KALYAN: Following the announcement of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan addressed a public meeting in Dombivli on Friday, calling upon voters to give the BJP a decisive mandate in the upcoming civic polls. Emphasising governance and development, Chavan urged citizens to support the BJP to ensure effective administration at the local level.Addressing the gathering, Chavan said that voters should give the BJP one opportunity and assured that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would take full responsibility for the city’s progress over the next five years. “Devendra Fadnavis is the only Chief Minister who openly tells people—give us one chance and we will take responsibility for the next five years,” he said. Chavan stressed that for Maharashtra to continue on the path of development, local self-governing bodies must also move forward under the leadership of a party with a strong and clear ideology, which, according to him, is the BJP.

The rally was held in the Dombivli assembly from where Chavan is MLA which is also part of Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, an area that has witnessed considerable political friction between the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde) over the past few months. While BJP leaders have consistently spoken about securing the mayor’s post, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has been advocating the Mahayuti alliance. This rivalry escalated to the point of leaders and corporators switching sides, prompting senior leaders from both parties to intervene and restore balance by agreeing not to induct leaders from each other’s camp.Clarifying his position, Chavan said he was not there to criticise any individual or party, but to appeal for governance in the hands of a party with the right ideology. He said the BJP is best placed to resolve long-standing civic issues in Dombivli. Warning voters against being misled during elections, he said some leaders appear only at election time and remain disconnected from the public. “Do not forget those who stay among you 24 hours a day,” he remarked.Chavan also indirectly targeted leaders who have switched parties, stating that voters should support ideology over individuals or influence. He cited Kerala as an example where people moved away from Left ideology and supported the BJP for development. He appealed to voters to remember that they get an opportunity to choose their local self-governing representatives once every five years and should exercise their right carefully.During his speech, Chavan criticised the Congress and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan over controversial remarks related to Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam attack. He also attacked the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, alleging that Maharashtra regressed during its tenure, while asserting that the state has made significant progress in the past year under the Fadnavis-led government.Concluding his address, Chavan urged voters to support the BJP, saying that voting for the lotus symbol means voting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and a development-oriented future.

NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced a blistering display of power-hitting to lead India to a commanding 30-run victory over South Africa in the fifth and final T20I in Ahmedabad on Friday, sealing the five-match series 3-1. Pandya’s explosive knock set the tone as India piled up a daunting 231 for 5.Pandya smashed a 16-ball half-century — the second-fastest by an Indian in T20 internationals — on his way to a stunning 63 off just 25 deliveries. His innings was laced with five boundaries and five towering sixes.

The carnage was complemented by Tilak Varma, who continued his rich vein of form with a fluent 73. Together, the duo stitched a punishing 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket that completely wrested momentum away from the visitors.One of Pandya’s massive sixes led to an unexpected moment off the field when the ball struck a cameraman stationed near the boundary. Showing concern beyond the contest, Pandya immediately walked up to check on the cameraman’s well-being after his innings, ensuring he was attended to and even helping apply an ice pack. Pandya also hugged the cameraman, a gesture that quickly went viral and earned widespread praise from fans.In reply, South Africa began positively and remained in the chase as long as Quinton de Kock was at the crease. The left-hander scored a fighting 65, but once he was dismissed, the innings unravelled rapidly. Varun Chakravarthy spun a web around the middle order, claiming four wickets as South Africa lost seven wickets for 81 runs to finish on 201 for 8.Pandya’s all-round impact and match-defining innings earned him the Player of the Match award.“Winning games is what you play for and it’s always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line. No, I actually didn’t know (he has the second fastest fifty for India) until I got out and went back. Our social media guys told me I was the second-fastest,” Pandya said. Watch the video here“My first reaction was, “Ah, I missed the top spot!” But happy that Yuvi pa holds that record. Today I just felt it. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off,” he said. “The situation suited my style; I backed myself and it worked. I took a calculated risk and thankfully it went my way. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge. No matter how many setbacks you face, the aim is to come back stronger, better, and make a bigger impact. When it all comes together, it feels satisfying. But the journey continues – the preparation, the planning, the hard work never stops,” Pandya said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati today. On Friday, he shared striking images of the facility ahead of the event. Calling it a major boost to Assam’s infrastructure, the Prime Minister said the upgraded airport will improve ease of living while giving a push to commerce and tourism.

What PM Modi said ahead of the inauguration

In a post on X, PM Modi said he would reach Guwahati today and inaugurate the new terminal in the afternoon. “This is a major boost to Assam’s infrastructure. Increased capacity means better ‘Ease of Living’ and a boost for commerce as well as tourism,” he said. He also shared additional glimpses of the terminal, offering a preview of the new facility.

Why the new terminal matters

As per PTI, the integrated new terminal building spans nearly 1.4 lakh square metres and is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually.

