India Women and Sri Lanka Women are set to kick off their T20I series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, with both sides eager to begin on a winning note. After a strong year across formats, India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of a packed 2025 season.

The hosts boast a formidable top order featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, capable of setting the pace early. With seasoned all-rounders Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana providing solidity in the middle, India’s balance looks impressive. Behind the stumps, Richa Ghosh adds firepower, while Renuka Singh Thakur will spearhead the bowling attack with her sharp new-ball bursts.

Sri Lanka Women, captained by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, will rely heavily on her all-round brilliance to challenge the hosts. The visitors have shown steady improvement in recent months, with Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari forming the backbone of their batting lineup. Inoka Ranaweera’s spin prowess remains crucial, especially against India’s aggressive batters. With both teams’ combining youth and experience, the series opener promises competitive cricket and plenty of individual talent on display as fans await an exciting contest under the lights in Visakhapatnam.

Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025, T20I series fixtures

Also READ: Shafali Verma reveals Team India’s next big goal after their World Cup triumph

Squads:

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika De Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara.

Broadcast and Live streaming details:

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s remarks on ‘feeling low’ returns after her wedding setback with Palash Muchhal

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

NEW DELHI: It looked as if India did not come at all to the ground while chasing a mammoth target of 348 against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, as the Boys-in-Blue were dismissed for a mere 156 in just 26.2 overs to hand Pakistan a comfortable victory by 191 runs.With the thumping win, Pakistan have their first outright win in the Men’s U-19 Asia Cup and first since being joint-winners with India in 2013. With a mountain of 348 runs to climb, India needed a strong start by the openers. India made a promising start, collecting 32 runs off the first two overs. But the innings unravelled quickly, as they were reduced to 49-3 in 4.1 overs with both openers Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and number 3 Aaron George, back in the hut cheaply.India needed a miracle from there, but today it wasn’t meant to be, as wickets kept falling in regular intervals and there was no partnership stitched. The highest partnership of the Indian innings came for the last wicket, 36 off 18 balls between Deepesh Devendran and Kishan Singh.Pakistan bowlers didn’t give away easy runs and bowled tight lines from the beginning. Fast bowler Ali Raza took 4 wickets, including those of Ayush Mhatre, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. While Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan, Huzaifa Ahsan took 2 wickets each. Earlier, Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas once again gave a glimpse into his precocious talent, striking a brilliant century — his second in the tournament — as Pakistan made a steep 347 for 8 in an engrossing 50-over men’s U19 Asia Cup final here on Sunday. Minhas, one of the standout performers for his side in the event, blazed to 172 off 113 deliveries as he carried the aspirations of his side, which lost the group match to the arch-foes by 90 runs at the same venue. Pakistan, coming into the final on the back of a clinical eight-wicket semifinal win against last edition champions Bangladesh, did not let India, who chose to bowl, settle down. Minhas, whose innings was studded with 17 boundaries and nine sixes, brought up his century off 71 balls with a four in the 29th over off Devendran. This was Minhas’ second hundred in the competition having cracked an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia in the opening group match.Pakistan’s Sameer Minhas won the Player-of-the-Match and also Player-of-the-Series award.

PM Modi performs bhoomi pujan for Rs 10,600 cr fertiliser plant in Assam

NAMRUP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 10,601-crore brownfield ammonia-urea plant in Dibrugarh district of Assam, and asserted that it would usher in a new chapter of industrial progress in the region.The facility – Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) – will have an annual urea production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes and the project is scheduled for commissioning in 2030.The PM, on the last day of his two-day Assam visit, laid the foundation stone of the plant here, located within the existing premises of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corp Ltd (BVFCL).After unveiling the project, Modi addressed a public rally, where he criticised the Congress for allegedly not modernising technology at fertiliser plants, and not doing enough to protect the interests of the farmer community.Noting that it is a historic day for Assam and the entire northeast, he said the long-awaited dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh has been fulfilled, as a new chapter of industrial progress begins in the region.“Around Rs 11,000 crore will be invested in the fertiliser project, which will produce more than 12 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser annually. With production taking place locally, supply will be faster and logistic costs will be reduced,” the PM said.Emphasising that the Namrup plant will generate thousands of new opportunities for recruitment and self-employment, he said that associated work such as repair, supply and other related activities will also provide jobs to the youth.“The Namrup fertiliser plant in Assam will become the epitome of the country’s industrial growth. It is sad that the Congress did not make efforts to modernise the plant, and find solutions to problems faced by farmers,” he said.He said that Namrup had long been a centre of fertiliser production, and at one time, the fertiliser produced here strengthened the fields of the northeast and supported farmers’ crops.“Even when fertiliser supply was a challenge in many parts of the country, Namrup remained a source of hope for farmers. However, the technology of the old plants became outdated over time and the Congress government paid no attention,” Modi alleged.As a result, several units of the Namrup facility were “shut down, leaving farmers across the northeast distressed”, and their incomes hurt, he said.“Among various agricultural welfare initiatives, it is essential to ensure a continuous supply of fertiliser to our farmers. This urea factory will fulfill that need,” the Prime Minister said.Modi said India will progress only if farmers prosper, and the BJP government has introduced several schemes to uplift them.“Many fertiliser factories were closed during the Congress rule, but when we came to power, the BJP government established several new plants throughout the country,” he said.The PM also said that the Centre’s palm oil mission will make the northeast self-sufficient in edible oil, and increase farmers’ income in the coming days.Highlighting several farmer-centric measures, he said that urea output in the country has been increased to 306 lakh metric tonnes from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014.“India needs 380 lakh metric tonnes annually. We are moving towards eliminating this gap. The fertiliser that we import, we give subsidies on it so that our farmers do not feel the burden,” Modi said.He, however, cautioned farmers against spraying urea uncontrollably to get higher yields, as it affects the soil quality.“We need to protect our mother earth. If we care and protect it, only then will it give us the fruits,” Modi said.“Funds are being directly transferred to bank accounts so that farmers do not have to wander for loans. So far, around Rs 4 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi,” the PM said.Modi said that earlier, farmers had to wait in long queues for urea, with police personnel often deployed at distribution centres, who sometimes resorted to lathicharge to maintain order.“What the Congress government neglected, our government is committed to rebuilding with full dedication,” he asserted.In July this year, AVFCCL was incorporated at Namrup in Dibrugarh. The project was approved by the Union Cabinet in March this year.AVFCCL is a joint venture among the Assam government, Oil India, National Fertilisers Ltd (NFL), Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) and BVFCL.“The AVFCCL Namrup ammonia-urea project is being established as a modern, energy-efficient, world-class fertiliser complex with an annual urea production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes, at an estimated investment of Rs 10,601 crore,” the company said in a statement.It said this upcoming facility will play a pivotal role in meeting the fertiliser requirement of Assam, the northeast region, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.“Beyond fertiliser security, the project is expected to act as a major catalyst for industrial growth, employment generation and regional economic development, creating hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of indirect employment opportunities,” AVFCCL said.

Instagram reel,Sugar has been blamed for a long time as the main culprit in modern diets that are the cause of most lifestyle diseases. As a result, a lot of health-conscious people have gone as far as to cut it out completely in the hope of achieving better health. Instead, natural alternatives like jaggery, honey, and dates are becoming popular and are generally considered good and healthier options. But more and more medical experts are disputing this view.In his Dr. Prashant Katakol, a neurosurgeon who has specialised in neuroscience for more than 30 years, warns that changing sugar sources does not make a food product automatically healthier. He explains that the body doesn’t react to food based on how natural or old-fashioned it looks. Instead, metabolism works with the total glucose intake for the day, no matter if it is from refined sugar or natural sweeteners.

Do natural sweeteners affect blood sugar differently

Natural sweeteners are often promoted as safer alternatives to sugar, but they still contain glucose and fructose. If these sweeteners are used excessively or without fibre, they can elevate blood sugar levels to the same extent as refined sugar. In case insulin demand stays high, the possibility of insulin resistance, an increase in body fat, and metabolic disorders is still there.What actually improves blood sugar controlChanging the ingredients in your food won’t make your long-term metabolic health better; better eating habits will. Eating whole foods that are sweet, including fruits that are high in fibre, can help slow down the absorption of glucose. Even if foods look clean or natural, it’s important to stick to the right portion amounts. It’s much better to know how glucose works in the body than to believe health labels or old ideas.It’s also very important not be emotionally attached to certain elements. People often think that some foods are good because of tradition or how they seem, but the body only reacts to biochemical effects, not intent.

The truth about sugar substitutes and metabolic health

Replacing sugar with natural options doesn’t fool the body. Glucose is metabolised according to the quantity, frequency and context of ingestion. People might experience improvements when switching sweeteners, but the only true way to regulate blood sugar is to be aware of what is eaten, eat in moderation and opt for reasonable foods. The real search for sugar substitutes is superfluous: we must learn to master glucose and blood sugar and improve our general metabolic health.

As India fine-tune their squad composition ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a clear statistical and tactical divide has emerged between Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill. While Gill’s overall pedigree and peak performances cannot be ignored, Samson’s T20I numbers, strike rate and role flexibility have given him a decisive edge in the World Cup pecking order.

Selectors and analysts agree that the modern T20 template demands explosive powerplay impact and adaptability – areas where Samson has consistently outperformed Gill over a larger sample size.

Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson: Overall T20I career comparison 

A look at their T20I career numbers highlights the contrast in approach:

Shubman Gill: 36 matches, 36 innings, 869 runs, average 28.03, strike rate 138.59, one century, three fifties, highest score 126 not out

Sanju Samson: 52 matches, 44 innings, 1032 runs, average 25.80, strike rate 148.06, three centuries, two fifties, highest score 111

Gill’s standout moment remains his 126 not out against New Zealand, which briefly propelled him into elite T20 discussions. However, that peak has not been sustained. Samson, on the other hand, has maintained a career strike rate above 145 across a significantly larger number of matches, reinforcing his reputation as a higher-impact T20 batter.

Gill’s extended lean patch in T20Is

One of the biggest factors hurting Gill has been his prolonged dip in form. Despite his early promise, Gill has gone 18 T20I innings without a half-century, with his returns tapering sharply through 2025.

Across 15 T20Is in the 2025 calendar year, Gill managed only 291 runs at an average of 24.25, striking at around 137. Those numbers fell well short of the powerplay aggression selectors were actively seeking for World Cup conditions, where fast starts are considered non-negotiable.

Samson’s current form matches runs

Interestingly, Samson scored a similar number of runs to Gill across his last 15 T20Is, but did so at a higher strike rate of 137.26 while showing far more intent during the powerplay. This aggression – especially against pace in the first six overs – was a critical selector criterion for the World Cup squad.

While Samson’s average remains slightly lower, selectors value impact per ball more than time spent at the crease in T20 cricket. On that metric, Samson consistently came out ahead.

Beyond pure batting numbers, Samson offers two key advantages Gill does not. First is his wicketkeeping ability, which allows India to field an extra batter or bowler depending on conditions. Second is his versatility, with the ability to bat anywhere in the top four, adapting to different match situations.

This flexibility significantly enhances squad balance, especially in a 15-man T20 World Cup group where every role must be covered without redundancy.

Also READ: Fans left shocked as BCCI drops Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Why selectors backed Samson over Gill in India’s T20 World Cup 2026?

A T20-specific call, not a talent judgment

The batting analysis frame Gill’s omission as a tactical decision, not a reflection of his overall ability. Gill’s more anchor-style T20 approach, combined with his extended lean patch, worked against him in a setup prioritising maximum aggression at the top.

Former players have echoed that view, suggesting Samson fits the modern T20 blueprint more naturally, even if Gill remains one of India’s most gifted all-format batters.

Also READ: Kapil Dev shares his honest view on Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026

NEW DELHI: As another week of December begins, stock markets will also invoke hopes for investors but also caution. Foreign investors, currency movement and global macroeconomic data announcements will drive investor sentiments for the week. Notably, this week will not have the usual five days of trading as Thursday, December 25 will mark a stock market holiday on account of Christmas. This will be significant as it’s the last complete week ending in 2025. However, an expert quoted by PTI said that market activity could be subdued on account of Christmas and New Year.“This week marks the onset of the year-end festive period and will be holiday-shortened due to the Christmas break, which may keep trading volumes subdued. On the domestic front, markets will track infrastructure output data, along with updates on bank loan growth, deposit growth, and foreign exchange reserves. Currency movement and crude oil prices will also remain important variables,” said Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.Meanwhile, Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm was quoted by PTI saying, “While strong domestic liquidity continues to act as an effective buffer against deeper downside risks, lending resilience to the market structure, the re-emergence of foreign fund inflows is increasingly being viewed as a potential catalyst for the market’s next leg higher, improving overall risk appetite.”Further talking about international factors, he added, “Globally, performance of major markets—particularly the US—will be closely monitored for directional cues.” That said, the durability of the late-week momentum will largely depend on key global macroeconomic indicators, especially the forthcoming US GDP and core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data, which are expected to provide clearer insights into the health of the US economy amid shifting inflation–growth dynamics, according to Ponmudi R.Last week, the BSE benchmark fell by 338.3 points, or 0.39 per cent, while the Nifty declined by 80.55 points, or 0.30 per cent. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Sensex surged 447.55 points, or 0.53 per cent, to close at 84,929.36, while Nifty advanced 150.85 points, or 0.58 per cent, to end at 25,966.40. “Selling pressure dominated most sessions; however, a recovery in the final trading day—driven by value buying and renewed interest from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs)—helped limit the downside.” Mishra added.Also sharing his insights, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research – Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said, “This week, we expect markets to trade in a range with a positive bias, following signs of improving FII participation (buying in two continuous trading sessions offering some relief after weeks of relentless selling) and a marginal recovery in INR vs USD. Several global markets will see subdued activity on account of Christmas and New Year holidays.“Key macro data releases during the week include US and UK GDP, US consumer confidence data. Overall, market is likely to remain sideways, with investor focus gradually shifting towards the upcoming Q3 corporate earnings season,” he added.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market and other asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

England coach Brendon McCullum (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Geoffrey Boycott, one of English cricket’s most outspoken voices, has launched a scathing attack on England’s ‘Bazball’ experiment following the team’s 3-0 thrashing in the Ashes in Australia. The former England batsman didn’t hold back in criticising the ultra-aggressive approach adopted under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Boycott said, “A lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes for what they have done for our cricket but it is obvious that Bazball has run its race.”

Boycott argued that the philosophy has become a case of hubris overtaking common sense. “Hubris has taken over from common sense and that cannot be allowed to carry on. Stokes and McCullum are like men digging a hole to nowhere. If what you are doing isn’t working then stop digging,” he wrote. The veteran insisted that change was necessary if England want to compete with the best sides in world cricket. “Change is absolutely necessary to step up to the next level. What would I do? Change the coach. We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams so Rob Key, it is time for you to assert yourself,” Boycott said, directly calling for McCullum to be replaced. He also suggested potential replacements, highlighting both domestic and international options. “Many people would cherish the England coach’s job because it is very high profile and exceptionally well paid. Jason Gillespie did a great job at Yorkshire, or they could go for an English coach like Alec Stewart,” he advised. At the heart of Boycott’s critique was his frustration with the attacking style of play that McCullum had championed. “I would like this ‘gung-ho’ batting to stop… Nobody wants dour, defensive cricket but let’s get back to textbook cricket with guys assessing the situation, thinking on their feet and batting with discipline. We were always told to use our brain. A thinking cricketer is a better cricketer,” he said. With the Ashes already out of reach, England will still get chances to salvage some pride in Melbourne and Sydney. But Boycott’s words reflect a broader sentiment that the team’s high-risk approach has failed to deliver when it mattered most.

MUMBAI: At a time when India’s drug addiction crisis is deepening even as access to care remains uneven and stigmatised, researchers at Nagaland University have put forward a proposal that seeks to reframe rehabilitation for the digital age. Scholars from the university’s Department of Law have advanced the idea of a ‘Digital Rehabilitation Law’ — a forward-looking legal framework that integrates artificial intelligence, telemedicine and mobile health technologies into the country’s addiction recovery ecosystem.The proposal emerges from a comprehensive doctrinal study that examines how India’s existing legal architecture could be retooled to support technology-driven rehabilitation models. The researchers argue that conventional rehabilitation systems have, for decades, struggled with limited reach, chronic understaffing and social stigma, leaving large sections of those in need without sustained support. In this context, they position rehabilitation not as an adjunct, but as a central pillar of national public health and drug policy.The research was undertaken by Dr. Rumi Dhar and Ms. Tania Anya of the Department of Law, Nagaland University, and has been published in the KDU Law Journal, a peer-reviewed publication of the Faculty of Law at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka, indexed internationally in HeinOnline. One of the earliest legal analyses of its kind in India, the study focuses on law and policy rather than clinical outcomes, mapping how ethical technology adoption could reshape addiction recovery.Commending the work, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, underscored the broader role of universities in addressing complex social challenges. “I congratulate our researchers for proposing the innovative concept of a Digital Rehabilitation Law, which explores how ethical AI integration can strengthen India’s drug addiction recovery ecosystem. This work reflects Nagaland University’s commitment to socially relevant research that upholds patient rights, expands access to care, and supports evidence-based policymaking. I am confident that such forward-looking scholarship will contribute meaningfully to national dialogues on public health and technological governance,” he said.The study evaluates the compatibility of key Indian statutes — including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023), the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020), and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985) — with emerging digital rehabilitation tools. While acknowledging the promise of AI-driven relapse prediction models and virtual counselling platforms, the researchers flag significant legal gaps around privacy protection, informed consent, algorithmic transparency and accountability.Elaborating on the findings, Dr. Rumi Dhar said, “This study is both unique and urgently relevant. Our proposed legislative model of a ‘Digital Rehabilitation Law’ will harmonize India’s current legal provisions to support safe, ethical and tech-enabled addiction treatment. The research underscores that while technology can significantly improve access to rehabilitation, particularly for rural and underserved communities, robust legal safeguards must protect patient rights and dignity.”Ms. Tania Anya outlined concrete policy recommendations flowing from the analysis. “Our key recommendations include establishing a National Digital Rehabilitation Regulatory Authority, amending the NDPS Act to formally recognise digital rehabilitation pathways, launching pilot programs for AI- and telemedicine-based interventions and implementing nationwide training to improve digital literacy among healthcare providers and patients,” she said.Drawing on global examples, the study highlights how mobile health tools and digital platforms have already improved recovery outcomes elsewhere. App-based interventions such as Australia’s Daybreak and peer-support networks like Sober Grid demonstrate how everyday technologies can strengthen motivation, community engagement and long-term adherence. International models using AI-powered relapse prediction in the United States and European Union further illustrate how early alerts can enable timely clinical intervention.Telemedicine frameworks like Project ECHO and Vermont’s hub-and-spoke model are cited as evidence that digitally connected specialists can extend consistent care to remote regions. The researchers argue that integrating similar architectures into India’s national platforms, including e-Sanjeevani, could dramatically expand access to supervised addiction treatment — if supported by a clear, rights-based legal framework.Taken together, the proposal positions digital rehabilitation not as a technological shortcut, but as a carefully governed public health intervention — one that blends innovation with accountability, and access with dignity.