After India‘s commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday, cricket icon Yuvraj Singh took to social media to celebrate the standout performers who kept India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes alive. In a series of heartfelt Instagram stories, the legendary all-rounder highlighted the key contributions of Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, whose collective brilliance powered India to a record-breaking total and a clinical defensive display at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Letting the bat talk: Abhishek Sharma’s return to form

Abhishek, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, rediscovered his touch with a blazing 55 off just 30 balls. His innings, which included four boundaries and four towering sixes, provided the early momentum India desperately needed in this must-win clash. Yuvraj, a long-time mentor to the young left-hander, was quick to notice the poise behind the performance. Sharing a shot of Sharma mid-stroke, Yuvraj noted: “The best chatter is when you let the bat do all the talking! Good innings sir Abhishek keep pushing!”

Total control: Hardik Pandya’s death-over masterclass

Pandya reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s premier finishers, hammering an unbeaten 50 off only 23 deliveries. His explosive knock—featuring four sixes—helped India post a massive 256/4, the highest total of the tournament thus far and the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. Recognizing Pandya’s ability to dominate the final overs, Yuvraj posted an image of the all-rounder connecting with a powerful hit, captioning it: “Superb power-hitting and in total control! Wrapping up the innings in style”

Also READ: Fans mourn tragic demise of Rinku Singh’s father during T20 World Cup 2026

Triple delight: Arshdeep Singh’s clinical bowling

While India’s batters set the stage, Arshdeep Singh ensured the defense was equally relentless. The left-arm speedster was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 3 for 24 from his four overs. Arshdeep’s ability to strike at critical moments—including the vital wicket of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza—effectively derailed the chase. Yuvraj celebrated the pacer’s “Triple Delight” with a celebratory story: “Triple delight for the speedster! Striking at the right moments and keeping the pressure on”

With this emphatic win, India now moves to a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies on Sunday.

Also READ: India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after thumping win over Zimbabwe

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda tied the knot in Udaipur on February 26. The couple had an intimate ceremony in presence of their family and close friends. As they returned from Udaipur on Friday afternoon, they finally posed for the paps as a couple. While Rashmika exuded the new bride glow and opted for a bright red outfit with gold work on it, Vijay was seen in a greyish silver kurta pyjama set. They walked hand in hand and posed for the paps. They also did a namaste and threw flying kisses at them as the members of the paparazzi congratulated the couple.

Both Vijay and Rashmika dropped first pictures from their wedding on Thursday evening with notes for each other. Vijay wrote, “One day, I missed her. Missed her in a way that made me feel like my day would’ve been better if she were around. Like my meals would’ve felt more wholesome if she were sitting across from me.Like my workouts would’ve been more fun and less of a punishment if she were doing them with me.Like I needed her – just to feel that sense of home and calm, no matter where I was. So,I made my best friend… my wife. 😀❤️26.02.2026″ Rashmika penned an emotional note which read, “Hi my loves, Introducing to you now “My Husband”! 💘 Mr. Vijay Deverakonda!! ❤️ The man who taught me what true love feels like, the man who showed me what being in peace feels like! The man who told me everyday that dreaming big was absolutely ok and constantly telling me I was capable of achieving something much more than what I could possibly think I ever could! 🤍The man who’s never stopped me from dancing like no one’s watching...the man who showed me travelling with friends is the best thing ever, and trust me I could write a book on this man! 🤍 I’ve become the woman I have always dreamt of being, because you made her who she is today! I’ve truly been blessed! 🤍 Vijju I am always short of words to describe the feelings I have for you!! I’ve always told you that!! But you know suddenly all of my achievements, struggles, happiness, sadness, joy, life – everything just makes a lot more sense now – it is because I have you – witnessing it all.. being the biggest part of it all! ❤️I am so so so so soooo excited to becoming your wife! to be your wife! To be called your wife!! 💃🏻💃🏻❤️ it’s full party time now!!💃🏻❤️Let’s have the bestestest life ever together! I love you! ❤️”

The couple will reportedly have a grand reception in Hyderabad for their family and friends on March 4.

