TimesofIndia.com in Chennai: It was business as usual for the Indian cricket team which held an intense practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. The batters had long hits, bowlers remained in rhythm with extended spells and later returned to flex their muscles with a round of range hitting. The only unusual event of the session was Rinku Singh’s absence.As TimesofIndia.com earlier reported the left-hander has rushed back home to be by his ailing father’s side and there is no clarity on his return yet. Not because of Rinku’s absence but discussions must have already been held, and will continue to be held, regarding the ideal batting combination for the crucial clash against Zimbabwe on February 26.

Having been thrashed in their first Super Eight game to South Africa in Ahmedabad, India are under immense pressure to fix its batting for the remainder of the tournament. The discussion, as expected, revolves around breaking the left-handers’ pattern in the batting order.India have an overflow of southpaws in the mix and the oppositions have cracked the code by using off-spin effectively against the Men in Blue. One of the first batters to hit the nets, like in Ahmedabad, was wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and it remains to be seen whether the thinktank injects him into the top-order.The trio of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma has yet to collectively fire and consistent poor starts have the management in a fix. Do they send an out-of-form Samson back to the top order, or do they reshuffle the batting order by promoting Surya? No possibility can be ruled out at this stage and even the net session pointed in that direction. Both Tilak and Surya batted together and when the left-hander was batting, coach Gautam Gambhir and senior player Jasprit Bumrah kept a close watch from behind the nets.

The two batters exchanged their usual fist-pumps every time they swapped ends. The Indian captain kept his younger partner in good spirits while they remained out for over an hour – facing a lot of spin before moving to the other net which had a mix of net bowlers and Indian seamers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.Bumrah was present but, like in Ahmedabad, he preferred a skill-based session with Morne Morkel in the practice nets. The bowler consistently attacked the stumps and got constant feedback from the coach during his short, intense spell, which lasted no more than 20 minutes. India’s session lasted over four hours before the groundstaff returned to treating the practice pitches and generously watered the square.

The playing surface will be a centre wicket and it’s expected to be different from the sluggish surfaces we have seen in the tournament so far. Batters would definitely enjoy their time in the middle and dew could be a big talking point. Two days before the game, there was excessive dew around 9pm when the Indian team applied finishing touches to their session. It hasn’t been a big factor during India’s games and the Men in Blue could experience it if they field second.The eve of the match is expected to be a low-key affair for the defending champions as they are scheduled to have an afternoon session while Zimbabwe trains under lights. Only four players trained under the unforgiving sun in Ahmedabad, and similar attendance is expected on Wednesday. The press-conference is expected to give some hints regarding the playing XI, which currently doesn’t look like an open-and-shut case.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in Seoul on Tuesday issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise caution while traveling to Jeju Island, South Korea, following the detention of content creator Sachin Awasthi.In its advisory, the Embassy highlighted that from time to time, it receives reports of inconveniences faced by Indian travellers, including denial of entry or repatriation upon arrival in Jeju Island under the visa waiver scheme. To minimize such situations, Indian nationals are advised to carefully note the entry requirements and precautions before traveling.

The Embassy emphasized that entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is strictly for short-term tourism.“Final admission into the Republic of Korea is determined solely by the immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law. The visa waiver scheme does not guarantee entry,” it said.Travelers are required to carry mandatory documents including confirmed return air tickets, hotel reservations covering the entire stay, detailed day-wise travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, a passport valid for at least six months, travel insurance and accommodation contact details. The advisory warned that passengers unable to clearly explain their travel plan could be at risk of entry denial.The Embassy also highlighted the importance of financial preparedness, stating that “travelers should be able to demonstrate adequate financial capacity for the duration of stay including for daily expenses, accommodation payment and transport arrangements.” Immigration officers may conduct interviews upon arrival and travelers are advised to respond truthfully and consistently while remaining calm.Indian nationals are reminded that the Jeju visa waiver does not permit travel to mainland Korea, and attempting to leave Jeju without a visa is illegal. Overstays or unauthorized activity could lead to future travel bans. If entry is refused, the passenger will be returned on the next available flight and temporary stay in a holding facility may be required.The advisory comes in the wake of Sachin Awasthi’s detention for 38 hours at Jeju Island. Awasthi, along with his wife, was denied entry, kept in a detention center and forced to book an expensive return ticket. “I am not sharing this for sympathy or drama. Immigration decisions are their authority. But they did not have any right to treat us like criminals,” he said.Jeju Island is one of the three self-governing provinces of South Korea with a special visa-free entry program for foreigners. Indian travelers can enter without a visa only if arriving directly from a foreign country, as entry via mainland South Korea requires a visa.

