KOLKATA: Hours after the Lionel Messi show at Salt Lake Stadium spiralled into chaos, Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested event organiser Satadru Dutta, stopping him from leaving the city amid mounting anger over the aborted programme and allegations of mismanagement. Police action unfolded at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where Dutta had accompanied Messi and his Inter Miami teammates ahead of the next leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025.

Senior officers intervened after receiving instructions that the organiser should not be allowed to fly out of Kolkata.Dutta reached the airport around 12.25pm, completed security formalities and boarded the aircraft at 12.40pm. Minutes later, director general of police Rajeev Kumar arrived and directed that Dutta be restrained from leaving the city, officials said.

Image Credit: TOI

Witnesses said Dutta was asked to deplane around 1pm and was kept inside a vehicle on the tarmac as police decided on the next course of action. During this period, he allegedly tried to negotiate with officers, first denying responsibility for the Salt Lake Stadium fiasco and later offering to furnish a personal bond assuring refunds to nearly 60,000 spectators.Also read: Who is Satadru Dutta? Organiser behind Messi’s chaotic Kolkata show“He said the fans would be refunded and insisted he needed to travel with the footballers for the rest of the tour. But police made it clear he would not be allowed to leave,” an official present at the airport said.The Gulfstream executive jet eventually took off at 2.34pm for Hyderabad with seven passengers instead of eight after the pilot declined to delay the flight any longer, air traffic control officials said.

At a press briefing later in the day, ADGP (law and order) Jawed Shamim confirmed police action, saying “processes are on and investigations are on”.‘A Satadru Dutta Initiative’Dutta had promoted the Salt Lake event as “A Satadru Dutta Initiative”. The programme collapsed soon after Messi entered the stadium, with dozens of officials, organisers and selfie-seekers crowding the football star, blocking the view of spectators in the stands.Nearly 60,000 fans, many of whom had paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 16,000, were left angry and disappointed as Messi exited early. Scenes of disorder followed, with food packets and plastic bottles hurled onto the ground.“When you buy a Rs 16,000 ticket, you expect at least a clear view of Messi. We have been scammed,” said Soumyadeep Ghosh of Kalighat, holding a torn hospitality ticket.As Messi and his teammates flew out of Kolkata, the organiser who had billed the event as his own initiative remained behind — under police custody — as investigators began probing what went wrong.

India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. After electing to bowl first, the Indian bowlers dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup before the hosts chased down a modest target with ease to take full control of the contest.

Arshdeep Singh choke South Africa with splendid bowling

The decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends for India as the pace trio made early inroads into South Africa’s top order. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks were dismissed cheaply, leaving the visitors under pressure inside the powerplay. Arshdeep Singh was exceptional with the new ball, conceding just 13 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy complemented him perfectly in the middle overs, using his variations to great effect and finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 11.

Harshit Rana’s aggressive spells brought further breakthroughs, although he was slightly expensive, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in with a wicket apiece. Kuldeep Yadav’s short spell was equally impactful as he struck twice in just two overs, ensuring South Africa never found a way to accelerate.

Aiden Markram’s resistance stands out

Amid the collapse around him, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram played a lone hand to give his side some respectability. Markram scored a well-compiled 61 off 46 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, and showed composure as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Donovan Ferreira provided brief support with a quick 20 off 15 balls, but no other batter managed to reach double figures with any authority. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 117 in exactly 20 overs, a total that always looked below par on a true Dharamsala surface.

Batters finish chase with ease as India take a lead

India’s reply began on a positive note as Abhishek Sharma took on the South African bowlers from the outset. The left-hander smashed 35 off just 18 balls, including three fours and three sixes, to give the hosts early momentum. Although wickets fell at intervals, India never allowed the required run rate to climb.

Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed 28 off 28 balls, rotating the strike effectively, while Tilak Varma played a calm knock of 26 from 34 deliveries to ensure there were no late hiccups. Suryakumar Yadav added a brisk 12 before Shivam Dube finished the chase in style with a quickfire 10 off four balls.

Despite Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen picking up a wicket each, South Africa’s bowlers were unable to apply sustained pressure. India reached 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs, sealing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. The win underlined India’s bowling depth and batting composure as they outplayed South Africa in all departments in the third T20I.

