NEW DELHI: Ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday, India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul struck a powerful, reflective note while interacting with budding cricketers during the Men in Blue’s training session in Vadodara. In a video shared by the BCCI, Rahul’s words underlined patience, perseverance and readiness — themes that have shaped his own international journey.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It’s not like you’ll never get the opportunity. You’ll be sitting outside for 2-3 years. If you don’t get the opportunity in the state, then you’ll get some other tournament to perform and show your skills and talent,” Rahul said, urging youngsters to trust the process rather than chase instant results.

Emphasising self-discipline, the 33-year-old added, “You just have to constantly keep working on yourself and keep yourself ready. If you get a chance, you’ll have to perform in such a way that you can’t drop after that. But even in that, you’ll have to enjoy the process. There’s no other option for the player. That’s all you have in your hands.”When asked about dealing with difficult phases, Rahul offered a candid response shaped by experience. “That phase is difficult for everyone. It’s not like no player goes through that phase. He’s always at the top. It won’t happen with anyone. You’ll get angry and frustrated. But you have to snap out of it. Don’t give up. I’ll do what I can. And when God gives me a chance, I’ll use it,” he said.

Reiterating the message, Rahul told the youngsters, “You will definitely get a chance to show your talent, whether it’s in a domestic, international, or local tournament. You just have to work hard and be ready when your opportunity comes, and grab it with both your hands. As a cricketer, it’s the only thing we can do.”

Henry Nicholls (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the second ODI against India on Wednesday, New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls spoke about how important this series is for his team as they start preparing for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Nicholls said that ODI cricket is now played less often between major tournaments. Because of that, every bilateral series has become more valuable.

“I think there’s not as much one-day cricket between major events. I think that makes these series even more important. You know, certainly for us as a group, it’s an exciting format,” Nicholls told reporters.Nicholls said some New Zealand players have stayed connected to the 50-over format by playing List A cricket at home. That has helped them stay ready. He added that the team enjoys playing ODIs and wants to make full use of every chance they get.“A few of us have been playing some of the List A cricket back home, so we have got a bit of the 50-over format under our belt, but it’s a format that we enjoy playing… we’re certainly looking to make the most of these opportunities as a team,” Nicholls added.The 34-year-old also spoke about the challenge of facing Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He said playing against such players is always a learning experience.“Any time you play, you’re going to learn from players like that, and that’s a challenge that we knew coming into the series.”Nicholls praised New Zealand’s bowlers for the way they tried to handle both batters in the first ODI. He felt the team showed improvement as the match went on.“But also to see in the first game… the way the guys adapted, certainly from a bowling point of view… I think we saw a little bit of that towards the end of the match,” he further stated.He added that building pressure against top players on Indian pitches will remain a key challenge for the team going forward.India won the first ODI by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a target of 301, India were guided by captain Shubman Gill’s 56, Virat Kohli’s 93 and Shreyas Iyer’s 49. KL Rahul and Harshit Rana added useful runs at the end.Earlier, New Zealand were restricted to 300 for 8. Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway shared a strong 117-run stand. Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets each to keep the hosts in check.

