Travis Head’s rise as an all-format force has made him one of Australia’s most reliable match-winners and one of the most recognisable faces in world cricket. Set to feature in all five Ashes Tests, the left-hander has topped the run charts and heads into 2026 after an especially demanding 2025, a workload that could see him step back from parts of the domestic calendar as the year progresses. The Big Bash League is the first commitment Head appears likely to sacrifice. The Australian batter has admitted that January may need to be reserved for recovery, with the T20 World Cup in India looming next month and the IPL scheduled soon after. That combination of major tournaments has prompted him to reassess how much cricket his body and mind can realistically absorb.

Head has acknowledged that being fully involved throughout the Ashes, even with Australia’s dominance early in the series and relatively short matches, has taken its toll both physically and mentally. “Probably unlikely with the emotional drain of an Ashes series, and what’s coming up in terms of the World Cup,” Head told the Daily Telegraph when asked about turning out for the Adelaide Strikers this BBL season. The Strikers have made a steady start to their campaign with two wins from four matches, but the absence of their marquee batter would still be a blow. Head’s experience and aggression at the top of the order would have been invaluable, yet with the T20 World Cup approaching and a key role awaiting him at the top alongside captain Mitch Marsh, international priorities appear to have taken precedence. Reflecting on his Ashes performances, Head underlined the emotional intensity of the series. “You go into every series wanting to have a good contribution. I felt like I’ve been close to that and played really well. And the emotional drain of actually being in an Ashes series and playing it is always tough,” he said. After beginning the series batting at number five, Head has since moved to the top of the order alongside Jake Weatherald, a shift that has done nothing to slow his scoring rate. He has already piled up 437 runs in the series, highlighted by centuries in Perth and at his home ground, the Adelaide Oval. Beyond his own schedule, Head also raised broader concerns about player workload as the calendar becomes increasingly congested due to the expansion of franchise cricket and shrinking windows for international fixtures. “So I think it’s important to go into a World Cup fresh, but we’ll see where we get to though. It’s a concern with how much we’ve already been playing and how much time we’ve got on the road,” he said. Looking ahead, Head is keen to spend some time at home before an extended stint in India with both Australia and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Family considerations are becoming more central as well, particularly with another ODI World Cup cycle approaching in 2027. “You look at that year with the young family as well … my mind’s more so with my family. How can I make that year work?” Head said, underlining the balancing act facing modern-day cricketers.

Passenger vehicle (PV) wholesales in India rose to a record 45.5 lakh units in calendar year 2025, marking a growth of nearly 6 per cent, as policy tailwinds in the second half helped the industry overcome a sluggish start, according to industry estimates, PTI reported.The industry surpassed its previous peak of 43.05 lakh units in 2024, aided by record annual sales from market leader Maruti Suzuki India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Skoda Auto India, data showed.A notable shift in the competitive landscape saw Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles leapfrog Hyundai Motor India to emerge as the second- and third-largest PV makers by volume, pushing the South Korean automaker to fourth place.SUVs continued to dominate demand, accounting for 55.8 per cent of total PV sales in 2025, up from 53.8 per cent in 2024, even as small cars showed early signs of recovery following GST reforms.Maruti Suzuki India posted wholesales of 18.44 lakh units in 2025, surpassing its earlier record of 17.90 lakh units in 2024, the company said.“For the industry, 2025 total sales is estimated at 45.5 lakh units as compared to 43.05 lakh units clocked in 2024,” Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, told reporters.Explaining the turnaround, Banerjee said, “We need to split 2025 into two halves — pre GST and the post GST…it is a combination of these things which has really pepped up the market from the month of October onwards.” He added that GST reduction, income tax relief on income up to Rs 12 lakh and repo rate cuts supported demand.At Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Managing Director and CEO Shailesh Chandra said the year marked steady progress for the industry.“The momentum sparked by the roll-out of GST 2.0 in late Q2 FY26 gained further traction in Q3, resulting in several new records…it was the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking annual sales, with 5,87,218 units sold, including the highest-ever EV volumes of 81,125 units in a calendar year,” he said.Mahindra & Mahindra also closed the year on a strong note.“The calendar year 2025 ended on a positive note, with Mahindra clocking its highest-ever volumes in both SUVs and LCVs (over 3.5T) segments, a significant milestone for the company,” Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, said.Hyundai Motor India reported 6.6 per cent year-on-year growth in total sales at 58,702 units in December 2025, including domestic sales of 42,416 units and exports of 16,286 units.“Driven by the positive momentum from GST 2.0 reforms, Hyundai Motor India recorded a robust 6.6 per cent year-on-year growth in total monthly sales for December 2025,” Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said.Toyota Kirloskar Motor posted its highest-ever calendar year sales of 3,88,801 units in 2025, up 19 per cent from 2024.“2025 has been a meaningful year for Toyota, marked by stronger customer acceptance across its products and services,” Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business and Profit Enhancement, said, attributing the performance to GST reforms and product enhancements.Skoda Auto India reported its best-ever sales of 72,665 units in 2025, more than doubling from 2024, while JSW MG Motor India posted 19 per cent year-on-year growth at 70,554 units.Looking ahead, Banerjee said the outlook remains positive.“In times to come, my take is that the tailwinds which are there right now will continue, and if in the next year the monsoon is good, there is no reason why the auto industry should not be growing at a rate of 6–7 per cent growth,” he said.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/36-year-old-autorickshaw-driver-stabbed-to-death-in-bengaluru-cops-10173355” on this server.

