Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to India may prove to be a turning point in bilateral ties between the two countries after three years. Carney will be in India from February 27 to March 2, 2026.Ties between the two countries had deteriorated sharply in September 2023 following allegations regarding India’s role in the killing of a Khalistan leader in Canada, which also led to the suspension of negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement. The visit comes at a time when India has sealed several free trade agreements in the last year. A trade deal with the US has also been announced, with tariffs on Indian exports reduced to 18% – however the fate of the agreement remains uncertain after the American Supreme Court struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

India-Canada Bilateral Ties Reset

According to a report from Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), Carney’s visit is expected to have two major outcomes: the most significant of which could be the formal revival of negotiations for an India–Canada Free Trade Agreement. The two sides may also express a political commitment to finalize the agreement within a specified timeline.“Both countries have strong economic reasons to move forward: Canada wants to diversify trade beyond its heavy reliance on the United States, while India is seeking stable markets, and secure access to energy and critical minerals,” notes GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava.Bilateral trade between India and China has shown consistent growth. It reached about $7.8 billion in 2025. India’s exports stood at around$4.5 billion and included pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, and machinery. Canada’s exports were at around $3.3 billion, mainly comprising pulses, timber, pulp and paper, and mining-related products.Because the two countries trade largely complementary goods rather than competing products, an FTA could significantly expand trade and investment, especially in agri-food, clean energy, critical minerals, etc, says GTRI.Another key development from the visit could be the conclusion of a long-term uranium supply agreement that is aimed at supporting the expansion of India’s nuclear power sector. For Canada, such an arrangement would provide a stable and dependable export market for uranium beyond the United States.The importance of the agreement is heightened by recent reforms in India’s nuclear sector under the SHANTI Act, 2025, which are intended to attract foreign technology partners and speed up the deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors. A reliable supply of uranium from a trusted partner would be essential to support the planned increase in reactor capacity.

Mark Carney’s India Visit: What’s On Agenda?

India has said that the upcoming discussions between PM Narendra Modi and Mark Carney are expected to help strengthen a future-oriented partnership between the two countries.Carney is scheduled to begin a four-day trip to India on Friday, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming office as prime minister.The primary objective of the visit is to inject fresh energy into bilateral relations. The Canadian leader will first travel to Mumbai, where he is set to attend a series of business-related events and hold interactions with prominent Indian and Canadian industry representatives, financial professionals and innovators.He will then reach New Delhi on Sunday, with comprehensive talks between the two prime ministers planned for Monday.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will assess the progress made in various sectors under the India-Canada Strategic Partnership, building on their previous interactions in Kananaskis in June last year and Johannesburg in November.The ministry noted that the visit takes place at a significant stage in the process of restoring normal ties between India and Canada.

A heart-broken Dasun Shanaka issued a heartfelt apology to fans after Sri Lanka crashed out of the T20 World Cup, admitting failures, fitness concerns and missed opportunities contributed to another painful exit.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Co-hosts Sri Lanka were eliminated in the Super Eight stage following a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand, days after suffering a 51-run loss to England. The twin defeats left their final match against Pakistan inconsequential, extending a barren run in global tournaments since their 2014 triumph.

“We feel very sorry about this,” Shanaka said in an emotional post-match press conference. “For the spectators, I don’t have anything to tell. We have not given them any win that they can be happy about.”The captain admitted Sri Lanka had squandered crucial moments, especially against England. “England match was also a match that we could have won. If we were more sensible, we could have won that. This match was a one-sided game,” he said.

Shanaka also pointed to unexpected playing conditions, saying the pitches did not behave as anticipated despite the squad being built around proven domestic performers. “Before the start of the tournament, I mentioned I expected good wickets. The best batsmen in Sri Lanka are here. No one goes out there to fail; everyone goes to win for the country,” he said. “Unfortunately, sometimes we lose games from small changes we don’t even think of. So honestly, we are very sorry.”Fitness and injuries emerged as a major concern, with Shanaka admitting Sri Lanka were lagging behind global standards. “I don’t think the physical fitness is up to the maximum level. We had about four to five injuries, and our best players are out. When considering fitness levels, other teams are way ahead of us,” he said.He stressed that fitness must become “non-negotiable”, highlighting the absence of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana as a huge setback, while insisting he was not using injuries as an excuse.Shanaka also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s lack of power-hitters and called for long-term planning, while remaining uncertain about his own captaincy future. “As a captain, I have no idea how long I will be the captain. It’s decided by selectors. I have made good decisions and mistakes as well, but I’m happy I had this opportunity.”Despite the disappointment, Shanaka urged his side to finish strongly against Pakistan. “No matter the problems, we have to go positively. It’s very important to finish the World Cup well because it gives momentum for the next tournament,” he said.

Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) chairperson and Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew on Thursday opened the DNPA conclave and said that artificial intelligence and rapid shifts in the digital ecosystem are fundamentally reshaping how news is created, distributed, discovered and monetised.Speaking at the Third Annual Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 on the theme, “Transformation of Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Mathew said the industry is at a critical juncture as artificial intelligence, evolving data governance norms, shifting platform economics and changing audience behaviour redefine digital journalism.With India preparing to implement a forward-looking AI regulatory framework, she described the dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders as both timely and essential.Mathew said DNPA has worked to ensure that the voice of credible digital publishers remains central to this transformation. The association has engaged with the government on key policy consultations, including the Digital Personal Data Protection framework, discussions on generative AI, copyright and broader regulatory developments affecting digital news.“Strong AI requires strong, credible journalism,” she said, highlighting the need to anchor technological advancement in trust and editorial integrity.Internally, she noted, DNPA has strengthened collaboration among its members, focusing on traffic growth, sustainable monetisation models, newsroom adoption of AI tools and collective opportunities for innovation. Through working groups, policy dialogues and knowledge exchanges, the association aims to ensure that no publisher navigates the ongoing disruption alone.Mathew emphasised that trust remains the core principle amid industry-wide transformation. She said DNPA has brought together policymakers, technology leaders, industry partners and publishers not only to discuss challenges but to co-create solutions. Key concerns include building sustainable monetisation in an AI-mediated ecosystem, protecting intellectual property while enabling innovation, and reducing platform dependency to build traffic resilience.The Digital News Publishers Association represents 21 prominent digital news publishers in India. The body advocates on behalf of its members in engagements with institutions such as the ministry of electronics and information technology, the ministry of information and broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, while also promoting best practices and collaboration across the industry.

An Indian founder who built his agri-tech company in Sweden has announced he is leaving the country, saying he was pushed out by what he describes as a “hostile” and “xenophobic” immigration system.Abhijith Nag Balasubramanya, founder and CEO of Hydro Space Sweden AB, shared the news in a detailed LinkedIn post that has since circulated widely online. In it, he said he had sold the company and would be returning to India after being told he must leave Sweden by the end of the month.“Today, I am officially stepping down as Founder and CEO of Hydro Space Sweden AB. I have sold the company as I am being forced to leave the country by the end of this month,” Balasubramanya wrote.“This isn’t an exit by choice. It is an eviction by an incompetent and increasingly hostile state apparatus.”

Clash with Sweden’s migration system

In his post, Balasubramanya said that while his company’s products were welcomed locally, he faced repeated obstacles from Sweden’s Migration Agency, Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), which oversees residence and work permits.

He argued that Sweden’s reputation as a “startup-friendly” nation does not reflect the experience of foreign founders navigating immigration processes.According to him, officials handling his case lacked business understanding, failed to provide clear guidance on documentation despite repeated requests, and changed the stated grounds for rejection multiple times.He described the broader system as marked by “gross incompetence, procedural cowardice and systemic hostility,” adding that he felt it had been “run to the ground by the system.”

Decision to return to India

Rather than pursue a legal challenge, Balasubramanya said he chose to step away.“I do not have the energy or the desire to spend my capital fighting a legal battle against a system that is fundamentally broken and seemingly xenophobic,” he wrote.

“Instead, I have decided to take a break and move back to my home country to work on my mental health that was destroyed by the Swedish migration agency. To the incompetent and arrogant case officer who took pride in destroying my livelihood: You haven’t just failed me; you are failing Sweden’s future to be food secure.”Balasubramanya holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and two master’s degrees, one in international marketing and another in sustainable agriculture. He had positioned Hydro Space Sweden AB as part of Sweden’s push toward sustainable food production.His post has triggered debate online about Sweden’s immigration framework for entrepreneurs, particularly as European countries compete to attract foreign talent and startup founders. People on LinkedIn have offered support to Balasubramanya. One wrote, “The current political system and the atmosphere it has created is truly disturbing and disappointing. I wish Sweden to be a country where talented entrepeneurs feel welcome and encouraged. I´m deeply sorry to hear what you have experienced, and I wish you all the best and success in the future whatever you decide to do.”Anoter user shared their own experience, “What a sad story to hear I found my self in a simillar situation. After working at hashtag#alfalaval the best company in the world when it comes to inclusion and integration of more then 250 nationalities I found my self bullied and mocked at a custtomer assignment working as a consultant. After 35 years of working in Sweden I find my self questioned and commented for my background from another country. This have severilly affected my mental health and I have stil not recovered after 6 months. My heart and thoughts are with you and try to move on and not let this get to you like it did to me. I wish you the verry best for the future.”

