NEW DELHI: India have announced their squad for the three ODIs against South Africa, and as expected, KL Rahul will lead the side in the series starting November 30. In a notable development, Axar Patel has not been included, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to the ODI mix after being dropped for the series against Australia. The other surprising omission from the squad is Varun Chakravarthy, who was India’s trump card in the Champions Trophy.

As TimesofIndia.com had first reported on November 22, regular captain Shubman Gill wasn’t available due to a neck injury, Hardik Pandya is yet to regain match fitness, and Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series. Tilak Varma’s addition to the middle order is a sign of things to come, as the team management is keen to inject more left-handers into the middle order.India have had a very right-hand–dominated ODI batting order, and in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, different combinations will be tried. Tilak and Rishabh Pant could get their chances in the upcoming fixtures, as Shreyas Iyer’s injury allows the think tank to explore all options before the vice-captain regains match fitness.The biggest talking point, however, remains Jadeja over Axar Patel. Not too long ago, the men’s senior selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar had ignored Jadeja for the ODI series in Australia. Agarkar had explained why there was no need for an extra left-arm spinner and clearly indicated that Axar was ahead of Jadeja in the format.“He is very much in the plans. But there will be some competition for places. Of course, he was there in the Champions Trophy squad because we took those extra spinners with the conditions there. At the moment, we could only carry one and get some balance in the team with Washi and Kuldeep there as well. And I don’t think we are going to need more than that in Australia,” Agarkar had said.Axar picked up three wickets in as many games and made contributions of 31 and 44 in the two opportunities with the bat but didn’t make the 15-member squad for the three games against South Africa.

Veteran speedster Mohammed Shami continues to be ignored, even after proving his match fitness in the domestic circuit, as selectors have stuck with the likes of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. Mohammed Siraj also seems to have been rested for the series.India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C) (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel

CLSA has an outperform rating on M&M with the target price at Rs 4,417. Analysts said that the company remains confident in maintaining its market leadership position for SUVs, tractors and LCVs. With new launches and focus on void spaces, M&M expects there is scope for further market share gains in some of the segments. The company is looking for an organic revenue compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15-40% in various segments during the FY26-FY30 period versus a 25% CAGR over the last five years on an overall basis. M&M plans to focus on export markets across all three areas of tractors with the Oja brand, LCVs with global pickup launches and UVs with new launches. The company has also upgraded its tractor volume growth guidance for FY25-FY30 from a 7% CAGR to a 9% CAGR. The company plans to grow its revenue for the LCV business by 1.6x during FY25-FY30. Analysts said M&M has aggressive plans to grow its growth gems.Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating on Maruti Suzuki India with the target at Rs 18,489. Analysts said that the post-festive demand and booking trends are holding well. They said operating leverage and net pricing will be the key drivers of margins in the coming quarters, while discounts peaked in the July-Sept quarter (Q2FY26). The company continues to see a healthy growth rate in exports.Nuvama has a buy on Vedanta with the target price at Rs 686. Analysts said that Vedanta’s focus on demerger, delivery and deleveraging (3Ds) is on course to pay off, supported by tailwinds of commodity prices. They feel a likely favourable outcome by NCLT in Dec-25 (demerger likely by Q4FY26-end), removal of overhang (not buying JP Associates) and further Rs 20 dividend per share by Jan 26 are additional triggers. Analysts expect the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and taxes (EBITDA) to increase at a CAGR of 16% over FY25–FY28 on the back of lower aluminium cost of production, aluminium and zinc volume growth and higher commodity prices.JP Morgan has an overweight rating on TCS with the target price at Rs 4,050. Analysts said that TCS announced a partnership with PE firm TPG with a commitment to invest $1 billion for a 27-49% stake in its newly formed Data centre business, HyperVault. TCS and TPG jointly pledged to invest up to Rs 18,000 crore in HyperVault in equity over several tranches. TCS previously had announced a 1 GW AI ready data centre with an outlay of $6.5 billion with a mix of debt and equity and likely equity partners. Analysts believe the event enables TCS to embark on its capex plans while limiting TCS’s direct equity outlay to $1 billion over the next 5-6 years as it recently highlighted.Citigroup has a buy rating on L&T with the target price at Rs 4,500. Analysts said that the company sees clear opportunities in the Middle East across areas, sees potential in Europe as well and has recently announced a partnership for renewable projects integration. Domestically, an improvement in private sector projects, now 30% of the domestic backlog, is aiding growth.

Disclaimer: The opinions, analyses and recommendations expressed herein are those of brokerage and do not reflect the views of The Times of India. Always consult with a qualified investment advisor or financial planner before making any investment decisions.

India’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana showcased her vibrant side in a delightful pre-wedding dance with her fiancé, music director Palash Muchhal, captivating fans ahead of their wedding on November 23. The couple’s pre-wedding celebrations have been a vibrant spectacle on social media, featuring colourful rituals and lively moments shared with friends, family, and teammates from the Indian women’s cricket team. The latest viral video shows the couple performing a perfectly choreographed dance, breaking Smriti’s usual reserved image and enchanting cricket fans nationwide.

Smriti Mandhana’s pre-wedding celebrations highlight fun and tradition

The couple’s engagement was announced in a unique way with Smriti sharing a joyful Instagram reel featuring her dancing alongside teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil, subtly flaunting her engagement ring. Palash Muchhal’s surprise proposal took place at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the same venue where India recently clinched the Women’s ODI World Cup, adding sentimental value to the occasion.

The following days saw colourful pre-wedding rituals including the Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies. The Haldi event was a burst of sunshine with Smriti dressed in bright yellow, dancing amongst her “team bride” teammates such as Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Radha Yadav, who joined the festive spirit. The Mehendi ceremony was equally beautiful, with Smriti captivating in a purple ensemble. These events were filled with joy, music, and camaraderie, capturing the blend of cultural traditions and personal happiness.

Also WATCH: Smriti Mandhana kicks off wedding celebrations with epic dance featuring Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil and World Cup winning stars

A playful cricket match adds unique flair

One of the standout moments of the festivities was a friendly cricket match pitched between ‘Team Groom,’ led by Palash and ‘Team Bride,’ captained by Smriti herself. The match featured several of Smriti’s Indian teammates, including Shafali and Jemimah underpinning the close bond between her sporting and personal life. ‘Team Bride’ emerged victorious in this spirited contest, displaying competitive energy and joy, perfectly capturing the couple’s shared love for cricket.

Adding to the celebrations, multiple videos surfaced of the couple’s sangeet where their chemistry shone through as they danced to popular Bollywood hits like “Tenu Le Ke Main Jawanga,” while Palash serenaded Smriti with romantic songs. The wedding festivities have truly been a meld of love, sport, and music, reflecting the personalities and passions of the bride and groom.

This lively display of dances, rituals, and friendly sportsmanship has painted an unforgettable portrait of the couple’s joyful journey to their wedding day, thrilling fans and followers across India and beyond. Mandhana, known for keeping her emotions controlled on the cricket field, surprised fans by fully embracing the festive spirit and sharing such expressive moments with Palash, making these celebrations a memorable chapter in her life.

Here are the videos:

Smriti Mandhana and Palash muchhal dancing together ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cIFvv3WkCl

— JosD92 (@JosD92official) November 22, 2025

oh my god smriti’s girl gang performed for her 🥹💕 pic.twitter.com/1MzVGpycCD

— IWCT WORLD CHAMPIONS🎊 (@mandyyc0re) November 22, 2025

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s wedding invite goes viral online; Here’s what we know

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.