Reference #18.f5493417.1767278841.1dd255e0

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.f5493417.1767278841.1dd255e0

Bangladesh has been in turmoil since the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi (File photo)

A brutal attack on a Hindu businessman in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district on New Year’s Eve has left him fighting for his life after he was assaulted by a group of miscreants and set on fire, triggering fresh concern over a spate of recent mob violence incidents in the country. The incident took place around 9.30 pm in the Damudya area, near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Koneshwar Union. The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das, was reportedly waylaid, beaten and doused with petrol before being set ablaze, reported news agency ANI, citing Prothom Alo.

Das was later shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment as his condition worsened, the report said.Police sources said Das is a resident of Tiloi village in Koneshwar Union and runs a pharmacy along with a mobile banking business at Keurbhanga Bazar. On Wednesday night, after shutting his shop, he was returning home in an auto-rickshaw when the attackers stopped the vehicle on the Damudya–Shariatpur road near the market and assaulted him.According to Prothom Alo, the miscreants attacked him with sharp weapons before setting him on fire. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond along the roadside. Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee.Locals later rescued Das and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he was given first aid in the emergency ward. He was referred to Dhaka later that night for advanced treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries.Sima Das, the victim’s wife, said the family was struggling to understand why he was targeted. “My husband returns home every night after closing his shop with the day’s sales money. On Wednesday night, criminals attacked him. He recognised two of the attackers, and because of that, they assaulted him with the intention to kill–hacking him and setting fire to his head and face after pouring petrol on him. We have no enemies in the area. We have no disputes with anyone over any matter. We cannot understand why the criminals suddenly targeted my husband.”Nazrul Islam, a doctor at the emergency department of Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, said the victim had multiple injuries when he was brought in. He added that one abdominal injury was particularly serious, prompting doctors to refer him to Dhaka. Das also suffered burn injuries on his face, the back of his head and his hands.Mohammad Rabiul Haque, Officer-in-Charge of Damudya Police Station, said police swung into action after receiving information about the attack. “After receiving information about a terrorist attack on a businessman at Keurbhanga Bazar, we went to the scene. The names of two of the attackers have been identified. They are local residents Rabbi and Sohag. Efforts are underway to arrest them. We are also trying to identify others who may be involved in the incident,” he said, as quoted by Prothom Alo.The attack comes amid a series of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Last month, two Hindu youths were lynched in separate incidents. Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker in Mymensingh district, was beaten to death over alleged blasphemy charges on December 18, after which his body was reportedly hanged and set on fire.In another case, a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched in Hosendanga village of Kalimohor Union in Rajbari’s Pangsha sub-district over an alleged extortion dispute.These incidents have triggered widespread outrage and condemnation from political leaders, religious organisations and minority groups in both Bangladesh and India.

