Former Team India leg-spinner Anil Kumble stated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are unlikely to include Venkatesh Iyer in their playing XI at the start of the next IPL season. The former India captain said that the defending champions want to stick with their title-winning side rather than make early changes.

Venkatesh Iyer was signed by the Bengaluru team for ₹7 crore at the mini auction. Notably, Kolkata Knight Riders spent ₹23.75 crore on him last season. After representing KKR since his IPL debut in 2021, this will be the first time Iyer will play for another franchise. He was part of their 2024 title-winning campaign.

Venkatesh Iyer Will Not Be in the Playing XI – Anil Kumble

Speaking on TATA IPL Auction Review as a JioStar expert, Anil Kumble said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will not bring Venkatesh Iyer straight into the playing XI, as they want to avoid unsettling a side that has already found success.

Your daily dose of cricket!

“Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team,” Kumble said.

Kumble added that the same thinking shaped RCB’s auction decisions. He stated that the team signalled its faith in Suyash Sharma by not pushing hard for Ravi Bishnoi, ensuring younger players already in the squad feel backed.

“They did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner,” he added.

There Is Some Doubt – Sanjay Bangar on Venkatesh Iyer

Sanjay Bangar said that Venkatesh Iyer may not start in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playing XI. Bangar explained that while Iyer is seen as a strong long-term option by RCB’s coaches and scouts, his role at the start of the season remains unclear.

Bangar pointed out that Krunal Pandya performed well for the side last season and that Suyash Sharma also had a strong campaign.

“He has been consistent, and you can see his confidence. Will he be in the playing eleven right away? There is some doubt, as this is a settled team,” Bangar said.

“Krunal played well, so the lack of a top spinner was not felt. Suyash Sharma had a good season,” he added.

RCB Sign Venkatesh Iyer With No. 3 Role in Mind

Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Venkatesh Iyer with a clear role in mind at the top of the order, particularly the No. 3 position. Devdutt Padikkal played well during RCB’s title-winning 2025 campaign before suffering an injury, with Mayank Agarwal filling in for the rest of the season.

Iyer attracted interest at the auction after entering with a ₹2 crore base price, with multiple franchises joining the bidding before RCB secured him. He has scored 1,468 runs from 56 innings at an average of 29.12 and a strike rate of 137, with one century and 12 half-centuries.

RCB also signed left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav, England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox, young prospects Satvik Deswal, Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chauhan, and New Zealand quick Jacob Duffy.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer eyes New Zealand series return as BCCI monitors fitness at CoE Bengaluru

Mumbai’s Rohit Sharma (PTI Photo)

Rohit Sharma’s brief stay at the crease ended in a golden duck, but Mumbai’s firepower ensured they defeated Uttarakhand by 51 runs in a Group C Vijay Hazare Trophy clash on Friday. Batting first, Mumbai posted a commanding 331 for seven, thanks to crucial contributions from Hardik Tamore, who remained unbeaten on 93 off 82 balls, and half-centuries from Sarfaraz Khan (55 off 49 balls) and Musheer Khan (55 off 56 balls). The Khan brothers stitched together a 107-run partnership for the third wicket, with Sarfaraz targeting square-of-the-wicket shots, including a six off Mayank Mishra, while Musheer focused on straight drives over the seamers’ head.

Tamore later guided Mumbai’s innings, running well between the wickets and attacking the two left-arm spinners Mishra and J Suchith, hitting a six over extra cover and another wide off long-on. His partnership of 95 in just 10.5 overs with Shams Mulani (48 off 35 balls) proved decisive, though Tamore fell just short of a deserved century. Uttarakhand responded with 280 for nine, largely due to opener Yuvraj Choudhary’s 96 off 96 balls. Musheer Khan also contributed with the ball, claiming two wickets for 57 runs, while debutant Onkar Tarmale impressed with figures of 2 for 40. Devendra Bora was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai, taking 3 for 74, and famously dismissing Rohit Sharma with a short delivery that was caught at deep fine leg by Jagmohan Nagarkoti. Despite Rohit’s early departure, he made a mark in the field, taking a sharp first-slip catch off Shardul Thakur to dismiss Uttarakhand opener Kamal Singh. The crowd of around 5,000-6,000 had hoped to see more of Rohit’s impact, chanting for him to bowl late in the innings, but he chose not to roll his arm over. Ultimately, Mumbai’s dominant batting display and disciplined bowling effort saw them secure a comfortable 51-run win, continuing their strong run in the tournament. Brief Scores: Mumbai: 331/7 in 50 overs (Hardik Tamore 93*, Sarfaraz Khan 55, Musheer Khan 55; Devendra Bora 3/74) Uttarakhand: 280/9 in 50 overs (Yuvraj Choudhary 96; Onkar Tarmale 2/40, Musheer Khan 2/57)

