Morgan Freeman, one of the most distinguished and widely praised figures in Hollywood, is celebrated not only for his extraordinary acting talent, but also for the calm wisdom he brings to every role and public appearance. Born in 1937, Freeman rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected actors of his generation. His deep, steady voice and commanding presence have made him a symbol of strength, reflection, and authenticity. Over the decades, he has portrayed several characters that embody resilience, integrity, and emotional depth; roles that mirror the thoughtful way he views life itself. Beyond the screen, Freeman is admired for his grounded insights on perseverance, self-worth, and navigating hard times with grace. His reflections often reveal a profound understanding of human struggles and the quiet courage required to overcome them.Today’s quote of the day — “Life doesn’t offer you promises whatsoever so it’s very easy to become, ‘Whatever happened to… ?’ It’s great to be wanted. I spent a few years not being wanted and this is better”– is widely attributed to Morgan Freeman and reflects the honesty and humility that shape his outlook on life. His words serve as a reminder that recognition, appreciation, and opportunity are never guaranteed; and that the periods of struggle shape us just as deeply as our moments of success.

Meaning of the quote

In this quote, Freeman highlights an important truth – life makes no promises. Dreams, opportunities, and recognition can be uncertain, and it is easy to fade into the background or feel forgotten when circumstances shift. The phrase “Whatever happened to…?” reflects how quickly people can lose attention or interest, especially in the public world. Freeman acknowledges that being wanted – whether in one’s career, relationships, or society – is a powerful feeling. It also reflects the reality that many people, at different points in their lives, experience periods of being overlooked, rejected, or simply not chosen – moments when their potential goes unnoticed despite their efforts. Those experiences taught him the value of resilience and self-belief during periods of invisibility.In the second part of the quote, Freeman emphasises appreciation. After having lived through years of feeling unwanted, he recognises how meaningful it is to be valued now. His message encourages us to treasure moments when we are needed, appreciated, or recognised – and to stay humble about them. It also serves as a reminder that hardships do not last forever; seasons of being overlooked can eventually give way to seasons of opportunity, but only if we endure with patience and determination.Morgan Freeman’s words give a powerful message on acceptance, resilience, and gratitude. Life may not guarantee recognition or success, but the journey through uncertainty shapes strength and character. When we finally reach moments where we are valued, those experiences become richer because of what we overcame and came far off. His message inspires us to keep going, appreciate the present, and understand that being wanted, after years of struggle, is not just better – it is a quiet triumph shaped by perseverance, unshakeable hope, and a deeper appreciation for life’s hard-earned victories.Also Read: Quote of the day by Will Smith: “If you’re not willing to work hard, let someone else do it. I’d rather be with someone…”

The WPL 2026 mega auction, set to take place in New Delhi, promises one of the most competitive bidding floors in the league’s young history. With teams reshaping their core groups for a fresh season and 23 overseas slots available across franchises, elite international performers are expected to be in high demand.

5 overseas players who can start intense bidding wars in WPL 2026 auction

1) Sophie Ecclestone: The most wanted spinner in the auction pool

England’s star left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone enters the WPL 2026 auction as one of the most coveted bowlers in world cricket. With more than 140 T20I wickets at an admirable average and economy rate, Ecclestone has built her reputation as a reliable match-winner across formats and conditions.

Her strengths make her an elite, multi-phase operator:

• Powerplay wicket-taker capable of troubling top-order batters.
• Middle-overs enforcer who maintains control and forces false shots.
• Calm death-overs option with experience in global T20 leagues.

In spin-friendly Indian conditions, high-quality left-arm spinners are rare commodities. Ecclestone’s proven pedigree and temperament ensure that teams looking to build their bowling attack around a world-class slow bowler will enter the auction with aggressive intent.

2) Laura Wolvaardt: The dependable top-order run machine

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has transformed into one of the most consistent and technically assured T20 openers in the world. With more than 2,000 T20 runs, a strong average, and excellent boundary-hitting numbers, she offers exactly what WPL teams crave – top-order stability.

Wolvaardt’s strengths include:

• The ability to anchor chases under pressure.
• Converting starts into big scores.
• A recent T20 hundred and a long list of match-shaping fifties.

In a league where early collapses can derail entire seasons, Wolvaardt stands out as a foundational top-order player. Teams searching for a reliable opener around whom their middle order can revolve will likely pursue her aggressively.

3) Amelia Kerr: The complete three-dimensional all-round option

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr brings unparalleled balance with her triple-threat skillset – top-order batting, penetrative leg-spin, and exceptional fielding. Her match-winning performances in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she was Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament, raised her stock even further.

