Usman Khawaja plays a shot during an Australia nets session at The Gabba on December 01, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo/Getty Images)

Usman Khawaja made progress towards being available for the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, but Australia are still assessing whether his back can handle a full five-day match. The 38-year-old, who missed batting in the fourth innings of the Perth Test because of back spasms, returned to the nets in Brisbane for a careful training session.Khawaja had suffered back spasms during the first Ashes Test in Perth. Monday’s training was his first hit since the Pirth Test. He remains short of full fitness with three days left before the second Test at the Gabba, cricket.com.au reported.

After light running drills on the Gabba outfield, Khawaja showed some discomfort during a net session of around 30 minutes with the pink ball. He only faced throw-downs from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto and played several pull shots on practice strips with uneven bounce.At one stage, Khawaja gave thumbs-up to physio Nick Jones, according to Brisbane Times. He batted for roughly half an hour, showing occasional discomfort but appearing more at ease than he did in Perth.He also kept batting for around ten minutes longer than what team doctor Leigh Golding had first signalled.Meanwhile, Travis Head said he is open to batting in any position as discussions continue over his role for the Brisbane Test. Head scored a century while opening in the Perth Test’s fourth innings after replacing Khawaja at short notice.“We’ve obviously talked about the replacement for David Warner, and I always threw my name up and always threw the option there. Obviously I do it in international white ball cricket. So, I threw myself as an option if that’s what was necessary for the team and best suited for the team. We’ve been in and out of that conversation a fair bit over the last two years. We’re back at it again. So, for me, it’s just about working out where Pat (Cummins), Steve (Smith), Ron (Andrew McDonald), Bails (George Bailey) and those guys see me best in the team and where I can best contribute and how we win games of cricket,” Head said as quoted by SEN.Marnus Labuschagne supported Khawaja ahead of the second Test. “Usman’s a high-quality player. You look at his record … what he’s done for Australian cricket, especially since he’s come back, he’s been super consistent, he’s been really the rock of at the top there,” Labuschagne told reporters, as quoted by cricket.com.au.The second Ashes Test starts on December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (File photo)

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday sharply criticised the State Election Commission’s decision to postpone the upcoming municipal council elections in multiple civic bodies across Maharashtra as “arbitrary, legally indefensible and deeply unfair to hundreds of candidates who had completed their campaigning and preparations”. He said govt would submit a detailed representation to the commission, asking it to reconsider the decision.Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Fadnavis said the State Election Commission (SEC) “misinterpreted the law” when deciding to postpone the polls. He cautioned that allowing such decisions to stand could establish a dangerous precedent in which elections might be repeatedly stalled through litigation.“Cancelling these elections is extremely wrong. If this approach is taken, everyone will go to court every time, and then the election will be postponed. This has never happened before,” he said.Fadnavis said the SEC had not clarified which law or legal interpretation it relied upon while suspending the election process. “I have no idea which law the Election Commission is citing or whose advice the Election Commission is taking. But based on the law I have seen, the extent of my legal study, and having spoken to many lawyers… the consensus is that elections cannot be postponed in this manner just because one person went to court,” he said.He cited the example of the Nilanga Municipal Council, where “the entire process was complete” before a rejected candidate challenged his exclusion. “If we take the example of Nilanga, Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar spoke to me yesterday (Sunday). In Nilanga, the entire process was complete. Someone whose form was rejected went to court. The court rejected his form. Why was it accepted?” he asked. “Postponing the election here just because someone filed a petition is extremely wrong,” he added.Fadnavis described the decision as an “injustice” to candidates and local voters, arguing that last-minute postponement inflicted significant losses on those who had invested time, resources and effort. “My opinion is that legally, the Election Commission postponing the elections is completely wrong. What an injustice this is to those candidates who honestly completed all the formalities. You postponed the elections today, which were supposed to take place tomorrow. Their (candidates’) efforts and hard work are all wasted,” he said.He also criticised the extension of the campaign period, calling it an unnecessary burden. “Now, having to campaign again for 15-20 days, I feel this is extremely wrong,” he said, stressing that state govt would raise the issue formally. “Certainly, the election will take place, but we will definitely give a representation to the Election Commission regarding this, stating that postponing elections in this manner would be wrong.“Denying allegations of govt interference, Fadnavis clarified that the urban development department had no role in the SEC decision. “The urban development department has no connection to this. The connection here is solely with the Election Commission. The Election Commission is fully autonomous,” he said, adding that several collectors had also expressed concerns during a video conference held before the postponement order was issued.Though he acknowledged the SEC’s constitutional autonomy, Fadnavis maintained strong disagreement with its outcome. “They have the right to make decisions. But my opinion is that this decision is wrong,” he said.