Also WATCH: Arshdeep Singh removes Reeza Hendricks with a beauty in 3rd T20I – IND vs SA

Here’s how fans reacted:

Shivam Dube with the winning runs 🥳#TeamIndia register a 7-wicket win in Dharamshala and lead the series 2⃣-1⃣

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/AJZYgMAHc0#INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/TUodMWQAo5

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 14, 2025

🚨 INDIA DEFEATED SOUTH AFRICA IN THE THIRD T20I 🚨

– Surya & his team takes 2-1 lead. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/uVEAaWu9u9

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 14, 2025

💥 India Dominate in Dharamsala! 🇮🇳

A convincing 7-wicket victory gives India a 2–1 lead in the T20I series! 🔥💙

Scorecard: https://t.co/D08ShRYLSU#INDvSA #3rdT20I #cricket #dharamsala #India pic.twitter.com/F6n2zUacSv

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 14, 2025

Bowled a beauty ✨
And so casual about it 😮‍💨 #INDvSA
📷 : Jio star pic.twitter.com/1OxFZzB66F

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 14, 2025

INDIA BEAT SOUTH AFRICA IN THE 3RD T20I.

– India takes the lead 2-1. pic.twitter.com/2SlUPFzK8T

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 14, 2025

India go 2-1 up in the series 🔥#SAvIND #SAvsIND #INDvSA #INDvsSA

pic.twitter.com/zm7NHboLwO

— Prakhar Srivastava (@PrakharSri7) December 14, 2025

Sanju Samson watching 27 balls 28 run terrorism of Shubman Gill. 💔#INDvSA #savind #indvssa #savsind pic.twitter.com/Aj1QoQfQtD

— Bhai_Ayush (@Ayush90656) December 14, 2025

Abhishek Sharma completed his 300 sixes in T20I today#abhisheksharma #INDvSA #SAvsIND #bbvipks4

— Anand Shukla | Cricket | Politics | Sports (@unsubtledesilad) December 14, 2025

Shivam Dube came:

6️⃣ 4️⃣

Bas bhai, match jaldi khatam karo 🔥#INDvSA #INDvsSA

— Hardik Gohil (@GohilHardy) December 14, 2025

Big congrats to Varun on achieving 50 wickets in T20 cricket. Consistency pays off!👏 Many more to come 🔥#varunchakravarthy #INDvsSA #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/xhmOXbowS2

— venkki.ram (@venkkiram) December 14, 2025

Team India registered an easy victory in Dharamsala! 🇮🇳💙

The hosts chased down the target with 25 balls to spare to take a 2–1 lead in the series. 👏#INDvSA #T20Is #SurykumarYadav #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/NMTNaUgrVW

— alinawaz siddiqui (@ghazipur63) December 14, 2025

India’s middle order is completely out of form at the moment and it’s becoming an increasing concern. This team heavily depends on Abhishek Shama. #INDvSA

— Prisha (@prishhss) December 14, 2025

Also READ: IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya scripts history with unique milestone during 3rd T20I