The project is being seen as a transformative step for Assam’s connectivity, economic growth and global engagement.

India’s first nature-themed airport terminal

The Guwahati airport terminal is India’s first nature-themed airport facility, designed around the concept of “Bamboo Orchids.” The architecture draws from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, using about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo.

Visual elements include Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, traditional japi motifs, the rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns inspired by the kopou flower.

What is the ‘Sky Forest’ feature?

One of the most eye-catching elements of the newsly built facility is the “Sky Forest,” which houses nearly one lakh indigenous plants.

This feature is intended to give passengers an immersive, forest-like experience as they arrive at the terminal.

How passenger experience is being upgraded

The terminal introduces several modern and digital features aimed at smoother travel.

These include full-body scanners for faster security screening, DigiYatra-enabled contactless travel, automated baggage handling systems, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations to ensure secure and efficient passenger movement.

Panaji: Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have formally asked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to grant them the rights to “operate, manage, and commercially exploit” India’s top-tier football league for a fee of Rs 10 crore annually from 2026-27.For this season, due to the “extraordinary transitional circumstances” and the need to ensure uninterrupted continuity of the football season, the clubs – except for East Bengal — said they won’t be able to pay any fee for the rights to the top tier league. If approved by the AIFF general body which meets on Saturday in the Capital, the participating clubs will collectively hold a permanent majority shareholding, while AIFF will have one special share, safeguarding sporting integrity, regulatory authority, and statutory compliance.The clubs said they can get the league running within 45 days.“We have had four meetings with the AIFF, two with the sports ministry, and at the end of it, the clubs are the only group to put a concrete proposal on the table,” a senior club official told TOI on Friday. “We have acted out of responsibility, not convenience. The aim is to ensure Indian football does not come to a complete halt. For Indian football to move forward, we need leadership, collaboration and decisive action. The clubs have done their part, now the ecosystem needs to come together.”In its tender for the commercial rights that found no takers, the AIFF had sought a minimum of Rs 37.5 crore annually for the commercial rights.For the first time since 1996 when India moved from a tournament to semi-professional league structure, the top tier league has failed to kick off because of AIFF’s inability to find a commercial partner.According to the new AIFF constitution, the “senior most top division league” should be owned, operated, and recognised by the AIFF. The clubs have sought help from the sports ministry to engage constructively with all stakeholders and assist in placing before the Supreme Court “the necessity and rationale for amending the required constitutional clauses to enable a modern, transparent, and globally aligned league governance framework.”In its virtual meeting with the sports ministry and AIFF on Thursday, the clubs had raised the need for a realistic financial framework to ensure that the upcoming league season can go ahead in the absence of a commercial partner and amid a drastically altered revenue landscape. This season, the clubs will have limited sponsors and no central revenue, which forms a major part of their income.“We discussed the broader economic reality facing Indian football. Salaries form the largest portion of expenditure for every team, and any long-term solution will require collaboration from all stakeholders. We have not issued any directive to players,” said another official.The official said they have paid players so far and honoured their commitment, even when the league itself remains uncertain.“This is not clubs versus players. Any discussion on contracts must be lawful, consensual and handled with sensitivity. The point made in the meeting was that, globally, football resets in crisis years. India cannot be an exception, but it has to be done responsibly,” said the official.

On December 19, 2025, former Indian opener and renowned cricket analyst Aakash Chopra took to his YouTube channel to unveil his predicted 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka, Chopra’s selection highlights a strategic pivot toward multi-skilled utility players and mystery spin.

Aakash Chopra picks India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

His squad reflects the current form seen in the ongoing South Africa series and the historic high-scoring feats of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final. While the core of the 2024 championship team remains, Chopra’s latest analysis suggests significant changes in the leadership hierarchy and the finisher roles that have defined India’s T20 identity.

The vice-captaincy conundrum: Hardik Pandya vs Shubman Gill

A major talking point in Chopra’s analysis was the uncertainty surrounding the vice-captaincy, a role currently held by Shubman Gill. While Chopra included Gill in his squad as a specialist opener, he expressed doubt about his longevity in a leadership capacity due to recent fitness issues and a dip in T20I scoring rates. Chopra suggested that the selectors might return to Hardik Pandya to serve as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav.

“The fact is that Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson will be the three openers part of this team. I have picked Sanju Samson as the second wicketkeeper and an opening option. Abhishek Sharma, let’s not talk about it, because I feel he could be the highest run-scorer of the World Cup.” Chopra said.

“If you are wondering why Shubman Gill has been picked, if you have appointed someone the vice-captain, you won’t pivot that soon. I am not going to put my neck on the line and say that Shubman only will be the vice-captain. The team might leave the vice-captain slot open, or they might appoint Hardik Pandya just to keep their options open.” the former Indian cricketer added.