NAGPUR: Amidst the brutal persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh in the run-up to the February polls, a party registered in April hopes to fight its maiden elections, seeking Hindu and other minority votes. Bangladesh Minority Janta Party (BMJP) is preparing to contest 91 of 300 seats of Jatiya Parishad (national parliament), hoping to win 40 to 45 seats, said the outfit’s president, Sukriti Kumar Mandal.Talking to TOI on phone from Dhaka, Mandal said, “We have zeroed in on constituencies where the minority, especially the Hindu vote-bank, ranges from 20% to 60%.”Scrambling to file nominations before the Monday deadline, Mandal feels Hindus need to feel safe to come out and vote. A tie-up with any mainstream party – be it Tarique Rahman’s BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami – can help. “With an alliance with these parties, minorities can come out of their houses without fearing retaliation. Awami League is off the radar, and BMJP is the only voice of persecuted Hindus,” Mandal told TOI.

Mandal said the party candidates would be finalised in a day or two. “By Saturday, all nominations would be filed,” he said.He said India should change its stand on Bangladesh and only back the cause of Hindus, instead of supporting the Awami League. “If India shifts from its pro-Awami League stand, mainstream Bangladesh parties will sit up and take note. India must know that BMJP is the sole voice of minorities,” Mandal said. A change in stand could also lead to a change in Bangladeshi mindset towards India, he said, adding the Awami League only used India to gain power.The five-point agenda shared with TOI includes working towards a secular Bangladesh, establishing a federal system by carving out five provinces, and establishing fundamental and constitutional rights of each state. BMJP also proposes changes in textbooks with a secular and scientific approach, apart from ensuring fair rights for minorities.

PM Modi interacted with the awardees and lauded their achievements (Picture credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: From 11-year-old Shavan Singh’s heartwarming story of social service during Operation Sindoor – regularly delivering water, milk and lassi to Indian soldiers stationed near his home along the Punjab border – to seven-year-old chess prodigy from Gujarat, Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika, the stories of the 20 recipients of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar reflect resilience, courage and achievement.On Veer Bal Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu Friday, conferred the awards on children from 18 states for exceptional achievements in bravery, social service, environment, sports, art and culture, and science and technology, at an event organised by women and child development ministry.Later, PM Modi interacted with the awardees ahead of addressing a programme at Bharat Mandapam and lauded their achievements.Speaking to TOI, Shavan Singh, a Class IV student from Chak Taran Wali village in Punjab’s Ferozepur, said that when drones began flying over his house, he thought of the soldiers stationed on the frontline and asked his parents if he could take essential items for them. Asked if he felt scared, Shavan replied “bilkul nahin” (not at all), adding that he wants to join the Army.Another inspiring awardee is Vansh Tayal from Chandigarh, recognised in the social service category. Orphaned during the Covid pandemic in 2021, Vansh lives in a child care institution. Despite his own emotional challenges, he volunteered to care for a six-year-old abandoned child with disabilities and contributed to the child’s rehabilitation. Now in Class 12, Vansh said he aspires to become a psychologist.Lauding the children, President Murmu said it is because of talented youngsters like Pragnika that India is considered a chess powerhouse. She also referred to acts of bravery among the awardees. Ajay Raj (9) from Agra saved his father during a crocodile attack, while Mohammed Sidan P (11) from Palakkad in Kerala rescued two friends from electrocution.Vyoma Priya (9) from Coimbatore and Kamlesh Kumar (11) from Kaimur lost their lives while saving others.The President also praised differently-abled sportsperson Shivani Hosuru Uppara for overcoming several economic and physical limitations, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Samastipur for making a mark in cricket.

Team India ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has reached the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to check his fitness after a serious spleen injury. The middle-order batter is expected to return for the upcoming New Zealand ODIs, but the final call will depend on his fitness test results over the next few days.