For several months now, whispers and sightings had fuelled speculation that Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru were more than just close collaborators. The two first made waves when they began working together on multiple projects and over time, their public appearances, warm photos, and subtle social-media hints kept fans guessing. But on 1 December 2025, it all came together: sources across major media have now confirmed that Samantha and Raj have officially tied the knot. The ceremony reportedly took place at dawn, at the Linga Bhairavi Temple, inside the grounds of Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s first wedding pictures

What makes their wedding especially notable is how quietly and intimately it was held. According to reports, there were just about 30 guests, close friends and famil, present. No grand Bollywood-style event, no flashes of paparazzi chaos, just a serene, private ceremony.

For those who had watched their journey unfold, from on-set collaborations to shared events, mutual social-media support to whispered gossip, this wedding feels like the deeply personal next step.

As per reports, Samantha walked down to the temple in a classic red saree, a traditional yet striking choice, perfect for the sacred space and the serene vibe of the yoga centre. Raj Nidimoru matched her understated elegance (reports mention a subtle, neutral-toned sherwani).

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s first wedding pictures

The timing, early morning and the location, a temple devoted to the feminine divine, hint at something deeply spiritual and meaningful for the couple. The decision to keep the guest list small, and the ceremony private, suggests they wanted this to be more about soul than spectacle. Interestingly, this isn’t just a union of hearts but also a coming together of two creative minds. Raj, known for directing hit series like The Family Man and the recent Citadel: Honey Bunny, has worked with Samantha on multiple projects. Their professional relationship blossomed into companionship over time, and now culminated in marital commitment.

Rumours about Sam and Raj began circulating around early 2024. At first, it seemed like simple industry gossip, two colleagues spotted together at events, sharing friendly smiles and photos that fans dissected with hope.Over the months, their appearances together multiplied: from film launches to public events, to social media collaborations. On one occasion, a warm photo of the two from a perfume-launch event went viral, Samantha in a stylish outfit, Raj by her side, the embrace natural, relaxed. That photo triggered another wave of speculation. Around the same time, some external drama added fuel to the rumours. Raj’s former wife (the director reportedly separated in 2022) shared a cryptic social-media post reading “Desperate people do desperate things,” just hours after one of Samantha’s cosy photos with Raj surfaced. That cryptic message sent fans spiraling with questions.Still, despite the mounting theories, neither Samantha nor Raj ever publicly confirmed anything. Until today, when their private morning vows broke the internet.

For Samantha Ruth Prabhu, this marks a new chapter in personal life. Her previous marriage to actor Naga Chaitanya ended a few years ago, and since then, she has focused on her career and personal growth. Now, this union with Raj, a filmmaker whose work she respects – seems like a thoughtful, mature step forward.For Raj Nidimoru, too, it’s a new beginning. Known in the industry for his directing and production skills, he now enters another creative dimension – shared life, partnership beyond work. Their wedding underscores a desire for privacy, simplicity, and real connection over public spectacle.Their choice of venue, the minimal guest list, and traditional attire suggest this was never about media hype or glam; it was about two people wanting to commit with dignity, peace, and respect for their roots.

As news of the wedding spread, social media lit up. Fans flooded timelines with congratulations, emojis, and best wishes. Many praised the couple for opting for an intimate ceremony rather than a grand affair, calling it “modern love meeting old-school grace.” Others lauded the choice of the temple setting, saying it felt spiritual and grounded.

But where there’s love, there’s inevitably scrutiny too. A few asked questions: What about their past relationships? What does the cryptic post from Raj’s ex mean? Some wondered whether they will now step into the spotlight as a power couple, balancing work and a private home.Yet most seem hopeful, expressing support: “May you find joy and peace,” “Blessings to the newlyweds,” and “Finally, love that feels real.”

In an era when celebrity weddings often double as brand launches, social-media spectacles, and PR events, Samantha and Raj’s decision to exchange vows in a hush-hush temple ceremony feels refreshingly real. Their union isn’t screaming for attention, it quietly radiates commitment.

What is the net worth of Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s rumoured boyfriend, Raj Nidimoru? (Pic credit- @samantharuthprabhuoffl)

Whether you saw their chemistry, followed their rumours, or just rooted for their happiness, this wedding marks the moment when speculation turned into a new beginning.As they walk forward together, we can only hope they continue to lead with honesty, respect, and love and maybe give us glimpses into their journey (on screen or off) with the grace that has defined them so far.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the Bengal captain, is one of the most consistent and prolific run-scorers in Indian domestic cricket. While primarily known for his red-ball excellence (averaging nearly 49 in First-Class cricket with 27 centuries), his recent T20 form has been explosive, highlighted by a blistering unbeaten 130 off just 66 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 (SMAT), a knock which included 8 sixes.

