West Indies players in Mumbai. (AP Photo)

MUMBAI: “The team is in a good space,” a confident West Indies coach Daren Sammy said on the eve of their Super Eights Group 1 match against Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Sammy was in a happy mood on Sunday afternoon as his players trained in the nets for close to two-and-a-half hours. West Indies topped their group by winning all four matches, with different players contributing at key moments.

The Men-in-Maroon may have found the going tough in Tests and ODIs, but their calling is T20 cricket as their players are some of the hottest properties across major franchise leagues all over the world. They have won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016. But their form has dipped in the last two editions as they have managed to win only two matches in 2022 and 2024. Their build-up to the World Cup also included series defeats to New Zealand, Nepal,Afghanistan and South Africa.Back in India, where West Indies won their last title in 2016 with Sammy as captain, the team is in a happy space as their players are familiar with the conditions due to most of them playing in the IPL. The Windies have also shown the needed mental toughness to secure wins in a format where there is little to separate teams. The two-time champs have been content with the underdogs tag and have progressed smoothly through a tricky group in which every team has won at least one match.Their secret sauce has been different players putting in match-winning performances during the group stage. Shimron Hetmyer (64, 36b) and Romario Shepherd (5/20) helped them beat Scotland. Shepherd, who missed the last two games due to injury, was available for the Zimbabwe match. Sherfane Rutherford (76*, 42b) and a collective bowling effort led by Gudakesh Motie (3/33) helped them defeat England. Jason Holder (4/27) and Shai Hope (61*, 44b) starred in a win over Nepal, before Hope (74, 46b) and Shamar Joseph (4/30) helped them beat Italy.

Zimbabwe also enter the Super Eights in strong form after topping their group, including wins over Australia and Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. They missed qualification for the last edition but have arrived in India with confidence. Zimbabwe, along with the showing of the emerging nations, have been the flavour of the tournament with the neutrals warming up to their exploits. Led by inspirational captain Sikandar Raza, they have found matchwinners like the young Brian Bennett, who is yet to be dismissed in the tournament and played crucial innings in the wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe’s bowling has been a key strength too, with Blessing Muzarabani leading with nine wickets so far, supported by Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans.West Indies and Zimbabwe last played against each other in the 2022 edition in Australia, with West Indies winning by 31 runs. Zimbabwe’s challenge though will be adapting quickly to conditions at the Wankhede, which has offered assistance to the bowlers.

US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that Americans could receive a $2,000 payment funded through tariff revenues and the move might not even require congressional approval. Addressing reporters, Trump said strong tariff collections had created sufficient room to consider direct payments to Americans while also helping to reduce the national debt. Responding to whether the move will require Congress’s approval, he said “I don’t think we would have to go to Congress, but, you know, we’ll find out.”He added, “The reason we’re even talking about it is that we have so much money coming in from tariffs that we’ll be able to issue at least a $2,000 dividend and also pay down debt for the country.”“But we do a $2,000 dividend to the people of our country and would probably set an income limit where it makes sense, but we will be able to make a very substantial dividend to the people of our country. I believe we can do that without Congress.”These remarks come after the US Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to Trump’s tariff framework. In the case Learning Resources, Inc. vs Trump, the court ruled 6-3 that the US president does not have authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs. The decision invalidated tariffs introduced under that law, including the administration’s “Liberation Day” measures, and complicated the proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend”, according to Forbes.Financial implications from the ruling could be substantial. Economists at the Penn-Wharton Budget Model estimate more than $175 billion in tariff collections are now facing potential refunds, according to Reuters.The court’s verdict was widely viewed as a sharp rebuke of Trump’s aggressive trade policy. Writing for the majority, chief justice John Roberts said the tariffs in question exceeded the scope permitted under federal law.Following the ruling, Trump moved to adjust his approach, increasing the global tariff rate to 10 and then 15% eventually. After criticising the six justices who ruled against him, Trump posted on Truth Social that the tariff would be raised “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level” under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which allows the president to impose duties to address “large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits.”Trump had first floated the idea of a tariff-funded rebate last year, promising a $2,000 payment to Americans next year as households grapple with elevated living costs. However, questions remain over the programme’s affordability.