Abhishek Sharma, right, and Zimbabwe’s Dion Myers (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar admitted he was taken aback — not by a six or a daring stroke — but by a defensive shot from Abhishek Sharma during India’s emphatic win over Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Abhishek, who had endured a rough phase after returning from a stomach bug, roared back to form with a fluent 30-ball 55 in India’s 72-run victory on Thursday. The knock ended a worrying sequence of three consecutive ducks and came at a crucial time in the tournament.

“We know how good Abhishek Sharma is as a batter. He silenced his doubters with this knock of 55 runs against Zimbabwe,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.What particularly caught the legendary batter’s attention, however, was not just the runs but the method.“He took that extra time to start his innings. There was a method to his batting. He respected the off spinner, didn’t take any kind of risks and played in a calm and composed manner,” Gavaskar observed.Then came the moment that surprised him most.“In this game, he actually played a defensive shot. He defended the ball. I was surprised to see that because we don’t usually see Abhishek do that,” Gavaskar added, underlining how rare such restraint is from the naturally aggressive opener.

For Gavaskar, the innings marked more than just a return to form — it signalled growth.“I really think this is a learning curve for him. Every cricketer goes through a rough patch of not scoring runs in back-to-back games. It is about how much you learn from it,” he said. “I feel Abhishek has learned a lot and this will augur well for him going forward, in the next couple of games and the all-important clash against West Indies in Kolkata.”Gavaskar also reflected on India’s tactical adjustments after a disappointing outing against South Africa.“India were broken against South Africa. They realised they needed a right-left combination at the top. Learning from the previous game was very important,” he noted, praising the decision to bring Sanju Samson back to the opening spot.Looking ahead to the virtual knockout against the West Indies, Gavaskar warned that India cannot afford complacency.“West Indies is a completely different challenge. They cannot be taken for granted. Their batters are in top form. Their bowlers are doing well. They punish opposition mistakes,” he cautioned.

BTS star JungKook has taken social media by storm over his surprise live broadcast that saw him spilling the beans. On Thursday morning, a clip titled “JungKook’s drunken live broadcast where even fans begged him to turn it off” began circulating across online platforms and fan handles. The video saw the singer candidly interacting with fans and even taking questions, without his management’s approval.

JungKook admits to smoking

The clip came just a day after his new clothing brand campaign went viral on social media. In the clip, JungKook addressed the controversy he kicked up over pictures of him smoking backstage. He confessed, “I want to talk about smoking. I’m thirty now. I smoked a lot. I tried really hard to quit,” he said and continued, “The moment I say this, the company will probably go crazy. It’s not something I discussed with the company, but I spoke out of frustration.”Taking full accountability for his actions, he said, “I love singing and I’m someone who wants to be honest. If I do something wrong, I want to admit it.”

JungKook doesn’t listen to music

The hunk also spoke about the pressures surrounding his career as a K-Pop superstar. In a rather surprising confession, he said, “I don’t normally listen to music. I only listen to it because I don’t want to fall behind.”

JungKook gagged by company

The singer also admitted to long standing rumous that K-Pop stars are often gagged by their record labels. In his clip, he seemed to call out HYBE for not letting him open up and be honest with his fans. “I’m human too. I just want to enjoy myself,” he began before going on to add, “How many people in this world can truly be honest? I wanted to be honest with ARMY.”

JungKook hints at romance?

JK went on to add, “If it wasn’t for the company, I would have told you everything.” The confession raised eyebrows with fans interpreting it as his way of trying to address matters of the heart and his personal life, possibly even his hush-hush love life. The star has been linked to several K-Pop beauties over the years, one being aespa member Winter. Some claimed he was trying to debunk it, while others said that he was “clearly” trying to acknowledge the relationship.