With an overall domestic T20 average of over 37 and a strike rate of nearly 129 in 34 matches, Easwaran offers franchises a rare combination: a technically sound top-order Indian batter who can anchor the innings, convert starts into big scores, and accelerate aggressively when required, making him a prime target for teams needing stability and quality in their top three.

5 franchises that can target Abhimanyu Easwaran in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR will enter the auction with a massive purse of ₹64.30 crore and a significant need to reconstruct their entire Indian batting core, particularly after releasing Venkatesh Iyer. KKR requires a dependable Indian batter for the critical number 3 slot to follow their retained openers (likely Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Jason Roy and Rinku Singh). Easwaran, hailing from Bengal and captaining the Ranji team, brings a strong local connection and the required temperament. KKR can invest a substantial amount in Easwaran to provide the stability and consistency needed to build a long-term, high-quality Indian top order, mitigating the risk of early collapses.

2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals hold a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore and are desperately searching for a consistent, high-quality Indian batter for their top order, having released Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. DC’s top-order has often relied too heavily on their star foreign batters, making an Indian anchor a priority. Easwaran’s recent explosive form in the SMAT proves he is not just a red-ball specialist, and he could be seamlessly slotted in at number 3 or as an opener. Acquiring Easwaran would provide the technical assurance and big-score ability to stabilize DC’s innings and ensure the presence of a reliable domestic run-scorer.

3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) possess the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore and are undergoing a strategic rebuild. While they retained Ruturaj Gaikwad and acquired Sanju Samson, they lack depth in experienced, top-quality Indian batters for the number 3/4 position. Easwaran’s ability to play the long inning and adapt his strike rate makes him an attractive option for the traditionally slow Chepauk surface, where an anchor is paramount. CSK values players with a solid domestic track record, and Easwaran fits the bill perfectly, offering a stable and reliable Indian batting option whom they can groom for a key middle-order role.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 teams that can target Andre Russell in the mini-auction

4. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans have a moderate purse of ₹12.90 crore and a high reliance on their retained Indian top-order duo, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. However, they need a strong Indian backup opener and a reliable third Indian batter in case of injury or poor form for either Gill or Sudharsan. Easwaran’s high T20 average and big-match temperament make him an ideal signing for this role. GT’s strategy often involves picking undervalued domestic performers with huge upside, and Easwaran’s recent display of aggressive T20 batting will make him a prime candidate to provide a quality domestic reserve.

5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB, with a purse of ₹16.40 crore, retained a strong top order but released several Indian batters, including Mayank Agarwal. They need a proven, high-class Indian batter who can serve as an opener or a dependable number 3/4 batter to ensure stability when their explosive players fail. Easwaran’s recent SMAT century demonstrates the high-impact T20 performance that RCB needs to see from its domestic talent. Given the shorter boundaries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a technically gifted batter like Easwaran who can capitalize on the surface and convert starts would be an excellent investment to round out their Indian batting line-up.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Anrich Nortje in the mini-auction

Cardinals monitor Trey Benson’s comeback ahead of Week 14 (Image via: Getty images)

The Arizona Cardinals will continue to navigate their backfield without Trey Benson, as the promising young running back remains on injured reserve with no firm return date in sight. Benson has been working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery, but the recovery has taken longer than initially hoped. With Week 14 approaching, the uncertainty surrounding his availability has become one of the team’s most closely watched storylines.Benson hasn’t appeared in a game since Week 4, and while he was designated to return from injured reserve on November 19, the Cardinals have yet to activate him. He logged a limited practice earlier in the week, but his subsequent absence raised questions about whether he experienced a setback. Although speculation continues, head coach Jonathan Gannon has kept details guarded, reiterating that Benson’s status is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis as the deadline to activate him draws near.

Trey Benson activation deadline approaches with Week 15 emerging as most likely return target

The Cardinals have until December 10 to decide whether to bring Benson back to the active roster, giving them a shrinking window to make a call. Reports from team insider Darren Urban suggest that the next week will be a crucial checkpoint, especially with the 21-day activation period nearing its conclusion. Despite early signs of progress, Benson finishing the week as a non-participant in practice has tempered expectations for a Week 14 return.

