On December 20, 2025, the BCCI officially announced the 15-member squad that will defend India’s title at the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the squad reflects a massive youth-driven transition, rewarding explosive domestic form and specialized roles over seniority.

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad under Suryakumar Yadav

The return of Ishan Kishan after his domestic brilliance and the promotion of Axar Patel to vice-captain define this new-age team. This squad is built on the philosophy of intent from ball one, featuring power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma alongside the world’s top-ranked T20 bowler, Varun Chakravarthy.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that the selection was based on tactical combinations rather than just individual stats, ensuring the team has multiple bowling options and left-right batting pairs. The defending champions enter the tournament with a mix of established match-winners like Jasprit Bumrah and raw, high-pace talent like Harshit Rana. However, the 2026 roster marks the end of an era, as several legends and stars who were part of the 2024 World Cup-winning squad have either retired or been omitted to make way for this new generation.

7 Indian players who featured in T20 World Cup 2024 but won’t play in 2026 edition

The 2026 squad sees the absence of several key figures from the Barbados victory. Here is a breakdown of the players who helped India win in 2024 but are missing from this title defense:

1. Rohit Sharma (Retired)

The 2024 winning captain bowed out at the ultimate high. After leading India to the title in Barbados, Rohit retired from T20Is as the highest run-scorer in the format’s history at the time. His absence leaves a void in leadership and power at the top.

2. Virat Kohli (Retired)

Following his “Player of the Match” performance in the 2024 Final, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is. He decided to focus on the longer format (ODI), meaning the 2026 World Cup will be the first T20 mega-event without the “King” since 2010.

3. Ravindra Jadeja (Retired)

The veteran all-rounder retired from T20Is alongside Rohit and Kohli. The management has now fully transitioned to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to fill the spin-bowling all-rounder slots that Jadeja occupied for over a decade.

Also READ: Why Shubman Gill was left out of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad? Ajit Agarkar explains

4. Rishabh Pant (Omitted/Tactical Shift)

In the biggest tactical shock, Rishabh Pant was left out of the 15-member squad. The selectors preferred the opening explosive potential of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, noting that they wanted “wicketkeepers who can bat at the very top of the order.”

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Omitted)

Despite being a regular in 2024, Jaiswal missed out as the selectors backed the all-out attack style of Abhishek Sharma. The decision was based on finding the right combination to partner with the wicketkeeper-openers.

6. Mohammed Siraj (Omitted)

Siraj, a key pacer in the 2024 campaign, lost his spot to Harshit Rana. The selectors opted for Rana’s raw pace and his ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order, alongside the specialist skills of Arshdeep Singh.

7. Yuzvendra Chahal (Omitted)

Chahal, who did not get a game in the 2024 tournament, has finally been moved past in favor of Varun Chakravarthy. With Chakravarthy currently ranked as the World No. 1 T20 bowler, Chahal’s path back into the squad was effectively blocked.

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

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland reacts after missing a chance to score a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United in Manchester, England, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (AP Photo)

Erling Haaland continues to motor along at better than a goal a game for Manchester City in the Premier League. His latest victim was West Ham on Saturday. The Norway striker scored in each half to move to 19 goals in 17 matches in this campaign and also set up Tijjani Reijnders’ goal in a 3-0 win at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The victory lifted City into first place, a point ahead of Arsenal before the deposed leader’s match at Everton later Saturday. Haaland has 38 goals in a combined 28 games for club and country in what is shaping up to be the most prolific season of his career. Injury permitting, the season will end in him going to his first World Cup with Norway. His double gave him 104 in the Premier League, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo having played 122 games fewer. Haaland scored at the second attempt from Phil Foden’s cross to give City a fifth-minute lead and took advantage of a defensive mix-up to make it 3-0 in the 69th. In between, Haaland slipped a short pass to Reijnders, who took a touch and rifled a shot into the roof of the net in the 38th. Woltemade’s week What a difference a week made for Nick Woltemade. Last weekend, he scored an own-goal to consign Newcastle to a derby loss at fierce rival Sunderland. Six days later, he netted twice in the opening 20 minutes to give his team a fast start against Chelsea. Chelsea recovered, though, to draw 2-2 with Joao Pedro’s equalizer coming off a rare assist from a goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez smashed a long clearance up to Pedro, who headed the ball forward and ended up collecting it himself after Fabian Schar slipped. Pedro slotted a finish underneath Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to earn Chelsea a point in the 66th. “I wanted to give a good performance today and I think I did,” Woltemade said. “I just want to say thank you to the fans for still being good with me.” Reece James launched Chelsea’s fightback by curling a free kick in off the post after halftime. Chelsea stayed in fourth place and has won only one of its last five games in the league. Newcastle, one of England’s representatives in the Champions League this season, is languishing in midtable after one win in its last four games – and that was against next-to-last Burnley. Still winless Last-placed Wolverhampton remained without a win and on just two points after losing at home to Brentford 2-0. The latest defeat meant Wolves tied Sheffield United’s 2020-21 record of 17 games without a win from the start of a Premier League season. Keane Lewis-Potter scored both of Brentford’s goals in the second half. Semenyo’s worth Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is reportedly a target of some of the Premier League’s biggest teams, including Man City and Manchester United. He underlined his worth by curling home his team’s goal in a 1-1 draw with Burnley, which ended its seven-match losing run on its tough return to the top flight. Armando Broja grabbed Burnley’s equalizer in the 90th. Sunderland is doing much better since promotion. A 0-0 draw at Brighton put the north-east team in fifth place. Remaining games There are three more games to be played on Saturday: Tottenham vs. Liverpool, followed by Everton vs. Arsenal and Leeds vs. Crystal Palace.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/science/scientists-spot-black-hole-twisting-space-time-while-devouring-star-9855579” on this server.

