Cricket, football and hockey may be India’s most popular sports, but in a country with so many traditions and history, there are sports that were played for hundreds of years that didn’t go mainstream in the modern world. While Kabaddi recently got its moment in the Indian sports, here are a few Indian sports that we bet you have not heard of.

Also Read: 10 Sports Podcasts Every Indian Fan Should Listen To

So, in this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular Indian sports you didn’t know existed.

Most Popular Indian Sports You Didn’t Know Existed

1. Mallakhamb – The Aerial Yoga of Warriors

Mallakhamb is a form of ancient martial arts intended as a training aid for wrestlers and ancient warriors. ‘Malla’ literally means wrestling and ‘khamb’ translates to pole. Together, mallakhamb means wrestling on a pole. Wrestlers and warriors used to use the pole as a training apparatus to perfect martial arts moves which they could later use on opponents in the ring or the battlefield.

Mallakhamb first gained widespread international attention on the sidelines of the Berlin 1936 Olympics. It was among the several indigenous Indian sports, including kabaddi, which were demonstrated at Berlin before the Olympics began and drew applause from the locals as well as the international community attending the Games.

Since then, the sport has spread all over the globe and the first-ever mallakhamb world championships were held in 2019, with more than 150 athletes from over 15 countries travelling to Mumbai to participate. The new-found prominence, however, doesn’t quite fully reflect the rich history of mallakhamb.

2. Vallam Kali – Kerala’s Snake Boat Race

Vallam Kali, also known as Kerala Boat Race, is one of southern India's most picturesque and traditional festivals. Every year the Vallam Kali festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which generally falls in the calendar months of August and September. It is a form of canoe racing where many longboats compete with each other along the river.

Vallam Kali is mainly conducted during the harvest month of Onam. In Kerala, four boat races are held between July and September. All of these races happened in and around the beautiful town of Alleppey. The races are - Nehru Trophy Race, Payippad Jalotsavam, Aranmula Boat Race, Champakulam Moolam.

Hundreds of bright and colorful boats gather at the river with energetic men rowing them. The boats are also decorated with vibrant-colored umbrellas and flags.

3. Thang-Ta – Martial Art of Manipur

Thang Ta, 'The Art of the Sword and Spear' is the traditional martial art of Manipur in Northeast India. It integrates various external weapons - the sword, spear, dagger, etc. with the internal practice of physical control through soft movements coordinated with the rhythms of breathing. It is part of the great heroic tradition of Manipur.

The proper name for Thang Ta is 'Huyen Lallong' (method of safe-guarding). As the name implies, Huyen Lallong is more than just the training of fighting skills. It is an elaborate system of physical culture that involves breathing methods, meditations, and rituals. 

Some of the sword and spear forms are entirely ritualistic, although they are composed of material techniques. They are to be performed only at special occasions or under special circumstances. For example, there is a spear form that is performed at funerals. 

4. Jallikattu – Tamil Nadu’s Bull-Taming Sport

Jallikattu is a centuries-old bull-taming sport celebrated in Tamil Nadu during Pongal. It represents Tamil culture, bravery, and the strong bond between humans and animals. This festival takes place during Mattu Pongal, the second day of the four-day Pongal festival, honoring cattle, which are vital for agriculture and rural livelihoods in Tamil Nadu.

The term "Jallikattu" comes from Tamil words "Salli" (coins) and "Kattu" (tied), referring to the prize money tied to the bull’s horns, which participants try to retrieve.

Unlike bullfighting, Jallikattu is about grabbing the hump of a running bull and holding on without harming it, showcasing agility, strength, and courage of the participants.

5. Gatka – Sikh Martial Art

Gatka is a traditional form of Sikh martial art. Gatka is not just a physical combat technique but also a way to connect with the spiritual aspects of Sikhism.

Gatka incorporates various weapons, including swords, spears, shields, and sticks. Practitioners of Gatka, known as Gatkaars, perform choreographed sequences called "routines" or "forms" that involve a combination of offensive and defensive movements. These routines are designed to simulate combat scenarios and enhance the skills of the practitioners.

Gatka is often performed during religious and cultural events within the Sikh community, such as festivals, weddings, and Nagar Kirtans (processions). It serves as a way to preserve Sikh traditions, values, and heritage.

Also Read: Best Indian Sports Biopics of All Time

6. Tent Pegging – Medieval Sport on Horseback

Tent Pegging is a popular sport played through the use of horses and pegs. To play this game, a person should be an expert horse rider.

