Cricket fans are buzzing on Anushka Sharma’s social media, curious about the sudden absence of Virat Kohli’s Instagram account. Theories of a possible break or temporary suspension are swirling, prompting many to express their worries and implore the actress to encourage her husband to rejoin the digital landscape. So far, neither Kohli nor Sharma has commented on this intriguing situation.

Actress Anushka Sharma has found her comment section filled to the brim with cricket fans all of a sudden. Reason? It appears that Virat Kohli has left social media, as his Instagram account is nowhere to be found at this point, and fans have been left wondering what actually happened. Many have resorted to reaching out to his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, in order to get answers.

Virat Kohli’s social media account disappears

Fans of the ace cricketer, Virat Kohli, pointed out that the star player’s Instagram account has suddenly disappeared. Many shared that they could no longer see his name when they searched for it on the platform. Along with his account, his 274 million followers have also disappeared, leaving many wondering about what truly happened. Fans are debating whether the cricketer has taken a sudden break from social media or if the account has been suspended. Many reached out to Anushka Sharma for answers.

Virat Kohli fans ask Anushka Sharma about the cricketer

Many fans of the cricketer took to Sharma’s page and her latest posts to ask what exactly is happening. Many commented with question mark emojis, while others also pointed out that they miss their favorite cricketer. One person’s comment read, “Laut aao Kohliji” (come back Kohli Ji), while another added on, “Bhaabhi bhaiya ka account kaha gya??????” (Bhaabi, where did Bhaiya’s (Kohli) account go).Another netizen joked about the matter and commented sarcastically, “cheeku bhaiya ne mereko kyu block Kiya h mereko jawaab do ..kya mtlb aap meri jgh le li ho” (Why has Chiku Bhaiya blocked me? Answer me…what does it mean that you have taken my place?).

Many also started asking the ‘Qala’ actress to ask her husband to reactivate his account soon. One comment similar to this read, “Bhabhi king bhaiyya ko bolo account activate.”So far, neither Virat Kohli, his team, nor Anushka Sharma has commented on the matter.

NEW DELHI: The sudden death of Ajit Pawar has left his party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), with many challenges. After losing its most skilful political manager, the party is now in a Catch-22 situation over a possible merger with the rival faction, while also keeping the alliance with the BJP intact.As “Ajit Dada” was cremated in Baramati on Thursday after a tragic plane crash, four questions are staring straight at the party.

