On Saturday, December 27, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the India U19 squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Ayush Mhatre has been named as captain of India U19 for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup and Vihaan Malhotra will be serving as his deputy.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi features in the India U19 World Cup squad

The Boys In Blue will be heading into the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup as one of the red-hot favorites. They are placed in Group B for the World Cup along with New Zealand, USA and Bangladesh.

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India U19 are the most successful team in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup history, having won the titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022. India’s 5 titles are just one more than the current defending champions Australia, who have won four.

The Boys in Blue will lock horns with USA in their tournament opener on January 15 , before taking on Bangladesh on January 17 and New Zealand on January 24. They will play all their matches at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Just before the start of the World Cup, India U19 will tour South Africa for a three-match series that will be played on January 3, 5 and 7 at the Willowmoore Park.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi will lead India U19 in the South Africa series with Aaron George being vice-captain. This is because Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra have been ruled out with their wrist injuries and will only return for the World Cup.

The rest of the Indian squad is also a strong one and they would be looking to move on from the U19 Asia Cup setback and clinch a record 6th World Cup title.

“The Junior Cricket Committee has picked the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day series against South Africa and the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15th January to 6th February, 2026.

“The upcoming edition of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by the Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare,” the BCCI said in an official media release.

“NOTE: Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra have sustained wrist injuries and will miss the South Africa tour. The duo will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further management of their injuries and will join the team for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated.

India’s squad for the South Africa tour:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar

India U19 squad for ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026:

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.

Also Read: Coup inside BCCI? Gautam Gambhir backstabbed as board secretly contacts VVS Laxman for head coach role

Australia’s Steve Smith directs fielders on Day 2 of their Ashes cricket test match against England in Melbourne. (AP)

Steve Smith, who is leading Australia in Pat Cummins’ absence during the ongoing Ashes series, spoke about the Boxing Day Test that ended inside two days and said such matches are not good for finances.Australia had already sealed the five-match Ashes series by winning the first three Tests, but their chance of a 5-0 result ended after England beat them by four wickets in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The win was England’s first of the tour and took the series scoreline to 3-1.

The Boxing Day Test finished in two days, with 36 wickets falling on a pitch that Smith said offered “a bit too much” help to bowlers. The opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 in Perth had also finished inside a couple of days.Speaking at the post-match press conference, Smith said it was disappointing that the match ended so early, especially with a full house expected on the following day. He said it affected both finances and fans. Smith added that Tests are being played at a faster pace due to aggressive batting, but said it would have been better if the match had gone on longer.“Obviously finances aren’t great. I think it was a sell-out tomorrow if we got there. So, yeah, disappointing for those that wanted to come along. But it happens sometimes in cricket. It goes quick. A lot of the tests, regardless of the wicket, kind of been played in fast forward. The way both teams have been playing with the bat quite aggressively and getting scores quickly. But, yeah, this one, over in two days, not ideal. Would be good if it was a little bit longer and we were able to entertain some fans a bit more. But it wasn’t to be on this occasion.”In the match, England chose to bowl first. Josh Tongue took five wickets as Australia were dismissed for 152. England were then bowled out for 110, trailing by 42 runs. Australia again struggled in their second innings and were dismissed for 132, setting England a target of 175.England were helped by opening partnerships from Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett during the chase. Despite losing wickets later, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith stayed till the end to secure a four-wicket win.Australia had won the first three Tests at home and extended their unbeaten run against England in Australia to 16-0. England’s victory in the fourth Test ended that run.

NEW DELHI: Congress party on Saturday expressed “serious concern” over the Bengaluru demolition drive carried out by the Karnataka government that led to the eviction of several settlers from Kogilu village. Party general secretary KC Venugopal spoke to the Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar and conveyed that such actions should have been undertaken with “far greater caution” keeping the “human impact at the centre”.“Spoke to Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah and DCM @DKShivakumar regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Kogilu village, Bengaluru. Conveyed the AICC’s serious concern that such actions should have been undertaken with far greater caution, sensitivity, and compassion, keeping the human impact at the centre,” Venugopal informed in a post on X.“They have assured that they will personally engage with the affected families, put in place an appropriate mechanism for addressing grievances, and ensure rehabilitation and relief for those impacted,” he further said.Sidda and DK Shivakumar had defended the move saying that the “place was not suitable for human habitation”, adding that “temporary shelter, food, and other essential facilities would be arranged for all those affected.”“Several people had illegally erected makeshift shelters at the waste-disposal site in the Kogilu Layout near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. It is not a place suitable for human habitation. Despite issuing notices on multiple occasions directing the families to relocate, the residents failed to comply. Under these circumstances, it became unavoidable to clear the encroachment and vacate the site,” the Karnataka CM had said.Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had also criticised the demolition drive calling it an example of “anti-minority aggressive politics.”Sidda hit back at the Kerala CM saying that his remarks were “politically motivated” and reflected a “lack of understanding of the factual situation.”“There is a fundamental difference between ‘bulldozer justice’ and the lawful removal of illegal encroachments. The criticism being made by Pinarayi Vijayan is politically motivated and reflects a lack of understanding of the factual situation,” he had said.

