The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially ignited their engine for the IPL 2026 season, and as expected, the ‘Thala’ factor is already stealing the spotlight. The franchise kicked off its pre-season training camp at its high-performance center in Chennai, welcoming back former captain MS Dhoni and current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. After a disappointing 2025 campaign where the five-time champions finished at the bottom of the table, the energy in the camp suggests a renewed sense of purpose—and a healthy dose of classic Dhoni mischief.

Fans across the country are bracing for another season of ‘Thala Magic,’ especially following a season where Gaikwad’s untimely injury forced Dhoni back into the captaincy hot seat. This year, the focus is on a seamless transition and redemption, but if the first day of practice is any indication, the 44-year-old legend is more interested in keeping the mood light and the vibes high.

CSK nets turn entertaining as MS Dhoni grooves while signaling a wide

While net sessions are typically a grind of technical drills, Dhoni turned a routine delivery into a social media sensation. During a stint against a local net bowler, a spinner tossed one well wide of the crease. Rather than simply letting it pass, Dhoni broke into a hilarious, impromptu dance move while extending his arms to signal a wide. The theatrical gesture immediately sent his teammates and the support staff into fits of laughter.

In a video shared by the CSK social media handles, young recruits like Ayush Mhatre and veteran domestic performers were seen grinning behind the nets, clearly enjoying the lighthearted side of the master finisher. Even at 44, Dhoni’s ability to blend intense preparation with viral entertainment remains unmatched. Observers noted that the legendary keeper-batter looked lean and sharp, reportedly using a lighter 1.23 kg bat this season to enhance his bat speed, a technical tweak that suggests he is taking his uncapped player role very seriously.

Here’s the video:

Yes, Thala! That’s a wide! 🥰
Cuteness overloaded! 💛#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/liUhdOsyiy

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 2, 2026

Also WATCH: Axar Patel playfully mocks Sanju Samson after his match-winning heroics against West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026

CSK’s new faces and power-packed reinforcements for IPL 2026

The 2026 squad reflects a massive overhaul aimed at fixing the cracks from last year. CSK made waves at the auction by securing record-breaking deals for uncapped stars Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both joining the yellow army for a staggering ₹14.20 crore each. The current camp features a strong domestic contingent, including Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Chahar, Mukesh Choudhary, and Urvil Patel, all of whom were seen training under the watchful eyes of assistant coaches Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar.

While the ‘Yellow Army’ is currently operating at partial strength, the lineup is set to become even more formidable soon. Star all-rounder Shivam Dube and the high-profile trade acquisition Sanju Samson are currently tied up with international duties as the T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its climax. They are expected to join the squad after the tournament final on March 8.

With the IPL 2026 season reportedly set to begin on March 28, Chennai is desperate to erase the memories of 2025. By combining the youthful exuberance of Sarfaraz and Mhatre with the tactical wisdom of Dhoni and Gaikwad, the Super Kings are positioning themselves as a powerhouse once again.

Also READ: 3 reasons why MS Dhoni won’t play every match of IPL 2026

Representative image (Photo credit: AP)

At least three Indian seafarers serving on foreign‑flagged vessels were killed and a fourth injured in the Middle East region, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said on Tuesday. He warned maritime operators to review voyage‑specific risks amid escalating military actions involving the US, Israel and Iran.In a statement, the DGS said “there have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign‑flagged vessels”, news agency PTI reported.The casualties come against the backdrop of intensifying hostilities in the region, with American and Israeli airstrikes continuing to hit targets in Iran since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Tehran and its allied forces have responded with strikes on Israel, neighbouring Gulf states and infrastructure critical to global oil and gas production.US President Donald Trump on Monday stated that the US “has the capability to go far longer” than its previously outlined four‑to‑five‑week timeline for military operations against Iran.The DGS said it is “closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas.” It highlighted threats posed by missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other maritime security concerns.According to PTI, shipping stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake thorough voyage‑specific risk assessments. Vessels operating in the region are being urged to adopt an enhanced security posture, ensure robust bridge watches, maintain continuous communications readiness and report any suspicious activity immediately. Operators are also advised to review transit through high‑risk areas based on prevailing conditions.The DGS added that the remaining crew members on board the affected vessels are “safe and secure”, and that authorities are in close coordination to ensure their well‑being and support. Enhanced monitoring, real‑time tracking of Indian‑flagged vessels, mandatory reporting protocols and 24×7 oversight have been activated, in coordination with the Indian Navy, ministry of external affairs, MRCC and Indian missions.A dedicated quick response team has also been formed to provide timely assistance to seafarers and their families, the Directorate said.