Millions of Americans face higher healthcare costs as enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expired on January 1, 2026, despite efforts from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution. The expiration affects over 20 million people who rely on these subsidies, with average premium costs more than doubling for most enrollees.The subsidies were part of the original Affordable Care Act passed during the Obama administration and were later enhanced during the Covid-19 pandemic to boost financial assistance for those already eligible and to expand coverage to more Americans. First introduced in 2021 as a temporary pandemic-era measure, the enhanced subsidies were extended by Democrats in power at the time, pushing their expiration to the start of 2026. The subsidies helped lower-income enrollees get free coverage and ensured higher earners paid no more than 8.5 per cent of their income for health insurance.The political battle to save these subsidies led to a 43-day government shutdown, but the two opposing parties could reach an agreement. A House vote expected in January 2026 offers another chance, though success remains uncertain.“It really bothers me that the middle class has moved from a squeeze to a full suffocation, and they continue to just pile on and leave it up to us,” said Katelin Provost, a 37-year-old single mom whose monthly premium is jumping from $85 to nearly $750, as quoted by the Associated Press.Stan Clawson, a 49-year-old freelance filmmaker in Salt Lake City living with paralysis, saw his monthly premiums increase from $350 to nearly $500. He’s choosing to absorb the cost due to his medical needs.Health experts warn that many younger, healthier Americans might drop coverage altogether due to the higher costs. The Urban Institute and Commonwealth Fund predict about 4.8 million Americans will lose coverage in 2026. This could make the program more expensive for older, sicker participants who remain.Some affected individuals are making tough choices. Provost plans to drop her own coverage while maintaining insurance for her four-year-old daughter if Congress doesn’t restore the subsidies soon.Chad Bruns, a 58-year-old enrollee from Wisconsin, expressed frustration with the political gridlock: “Both Republicans and Democrats have been saying for years, oh, we need to fix it. Then do it. They need to get to the root cause, and no political party ever does that.”The issue remains particularly important as the country enters a crucial midterm election year, with healthcare affordability ranking high among voters’ concerns.

India will host New Zealand for a high-octane three-match ODI series starting January 11, 2026. This series serves as a vital bridge between a triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 and the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. 

With the matches scheduled for Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is expected to meet on January 3 to finalize a squad that balances veteran experience with explosive young talent. Following a successful 2-1 series win over South Africa in December, India will aim to maintain their home dominance against a resilient Blackcaps side. The series also acts as a leadership test for Shubman Gill, who will return from a neck injury to captain the side.

Fans are particularly eager to see the integration of domestic heavyweights who have forced their way in through record-breaking performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Workload management remains a priority, with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya likely to be rested to ensure peak fitness for the global T20 showpiece in February. This 15-member predicted squad reflects a strategic mix of red-hot form and established hierarchy.

Here’s predicted India’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand under Shubman Gill

Top Order

1. Shubman Gill (Captain)

International: The captain returns after a brief neck injury layoff following a challenging T20 run where he was recently omitted from the World Cup squad. Despite a lean patch in T20Is (271 runs in his last 14 games), he remains India’s premier ODI opener with a stellar average. He has been tasked with leading this transition phase toward the World Cup 2027.

Domestic: Gill has spent his recovery time focusing on technical refinements at the NCA and hasn’t featured heavily in recent domestic List A games. However, his previous domestic record remains the gold standard for young openers in India. He is expected to play a practice game before the series begins to find his rhythm.

2. Rohit Sharma

International: Rohit enjoyed a vintage 2025, recently smashing a match-winning 121 against Australia in October followed by two fifties against South Africa in December. He remains the most destructive opener in the world, successfully transitioning his aggressive selfless approach into consistent big scores

Domestic: To maintain match fitness during the December break, Rohit featured for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He made an immediate impact, proving his readiness with a rapid century that silenced any talk of age-related slowing down. His domestic presence has been a massive boost for the Mumbai youngsters.

3. Virat Kohli

International: Kohli has been in surgical form, continuing his habit of anchoring large chases with clinical precision throughout 2025. He recently featured in the ODI series against South Africa where he smashed two back-to-back centuries, contributing vital runs that helped India clinch the trophy. He remains the undisputed No. 3, despite his retirement from shorter formats like T20Is.

Domestic: In a rare move, Kohli played for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this December to stay sharp. He dominated the group stages with a brilliant century against Andhra Pradesh and a solid half-century against Gujarat. His return to domestic white-ball cricket for the first time in years has been the highlight of the season.

4. Yashasvi Jaiswal

International: Jaiswal has officially arrived in the ODI arena, punctuating his 2025 with a magnificent 116* against South Africa just weeks ago. His ability to maintain a strike rate above 100 while playing traditional cricket shots has made him a lock for the squad. He is currently viewed as the natural successor to the senior openers.

