In a moment that reflected calm leadership and old-school bonding, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir opened the doors of his Delhi residence to the entire Team India squad on Sunday evening, hosting a team dinner ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash against Namibia. With expectations soaring and the tournament intensity gradually building, the gathering offered players and support staff a welcome pause away from floodlights, nets, and strategy boards.

India, who are co-hosting the global event, arrived in the national capital after edging past the USA in a tricky opening Group A encounter. Before shifting full focus to the February 12 contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Gambhir’s gesture brought a homely touch to an otherwise demanding schedule.

Viral visuals capture warm reception at Gautam Gambhir’s home

A short video clip from the evening has since gone viral across social media platforms, showing Indian players arriving at the coach’s residence and being personally greeted by Gambhir and his family. The smiles, handshakes, and relaxed body language painted a picture far removed from match-day nerves.

Among those present were captain Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and young opener Abhishek Sharma, alongside the rest of the playing group and support staff. The informal setting underlined Gambhir’s belief in fostering personal connections, especially during long tournaments where mental freshness can be as vital as physical fitness.

Here’s the video:

कोच @GautamGambhir के घर भारतीय टीम… pic.twitter.com/dxH9JQ4N7z

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) February 8, 2026

Not a one-off gesture from the head coach

This dinner wasn’t an isolated act. During his coaching tenure, Gambhir has often leaned on familiarity and comfort to strengthen team culture. A similar gathering was organised last year during the home Test series against the West Indies, an initiative that was well received within the dressing room. Such moments, though away from the spotlight, often play a quiet role in shaping team unity.

Also WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav pokes fun at Arshdeep Singh after India’s thrilling win over USA in T20 World Cup 2026

India eye momentum against Namibia

On the cricketing front, India will be keen to carry momentum into their second Group A fixture against Namibia on February 12 at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Men in Blue began their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, though the performance came with a few concerns.

India’s batting struggled for fluency, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The standout, however, was skipper Suryakumar, whose commanding 84 off 49 balls anchored the innings and lifted India to a defendable total. The bowlers then stepped up collectively to seal the win.

Against Namibia, fans will expect a more complete display, especially from the batting unit. With home conditions and crowd support on their side, India will look to stamp their authority early and reinforce their status as tournament favourites.

Also READ: ICC–PCB talks in Lahore as Pakistan rethinks India match boycott at T20 World Cup 2026

The Afghanistan fans added to the colour at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

CHENNAI: On the eve of their T20 World Cup campaign opener against New Zealand, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan said his biggest dream is to see international cricket being played on Afghan soil.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“To play international cricket back home is bigger than the World Cup. For me, for the team, and for every individual, that’s something more than a dream,” Rashid had said.

And for the Afghan fans who travel with the team whenever they can, it will be a moment that they have cherished all their lives. On Sunday morning here, when TOI caught up with a few passionate Afghan fans from Kabul at the MA Chidambaram Stadium gallery, they spoke about the dream that they share with their skipper. Draped in either their national attire or Afghan team jersey, they never lost their voices even though New Zealand closed in on the chase of 183.“Inshallah, ek din (one day)…It will be really great. It’s a massive dream for every cricket fan back home. We want to host India for our first international match in Afghanistan because India and we are like brothers. It’s our second favourite team in the World Cup,” Jawad Ahmadi, one of the young Afghan fans, said.Afghanistan as a country has endured a lot. But their undying love for cricket is something that helps them deal with the difficulties of life. And now, with every passing day, the Afghanistan team is looking a stronger unit — their run to the semifinals of the last T20 World Cup being a case in point. “The sport back home is growing day by day. But it will take quite some time to reach the level of India. But let me tell you, we are as crazy about cricket as you guys are. We know how to celebrate, you can take a cue from us,” Ahmadi said with a smile. “But yes, overall, small steps are being taken to develop the sport and we hope to be a big and strong team in the future.”While Rashid is the current face of Afghan cricket, former skipper Mohammad Nabi is widely regarded as its torchbearer. For the fans, it’s a healthy debate, ‘who means more for Afghan cricket’?“Rashid is our hero. Back home, everyone loves Rashid Khan and the way he keeps taking the Afghanistan flag higher in cricket is great. He has helped improve facilities and has inspired so many youngsters to take up the sport, which is just wonderful,” said Jawad.His friend Abdul, a club-level cricketer, had a different view. “I took up cricket because of Nabi. Nabi is the real hero for us; he has been there from the beginning, so we admire him a lot. The way Nabi and his generation started out without many facilities and still kept going…that’s just amazing.”