JungKook on facing flak from Hybe

At one moment, a person can be heard seemingly attempting to dissuade him from spilling more details online. Jungkook responded, “Do you think the company will scold me a lot?” When some viewers encouraged him to end the livestream, he replied, “Why are you telling me to turn it off? Don’t boss me around.”The broadcast has since drawn mixed reactions, with fans expressing both concern and support over his candid remarks.

NEW DELHI: A Rouse Avenue Court on Friday discharged former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the Delhi excise policy case, refusing to take cognisance of the CBI’s chargesheet.The order was delivered by Special Judge (PC Act) Jitender Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court.

Why Delhi court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia?

The Delhi court held that there was “no cogent” evidence against Kejriwal and “no prima facie” case against Sisodia or the other accused. The court pulled up the CBI by saying “there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy,” PTI reported quoting the judge as saying.It observed that the “voluminous” chargesheet filed by the agency contained several lacunae and was not corroborated by evidence or witness testimony.“… The chargesheet suffers from internal contradictions, striking at the root of conspiracy theory,” PTI reported quoting the judge.The court noted that in the absence of evidence, the allegations against Kejriwal could not be sustained and that the former chief minister had been implicated without any cogent material.The order stated that the allegations “failed judicial scrutiny” and found “no criminal intent” on the part of Manish Sisodia. It added that the conspiracy theory “cannot survive against one constitutional authority.”The court also strongly criticised the investigative approach adopted by the CBI, particularly its reliance on approver statements. It observed that granting pardon to an accused, turning him into an approver, and then using his statements to fill gaps in the investigation or rope in additional accused persons was improper.Also read: ‘I am kattar imaandaar’: Arvind Kejriwal breaks down after clean chit in Delhi excise policy case“If such conduct is allowed, it would be a grave violation of the Constitutional principles. The conduct where an accused is granted pardon and then made an approver, his statements used to fill the gaps in the investigation/narrative and make additional people accused is wrong,” the court said.According to the court, the prosecution’s theory was based on “conjecture rather than concrete evidence” and failed to withstand judicial scrutiny. The judge concluded that no prima facie case was made out against any of the 23 accused and ordered their discharge.The court also said it would recommend a departmental inquiry against CBI officials for making public servant Kuldeep Singh the accused number one in the case. “No material found against you. I am surprised why you are implicated,” ANI quoted the judge as saying.Advocate Vivek Jain, counsel for AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, said the court had carefully examined the record.“The court has said that it meticulously went through all evidence produced by CBI and not a shred of allegation can be said to cross the threshold of charge. The court has discharged them, saying that there is no allegation which can be held to be true in this matter. The court has also said that the framing of the excise policy was done through institutional safeguards, and there cannot be any doubt on the mannerism and the way the policy has been framed,” he told ANI.According to the court, the prosecution’s theory was based on “conjecture” rather than “concrete evidence” and failed to withstand judicial scrutiny. The judge concluded that no prima facie case was made out against any of the 23 accused and ordered their discharge.However, sources in the probe agency told ANI that the CBI will approach the Delhi High Court to challenge the Rouse Avenue Court’s judgment discharging Kejriwal and Sisodia.Reacting to the verdict outside the court, Kejriwal said, ” Today, the court has discharged all accused in this case. We always said that the truth emerges victorious. We have full faith in the Indian legal system. Amit Shah and Modi ji together hatched the biggest political conspiracy to finish AAP and 5 big leaders of the party were put in jail.”“The sitting CM was dragged out of his house and put in jail. Kejriwal is not corrupt. I have only earned honesty in my life. Today, the court has said that Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and AAP are honest,” he added.Also read: Delhi excise policy case: Ex-Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, former dy CM Manish Sisodia acquitted

What is the case about?

