Check out the top stories on sports across the world in the Sports Bulletin for October 18. From India's series draw against West Indies to Emiliano Martinez injury.

1. Bengaluru T20I Washed Out, India and West Indies Share Series

India and West Indies shared the five-match T20I series 2-2 after the deciding fifth match in Bengaluru was abandoned due to rain on October 17. Reduced to nine overs per side, India reached 118/5 in 7.4 overs before further showers halted play. Ishan Kishan smashed 30 off just 10 balls, while Naman Dhir contributed 24 off six deliveries.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns to India Lineup After 1,425 Days

Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to India's playing XI after 1,425 days in the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru. His previous international appearance came against New Zealand on November 22, 2022. He was recalled after Arshdeep Singh sustained a shoulder injury during the fourth T20I. However, rain prevented Bhuvneshwar from bowling in the abandoned series decider.

3. Bengaluru FC Beat Chennaiyin FC in Southern Derby

Bengaluru FC defeated Chennaiyin FC 2-0 in their Indian Super League 2026-27 encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on October 17. Ryan Williams opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Mihailo Perovic doubled the hosts' advantage in the 52nd minute. The victory continued Bengaluru's positive start to the campaign, while Chennaiyin were unable to recover from the two-goal deficit.

4. SAFF Says Reports of India's Withdrawal Are Inaccurate

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has pushed back against reports suggesting India could withdraw from the 2026 SAFF Championship. The clarification comes amid scheduling concerns involving India's proposed New Zealand friendlies, the November 4-17 tournament and the availability of players from Indian Super League clubs. India are the defending champions, but squad selection and player releases remain key challenges for the AIFF.

5. Ayan Lochab Becomes Most Expensive Buy at KCL Season 2 Auction

Ayan Lochab emerged as the most expensive player at the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) Season 2 auction after Jhajjar Jaguars secured his services for ₹17.4 lakh. Bharat Hooda followed at ₹16.6 lakh for Karnal Kings, while Naveen Goyat joined Kurukshetra Knights for ₹15.2 lakh. The auction highlighted franchises' efforts to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season.

6. Emiliano Martinez Suffers Head Injury During Chelsea Match

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez suffered a concussion following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during their Premier League match on October 17. Martinez received prolonged medical attention before being stretchered off and taken to hospital for precautionary tests. Chelsea won 2-0 through Pedro Neto's brace, but the injury overshadowed the result. Mike Penders replaced Martinez and made his Premier League debut.

7. Manchester City Edge Ipswich, Liverpool Beat Brentford

Manchester City defeated Ipswich Town 3-2 to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season. Phil Foden opened the scoring before Erling Haaland struck twice, while Daizen Maeda and Zian Flemming replied for Ipswich. Meanwhile, Liverpool recovered from Keane Lewis-Potter's opener to beat Brentford 2-1, with Victor Muñoz equalising and Alexander Isak scoring the winner.

8. Rohan Bopanna Excluded from AITA's Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit Roster

Former world No. 1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna has been excluded from the All India Tennis Association's Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit roster because he had not completed the mandatory one-year retirement period. Bopanna announced his retirement on November 1, 2025, just short of the eligibility deadline when the roster was released on October 16, 2026. His omission comes despite his Grand Slam achievements, including the 2024 Australian Open men's doubles title.

Story first published: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 9:41 [IST]

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