No side had ever defended the T20 World Cup title. Suryakumar Yadav’s boys did it first. At home, no less. Here is TOI’s report card of the 15 men who made it happen.GAUTAM GAMBHIR (COACH) – 9/10Two consecutive ICC trophies. The only man in history to win a T20 World Cup as player and coach. His biggest contribution was framing the team’s ideology to “not playing for milestones”. He backed Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy through their lean phase.JASPRIT BUMRAH – 10/10There is a reason Suryakumar Yadav called him a “national treasure”. India’s cheat code! Named Player of the Match in the final for figures of 4/15. Finished joint top wickettaker with 14 scalps and economy of 6.21 — remarkable on surfaces where everyone else bled runs. In the semifinal, he gave away just 14 runs across two overs in the death when England needed 69 off the last five overs.M: 8 | W: 14 | ER: 6.21 | Ave: 12.42 | SR: 12.00

SANJU SAMSON – 10/10When he got his chance, he dismantled the opposition bowling, narratives against him, and years of heartbreak. He kicked off his scoring spree with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal, then 89 against England in the semifinal, and another 89 in the final — becoming only the second batter to score three consecutive 80-plus scores at a T20 World Cup. His 89 was the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Was fittingly named Player of the Tournament.M: 5 | R: 321 | SR: 199.37 | Ave: 80.25 | 50s: 3ISHAN KISHAN – 9/10The comeback stories at this World Cup had a recurring theme. People who had been written off, coming back with a bang. His redemption arc was complete after smashing 54 off 25 in the final. His best performance came against Pakistan, leading the Indian charge with 77 off 40. He finished as the fourth-highest runscorer in the tournament.M: 9 | R: 317 | SR: 193.29 | Ave: 35.22 | 50s: 3HARDIK PANDYA – 8.5/10A reliable, clutch professional who showed up in the moments that mattered. Scored a halfcentury each against Namibia and Zimbabwe, but his best came in the semifinal against England, where he scored a rapid 27 off 12 that powered India to a 250-plus total. With the ball, his best came against Pakistan (2/16). In the semifinal, he bowled the 19th over for just nine runs, claiming 2/38 to halt England.M: 9 | R: 217 | SR: 160.74 | Ave: 27.12 | 50s: 2 Wkts: 9 | ER: 8.81 | BB: 2/16SHIVAM DUBE – 8/10Bailed India out of tough situations while batting down the order. His 31-ball 65 against the Netherlands helped India to 193 after struggling initially. In the final, he scored 24 runs in the final over, taking India to 255. Even in the semis against England, he played a clutch knock, hitting 43 off 25 and taking down the wily Adil Rashid.M: 9 | R: 235 | SR: 169.06 | Ave: 39.16 | 50s: 1 Wkts: 5 | ER: 14.12 | BB: 2/35AXAR PATEL – 8/10While he was not required with the bat, he came to the fore with the ball taking 11 wickets, often bowling clutch overs. In the final, he took 3/27. In the semis, two stunning catches from him changed the game entirely.M: 7 | R: 16 | SR: 106.66 | Ave: 5.33 | 50s: 0

