Shubham Pundir (PTI Photo)

HUBBALLI: For the first hour of the Ranji Trophy title contest here on Tuesday, the Karnataka pace trio of Prasidh Krishna, Vidhyadhar Patil and Vyshak Vijaykumar, tested the Jammu and Kashmir batters. They got movement off the seam and probed the openers who were beaten on several occasions.Qamran Iqbal (6) and Yawer Hassan (88) lived dangerously and the former— having come in as a replacement for Shubham Khajuria, who was ruled out after suffering a lower-back spasm — perished during that passage of play, when he edged a good length delivery which moved away to KL Rahul at second slip.Thereafter, J&K seized control. Riding on an unbeaten century from Shubham Pundir (117; 221b; 12×4; 2×6) and contributions from Hassan and the in-form Abdul Samad (52 batting), the visitors closed the opening day at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium on a commanding 284/2 in 87 overs.

Pundir joined Hassan in the 11th over and the pair stitched together a crucial 139-run partnership that shifted the momentum decisively.Hassan began cautiously before capitalising on loose deliveries. A couple of half volleys from Vyshak allowed him to break free with successive cover drives to the boundary. Pundir too counterattacked effectively, taking on Prasidh during his otherwise disciplined spells. Their strokeplay signalled a clear shift in approach as they moved from survival to dominance.Karnataka’s cause was further hurt by lapses in the field. The hosts burned a couple of unsuccessful reviews and spilled more than one chance at crucial moments. The introduction of spin brought little respite as Pundir swept leggie Shreyas Gopal off his first delivery.As the partnership flourished, Karnataka were pushed on to the defensive. Field placements spread out and the bowlers struggled to maintain consistent lengths, often offering the batters scoring opportunities. Hassan brought up his maiden first-class fifty in style, reaching the milestone off 77 balls with a late cut to the backward-point boundary. His innings included ten boundaries, many of them classical strokes.The post-lunch session underlined Karnataka’s inconsistency, especially with their lengths, while wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna missed a stumping chance off Pundir, adding to the mounting frustration in the home camp.Prasidh, the most effective among the bowlers, eventually broke the stand with a back of a length delivery that Hassan edged to Rahul in the slips.J&K skipper Paras Dogra endured a painful outing. He was struck on the neck by a Prasidh bouncer and continued after treatment but looked uncomfortable. Substitute fielder KV Aneesh later dropped him off Vyshak before Dogra was hit again, this time on the hand forcing him to retire hurt.From there on, Abdul Samad and Pundir accelerated. The pair punished the spinners in the final session, with Pundir bringing up his fourth first-class century in style by stepping out to loft Shikhar Shetty over deep midwicket for six.By stumps, J&K had seized the initiative, with Pundir and Samad promising more runs on a day that belonged to the visitors.While Karnataka went with an unchanged squad, J&K were forced to make two changes with Vanshaj Sharma joining Khajuria on the sidelines.SCOREBOARDJammu and Kashmir (I Innings): Qamran Iqbal c Rahul b Prasidh 6, Yawer Hassan c Rahul b Prasidh 88, Shubham Pundir (batting) 117, Paras Dogra (retd hurt) 9, Abdul Samad (batting) 52. Extras (W-2, B-2, LB-8) 12. Total: (2 wkts, 87 overs) 284. Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-157Bowling: Vidyadhar Patil 16-0-66-0, Vyshak Vijaykumar 18-6-25-0, Prasidh Krishna 16-5-36-2, Shreyas Gopal 17-1-79-0, Shikhar Shetty 20-0-68-0.

Pune: Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee has raised serious concerns about the difficulty level and structure the state scholarship exam held on Sunday.Its members said several questions in language and mathematics papers were far beyond the cognitive level and prescribed syllabus of Class 5 students, leading to stress and loss of confidence among examinees. In a formal representation submitted to Maharashtra State Examination Council chairman Nandakumar Bedse and commissioner Mahesh Chothe, the teachers’ body cited examples where students had to process lengthy passages containing multiple clauses and solve multi-step mathematical problems that demanded advanced reasoning skills not typically expected at the primary level. Teachers said many students struggled to interpret the questions within the allotted time, indicating a mismatch between the exam design and age-appropriate learning outcomes. Bedse said, “We will take cognisance of the letter and understand what can be done. But, it is not possible to make changes in the exam that has been conducted. The difficulty level was uniform across papers. If any student has scored less, it will be the case for all who took the exam.” “The purpose of a scholarship examination is to identify talent, not to discourage children at an early age,” said Vijay Kombe, state president of the committee. “When questions become excessively complex for their developmental stage, the exam stops measuring ability and begins testing endurance.” The organisation warned that such experiences could negatively affect young learners. Educational psychology emphasises that assessments at an early age should build confidence, strengthen conceptual understanding and encourage curiosity. Instead, teachers observed anxiety, confusion and fear of exams among several students after the test. Kombe said the issue also impacts teachers working in zilla parishad schools, where many institutions ensure full student participation in scholarship exams. “If the difficulty level is not carefully calibrated, it undermines students’ morale and the efforts of teachers who prepare them,” he added.The committee has urged the examination council to adopt a more scientific approach to paper setting by involving experienced teachers, education experts and educational psychologists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India’s qualification scenarios A narrow road to the semifinals

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

Best case scenario

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

NRR battle scenario

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

Straight through scenario

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

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

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

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

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

‘I have told my wife I never loved her’

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

‘I will not impose anything on them’

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