South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has made a bold prediction before the huge India vs West Indies Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday (March 1). This Super 8 match will decide the last semifinal spot, so it is a virtual eliminator for both teams.

Temba Bavuma makes bold call before India vs West Indies knockout clash

India and the West Indies are facing each other in a World Cup for the first time after their famous 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal clash, and the pressure is intense. Both teams have strong batting units, but Bavuma feels the real difference is in bowling and backed India to make it to the semifinals.

He believes India’s bowling attack looks stronger and more complete. India has top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav. Then there are all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, who give extra balance.

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Temba Bavuma was quoted as saying by ANI, “It is exciting. I think the West Indies is a team that can match any power from a batting point of view. So, you know, I cannot call much there. Probably in the bowling, where I would say there is a difference between the two bowling attacks, where India is in favor; it is in Kolkata.”

Varun Chakravarthy’s Eden Gardens record

The pitch at Eden Gardens could also play a big role in the outcome of the India vs West Indies match. Bavuma said that when South Africa played a Test match last year at this venue, the pitch helped spinners, but he does not expect extreme turn in this Super 8 clash.

However, the South Africa captain has not denied the possibility of a turn in Kolkata, and that’s where Varun Chakravarthy becomes important. He plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL and knows this ground very well. In 22 IPL matches at Eden Gardens, the mystery spinner has taken 30 wickets at an economy rate of 8.60.

Even in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Varun is India’s leading wicket taker with 11 wickets in six matches at an average of 13.09 and an economy of 7.20. But in the Super 8 stage, his form has dipped. He conceded 47 runs in four overs against South Africa and 35 runs against Zimbabwe.

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Bavuma backs India’s strong bowling attack over West Indies power hitters

Bavuma said, “Look, when we played there, the test match, I mean, it spun quite a lot. So, obviously, you do not expect it to play like that. But obviously, there is that ability for it to turn. I mean, India has that strength, right? Chakravarthy is there waiting. The West Indies has a couple of left-handers (in-form Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford). So maybe you could see that.”

At the end, the Proteas star said that the defending champions can outclass the West Indies to grab that final semifinal spot, with England, South Africa, and New Zealand already making the cut. He signed off by saying, “I think India as well; you know, you kind of always add an extra 20 runs to their score. So, as exciting as it is, I do see India going through to the semifinals.”

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow that darkens and reddens the lunar surface. This celestial event, a result of precise orbital alignment, happens only during a full moon when the three bodies align perfectly.

Every now and then the Moon catches us off guard. You go out, and you think it will have the old white light on and what you see is that the Moon is darker and coppery, even red. The social media is filled with pictures, friends send messages to check up and the next minute everybody is a little interested in astronomy.That cinematic is termed as lunar eclipse and even though the spectacle appears dramatic, the science involved is absolutely marvelous in that it is wonderfully simple.Let’s break it down.It is better to start with the fundamentals of what a lunar eclipse is.A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes exactly in between the Moon and the Sun and prevents the light of the Sun to reach the Moon.Ordinarily, the rays of sunlight are able to travel freely throughout the Sun and reflect on the surface of the Moon and arrive to our eyes. That light is reflected which is why we see the Moon shining in the dark.However, on a lunar eclipse, the earth intervenes.The earth throws a huge shadow into space and as the Moon travels through the shadow of the earth the bright Moon we know starts to fade away, grow darker, and even changes to red.In short:Sun-Earth-Moon taken in a straight line will result in a lunar eclipse.Simple geometry. Stunning results.

Why not once every month?

Many people would ask here, how come that every month the moon revolves around the earth, and yet we should always see lunar eclipses?The solution is in orbital alignment.The orbit of the Moon around the earth is somewhat tilted- approximately five degrees against the orbit of the earth around the Sun. The Moon nearly crosses the shadow of the earth every month either above or below it.Only when three conditions match exactly, a lunar eclipse takes place:It must be a full Moon.The Sun, the Earth and Moon have to fit in an almost perfect way.The moon has to traverse the shadow plane of the earth.That exact coincidence doesn’t occur very frequently and this is why the situations when lunar eclipses take place are special.Learning about the shadow of the Earth: Umbra and Penumbra.The shadow on the earth is not only one dark spot. It has two parts:1. Penumbra – the external shadow that is light.2. Umbra – the shadow in the middle.The types of lunar eclipse depend on these zones.Penumbral Lunar EclipseThere is the slight outer shadow of Earth. The transition is not loud, most people hardly realize it until they are aware that they are supposed to take a specific time.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

The Moon only partially gets into the dark umbra. It appears as though a slice has been made out of the Moon.