The T20I series begins in Hamilton, as New Zealand Women take on Zimbabwe Women at Seddon Park on 25^th February at 11:45 AM IST.

Get the best NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1^st T20I match of the Zimbabwe Women Tour of New Zealand 2026. Expert analysis and more.

Also Read: Huge blow! India captain suffers knee injury, new captain announced

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Match Preview:

New Zealand Women will begin their white-ball series against Zimbabwe Women with the first T20I, as both sides prepare to set the tone early in the contest. The tour will feature a competitive T20I series, and both teams will aim to start strongly in the shortest format. With a balanced combination of youth and experience in their squads, they will look to build momentum right from the opening match.

Amelia Kerr will lead the New Zealand Women’s side in this encounter. Meanwhile, the team includes key players such as Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, and Brooke Halliday in the batting unit. In addition, the bowling department will rely on Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Bree Illing to deliver breakthroughs at crucial stages. Furthermore, all-round options like Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel will add depth to both departments, making the side well-rounded.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe Women will enter the contest with determination and confidence. Modester Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu will anchor the batting lineup, while Chiedza Dhururu and Beloved Biza will strengthen the middle order. Moreover, the team will depend on Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, and Nomvelo Sibanda to lead the bowling attack. As both teams step onto the field for the first T20I, fans can expect a competitive and spirited contest between these two sides.

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Head-to-Head Record:

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Playing 11s (Predicted):

New Zealand Women Playing 11:

1) Georgia Plimmer

2) Maddy Green

3) Amelia Kerr

4) Brooke Halliday

5) Izzy Sharp

6) Isabella Gaze

7) Nensi Patel

8) Jess Kerr

9) Rosemary Mair

10) Kayley Knight

11) Bree Illing

Zimbabwe Women Playing 11:

1) Modester Mupachikwa

2) Kelis Ndhlovu

3) Chiedza Dhururu

4) Beloved Biza

5) Chipo Mugeri Tiripano

6) Josephine Nkomo

7) Nyasha Gwanzura

8) Christabel Chatonzwa

9) Precious Marange

10) Tendai Makusha

11) Nomvelo Sibanda

Hot Picks for NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Zimbabwe Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Isabella Gaze
• Batters – Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Georgia Plimmer, Beloved Biza
• All-rounders – Amelia Kerr ©, Josephine Nkomo, Brooke Halliday (vc)
• Bowlers – Precious Marange, Jess Kerr, Nomvelo Sibanda, Bree Illing

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Isabella Gaze
• Batters – Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Georgia Plimmer ©, Beloved Biza
• All-rounders – Amelia Kerr, Loreen Tshuma, Josephine Nkomo (vc), Brooke Halliday
• Bowlers – Precious Marange, Rosemary Mair, Nomvelo Sibanda

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction Today 1st T20I Zimbabwe Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Players to Avoid:

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction Today 1st T20I Zimbabwe Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Expert Advice:

NZ-W vs ZIM-W Match Winner Prediction:

Evaluating overall team strength, New Zealand Women stand out as the likely winners.