A caller who claimed to be John Barron from Virginia as he spoke to CSPAN after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s tariffs is going viral because the Internet is impressed by the near-perfect impersonation of President Donald Trump. Trump in the 1980s and ’90s used the alias John Barron to plant stories with journalists and the Internet had a good time listening to this ‘John Barron’ all incensed against the Supreme Court ruling. Soon after the Supreme Court’s decision, CSPAN opened its phone lines inviting callers to voice their opinion about the major blow to Trump tariffs. “John in Virginia, Republican, let’s hear from you,” said CSPAN host Greta Brawner before Barron started speaking. And when he started speaking, it was a moment of disbelief as he matched the President’s voice almost perfectly. “This is John Barron,” the caller said. “Look, this is the worst decision you ever have in your life, practically. And Jack’s gonna agree with me, right? But this is a terrible decision. And you have Hakeem Jeffries, who — he’s a dope! And you’ve have Chuck Schumer, who can’t cook a cheeseburger. Of course these people are happy! Of course these are people happy, but true Americans will not be happy. And you have the woman earlier — I assume she’s a woman, she’s a Democrat — but she’s … devastated by this,” John Barron said without missing any of President Trump’s mannerism.“It was probably not Trump, but the fact that we can’t completely rule it out says a lot,” the handle of Republicans against Trump posted. “Next on the line…Don from Queens,” one user quipped. “18% chance the Supreme Court forces John Barron to refund tariffs,” Polymarket chimed in without their latest betting prediction. “This can’t be real,” another wrote. “If that’s true, it’s honestly surreal. A former president allegedly calling into C-SPAN under the old John Barron alias and throwing insults like calling Hakeem Jeffries a dope sounds more like political satire than real life. The fact that John Barron is a well known pseudonym linked to Donald Trump just makes it even more bizarre. American politics never runs out of plot twists,” a user added.

The T20 World Cup 2026 is reaching its business end, and the excitement is palpable as the Super 8 stage kicks off. Amidst the high-voltage clashes, former Indian head coach and legendary batter Rahul Dravid has shared a refreshing perspective on his ideal scenario for the tournament’s climax. While the world often anticipates a repeat of traditional rivalries, Dravid has voiced his support for a narrative that could reshape the global cricketing landscape.

Rahul Dravid reveals his dream final in T20 World Cup 2026

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dravid revealed that his “dream final” involves more than just a win for the Men in Blue. While he admitted he would happily take “India versus anybody,” he expressed a heartfelt desire to see a lesser-fancied nation reach the summit clash alongside India. Dravid specifically highlighted Zimbabwe as a team he would love to see in the final at Ahmedabad on March 8.

“I would take India versus anybody. India versus Zimbabwe? That would be great for Zimbabwe cricket. It would be amazing if Zimbabwe could make it,” Dravid remarked.

Dravid’s comments aren’t just sentimental; they are grounded in the stellar performances of associate and rising nations in this edition. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, has been the tournament’s “giant killer,” securing historic group-stage victories over former champions Australia and Sri Lanka.

The former coach praised the “fantastic cricket” played by these teams, noting that the emergence of such talent is the defining story of the 2026 World Cup. Even for teams that didn’t make the Super 8s, Dravid emphasized that their fearlessness has been a major boost for the sport’s global appeal.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Dinesh Karthik picks his semifinalists; includes India and three other powerhouses

Dravid on India’s potential in the world event

Switching focus to the defending champions, Dravid expressed immense confidence in the side currently led by Suryakumar Yadav. He pointed out that India’s greatest strength in 2026 is its squad depth, which ensures the team isn’t over-reliant on just one or two star performers.