The case stemmed from alleged corruption in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22 introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and later scrapped.The CBI registered an FIR in August 2022 following a complaint by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The agency alleged that irregularities were committed in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy.According to the CBI, the policy was designed to favour select private liquor entities by reducing licence fees and fixing profit margins, leading to kickbacks and financial losses to the Delhi government. The agency further claimed that alleged loopholes were intentionally created after the tender process to extend undue advantage to specific licensees.It claimed that a criminal conspiracy was hatched during the policy’s formulation and that Rs 100 crore was paid by a “south lobby” to influence the policy.In total, chargesheet was filed against 23 people in the case, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, K Kavitha, Kuldeep Singh, Narender Singh, Vijay Nair, Abhishek Boinpally, Arun Ramchandra Pillai, Mootha Goutam, Sameer Mahendru, Amandeep Singh Dhall, Arjun Pandey, Butchibabu Gornatla, Rakesh Joshi, Damodar Prasad Sharma, Prince Kumar, Chanpreet Singh Rayat, Arvind Kumar Singh, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur, and P Sarath Chadra Reddy.

Gold price prediction today (AI image)

Gold price prediction today: Gold rates are showing a positive bias, says Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities. Here is his detailed analysis on the intraday trading outlook:Gold April futures on MCX are trading near ₹1,60,100 after witnessing a sharp rebound from intraday lows around ₹1,58,500. The recovery indicates short-covering and fresh buying interest emerging near lower levels. The short-term structure now suggests a continuation bounce, provided key support holds.

Gold Technical Setup:

EMA 8 & EMA 21:Price has reclaimed the short-term EMA cluster after a strong rebound. The 8 EMA is turning upward and attempting to cross above the 21 EMA, indicating improving intraday momentum. Sustaining above ₹1,60,000 strengthens the bullish setup.Price Structure:The chart reflects a V-shaped recovery from lower levels with higher lows forming on the 30-minute timeframe. This suggests that buyers are defending dips aggressively.RSI Indicator:RSI is near 57, comfortably above the neutral 50 level, signaling strengthening bullish momentum without entering overbought territory.MACD:MACD has turned positive with a bullish crossover and expanding green histogram bars, confirming recovery momentum.Volume & Open Interest:Rising price with stabilizing open interest suggests short-covering support, adding strength to the rebound.

Gold Intraday Trading View:

• Strategy: Buy on dips • Entry Level: ₹1,60,100 • Stop-Loss: Below ₹1,59,400 • Targets: ₹1,60,600 and ₹1,61,000 • Bias: Bullish above ₹1,60,000; weakness resumes only below ₹1,59,400.Gold’s intraday technical structure has shifted positive after reclaiming key resistance levels and forming a strong recovery pattern. Momentum indicators support further upside extension toward ₹1,60,600 and ₹1,61,000. Traders are advised to initiate long positions near ₹1,60,100, maintain a strict stop-loss below ₹1,59,400, and look for continuation gains during the session.Bias: Buy on Dips | Support: ₹1,60,100 | Target: ₹1,60,600 / ₹1,61,000(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)

The Australia-India Women’s International Series recently provided a moment of pure, unscripted comedy that reminded fans why cricket is as much about the camaraderie as it is about the competition. In the heat of the match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur decided to unleash a high-risk innovation that ended with a resounding ‘clink’ rather than a ‘crack.’ As the ball made unexpected contact with her protective gear, the focus shifted from the pitch to the commentary box. There, Australian fast-bowler Mitchell Starc was caught in a moment of genuine hilarity, unable to mask his amusement at the absurdity of the play. It was a rare, lighthearted crossover between legends that immediately went viral among the viewers.

Mitchell Starc bursts into laughter as Harmanpreet Kaur’s scoop attempt falls apart

The incident unfolded during the 38.5 over when Megan Schutt delivered a ball that was a fraction short outside the off-stump. Harmanpreet, looking to accelerate the run rate, attempted a cheeky scoop shot to guide the ball over the keeper, but the timing went completely awry. Instead of finding the boundary, the ball ricocheted directly onto her helmet grille, creating a ‘funny shot’ that forced a mandatory check from the team physio.