Aarav Dengla becomes India’s 93rd Grandmaster (Special Arrangements)

NEW DELHI: “Chess is war over the board.” The line, often attributed to former World Champion Bobby Fischer, has long defined the brutality of the 64 squares. For some, the game is a battlefield. For others, it is an escape from reality.For India’s 93rd Grandmaster (GM), Aarav Dengla, however, chess holds a far more personal meaning.“It’s like a friend for life. You know if you have a board with you, you don’t need anybody else,” Aarav’s mother, Shipra Dengla, told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive interaction.

That “friend” has now carried the Mumbai teenager to the game’s summit.

Not just a mother but an architect of a champion

As they say, success takes sacrifice. Aarav’s mother knows that better than most.“When he (Aarav) was six and had just started playing rated tournaments, he gained almost 800 rating points, from 1000 to nearly 1800, in four months. That was huge. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Shipra said.It was then that Aarav, now 16, won the national championship and qualified for the World Championship in Brazil. Going to Brazil for the kid should have been a straightforward next step. But this time, it wasn’t. Work commitments meant neither parent could travel with him.“I was working with Mahindra’s in marketing. I could not go with him. Neither could his dad because of our commitments. So Aarav couldn’t play that event, and I chose to quit the same month. I knew this problem would keep coming up,” Shipra added.

Aarav Dengla and World No. 1 GM Magnus Carlsen (Special Arrangements)

From then on, Aarav’s mother became his travel companion and an architect who built a champion. Yet ask Shipra about the Grandmaster title, and she refuses to take ownership.“Honestly, it’s Aarav’s personal achievement more than anything. Chess is such a rigorous sport that only when a child is really into it, super passionate and focused, can he manage multiple things and still get such a high title,” she added in a voice resonating with pride.“We just supported him to the best of our ability, got him the best trainers, and left him in a mental state where it was just him, his board, and his trainer.”Years later, that approach has paid off.Aarav Dengla is now India’s 93rd Grandmaster and only the third GM from Mumbai. He sealed his final norm in February 2026 at the GM & IM Round Robin Festival Saha Bijeljina 2026, finishing first with 7/9.

Foundations laid at home

The story begins in Bandra’s Pali Hill, where chess was more of a household language. Aarav’s grandfather, Bhavani Sharan Saxena, and maternal uncle, Ashish Saxena, were accomplished players.“My father is an extremely good chess player. I learnt from him,” Shipra recalled. When Aarav turned five, he was introduced to the basic moves by his grandfather.

Aarav Dengla with his grandfather (Special Arrangements)

A year later, curiosity took over.“A friend of his was going for a chess tournament. He was older, about nine years old, and Aarav just tagged along. I never thought much of it. He asked, ‘Can I participate?’ He was just excited that he was being allowed to play. And then he won it,” his mother giggled.His father, Manoj Dengla, a CA rank holder and a Harvard Business School alumnus, sought out the strongest guidance available in Mumbai. And that search led them to veteran Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay.Academics remained non-negotiable. Aarav began at the IB curriculum-based Dhirubhai Ambani International School, where a 90 per cent attendance rule demanded discipline. He completed the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), often restricting competitive chess to school vacations.“He has always played only during vacations from the age of six,” Shipra recalled.In ninth grade, he transitioned to Phillips Academy Andover in the United States.

The first master’s influence

As mentioned before, Aarav’s first formal coach was Pravin Thipsay, one of Indian chess’s most respected minds.“He was based just a block away from us. Imagine, a six-year-old training with a Grandmaster,” Shipra stated. “Thipsay sir would always say schooling is really important to build a child, and it helps in chess. He encouraged him to write a lot.”

