New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson, centre, reacts as Virat Kohli, right, and Shreyas Iyer run between the wickets. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer reserved glowing praise for Virat Kohli after the Indian great delivered yet another masterclass in the opening ODI against New Zealand, guiding India to a four-wicket win while rewriting the record books in Vadodara on Sunday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Kohli’s sublime 93 off 91 balls not only anchored India’s successful chase of 301 but also saw him cross two major milestones. The 37-year-old became the fastest batter in history to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just 624 innings — 20 fewer than Sachin Tendulkar. In the process, Kohli also overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, behind only Tendulkar.

“Whatever we talk about his innings, it would be less,” Iyer said in a video shared by the BCCI. “We’ve been seeing it for so many years now. He’s been doing it consistently. The way he rotates the strike, he takes on the bowler — he basically walks the talk.”Iyer, playing his comeback match after recovering from a spleen injury sustained during last year’s Australia tour, played a key supporting role with a fluent 49 off 47 balls. The newly appointed vice-captain added 77 runs with Kohli for the third wicket, steadying India after an early loss.“It was a great start to the series,” Iyer said. “Coming back after a while feels special. I missed being in the dressing room and sharing moments with everyone. I’m just happy to be back.”

Kohli looked set for a record-extending 54th ODI century before New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson had him caught at mid-off. Despite finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 41, Jamieson admitted Kohli’s influence was decisive.“He controlled the tempo through the middle and set the innings up for his team,” Jamieson said. “You don’t really contain the greats — they have their way.”Having shared a dressing room with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Jamieson added: “He’s on a different level. Every time you play against him, you’ve got to be at your absolute best just to compete.”India eventually sealed the chase through late cameos from Harshit Rana and KL Rahul, taking a 1-0 lead in the series — but the night belonged, once again, to Kohli and the admiration he continues to command from teammates and rivals alike.

The Indian space program has kick-started its launch plans for 2026 with the launch of PSLV-C62, a crucial move that will involve coupling commercial satellite launchers with a high-end earth observation system.According to the latest reports available, ISRO has confirmed that there had been a technical anomaly on board the third stage of the mission during the launch of the PSLV-C62, resulting in the satellite not being in its intended orbit. This, as reported, has led the space agency to form a failure analysis committee to determine the reasons for the anomaly.

ISRO’s PSLV-C62 launch: What to know about Anvesha spy satellite and mission 2026

Anvesha is India’s new hyperspectral Earth observation spy satellite

Anvesha, officially designated EOS-N1, is a hyperspectral Earth observation satellite designed for strategic and civilian use. It can capture images across multiple light bands, allowing precise analysis of terrain, vegetation, water bodies, and man-made structures. This capability strengthens India’s surveillance, border monitoring, environmental tracking, and disaster response from space.

PSLV-C62 marked India’s first space mission of 2026

The PSLV-C62 launch on 12 January 2026 marked the beginning of India’s spaceflight calendar for the year. Lift-off took place from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The mission drew significant attention as it combined strategic payload deployment with commercial satellite launch services.

The mission was the 64th flight of ISRO’s PSLV rocket

PSLV-C62 represented the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, reinforcing its status as ISRO’s most reliable and frequently used launch system. Over the years, PSLV has supported landmark missions including Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission, and Aditya-L1, while also serving global commercial customers.

NewSpace India Limited handled the commercial launch operations

The mission was operated by NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO, and PSLV-C62 marked NSIL’s ninth dedicated commercial mission. It was to be tasked with launching the main EOS-N1 satellite along with several co-passenger satellites, demonstrating India’s increasingly important position as a trusted service provider of launch services globally.

PSLV-C62 carried 15 co-passenger satellites from India and abroad

Alongside Anvesha, the rocket carried 15 co-passenger satellites belonging to domestic and international customers. These included small satellites and technology demonstrators. Such shared launches allow multiple organisations affordable access to space while maximising the launch vehicle’s payload capacity and overall mission efficiency.

The PSLV-DL variant was used for the mission

ISRO has employed its PSLV-DL rocket in this mission, which has two solid strap-on stages. These are added to offer an enhanced thrust level. This particular model is best suited for orbital insertions that entail accurate handling. It is an attribute that has made it suitable for both strategic and commercial applications.

ISRO reported an anomaly during the third stage of flight

ISRO later confirmed that the PSLV-C62 mission experienced a technical anomaly during the third stage of flight. This prevented the satellite from being placed into its intended orbit. The space agency stated that a detailed failure analysis was initiated to identify the cause using onboard flight data.

Dalal Street traded in red on Monday, as NSE Nifty50 slipped below 25,000 and BSE Sensex dipped over 700 points as weak investor sentiment persisted amid foreign fund outflows, tariff-related worries and ongoing geopolitical concerns. The indices later recovered.At 12:30, NSE Nifty50 was trading at 25,668, down 14 points or 0.06%. BSE Sensex was down 88 points or 0.11% at 83,487. Market sentiment remained under strain as foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 3,769.31 crore on Friday, even as domestic institutional investors stepped in with purchases worth Rs 5,595.84 crore, exchange data showed. Here’s a list of top gainers and losers on Nifty50 and Sensex at 12:30 pm.