Iyer has been out of action since October after suffering an abdominal injury during the ODI series against Australia. He missed the entire Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well as the following ODI series against South Africa. Ruturaj Gaikwad batted at number four in the recent ODI series against South Africa.

Shreyas Iyer Undergoes Fitness Assessment Ahead of New Zealand ODI Series

Shreyas Iyer is working towards a return for India’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, but his comeback will depend on final fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The middle-order batter is currently undergoing a detailed assessment to determine his readiness.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Iyer has already completed light batting sessions in Mumbai without any discomfort, and recent scans and medical tests have shown no issues. The medical team is satisfied with his recovery so far, and his rehabilitation has progressed smoothly.

Over the next few days, Iyer will undergo further evaluations, including fitness drills, endurance tests, additional imaging, and monitored batting sessions. He is expected to spend four to six days at the centre, which should provide clarity on his return timeline.

Shreyas Iyer’s New Zealand ODI Selection Hinges on Fitness Assessment

While Shreyas Iyer is keen to feature in the three-match ODI series, his selection remains uncertain. With the squad likely to be announced in early January, a comeback is still possible, but it will hinge on the final assessment results.

Iyer is set to stay in Bengaluru for several days as the medical and support teams closely track his fitness and workload. The monitoring period will help determine when he can safely return to full-intensity cricket and resume competitive action.

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century and has since continued to bat in the middle order for Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is expected to keep his place in the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Shreyas Iyer’s Return Remains Uncertain as Team Management Takes Cautious Approach

According to RevSportz, the team management is taking a cautious approach regarding Shreyas Iyer’s return. Iyer has recovered better than expected and is moving well so far. However, his availability for the New Zealand ODI series is being seen as a 50-50 call.

“Shreyas is looking really good. His recovery has been better than what was initially expected. He will have to undergo a few mandatory checks in the next few days which includes batting at nets and simulation sessions,” a source in the know told RevSportz on condition of anonymity.

“We can’t really put a date on his return as of now but a call on whether he will be available for the New Zealand series will be determined as we complete the necessary checks. At this moment, it is 50-50 but as I said, we shall have a clarity on that in the next few days. If he is doing everything without any discomfort, then there’s no reason he can’t play in that series.”

Also read: Who is Devendra Bora? Uttarakhand pacer who dismissed Rohit Sharma for a golden duck

The final voter list for UP will be released on Feb 28, 2026

LUCKNOW: UP has reported a whopping 2.89 crore or 18.7% of its total voters still falling under the “uncollectable” category during the enumeration phase for special intensive revision (SIR) of voter rolls that ended Friday, which includes death, voters who have shifted, enrolled as voters elsewhere, absentees or untraceable persons, and those who refused to sign or did not return forms.According to tentative data quoted by sources, this number includes almost 1.3 crore voters who have permanently shifted. Besides, nearly 45 lakh were deceased and around 23 lakh voters who were enrolled at two places and declared it during SIR. About 9.4 lakh SIR forms did not return while around 84.5 lakh voters were absent.In Lucknow, the number of registered voters whose details couldn’t be collected was 12 lakh (approx 30%), including around 5.4 lakh who had duplicate registration and have opted to be registered voters as their native places while 4.3 lakh were untraceable. Lucknow district has approximately 39 lakh registered voters.Officials said 90% voter mapping had been completed in the state, and no extension of deadlines would be granted. The state at present has over 15.4 crore registered voters, and booth level officers began distributing SIR forms on Nov 4. The first deadline to complete the enumeration process was Dec 4, but it was extended twice and finally ended on Friday.The draft electoral rolls will be published on Dec 31, 2025, with the window for claims and objections open from Dec 31 to Jan 30, 2026. From Dec 31, 2025 to Feb 21, 2026, authorities will process decisions on forms and address claims and objections. The final voter list for UP will be released on Feb 28, 2026.Chief electoral officer Navdeep Rinwa said the revision, based on the eligibility date of Jan 1, 2026, aims to ensure a clean and accurate electoral roll ahead of upcoming elections. In the recently concluded SIR in other states, 43 lakh voters were untraceable in Madhya Pradesh, 27 lakh in Chhattisgarh and 24 lakh in Kerala after the enumeration stage.