Aarav Dengla (Special Arrangements)

“I was his first coach and the only one for 3-4 years. He was just five years old when we started training,” Thipsay told this website.“Sir used to come for his walk every evening and spend an hour with Aarav. Thipsey sir loves the sport so much that it’s impossible for someone not to fall in love with that sport when he is there,” Aarav’s mother added, revealing how lessons from the veteran GM pushed the budding chess enthusiast closer to the game.

Instinct, brotherhood, and the Chennai chapter

It was not long before Aarav’s family chose to shift base periodically to Chennai, the Mecca of Indian chess, for advanced work.“On vacations, when he was not playing, he was training with Vishnu Prasanna. And Vishnu Prasanna is very selective with the students that he takes,” Shipra recalled.“I remember Vishnu Prasanna’s statement in the first meeting when he met Aarav, he said there are some things in chess which cannot be taught. I see that in Aarav. The rest is my responsibility.”

Aarav Dengla with coach Vishnu Prasanna (Special Arrangements)

It was under Vishnu Prasanna that Aarav’s game deepened. Going into details of the work they were putting up, she revealed, “While training with the 9-10 year olds, I have seen him work for 12-14 hours; he would just be obsessed with chess on the board.”Among those sharing the grind was D Gukesh. “During COVID times, it was just Gukesh and Aarav there. Gukesh is a very good friend of his,” Shipra added.Another enduring bond is with Arjun Erigaisi. “He is almost like a brother to Aarav,” Shipra said. As for coaches, Aarav currently trains under Vishnu Prasanna and Zaven Andriasian.

Structural realities

Mumbai, for all its scale, offers limited chess infrastructure compared to southern hubs. And this is what led Aarav to spend a nice amount of time in Chennai.“The most challenging part in Mumbai is the training ecosystem. There are very few academies, and distances are quite a bit. Weekend tournaments are far less compared to Chennai and Hyderabad.”However, with a milestone achieved, Aarav, who is a polyglot and highly sociable, just wants to push the boundaries further.“He goes to the gym, does strength training, runs 45 minutes every day. At least two hours of physical activity is mandatory. Fitness has a huge impact on a mental sport. He’s always been into taekwondo, swimming, various things and he still does that. At least 2 hours every day, it’s mandatory for him,” Shipra added.ALSO READ: India gets first WIM from Northeast: How 15-year-old Arshiya Das is rewriting chess geographyAt 6’2”, the 16-year-old cuts the figure of a modern professional athlete as much as a chess prodigy.Nevertheless, even amid the summit, there is no predetermined script in the Dengla household as Shipra concluded, “Would he like to aim for becoming world champion? Or take up academics as a priority? Nobody can predict.”

NEW DELHI: India has refrained from condemning the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, even as it has criticised Iranian strikes on Gulf countries and called for restraint, dialogue and de-escalation in West Asia.The calibrated response has drawn sharp political reactions at home, with Congress Parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi terming the government’s silence an “abdication” rather than neutrality. In an opinion piece in The Indian Express, she said India’s lack of a clear response to the killing “signals tacit endorsement of this tragedy” and called for a discussion in Parliament.

Govt response: Restraint, not endorsement

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has limited its public position to urging “restraint, dialogue and de-escalation.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to leaders across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Jordan, condemning attacks on their territories and emphasising the safety of the nearly 10 million Indians living in the region.India has not condemned the US-Israel strikes that reportedly killed Khamenei, nor has it issued condolences. Government sources indicate that sovereign responses are guided by national interest, including energy security, diaspora welfare and strategic partnerships in the Gulf.

A history of public criticism

Khamenei had repeatedly commented on India’s internal matters over the past decade, prompting diplomatic protests from New Delhi.In 2017, he called on the Muslim world to support what he described as “oppressed Muslims of Kashmir.” After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, he publicly urged India to adopt a “just policy” on Kashmir, following which the MEA summoned the Iranian envoy.During the January 2020 debate over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Iran’s parliament speaker criticised the law as “anti-Muslim discrimination,” remarks India rejected as interference. In March 2020, amid the Delhi riots, Khamenei tweeted that India should “confront extremist Hindus,” described the violence as a “massacre of Muslims,” and warned of “isolation from the world of Islam,” using the hashtag #IndianMuslimsInDanger. The MEA again summoned the Iranian ambassador.As recently as September 2024, Khamenei placed India alongside Myanmar and Gaza in a social media post, drawing an official response from the MEA calling the remarks “misinformed and unacceptable.”