MUMBAI: The University of Bristol, marking its 150th anniversary year, formally unveiled its Mumbai Enterprise Campus, in Powai on Tuesday, signalling a step towards its global expansion. The university is among six institutions that received a letter of intent from the University Grants Commission last year to establish campuses in Mumbai. At the launch, the leadership team announced a slate of industry and academic partnerships, including a collaboration with the premier Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, along with a £1.5 million philanthropic contribution aimed at strengthening India-UK research collaboration and boosting student mobility between the two countries.The Mumbai campus, the university’s first international campus, is set to open in August 2026 near Powai Lake, directly opposite IIT-Bombay. Its proximity to the premier engineering institute is expected to enable close collaboration on a range of academic initiatives, including the development of innovative teaching and learning methods.The university also signed an MoU with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which has a strong UK presence. This MoU will explore collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), industry-aligned learning, live projects, placements, and talent mobility initiatives across India and the UK. The partnership is positioned as one of TCS’ key global university alliances. Bristol, recently named AI University of the Year 2024, is home to Isambard-AI, described as the world’s fastest university supercomputer. “…In a world where AI is transforming everything from education to employment, being able to work at a global scale, to influence those transformations will be absolutely crucial for universities and particularly for the University of Bristol, because we host the UK’s national AI supercomputer and we feel very responsible for ensuring that it’s an ethical transformation as we move into that new AI-enabled world,” told Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-chancellor and President of the university, to TOI during an interaction.Venguswamy Ramaswamy, Global Head of TCS Education and TCS iON, in a press statement, said, “This partnership with the University of Bristol represents a powerful convergence of two organisations committed to shaping the future of AI-driven innovation… Together, we will create pathways that blend cutting-edge research with real-world industry application, strengthen talent readiness, and expand mobility and community initiatives across India and the UK...”Beyond TCS, Bristol confirmed partnerships with other industry leaders and British Council, and the Shanta Foundation, signalling an integrated approach combining research, finance, industry and cultural collaboration. A key financial boost comes from a £1.5 million donation from the Shanta Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Waymade Capital and co-founded by Bristol alumnus Bhikhu Patel. Patel, in a statement, said, “…This gift from the Shanta Foundation will benefit students, both in India and in the UK, through scholarships and travel, creating exciting opportunities and developing further connections between our two countries.”Professor Welch added, “Our new alliances with leading industry partners and the philanthropic support will create unparalleled opportunities for students, researchers, and communities in both Mumbai and Bristol.”In its first year, the campus is expected to enrol up to 250 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in data science, economics, finance and immersive arts, a unique programme, which will be suited for the city’s creative industries. Student numbers are projected to exceed 2,500 by year five. The initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP). The fee for undergraduate programmes has been pegged at Rs 15 lakh and for postgraduate ones at Rs 20 lakh. The university will be working towards making scholarship schemes available to needy students.Further strengthening the transnational link, Bristol has launched the Isambard Global Visiting Professorship Scheme. The first appointee is Kushe Bahl, a lead partner at McKinsey who heads the firm’s AI, digital and analytics work in India.Additionally, a new collaboration under the British Council’s Climate Skills Programme will work with 80 young people across Bristol, Mumbai and Thane, equipping them with green skills through training, mentorship and grants.Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council, said, “The British Council’s Climate Skills programme reflects a shared commitment to preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. We are delighted to forge a new meaningful partnership between University of Mumbai and Bristol University, through the Climate Skills Global Collaboration Grants. The partners will mentor talented young people in the UK and India to develop green skills, strengthen climate resilience and employability...”

NEW DELHI: After India’s heavy loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026, a video posted by social media influencer RJ Princy Parikh with South African batter David Miller went viral. In the clip, Parikh was seen circling Miller, with the caption “David Miller! What a player” and the on-screen line “I thought we were friends, David.”

Soon after, Parikh claimed she started receiving serious online abuse, including rape threats and body-shaming comments. Because of this, she deleted the video from Facebook but kept it on Instagram, and said she plans to file a police complaint over the threats.

South Africa crushed India by 76 runs in their first Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, leaving India in a must-win situation for their remaining two games to reach the semifinals. Chasing 188, India were bowled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs, ending their 12-match T20 World Cup winning streak.India’s chase collapsed early, with Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma falling cheaply. Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma tried to rebuild, but Sharma was dismissed in the fifth over. Washington Sundar and Yadav also failed to build partnerships, and although Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube added 35 runs, regular wickets kept India under pressure. Dube’s dismissal for 42 sealed India’s fate.South Africa’s bowlers dominated, with Marco Jansen taking 4/22, Keshav Maharaj 3/24, and Lungi Ngidi conceding just 15 runs in four overs. Earlier, David Miller anchored South Africa’s innings with a match-winning 63 off 35 balls after they were 20/3, sharing a 97-run stand with Dewald Brevis (45 off 29). Tristan Stubbs added a quick 44* to help South Africa post 187/7. Jasprit Bumrah took 3/15.