Reference #18.77fdd417.1766262836.317fe9e9

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.77fdd417.1766262836.317fe9e9

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/food/viral-video-youtuber-in-malta-pays-indian-food-delivery-riders-rent-wins-hearts-online-9856119” on this server.

Reference #18.26fdd417.1766280240.3971403a

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.26fdd417.1766280240.3971403a

UltraTech Cement on Saturday said it has received a demand notice of Rs 782.2 crore from GST authorities and plans to challenge the order before the appropriate forum, according to PTI.In a regulatory filing, the Aditya Birla Group company said it is reviewing the order and considering all legal options. “The Company is reviewing the Order, considering all legal options, and accordingly would be contesting the demand,” UltraTech Cement said, PTI quoted.The demand pertains to the period 2018-19 to 2022-23 and has been raised on account of alleged short payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST), improper utilisation of Input Tax Credit (ITC) and related matters, the company said.UltraTech added that the order was passed “without due consideration of the Company’s submissions”.According to the filing, the order upholds a tax liability of Rs 3,90,95,58,194, along with applicable interest on the tax demand, additional interest of Rs 27,68,289, and a penalty of Rs 3,90,95,58,194.The company said the order was issued by the Joint Commissioner, Central Goods and Services Tax and Central Excise, Patna, on Friday.UltraTech Cement is India’s largest cement manufacturer, with a production capacity nearing 200 million tonnes per annum.

Taxpayers opting for the old tax regime can continue to claim deductions on donations made to eligible charitable organisations under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. To clarify how such claims will be assessed and verified, the Income Tax Department issued an extensive set of FAQs on December 19, 2025, outlining both substantive and procedural requirements, according to an ET report. S. Sriram, Executive Partner at Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan Attorneys, told ET that the FAQs go beyond routine guidance.“The FAQs highlight the broad legal principles and procedural regulations relating to claiming donations to eligible institutions as deduction in income tax returns. But read with the ‘NUDGE’ campaign and recent press release of the CBDT, the intended effect of the FAQ is much more than the clarifications given therein. The FAQ is a guidance note by the CBDT to taxpayers to test their claim for deduction for donations, against the principles explained in the FAQ,” he said.

What Section 80G allows

Section 80G enables taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by claiming deductions on donations made to specified funds, trusts and institutions. The donation refers to the actual amount paid, while the deduction is the tax benefit allowed on such payment, subject to conditions laid down in the Act.

Verification of claims

The tax department has reiterated that verification will be based on disclosures made by charitable organisations. Under Rule 18AB of the Income Tax Rules, 1962, certain categories of donees must file Form 10BD, containing donor details such as PAN or Aadhaar, name, address and amount donated. For a deduction to be allowed, the amount claimed in the taxpayer’s return must match the details reported by the donee.Donors are also required to obtain a donation certificate in Form 10BE, wherever applicable.

Who can claim the deduction

Any taxpayer — individuals, HUFs, companies, firms or other entities — having taxable income can claim deduction under Section 80G, provided the donation is made to an eligible entity and all compliance requirements are met.