Gulf priorities and strategic alignment

India’s sharper condemnation has been directed at Iranian strikes targeting Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, countries that are key energy suppliers and host large Indian communities. PM Modi, in separate conversations, stressed the importance of restoring regional peace and thanked Gulf leaders for ensuring the well-being of Indians.External affairs minister S Jaishankar also spoke to counterparts from all six GCC nations after hostilities escalated, underscoring India’s stakes in regional stability.India’s strategic engagement with the Gulf has deepened significantly over the past decade, spanning energy, defence, maritime security and connectivity. This has coincided with a relatively cautious approach towards Tehran.

Past voting record on Iran

India’s Iran policy has shifted over time. Between 2005 and 2009, the Congress-led UPA government voted against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on three occasions during negotiations over the India-US civil nuclear agreement. In 2022, the NDA government abstained on a similar IAEA resolution concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

Political divide at home

Sonia Gandhi argued that the assassination of a sitting head of state during ongoing negotiations marks a “grave rupture in contemporary international relations” and said India’s response raises “serious doubts” about the credibility of its foreign policy.The government has not directly responded to her remarks. Officially, India maintains that it has consistently called for peace and stability in MIddle East.With tensions escalating across the region following coordinated US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation, New Delhi’s public messaging remains measured, condemning attacks on its Gulf partners, avoiding direct comment on Tehran’s leadership, and reiterating its position in favour of diplomacy.

Image credit: Air India newsroom

NEW DELHI: Amid the escalating tension in West Asia, Air India brought back 149 passengers stranded in Dubai to Delhi on Monday.This marked the first international arrival by an Indian carrier into the national capital for the day. “We are happy to welcome our guests and crew from Dubai aboard flight AI916D. This is the first flight by an Indian carrier to arrive in New Delhi today with 149 passengers and 8 operating crew members onboard, amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East,” announced Air India newsroom in a post on X.Further mentioning the role of the authorities, it added, “A heartfelt thank you to our teams, the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the local authorities in Dubai for their continued cooperation and for making this homecoming possible.”Further expressing joy on the succesful flight it added, “There’s no better feeling than bringing our guests and crew back home.”Operations at Dubai’s airports are set to partially resume after days of disruption triggered by escalating regional tensions.Dubai Airports announced that limited flight operations would restart on the evening of March 2 (Monday), with select departures permitted from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The move comes after widespread cancellations caused by airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East.The disruption followed US–Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, which prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting multiple locations across the region. The ongoing escalations led several countries to temporarily close airspace corridors, grounding flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.As airlines gradually reinstate services, a semblance of normalcy is returning to the UAE’s aviation sector. For thousands of Indian travellers awaiting a chance to return home, the phased reopening offers cautious relief.Authorities, however, have urged passengers to remain vigilant. Travellers have been advised not to head to DXB or DWC unless they have received direct confirmation from their airline regarding a scheduled departure time, as operations remain limited and subject to change.