However, ever the pragmatist, Dravid warned that T20 remains the most “volatile format” of the game. He urged the Indian team to stick to their processes and maintain their focus, reminding fans that in a knockout scenario, a single bad day can change everything.

“They are doing really well. They have been playing some fantastic cricket in the last couple of years. As the tournament goes towards the Super 8s, and you get into the knockout, I think it obviously gets defined by a few critical moments. I think the great advantage that India has is that we are not relying on 1-2 people. We have got great depth in the side. So you would expect that depth to come through. But of course, it is Twenty20 cricket; there is an unknown in Twenty20 cricket. It is the most volatile format of the game, and on any given day, as I have learnt as well as a coach, you can lose. Stick to the process and do what you can and hope for the best,” added Dravid.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Harbhajan Singh predicts Team India’s playing XI for Super 8 clash against South Africa

The most-wanted cartel boss in Mexico, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes known as El Mencho, was killed Sunday after a government operation to capture him. The longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel died from injuries during a mission in Tapalpa, a town of about 20,000 in the western coastal state of Jalisco where his gang was based. He passed away while in transport to Mexico City for medical attention. His death incited violence across the country, with armed groups blocking roads and setting fire to supermarkets, banks, and vehicles in one of the most widespread eruptions of turmoil in recent history.The killing set off swift violence, with Jalisco suspending public transportation and warning hotels to keep guests inside, and Nayarit canceling classes Monday.Follow Mexico El Mencho News Live UpdatesOseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” was a former police officer and Mexico’s most wanted man. The 59-year-old from Michoacan had ties to organized crime for at least three decades. In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the US and served three years in prison. Back in Mexico, he rose quickly through the drug underworld. Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which became Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organisation. It moved cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl, and migrants to the United States.Oseguera faced multiple US indictments, with a $15 million reward for his arrest. The Trump administration designated his cartel and others foreign terrorist organisations a year ago. El Mencho led the cartel for years, controlling everything like a country’s dictator, as one observer noted.Also read | Cartel goes on revenge spree after El Mencho killed — what’s happening in Mexico?

What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel?

A breakaway gang that split from Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa Cartel around 2009 or 2010, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, grew to become one of Mexico’s dominant drug trafficking organizations and the strongest, most aggressive competitor to Sinaloa. It expanded rapidly across Mexico, with a presence in at least 21 of 32 states and activity in almost all US states, plus global reach. Based mainly in the west, including the Tierra Caliente region, strongholds in Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima, its assets exceed $20 billion.Made up of 15,000 to 20,000 members, it takes in billions annually from drug trafficking, extortion, fuel theft, kidnapping, illegal logging, mining, and migrant smuggling. It’s a main distributor of synthetic drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl on the continent, with key roles in US, Europe, and Asia markets. The cartel innovates in violence using drones and improvised explosive devices. It remains the most aggressive in Mexico, per Stratfor, fueling violence in Tijuana, Juarez, Guanajuato, and Mexico City. Attacks include downing an army helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade, killing dozens of state officials, hanging victims’ bodies from bridges, public executions publicized on social media, and assassinations of politicians, judges, and law enforcement. Its efforts to expand control drive persistent violence.The group recruited aggressively online and earned a reputation for brazen attacks on security forces, including downing a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting to assassinate Mexico City Police Chief Omar García Harfuch, now Mexico’s federal security secretary.

What’s next?

Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico launched its most aggressive offensive against cartels in over a decade. El Mencho’s death could ease pressure from US President Donald Trump, who threatened strikes.Turmoil’s spread depends on succession. It’s unclear who will succeed Oseguera or if anyone can hold the 21-state, global organisation together. His absence could slow growth and weaken it against Sinaloa, which faces its own struggles between El Chapo’s sons and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s faction in US custody.If relatives take control, Sunday’s violence could continue, per security analyst David Saucedo. Others might turn the page. The greatest fear is indiscriminate narcoterrorism like Colombia’s 1990s—car bombs, assassinations, and aircraft attacks against the government. Without clear succession, fragmentation could spark new bloodshed, according to Brookings expert Vanda Felbab-Brown, as reported by the New York Times.

