India‘s journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has hit turbulent waters after a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 encounter. The loss not only dented their confidence but also severely impacted their Net Run Rate (NRR), which now stands at a worrying -3.800. Placed third in Group 1 with zero points, the Men in Blue suddenly find themselves in a must-win situation.

What initially looked like a manageable Super 8 group has now turned into a complex qualification puzzle. With fixtures against Zimbabwe and West Indies remaining, India’s semifinal hopes hang by a thread. Adding to the tension, former India cricketer has made a bold claim that Zimbabwe could prove to be a bigger threat to India than even the West Indies.

Ex-opener explains why Zimbabwe could hurt India more than West Indies

Speaking on his YouTube channel, ex-India opener Kris Srikkanth offered a sharp assessment of Men in Blue’s situation. According to the former opener, the dynamics of the group have shifted dramatically after West Indies registered a dominant win over Zimbabwe.

“West Indies are one step ahead of India now with the crushing win over Zimbabwe. Everything boils down to the South Africa-West Indies match for India. Yet, playing on the Chennai wicket, Zimbabwe is a bigger threat to India than the West Indies. Because now the West Indies have hopes of qualification whereas Zimbabwe has no hope, so they’ll play carefree cricket,” remarked Srikkanth.

Srikkanth’s argument revolves around mindset and match context. Zimbabwe, virtually out of the semifinal race, have nothing to lose. That freedom can make a team dangerous, especially in T20 cricket where momentum swings rapidly. On a Chennai surface expected to assist spinners and demand patience, a fearless Zimbabwe side could take risks without scoreboard pressure.

He further warned that India’s fate may not remain in their own hands. Srikkanth said: “It will be game over for India if South Africa beats West Indies. Though South Africa also has to beat Zimbabwe.”

Also READ: 2007 reloaded? Here’s how Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign mirrors a legendary comeback

India’s qualification scenarios A narrow road to the semifinals

After the heavy defeat to South Africa, India’s route to the semifinals is challenging but still achievable. The equation is simple on paper — win both remaining games — but the permutations make it complicated.

Best case scenario

• India win both matches against Zimbabwe (Feb 26) and West Indies (March 1).
• South Africa win both their remaining matches.
• Outcome: India qualify in second place with four points, while South Africa top the group.

NRR battle scenario

• India win both matches.
• South Africa lose to West Indies.
• Outcome: India, South Africa, and West Indies could be tied on four points each. Qualification would then be decided by Net Run Rate — an area where India are currently at a major disadvantage.

Straight through scenario

• India win both matches.
• South Africa lose both their remaining games.
• Outcome: India and West Indies qualify for the semifinals.

Also READ: 3 reasons behind India’s crushing defeat against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

He told the media while leaving the group’s HQ, Bombay House.When asked what changes for the group following the development, he said, “Nothing.”The matter of extending Chandrasekaran’s chairmanship was not listed on the main board agenda but was introduced as a supplementary item, said people familiar with the development.At the meeting, Noel Tata listed out criteria on which Chandrasekaran should deliver. These include turning around or reducing losses in aviation and digital services; ensuring heavy capital expenditure in high-risk semiconductors and batteries units does not drain Tata Sons’ cash, as it can no longer raise debt after surrendering its status as a core investment company based on RBI norms; maintaining the company’s current unlisted status given the fact that an IPO would loosen Tata Trusts’ hold over it; and speeding up talks with Shapoorji Pallonji Group to provide them an exit from Tata Sons.Tata Digital, set up five years ago and which bought Bigbasket and 1mg, made the second-highest loss of Rs 4,610 crore in the group, according to Tata Sons’ FY 25 report.

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Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata and vice chairman Venu Srinivasan represent the philanthropic foundations on the board of Tata Sons. The other Tata Sons members board are independent directors Harish Manwani and Anita George, and company CFO Saurabh Agarwal. On Tuesday, George pointed out that new businesses, especially capital-guzzling ones, take time to mature. Between FY20 and FY25, Tata Sons invested Rs 1 lakh crore in its operating companies, its FY25 report showed.Lawyers said even if the majority supported the extension, the item would not go through as Tata Trusts’ nominees have a veto right. Last July, Tata Trusts passed a resolution for extending Chandrasekaran’s term for another five years. Now six months later, with the issue before the Tata Sons board for further approval, the principal shareholders are clearly taking a relook at the issue.People close to Noel had sounded out some Tata Trusts trustees if he had their backing to defer and rediscuss Chandrasekaran’s extension. They were, however, advised it can be changed only with unanimous approval. “This is the second time that the Tata Sons chairman’s performance has come under scrutiny after Cyrus Mistry,” said an industry observer.People said circumstances have changed since the resolution was passed by Tata Trusts and evolving internal dynamics have shaped the latest development around leadership continuity at the Tata group.The group faced a series of setbacks last year. Air India had a fatal plane crash, while a cyberattack at JLR was severe enough to dent the UK’s GDP. It is also facing headwinds at TCS, its crown jewel, even as rapid adoption of AI-powered services reshapes the tech consulting industry. Over the last one year, the combined market capitalisation of 24 Tata group companies has fallen by a little over Rs 3 lakh crore or 12.5% to Rs 24.6 lakh crore.