Also READ: Not India vs Pakistan! Jay Shah invites Lionel Messi for THIS T20 World Cup 2026 game

Tactical toss-ups: Why Washington Sundar pips Rinku Singh

In a move that sparked significant debate among fans, Chopra chose Washington Sundar over the specialized finisher Rinku Singh for the final spot in his 15. He argued that the team management’s current philosophy favors utility over specialization, particularly on subcontinental pitches where an extra bowling option is vital.

Chopra explained. He noted that while Rinku’s striking ability is elite, Sundar’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and provide left-handed batting depth at number eight offers more tactical maneuvers. This utility-first approach is mirrored in his middle-order picks, where Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube were identified as “100 percent locks” due to their secondary bowling skills and ability to dismantle spin in the middle overs.

“After that, one more wicketkeeper will be required. You need a minimum of two wicketkeepers in the squad. So you have to keep Jitesh Sharma in the team. After that, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube. These all-rounders should be locked. These three are 100 percent part of the team. Even if Sanju opens, you will have to play Jitesh because this team has started giving preference to Washington Sundar. I think it’s a toss-up whether to take Rinku or Washi. The team feels they won’t be able to use Rinku at all, so they should keep Washi.” the cricketer-turned-commentor stated.

The bowling blueprint: Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana as game-changers

Chopra’s bowling unit for the 2026 World Cup is built on a “non-negotiable” trio of pace and mystery, with Varun Chakaravarthy tipped to be the tournament’s most lethal weapon.

“After that, Jasprit Bumrah. Let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Arshdeep Singh, let’s not discuss. Why waste time? Then Varun Chakaravarthy. There is no discussion. Why should we waste your and my time? I feel Varun Chakaravarthy could be the highest wicket-taker of this tournament. After that, you have to keep Kuldeep Yadav in the team. You are giving yourselves options. Then only one slot is left. You can pick any fast bowler there. So I am keeping Harshit Rana there. He also provides a batting option at No. 8.” Chopra concluded.

Aakash Chopra’s 15-men Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

• Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (WK)
• Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK)
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar
• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana

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New Delhi: Since the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup, India’ spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has missed just three T20Is. While he was rested for the final group game against Oman and dead rubber versus Sri Lanka in the multi-nation tournament, Bumrah didn’t feature in the third T20I versus South Africa due to personal reasons. Apart from these three games, he has been on the park for 13 T20Is and even played four home Tests against West Indies and South Africa, respectively. The 50-day countdown to India’s title defence at 2026 T20 World Cup has begun and the biggest priority for the thinktank right now is to keep their Most Valuable Player (MVP) fresh and fit for the tournament. There are five more T20Is against New Zealand next month before the focus shifts to the World Cup and the management has made up their mind to not make the bowler play the three ODIs starting January 11. It is understood that the coaching group has already had discussions in this regard and don’t want to compromise on the player’s readiness for the multi-nation tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka during February and March.

“The management is very clear with regards to Bumrah. People outside can create all sorts of fitness theories but it’s very simple – you prioritise the formats and matches you want Bumrah to feature in. It was important from a team’s perspective that he plays maximum T20Is in buildup to the World Cup and he has been on the park since the Asia Cup in the format. Bumrah playing was not just important for his continuity in the format but also for the captain and coach to figure the bowling combination alongside Bumrah. These games have given a clearer picture to selectors also and now the five T20Is vs New Zealand will be just about firming up plans,” a well placed source tells TimesofIndia.com.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“So the three ODIs against New Zealand serve no purpose. You will see more of Bumrah in ODIs when the team shifts focus to 2027 World Cup. That’s how coach Gautam Gambhir plans to use his premier fast bowler,” adds the source.

Bumrah not alone

The discussions have just not been restricted to Bumrah as the think tank will be following a similar approach with Hardik Pandya. It is understood that this was the prime reason he wasn’t rushed for the ODI series against South Africa and was asked to skip the third Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games for Baroda. He made two appearances for his state before joining the team in Cuttack for the first T20I of the five-match series against South Africa. The all-rounder, after getting injured in the Asia Cup and missing the white-ball series in Australia and ODIs at home against South Africa, featured in all four T20Is against the Proteas and will have some time to rest and recover before turning up for the T20Is against New Zealand next month. It is further understood that Pandya could be asked to play one or two Vijay Hazare Trophy games for Baroda but it’s not been decided which ones he would play.

“The approach will be the same for Hardik. Both Bumrah and Hardik are the most important players in the T20I set-up right now and the series vs South Africa showed that. There is a possibility of Hardik playing some domestic games for Baroda just to keep his body ready but no final decision has been taken in that regard,” explains the source.