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday continued its sharp criticism of the NCERT over the newly introduced Class 8 social science textbook, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant lambasting NCERT over a chapter discussing “corruption” and “backlogs” in the judiciary, calling it a “deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy.”However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the education ministry.CJI Surya Kant reprimanding NCERT for the second consecutive day, said, “There appears to be a deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.”“It is my duty to find out who is responsible; heads must roll,” the CJI said on the NCERT book row.The top court also observed, “There is not a single word of apology in NCERT’s communication. Instead, they have sought to justify it.” The Supreme Court also called to have a “deeper probe”.A day earlier, the Supreme Court had also come down heavily on the NCERT over the introduction of the new textbook, which outlined the country’s judicial system in chapter titled — “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society”, including references to corruption, a heavy backlog of cases, and an inadequate number of judges.Following the top court’s sharp remarks, the NCERT moved to withdraw the revised textbook.The NCERT also began retrieving the 38 copies that had been sold out of the 2.25 lakh printed, sources confirmed to news agency ANI.In a late-night development, the board announced that it had put the distribution of the newly released textbook on hold after noticing “inappropriate textual material and an error of judgment” in the chapter on the judiciary. It said the issue was flagged both internally and by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the education ministry.

In a significant boost for the Indian cricket team ahead of their do-or-die T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, middle-order batter Rinku Singh rejoined the squad in Chennai on Wednesday evening after attending to his ailing father. The 28-year-old left-hander had rushed back to Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday following a family emergency, sparking concerns about his availability for Thursday’s crucial encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Rinku missed Tuesday’s practice session after his father, who has been battling stage-4 liver cancer for over a year, was admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida and placed on ventilator support following a deterioration in health. His swift return suggests some improvement in the family’s situation, though the emotional toll on the player remains a consideration for the team management.

However, Rinku’s form in the tournament has not been upto the mark. The finisher has managed only 24 runs in five innings at an average of 8.00 and a strike rate of 82.75, often arriving at the crease with very few deliveries remaining. His best effort came against Pakistan, where he remained unbeaten on 11 off four balls.

Selection dilemma for India team management

While Rinku’s return resolves one concern, it intensifies the selection puzzle facing the team management. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak openly acknowledged that changes are being contemplated following India’s humiliating 76-run defeat against South Africa – their biggest in T20 World Cup history.

“There can be changes, yes. We are discussing everything because we have two left-handers as openers and a left-hander at number three, and the opposition also has an off-spinner. Since we lost wickets in the first over in the last three games, any team would think about changes,” Kotak explained in the pre-match press-conference.

The primary discussion revolves around wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who attracted significant attention from the coaching staff during an extended net session on Tuesday. Samson’s right-handed batting and prowess against spin could provide the solution to India’s vulnerability against off-spin in the powerplay – a pattern opposition teams have ruthlessly exploited.

When asked if Samson’s intense practice indicated his selection, Kotak responded, “Sometimes he wants to do some drills, but I don’t think net sessions give any indications. But, definitely, there will be thoughts about playing him.”

If Samson is included, the team management faces a difficult choice between Rinku and Tilak Varma, with the latter having struggled for form throughout the tournament. Varma has managed only 107 runs in five innings at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 118.88, well below his usual standards.

One proposed solution involves sending Samson to open, pushing Ishan Kishan to No. 3 – a role where he scored a century against New Zealand last month and regularly bats for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. This adjustment could see Tilak Varma, rather than Rinku, making way.

Beyond the batting reshuffle, Axar Patel is almost certain to return to the playing XI after his controversial omission against South Africa. Zimbabwe’s top order features five right-handed batters in their top seven, making the left-arm spinner’s inclusion a “no-brainer.” Washington Sundar, who contributed little with both bat and ball against the Proteas, is expected to make way.

The team may also consider an additional specialist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav, though this would require either dropping a fast bowler like Arshdeep Singh or sacrificing batting depth.

Also READ: Top 3 biggest run defeats for India in the T20 World Cup history

Must-win scenario for the defending champions

India currently languish third in Group 1 with zero points and a disastrous net run rate of -3.800 following their South Africa defeat. To qualify for the semifinals, Suryakumar Yadav’s men must win both their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies, while also hoping South Africa remains unbeaten to finish on six points.