Bhojpuri superstar Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, has once again grabbed headlines — this time for his candid remarks about his personal life. The actor, who has been married to Mansha Devi since 2000 and is a father to two sons, opened up about his marriage and his views on love during a recent interaction, sparking conversations across social media and entertainment circles.In an interview with Digital Commentary, Nirahua reflected on his early marriage and admitted that he still carries regret. He also revealed that he has advised his sons to choose their life partners independently.He said, “I told my sons that you should get married by your own choice. My parents forced me into marriage. I kept saying, please let me do something first. Let me become something. I do regret that. Your life partner should be someone you love. That did not happen in my case.”The actor acknowledged that while he has fulfilled his responsibilities, emotionally, he feels something was missing.

‘I have told my wife I never loved her’

Nirahua went a step further and shared that he has been honest about his feelings with both his children and his wife.He said, “I told my children that I was never able to love their mother. I have also told my wife that I never loved her. Yes, it is my duty that since my parents got us married, I am fulfilling that responsibility. I do feel guilty about it. That is why I will not do the same with my children. I will never tell them that they have to do things a certain way. I will not force them.”He explained that although he continues to stand by his marriage out of responsibility towards his parents’ decision, he feels guilty about the lack of emotional connection. That guilt, he said, is precisely why he refuses to impose similar decisions on his children.

‘I will not impose anything on them’

Speaking about his family, Nirahua shared that his elder son is pursuing direction, while his younger son wants to become an actor. He made it clear that just as in matters of marriage, he does not believe in forcing career choices either.He said, “I first asked my children which field they wanted to go into, because I will not impose anything on them. My elder son said he wanted to pursue direction, so he went into direction. My younger one said he wanted to become an actor, so he entered this field. I told them to take proper training. I know that if you do something you truly like, you will do it well.” By allowing his sons to follow their own paths — both in love and career — the Bhojpuri star says he wants to ensure they have the freedom he feels he did not have in his own life.

Toronto Raptors vs Oklahoma City Thunder (Image via Getty)

The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Toronto Raptors on February 24, 2026. Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference with a 44-14 record. Toronto is 33-23 and holding a playoff spot in the East.Both teams are dealing with injuries. Oklahoma City is missing key starters, while Toronto has several players listed as questionable. Even so, both sides still have enough depth to keep the game close.

Oklahoma City Thunder injury report and expected rotation changes vs Toronto Raptors (February 24, 2026)

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is out with an abdominal strain. Jalen Williams is also out with a hamstring injury. Ajay Mitchell remains sidelined with abdominal and ankle issues.Chet Holmgren is questionable with back spasms. Alex Caruso (left ankle) and Aaron Wiggins (right hip) are also listed as questionable. Thomas Sorber is out with a torn ACL.

Oklahoma City Thunder Key Players

The roster remains mostly unchanged from last season, with the team continuing to rely on its young core.

Toronto Raptors injury report and available options vs Oklahoma City Thunder (February 24, 2026)

Jakob Poeltl is out with a lower back strain. Chucky Hepburn is also out with a knee issue and is currently on a G League assignment.Immanuel Quickley (ankle), Ja’Kobe Walter (hip), and Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) are all questionable. That leaves Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett as the main available options.

Toronto Raptors Key Players

Toronto continues to build around Barnes, with added scoring support from younger players like Gradey Dick and Jonathan Mogbo.

Oklahoma City Thunders vs Toronto Raptors Team stats comparison

Oklahoma City has been one of the most efficient teams this season. The team scores 119.5 points per game and allows 107.7. It also ranks among the top teams in steals and blocks.Toronto averages 113.7 points per game. The team relies more on ball movement and rebounding, with 29.2 assists per game.