SBI shares today: State Bank of India’s shares soared to record high on Monday, after the lender turned in its strongest quarterly profit on record for the October–December period of FY26. The stock climbed up to 6.7% to hit Rs 1,137 on the BSE. Last week, SBI reported standalone net profit of Rs 21,028 crore for Q3FY26, up 24% as compared to a year ago. The robust figures came on the back of loan growth and stable margins.On 11:54 am, the SBI stock was trading at 1137.80, up 71 points or 6.7% on the BSE. Income from core lending activity stayed firm. Net Interest Income rose 9% year-on-year to Rs 45,190 crore. Operating profit, calculated before provisions and contingencies, advanced 40% from the same period last year to Rs 32,862 crore, reflecting improved leverage in the business. Brokerages tracking the lender largely maintained positive recommendations, with many highlighting growth in loans, steady profitability and comfort on asset quality.

Should you buy or sell?

Motilal Oswal maintained a ‘Buy’ view and lifted its target price to Rs 1,300, implying a 22% upside from current levels. The brokerage highlighted broad-based strength in performance, helped by business growth, expansion in margins and stable asset quality, as reported by ET. Nomura also kept a ‘Buy’ rating, with a target of Rs 1,235. It pointed to resilient margins, rising 2 basis points sequentially and comparing well with peers. Loan growth of 16% year-on-year was seen ahead of competitors even with the bank’s sizeable base, and core profitability metrics continued to exceed those of peers. JM Financial also reiterated its ‘Buy’ recommendation and set a target price of Rs 1,250. It pointed to diversified growth, margins holding up in the face of deposit pressure, leading asset quality and sizeable provision buffers, all of which provide better visibility on earnings and balance-sheet resilience. A return on assets of around 1% or more and a mid-teen return on equity profile, justifies a premium relative to past public sector bank valuations, according to the brokerage. Nuvama Institutional Equities too remained positive, raising its target price to Rs 1,250 while maintaining its Buy rating. The brokerage observed that for the third straight quarter, SBI’s core earnings surpassed those of private sector peers, aided by stable margins, above-average loan growth and strong fee income.(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)

NEW DELHI: In a shift aimed at making medical treatment more relevant to Indian patients, the Indian Council of Medical Research has called for large, multi-centre clinical trials to generate India-specific evidence for treating lifestyle and chronic diseases, instead of relying largely on data from Western countries.The move targets conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other non-communicable diseases that affect millions across the country. Health experts say therapies proven effective in Western populations do not always produce the same results in Indian patients because of differences in genetics, diet, climate, disease patterns and access to care.The need for such an approach is already evident in ongoing research. Dr Ambuj Rao, cardiologist at AIIMS Delhi, said India-specific clinical research is essential, pointing to a pan-India influenza vaccine trial in heart attack patients currently underway at AIIMS. He noted that evidence for such interventions cannot come from Western countries because India has a distinct flu season and different public health challenges.Under the initiative, networks of at least five hospitals will jointly evaluate treatments, medical procedures, digital tools and lifestyle interventions in real-world Indian settings. The aim is to identify therapies that are not only clinically effective but also affordable and workable within government hospitals and public health programmes. Officials said the findings will directly inform national treatment guidelines, with each selected study eligible for funding of up to Rs 8 crore over four years.Dr Ravinder Goswami from the endocrinology department at AIIMS Delhi said India’s tropical climate, repeated cycles of stress and poverty, and distinct dietary patterns have led to unique metabolic and hormonal adaptations in Indians, including insulin resistance, higher cortisol levels, central obesity and lower muscle mass. He said rapid lifestyle changes and the growing consumption of refined foods have worsened the burden of diabetes, hypertension, polycystic disorders and other metabolic diseases, which require culturally acceptable and India-specific treatment strategies. The ICMR’s call for well-planned studies, he added, offers a crucial opportunity to generate evidence for conditions unique to India, including certain metabolic disorders and cancers such as oral cancer.Beyond improving treatment protocols, the programme is also expected to strengthen India’s research capacity. Participating hospitals will be required to conduct trials independently, maintain standardised digital records and share data transparently, reducing dependence on pharmaceutical-driven global research.Public health experts say the initiative could have a direct impact on patients, as even small changes in treatment protocols, backed by Indian evidence, can improve outcomes and reduce out-of-pocket spending for families living with chronic disease. If successful, the effort could ensure that what doctors prescribe in India is guided by data generated from Indian patients, not assumptions imported from elsewhere.