Nifty50 top gainers

Nifty50 top losers

BSE Sensex top gainers

BSE Sensex top losers

However, concerns over global and India-specific developments continued to dominate investor thinking. “The market has turned distinctly weak, weighed down by a series of India-specific and global geopolitical events. Geopolitical developments in Venezuela, the crisis in Iran and Trump’s threats regarding Greenland are also being viewed by the markets with concern,” said VK Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments. Meanwhile, Asian markets offered some relief, with South Korea’s Kospi, China’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng trading higher, while US markets closed in positive territory on Friday. Meanwhile, Brent crude rose 0.24% to $63.49 per barrel. On Friday, the Sensex had already fallen 604.72 points, or 0.72%, to close below the 84,000 mark at 83,576.24, while the Nifty declined 193.55 points, or 0.75%, to 25,683.30.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

A new audio recording purportedly featuring Maulana Masood Azhar, the elusive chief of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has surfaced on social media, boasting that his organisation now commands “thousands” of suicide bombers who are prepared for immediate deployment.The clip has surfaced at a time when Pahalgam attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri was captured on video claiming that the Pakistani army had invited him to lead the funeral prayers of its soldiers after Operation Sindoor – conducted by India in May last year following the terror attack in J&K. Both clips were posted on Telegram and X by pro-ISI accounts.

The messages are being viewed as a desperate propaganda attempt to revitalize a group reeling from devastating losses inflicted by the Indian armed forces during the operation. Kasoori’s speech was made from a school with hundreds of children visible in the audience while Azhar too is seemingly addressing a public gathering, sources said.

In another video, Kasuri has also welcomed the growing diplomatic and military ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The latest recording features a defiant Azhar claiming that the sheer number of his followers would “cause an uproar in the global media” if fully revealed. Azhar said new recruits are driven by the obsession of attaining “martyrdom”.Def experts: Azhar’s statement sign of post-Sindoor frustrationJaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Masood Azhar asserts that these recruits are driven by a fanatical obsession with “martyrdom”, explicitly stating that they do not seek material comforts like cars, motorcycles or foreign visas. “They only ask Allah for one thing: martyrdom,” the UN-designated terrorist claimed, attempting to project a picture of high morale and spiritual conviction among his cadre. However, defence experts suggested this was little more than a “hollow threat” and a sign of severe frustration arising out of Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes by India in May 2025 that decimated JeM’s infrastructure and eliminated at least 10 of Azhar’s close relatives and top aides in Bahawalpur. “This audio appears to be a calculated effort to save face after the group’s leadership was ‘torn to pieces’, as recently admitted by other JeM commanders,” said a source. Interestingly, Azhar has not been seen in public since a 2019 blast at his Bahawalpur hideout, leading to persistent rumours about his health and location. This latest audio, while lacking visual proof of his life, indicates that the terror mastermind is still attempting to operate from the shadows, deep within a safe haven in Pakistan. Security agencies are now closely analysing voice samples and metadata of the clip to track its origin and assess the current threat level posed by the group’s surviving sleeper cells, sources said.

The BCA Stadium in Vadodara witnessed yet another masterclass in run-chasing on Sunday as India pulled off a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI. Chasing a competitive target of 301, the Men in Blue found their anchor in Virat Kohli, whose sublime 93 off 91 balls set the tone for the win. While New Zealand fought back late in the game, vital contributions from KL Rahul (29*) and Harshit Rana (29) ensured India crossed the finish line with an over to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Virat Kohli claims Player of the Match award for his batting brilliance

It was a night of milestones for the former Indian captain. While he narrowly missed out on his 54th ODI century—falling to Kyle Jamieson at mid-on for a well-made 93—his innings was the difference between the two sides. Laced with eight fours and a six, Kohli’s knock stabilized the chase after the openers fell, showcasing his trademark precision and intent.

This match-winning performance earned Kohli his 45th Player of the Match (POTM) award in ODIs. In the post-match presentation, a humble Kohli revealed a heartwarming detail about his accolades, sharing that he sends all his trophies to his mother in Gurugram, who cherishes keeping them. With this latest honor, Kohli has further cemented his place among the pantheon of ODI greats, inching closer to the top spot on the all-time leaderboard.

Most Player of the Match awards in ODI history

With his heroics in Vadodara, Kohli has strengthened his hold in the elite list of players with most Man of the Match awards in the 50-over format. Let’s have a look at the legendary trio sitting at the top of this illustrious list:

3) Virat Kohli (India) – 45 Awards

Often hailed as the greatest chaser the game has ever seen, Kohli’s 45th award is a testament to his incredible consistency over nearly two decades. His ability to pace an innings and absorb pressure has led to countless Indian victories. Unlike the explosive openers above him on this list, Kohli’s awards often come from gritty, high-pressure knocks in the middle order, making his tally uniquely impressive. With his current form, he looks set to surpass the second spot very soon.