Watching the replays in the commentary booth, Starc couldn’t hide a chuckle as he suggested adding the hit to the bowler’s ‘tall’ of batters she has ‘badged.’ His fellow commentators joined in the laughter, teasing that ‘badging’ a batter might be the only way Schutt can assert such dominance, especially since Kaur ‘cost herself a couple of runs’ with the failed attempt. Despite the heavy impact, Harmanpreet was all smiles after the check, showing she was perfectly fine and even seeing the humor in the failed experiment.

Here’s the video:

That’s … not normally how this shot is supposed to go 😅#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/02VBRKseNP

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 27, 2026

Also READ: Here’s why Australian skipper Sophie Molineux is not playing today’s AUS-W vs IND-W 2nd ODI

Harmanpreet Kaur’s gritty fifty and lower-order surge push India to 251 in Hobart

In a high-stakes second ODI at the Bellerive Oval on February 27, 2026, India’s ‘Women in Blue’ recovered from a mid-innings wobble to post a competitive 251/9 against Australia. After electing to bat first on a surface offering variable bounce, India enjoyed a flourishing start with Pratika Rawal (52) and Smriti Mandhana (31) stitching together a solid 78-run opening stand.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Rawal was involved in a controversial run-out shortly after reaching her half-century, triggering a collapse that saw India slip from a position of strength to a precarious 162/6. Captain Harmanpreet , battling a lingering knee injury, anchored the rescue mission with a resilient 54 off 70 balls, showing immense composure as wickets tumbled at the other end. She found crucial support from the lower order, particularly from Kashvee Gautam (25) and Kranti Goud (19), who added vital runs during the death overs to frustrate the Australian bowling attack.

For the hosts, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets to keep the pressure high. India eventually crossed the 250-run mark on the very last ball of the innings, courtesy of an overthrow that allowed debutant Vaishnavi Sharma and Sree Charani to scramble for a second run. With the pitch expected to assist spinners under the lights, India will be banking on their bowling unit to defend this total and level the three-match series. The match currently rests in a delicate balance, with Australia needing a steady start to counter India’s rejuvenated energy.

Also READ: Will Indian superstars feature in Women’s Bangladesh Premier League? BCB gives update

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Rinku’s father with father Khanchand Singh (IANS Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketers shared heartfelt messages on social media following the demise of Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, on Friday.Rinku, who is part of India’s squad at the ongoing T20 World Cup, had briefly left the tournament earlier to be with his family after his father’s health deteriorated following India’s first Super 8 match against South Africa. He later rejoined the squad ahead of Thursday’s game against Zimbabwe.Khanchand Singh had been undergoing treatment for advanced-stage liver cancer at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where he passed away on Friday morning. The family informed that the last rites will be held in Aligarh, with Rinku expected to attend the funeral later in the day.“This must be an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family,” former spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote on X.

Harbhajan Singh on X

Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh took to X to express his condolences and wrote that his thoughts and prayers are with Rinku Singh and his family during this difficult time.“Heartbreaking news to hear of the passing of Rinku’s father. In moments like these, no words feel enough. Standing in solidarity with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find strength and courage in the love that surrounds you @rinkusingh235 ” wrote on X.

Yuvraj Singh on X

Virender Sehwag also took to X to share his condolences, saying his thoughts are with Rinku.“Rinku, deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Your father raised a truly strong and wonderful son through so many sacrifices, and that is his greatest legacy. Stay strong, @rinkusingh235. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family. Om Shanti”

Former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan also took to X.Deeply saddened to hear about your father’s passing, my brother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace, and may you and your family find strength and comfort during this difficult time. Om Shanti @rinkusingh235 ” Raina wrote on X.“Rinku, my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. May your father’s soul rest in peace and may you find strength in this tough moment. Om Shanti @rinkusingh235” posted on X.

Suresh Raina on X

Shikhar Dhawan on X

Several IPL franchises also expressed their condolences on X, saying their thoughts are with Rinku Singh and his family during this difficult time and praying for strength for them.