Erling Haaland of Manchester City (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Manchester City and Aston Villa ensured the Premier League title race remains finely balanced with convincing victories on Sunday, responding quickly after Arsenal moved five points clear at the summit a day earlier. Arsenal had strengthened its grip on top spot with a 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday. That advantage was trimmed back within 24 hours as both City and Villa collected full points. City eased to a 3-0 win away at Crystal Palace, while Villa produced a dramatic comeback to defeat West Ham 3-2 at the London Stadium. City now sit two points behind Arsenal, with Villa a further point back in third. City settle score at Selhurst Park Manchester City gained a measure of payback for last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace with a dominant performance. Erling Haaland opened the scoring late in the first half, bringing up his 101st Premier League goal, before Phil Foden doubled the advantage. Haaland sealed the result from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to continue a prolific campaign that has already yielded 17 league goals. Villa show resilience again Aston Villa’s remarkable run continued as they claimed a ninth straight league victory, despite twice falling behind against West Ham. The hosts struck early through Mateus Fernandes, who netted after just 29 seconds, the fastest goal of the season so far. Villa drew level when Konstantinos Mavropanos turned the ball into his own net, but Jarrod Bowen restored West Ham’s lead before the break. Morgan Rogers took centre stage after halftime. He equalised five minutes into the second half and then completed the turnaround with a decisive strike in the 79th minute, underlining Villa’s growing confidence under Unai Emery. Forest deepen Spurs concerns Nottingham Forest moved further clear of relegation danger with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tottenham. Callum Hudson Odoi struck twice to put the hosts firmly in control, before Ibrahim Sangare added a late third. The defeat leaves Tottenham with just one win in seven league matches, increasing the scrutiny on head coach Thomas Frank ahead of a difficult fixture against Liverpool. Derby misery for Newcastle Sunderland claimed local bragging rights in the Tyne Wear derby with a 1-0 win over Newcastle. The decisive moment came shortly after halftime when Nick Woltemade inadvertently headed into his own net. It was a difficult afternoon for the German forward, who struggled to make an impact before being substituted late on. The results ensured the title chase remains intense, with Arsenal still leading but facing relentless pressure from City and a fast closing Aston Villa.

India has identified close to 300 products across engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and chemicals that offer significant opportunities for Indian exporters to expand their presence in the Russian market, a senior official told PTI. The exercise comes as New Delhi and Moscow work towards the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030.India currently exports only $1.7 billion worth of these products to Russia, compared to Russia’s total imports of $37.4 billion in the same categories. “This stark disparity demonstrates the substantial complementary export space India can target,” the official said, adding that enhanced shipments could also help narrow India’s trade deficit with Russia, which stands at $59 billion.The commerce ministry shortlisted the high-potential product basket by mapping India’s supply strengths against Russia’s import demand across key sectors. Engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agriculture emerge as strong candidates, reflecting India’s growing global competitiveness and Russia’s unmet requirements. India’s share in Russia’s overall import basket remains modest at around 2.3 per cent, according to PTI.Imports from Russia have surged more than tenfold—from $5.94 billion in 2020 to $64.24 billion in 2024—led almost entirely by crude oil, which jumped from $2 billion to $57 billion during the period. Oil now accounts for nearly 21 per cent of India’s total crude imports from Russia, underscoring Moscow’s importance as a key supplier. Fertilisers and vegetable oils are the other major imports.On the export front, agriculture and allied items continue to offer strong traction. India currently exports $452 million worth of products in this segment to Russia, against Russia’s global import demand of $3.9 billion. Engineering goods show an even wider gap, with India’s exports at $90 million versus Russia’s $2.7 billion import requirement—an opportunity that widens as Russia diversifies away from China. Chemicals and plastics tell a similar story: India supplies $135 million, while Russia imports $2.06 billion.Pharmaceuticals remain a particularly high-value corridor. India exports $546 million of pharma products to Russia, while Russia’s import bill stands at $9.7 billion, giving Indian generics and APIs meaningful headroom for growth.The official added that beyond these high-value sectors, labour-intensive industries such as textiles, apparel, leather products, handicrafts, processed foods and light engineering also have strong export potential due to India’s competitiveness and Russia’s large consumer base. Electronics and textiles currently have less than 1 per cent market share in Russia but face substantial demand, which could be tapped with stronger distribution channels.

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From left, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube celebrate (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)

DHARAMSHALA: It’s a rarity in T20 cricket to see bowlers swinging the ball more than batters swinging their bats. It’s almost against the core marketing ethos of the format to see the ball dominating the bat, even as bowlers are fast being reduced to mere punching bags. Under lights, in frosty conditions in the hills on Sunday evening, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana found perfect conditions to blow away South Africa’s top order after India captain Suryakumar Yadav elected to bowl, as the hosts went 2-1 up in the T20I series.