Kotak acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in his side’s ability to handle the situation. “See obviously, World Cup in India, there will be pressure and a lot of expectations. I am a big believer that any international game you play, you will feel pressure. And this is a big pressure game, obviously, when you are representing a country.”

With Rinku back in the camp and the team management weighing multiple tactical options, Thursday’s clash against Zimbabwe promises to reveal whether India can overcome their selection dilemmas and keep their title defence alive.

Also READ: IND vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026 – MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report, T20I Stats and Records

2 March Uttar Pradesh Holika Dahan 3 March Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh Holi (Second Day) / Dol Jatra / Dhulandi / Holika Dahan / Attukal Pongala 4 March Tripura, Gujarat, Mizoram, Odisha, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh Holi / Dhuleti / Yaosang (2nd Day) 13 March Mizoram Chapchar Kut 17 March Jammu & Kashmir Shab-I-Qadr 19 March Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Srinagar Gudhi Padwa / Ugadi Festival / Telugu New Year / Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba) / 1st Navratra 20 March Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Srinagar, Andhra Pradesh Eid-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan) / Jumat-ul-Vida 21 March Assam, Gujarat, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Srinagar Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitr) / Khutub-E-Ramzan / Sarhul 26 March Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, Nagpur, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh Shree Ram Navami 27 March Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh Shree Ram Navami (Chaite Dasain) 31 March Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand Mahavir Janmakalyanak / Mahavir Jayanti

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold prices are exhibiting a bullish bias, while silver prices face resistance, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

MCX Gold Price Outlook

On the weekly chart, MCX Gold is maintaining a bullish tone after rebounding from its recent lows. The precious metal advanced after forming a base near a rising trend line on the weekly timeframe, and a clear close below this support could open the door to a deeper correction. However, the broader trend continues to favour the upside as long as prices remain above the latest swing lows.In the week ahead, the 157,000 mark is likely to serve as a key support area, aligning with the prior week’s high and enhancing its technical significance. Any dip toward this zone could attract renewed buying interest, limiting near-term downside pressure. As long as prices hold above this level, the broader bullish framework remains intact, supporting the ongoing upward momentum.Gold appears set to continue its advance toward the 170,000 level in the coming sessions. The expected move would mark a rebound off support, potentially fuelling sustained bullish momentum in the near term. Additionally, the stable price action within the weekly consolidation band reinforces the positive outlook and suggests scope for an extended recovery.In summary, gold continues to exhibit a sideways-to-bullish bias, with the technical framework indicating room for additional upside. Provided prices stay firmly above the crucial 157,000 support mark, the broader positive structure remains valid. Supported by constructive momentum signals and an encouraging sentiment backdrop, the metal looks poised to move within its established range while retaining an upward tilt in the sessions ahead.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Price Outlook

On the weekly chart, silver has rebounded from support after holding above its recent swing low for a third consecutive week. Following the recovery from recent lows, prices are now approaching a key resistance area, indicating a potential continuation of the sideways-to-bullish bias in the week ahead. With the broader trend still constructive, short-term dips could present buying opportunities, provided the previous week’s low remains protected. Traders are advised to align positions with the prevailing trend while keeping stop-loss levels near the recent weekly lows to manage risk effectively.The week began on a firm footing, with prices moving above the prior weekly high and reinforcing the ongoing sideways-to-bullish momentum. The constructive outlook remains intact as long as prices hold above the defined weekly support areas. Immediate support is placed near the 255,000 level, and a decisive close below this point could temper the bullish bias. Until such a move occurs, pullbacks are likely to draw renewed buying interest, keeping the broader upward trend in place.On the upside, silver looks poised to challenge the 30-day EMA around the 280,000 resistance zone over the near to medium term. A sustained advance toward this level would reinforce the ongoing bullish cycle, supported by steady momentum and favourable technical signals. Overall, as long as prices continue to hold above the 255,000 support area, the broader uptrend is likely to remain intact, setting the stage for further gains amid strengthening positive sentiment.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(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)