ANI file photo

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel during a Cabinet meeting on Monday.He described the relationship between the two countries as “an axis of nations committed to stability and progress,” emphasizing their partnership in innovation, security, and shared strategic goals.

“This morning, at the opening of our Cabinet meeting, I spoke about the historic visit of my dear friend, Prime Minister @narendramodi, to Israel this coming Wednesday. 🇮🇱🤝🇮🇳. The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress,” Netanyahu said through a post on X.Netanyahu also emphasised that the partnership between Israel and India is expanding, spanning areas from AI to regional cooperation.Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli prime minister praised India’s rising global influence ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Speaking about the close ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, Netanyahu tweeted that the visit would “express the special relationship” forged over recent years between Israel and India, and between himself and PM Modi.On the diplomatic front, Netanyahu shared his vision of building a regional network of alliances, describing it as a “hexagon” encompassing India, Arab and African nations, Mediterranean countries like Greece and Cyprus, and select Asian nations. He said he plans to present the framework in a more detailed and organized manner in the future.This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to Israel, following his landmark 2017 trip that made him the first Indian prime minister to travel to the country.The visit comes amid developments linked to the Board of Peace meeting held on February 19, an initiative that emerged from former US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council.The initiative has since broadened in scope, with officials saying around 35 countries have committed to join and about 60 invited. Trump has suggested the body could eventually assume some functions currently carried out by the United Nations.

NEW DELHI: Days after publicly hoping for Pinarayi Vijayan’s victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar claimed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is central to the survival of the opposition INDIA bloc.While talking to news agency IANS, Aiyar suggested that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should allow leaders of smaller parties to steer the INDIA bloc.“Without Mamata di, the ‘I’, ‘N’, ‘D’, ‘I’, ‘A’ of the INDIA alliance will all be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance,” Aiyar said.“I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties — be it MK Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, or someone else — Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it,” he added.Recalling his early political association with Mamata Banerjee, Aiyar said he briefly joined the Trinamool Congress in 1997 and served as its first National Secretary but left within weeks, concluding that the party was rooted in Bengali identity.Responding to whether he is still in Congress, Aiyar said he still considers himself in the party but suggested possible disciplinary action against him.“I consider myself to be in Congress, but it seems they may have decided to expel me. However, I have not received any formal letter,” Aiyar said.He added that although reports suggested he had been expelled, he had received no official communication.“If you want the Congress’ view, ask a Congressman,” Aiyar remarked, while also saying that he believed many within the Congress support Mamata Banerjee.Earlier, Aiyar praised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.Things escalated rapidly when Aiyar, speaking to ANI, dismissed the authority of the current Congress leadership and declared: “I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.”Invoking BR Ambedkar’s description of dissent as being “a part but apart,” Aiyar positioned himself as an ideological insider with the right to rebel. The tone, however, soon turned confrontational.Targeting Congress spokesperson **Pawan Khera**, Aiyar said: “I have absolutely no respect and complete contempt for Pawan Khera… He is not a spokesperson, he is a parrot.”Within hours, Congress distanced itself from the remarks and publicly severed any association with Aiyar.Khera issued a statement on X distancing the party from Aiyar’s comments: “Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.”

Axar Patel, right, during a net session at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s decision to leave out vice-captain Axar Patel triggered a major selection controversy after a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa exposed the gamble in their Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the management had spent days debating the combination before opting for Washington Sundar instead — a call that backfired badly as India collapsed to 111 in pursuit of 188.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The loss marked India’s biggest defeat in T20 World Cup history and ended their remarkable 18-match unbeaten run across ICC white-ball events. But the spotlight quickly shifted from the result to the explosive team selection, with Axar’s omission raising serious questions.