Bengaluru: TCS’s performance in the December quarter came in below analysts’ expectations on both revenue growth and earnings (Ebit) margins. Despite global uncertainty weighing on spending, demand for tech-led transformation remains resilient. In an interview with TOI, CEO K Krithivasan and CHRO Sudeep Kunnumal discussed the demand environment, hiring outlook, and the trajectory of its AI-led revenues. Excerpts:If Q2 marked the start of demand improvement and Q3 sustained it, what indicators give you confidence that this momentum will carry into 2026?Krithivasan: The total contract value is good despite this being a seasonally weak quarter. On the AI front, a couple of quarters ago, there was a lot of experimentation; today, many real projects are going live in production. Customers are willing to sign new projects based on return on investment and payback periods. This gives us confidence that they are willing to engage, both on cost optimisation and transformation.With discretionary spending still selective, are short-cycle and rapid-build AI projects becoming a growth lever?Krithivasan: This quarter, our AI services revenue moved to $1.8 billion on an annualised basis from $1.5 billion last quarter. The reason we talk about these rapid AI-led projects is that they deliver defined, committed outcomes in a short period. While AI is incremental today, it will become material over time.With TCS headcount down about 31,000 over 2 quarters, should AI-led growth decouple from traditional headcount expansion?Sudeep: Our demand for high-quality talent remains strong. We continue to hire while investing heavily in upskilling our existing workforce. We are hiring from campuses, laterals, and leadership roles globally.Will TCS recalibrate its campus hiring target of 40,000 given AI-led productivity gains? Some peers are offering Rs 20 lakh entry-level salaries. Will TCS match that?Sudeep: We don’t want to commit to a specific number. Demand is robust, traction is strong, and we are actively hiring from campuses at scale. Over the last 2-3 years, we adopted a tiered salary and talent structure and the share of hires in higher tiers increased significantly.If fresh H-1B approvals are closer to 1,000, does that imply nearly $100 million in visa fees?Sudeep: We applied in anticipation, but it is not necessary that we use all those visas. Over many years, we invested in building strong local employer brands. In the current quarter, most requirements were met through local hiring, reducing dependency on H-1Bs. We remain on track with our plan to hire around 15,000 people locally in the US in the next 3 to 5 years.Are investors concerned that a debt-fuelled AI data-centre build-out exposes risks?Krithivasan: Our investment thesis is grounded in strong demand in the country. Data centre costs are about 30% lower than in western markets, thus making India attractive for AI training and inference. There is also a growing need for sovereign data centres. With a balanced mix of debt and equity, we do not see material downside risks.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in a pre-poll interview to TOI on Tuesday, admitted that bitterness between both groups of NCP has subsided after the alliance was forged for the elections to the Pune municipal corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body. He said the tie-up had made contest against BJP “tighter”. Ajit indicated at a possible reunion with his uncle Sharad Pawar, saying that he believes in the politics of “addition, not subtraction”. He said while he has had no discussion with Pawar Sr on the issue, “there are no permanent enemies in politics”. Ajit also spoke about following his uncle’s style of working, and relations with his Mahayuti allies. He insisted that ties between the ruling partners was not affected by the criticism they directed at each other during the recent poll campaign. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar spoke to TOI in Pune on a range of issues. Excerpts:Q: Will the NCPs’ alliance continue even post-civic elections?A: I have not thought about it right now, but when such an alliance happens, it automatically helps reduce the bitterness on both sides. There have been no adverse remarks against each other from either group after the alliance was formed.Q: Did you have any discussions with your uncle Sharad Pawar about continuing the alliance or a possible merger of the NCPs?A: There has been no discussion with Pawar Saheb at all. However, I want to make it clear that there are no permanent enemies in politics.Q: The opposition has alleged that the NCP and the BJP made adjustments for the PMC and PCMC polls by not forming an allianceA: That is not at all true. There is no match-fixing between us (NCP and BJP). They are trying to strengthen their party and I am trying the same for mine. I do not think there is anything wrong with it. When I take up a task, I try to complete it with full dedication and that is what I am doing in this election for my party.Q: Whose decision was it for the Mahayuti partners to contest separately in the PMC and PCMC polls?A: It was the chief minister’s call. The BJP already had a big number with them in both the civic bodies and it was difficult for them to make adjustments in any alliance. Had talks of an alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena failed early, we would have probably got Shinde’s party on our side in both civic bodies. Looking at the margin of seats we lost in the previous elections and the votes Shiv Sena candidates got, an alliance between the two NCPs and Shiv Sena would have helped increase the number of our seats this time.Q: Will the criticism of each other in the civic polls affect the alliance in the state?A: I don’t think so. Even when the BJP and the Shiv Sena were in an alliance, they criticised each other during elections but ultimately they came together.Q: What is your poll assessment for PMC and PCMC civic bodies?A: Initially, many thought that it was a one-sided contest in favour of the BJP. However, now they are admitting that the contest is getting tighter between the BJP and the NCPs in alliance. Residents from both PMC and PCMC areas are not only listening to us but also responding positively. I did not see this kind of response when I campaigned for Sunetra (his wife and now a Rajya Sabha MP) during the Lok Sabha elections.Q: Is the response due to the alliance of both NCP groups?A: Yes. NCP supporters have always given their first preference to Pawar Saheb. A section of them also likes my style of working. They are drawn to my style of politics. When we split, our supporters were divided. Now, after we formed the alliance, both sections of supporters have reunited. Their reunion will naturally benefit us in these polls.Q: The bitterness between party workers and supporters of both groups was witnessed during the Lok Sabha and assembly polls last year. Has it been reduced because of the alliance?A: I am telling you, party workers from both sides are responsible for bringing us together. My section convinced me to ally with them. Similarly, party workers from the other group conveyed the same message to their seniors. Thanks to our party workers, we came together to discuss the alliance and later, seat sharing.Q: Who took the initiative for the talks of an alliance?A: Based on our party workers’ opinions, I met the seniors of the other side including Supriya Sule, Rohit Pawar and Amol Kolhe. Later, our respective city unit office-bearers held a series of meetings and finalised the alliance.Q: A large number of NCP functionaries joined other parties before the election. How did it impact the distribution of tickets?A: When many of my party workers switched allegiance, I had it in mind that I should wait for the distribution of A and B forms, hoping that there were party workers with them (the BJP) who were preparing for the last 8-9 years and would change sides in anger at the last moment when they were denied tickets. We did this and gave tickets to such aspirants based on their winnability factor.Q: You usually start your day early like your uncle Sharad Pawar. Did he influence your style of working too?A: I was in Std III when Pawar Saheb became the MLA. I would carry tea in a tray for guests when they would come to meet him. Since then, I have been observing his style of working. I was always told that if I needed to be successful in politics, I would have to start my day early and I have been following the same principle in my political career for over three decades. The legacy was started by Pawar Saheb and I am only continuing it.