NCP mergerAmid the ongoing speculations, the Pawar family has to take a call over the merger of the party, which underwent a split in 2023. According to senior NCP leader and a minister in the Fadnavis cabinet, Narhari Zirwal said that the “two factions are already together”, claiming that there was “no point in remaining scattered.”“The two factions are already together (for local body polls). Everyone has realised that there is no point in remaining scattered and we have to be together,” Zirwal said.Meanwhile, state NCP (Sharad Pawar) president Shashikant Shinde told news agency PTI that Ajit Pawar, before his death, Ajit had spoke about sitting together and taking a decision on the merger of the two NCPs after municipal and local body polls in Maharashtra.“When we had met for an alliance of the two parties for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad corporation elections (which took place on January 15), he (Ajit) had said let’s sit together and discuss (merger) after Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls (scheduled on February 5),” he said.“Ajit Dada (elder brother) was an emotional man and wanted the two factions to come together and the (Pawar) family to remain united. He had felt enough was enough. If the family and parties want a reconciliation, we have no problem. Now, we have to see if we can fulfil what became his last wish,” he added.This comes after both the factions contested the local body polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad together.However, the united Nationalist Congress Party suffered a massive setback in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune municipal elections. In the 165-member Pune Municipal Corporation, the NCP won only 27 seats and NCP (SP) three seats against the BJP’s tally of 119, whereas in the 102-member Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body, Ajit Pawar’s party got 37 and Sharad Pawar’s faction drew a blank, while the BJP got 84 seats.In 2023, Ajit Pawar, along with a group of senior leaders, parted ways with Sharad Pawar and joined hands with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. He had raised objections over Sharad Pawar continuing to lead the party, despite his old age.Ajit was sworn in as deputy chief minister under this new alliance. The Election Commission later recognised Ajit’s faction as the legitimate NCP, retaining the ‘clock’ symbol.Will the united NCP stay in Mahayuti?After the merger, the united NCP will also have to take a call on whether to continue to stay in the Mahayuti alliance or step out and join the opposition.According to political analysts, if NCP (SP)’s working president Supriya Sule takes a call to join the opposition, several NCP MLAs could oppose the move and switch to Shiv Sena or the BJP.However, if the party decides to stay in the alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena, those with Sharad Pawar’s group in the opposition will not want their group to compromise on Phule-Ambedkar-Shahu’s ideology.Sunetra Pawar to replace Ajit Pawar in Maharashtra cabinet?NCP leaders are also pushing Sunetra Pawar — wife of Ajit Pawar — as his replacement in the Fadnavis cabinet. Narhari Zirwal said it is the people’s wish that late Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha member, be inducted into the state ministry.Asked about the NCP’s future after the untimely death of Ajit Pawar, who was also the party president, Zirwal said that people want “vahini” (sister-in-law, referring to Sunetra Pawar) to be made a cabinet member.“We will talk to our leadership about it (inducting Sunetra in the cabinet) and take a decision,” Zirwal, a close confidante of Ajit Pawar, said.Given that Sunetra hasn’t been politically active despite being a Rajya Sabha MP, it will be interesting to see whether she will be allotted a seat in the Maharashtra cabinet. And even if she is given a seat in the cabinet, will she be made deputy chief minister or finance minister of the state — the posts Ajit Pawar held?Who will lead the party?In a situation where the merger plan fails, another question arises over who will become the president of the party. While former Union minister and party working president Praful Patel and state unit chief Sunil Tatkare are likely contenders, the Pawars would be reluctant to let someone from outside the family lead the party.Another NCP leader and Ajit Pawar confidante, Pramod Hindurao, maintained that Sunetra Pawar should carry forward the legacy of her husband and take care of party workers.“Considering the sympathy factor, Sunetra can be the option to not only lead the party but also negotiate merger talks with the other group, who are also part of her family,” political analyst Prakash Pawar told TOI.

As Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises transition from the high-intensity auction phase to long-term squad management, attention has shifted to a lesser-known but crucial mechanism – the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). While it rarely grabs headlines, the RAPP plays a decisive role once the auction concludes, serving as the only source for franchises seeking replacement players during the season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally circulated the RAPP list to all IPL franchises, underlining its importance as teams prepare contingency plans ahead of the 2026 season.

Over 1,300 unsold players form replacement pool

According to the BCCI, the RAPP consists of 1,307 players who registered for the IPL auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi but remained unsold. These players completed the auction process and are now the only eligible options for mid-season replacements.

If a franchise faces injuries, withdrawals, or releases during the season, they must choose a replacement strictly from this list. Players outside the RAPP, regardless of availability or reputation, cannot be added to squads once the auction window has closed.

Star international names feature in RAPP

Despite going unsold at the auction, several high-profile international cricketers feature prominently in the RAPP. Former Australia captain Steve Smith is among the most notable names, offering franchises a proven option should middle-order experience be required.

England players Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley and Jamie Smith are also part of the pool. New Zealand all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell adds further quality, particularly for teams seeking balance in their XI.

Their inclusion highlights how tactical considerations, salary constraints and overseas combinations at the auction can leave even established internationals without contracts.

Capped Indian players add depth to the pool

The RAPP is equally significant for its depth of Indian talent. Several capped domestic players with international exposure remain available as replacement options. Names such as Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Vijay Shankar, Karn Sharma, KS Bharat, Deepak Hooda, Navdeep Saini and Chetan Sakariya are all listed.