Kerr’s versatility allows teams to:

• Strengthen their top four with a dynamic batter.
• Add high-quality leg-spin to their bowling attack.
• Maintain flexibility without compromising depth.

Given how hard it is to find world-class all-rounders who can influence both innings, Kerr may command one of the highest bids of the auction, with franchises willing to stretch their purse capacity to secure her.

4) Phoebe Litchfield: Young star perfectly suited for Indian conditions

Australia’s rising sensation Phoebe Litchfield has already proven her prowess in subcontinental conditions, most notably with a superb ODI hundred at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. Her strong T20 numbers in India – highlighting consistency and composure- make her an ideal long-term investment.

What makes Litchfield a premium option:

• Left-handed fluency against both spin and pace.
• Impressive record against India.
• Rapid adaptability across formats and match scenarios.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

With WPL franchises seeking young overseas players who can grow with the league, Litchfield is expected to be one of the most sought-after batters in the auction.

5) Nadine de Klerk: High-impact seam-bowling all-rounder

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk brings a valuable skillset that franchises often struggle to find – a seam-bowling all-rounder who contributes in multiple phases of the game. Known for her fighting spirit, de Klerk consistently provides crucial lower-order runs and breakthrough wickets.

Her attributes include:

• Ability to bowl in the middle overs as a partnership-breaker.
• Useful lower-middle-order hitting at a competitive strike rate.
• Flexibility to slot into multiple team combinations.

Given the scarcity of overseas seam-bowling all-rounders, de Klerk could become a strategic target for teams looking for depth and balance at number 6 or No. 7.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Sophie Ecclestone in the mega auction

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

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi marked Constitution Day on Wednesday by urging citizens to never miss out on their constitutional right to vote and renewed his pitch for balancing rights with duties.PM Modi has often emphasised that while the issue of people’s rights has received attention, the Constitution’s similar focus on their duties was overlooked. He cited a host of stalwarts, including Mahatma Gandhi, to underscore the primacy of duties for social and economic progress.As the country moves forward to realising the dream of a developed India, people must always place their duties towards the nation foremost in their minds, he said.In a letter to citizens on Constitution Day, which was announced by his government in 2015, PM Modi suggested that people organise special events on November 26 to mark the coming-of-age of youngsters in schools and colleges to celebrate first-time voters. Constitution gives us rights, reminds us of our duties: PMFirst-time voters will make them feel that they are also active participants in the process of nation-building, PM Modi said. “It is our duty to never miss the opportunity to vote in national, state and local elections where we are registered,” the PM said. His remarks came amid high turnouts in recent polls and the ongoing SIR of electoral roll drive in several states and UTs.With Congress leading the charge against his govt for allegedly weakening constitutional values, Modi in his letter took a swipe at the party for not celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption in 2010 in a befitting manner. Sadly, he said, the occasion did not receive the due national attention. However, the then Gujarat govt headed by him had organised a ‘Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra’, he added.PM Modi credited the Constitution for enabling someone like him from a disadvantaged background to serve as the head of a govt continuously for over 24 years, which includes his stint as Gujarat CM from Oct 2001.The 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda this year marks the occasion as special, he said, asserting it was the country’s first home minister’s inspiration and courage of conviction that guided his govt in repealing Article 370 and 35(A) and ensuring the Constitution is now fully implemented in J&K.He noted that he had bowed and touched the steps of Parliament when he entered it for the first time in 2014 and had touched the Constitution with his forehead on his re-election in 2019 as a mark of reverence, and paid tributes to Constituent Assembly chairman Rajendra Prasad and its drafting committee chair BR Ambedkar. Modi also attended a programme at Samvidhan Sadan, where President Murmu addressed a gathering to mark the day.On X, he said, “While it (Constitution) empowers us with rights, it also reminds us of our duties as citizens, which we should always try to fulfil. These duties are the foundation of a strong democracy. Let us reiterate our commitment to strengthening Constitutional values through our actions.”

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Pratika Rawal is helped off the pitch during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between India and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo/Getty Images)

MUMBAI: After the historic 2025 ODI World Cup win by the Indian women’s team on Nov, the excitement for the upcoming Women’s Premier League season 4 -likely to be held from Jan 7 to Feb 3 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara (a final decision will be taken by the WPL Governing Council in its meeting in Delhi today) is slowly building up. However, player injuries remain a definite headache for the five WPL franchises, hurting their plans for the WPL player auction in Delhi on Thursday and the season ahead. During the recently-held World Cup, opener Pratika Rawal, who forged a successful opening partnership with India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, was sidelined due to a hairline fracture in the ankle as he fell awkwardly while fielding in India’s last league game against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium, forcing dashing opener Shafali Verma to be included as her last-minute replacement for the semifinal and final of the tournament.