BENGALURU: Days after 23-year-old dental student Yashaswini B was found hanging in her bedroom, her mother has accused six of her daughter’s lecturers of abetment to suicide.Based on her complaint, Suryanagar police in Bengaluru Rural district have registered a zero FIR, which has been transferred to Bommanahalli police.

Initially, police had registered a case of unnatural death, following a complaint filed by Yashaswini’s mother, G Pramila. However, on Sunday, she submitted a fresh complaint, alleging sustained harassment by a group of lecturers at Oxford Dental College on Hosur Road, leading to the registration of a new case.Based on Pramila’s complaint, police have booked the accused under BNS Section 108 (abetment to suicide). The FIR names lecturers Dr Anmol, Dr Alba, Dr Shabana, Dr Faika, Dr Sindhu, and Dr Sushmini.Yashaswini had left behind a suicide note, stating that she alone was responsible for her death and no one else was to be blamed. The note was sent to the FSL to determine whether the handwriting was hers.Despite the contents of the note, Pramila insisted that her daughter had been subjected to continuous harassment and humiliation by the lecturers over the past year. She claimed Yashaswini was frequently reprimanded for arriving a few minutes late to class and was allegedly targeted over her dressing style.According to the complaint, when Yashaswini did not respond to these remarks, the lecturers allegedly awarded her lower marks in seminars. Pramila said her daughter repeatedly confided in her about the distress and insults she faced at college.Pramila further stated that a day before her death on Jan 8, Yashaswini suffered from eye pain and skipped classes. When she returned to college, she was allegedly insulted in front of her classmates. The lecturers allegedly even questioned her about the medicines she had taken.The complaint also alleges that the lecturers made remarks about Yashaswini’s skin colour and questioned her suitability to become a doctor, asking why she wanted to pursue the profession “with this face”.

At a time when his name continues to dominate discussions around selection and form, Sarfaraz Khan found a different way to grab attention. The Mumbai batter, who has been piling on runs in domestic cricket, recently shared a subtle yet emotional moment from his personal life on social media. Without much explanation, Sarfaraz uploaded a glimpse of a ‘special gift’ he had received, instantly setting off curiosity among fans and followers.