As the name itself suggests, it is a sport of cavalry where a horseman rides towards a target. Once the horseman gets close to the target, he pierces it using his lance or sword. He picks it up and carries the peg forward. This act continues till he carries the series of pegs placed on the track. 

There are different types of tent pegging games - Ring Jousting, Lemon Sticking, Quintain Tilting, and Mounted Archery.

The ongoing five-match T20I series between India and Australia has now reached a thrilling stage with both teams tied at 1-1 with one match abandoned. The Indian team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, leveled the series with a resounding victory in the third match. Now after winning the third match, the fourth T20I between the two teams will be played on November 6, 2025, which is going to be held at a new venue, Carrara Oval Stadium in Queensland.

After the first game in Canberra was washed out, Australia took a 1-0 lead after winning the second in Melbourne by four wickets. They chased down a 126-run target in 13.2 overs on a spicy track after Josh Hazlewood bowled a brilliant spell with the new ball.

India bounced back commendably in the third T20I in Hobart to restore parity in the series. They made light work of a 187-run target, reaching the score in just 18.3 overs, with five wickets to spare. Washington Sundar played a blinder of an innings after Arshdeep Singh's exemplary three-for on his comeback.

The team that wins the fourth T20I, will ensure they do not lose the series. Consequently, both India and Australia are expected to put in all their efforts to win the fourth match.

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs Australia 4th T20I match in the India tour of Australia 2025.

Also Read: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

Match Details

• Match: India vs Australia
• Tournament: India tour of Australia 2025, 4th T20I
• Date: 6 November 2025
• Time: 1:45 PM IST
• Venue: Carrara Oval, Queensland

Streaming Details

The 4th T20I between India and Australia will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network.

The live streaming of the 4th T20I between India and Australia will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

India vs Australia: Head-to-head stats in T20I

Australia and India have met 35 times in T20 cricket, with the Men in Blue winning on 21 occasions. Australia have won 12 times, while two match ended in no result.

Pitch Report: Carrara Oval

📍 The Gold Coast

Soaking in the sun and the work ahead of the 4️⃣th T20I, ft. #TeamIndia 😎💪#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/iKF4pXOTB9

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2025

Batters are expected to have a jolly time at the Carrara Oval in Queensland. The fast bowlers will have to make the most of the new ball as it might swing around for the first few overs. However, once the ball gets old, conditions could be ideal for batting.

Weather Report

According to Accuweather's weather forecast, there is, overall, just a 2% chance of precipitation (rain) in Gold Coast this Thursday. In fact, this percentage dips further to 0% in the evening, which is when the India vs Australia T20I will kick-off.

So as per this weather forecast, the match should go ahead and conclude without any interruptions from nature. Although not the final match, it is an important clash in the greater context, as the loser will only the chance to draw the series in the last T20I.

Possible Lineups

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shivam Dube/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (WK), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann.

Also Read: Most ODI runs in cricket history

India vs Australia 4th T20I Match Prediction

India have the upper hand heading into the fourth T20I after a confident run chase in Hobart. Their batting depth and form in the middle order make them slight favourites to take a 2-1 series lead. Australia remain dangerous at home but will miss key players like Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, which could tilt the contest in India’s favour.

After returning with only one point against Tripura in Agaratala in their third match, Bengal will again, for the second time in this Ranji Trophy 2025-26 will have to look for a new captain. Not only that, they will have to add a new wicket-keeper batter after Abishek Porel’s India-A call-up for the Rising Star Asia Cup tournament in Qatar.

Mistakes cost Bengal six points

Okay, if not six, it definitely cost Bengal 3 points. Three dropped catches, and among them, three from the stand-in captain, Abishek Porel. Hanuma Vihari, who scored a three-point winning 141, was dropped twice by wicket-keeper Abishek Porel, one off Mohammed Kaif and one off his cousin brother Ishan Porel.

Later on, Anustup Majumdar could not hold on to a tough one of Vijay Shankar in the wide first slip as well. These mistakes allowed Tripura to make a comeback in the match. From 53/5, they scored 385 to earn their first point of the season.

If Bengal could hold onto those chances, they were surely in for six points, with Mohammed Kaif and Ishan Porel looking in rhythm, obviously alongside Mohammed Shami.

Sudip Gharami might become the captain for the Railways match

Since Abishek Porel will be in the India-A team for the Rising Star Asia Cup, Bengal will have to look for a new captain for the second time in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 this season. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was named the captain ahead of the season, is currently unavailable till the Assam match due to India-A duties, and till then, Sudip Gharami might be made the captain of the side.