This makes Week 15 the more realistic target, barring a significant improvement in his condition. The Cardinals continue to approach Benson’s recovery with caution, mindful of both his long-term health and the importance of having him fully ready when he returns. In the meantime, Arizona’s depth at running back remains under pressure, and the team must keep adjusting its offensive approach while awaiting clarity on Benson’s comeback.As the Cardinals push deeper into the season, Benson’s recovery timeline remains a key storyline for fans tracking roster decisions and the team’s offensive rhythm. His return could provide a valuable boost, but for now, all signs point to continued patience as Week 14 approaches, making his comeback even more critical.Also Read: Travis Kelce’s three-word comment on Pat McAfee’s baby on board sparks fatherhood rumors: Is a mini Kelce-Swift on the way?

SRINAGAR: CBI announced on Monday the arrest of a suspect wanted for 35 years for his alleged role in the 1989 abduction of former home minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s daughter Dr Rubaiya Sayeed by the banned JKLF, whose jailed chief Yasin Malik is standing trial in the case.The central agency, which took over the case in 1990, identified the arrested man as “absconder” Shafat Ahmed Shangloo. He had a Rs 10 lakh bounty on his head.“Shangloo conspired with Yasin Malik and others in committing the crime. He will be produced in the TADA court, Jammu, at the stipulated time per law,” CBI said.Rubaiya, who was 23 at the time, identified Yasin as one of her captors during a court hearing on July 15, 2022. Another witness backed her testimony in Feb 2023 when Yasin appeared at that hearing through video-conferencing from Tihar Jail, where he is serving a life sentence in a terror funding case.Rubaiya, the third of Mufti Sayeed’s daughters and sister of PDP president and ex-J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, was a medical intern when JKLF terrorists abducted her on Dec 8, 1989, from near her home in J&K’s Nowgam. She was returning by bus from Lal Ded Memorial Hospital.The terrorists demanded the release of five of their jailed associates in return for Rubaiya’s release. After six days of negotiations, Union govt freed the terrorists despite then J&K CM Farooq Abdullah being opposed to it. Rubaiya, who now lives in Tamil Nadu, was freed hours later.Mufti Sayeed, India’s first Muslim home minister, was part the VP Singh-led Janata Dal govt.“Even if they had taken my daughter hostage, I would not have released a single terrorist,” Farooq publicly said in 2015.On Sept 19 this year, Mehbooba wrote to home minister Amit Shah, urging him to view separatist Yasin’s case through a humanitarian lens. She said his decision to “renounce violence and embrace political engagement and non-violent dissent” required courage that should not be overlooked.“I write to you not merely as a witness but as someone who has lived through the turbulent times of J&K, bearing its grief, enduring its silences, and holding on to its fragile hopes,” Mehbooba wrote.Just over a week ago, a second “key eyewitness” identified Yasin in a Jammu court as the “main shooter” in the 1990 terrorist attack in which four unarmed IAF personnel waiting for a staff bus in Srinagar were killed and 22 others wounded.The unnamed witness’s testimony came 22 months after a retired IAF colleague of the victims first identified the JKLF chief as the main armed assailant.

Mohammed Shami (PTI Photo)

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed surprise over Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.Shami has not been part of the Indian cricket team since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, despite being India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in the tournament.

The 35-year-old pacer has continued to perform well in domestic cricket, securing 20 wickets in eight innings during the Ranji Trophy. His contribution was instrumental in Bengal’s undefeated streak in their first four matches.The Indian team management has opted for a younger pace attack featuring Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna for the South Africa ODI series.Kaif shared his thoughts on Shami’s exclusion, emphasising that Shami’s experience could benefit the younger bowlers.“The question is valid. No matter what kind of pitch it is, a bowler like Shami does not care if it is flat. He has so much class that he finds ways to pick wickets there as well. I don’t know why he is not playing still, because Bumrah and Siraj have been rested. The young pacers would also benefit from his presence. There is no senior pacer to tell the likes of Prasidh, Harshit, and Arshdeep what to do under pressure. India missed this,” the former all-rounder said on his YouTube channel.Shami’s recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has been noteworthy. He has claimed four wickets in three matches in the ongoing tournament. Bengal’s upcoming SMAT match against Himachal Pradesh is scheduled for November 2, where Shami will have another opportunity to showcase his skills.The veteran pacer’s consistent performances across domestic tournaments have raised questions about the selection committee’s decision to overlook his experience and skill set.The absence of senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been rested, makes Shami’s exclusion more notable, particularly given his proven track record in international cricket.Shami’s ability to take wickets on various surfaces and his experience in handling pressure situations could have been valuable assets for the Indian team, especially with a young pace attack.The current Indian pace bowling lineup lacks experienced mentorship, which could have been provided by Shami’s presence in the dressing room.His recent performances in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy and SMAT, demonstrate his continued effectiveness and fitness levels despite being 35 years old.

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