After a relaxing night of sleep, a middle-aged woman woke up, only to find that she had no vision in her one eye. She was healthy and didn’t have any lifestyle diseases as such. So what really happened? She vaped the night before. Shocked? Let’s dive deeper.

A real case and real warning

Dr Megha Karnawat, an ophthalmologist, explained about a shocking case where a woman experienced sudden loss of vision in one eye. She detailed a case report from 2022. “A real case. A real warning. A 40-year-old woke up with sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. No diabetes. No hypertension. No previous eye issues,” the ophthalmologist said.

The doctors were confused as to why the woman lost vision all of a sudden. That’s when the real culprit was unveiled. The woman did heavy vaping the night before and had a 4-year history of vaping.ID@undefined Caption not available.

What is vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol (not water vapor) produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device called a vape, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. These devices heat a liquid, called e-liquid or vape juice. This usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, turning it into an aerosol that can be inhaled into the lungs. Vaping is similar to smoking a cigarette, but it does not involve burning tobacco.

How does vaping impact the eyes?

In the US, an estimated 2.13 million youths vaped in 2023, according to the CDC. Vaping has a significant effect on eye health. A 2020 study by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that vaping chemicals creates toxic ketene gas, which is lethal at high concentrations, and at lower concentrations, it can irritate the eyes and lungs and impair the central nervous system. Vaping has the following effects on eyes as per Dr Karnawat. • Retinal artery spasm• Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve• Increased oxidative stress in retinal tissues• Worsening of existing microvascular problems• Sudden vision loss (even if you’re “young & healthy”)Yes, that’s right. Vaping may lead to sudden vision loss, even though you are healthy and in your prime years. “If you ever experience sudden blurring, a dark curtain, or vision drop, treat it as an EMERGENCY. Vision saved = retina saved,” the ophthalmologist said. Though many people assume vaping is a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it is important to understand that there are no safe tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

Christmas is now over and December is about to end, too. It’s that time of the year when there’s chill in the air and hope in people’s hearts, as a new year is just around the corner. New Year’s Eve on December 31 is one of the most widely celebrated occasions across the world and it symbolises fresh beginnings, renewed hope, and the promise of positive change. Most people celebrate New Year by spending quality time with their close friends and family by attending parties, hosting dinners, or participating in countdowns as the clock strikes midnight. Meanwhile, some cultures have traditional customs for the New Year. For example, in Spain eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is considered to bring in good luck and love in the coming year. In Denmark, people throw old plates at their friends’ doors; they do this as it is believed to show their affection for their friends and also invite good fortune throughout the new year!

No matter how one celebrates the New Year, its essence remains the same– the New Year is all about connection, hope, and togetherness. It is also a reminder to heal, take up new opportunities and move forward in life. To help you wish your loved ones on this special occasion, here we list some wishes, messages and quotes you can send them this New Year. Read on to know more:

1. Here’s wishing you all a very happy new year, from our family to yours! 2. Happy New Year, my dear friend. Make the most out of these 365 days! 3. A new year is an opportunity to make new mistakes, learn from them and make memorable memories in the process. Happy New Year 2026! 4. May your 2026 be happy and prosperous. Happy New Year 2026! 5. Here’s wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous 2026. Happy New Year 2026! 6. May the new year wrap you in hope and guide you toward everything you’ve been working so hard for. 7. Thank you for being such an important part of my journey this year. Happy New Year 8. May the new year bring you gentle mornings and peaceful nights. 9. I hope 2026 surprises you with kindness and strength. 10. May 2026 give you courage when life feels uncertain. Happy New Year! 11. Another year, another chance to forgive, grow, and love a little more. Happy New Year! 12. Wishing you more peace and purpose in 2026! 13. Here’s to more laughter, shared memories, and quiet moments in the coming year. Happy New Year! 14. We might be miles apart, but here I am wishing a very happy New Year to someone truly special. 15. Wishing you joy beyond measure in 2026! Happy New Year!

16. May the coming months be kinder, brighter, and filled with moments that remind you how strong you are. Happy New Year! 17. Here’s to fresh starts, open hearts, and dreams that finally find their way to reality. Happy New Year! 18. May this year reward your patience, celebrate your efforts, and surprise you with unexpected blessings. Happy New Year! 19. May your new year be filled with meaningful moments, heartfelt conversations, and reasons to believe again. Happy New Year! 20. 19. A fresh year, a fresh page— may you write a story filled with love, courage, and fulfilment.