Anish Giri, Hikaru Nakamura, and R Praggnanandhaa

NEW DELHI: It was in December last year when an 18-year-old boy from Chennai, Gukesh Dommaraju, stunned China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion.The victory sent a wave of euphoria across the global chess fraternity. Even those in the opposition camp could not help but admire the moment. And one such individual was Hungary No. 1 Richárd Rapport, who worked as Ding’s second (an assistant who helps a player prepare by analysing opponents’ openings, middlegame ideas and endgame structures) during the World Championship match.

Rapport, himself one of the most creative minds in elite chess and the youngest-ever Hungarian grandmaster at just 13, knows how it feels to be in the position when something as big as the Candidates Tournament is approaching.As the 2025–26 World Championship cycle reaches its boiling point with the Candidates Tournament scheduled to be held in Cyprus between March 28 and April 16, 2026, Rapport feels this time would be different to his 2022 Candidates, where Jan-Krzysztof Duda, the 2021 World Cup winner, was the lowest-seeded player with a rating of 2750. In the current cycle, Javokhir Sindarov is the lowest-rated player in the field with an Elo of 2726, as per the December ratings list.“The likes of Hikaru (Nakamura), Fabiano (Caruana) and Anish (Giri), they are very experienced. And Pragg, you know, very young and up and coming, and he’s proven himself over and over and over. So yeah, these guys are really good,” Rapport told TimesofIndia.com.“It’s more like these guys have been around. It’s not a big shock. When I played my Candidates, we had a very strong lineup. I think young Jan-Krzysztof Duda was seeded last. He was still like 2750 or something.”That memory tells his understanding of how round-robin Candidates tournaments are often decided.“Very often it comes down to beating the guys who are struggling the most with a very big score,” Rapport explained. “That’s usually the key to success. You play tight games with the guys who are doing well, and you leverage the fact that you beat someone to zero while the other guy made two draws. Suddenly, it’s one point difference, and then he has to take more risks.”The 2021–22 cycle, however, unfolded with a subplot never seen before in chess.

Richárd Rapport in Candidates 2022 (Photo Credit: FIDE/Stev Bonhage)

After repeatedly praising the Russian invasion of Ukraine in public, Sergey Karjakin was found by FIDE in March 2022 to have breached its Code of Ethics and was handed a six-month ban, ruling him out of the Candidates Tournament. His appeal, filed by the Russian Chess Federation, was rejected in May.Under the replacement rules, the spot passed to the highest-rated eligible player who had not already qualified, Ding Liren.But Ding initially lacked the required 30 rated games due to COVID-related travel restrictions, forcing the Chinese Chess Association to hastily organise tournaments so he could meet the criteria.Once Karjakin’s ban was upheld, Ding officially qualified, and what followed became one of the most ironic twists in recent chess history.“After the first half of the Candidates cycle that we were playing, the only player with absolutely no mathematical chance of qualifying was Ding,” Rapport recalled. “And then at the end of the cycle, he became the champion. It’s a bit ironic.”Rapport is a believer that similar dynamics can emerge for lower-seeded players in any Candidates. “It kind of gives possibilities for them as well,” he added. “People will try more against them, so things can happen.“If you look at some games like Fabiano versus Hikaru, they’ve played so many times already. They know each other so well. I would expect to see some very tight games.”Preparation gaps, he feels, will be more visible against the less experienced players, while clashes between veterans may yield fewer decisive results.That brings the conversation inevitably to R Praggnanandhaa, often described as young and inexperienced by casual observers. Rapport strongly disagrees.“You cannot call him inexperienced,” he said with some visible firmness. “Even though, you know, by age. He’s kind of been around the blocks. Pragg’s second Candidates comes at roughly the same age, or even younger, than some of these guys. It’s just insane.”ALSO READ: ‘Don’t really have next generation’: Judit Polgár, Richárd Rapport and changing face of Hungarian chessFor all the talk of ratings, experience and favourites, Rapport offers a final reminder of the Candidates’ unforgiving nature. “Because it’s one event, even though it’s a long event, it’s still one event at the end of the day,” he said. “Anything can happen. I would normally predict some of the guys you mentioned, the top-rated, the experienced ones, to take the spot.”As Cyprus prepares to host the next chapter in chess history, Rapport puts his money on the experienced shoulders.But as recent cycles have shown, today’s underdog can very quickly become tomorrow’s world champion. All we can say is time will tell.