As Middle East tensions continue to intensify, India’s global capability center (GCC) landscape could face some temporary headwinds. Experts, however, said that the country may ultimately gain as companies prioritise stability in their global operations. Multinational corporations including Microsoft, Visa, Intel, Qualcomm, Siemens Healthineers, DHL, Nokia, HP, PepsiCo, Emerson, Lenovo, Johnson Controls and Eaton currently run GCC operations across both India and the Middle East. Their presence cuts across industries such as technology, semiconductors, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services. According to experts who spoke to ET, security overhang in the Gulf is unlikely to vanish quickly even if military activity subsides. This persistent uncertainty may compel global firms to reassess how they expand in the region. In the short term, companies are expected to move cautiously on fresh investments while they evaluate the evolving risk environment. Over time, however, some multinationals may consider scaling back in higher-risk locations and instead accelerate GCC expansion in India, potentially positioning the country as an early beneficiary of disruptions in the Gulf. That said, a prolonged conflict, especially one that affects oil supply and prices, could tighten global technology spending and weigh on the Indian GCC ecosystem. “The Gulf was not yet a significant nearshore base, but it was getting there fast,” said Pareekh Jain, CEO of EIIRTrend, which tracks engineering, IoT and R&D sectors. Nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been pushing hard to diversify their economies beyond oil into areas like finance, AI, technology, travel and manufacturing, attracting growing interest from multinational firms. The current tensions could slow some of that momentum. Jain noted that global uncertainty may also delay GCC-related decisions involving India as companies focus first on managing immediate risks. “This could be negative for GCCs in India for the short term,” he said. Industry executives indicated that it is still premature to measure the full impact, given the conflict began only two days ago. Nasscom said in a statement that industry operations are continuing normally. The body has advised member companies to postpone travel to affected regions and enable work-from-home arrangements for employees based there. Experts pointed out that the most visible near-term impact could be slower corporate decision-making. “There were zero greenfield GCCs from the Gulf or the Middle East in India in 2025 and established energy sector GCCs like those of Shell and BP would not suddenly expand in India because of short-term demand or pricing shifts,” said Gaurav Vasu, CEO of UnearthInsight. He added that the bigger issue is how global firms that were expanding in both geographies simultaneously recalibrate their strategies. Tech policy analyst Subimal Bhattacharjee said any disruption to business continuity in the Gulf could prompt a temporary pause in GCC investments and hiring while parent firms reassess their exposure. “Global delivery chains would be impacted to various degrees and Indian GCC firms could be busier,” he said, adding that companies may increasingly depend on India to absorb workloads and take on more client-facing responsibilities. At present, India hosts more than 1,800 GCCs employing over 1.9 million people and generating $64.6 billion in revenue in FY24. The sector is projected to reach $110 billion in revenue by 2030. “They might re-evaluate their plans and could double down on India for GCC,” Jain said, noting that India continues to be viewed as one of the more stable investment destinations at a time when Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East are experiencing varying degrees of volatility. The broader macroeconomic backdrop remains a key variable. Earlier ET reporting highlighted that disruptions to maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz and rising crude prices are already putting pressure on enterprise technology budgets globally. “Global and Indian IT services (growth) could slow down to 2-3% for FY27,” Vasu said, compared with earlier estimates of 4-5%. He warned that slower decision cycles and delayed tech spending would directly impact GCC investment pipelines. Bhattacharjee said that upcoming 30–60 days will be critical. If tensions remain under control, India’s GCC sector could emerge stronger as firms look to reduce exposure to higher-risk regions and accelerate India-focused plans. However, a prolonged oil shock or sustained attacks on Gulf infrastructure could trigger a broader macro slowdown and place India’s $110 billion GCC ambition under strain.

Sunny Leone recently hosted Farah Khan and her loyal cook Dilip at her Mumbai home. The trio chatted with Sunny’s husband, Daniel Weber, where Farah gushed over their kids: Nisha Kaur Weber, Asher Singh Weber, and Noah Singh Weber. Sunny shared that their 10-year-old adopted daughter, Nisha, is already making her own cash.

Sunny Leone praises Nisha

The actress proudly shared with Farah, “She knows she is adopted. She is very good.” Farah shot back, “She is a very lucky girl.” Continuing, Sunny said, “She is very intelligent. She is very bright. I’ll show you something she invented. It’s patented. She did this from start to finish.” Amused by this, Farah quipped, “I am going to go back home and bash my kids.”

Sunny Leone shows Boo Box

Next, Leone presented the prototype, saying, “Here is one prototype. It’s called the Boo Box. She has allergies like most children in Mumbai because of all the dust. I would see tissues lying everywhere and tell her, ‘Don’t be so lazy, pick up the tissue and put it in the bin.’ She had this issue every single day. Then one day when I came home, she had attached a disposable cup to the tissue box using tape. When I saw it, I thought this is very interesting and funny.”

Sunny Leone on Nisha’s future

Farah, clearly amazed, remarked, “Wow, that’s clever and simple.” With a light-hearted jab, she continued, “So, you are set for life. My children better start inventing something soon.” Sunny chuckled, noting, “The boys are now jealous that Nisha will have a lot of money and that they will always have to ask her for it.” Farah agreed, “Yes, because she will — she’s making all these things.” Sunny emphasized, “She’s already making money at 10.” As the visit ended, Farah complimented them, “You all are wonderful parents. I see Sunny taking her kids to movie theatres or to watch plays.”