1. “A new year … a fresh, clean start! It’s like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on! A day full of possibilities! It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy … let’s go exploring!”– Bill Watterson, It’s A Magical World: A Calvin And Hobbes Collection 2. “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey 3. “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson 4. “The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” – Josiyah Martin 5. “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” – Taylor Swift 6. “A new heart for a New Year, always!”― Charles Dickens 7. “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice.”― T.S. Eliot 8. “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”― L.M. Montgomery 9. “I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.”― Anaïs Nin 10. “The horizon leans forward, Offering you space to place new steps of change.”― Maya Angelou 11. “What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” – Vern McLellan 12. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt 13. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis 14. “New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.” – Charles Lamb 15. “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

16. “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” – Brad Paisley 17. “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is — infinite.” ― William Blake 18. “Hope Smiles from the threshold of the year to come / Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”-from ‘Robin Hood and Maid Marion’ by Alfred Tennyson 19. “The beginning is always today”-from The Short Stories of Mary Shelley by Mary Shelley 20. A new year. A fresh, clean start! It’s like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on!” – Bill Watterson 21. “Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach 22. “New Year’s Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”-Mark Twain 23. “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato 24. “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” – Melody Beattie 25. “I keep turning over new leaves, and spoiling them, as I used to spoil my copybooks; and I make so many beginnings there never will be an end.” -from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 26. “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot 27. “And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” – Rainer Maria Rilke 28. “Each year’s regrets are envelopes in which messages of hope are found for the new year.” – John R. Dallas Jr. 29. “The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes.”― G.K. Chesterton, A Chesterton calendar. 30. “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” – J.P. Morgan

England pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but the result was quickly overshadowed by fierce criticism of the pitch after the match ended midway through Day 2. A total of 36 wickets fell across two days, with neither side managing an innings score of 200, prompting both captains to condemn the surface used for the iconic Boxing Day Test.

Bowler-friendly MCG pitch dominates the contest

The match, part of the Ashes 2025–26 series, saw seam bowlers dominate from the opening session. Australia were dismissed for 152 in the first innings and fared little better in the second, folding for 132. England, despite struggling themselves with the bat and being bowled out for 110, successfully chased a modest target of 175 to seal the win.

The unusually short Test immediately drew attention, with fans and pundits questioning how a marquee fixture at the MCG could be over so quickly. It was England’s first Test victory on Australian soil since 2011, but even that milestone could not mask concerns over the playing conditions.

Ben Stokes voices strong disapproval of the surface

England captain Ben Stokes was forthright in his assessment of the pitch, revealing that his feedback to the match referee was “not very favourable.” Speaking after the game, Stokes said the surface failed to live up to the expectations associated with a Boxing Day Test.

“To be brutally honest, that’s not really what you want,” Stokes said. “For a Boxing Day Test match, you don’t expect a game to finish in less than two days.”

Stokes went further, suggesting the reaction would have been far harsher had such a pitch been produced outside Australia. “There would be hell on if that pitch had been produced anywhere else,” he told the BBC, highlighting the imbalance that saw 36 wickets fall without a single innings crossing 200.

Steve Smith admits pitch offered excessive assistance to the bowlers

Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith echoed Stokes’ sentiments, conceding that the surface provided too much help to the bowlers. Smith pointed to the amount of grass left on the pitch as a key factor in the excessive seam movement throughout the match.

“When you see 36 wickets across two days, that’s probably too much,” Smith said. “It probably did a little bit more than they wanted it to. Maybe if we dropped it down to eight millimetres, it would be about right.”

Smith acknowledged that both teams struggled to adapt, with batters rarely given the chance to settle as the ball continued to nip around.

Reflecting on Australia’s twin batting collapses, Smith felt that a lack of meaningful partnerships prevented the game from evolving. “If we could have just built a couple of those partnerships, perhaps the ball would have softened a bit and the game would have played a little easier,” he explained.

The relentless assistance for seamers meant batters were constantly under threat, turning what is usually a five-day spectacle into a frenetic, stop-start contest dominated by bowlers.

Also READ: Ashes 2025/26 – Steve Smith opens up on Australia’s first home Test loss to England since 2011

Rare two-day finish at MCG sparks wider debate

Two-day finishes at the MCG are rare and often remembered for extraordinary circumstances. While some observers likened the match to classic bowler-friendly Tests of the past, many felt this contest crossed the line, depriving fans of extended play at one of cricket’s most celebrated venues.

The independence enjoyed by Australian curators also became a talking point, with Stokes hinting at double standards in how pitches are judged globally. He stressed that while conditions cannot be changed once a match begins, marquee fixtures deserve surfaces that allow a fair contest between bat and ball.

Also READ: From Mitchell Starc to Dale Steyn – Top 5 bowlers with best strike-rates in a calendar year in Tests