The daily soap Karna has witnessed a dramatic turnaround with the entry of Kiran Raj as Karna in its new phase, popularly referred to by viewers as Karna 2.0. The refreshed narrative and the actor’s intense portrayal of the titular character have struck a chord with audiences, pushing the show back into the spotlight and reviving its position on the TRP charts.Recent episodes have marked a major turning point in the storyline as Karna finally realises the true intentions of his father. This revelation has shifted the power dynamics within the narrative, transforming Karna from a conflicted son into a determined man ready to take control of his destiny. The emotional shift has added depth to the character, making the ongoing track one of the most discussed phases of the serial. The payback arc, in particular, has generated strong viewer engagement, with audiences enjoying every moment of Karna standing his ground and confronting betrayal.The impact of this twist has also reflected in the show’s performance on television ratings. After a brief dip that showed a faint decline on the TRP graph, Karna has bounced back strongly, reclaiming its popularity among daily soap viewers. The renewed momentum has once again helped Kiran Raj retain his title as a TRP king, a tag he has earned through consistent performances across multiple successful television projects.Kiran Raj’s portrayal of Karna is being widely appreciated for its balance of intensity and emotional restraint. His screen presence, expressive eyes and controlled dialogue delivery have added credibility to Karna’s internal conflict and transformation. The actor’s charm and commanding performance have played a significant role in drawing viewers back to the serial, especially during this crucial narrative phase.Beyond the current storyline, Karna continues to explore themes of family politics, betrayal, self-discovery and redemption, which have been central to its appeal since its launch. The show’s makers have carefully woven emotional drama with high-voltage confrontations, keeping the narrative engaging for loyal viewers while also attracting new audiences.Kiran Raj, known for his versatility and strong on-screen connect, has steadily built a loyal fan base through his acting journey. His ability to bring depth to complex characters has made him a familiar face in Kannada television households. With Karna entering a gripping phase and TRPs climbing once again, the actor’s performance as Karna 2.0 appears to be a defining chapter in both the serial’s success story and his growing career trajectory.

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to India next week, Embraer — which recently announced setting up a final assembly line here with the Adani Group — has stepped up its engagement with the country. An executive-level visit by the Brazilian aerospace major brass has kicked off work to expand & strengthen its supply chain in India — a crucial link for the FAL where all parts and spared are brought together to be assembled to roll out aircraft.“We reaffirm our strong commitment to collaborating with India’s aerospace industry. Our focus is on advancing joint initiatives in defence and civil aviation, contributing to technological innovation, operational excellence, and long-term strategic partnerships. India is a key partner in shaping the future of aerospace, and we are dedicated to building sustainable cooperation that supports both the domestic industrial base and global initiatives,” said Roberto Chaves, EVP of global procurement and supply chain at Embraer.The company says it is committed to “deepening industrial cooperation between Brazil and India and exploring new business opportunities across its portfolios.”“This visit builds on Embraer’s longstanding presence in India and follows ongoing discussions with local industry players and government stakeholders. Embraer assessed a range of potential suppliers in India, including capabilities in aerostructures assembly, machining, metal forming, composites, wiring systems, and hardware and software development,” Embraer said in a statement.“Embraer views India as a key strategic partner in the Asia‑Pacific region and plans to implement an extensive local supply chain program in the country. Recently, the company inaugurated its Indian office in New Delhi, further strengthening its Asia‑Pacific footprint. A dedicated local procurement team has also been established to support Embraer’s supply chain initiatives in India.”India represents a strategic market for Embraer across all of its business segments. The company currently has a fleet of more than 44 aircraft operating in the country, serving customers in commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defence & security. This includes five Embraer VIP jets operated by the Indian government and three EMB 145 AEW “Netra” aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.

Nepal’s fairytale run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 may have ended in heartbreak on Sunday, but the spirit and courage shown by Rohit Paudel’s side at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai won them admiration from across the cricketing world. Pushing two-time champions England to the brink, Nepal fell agonisingly short by just four runs in what turned out to be one of the most gripping matches of the tournament.

England survive late scare thanks to Sam Curran

Asked to bat first, England skipper Harry Brook opted to set a target and his batters delivered a competitive 184/7. Jacob Bethell and Brook struck fluent half-centuries, while Will Jacks added momentum with a quickfire 39 off 18 balls, giving the Three Lions a total that looked strong on paper.

Nepal, however, refused to be overawed. Dipendra Singh Airee anchored the chase with a fighting 44, sharing a vital 82-run partnership with Paudel that kept the underdogs firmly in the hunt. The equation tilted dramatically in Nepal’s favour when Lokesh Bam launched a stunning late assault, bringing the requirement down to just 10 runs in the final over.

With the crowd on its feet and history within touching distance, Sam Curran held his nerve. The experienced all-rounder executed a series of inch-perfect yorkers, denying Nepal the boundary they desperately needed and sealing a narrow escape for England.

Packed stands applaud Nepal’s brave effort

Despite the defeat, the Nepal players made sure to acknowledge the sea of supporters at Wankhede. As per the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), 17,008 fans attended the match, the majority cheering for Nepal after travelling all the way from Kathmandu. Their unwavering support turned the stadium into a home away from home.