Sudip last year led Bengal in the white-ball format, and Bengal played in the knockouts of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well under his captaincy. Although there is Anustup Majumdar, who can be captain as well, it is unlikely that the 41-year-old batter would take the responsibility just for one match.

Read Also: Tripura vs Bengal, Ranji Trophy 2025-26 recap: Tripura shocks Bengal with tons from Vihari and Mura; Tripura 3, Bengal 1

Now, to replace Abishek Porel, Bengal will not only need a captain, but they will have to add a wicket-keeper batter as well. Keepers like Agniv Pan, Suvankar Bal, who have first-class experience, can be options as well. Meantime, U-19 or U-23 keepers can be called up for the Railways too.

Shami might not travel to Surat

During the press conference after the match against Gujarat, Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla had said to the media that it is not possible to expect Mohammed Shami will play all the matches of the season. Now, after playing three consecutive matches and going wicketless for the first time this season against Tripura, there will be a question about his workload.

So, the calculations might end up with Mohammed Shami not travelling to Surat for the match against Railways. It is unlikely that Bengal will add some other bowlers from outside the current squad. In that case, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can come into the playing XI, with Sumit Mohanta continuing as a backup pacer.

Bengal will leave for Surat on 5th November.

When is the Railways vs Bengal, Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match?

The Railways vs Bengal, Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match will be played from 8th November 2025 to 11 November 2025 at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat.

The game was hanging in the balance despite a fantastic finish to Day 2 by the hosts, Tripura, against mighty Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Elite Group C clash at Maharaja Bir Bikram Stadium in Agartala. But, on the final day of the match, Tripura made sure they would earn their first point of the season - that too, three against a star-studded Bengal lineup.

Equation before the start on Day 4

The equation before the start of Day 4 was that Bengal would need 3 wickets for three points while Tripura required 63 runs to earn the same. For Bengal, it was Mohammed Shami and the new ball, while for Tripura, it was the partnership between captain Manisankar Murasingh and Hanuma Vihari, which was supposed to decide the match.

No swing with the new ball for Bengal

As planned, Bengal took the new ball in the third over of the day after Shami and Ishan Porel warmed up with one over each with the older ball. However, there was not much effect with the brand-new ball.

While everyone expected Shami to run through the tail, it was Manisankar Murasingh who got some quick early runs to take the target below fifty for Tripura, and reached his fifty too. The new ball did not swing or seam, which was of no help to the Bengal bowlers.

Shami changed angles, but was not able to challenge both the batters and create any chance for Bengal. Soon, Bengal’s most successful bowler in this match, Mohammed Kaif, replaced Ishan Porel from the City End, and he leaked some boundaries, which did not help the cause either.

However, Shami was replaced by Ishan Porel, from the Pavilion End, and that resulted in a dismissal for Bengal. Hanuma Vihari, who was earlier dropped off Ishan Porel when the batter was on 53 on Day 3, was able to hit him in front of the wicket and get the desired result from the umpire.

Tension rose at the ground, and for everyone following the match, with the new equation being 21 needed for Tripura and 2 wickets needed for Bengal. A few hundred present at the ground along with some U-19 Tripura cricketers gave Hanuma Vihari a standing ovation for his 141, his first big knock for Tripura.

Read Also: Tripura vs Bengal, Ranji Trophy 2025-26 recap: Tripura shocks Bengal with tons from Vihari and Mura; Tripura 3, Bengal 1

Rana Dutta’s heroics at No. 10

Even though Tripura lost the previous two games and batters did not do well, the murmur in the gallery was that both Rana Dutta and Abhijit Sarkar can also bat, which meant Tripura nearly have 11 batters in the team.

Although Abhijit was supposed to come at No.10, captain Murasingh wanted Rana Dutta, as he wanted two lefties in the middle since neither Ishan Porel nor Mohammed Kaif was able to bring the ball back into the lefties.

Bengal’s plan to keep the field open for Murasingh helped him get some easy singles while Rana looked comfortable even against Mohammed Shami, who returned for his 8th spell of the inning. Shami tested the pacer with some bouncers, which he negotiated very well.

Desperate Bengal tried their final weapon as they brought off-spinner Rahul Prasad with Tripura needed 9 runs to earn three points. Rana Dutta took the first single, and then Murasingh hit back-to-back boundaries to give them the lead. A roar from the all-rounder and a cheer from the dugout proved how important it was for them.