The Standbys

In the team’s last international match of the year, Hardik was adjudged player of the match for his destructive 25-ball 63 and Bumrah was at his best in the run-fest as he returned with figures of 2/17. The two players served another reminder of their abilities in the format and why they should be handled with utmost care in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The selectors will pick the squad, and possibly standbys, for the tournament on Saturday, and it’s likely to be along expected lines. The team has opted for continuity since the Asia Cup, leaving little room for surprises when chief selector Ajit Agarkar addresses the media in Mumbai.Rinku Singh was picked for the Asia Cup and the T20Is against Australia, but the left-hander only played the final against Pakistan due to Hardik Pandya’s injury, and featured just once in the five T20Is Down Under. The game in which he made the XI was unfortunately washed out in Brisbane.Washington, who wasn’t part of the Asia Cup squad, has been given outings in the format and even bowled his full quota of overs against South Africa in Ahmedabad. His all-round abilities could help him pip a specialist batter, as his off-spin allows the think-tank to use match-ups against left-handers, if the need arises.

The Union government has cleared a Rs 887-crore plan to develop a world-class marina in Mumbai Harbour, a move aimed at boosting coastal shipping, maritime tourism and waterfront development in India’s financial capital. The project, called the ‘Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina’, has been approved by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways and is aligned with the Centre’s broader blue economy push.

What is the Mumbai Marina project?

The proposed marina will be developed over nearly 12 hectares of water area in Mumbai Harbour. It will have the capacity to berth 424 yachts of up to 30 metres in length, making it one of the major such facilities in the country.

The project is designed to place Mumbai firmly on the global maritime tourism map, according to official statements.

How much will it cost, and who will invest?

The total project cost is estimated at Rs 887 crore. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest around Rs 470 crore to build the core marine infrastructure on an EPC basis. The remaining Rs 417 crore will be invested by a private operator, who will develop the onshore facilities. Tenders have already been floated and bids are scheduled to close on December 29, 2025.

What infrastructure will be created?

The marine side will include an approach trestle, piled breakwater, service platforms, pontoons and gangways to ensure safe yacht operations.

Onshore, the private developer will build a marina terminal, a Namo Bharat International Sailing School, a maritime tourism development centre, hotel and clubhouse facilities, a skill development centre, and yacht repair and stacking infrastructure.

Why is the project important?

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the marina will “create world-class infrastructure, open the waterfront for public use, encourage private investment and generate new employment opportunities”. The project is expected to create over 2,000 jobs across marina operations, hospitality, cruise services and allied sectors, as per news agency PTI.

How does it fit into national plans?

The marina aligns with key national frameworks, including Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Sagarmala Programme and the Cruise Bharat Mission, strengthening Mumbai’s role as a major maritime and tourism hub.

Ashes Live, Australia vs England 3rd Test: Travis Head struck a commanding 170 and Alex Carey chipped in with 72 as Australia were bowled out for 349 in their second innings on Saturday, setting England a daunting record target of 435 to keep the Ashes alive at the Adelaide Oval.

England wrapped up the innings before lunch, claiming six wickets in the morning session, but endured an early setback when they came out to bat. With just 10 minutes remaining before the interval, Ben Duckett fell in the second over, edging Pat Cummins to Marnus Labuschagne at second slip for four.

At lunch, England were 5 for 1, with Ollie Pope unbeaten on one and Zak Crawley yet to open his account.

England must win the match to stay alive in the five-Test series after heavy defeats by eight wickets in Perth and Brisbane. Australia, the holders, require only a draw to retain the Ashes.

Ben Stokes’s side face an enormous challenge in chasing 435, a target never achieved at the Adelaide Oval, where the highest successful run chase is 316. The biggest chase in Test history remains the West Indies’ 418 against Australia at St John’s in 2003.

Australia had resumed on 271 for 4, with Head on 142 and Carey unbeaten on 52, and the pair once again made early hay against some wayward bowling. Stokes, who did not bowl on Friday after assistant coach Jeetan Patel said he was “knackered” following a gritty 83 with the bat, opened the attack on Saturday.

Head quickly moved into top gear, reaching his 150 off 205 balls with a cut through backward point, drawing a standing ovation from the home crowd. Chasing a maiden Test double hundred, he continued to attack before pulling a short ball from Josh Tongue to Zak Crawley, who held the catch in the deep under the glaring sun.

Carey added 20 to his overnight score as he eyed back-to-back centuries following his emotional first-innings 106, but was caught at leg slip by Harry Brook off Stokes. Josh Inglis soon followed, edging Tongue to Jamie Smith behind the stumps.

With the new ball taken, Brook grabbed another slip catch to dismiss Pat Cummins for six off Brydon Carse, who then trapped Nathan Lyon lbw with the very next delivery. Scott Boland was the final wicket to fall, caught and bowled cheaply by Jofra Archer, while Tongue finished as England’s most successful bowler with figures of 4 for 70.