Dale Steyn’s message lights up Nepal cricket

Moments after the match, former South Africa speedster Dale Steyn took to social media to praise Nepal’s fearless brand of cricket. Going a step further, the fast-bowling legend openly offered his services to the team, a gesture that quickly caught global attention.

“Nepal. I offer my services to you if you ever need em! Up, up and UP,” Steyn posted, a message that resonated deeply within the Nepal camp.

Nepal

I offer my services to you if you ever need em!
Up, up and UP!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 8, 2026

Also WATCH: Nepal players salute Wankhede crowd with lap of honour after heartbreaking T20 World Cup 2026 loss to England

Nandan Yadav left speechless by Steyn’s praise

At the post-match press conference, Nepal pacer Nandan Yadav was asked about Steyn’s remarkable offer. Visibly emotional, Nandan admitted the significance of receiving such recognition from one of the game’s greatest fast bowlers. He said it was a ‘huge thing’ for Nepal cricket, adding that someone who dominated world cricket for nearly a decade acknowledging their potential felt surreal. Nandan also stressed that such decisions rest with the team management, but the respect shown by Steyn was something the players would cherish.

“So that’s a big thing for us. Someone, some legend, like he ruled the cricket for 10 years, and he is tweeting something like this. But it’s like the can management team, so we can’t approach him. Maybe we can, so I don’t know how to answer this one,” Nandan told reporters.

Also READ: Fans react as England survive massive Nepal scare in dramatic last-over T20 World Cup 2026 win

Rupee edged up in early trade on Monday, rising 21 paise from its previous close to 90.44 against the US dollar. The upward momentum comes as upbeat global cues and optimism surrounding the newly announced India–US trade framework helped the domestic unit recover initial losses.The currency had opened weaker at 90.66 in the interbank market before rebounding as sentiment improved following Saturday’s announcement that New Delhi and Washington had finalised a framework for an interim trade agreement. The plan involves lowering import duties on several products to encourage stronger two-way commerce. Apart from the trade front, a softer dollar index and strength in domestic share markets added to the positive undertone. The rupee had ended Friday’s session down 31 paise at 90.65. During that day’s early trading, it had also slipped to 90.70 against the US currency. “RBI continues to act from both sides of the market selling dollar on good upticks thus keeping a tab on the excessive depreciation while it has also kept a tab on the appreciation after the US-India deal was announced and on Saturday the terms of reference were declared buying dollars near to 90.05 levels,” said Anil Kumar Bhansali Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP. In a joint statement, both sides said that India has conveyed its intention to procure $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft components, precious metals, technology goods and coking coal over a five-year period. In wider markets, the dollar index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, was marginally lower by 0.05% at 97.58. Brent crude futures were also down, easing 0.94% to $67.41 a barrel. Data from the exchanges showed Foreign Institutional Investors had bought shares worth Rs 1,950.77 crore on Friday. Separately, the Reserve Bank reported a sharp jump in the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The kitty expanded by $14.361 billion to reach a new lifetime high of $723.774 billion in the week ended January 30. In the preceding week, reserves had risen by $8.053 billion to $709.413 billion, crossing the earlier record of $704.89 billion touched in September 2024.

Italy’s captain Wayne Madsen, back, and coach John Davison during a practice session. (PTI Photo)

KOLKATA: There is a muted curiosity around the Italian cricket team. Even though the usual buzz that surrounds an international cricket match here at the Eden Gardens is missing, a tiny number of faithful did fetch up at this iconic stadium when the Italians landed for a practice session on Sunday afternoon. They will take on Scotland here on Monday, in their maiden T20 World Cup match and skipper Wayne Madsen admits there will obviously be some butterflies in the stomach.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We had a good preparation and some great practice matches,” he said before getting down to a session in the nets. “But the real thing starts now.” The fact that they are in the World Cup sunk in when the tournament started on Saturday. “The boys are excited and they just want to go out there and play.” It helps that Scotland are their first opponents, a team they know quite well. “We have played them a number of times and we know quite a bit about them,” Madsen added.

It also perhaps helps that Scotland, a last-minute entry into the World Cup, might not be all that well prepared. A loss to West Indies on Saturday would have left them a little low.“We saw that game and gathered our points,” coach John Davison, a former Canada cricketer best known for his 67-ball century against the West Indies in the 2003 50-over World Cup, said. “The wicket looks pretty good for batting.”Incidentally, Italy do not have any natural grass turf wicket.“We play on artificial wickets,” Davison said. So, they have a number of adjustments to make: the surface, the atmosphere and the crowd. An official admitted that back home, they are accustomed to playing in front of spectators in single digits!Given that they won both their practice games against Canada and UAE in Chennai, as well as one game against Ireland in Dubai, their confidence will be quite high. A win against Scotland on Monday would be a dream start to their journey in cricket’s big league.