Rana was crucial in that 20, as he added 11 of them to ensure their lead. Finally, Rahul Prasad dismissed Rana on 27, and Murasingh took his chance to hit a six off Shahbaz Ahmed to get to his fifth first-class ton, before they were bowled out for 385, with a lead of 49.

Three important points for Tripura!

It is their captain incredible Manisankar Murasingh, who hits the important boundary to earn their first point of this campaign.

Bengal would be hugely disappointed but they have been outplayed here.

Kudos to Rana Dutta, who added 11. pic.twitter.com/unTbDMoUeI

— Koushik Biswas (@kbofficial25) November 4, 2025

Bengal’s scare with the bat

Although everything was settled with both teams knowing the end result, Tripura bowlers made sure they gave their home fans a reason to stay for a bit longer. 

Rana Dutta, after his heroics with the bat, struck in the first over to dismiss Sudip Kumar Gharami, the centurion from the first inning, on duck. Then Abhijit Sarkar trapped Kazi Juanid Saifi in front of the wicket on a duck to make it a pair for the left-handed top-order batter. At 0/2, scenes looked scary for Bengal.

Abhijit Sarkar made it worse by dismissing Habib Gandhi with a short ball, which came at an awkward height for the left-hander as he went to pull the ball. The scoreboard said 13/3, trailed by 36. Tripura might have gone on to create something miraculous if Hrituraj Ghosh Roy had not dropped an easy catch at short midwicket off Abhitjit Sarkar, just two balls later.

Eventually, Anustup Majumdar and Shahbaz Ahmed took Bengal out of misery. Teams shook hands after Shahbaz reached his fifty, with Bengal finishing on 90/3. 

Bengal now dropped to third place in the group while Tripura rose one spot up to No.7 after their three points. Bengal will next face Railways, while Tripura will host Assam from 8th November. Bengal will reach Kolkata before boarding a flight for Surat tomorrow, on Wednesday.

Bengal 0/2

Sudip Gharami and Kazi Junaid Saifi went for ducks!

Wicket a-piece for Rana Dutta and Abhijit Sarkar!#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/AjBeVbhniT

— Koushik Biswas (@kbofficial25) November 4, 2025

“Knew that it won’t swing:” Murasingh

Post-match, Tripura captain Manisankar Murasingh told Sportz Point that he knew there would be no swing on the final day, even with the new ball. That is why he was confident that if he could get his eye in early, three points were on the cards.

“I have grown up playing here. I knew there would be no swing or seam, even with the new ball. I got a few early boundaries, which helped us get closer to the target. This is a great comeback by the team after two defeats. It was a near-perfect game for us,” Murasinggh told.

Player of the match Hanuma Vihari shared that the battle against Mohammed Shami needed to be won early on Day 4. Moreover, he appreciated the fact that the aggressive nature of Murasingh helped him play in his own style during their 116-run partnership.

“It was a great battle with Shami. The conditions were in my favour in this match, which is why I won the battle. Tripura have been doing well in the last few seasons, and after these three points, the team would be more confident,” Hanuma told Sportz Point.

Score summary:

Bengal (1st inning): 336; (Sudip Gharami 108, Habib Gandhi 95, Murasingh 56/3)

Tripura (1st inning): 385 (Hanuma Vihari 141, Murasingh 102*, Mohammed Kaif 79/4)

Bengal (2nd inning): 90/3 (Shabaz Ahmed 51*, Abhijit Sarkar 11/2)

Bengal (Playing XI): Sudip Kumar Gharami, Kazi Saifi, Shakir Habib Gandhi, Anustup Majumdar, Abishek Porel(w/c), Sumanta Gupta, Shahbaz Ahmed, Rahul Hari Prasad, Mohammed Kaif, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Porel.

Tripura (Playing XI): Bikramkumar Das, Hrituraj Roy, Sridam Paul, Hanuma Vihari, Vijay Shankar, Swapnil Singh, Manisankar Murasingh(c), Sentu Sarkar(w), Rana Dutta, Abhijit K Sarkar, Bikramjit Debnath

With another century in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 group stage match against New Zealand, Smriti Mandhana now has extended her lead in the list of Indian players with the most centuries in Women's ODIs. The left-handed opener reached her 14th career century off 88 balls, hammering 10 fours and three sixes-putting up another batting masterclass in a match India needed to win to qualify for the semifinals.

Here is a list of eight women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

Also Read: Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Most centuries by Indian cricketers (WODI)

8. Jaya Sharma | 2 Centuries

Former Indian batter Jaya Sharma was only the second female Indian cricketer to have scored a century in ODI cricket. She smashed two centuries in WODI cricket in her career.