Opener Yastika Bhatia had to miss the tournament as she picked up an injury (hurt her left knee) at the pre-World Cup camp in Vizag.Women’s cricket has seen remarkable improvement in recent years, thanks to BCCI’s efforts towards it and the introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in early 2023. Playing alongside world-class players in WPL teams has helped India’s women cricketers gain exposure and awareness about fitness and nutrition. Yet, injuries continue to cast a shadow over many talented Indian players’ careers.As franchises make last-minute preparations for the WPL auction, the fitness of certain Indian and overseas players will be a critical factor in their buying decisions. “Many of the Indian players have struggled with recurring injuries, raising concerns about their long-term career,” said a franchise official. The franchises feel that the BCCI may need to implement a structured rehabilitation and fitness program to ensure that India’s players can sustain peak performance and longevity. “With the WPL becoming a marquee event, player fitness is no longer just an individual concern—it’s a strategic priority for franchises and the BCCI. A comprehensive injury management program could be the difference between short-lived careers and sustained excellence in women’s cricket,” a franchise official felt.TOI takes a look at the players under the injury scanner for WPL-4…

Kashvee Gautam (pacer)

A promising 22-year-old pace bowling all-rounder whose fitness has been a major concern. Bought by Gujarat Giants for a record ₹2 crore in Season 2 with much fanfare, Kashvee missed the entire season due to injury. Though she featured in Season 3, her performance indicated she wasn’t fully fit. Post-season, she suffered a similar injury and is currently undergoing rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Her return to full fitness remains uncertain.

Priya Mishra (leg-spinner)

The young leg-spinner showed great potential but suffered a shin injury that has kept her out of action. While she attended World Cup practice sessions, her fitness and fielding remain areas of concern. Her comeback timeline is unclear.

Pratika Rawal (opener)

A key contributor to India’s successful World Cup campaign in the league stage, Pratika, who has displayed amazing consistency in the ODI since her debut against West Indies at Vadodara in Dec last year, missed the semifinals and final due to a fractured ankle, suffered while she feel awkwardly while fielding in the deep in India’s last league match against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Pratika, who went unsold in WPL-2025 is likely to miss the WPL season due to her injury.

Pooja Vastrakar (pace bowling allrounder)

A key all-rounder for India and the Mumbai Indians in the WPL in the past, Vastrakar has had a history of injuries, including knee and hamstring issues. While she missed WPL-2025 due to injury, the 26-year-old pacer played a crucial role in MI’s title triumph in the inaugural season in 2023. The pacer is currently undergoing rehab at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru.

Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper-batter, India)

A top-order batter and wicketkeeper, Yastika was ruled out of the World cup after she suffered a knee injury in the pre-tournament camp at Vizag. Yastika eventually underwent a surgery in Mumbai. The 24-year-old left-handed opener is currently undergoing rehab at CoE.

Asha Sobhana (Leg-spinner, India)

The 34-year-old Royal Challengers Bengaluru leg-spinner, who has played two WODIs and six WT20Is for India, has been dealing with recurring shoulder issues. The veteran tweaker has been out of action since the Women’s T20 World Cup in UAE in Oct last year due to a knee injury. A key bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who was the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker (12 scalps) in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s WPL triumph in 2024, Asha missed WPL-2025 due to an injury. If Asha is fit again and available for the full season, she could be a hot buy for the teams.

Kate Cross (pace-bowling allrounder, England)

The vastly-experienced England pacer, who was overlooked for the World Cup, has had intermittent injuries, including a back injury during England’s tour of South Africa last year . Her participation will depend on medical clearance by the England & Wales Cricket Board and her workload management. She was a part of the Northern Superchargers side that won The Women’s Hundred crown and the Lancashire side which won the inaugural Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s title this summer.

Sophie Molineux (left-arm spinner, Australia)

Known for her all-round abilities, Sophie has battled multiple injuries over the years, including shoulder and foot problems. Franchises will weigh her fitness before making big bids. Captain of the defending champions Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League, the 27-year-old missed the start of the tournament due to a minor quad strain, though she has played three matches after her return to action.