Domestic: Jaiswal has been a prolific scorer for Mumbai across all formats, though his international commitments have limited his domestic appearances this year. When available, he has been unstoppable, recently recording a string of high scores in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Middle Order

5. Ruturaj Gaikwad

International: Gaikwad solidified his middle-order credentials by smashing a brilliant 105 against South Africa in December 2025 while batting at No. 4. His adaptability to bat in the middle or top order makes him the perfect utility batter for the XI. He has successfully shed the T20 specialist tag with mature ODI knocks.

Domestic: He remains a giant in domestic cricket, consistently topping the charts for Maharashtra whenever he returns from national duty. His form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been consistent where he recently smashed a century for Maharashtra against Uttarakhand, providing the stability his state side needs. He is currently one of the few players averaging over 50 in List A cricket.

Also READ: Reason why Shreyas Iyer will miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand

Wicketkeepers

6. KL Rahul

International: Rahul is the linchpin of the middle order, recently scoring a fluent 66 and 60 against South Africa in the December ODI series. His role as the primary wicketkeeper-batter allows India to play an extra bowling option, and his calmness under pressure is vital. He remains the most consistent performer in the No. 5 slot.

Domestic: Rahul has focused primarily on his international duties but did participate in key red-ball domestic fixtures to find his touch earlier in the season. His white-ball domestic numbers are legendary, and he remains the benchmark for finishing games in domestic List A. He has used the recent gap to work on his keeping drills.

7. Ishan Kishan

International: Kishan is making a roaring comeback to the squad after being picked for the T20 World Cup 2026. His last ODI appearance was a statement of intent, and his ability to provide left-handed variety at the top or middle is highly valued. He is currently the frontrunner to replace Rishabh Pant as the explosive keeper-option.

Domestic: Kishan recently shattered records by hammering a sensational 39-ball 125 for Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka. This innings, featuring 14 sixes, is the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian in history. His domestic form is currently so dominant that it forced the selectors’ hands

All-rounders

8. Ravindra Jadeja

International: Jadeja remains the premier all-rounder, holding the No. 1 spot in ICC rankings for a significant portion of 2025. His bowling remains incredibly economical (under 4.5 in ODIs), and his batting has become more reliable at the death. He was a key figure in India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier last year.

Domestic: Jadeja rarely features in domestic cricket due to his all-format international schedule, but he remains the heart of the Saurashtra setup. Whenever he returns, he dominates both discipline. He is the ultimate safety net for the Indian team management.

9. Washington Sundar

International: Sundar is enjoying his most consistent year yet, recently winning Player of the Series in the T20s and proving his worth in ODIs with disciplined off-spin. He has become a vital asset for his ability to bowl in the Powerplay. His lower-order batting has also improved, often scoring crucial 30s at high strike rates.

Domestic: Sundar has been a force for Tamil Nadu, often opening the batting and leading the spin attack. He is currently considered the most improved all-rounder in the Indian circuit.

Spinners

10. Kuldeep Yadav

International: Kuldeep is India’s strike bowler in the middle overs, recently taking 4/41 against South Africa in December. He has evolved into a smarter bowler, using his pace variations to outthink modern batters. He remains one of the top three ODI bowlers in the world according to the latest ICC rankings.

11. Axar Patel

International: The T20I vice-captain has carried that confidence into the ODI format, providing the perfect backup and partner for Jadeja. His 2025 was marked by high-impact cameos and tight bowling spells in the Champions Trophy. He is currently one of the most reliable fielders in the squad as well.

Fast Bowlers

12. Mohammed Shami

International: Shami could make a blockbuster return to the ODI squad after a long injury-enforced hiatus and a successful domestic stint. His last international outing was marked by his trademark seam position and ability to take wickets in clusters. He is expected to lead the attack in the absence of the rested Bumrah.

Domestic: Shami has been on fire for Bengal, recently taking 20 wickets in just 4 Ranji Trophy matches to prove his fitness. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he helped bundle out J&K for a record low total with a devastating opening spell. His domestic workload has convinced the medical team that he is ready for 50-over cricket.

13. Mohammed Siraj

International: Siraj is the spearhead of the new ball, known for his ability to extract bounce and movement on flat Indian tracks. He recently put in a disciplined performance in Australia and South Africa, maintaining his status as a top-10 ODI bowler. His Ronaldo like celebration has become a frequent sight in international cricket.

14. Arshdeep Singh

International: Arshdeep has transitioned from a T20 specialist to a regular ODI starter, offering a unique left-arm angle. He was a part of the Champions Trophy squad and recently impressed with his improved pace in the South Africa series. He currently leads the charts for most wickets taken by an Indian pacer in the last 12 months.