MUMBAI: The BMC officials have booked a 58-year-old civic employee for allegedly securing a job in the BMC by submitting fake educational certificates. Based on the written complaint the Chief Clerk posted at Kasturba Hospital under the Family Welfare and Maternal and Child Care City Branch of the BMC registered an FIR with the Bhoiwada police against Eknath Indulkar working as coordinator at Health Centre at Mazgaon. Indulkar had allegedly submitted fabricated mark sheets and certificates of a Sanitation Inspector course to obtain employment in the civic body. He was initially appointed as a Multipurpose Worker in 1993 and later rose to the post of Coordinator.A case has been registered at Bhoiwada Police Station against Indulkar who is just a year for his retirement. He has been booked under the IPC sections of cheating, forgery and breach of trust. According to the First Information Report, the complaint was lodged by ShailajaUmbarkar (55), Chief Clerk posted at Kasturba Hospital under the Family Welfare and Maternal and Child Care City Branch of the BMC. She stated that she was directed by senior officials to file the complaint following an internal inquiry into the credentials of employee Eknath Govind Indulkar, currently working as a Coordinator at the Health Center in Mazagaon.As per the complaint, a written communication from the Assistant Health Officer of the City Branch had earlier informed Bhoiwada Police that Indulkar had allegedly submitted fabricated mark sheets and certificates of a Sanitation Inspector course to obtain employment in the civic body. He was initially appointed as a Multipurpose Worker in 1993 and later rose to the post of Coordinator.The matter came to light on April 2, 2025, when the Deputy Executive Health Officer of the F/South Division, Parel, received a complaint regarding the authenticity of Indulkar’s educational documents. Following this, the Administrative Officer sought verification from the All India Institute of Local Self Government in Bandra.In a letter dated June 17, 2025, the institute reportedly informed the BMC that the mark sheets and certificates submitted by Indulkar were neither authentic nor genuine. Subsequently, the Executive Health Officer issued a suspension notice on December 10, 2025, and Indulkar was placed under suspension with effect from December 12, 2025. His official identity card was also seized and deposited with the office.Officials further stated that the original mark sheets and certificates obtained from the employee were handed over to Bhoiwada Police Station on February 12, 2026, for investigation. The complaint alleges that by submitting forged documents, the accused misled and cheated the municipal administration to secure employment and continue in service for several years.

CHENNAI: When was the last time Indian players have been forced to keep an eye on another game before taking the field? It’s difficult to remember but that’s exactly the position they find themselves in right now in the T20 World Cup. Before India take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, Suryakumar Yadav & Co. will hope South Africa beat West Indies in Ahmedabad. If it goes the other way, it may well take things beyond their control, with Zimbabwe also needing to beat South Africa. While India’s resounding defeat against South Africa, which left them with a net run rate (NRR) of -3.8 has put them in this pickle, it wasn’t exactly a bolt from the blue.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Right from the first game against the USA, the Indian batting lineup was found wanting, but there seemed to be a strange reluctance to accept the shortcomings. Captain Suryakumar Yadav virtually laughed off a journalist’s query about probable changes in the batting order before the South Africa game but the humbling loss to them has changed every equation. Changes are now being mulled and there’s a strong possibility that Sanju Samson will be drafted in to open the batting. “There can be changes, yes. There are three left-handers up top and we have lost a wicket in the first over in the last three games. I personally don’t think that there is much problem, but we will see how it can be dealt with,” batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Wednesday.

Wednesday was a hot day in Chennai, with summer setting in, and only two players — C Varun and Tilak Varma — turned up for the optional training session. On Tuesday evening, though, the team had a four-hour session, where every batter looked to go for their shots right from the word go. Surya and Tilak, who may well be coming one slot down if Sanju plays, looked the most intent on hitting every ball out of the park. Both have struggled with their strike rate and they know that at No. 4 and 5, there won’t be too much time to settle in.Kotak, though, wasn’t ready to buy the idea that the duo have been struggling for form. “The South Africa game was really bad but that’s done. But against Pakistan we knew what we wanted and 175 was above par. Tilak and Surya were playing according to the situation,” the batting coach said.While regaining batting momentum is prime on India’s agenda, there’s also a strong likelihood that Axar Patel will be back in place of Rinku Singh, who has gone home to look after his ailing father.

“At No. 8, an allrounder is what we are probably looking at,” Kotak said, in an answer to a different query. But it left enough indication that Axar, whose exclusion in Ahmedabad raised eyebrows, will be back.The Chepauk pitch is likely to be a belter — a 200-plus score shouldn’t be a problem if India bat first and don’t lose wickets in a heap. That can put Zimbabwe, a competent side without much firepower, completely out of the game. Ryan Burt, one of Zimbabwe’s top allrounders, feels India will also carry excess baggage. “It’s as much a must-win game for us as it is for India. They lost pretty badly in the first game and so did we. There were, of course, learnings, and we want to take that forward,” Burt said.The Zimbabwe team had travelled on Tuesday and Wednesday’s training session was their first at the Chepauk. The conditions at the venue are quite different to what they have experienced in Sri Lanka, where they beat Australia and Sri Lanka. Burt agreed that’s going to be a challenge.There was one piece of good news for Zimbabwe, with their captain Sikandar Raza — who was struck in his bowling hand while playing against West Indies — regaining fitness.