Sunny Leone’s home tour

The filmmaker got a peek into Sunny Leone’s stunning home during a tour, adorned with artwork made by Sunny and her kids.

The T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its knockout stage, with the top four teams confirmed after a dramatic Super 8 phase. Defending champions and co-hosts India lead the charge alongside an unbeaten South Africa, while England and New Zealand round out the high-powered semifinal lineup. The Proteas will take on the Black Caps in the first semifinal, while the Men in Blue will face the English side in the second semifinal.

After weeks of electrifying cricket, nail-biting finishes, and standout individual performances, the focus now shifts to two matches that promise intensity, tactical battles, and immense pressure. With a place in the grand finale at stake, every detail matters — and that includes the officials entrusted with maintaining fairness on the biggest stage.

ICC announces match officials for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially named the match officials for both semi-finals, appointing some of the most experienced names in the global officiating panel.

Semi-Final 1: South Africa vs New Zealand

• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Match officials for semi-final 1

• On-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth & Alex Wharf
• Third Umpire: Nitin Menon
• Fourth Umpire: Rod Tucker
• Match Referee: Javagal Srinath

South Africa enter the clash unbeaten and brimming with confidence, while New Zealand’s reputation as perennial knockout specialists adds a fascinating edge. With both sides known for their discipline and tactical sharpness, the officials will have a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth, high-intensity battle.

Semi-Final 2: India vs England

• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026

Match officials for semi-final 2

• On-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Allahuddien Paleker
• Third Umpire: Adrian Holdstock
• Fourth Umpire: Paul Reiffel
• Match Referee: Andy Pycroft

Given the history and rivalry between India and England in white-ball cricket, the spotlight will be intense. The Wankhede crowd is expected to generate an electric atmosphere, and the officials will need sharp judgment and calm authority to manage high-pressure moments.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals: Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Expectations high from two high-profile contests

Both semi-finals promise contrasting yet equally gripping narratives. South Africa’s unbeaten run meets New Zealand’s calm, calculated approach in Kolkata. Meanwhile, India’s explosive batting depth faces England’s fearless brand of cricket in Mumbai.

In knockout cricket, decisions — whether tactical or officiating — can shape destinies. A close LBW call, a tight run-out, or a contentious boundary decision could alter momentum instantly. The ICC’s choice of experienced match officials underlines the importance of precision and neutrality at this stage of the tournament.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Glenn McGrath explains why Jasprit Bumrah will sizzle in India’s semi-final clash against England

Suryakumar Yadav and Harry Brook (Image credit: Agencies)

NEW DELHI: India’s Nitin Menon has been included in the elite panel of match officials appointed for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals, set to be played on March 4 and 5.The first semifinal will see South Africa take on New Zealand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 4. Defending champions India will then face England in the second semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

For the clash between South Africa and New Zealand, Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been named as the on-field umpires. Illingworth had officiated South Africa’s emphatic semifinal win two years ago, when they bowled Afghanistan out for 56 and cruised to a nine-wicket victory. Wharf, meanwhile, stood in New Zealand’s group-stage win over Afghanistan in the ongoing edition.In Kolkata, Nitin Menon will perform duties as the third umpire, with Rod Tucker appointed as the fourth umpire. Javagal Srinath will serve as the match referee.The second semifinal in Mumbai between India and England will be overseen on the field by Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker. The two teams also met at this stage in 2024, a match India won by 68 runs, with Gaffaney part of the officiating team. In the current tournament, he has stood in India’s matches against South Africa and the West Indies.Paleker has officiated two England fixtures — against the West Indies and Scotland — along with India’s win over the Netherlands.Adrian Holdstock has been assigned as the third umpire for the Mumbai semifinal, while Paul Reiffel will be the fourth umpire. Andy Pycroft will take charge as the match referee.

Kolkata, Wednesday, March 4On-Field Umpires: Richard Illingworth & Alex WharfThird Umpire: Nitin MenonFourth Umpire: Rod TuckerMatch Referee: Javagal Srinath

T20 World Cup Semi-Final 2: India vs England

Mumbai, Thursday, March 5India v EnglandOn-Field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Allahuddien PalekerThird Umpire: Adrian HoldstockFourth Umpire: Paul ReiffelMatch Referee: Andy Pycroft