15. Harshit Rana

International: Rana is the newest pace sensation, making his ODI debut against England earlier in 2025 with an impressive 3/53. He has quickly gained a reputation for his heavy ball and aggressive temperament. He was a part of the victorious Champions Trophy squad and is seen as a long-term prospect for all formats.

Domestic: Rana has been the standout pacer for Delhi and KKR, recently finishing as a third most top wicket-taker in the IPL for KKR. He is also a handy lower-order batter, having scored a domestic century (122) batting at No. 9 for North Zone in 2023 . His all-round capability makes him a very attractive option for the 15-member squad.

Also READ: Rajeev Shukla reacts amid mounting speculation around Gautam Gambhir’s future as India head coach

Who are Denny Hamlin’s parents? NASCAR star’s father dies after North Carolina house fire leaves mother critical (Image via Getty)

NASCAR icon Denny Hamlin has shared an emotional update after a devastating house fire turned his family’s life upside down. The fire broke out at his parents’ home in North Carolina on Sunday night. His father, 75, Dennis Hamlin, sadly died from injuries suffered in the blaze. Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, was also inside the house when the fire started. The 69-year-old was left in critical condition and rushed to the hospital. After days of concern, Hamlin has now confirmed that her condition is improving. The family continues to grieve the loss of his father while holding on to hope during his mother’s recovery.

Denny Hamlin thanks supporters as his mother shows signs of recovery

Denny Hamlin took to social media to address fans and well-wishers. He thanked people for the messages sent after his father’s passing. He also shared that his mother is steadily getting better. Hamlin said the family is grateful for the support and asked for privacy as they deal with the tragedy.It later emerged that Mary Lou showed incredible bravery during the fire. She reportedly managed to pull her terminally ill husband out of the burning house before firefighters arrived. Both were found outside the home with serious injuries. Sadly, Dennis did not survive despite medical efforts.Fire officials said the situation was difficult when crews reached the scene. Nearly half of the two-story home was already on fire. It took close to two hours to fully put out the flames. While some valuable items, including cars and racing memorabilia, were saved from the garage, the damage to the house was extensive.Emergency services confirmed that they were called to the scene shortly after 6:15 PM. Several fire agencies responded together. Authorities later stated that both Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin suffered life-threatening injuries while trying to escape the fire.Tributes have poured in from fans across the NASCAR world. Hamlin has often spoken about how important his parents were to his career. They were regular supporters throughout his rise in the sport. Hamlin drives the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He remains one of the most successful and highest-paid drivers in NASCAR. In the 2025 season, he finished second overall, just three points behind Kyle Larson. He recorded six wins and finished in the top five in 14 races.Also Read: Formula 1 2026 chaos begins early as Ferrari challenges Mercedes’ new engine power advantage

Representative image (AP)

Russia said on Thursday it had recovered and decoded data from a Ukrainian drone shot down earlier this week, which it claimed showed the drone was targeting a Russian presidential residence. Moscow said it would share the relevant information with the United States.“Decryption of routing data revealed that the final target of the Ukrainian drone attack on December 29, 2025, was a facility at the Russian Presidential Residence in the Novgorod region. These materials will be transferred to the American side through the established channels,” Russia’s defence ministry said through a post on Telegram. The CIA earlier rejected Moscow’s claim about the alleged attack, US officials said. They added that CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed US President Donald Trump on the assessment on Wednesday.Moscow on Monday accused Kyiv of attempting to attack a residence of President Vladimir Putin in Russia’s northern Novgorod region using 91 long-range drones. It said the incident would be taken into account while reviewing its negotiating position in ongoing US-backed talks to end the Ukraine war.Trump initially voiced sympathy for Russia’s claim, telling reporters on Monday that Putin had informed him of the alleged incident and that he was “very angry” about it. By Wednesday, however, Trump appeared more sceptical, sharing on social media a New York Post editorial accusing Russia of obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine.Ukraine has denied carrying out any such attack, calling the accusation part of a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at driving a wedge between Kyiv and Washington following a weekend meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Zelenskyy called Russia’s claim “a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war.”The episode followed shortly after Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. While both sides struck a positive tone after the meeting, little headway was made on key issues, including security guarantees for Ukraine and Russia’s demand that Kyiv cede territory.Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Wednesday that he and other senior officials had spoken with Ukraine’s defence minister Rustem Umerov and several European national security officials as part of efforts to end the war.