NEW DELHI: The raging political row over the Youth Congress’ protest at the global AI summit echoed Tuesday at a parliamentary committee meeting as it passed a resolution condemning the incident amid dissent by MPs from different opposition parties.“The committee would like to place on record its appreciation for successfully organizing the India Al Impact Summit by the Ministry of Electronics & IT under the able leadership of PM Narendra Modi. The committee also condemns the unfortunate incident happened on 20-2-2026 at the venue of the India Al Summit,” the resolution shared by the panel’s chairperson, Nishikant Dubey, said.It was carried by a majority vote, with 10 MPs affiliated to the BJP-led alliance voting for it and six, including from Congress, TMC, SS(UBT) and Samajwadi Party, polling against it, sources said.Though it is not common for parliamentary committees to take up issues outside their listed agenda, official sources said rules permit them to convey their sense on matters of importance, more so as the summit was hosted by the IT ministry, which is overseen by the Dubey-led panel.An opposition MP claimed they protested because the committee was wading into “politics” over the protest and noted that members of even non-Congress parties voted against the resolution despite some like Samajwadi Party having spoken against the shirtless demonstration of Youth Congress members.BJP MP Amar Pal Maurya proposed the resolution. He told TOI, “The resolution was for condemning the incident that tried to malign the country’s image and was not against any party. Everyone should have supported it. In fact, those who did not were doing politics.”Those who voted against it included Priyanka Chaturvedi of SS(UBT), Devesh Shakya of Samajwadi Party and Saket Gokhale of TMC, sources said.The resolution lauded the five-day summit as a “grand success”, emphasising that its declaration from 91 countries and leading companies committed to inclusive Al development. The companies announced over USD 200 billion Al investment in India, it said, adding that Google besides committing for a big data centre in India also pledged to lay direct sea cable link between India and the USA.

When she left Zambia to study engineering in India, she packed textbooks, winter clothes, and the quiet confidence of someone ready for a new chapter. What she didn’t pack, because no one really can, was a manual for decoding head wobbles, surviving auto rickshaw rides, or understanding why tea is treated like oxygen.Through her Instagram account, @mercy_jo123, the Zambian student has been sharing humorous snapshots of daily life in India. Her posts are not dramatic culture-shock confessions. Instead, they read like voice notes from a friend, amused, curious, occasionally overwhelmed, but always observant.

One of the first things that caught her attention was fashion. Walking through the streets of her university city, she noticed young women dressed in crop tops, oversized shirts, and trendy outfits that mirrored global fashion. Yet, when she turned on popular Indian films, the tone sometimes shifted dramatically. Sometimes,not always. Characters who seemed bold and modern in one scene appeared conservative and modest in another, depending on the storyline. The contrast was striking. It wasn’t judgment, it was genuine confusion at how cinema and everyday reality could feel like two different worlds coexisting.Then came the auto rickshaws.

For anyone new to India, the three-wheeled vehicles are less a mode of transport and more an initiation ritual. The first few rides felt like being inside a pinball machine. Traffic surge from every direction. Motorbikes squeeze into impossible gaps. Horns create a constant soundtrack. Sharp turns and sudden brakes make it impossible to tell left from right. “Your body has no idea which way is up,” she joked online.Another adjustment was the attention.As an African student, she quickly became aware of lingering glances in markets, small shops, and public spaces. The looks were rarely hostile, mostly curious. In many places, people simply were not accustomed to seeing someone from Zambia. But these moments often opened doors to conversations rather than closing them. Curiosity, she realized, is not always exclusion; sometimes it is simply unfamiliarity.If traffic was an adrenaline rush, tea was the opposite — grounding, constant, unavoidable.Back home, tea was a beverage choice. In India, it felt like a social obligation. Morning chai before lectures. Afternoon chai during study breaks. Evening chai with classmates. Tiny roadside stalls serving steaming cups to workers, students and strangers alike. Refusing tea sometimes felt like rejecting connection.Perhaps the most linguistically challenging discovery was the famous Indian head wobble.A subtle tilt. A gentle sway. A movement that can mean yes, no, maybe, I understand, or simply I’m listening. In the beginning, conversations required mental replay. Over time, context became the translator. Tone, facial expression, and situation mattered more than the motion itself. What once seemed impossible to decode slowly became intuitive, a small but significant sign of adaptation.Then there was bargaining, something she hadn’t fully experienced before.In many Indian markets, prices are not fixed; they are flexible starting points. Watching negotiations unfold felt like witnessing theatre. A shopkeeper would quote a price. The buyer would gasp in disbelief, and vice-versa. In India, bargaining isn’t aggression; it is engagement. It isn’t about being difficult; it is about playing the game.And then there were the midnight street snacks.Long after sunset, food stalls remained open, drawing students and night owls with the smell of frying spices. Back home, eating street food at midnight wasn’t part of daily life. Here, it felt normal. So much to choose from! There was hesitation at first, concern about spice levels, hygiene, and whether her stomach would approve. But curiosity won more often than caution. Each dish added to the growing archive of experiences that make up student life abroad.