Total Lunar Eclipse

This is the dramatic one. All the Moon slips into the umbra of the earth, and rather than being totally absorbed, perforce becomes reddish.And then to the most interesting question.

Why does the Moon turn red?

The term Blood Moon is very likely to have been mentioned to you. The fact that it is a mystery is just the explanation of pure physics.Though the Moon is not directly hit by sunlight as reflected by the Earth, there is some sunlight reaching the Moon indirectly.When the sunlight penetrates through the atmosphere of the earth, the shorter blue rays are scattered in every direction, the same reason why our sky is blue in the daytime and the oranges and reddish rays of the sunset.The rest of the red and orange light curves around the earth and reaches the moon.Then when there is a complete lunar eclipse, the Moon is lighted by all the sunrises and sunsets that occur on earth simultaneously.It is that filtered sunlight which makes the Moon coppery.It is not spooky like it sounds- or nearly poetic at all.

Is it safe to watch?

Yes – completely.The eclipse of the moon is completely safe and can be viewed with the naked eye unlike a solar eclipse that requires the use of eye protection. You may long as you please stare at it.No special glasses. No filters.Just step outside and look up.The experience is not dependent on the use of binoculars or small telescope, which will help in the detection of subtle colour variations and surface details.

What duration does a lunar eclipse take?

Timing is one of the reasons why lunar eclipses are more relaxing than solar ones.The duration of a total lunar eclipse may take a number of hours to complete. The entire phase in itself, appearing red, might take about an hour, or longer.This gradual movement occurs due to the fact that the shadow of the earth is huge in relation to the Moon and therefore the Moon has a slow pace in traversing its shadow.You do not need to hurry to go out at a certain time. The show unfolds gradually.The significance of lunar eclipses to the ancient cultures.Astronomy described eclipses long before eclipses were explained, and they caused awe – and fear.Early civilisation tended to detect the lunar eclipse as omenous or as a sign of doom. In India, the eclipses were related to mythical activities of Rahu and Ketu. They were interpreted as omens by other cultures or oracles in fate.Science has taken the place of superstition today, however, the feeling response has not altered much. To this day, it is oddly compelling to watch the Moon go black.It makes us remember that we are as tied to heavenly motions that have gone on millions of kilometres distant.A reminder of heavenly synchronism.What it symbolizes may be the most beautiful aspect of a lunar eclipse, namely, alignment.Three heavenly bodies: the Sun, the Earth and the Moon, always on the move, momentarily come to the ideal harmony.It is not some supernatural action. No rare cosmic accident. Simply as physics dictates, predictable orbital mechanics doing their job.But it is magic even when the dark sky and the red Moon are shining.Since wonder is not always removed by science, it is enhanced.When the next lunar eclipse strikes you do not need any complex set-up or technical skills.All you have to do is to step out there, take a look up, and get a reminder: you are viewing a shadow of the Earth traversing the Moon in real time.A silent beautiful reminder that even mundane planetary action could make extraordinary events in the sky.

The war between the United States and Iran has entered a volatile new phase, with President Donald Trump signalling a shift in his projected timeline for the conflict. Speaking to NBC, Trump said that the campaign could last “around four weeks”, describing it as one of the most complex offensives ever undertaken. His remarks came as Iran intensified retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, killing civilians in Israel and striking Gulf states that host Western forces.Britain, France and Germany have now vowed to support “necessary and proportionate defensive action” to neutralise Iranian missile capabilities. While stopping short of joining offensive strikes, London has allowed the US to use British bases for limited defensive purposes, underlining how rapidly the war risks widening.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) further confirmed that Hezbollah was responsible for the rocket fire launched from Lebanon.It would also be the first instance of the group firing on Israel since the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force in November 2024.Here are the 10 key developments:

Trump signals extended campaign

Trump acknowledged that the operation, launched jointly with Israel, may run for weeks rather than days. While insisting US objectives would be achieved, he conceded there would “likely be more” American casualties before it ends. The Pentagon confirmed three US service members were killed and five seriously wounded in the opening phase, codenamed Operation Epic Fury.

IRGC headquarters destroyed

US Central Command said it had destroyed the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the powerful force underpinning Iran’s military and economic influence. Trump further claimed nine Iranian naval vessels were sunk and that the navy’s headquarters had been largely destroyed, though Tehran has not confirmed those losses.