Categories of deduction

The FAQs reiterate that donations under Section 80G fall into four distinct categories, depending on the percentage of deduction and whether an income-based cap applies:

Eligible and non-eligible donations

Only donations made to funds or institutions specifically listed under Section 80G(2)(a) and those registered and approved under Section 80G qualify for deduction. Taxpayers are advised to verify the approval status and deduction category of the donee before claiming the benefit.The FAQs list 24 categories of funds and institutions eligible for 100 per cent deduction without limit, while others — such as the Prime Minister’s Drought Relief Fund — qualify for 50 per cent deduction without limit.Certain donations, including those for family planning, sports infrastructure, or contributions by companies to specified sports bodies, qualify for 100 per cent deduction subject to limits. Donations to notified charitable institutions, government bodies for charitable purposes (excluding family planning), housing and urban development authorities, specified corporations, and notified places of worship qualify for 50 per cent deduction with limits.

Key conditions taxpayers must note

The department has clarified that:

Taxpayers can verify eligible institutions and trusts through the Income Tax Department’s official online database.

LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, opens up about how she was unable to love herself.(Image via Phillip Faraone/Getty)

LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, has been a constant presence in the Lakers’ star player’s life, even before he joined the NBA.LeBron James has also often credited Savannah James for the support and strength she has provided to him for years. Amid this, Savannah James has opened up about how she has struggled with loving herself over the years.

LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, opens up about how she has been unable to love herself over the years

A few months ago, LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, opened up about lacking self love in her popular podcast, Everybody’s Crazy.LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, said, “I love my kids. I love my husband. I love my family. I love my friends…”The popular entrepreneur added, “But I wasn’t always in love with myself. So I would tell myself to open your heart. You’re worthy. You’re enough.”But this was not the first time that LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, has spoken about not being able to fall in love with herself.Back during 2020, LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, opened up to HARPER BAZAAR. as she said, “Sometimes I felt depleted…I wasn’t being the best version of a mother, of myself, to my husband. It was just hard to be fully present.”

LeBron James has often praised Savannah James for always being there for him and the success he has achieved

Despite all the things she has faced, LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, has been a pretty important person behind the NBA legend’s success in the league.The Los Angeles Lakers’ star player has also been public about how she has supported him over the years.The NBA veteran said, “My wife takes care of the business, man…She’s the best. Without her, I wouldn’t even be in this position to be able to do what I do and love the game.”The Los Angeles Lakers’ star player added, “I love it. So, to have my wife and my two boys and my daughter here and the rest of my family here, it was everything.” LeBron James has been with Savannah James since they were teenagers and even welcomed their first child when she was only 16.Also Read: “We’re really mindful”: LeBron James’ wife Savannah James breaks silence on how their lives change during intense moments

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Saturday that he hopes the long-pending free-trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union will be signed in January, even as opposition from some EU members and protests by European farmers delay the deal, AP reported.Speaking at a summit of South American leaders in Foz do Iguacu, on Brazil’s border with Argentina and Paraguay, Lula said European negotiators had earlier indicated the agreement would be signed this weekend, prompting the meeting. That did not happen, he said, after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked for more time.Top EU officials had been aiming to finalise the EU-Mercosur deal in Brazil, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday, following a tense EU summit, that the signing would be postponed by “a few extra weeks” to address concerns raised by member states.Lula said he spoke to Meloni by phone on Friday and received a letter from EU leadership indicating an intention to conclude the agreement in January. He added that the delay underscored the lack of political resolve to finish talks that have stretched over more than 26 years.“Without political will and courage from leaders, it won’t be possible to finish a negotiation that has dragged for 26 years,” Lula told fellow leaders. “Meanwhile, Mercosur will continue to work with other partners.”Von der Leyen needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU member states to secure the deal. Italy’s opposition would allow France to marshal enough votes to block her from signing it.“The world is eager to make deals with Mercosur,” Lula said. “Many countries want that. And we certainly will be able to finish the deals that were not finished during my presidency [of the bloc, which ends in December].”If concluded, the agreement would create a market of about 780 million people, covering roughly a quarter of global gross domestic product, and would gradually remove duties on most goods traded between the two blocs.France has led resistance to the pact involving the EU and the five active Mercosur members — Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. French President Emmanuel Macron said at the EU summit on Thursday that he would not commit to supporting the deal next month and was in talks with Italian, Polish, Belgian, Austrian and Irish leaders about delaying it to address farmers’ concerns.Lula said Macron alone could not block the agreement.“Let’s hope that things happen for the good of our Mercosur, multilateralism and the development of our countries,” he said.