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana power India to thrilling ODI win over New Zealand in Vadodara

2) Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 48 Awards

Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI cricket in the 90s with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. He sits second on the list with 48 awards from 445 matches. A true all-rounder, Jayasuriya often earned the honor not just for his explosive centuries but also for his crafty left-arm spin, which broke many crucial partnerships. He remains one of the most impactful match-winners in the history of the format.

1) Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 62 Awards

Sitting comfortably at the summit is the phenom Sachin Tendulkar. With a staggering 62 awards in 463 matches, Tendulkar’s record seems almost untouchable. His career spanned generations, and his ability to dominate attacks across different eras and conditions gave him unmatched longevity. For Kohli to catch Tendulkar, he would need another sustained run of dominance, but for now, the Master Blaster reigns supreme.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India underlined their reputation as the most formidable chasing side in world cricket after scripting history with a tense four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI on Sunday. By overhauling a target of 301 in Vadodara, Shubman Gill’s side became the first team ever to successfully chase down 300-plus totals on 20 occasions in one-day internationals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The landmark victory also gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and once again highlighted their depth and composure under pressure. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a classy 93 off 91 balls, striking eight fours and a six, before falling just short of a deserved century. His knock laid the foundation for yet another memorable pursuit.

India’s chase was set up by a vital 118-run second-wicket stand between Kohli and captain Gill, who made a steady 56 on his return from injury. Kohli then added another crucial partnership with Shreyas Iyer, whose fluent 49 kept the scoreboard moving even as New Zealand searched for breakthroughs.

Teams with the most successful 300+ run chases in ODIs

The chase, however, was far from straightforward. Kohli’s dismissal triggered a wobble as India slipped from 234 for 2 to 242 for 5, with Kyle Jamieson leading New Zealand’s fightback through figures of 4 for 41. With pressure mounting, late contributions from Harshit Rana (29 off 22 balls) and KL Rahul (29 not out off 21) proved decisive. Rahul sealed the win in the penultimate over, smashing two fours and a six to finish the chase with six balls to spare.India’s latest feat further extends their lead atop the list of teams with the most successful 300-plus chases in ODIs. England follow with 15, while Australia have achieved the feat 14 times. Pakistan (12) and New Zealand and Sri Lanka (11 each) trail behind.Kohli was named Player of the Match, earning his 45th such award in ODIs, moving closer to Sanath Jayasuriya’s tally of 48. The former captain also climbed to second place on the list of leading run-scorers in international cricket, underlining his enduring influence in the format.Most PoTM awards in ODIs

Earlier, New Zealand posted 300 for 8 after half-centuries from Devon Conway (56), Henry Nicholls (62) and Daryl Mitchell (84). Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets apiece.The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday, with India riding high on yet another record-breaking chase.

NEW DELHI: Speculations are rife over a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule hinted at a reunion in the future.This comes as both Ajit Pawar’s NCP and NCP(Sharad Pawar) decided to join hands to contest the upcoming local body elections in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune.While speaking to news agency IANS, Sule was asked whether a merger is possible between the two factions. Sule stressed that the alliance between the NCP and NCP(SP) has been formed for the upcoming local body elections in Pune. She, however, said that no decision has yet been taken on a permanent merger between the two parties.“Our alliance is formed for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. We will see about it in the future,” Sule said.Ajit Pawar also made a similar statement, claiming that the upcoming elections are the primary focus of both parties.“We have not thought about this yet. Our primary focus is on the upcoming elections. Only after the elections will we see,” he said.Earlier Ajit Pawar had said that party workers from both sides were in favour of a union and that friction within the Pawar family had been resolved.Also read | ‘Will let you know if signal is green’: Strong buzz around merger of 2 NCPs after Ajit Pawar’s interviewOn Saturday, Ajit and his cousin Sule also shared the stage for a “common political programme” to release a combined NCP manifesto for the January 15 Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation polls.Cracks within Mahayuti alliance?Meanwhile, cracks appeared within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis took a swipe at Ajit Pawar for criticising the BJP during the poll campaign.Speaking during an interaction with actor Girija Oak, Fadnavis said the BJP and the NCP had decided well in advance that they would not contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections as allies, since both were strong parties in the region.“Ajit dada only speaks, but my work speaks. We had already decided that even if we contest against each other, it would be a friendly contest and that we would refrain from criticising each other or each other’s parties. I have followed that rule till now, but his restraint is somewhat shaken,” Fadnavis said.However, Ajit Pawar will not “speak” after January 15, when votes will be cast, Fadnavis said, exuding confidence in the BJP’s performance.Ajit Pawar-led NCP and NCP (Sharad Pawar) have decided to join hands to contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune local body elections.This comes two years after Ajit Pawar, along with a group of senior leaders, parted ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar and joined hands with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. He had raised objections to Sharad Pawar continuing to lead the party despite his old age.Ajit was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister under the new alliance. He favoured aligning with the ruling coalition, while Sharad Pawar’s faction insisted on remaining with the opposition.The Election Commission later recognised Ajit’s faction as the legitimate NCP, retaining the ‘clock’ symbol. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar’s faction (NCP-SP) adopted the ‘tutari’ (curved trumpet) symbol.Both factions contested elections separately. After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, in which his faction faced setbacks, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that turning his back on his family had been a “mistake”.