The historically high-scoring venue witnessed a lopsided contest for much of the first innings as South Africa could only muster 117, thanks largely to Aiden Markram’s 61 off 46 in a masterful display of batting.The score was too low to put the Indian batters under pressure, more so with South Africa’s new-ball bowlers spraying it around. Abhishek Sharma’s characteristic hard-hitting 18-ball 35 at the top of the chase eased things for Shubman Gill, who laboured to 28 off 28 balls after surviving multiple close calls. India eased past the target in 15.5 overs with seven wickets to spare, as Tilak Varma returned to the dressing room unbeaten on 26 off 34, alongside Shivam Dube, after an unconvincing Suryakumar was dismissed for 12 off 11 balls.India’s chase looked comfortable mainly due to Arshdeep and Rana literally bullying the South African batters with the hooping ball to reduce the visitors to 25/3 at the end of the powerplay.Coming into the game on the back of a horrific outing in the previous match in Chandigarh, Arshdeep wouldn’t have complained about seeing the ball jag around prodigiously both ways up front. Arshdeep and Rana dismissed openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock lbw respectively in the first two overs before Rana knocked over Dewald Brevis in the fourth. Only Markram, displaying high-class technique, stood firmly in front of the moving ball.The conditions were so heavily in favour of seam that every seamer, including Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, picked up a wicket in their first over. Except for Brevis’s wild cover drive off Rana’s inswinger, all top-order batters fell to defensive shots.

India’s Arshdeep Singh, center, celebrates with teammates the wicket of South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

Not only did the opening burst with the new ball make up for Jasprit Bumrah’s sudden withdrawal, but it also offered respite to Indian batters who have been found wanting against the new ball too often. It also set the stage for the ever-menacing Varun Chakravarthy, who rushed through his four overs to return figures of 2/11, marginally better than wrecker-in-chief Arshdeep’s 2/13. It mattered little that India were ordinary in the field, dropping three regulation catches.The broad blade of Markram’s vertical bat against top-notch swing bowling made for absorbing viewing. Markram was the only batter to find the middle regularly. He capitalised on Rana’s inexperience in the final over of the powerplay, when the pacer inexplicably tried variations instead of sticking to seam and swing. Markram punished Rana again later, picking up 19 runs in the 18th over. Rana finished with figures of 2/34.Unlike Test cricket, the team batting first doesn’t have the luxury of time to see off the new ball and wait for conditions to ease. While Markram relied on his straight bat to hit six fours and two sixes, Donovan Ferreira got carried away with a couple of lusty blows before losing his stumps attempting a wild slog off Varun Chakravarthy. Ferreira’s 20 off 15 helped add 35 runs in 20 balls with Markram and briefly threatened to post a challenging total.

Shamanuru Shivashankarappa (File photo)

Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa passed away at a private hospital in Davanagere on Sunday due to age-related ailments, family members and officials said. He was 95.A six-time MLA who represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency, Shivashankarappa had been undergoing treatment for some time. He was the senior-most legislator in Karnataka and among the most senior lawmakers in the country, according to sources.“He was admitted to hospital on October 23. Age-related issues were there. He was fine and comfortable and the situation continued till the end. Unfortunately, at 6.20 PM, Shamanuru Shivashankarappa passed away,” Dr Sharan Patil of Sparsh Hospital, who is also a family member, told reporters.Shivashankarappa is survived by three sons, including Karnataka Minister for Mines and Geology and Horticulture S S Mallikarjun, and four daughters. His daughter-in-law, Prabha Mallikarjun, is the Member of Parliament from Davanagere.A former minister, Shivashankarappa served as treasurer of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) for several decades and was also president of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, the apex body of the influential Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Known for his forthright views, he worked to unify the community amid internal differences and did not hesitate to speak against his own party government on issues related to it.Apart from his political career, Shivashankarappa was a noted educationist who founded several educational institutions and was also an industrialist. He had earlier served as a minister and was once elected as a Member of Parliament.Chief minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over his death, saying, “The society has been left poorer by the loss of a politician who, during his long public life, stayed away from accusations and allegations and devoted his power to the welfare of the people.” He added that Shivashankarappa’s role in making Davanagere district a model district would keep his memory alive among the people.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said Shivashankarappa, who dedicated his life to social service, made a significant contribution to the field of education. “His departure has caused an irreparable loss to the country and the Congress Party,” he said in a post on X.AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge recalled his long association with Shivashankarappa and his family since 1972. “I pray to the Almighty to give strength to Shivashankarappa’s family to bear the loss,” he said in a video message, adding that he would visit Karnataka to take part in the last rites.Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda also expressed grief, recalling his long association with the veteran leader. “His simplicity and his long service to the people in public life will always be remembered. His departure is an irreparable loss to the state,” he said.Veteran BJP leader and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa described Shivashankarappa as a close associate. “Personally, I have lost a dear elder brother,” he said, adding, “His departure is an irreparable loss to state politics, especially to Davanagere district and the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha.”Union ministers HD Kumaraswamy and V Somanna, several members of the Siddaramaiah cabinet, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, state BJP president B Y Vijayendra, and many other leaders and legislators also expressed condolences.