The post stood out not just because of the gift itself, but because it hinted at strong bonds within the Indian dressing room. With Sarfaraz still waiting for another opportunity at the international level, the gesture was seen as a reminder that performances do not go unnoticed, even when selection doors remain temporarily shut.

Sarfaraz Khan showcases a special gift given by Shubman Gill

Soon after, it emerged that the gift came from none other than India’s current skipper Shubman Gill. During the recent ODI series against New Zealand, Gill presented Sarfaraz with an expensive G-Shock watch as a token of appreciation.

Sarfaraz, who was not part of the ODI squad, took to Instagram to thank the Indian captain, expressing gratitude for the unexpected but meaningful gesture. While Gill did not make any public comment, the act reflected the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among players, regardless of their presence in the playing XI.

The moment also resonated with fans, many of whom viewed it as encouragement for a player who has been relentlessly consistent on the domestic circuit. Sarfaraz last featured for India in November 2024, and despite his absence from the national setup since then, his performances have continued to make a strong case. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season, the 28-year-old has amassed 303 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 75.75, including a top score of 157.

Also READ: Former cricketer explains why Shubman Gill cannot be all-format captain of India

Fresh start with CSK in IPL 2026

While international opportunities remain uncertain, Sarfaraz is set for a new chapter in franchise cricket. The batter has been roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2026 at his base price of ₹75 lakh. The move marks a fresh opportunity for Sarfaraz to revive his IPL journey after last featuring in the league during the 2023 season with Delhi Capitals.

Across 50 IPL matches so far, Sarfaraz has scored 585 runs at an average of 22.5, with a strike rate of 130.59. While the numbers may not fully reflect his domestic dominance, the CSK setup is known for backing players and offering clearly defined roles.

Also READ: Sarfaraz Khan shares emotional note after getting picked by CSK in IPL 2026 auction

NEW DELHI: Pakistan once again found themselves in an uncomfortable spotlight in the Big Bash League. Just a day after Mohammad Rizwan’s unusual “retired out” moment, Hasan Ali added to the embarrassment with a poor piece of fielding on Tuesday.The incident happened during the match between Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers, with the Stars were chasing a small target of 84 runs. They were 35 for 2 in the eighth over. Tabraiz Shamsi was bowling. The fifth ball was pushed towards the cover region.Hasan Ali ran in to stop the ball before it reached the boundary. However, he misjudged it badly. And despite him giving his all till the last moment, the ball slipped past and crossed the rope. The third umpire later confirmed it was a boundary. The moment quickly went viral, with social media accounts of both Fox Sports and Big Bash League sharing the video.This came just one day after another awkward episode involving a Pakistan player. On Monday, Mohammad Rizwan was retired out during a Big Bash League match between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades. Rizwan struggled to score quickly near the end of the innings. He made 26 runs off 23 balls. His knock included two fours and one six.Failing to add momentum, Rizwan was called back by the Renegades. Captain Will Sutherland replaced him at the crease. Rizwan became the first overseas player in BBL history to be retired out.On Tuesday, the match itself was a one-sided affair. Tom Curran produced a career-best bowling performance to help Melbourne Stars crush Adelaide Strikers. The Strikers were bowled out for just 83 runs in 19.3 overs.Curran’s spell with the new ball caused early damage. The Strikers were reduced to 21 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. A small partnership between Jamie Overton and Liam Scott briefly lifted the score near 40. The collapse soon followed.Chasing 84, the Stars lost early wickets. Sam Harper made nine. Campbell Kellaway was dismissed for a duck. Thomas Rogers steadied the chase. He top-scored with 32 off 40 balls. Blake Macdonald supported him with a useful stand.The Stars reached the target in 15.1 overs. Marcus Stoinis made 23 off 20 balls before retiring hurt. Liam Scott took two wickets for the Strikers.Tom Curran was named Player of the Match. He took four wickets for just 10 runs. Mitchell Swepson also impressed with three wickets.