Alyssa Healy

The Australian captain and star wicketkeeper suffered a calf injury during the World Cup, which forced her to miss her team’s league stage wins over England and South Africa. She has also suffered from a bad finger injury in the past. The franchises are unsure about her fitness status for the WPL. Her experience and class makes her a valuable asset, but her fitness will be a key factor in determining whether the franchises will gun for her. There is a strong possibility that the UP Warriorz will try to buy her back through the Right-to-Match card.

President Murmu, V P Radhakrishnan and PM Modi read the Preamble during Constitution Day celebrations at Samvidhan Sadan Wednesday

NEW DELHi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said women representation in judiciary, legislature and executive continues to be low despite Parliament amending the Constitution to enact Women’s Reservation Act in 2023 to reserve one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.“Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a historic step towards empowering women and a homage to all women who took part in the Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution. But we continue to lag in giving women adequate representation in judiciary, legislature and executive,” Murmu said at the Constitution Day celebrations organised by Supreme Court, which has only one woman among 33 judges.Speaking in the presence of CJI Surya Kant and law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the President said taking steps to give adequate representation to women in all three wings of governance will require a change of mindset. It was SCBA president Vikas Singh who mentioned extremely low representation of women in judiciary – 13% in HCs and 35% in trial courts.She said annual commemoration of the Constitution’s adoption on Nov 26, 1949, is often marked by speeches made by dignitaries. “Have we ever looked back and assessed in the last 75 years how much we have progressed in achieving the constitutional goals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity for every citizen? If not, can we do it in the next 24 years when we will be celebrating the centenary of the adoption of the Constitution? That is the question, not only for the judiciary, legislature or executive, but for everyone.”Addressing another Constitution Day event in Central Hall of old Parliament building or Samvidhan Sadan, Murmu described the Constitution as the bedrock of “our national pride and national identity”, and as a guiding text for taking India forward with a “nationalist mindset by abandoning the colonial mindset”.In front of an audience that included Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, PM Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, opposition leaders of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, respectively, and members of both Houses of Parliament, Murmu cited implementation of legislations related to the criminal justice system as an example of the effort to shun the colonial mindset. Murmu also said that by repealing the provisions of Article 370, an obstacle that had been hindering the country’s inclusive political integration was removed.At the function in SC, Murmu praised CJI’s renewed focus on mediation and termed it a big step to reduce litigation. CJI Kant said when it comes to justice delivery system, there is still a disquieting gap between constitutional vision and the experience of many, especially the marginalised section of population for whom the access to justice remains elusive because of exorbitant cost of litigation, language of courts, distance and delay. Promising to improve the justice delivery system on all these fronts, the CJI said, “The time is also ripe for us to reinforce predictability in our judicial approach.“

NEW DELHI: India’s plan to acquire another five squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defence systems as well as a large number of its surface-to-air missiles for already inducted systems, which performed exceedingly well during Operation Sindoor, are likely to figure in discussions during the Modi-Putin summit here on Dec 5.However, India is yet to take a call on acquiring two-three squadrons of the Russian fifth-generation Sukhoi-57 fighter, which Moscow is aggressively hawking vis-a-vis the American F-35 Lightning-II jets, top sources told TOI on Tuesday.

“There is a case for IAF to induct two-three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters as a stopgap measure till the indigenous stealth AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft) becomes ready for induction by 2035 or so. But no decision has been made on the Sukhoi-57, F-35 or any other choice,” a source said.Meanwhile, the PM-led cabinet committee on security (CCS) is set to approve the Rs 63,000 crore upgrade of the first lot of 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighters – IAF has 259 such Russian-origin jets – with advanced radars, avionics, longer-range weapons and multi-sensor fusion to ensure they are capable of air combat for another 30 years. “While the upgrade will be carried out indigenously, Russia will have some role in it,” another source said.India has been trying to strike a balance between its long-standing arms supplier Russia and the increasingly transactional US under the Trump administration that wants to punish countries for buying Russian oil and arms.Several defence deals are in the pipeline with the US, which has already bagged Indian contracts worth $26 billion over the last 15 years. After the over $1 billion (Rs 8,900 crore) deal with US major General Electric for another 113 GE-F404 engines to power Tejas Mark-1A fighters was inked earlier this month, CCS on Wednesday cleared a Rs 7,000 crore “follow-on support package” for the 24 American MH-60R Seahawk helicopters being inducted by Navy for Rs 15,157 crore.On the Russian front, Moscow has assured New Delhi it will deliver by Nov 2026 the remaining two of the original five S-400 squadrons, ordered for $5.4 billion (Rs 40,000 crore) in 2018, after a long delay due to the Ukraine war.IAF is keeping its fingers crossed. Defence ministry has also approved the Rs 10,000 crore procurement of a large number of S-400 missiles – with interception ranges of 120, 200, 250 and 380km – to replenish stocks used during the hostilities with Pakistan as well as build reserves, as was earlier reported by TOI.“While IAF has asked for five more S-400 squadrons, defence ministry has already approved a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the systems. Russia will set up an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility in India for them,” the source said.Describing S-400 as a “gamechanger” during Op Sindoor, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh recently said it had shot down “at least five high-tech Pakistani fighters in the F-16 and JF-17-class” in the “longest kill ever achieved” at a distance of 314km.