These Indian players carry a reserve price between ₹75 lakh – ₹1 crore, making them viable and experienced options for teams dealing with injury setbacks during the season.

BCCI sets clear financial and contractual rules

The BCCI has also laid down strict guidelines governing the use of the RAPP. Franchises are not permitted to sign any replacement player for a fee lower than the reserve price declared by that player at the time of auction. This ensures fairness and prevents post-auction undervaluation.

Additionally, while franchises are allowed to engage players from the RAPP as net bowlers during the season, such arrangements do not provide any preferential rights. Teams must still follow standard replacement protocols if they wish to add the player to their registered squad.

KKR turn to RAPP after release of Mustafizur Rahman 

The relevance of the RAPP has come into sharp focus with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) actively searching for a replacement after releasing Mustafizur Rahman. As per regulations, the three-time champions can now only select a replacement from the RAPP list.

Their decision will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how franchises utilize the pool during the season.

Also READ: Not RCB! Dale Steyn surprises fans with his prediction for IPL 2026 winner

RAPP’s quiet but critical role in IPL 2026

Though it operates largely behind the scenes, the RAPP is a vital pillar of IPL squad management. With injuries, workload management, and international commitments often disrupting plans, the RAPP ensures franchises maintain competitive balance while adhering to transparent rules.

As IPL 2026 approaches, this unsung list could once again shape the fortunes of teams long after the auction hammer has fallen.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – RCB’s new owner revealed? Billionaire vaccine mogul confirms bid for Bengaluru franchise

MUMBAI: Low visibility did set off the series of events that led to Wednesday Learjet crash that killed deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others, said senior pilots who analysed the CCTV footage of last seven seconds of the accident. The fixed CCTV camera installed at Gojubavi village gram panchayat office that captured the last seconds of the plane before crash was not positioned for aviation monitoring and had partial visual obstructions from buildings, trees and overhead cables. According to the time stamp on the footage, the aircraft entered the camera’s field of view at 08:43:58, descending towards the runway. Two seconds later, at 08:44:00, the aircraft was seen undergoing an abrupt roll to the left, with the bank angle increasing suddenly to nearly 90 degrees. The Learjet was in a near-vertical orientation as it continued its descent in an abnormal attitude. A second or two later, the aircraft disappeared from view due to obstructions along the CCTV camera’s line of sight. At 08:44:05, a fireball soared up, indicating that the aircraft had impacted the ground. The short interval between the onset of the steep roll and the crash suggests that the loss of control occurred while the aircraft was still airborne and at low altitude. “The pilots had no time or altitude to recover and do a second go-around,” said an A320 commander. During final approach on runway 11, the crew reported to the Baramati air traffic control, manned by pilots of a flying training organisation, that the runway was not in sight and initiated a go-around, said a statement issued by the ministry of civil aviation on the day of the accident. During the second attempt too, they could not visually spot the runway, again indicating a visibility issue. “After a few seconds they reported runway is in sight and the aircraft was cleared to land,” the statement said, adding that the pilot did not give a read-back of the landing clearance, as is the norm in the radio communications protocol. Officials familiar with the probe said the visuals are not consistent with a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) scenario, in which an aircraft under control impacts the ground due to factors such as poor visibility or navigation error. Instead, the footage shows that the wings were not straight and level in the final few seconds before the crash. Pilots attributed the reason for that sharp and abrupt roll to various possible factors. “It could be an engine failure leading to asymmetry and possible application of wrong rudder,” said a senior pilot. Another pointed to a possible technical problem with control surfaces. “It’s possible that they visually spotted the runway late, when they were well below the ‘decision height’, and then they tried to align the aircraft to the runway to land, and the aircraft went out of control either because of too much correction or some other technical problem,” said another commander. Ideally, if the runway is not in sight by the time the aircraft descends to the decision height, which is about 200 metres above ground, then a go-around or diversion should be the next course of action.