What stands out in her reflections is the balance between humour and humility. There is no mockery, no superiority, just observation. The tone suggests someone learning rather than judging, adjusting rather than resisting.Studying in a foreign country is already demanding. Add cultural translation to that equation, and every day becomes layered. Classroom lectures are only part of the education. The rest happens in auto rides, tea breaks, market negotiations and brief exchanges with strangers. One user responded, “I hope you enjoy your time here. I bet you’ll leave with a little piece of India in you.” And one wrote, “You have come to the best country!”Living in India has not erased her Zambian identity. Instead, it has added new dimensions to it. Through shared jokes and small confusions, adaptation unfolds quietly. And in documenting these moments online, she offers something refreshing: a reminder that cultural exchange isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it is just laughter in traffic, confusion in conversation, and the realization that tea, in some parts of the world, is never optional.

Rajat Bedi, known for his roles in films like ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, has recently returned to the spotlight with Aryan Khan’s series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’. Amid renewed interest in his life and career, Bedi recently offered a glimpse into his private world. He showed his sprawling 100-acre farmhouse in Khopoli, near Mumbai, revealing a space that reflects both luxury and personal passion.

A grand entry and lush green surroundings

According to Pinkvilla, Rajat does not arrive at the estate by road. He prefers the sky. “Whenever we come here, we usually land by chopper,” he said while stepping onto the vast property. The farmhouse is surrounded by dense greenery and carefully cultivated plantations. He pointed out rows of fruit trees and explained that the farm produces multiple varieties across seasons. “We have a lot of berry fruits here, mangoes too, but these are dates. When they ripen, all of them grow beautifully, well-planted.”Among the more unusual residents are ostriches brought from Chennai. Rajat spoke about them with amusement. “Look, we have five or six ostriches here, which we specifically brought from Chennai.” He added with a smile, “You can actually write on their backs. They can get a little aggressive, but people can also ride them.” The farm also includes tennis and basketball courts, reflecting his love for sports.

Horses, birds and a whimsical tree house

The property houses several animals, especially horses and ponies. Rajat proudly showcased sculpted horse figures as well as real stallions. “A designer has been instrumental in designing a lot of things in the farm, especially the house and the entire reception area to welcome people . These are ponies, small baby horses, and these are beautiful stallions. We even have a chariot where you can tie the horses and take a tour of the farm.” The estate also shelters birds and rabbits, giving it the feel of a private sanctuary.For children, he built a charming tree house tucked among the branches. “We have made this tree house for the kids. If you actually want to live amidst the trees, this is why we built it with a lot of love,” he said, revealing a softer side of the grand estate.

Career highs, and mental health

In an interview with Mid-day, Despite past success, Rajat admitted the journey was painful. “I have been a part of a lot of hit films, but I never got my due. Others would take the credit, celebrate the success, and I would just be like, ‘Okay,’ and move on to the next project. Somewhere, that was very disheartening. Financially, I wasn’t seeing a future because I wasn’t getting paid what I deserved” he shared.The pressure affected his mental health deeply. “At one point, I was completely done. I was having nervous breakdowns. I was on tablets, taking sleeping pills at night. I couldn’t sleep because I was constantly thinking about how the house would run, what to do next. I couldn’t see the future ahead. Everything depended on the film’s release. Even my wife couldn’t handle it at some point and suggested that we must get out of here.”