Iran retaliates across the region

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and multiple Gulf states. In Israel, strikes hit Jerusalem and the town of Beit Shemesh, killing at least 11 people. Air raid sirens also sounded in northern Israel after projectiles were fired from Lebanon, raising fears of a broader front.

Gulf states invoke self-defence

Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned what they called “treacherous” attacks and reserved the right to respond. The Gulf Cooperation Council said member states would take all necessary measures to protect their territories, warning that regional stability is vital to global economic security.

Britain permits US use of bases

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Britain would allow the United States to use its bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” aimed at destroying Iranian missile launch sites. He stressed the UK was not joining offensive action but had a duty to protect British lives and allies in the region.

France and Germany align with UK

In a joint statement, Britain, France and Germany said they were ready to enable “necessary and proportionate defensive action” to stop Iranian missile strikes at source. The declaration marks a significant European shift from diplomacy towards active defensive coordination with Washington.

Strait of Hormuz tensions spike

Iran previously declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, and maritime security agencies reported attacks on vessels in the waterway. Any sustained disruption threatens global oil supplies, as roughly a fifth of the world’s traded crude passes through the strait.

Leadership transition in Tehran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that a provisional leadership council had begun work, with a new supreme leader expected within days. Iran’s foreign minister wrote to the United Nations accusing the US and Israel of opening a “dangerous Pandora’s box”.

Supreme Leader killed in opening strikes

Iranian state media confirmed that Ali Khamenei was killed in one of the first waves of strikes targeting senior leadership and Revolutionary Guard facilities. Israeli officials described the mission as a “golden opportunity”, citing months of intelligence coordination with Washington. The killing has left a leadership vacuum in Tehran.

Tensions in US

In the US, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the operation as a “reckless decision”. Protests erupted in Pakistan, while shipping companies suspended Suez Canal routes and airspace closures stranded thousands of travellers. Markets remain jittery amid fears the war could engulf the wider Middle East.

Often known as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game, Indian legend MS Dhoni has been widely praised as one of the most humble cricketers in the world. A former teammate of the legendary cricketer, Wasim Jaffer, has made some spectacular revelations about him.

Former batter Wasim Jaffer, who was once known as one of the finest red-ball batters for India, has revealed some startling facts about the former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. The two shared the dressing room during the early days of Jaffer’s career.

Wasim Jaffer reveals MS Dhoni’s goal to make enough for a good life in Ranchi

The expert batter recalled how the Indian wicket-keeper batter, who made it to the Indian team after a long struggle and many phases in his early life, had a very small dream, which he then considered sufficient for his life.

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Though none could deny MS Dhoni’s peak love for the game and his determination to win the matches for India, yet according to Wasim Jaffer, he did not build his career around a thought of superstardom or staggering wealth.

He recalled how Dhoni had then expressed them to earn around INR 30 lakhs, which he felt was enough for him to secure a comfortable life with a house and a car. The memory has resurfaced as a reminder of Dhoni’s mindset, until success and fortune transformed his life.

Jaffer revealed that these things were revealed by Dhoni to his wife, whom he used to address very affectionately when they started to hang out after the former got married.

“So he used to call my wife Bhabhi,” Jaffer said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “So he used to say, Bhabhi, I have to earn 30 lakhs… if I want to have a good life.”

“If I want to have a good life in Ranchi… then if I have 30 lakhs, then it’s enough for me. I will have a house and a car. And I can lead a happy life,” Jaffer quoted Dhoni as saying.

“But who knew destiny had written 30,000 crores?” said Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer then remembered the period when Dhoni had just begun playing for India back in 2004. He then went on to contrast the modest benchmark that was set by Dhoni in his early life and what he attained throughout his life.

“But who knew destiny had written 30,000 crores, not just 30 Lakhs” he said, underlining how dramatically Dhoni’s journey exceeded those early expectations.

MS Dhoni went on to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, and after retirement, he ventured into many other dimensions. However, the former Indian star still continues to play for CSK in the IPL, after having announced his international retirement back in 2020.

Wasim Jaffer puts this as a reflection of MS Dhoni’s humility

Though MS Dhoni is one of the most highly paid international stars to have played the sport, Jaffer claimed that the point he was looking to make was not about money but rather about the temperament.

“I mean, he was very down to earth. And I am sure he still is,” he said, adding that Dhoni was “very humble even then,” “very likeable,” and “very approachable.” He concluded by saying that Dhoni, long before he went on to be one of the biggest icons in world cricket, was discussed for his humility.

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