While her first century had come against Pakistan during Women's Asia Cup 2005 in Karachi, she scored another one in a winning effort against Australia in 2007 in Chennai making her the first Indian women to score an ODI century at home.

The left-handed batter could've achieved the milestone a few years before had she converted a couple of nervous 90s into hundreds.

7. Thirush Kamini | 2 Centuries

Former Indian and Tamil Nadu opener Thirush Kamini played for India at a time when women's cricket wasn't really picking up in the country. Regardless, she did well in her limited opportunities and notched a ton twice in her ODI career that spanned 39 matches and scored 825 runs at an average of 25.78.

Kamini's maiden ODI hundred came in India's win over the West Indies in the 2013 ODI World Cup. She stroked a 146-ball 100 to power India to a total of 284/6 in the first innings. India won that match comfortably and Thirush Kamini was rightfully awarded the POTM award.

6. Pratika Rawal | 2 Centuries

Indian opener Pratika Rawal has scored her first-ever Women's World Cup century, leading India to a commanding position in a crucial encounter against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai. The 25-year-old smashed 134-ball 122, hitting 3 fours and two sixes along the way. This is Rawal's second WODI century. Both her hundreds have come at home.

Playing her 23rd WODI match, Rawal also surpassed 1,000 runs. She is also the third quickest Indian to score a maiden century in Women’s ODIs. However, before the historic World Cup final, Rawal got injured and could not return for the rest of the tournament.

5. Punam Raut | 3 Centuries

The diminutive Indian batter Punam Raut was one of the pillars in Indian batting along with Harmanpreet, Smriti, Mithali and Veda Krishnmurthy. Punam has recorded three centuries in women's ODI cricket.

Punam smashed one WODI century at a home venue and two WODI centuries at neutral venues. Her highest score in this format is 109 not out against Ireland Women at Potchefstroom during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.

4. Jemimah Rodrigues | 3 Centuries

Star batter Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a stunning performance in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final, guiding India’s chase against Australia at DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.

Rodrigues delivered a sensational knock of 127 runs off just 134 balls in the 42nd over, earning loud cheers from the home crowd. Her innings featured 14 fours, scored at a strike rate of 94.78.

With this century, Jemimah has now joined the elite list of most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs. This is also Rodrigues' highest score in Women's ODIs after her 123 against South Africa Women earlier this year.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur | 7 Centuries

Indian Women's Cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the finest batters in Indian women’s cricket history. The right-handed batter has scored seven WODI centuries in her career, equalling Mithali Raj’s record of seven ODI centuries.

Apart from four home WODI centuries, Harmanpreet also recorded two WODI hundreds at neutral venues and one more at an away venue. Her highest WODI score is 171 not out against Australia Women during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final. Harmanpreet also became the first Indian captain to achieve Women's World Cup title in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025.

2. Mithali Raj | 7 Centuries

Former Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj (7805 runs) is still the only player to score 6000 and 7000 WODI runs. The leading WODI run-scorer was the previous record holder for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She recorded seven WODI hundreds in her career.

While Mithali scored three WODI centuries at home, the right-handed batter recorded three WODI centuries at neutral venues and one at an away venue. Her highest WODI knock was 125 not out against Sri Lanka Women at Katunayake in 2018.

Also Read: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

1. Smriti Mandhana | 14 Centuries

Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is one of the best batters in the modern generation. The left-hander holds the record for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She achieved the record solely in October 2025 after scoring a 88-ball century against New Zealand in the group stage match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai. It was her 14th WODI hundreds. Her innings consisted of 10 boundaries and three sixes.

Mandhana has scored seven WODI centuries at home, five WODI centuries in away venues, and two WODI hundreds at neutral venues. By scoring three out of four WODI home centuries in 2024, she also became the first Indian player to record three WODI hundreds in a calendar year. Her record WODI score is 136 against South Africa Women in the 2024 Bengaluru WODI.

Hello and welcome to the LIVE blog of Tripura vs Bengal, Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match at Maharaja Bir Bikram Stadium in Agartala. 

This is Koushik Biswas, who will be reporting from the ground for you with all the latest updates, news, scores, images and free commentary. 

Bengal have won their first two games and are sitting at number two on the points table while Tripura have lost both of their matches and are at number 8 on the points table. 

Mohammed Shami vs Hanuma Vihari and Vijay Shankar will be a key battle to watch out for.