KOLKATA: The Bidhannagar court on Sunday sent the promoter and organiser of football icon Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, to 14 days of police custody.Kolkata police arrested event organiser Dutta on Saturday, hours after a planned appearance by footballer Lionel Messi at the city’s Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos.

Dutta was arrested at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as he prepared to leave Kolkata with Messi and members of Inter Miami, who were travelling onwards as part of the GOAT India Tour 2025. Police said they had received instructions not to allow the organiser to leave the city.According to officials, Dutta reached the airport shortly after midday, cleared security checks and boarded the aircraft. He was later asked to disembark after the director general of police, Rajeev Kumar, intervened.Witnesses said Dutta was kept inside a police vehicle on the airport tarmac while officers decided on further action. During this time, he denied responsibility for the disruption at the stadium and offered assurances that spectators would be refunded, police said.The aircraft later departed for Hyderabad with seven passengers instead of eight, after the pilot declined to delay the flight further, air traffic control officials said.At a briefing later in the day, the additional director general of police (law and order), Jawed Shamim, said an investigation was under way.The Salt Lake Stadium event, promoted as “A Satadru Dutta Initiative”, was cut short shortly after Messi entered the venue. Officials, organisers and spectators gathered around the footballer on the ground, obstructing the view of those seated in the stands.Thousands of fans, many of whom had paid between 5,000 and 16,000 rupees for tickets, were left disappointed after Messi left the stadium early. Objects were later thrown inside the venue as tensions rose.Messi and his teammates later left Kolkata, while the event organiser remained in police custody as inquiries continued.

In a sport increasingly dominated by specialists, the all-rounder remains a coveted jewel. And in the thrilling arena of T20 International cricket, Hardik Pandya has just elevated himself to an even more exclusive echelon. During the 3rd T20I against South Africa, the dynamic Indian star didn’t just contribute; he rewrote history, becoming the first male pace all-rounder to achieve a unique record in world cricket.

Hardik Pandya accomplishes unique record in T20Is

Hardik achieved the remarkable double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. The stage was set during the crucial third match of the series when Hardik, with his characteristic blend of aggression and skill, claimed the wicket of South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs. That dismissal wasn’t just another entry in the scorecard; it was his 100th T20I wicket, marking the completion of an extraordinary statistical double. Already having surpassed the 1,000-run mark in T20Is earlier in his career, this wicket cemented his place as India’s premier all-format all-rounder.

First pace bowling all-rounder to reach the feat

While being the first Indian to reach this milestone is significant, Hardik’s achievement carries even greater weight on the international stage. In the history of men’s T20Is, only a handful of cricketers have managed the 1,000 runs and 100 wickets double. What makes Hardik’s record particularly unique is his primary role as a pace-bowling all-rounder.

The other luminaries who feature on this elite list – Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), and Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) – are all spin-bowling all-rounders. This makes Hardik the first-ever pace-bowling all-rounder in men’s T20I history to achieve this rare statistical feat. It’s a testament to his ability to consistently contribute with both bat and ball at high speeds and under immense pressure.

Also WATCH: Arshdeep Singh removes Reeza Hendricks with a beauty in 3rd T20I – IND vs SA

India’s hundred-wicket club in T20Is

In addition to his all-rounder’s double, Pandya also joined an exclusive Indian club by reaching 100 T20I wickets. He is now the third Indian bowler in men’s T20Is to achieve this landmark, following left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and the consistent Jasprit Bumrah. This further highlights his significant contribution with the ball across numerous matches.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo