New Delhi: On the morning of the fourth T20I against South Africa on Wednesday, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar rushed to Lucknow. By evening, it emerged that vice-captain Shubman Gill was going to miss the remaining T20Is after suffering an impact injury on his right foot on the eve of the fourth match. On paper, it may sound as if it was just a coincidence that Sanju Samson was going to open the innings again for India in the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad on Friday. TOI understands that the team management had already conveyed its wish to replace Gill at the top of the order after a prolonged period of lack of runs. The team had moved on from Gill as it revisited its plans for the T20 World Cup starting in another 48 days.

As India’s T20I team went on a break from the start of the IPL, the team management and selectors had identified Gill as their all-format leader going forward. Hence, a strategy was devised where they wanted the wicketkeeper to bat in the middle order. If one revisits the IPL, both Samson and Rishabh Pant came out to bat lower than their preferred positions. Gill was given a free run at the top of the order. Security for a place in the XI comes at a premium in Indian cricket these days. Gill was even given that with vice-captaincy despite not featuring in the T20 World Cup team in 2024. He was perhaps the only batter in Indian cricket who had absolute clarity about his batting positions across formats in the last eight months. This team management, under head coach Gautam Gambhir, has been bullish about not letting superstar culture persist in the dressing room. Gill’s omission is a brutal reminder that even the man identified to be the face of Indian cricket can’t hide behind non-performance. At the same time, the team management and the selectors also can’t shy away from the utter lack of clarity in its plans. Lack of clarity in Gill’s role, compromised power-hitting When Gill was brought back to his opening spot in T20Is, the idea was to have at least one batter who could bat out overs without really compromising on the run-rate. The idea revolved around the fact there are very few high-scoring matches in big tournaments. Someone with the stability of Gill up the order can anchor an innings much like Virat Kohli did for such a long time. “Gill was stuck in a place where he probably felt the pressure of going big at the top of the order. The whole idea behind a young and revamped T20I team was to keep the opposition under pressure with a high run-rate. Gill perhaps got caught up in that. He didn’t quite strike a balance between power and adding stability,” a source close to the team management told TOI. It also led to India’s power-hitting getting compromised. The pressure fell back on the bowlers. With the wicketkeeper now batting up the order, it has lent depth to the power-hitting in the lineup. “With both captain Suryakumar Yadav and Gill woefully out of form, the other batters couldn’t bat with freedom and the strike-rates suffered,” the source added. TOI also understands that Surya always had reservations about his team being disturbed with players coming back from Test duties. As it turned out, three players—Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal—who were asked to focus on Test cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup, have all missed out on the upcoming edition in Feb-March. The team management had to go back to Ishan Kishan, who has not been around the Indian team for a couple of years. Bigger storm brewing after T20 WC Agarkar and Gambhir have been working together to build a stable team that can seamlessly take Indian cricket forward in the coming decade. Yet, they have not managed to assign definite roles to players. Gambhir thrives on a horses-for-courses philosophy. That said, Saturday’s selection also points at a project around grooming a future leader that has collapsed. “The board and the selectors are bracing for many more tough calls post the T20 World Cup. The team management’s initial plan around leadership has fallen through. They have to go back to grooming another leader after the T20 World Cup even if Surya has a good tournament,” the source said. The team wears a more balanced look on paper. The players picked in the team have battled uncertainty in their roles in the name of flexibility. It’s only a guess if the team management has finally zeroed down upon a plan with another five remaining T20Is against New Zealand at home in January.

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked his supporters to prepare for nationwide protests and said he will challenge his conviction in the Islamabad High Court after he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II corruption case on Saturday.Khan, who does not currently have access to his social media accounts, conveyed his message through his legal team. According to a post on X cited by Dawn, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder said he had instructed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to begin preparations for a mass street movement. “I have sent a message to [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM] Sohail Afridi to prepare for the street movement. The entire nation will have to rise for its rights,” Khan said.Reacting to the verdict, Khan said the decision did not come as a surprise and accused the court of acting in haste. “Like the baseless decisions and sentences of the last three years, the Toshakhana-II decision is also nothing new to me,” he said, adding that the ruling was delivered “without any evidence” and that his legal team was “not even heard”, as reported by ANI.He confirmed that his lawyers had already been directed to move the high court against the sentence.PTI, in an official statement, described the verdict as “blatantly unconstitutional, illegal” and an act of political victimisation, alleging that the conviction was meant to prolong Khan’s imprisonment. Addressing a press conference, PTI secretary general Salman Akram Raja quoted Khan as saying, “I am standing firm and resolute and will not seek an apology from anyone, come what may.”The case relates to allegations that a Bulgari jewellery set, worth over PKR 71 million and received from the Saudi Crown Prince, was undervalued. Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted under sections linked to criminal breach of trust and corruption, as per ANI.The sentencing has sparked public debate across Pakistan. Quoted by ANI, residents and journalists in Lahore and Peshawar questioned the credibility of the ruling, with some alleging political motives and a lack of evidence, saying the verdict had further weakened public trust in the justice system and democratic institutions.

Many Indian professionals are left with no way to return to the US after Trump administration began strict social media checks of applicants. This has prompted many US firms to rethink travel and work out plans to bring back employees stranded in India due to prolonged delays in visa stamping. Immigration experts said that while some companies have approached consultants to secure earlier interview appointments, other employers have permitted affected staff to continue working remotely from India until the process is completed, ET reported. At the same time, employees whose visas are nearing expiry are being asked to fly back to the US immediately. Under US immigration rules, H-1B visa holders can legally live and work in the country even if the visa stamp in their passport has expired, provided they have a valid immigration status and I-94 arrival record. However, anyone travelling out of the US must obtain fresh visa stamping from a US embassy or consulate before re-entering. Indian professionals, many of whom are on H-1B visas, often schedule visa renewals alongside December holidays spent in India. That plan has been disrupted after the US began strictly enforcing social media reviews from December 15, according to ET. As a result, a large number of visa interviews have been deferred to next year, with available dates now ranging from March to June. Industry experts said the delays are affecting staffing decisions, project timelines and client obligations, particularly across the technology sector. “US employers are exploring possibilities of earlier appointments or giving them (employees) the option of remote working,” said Rajneesh Pathak, founder and chief executive of investment advisory firm Global North. He said several companies have reached out to his firm for assistance in managing employees stuck in India. The impact has been immediate in some cases. An immigration attorney described how one Indian H-1B holder, whose visa stamp was valid until December 18, 2025, and who had an approved extension through 2027, returned to the US just two days after arriving in India. “This was after he realised that his visa-stamping appointment was abruptly rescheduled to June 2026 and his employer advised an immediate return,” the attorney said. According to Sukanya Raman, country head at immigration firm Davies & Associates, companies are urging employees to re-enter the US before their existing visas lapse. “Employers are asking employees to urgently re-enter the US before their current visas expire, while others whose visas have already expired are unfortunately stranded abroad,” she said. Raman added that firms are now advising Indian employees currently in the US to avoid travelling to India altogether. “There is significant stress for H-1B visa holders as careers are placed on hold, families are separated, and financial planning is disrupted,” Raman said. The expert further highlighted a noticeable rise in interest around EB5 investor visas as uncertainty around the H-1B programme grows. Beyond visa stamping delays, travellers are also encountering tougher checks at US ports of entry. Immigration experts said additional questioning and inspections have become more common, particularly for Indian students on F-1 visas, especially first-time travellers and those enrolling in STEM programmes. Indian professionals on H-1B and L-1 visas, as well as frequent visitors travelling on B-1 and B-2 visas, are also facing increased scrutiny.Prachi Shah, who runs an eponymous law firm in the US told ET that most of these issues are not because of wrongdoing, “but because of careless, inconsistent, or misunderstood online activity.”

When temperatures drop, many of us turn to humidifiers with a thought to deal with symptoms like sore throat or sinus dryness. Humidifiers do offer relief to people suffering from chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, making breathing easier. However, when not used properly, these same humidifiers can trigger lung related complications, and lead to a condition called ‘Humidifier lungs’. Let’s understand what the condition is, and how to prevent it.

What are humidifiers and why are they used

Humidifiers are electrical devices designed to increase humidity levels indoors, especially during winter months when cold air and indoor heating can dry out the air. These devices release water vapours in the air that helps prevent dryness of the throat.

However studies warn that the added moisture in the environment can worsen the very same symptoms.

When does the risk arise

Standing water in humidifiers can become a breeding ground for bacteria, amoeba and fungi. When these particles interact with aerosols, they can cause symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle aches, chest tightness and fatigue. This condition is called humidifier lung, which is a subtype of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a well-documented condition caused by repeated inhalation of environmental antigens, including those originating from contaminated humidifiers.

Complications HP can cause

Studies suggest that prolonged or chronic exposure to triggering antigens can lead to persistent lung inflammation, which can eventually lead to the scarring of the lung tissue, which can cause chronic breathlessness and long term decline in lung function. HP has also been associated with pulmonary hypertension and in severe situations respiratory failure. Studies suggest regular cleaning of the humidifiers, use of clean water and proper humidity control can help reduce these lung-related risks .

In a moment that has electrified the Indian domestic circuit, Virat Kohli has officially begun his final preparations for the  Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. On December 20, 2025, a viral video captured the 37-year-old batting maestro grinding in the nets, looking sharp and purposeful as he readies himself to don the Delhi jersey once again.

Virat Kohli intensifies training for historic domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 stint

The viral footage of Kohli at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technical discipline that defines his career. As he prepares for his first Vijay Hazare Trophy match in 15 years, Kohli’s net session was a masterclass in focused repetition. He was seen exclusively facing high-intensity pace, likely simulating the challenge he will face against Andhra Pradesh’s Nitish Kumar Reddy on December 24.

His preparation centered on two specific pillars: steadiness of the head and intent in the stride. Observers noted that his eyes were exceptionally still, a technical hallmark that Robin Uthappa recently praised as the key to his longevity. Kohli spent significant time working on his signature cover drive, but more importantly, he practiced his front-foot defense against deliveries moving away, ensuring his hands stayed close to the body. This wasn’t a session for flamboyant hitting; it was a methodical ‘reps in the middle’ approach designed to build the mental sharpness required to anchor an innings for Delhi.

This return is not merely a cameo; it is a calculated move to maintain his red-hot form, following two centuries in the recent ODI series against South Africa, ahead of India’s upcoming assignment against New Zealand in January. With the BCCI now mandating domestic participation for centrally contracted stars, Kohli’s presence in the Delhi camp has transformed the tournament’s profile, turning a regional competition into a global focal point for cricket fans.

Here’s the video:

Virat Kohli during Net Session at Alibaug. pic.twitter.com/tUBRDFyB3X

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) December 20, 2025

Also READ: Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi as Virat Kohli makes historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return; squad announced for first two games

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Kohli and Rishabh Pant headline Delhi’s powerhouse squad

When Kohli steps onto the field on December 24, it will mark the end of a staggering 15-year absence from India’s premier domestic 50-over competition. Kohli last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010 against Services, and his return to Delhi’s colors, this time under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, signals a massive boost for a side looking to reverse its recent fortunes.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that Kohli will be available for at least the first two matches in Bengaluru, specifically the high-voltage opener against Andhra Pradesh. The squad is a literal ‘Who’s Who’ of Indian talent, featuring veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, speedster Navdeep Saini and rising star Harshit Rana, who will join after concluding his T20I duties in Ahmedabad. By playing under Pant’s captaincy, Kohli isn’t just fulfilling a requirement; he is providing invaluable mentorship to a dressing room that is eager to soak up the wisdom of a modern-day great who continues to treat every practice session like a World Cup final.

The 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy has become a unique stage where India’s aging legends and emerging prodigies converge, as Rohit Sharma is also set to make a selective return for Mumbai. While Rohit will feature in two matches for the Shardul Thakur-led Mumbai side (facing Sikkim and Uttarakhand in Group C), Kohli’s focus remains strictly on Group D’s battles at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. These matches are serving as the ultimate ‘tune-up’ for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11 in Vadodara.

Also READ: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes historic return

AUS vs ENG Live Score, 3rd Ashes Test Day 5: The Ashes contest in Adelaide moved towards a gripping climax at lunch on the final day of the third Test, with the equation finely poised. Australia stood just three wickets away from retaining the Ashes, while England needed 126 runs to keep the five-match series alive. What once appeared an impossible pursuit had slowly turned into a tense standoff.

Australia began Day 5 needing four wickets, with England resuming on 207 for six, still 228 runs short of the daunting victory target of 435. A world record chase seemed out of reach, but England responded with resilience and patience during a stop-start morning session that tested both sides.

Will Jacks anchored England’s resistance, negotiating difficult conditions and long spells of pressure. He showed grit after rolling his ankle early in the day when his foot landed in a rut on the pitch. Despite hobbling through for a single and clearly struggling with movement, Jacks continued, remaining unbeaten on 38 from 120 deliveries at lunch. He was joined by Brydon Carse, who offered support with an unbeaten 13 as England reached 309 for seven.

Jamie Smith played a vital role in keeping England’s hopes alive. Batting with controlled aggression, he scored 60 from 83 balls and featured in a seventh-wicket partnership of 91 runs with Jacks. Smith struck boundaries off both Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, including four in succession, before losing patience and lofting Starc to Cummins at wide mid-on. His dismissal reduced England to seven wickets down, but not before the target was cut significantly.

Rain added further disruption, forcing players off the field when England were 241 for six. The match later resumed, with the session extended by half an hour to compensate for lost time.

Australia also suffered a setback when Nathan Lyon was ruled out of the remainder of the match with a right hamstring injury. The veteran spinner was injured while diving in the outfield, a day after his three-wicket burst had swung momentum Australia’s way.

With two sessions remaining, the atmosphere was electric. England supporters filled the ground with chants and songs, while Australia pressed relentlessly, knowing that only three more wickets stood between them and the Ashes.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Saturday he hopes the massive free-trade deal between South American bloc Mercosur and the European Union will be signed in January. Protests on Friday by European farmers and opposition from France and Italy threatened to quash an agreement that has been under negotiation for more than 26 years. Top EU officials had hoped to sign the EU-Mercosur deal in Brazil this weekend, but instead, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday after a tense EU summit that the signature will be delayed ”a few extra weeks to address some issues with member states.” Lula told other South American leaders attending a summit in the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguacu, on the three-way border with fellow Mercosur members Argentina and Paraguay, that the meeting was only taking place because European negotiators had earlier signaled they would eventually sign the deal, and that did not happen. He added the delay was due to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni requesting more time. Von der Leyen needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU nations to secure the deal. Italy’s opposition would give France enough votes to veto von der Leyen’s signature. “Without political will and courage from leaders, it won’t be possible to finish a negotiation that has dragged for 26 years,” Lula, who spoke to Meloni on the phone on Friday and received a letter from EU leadership aiming for a deal in January, told his peers. “Meanwhile, Mercosur will continue to work with other partners.” “The world is eager to make deals with Mercosur,” the Brazilian president added. “Many countries want that. And we certainly we will be able to finish the deals that were not finished during my presidency (of the bloc, due in the end of December).” If signed, the trade deal would cover a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globe’s gross domestic product, and progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs. France has led opposition to the deal between the EU and the five active Mercosur countries – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday at an EU summit he wouldn’t commit to supporting the deal next month either. Macron added he has been in discussions with Italian, Polish, Belgian, Austrian and Irish colleagues among others about delaying it to address farmers’ concerns. Lula argued Macron alone can’t block an agreement. “Let’s hope that things happen for the good of our Mercosur, multilateralism and the development of our countries,” the Brazilian president said.