkable form continues as he notched his 36th Test century against New Zealand. Since 2021, he has amassed an astounding 19 Test hundreds, leaving rivals like Kohli, Smith, and Williamson trailing. Root is closing in on Ricky Ponting’s second-place spot on the all-time Test run-scorers list, with even Sachin Tendulkar’s seemingly untouchable record within his sights.

Kiren Rijiju has highlighted alleged links between Sonia Gandhi and businessman George Soros, calling them “serious” and urging unity against anti-India elements.

Mumbai experienced its coldest December morning in six years, with Santacruz recording 13.7°C. The city’s air quality was recorded as ‘moderate’.