Breaking his silence, ten Doeschate revealed just how agonising the decision had been.“Yeah, we spent so much time deliberating about the XI, the last couple of days,” he said. “And I guess the only way that it sort of didn’t play into our hands is if we did have the ideal start like we did today with getting Quinton and Rickelton out so early.”He explained that the call was driven purely by tactical considerations, not a reflection of Axar’s value.“We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then obviously, someone has to give way. So, do we leave a batter out and get another bowler in? In hindsight, that looks like the right decision. But playing it forward and making decisions at the time, we felt we needed Rinku as an eighth batsman, so to speak. And the decision was based around there.”

India ultimately chose Sundar for his powerplay bowling ability and batting flexibility, even though Axar is widely regarded as one of the side’s most dependable all-rounders.“Certainly, it’s not to take anything away from Axar and his leadership and how important he is to the team,” ten Doeschate stressed. “We face it almost every week, trying to squeeze 11 places into 15. We’re finding it tricky, and we need to make sure we get that spot on for the next two games.”He also dismissed concerns over Sundar’s limited IPL opportunities.“I don’t think that’s necessarily relevant. We know what Washi’s done while he’s been with India, and we judge him on that,” he said. “A big part of the strategy today was how well he bowled in the power play. Winning that power play was going to be super important.”The assistant coach admitted the plan was built around countering South Africa’s left-hand heavy middle order.“Given the fact that we thought the majority of the threat was going to come from the left-handers, and we wanted to play the extra batter, it left us with one choice between Washington and Axar, and today we chose to go with Washi.”He acknowledged the optics looked worse because Sundar didn’t bowl in the powerplay as intended.“He obviously didn’t bowl in the power play tonight, so it looks like we’ve purely gone on who’s going to bowl through the middle, in which case you would choose Axar. But the strategy was around that.”Despite the backlash, ten Doeschate expressed hope Axar would understand the decision.“In a tournament like this, you expect all players to understand that the best intentions are trying to pick the best 11 to win the game, and I hope Axar takes it in the same spirit.”

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: Max Financial, and Delhivery are stocks recommended for buying by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd for the trading week starting February 23, 2026. Below is a detailed analysis:

Max FinancialMax Financial Services continues to deliver industry-leading growth supported by strong expansion in Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) and sustained Value of New Business (VNB) margin improvement. The company reported robust double-digit growth in APE and VNB, with margins expanding to above 24%, driven by a favorable product mix shift toward higher-margin protection and non-participating savings products, alongside moderation in unit-linked contribution. Protection, annuity, and rider segments recorded strong traction, while group credit life witnessed recovery, reinforcing diversified growth drivers. Distribution momentum remains healthy across proprietary, bancassurance, and digital channels, with improving agency productivity and strong growth in non-Axis bank partnerships. Persistency trends have strengthened across long-term cohorts, solvency remains comfortable above regulatory requirements, and assets under management continue to expand steadily. With disciplined margin management, improving operating leverage, and a balanced product strategy, Max Financial Services is well positioned to sustain superior growth within the life insurance sector.DelhiveryThe acquisition of Ecom Express has significantly strengthened Delhivery’s network reach and accelerated consolidation within the logistics sector, enabling the company to gain share as smaller players face margin stress. In 3QFY26, performance remained robust, with EBITDA margins expanding to 7.4%, supported by strong volume traction in the Express Parcel and Part Truck Load segments. Segment-level margin improvement to 18.1% and 11%, respectively, highlights the benefits of operating leverage and improved realizations. With the heavy investment phase largely complete and capital intensity moderating, free cash flow generation is set to improve. Management continues to target steady-state margins of 16–18% in core transportation, with additional upside from Supply Chain Services and newer offerings such as Delhivery Direct and Rapid, positioning the company for structurally stronger profitability ahead.(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)