The 25th match of WBBL|11 is set to deliver an exciting contest as Melbourne Renegades Women (MR-W) lock horns with Perth Scorchers Women (PS-W) at the Junction Oval, Melbourne. With both sides pushing hard for playoff spots, the encounter promises high-intensity cricket and standout individual performances.

Melbourne Renegades aim to extend winning momentum

Sitting comfortably in second place with four wins and two losses, Melbourne Renegades have emerged as one of the most consistent teams of the season. Their success so far has been built on a unified team effort across batting and bowling departments.

The Renegades’ top order has been in excellent touch, with Alice Capsey providing explosive starts, Courtney Webb anchoring crucial partnerships and Deandra Dottin adding power and experience in the middle overs. These three have shouldered the bulk of the scoring responsibilities, ensuring the Renegades rarely fall behind the required tempo.

Star all-rounder Georgia Wareham has been vital, contributing game-changing spells and handy runs from the lower order.

Meanwhile, captain Sophie Molineux continues to lead from the front in the bowling department, supported by promising young talents Charis Bekker and Milly Illingworth. The trio brings a mix of pace, spin, and variation that has allowed the Renegades to maintain tight control throughout matches.

With balance, depth, and momentum on their side, the Renegades enter the contest as a confident and well-settled unit.

Perth Scorchers eye strong comeback after mixed start

With three wins and three losses, Perth Scorchers sit in the middle of the table and are desperate to find consistency. Their latest nail-biting victory against the Adelaide Strikers has given them renewed belief heading into this game.

At the top of the order, the Scorchers boast two of the most experienced campaigners in women’s cricket: Beth Mooney, known for her reliability and finesse, and Sophie Devine, a proven match-winner with her aggressive strokeplay and all-round impact. Their form will be crucial for the Scorchers, especially on a batting-friendly Junction Oval surface.

The Scorchers also have strong middle-order contributors in Paige Scholfield and Maddy Darke, both capable of accelerating the innings when needed.

On the bowling front, the responsibility falls heavily on Amy Edgar, Chloe Ainsworth and Alana King, with the trio expected to deliver early breakthroughs and keep the Renegades’ in-form batters in check.

MR-W vs PS-W, WBBL|11: Match details

• Date and Time: November 27; 09:40 am IST/ 04:10 am GMT/ 03:10 pm Local
• Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne

MR-W vs PS-W, Head-to-Head Record in WBBL

Matches played: 19| Melbourne Renegades won: 6 | Perth Scorchers won: 13 | No result: 0

Junction Oval Pitch Report

The surface at Junction Oval is typically batting-friendly, providing ideal conditions for fluent shot-making. With teams chasing winning about 53% of the matches here, captains may lean toward bowling first after winning the toss.

Squads:

Melbourne Renegades Women: Emma de Broughe, Courtney Webb, Sophie Molineux (c), Alice Capsey, Georgia Wareham, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (wk), Issy Wong, Sarah Coyte, Charis Bekker, Milly Illingworth, Naomi Stalenberg, Tess Flintoff, Davina Perrin, Sara Kennedy

Perth Scorchers Women: Katie Mack, Beth Mooney (wk), Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine (c), Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Chloe Ainsworth, Ruby Strange, Lilly Mills, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Chloe Piparo, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Shay Manolini

Also READ: WBBL|11 – Amy Jones shines as Melbourne Stars stun Hobart Hurricanes to rise to second place

MR-W vs PS-W, WBBL|11: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowl first
• Perth Scorchers powerplay score: 40-50
• Perth Scorchers total score: 130-140

Case 2:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowl first
• Melbourne Renegades powerplay score: 45-55
• Melbourne Renegades total score: 140-150

Match result: Team bowling first to win the game.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

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