Oklahoma City has a slight edge in rebounding. Toronto ranks higher in assists.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Raptors injury Head-to-head and recent results

Recent meetings have gone in Oklahoma City’s favor. The team has stayed consistent with its lineup and performance.This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Raptors Game outlook (February 24, 2026)

Oklahoma City will need to adjust without Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams. Holmgren’s availability could affect their defense inside. Caruso could take on a larger role if he plays.Toronto will look to use Barnes and Barrett to carry the offense. If Quickley is available, it will help with ball handling and playmaking.The game may come down to execution. Oklahoma City’s defense has been steady all season. Toronto will try to control the game through passing and rebounding.

US President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday (US local time), delivering his State of the Union speech at a politically sensitive moment marked by a Supreme Court ruling striking down his global tariff regime and growing tensions with Iran.The prime-time televised address comes days after the Supreme Court invalidated Trump’s sweeping tariffs, a centrepiece of his economic agenda. The president is expected to respond directly to the ruling and outline alternative legal pathways to restore most of the levies.According to Reuters, two White House officials said Trump will also discuss Iran, as Washington moves additional military assets to the Middle East amid heightened tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The speech could mark his most detailed public case yet regarding possible military action.Trump is also expected to focus heavily on the economy, an issue central to his 2024 election victory. According to White House officials, he will “claim victory on the economy” and argue that he inherited economic challenges from his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. He is likely to cite stock market gains, private-sector investments and his tax legislation as evidence of progress, despite opinion polls showing continued voter concerns over the cost of living.The address comes as new data indicate slower economic growth and rising inflation. The Department of Homeland Security remains largely shut amid a dispute in Congress over immigration policy, further complicating the domestic backdrop.White House aides and Republican strategists have urged Trump to stay focused on economic messaging ahead of the November midterm elections, when control of Congress will be at stake. “This is the one opportunity the president has where the whole world is looking at what he has to say, and this is his opportunity to summarize everything that he’s done and not go off script,” said Amanda Makki, a Republican strategist and former Florida congressional candidate.Trump indicated on Monday that his address would be lengthy. His comparable speech last year ran nearly 100 minutes, the longest presidential address to Congress in modern history. One White House official said the speech was crafted with flexibility, adding, “We are planning around it.”Some Democrats plan to boycott the address. More than 20 lawmakers are expected to skip the speech in favour of an outdoor rally. Senator Jeff Merkley said the event would offer a more “honest description” of Trump’s record, rather than the “propaganda push” of the speech.Virginia Governor Abby Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic response, while Senator Alex Padilla will present the Spanish-language rebuttal.The speech will unfold against the backdrop of foreign policy uncertainty and domestic political pressure, with the midterm elections looming and scrutiny mounting over the administration’s economic and security policies.

LONDON: The great-grandson of British architect Edwin Lutyens, Matt Ridley, has criticised the removal of the bust of his ancestor from Rashtrapati Bhavan.President Droupadi Murmu unveiled its replacement — a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and last Indian governor-general of independent India — on Monday.Ridley, a science writer, posted a photo of himself on X next to Lutyens’ bust and wrote: “Sad to read that the bust of Lutyens (my great grandfather) is to be removed from the presidential palace he designed in Delhi. Here I am with it last year. I wondered at the time why his name had been removed from the plinth.”He posted a second photo of a replica of the bust on top of his bookshelf, saying: “For those suggesting I offer a home for Lutyens’s bust from Delhi, I already have a copy of it. It looks down on my desk as I write this. It was sculpted by Sir William Reid-Dick. I understand India’s wish to remove colonial statues but he was an architect, not a viceroy.”X user Oliver Lewis wrote: “This is genuinely appalling by the Govt of India. Lutyens designed the building and built for India probably the most fantastic Head of State ‘HQ’ anywhere in the world.” To which Ridley replied: “Agreed. Rashtrapati Bhavan is a more elegant, ingenious and imaginative building than Buckingham Palace, the White House, the Quai d’Orsay, the Kremlin or the presidential palace in Beijing. It carefully incorporates Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Muslim architectural themes.”Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi agreed on X, writing: “Many countries preserve the heritage and legacy of their nation’s lived history for generations to remember — the good, the bad and the ugly included to learn from — but in new India we are hell-bent on replacing it with shiny new glass domes or convention centres with no soul or cultural context.”X user Palash wrote: “Lee Kuan Yew chose NOT to remove Sir Stamford Raffles’ statue from Singapore despite pressure from many leaders in 1965. His rationale was simple — “Singapore cannot enter a new future with anger towards the past.”Former CBI director Mannem Nageswara Rao wrote an apology to Ridley on X, saying: “This zero-sum act is not decolonisation; it is petty vandalism of history.”But X user SagasofBharat wrote: “Your grandfather Edwin Lutyens wasn’t just an ‘architect’, he was a nasty racist. You should be happy Indians didn’t knock that bust of your grandfather off with a hammer.”

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