SURYAKUMAR YADAV (CAPTAIN) – 7.5/10He led with clarity, instinct and energy. He read the game well and wasn’t afraid to back his bowlers or shuffle the batting order under pressure. But with the bat, he looked a shadow of his peak self. Scored a solitary half-century—an unbeaten 84 off 49 against USA—that saved India the early blushes.M: 9 | R: 242 | SR: 136.72 | Ave: 30.25 | 50s: 1TILAK VARMA – 7.5/10He started at No.3 but it didn’t work. Dropped down to the middle-order and suddenly he looked a different batter. A 16-ball unbeaten 44 against Zimbabwe stood out, a 15-ball 27 against Windies, and a 7-ball 21 against England in the semis, where he smashed three sixes off Jofra Archer, underscored his importance.Inns: 9 | Runs: 207 | SR: 154.47 | Ave: 29.57 | 50s: 0ARSHDEEP SINGH – 7.5/10On the high-scoring surfaces, he couldn’t quite replicate his 2024 heroics but still managed crucial performances in the semifinal against England and in the Super Eight game against Zimbabwe. The side trusted him throughout, and more often than not, he repaid that trust.M: 8 | W: 9 | ER: 8.46 | Ave: 28.22 | SR: 20 | BB: 2/24VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY – 7/10I t was a tournament of two halves. He took nine wickets in the group stage and bowled economically, but across the next five matches, he leaked runs at 11.84, picking up just five more wickets. But 14 wickets at a World Cup is not bad.M: 9 | W: 14 | ER: 9.25 | Ave: 20.50 | SR: 13.20 | BB: 3/7KULDEEP YADAV – 7/10Played just one match. Against Pakistan in Colombo, he delivered a tight three-over spell, taking 1/14. He watched the rest of the tournament from the dugout.M: 1 | W: 1 | ER: 4.66 | Ave: 14 | SR: 18 | BB: 1/14MOHAMMED SIRAJ – 7/10Called into the squad as a last-minute replacement for Harshit Rana, he played only the opening match against the USA and walked away with figures of 3/29, stepping in for Bumrah who was ill.M: 1 | W: 3 | ER: 7.25 | Ave: 9.66 | SR: 8 | BB: 3/29ABHISHEK SHARMA – 6/10This was supposed to be his World Cup but lived on the edge of a cliff for seven matches, collecting three ducks in his first three innings. Opposition off-spinners tied him in knots. There was noise about dropping him for the final. He silenced it most decisively, scoring the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls.M: 8 | R: 141 | SR: 158.42 | Ave: 17.62 | 50s: 2RINKU SINGH – 5/10His tournament was truncated and difficult. Batting in cameo roles that didn’t suit him, he lost his place in the XI by the business end. But every Indian fielding highlight featured him; he contributed as a substitute fielder and remained a warm presence in what was clearly a painful month, having lost his father midway through the tournament.M: 5 | R: 24 | SR: 82.75 | Ave: 8.00 | 50s: 0WASHINGTON SUNDAR – 5/10He featured in just two games, registering 0/36 against the Netherlands and 0/17 against South Africa with the ball. In the one innings he batted against the Proteas, he scored just 11 runs. He was the squad’s depth, used as cover.M: 2 | R: 11 | SR: 100.00 | Ave: 11.00 | 50s: 0 Wkts: 0 | ER: 8.83

MUMBAI: The BMC administration has reviewed 237 cases in which birth certificates were allegedly issued fraudulently in the city, and of these, 119 certificates have been removed from the portal online and taken back from the families to whom they were issued, Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde said on Wednesday.She made the statement after a review meeting she had convened on the matter with civic officials at the BMC headquarters, nearly a month after she first raised concerns over birth certificates allegedly issued fraudulently to Bangladeshi nationals.The meeting was also attended by ex-BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who has been pursuing the matter with authorities and demanding action. While 119 certifications stand withdrawn, Tawde said, “Of the remaining cases, 29 people have refused to return certificates despite being approached. We have instructed the administration to file FIRs against them. In addition, 87 individuals could not be traced, and we have asked officials to also initiate FIRs in those cases.” This means FIRs are to be filed against 116 individuals. Two other certificates are showing an error in the system, officials said.Tawde said the administration will also examine how removing such individuals from the rolls would be feasible if their documents are found fraudulent. Somaiya, she added, has already been appointed chairman of a nine-member committee of the Maharashtra BJP to monitor the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The mayor said a demand has also been made to set up a special investigation team to probe the alleged scam.During the meeting, officials also shared data on birth certificate corrections or changes made in 2025, according to which 19,859 applications were received by the medical officer of health. Tawde said the highest number of certificates were from M East (Mankhurd-Govandi), E (Byculla) and L (Kurla) wards, which raises suspicion. “We have sought verification of these 19,859 certificates, and the administration has asked for three months to complete the process,” she said.Somaiya said in L (Kurla) ward alone, 2,698 certificates had come in for correction, which is a big number as many wards had less than 1,000. Similarly, in E ward (Byculla), 2,207 had come in for correction in the last year.Meanwhile, Powai police arrested 5 Bangladeshi women and apprehended a seven-year-old girl from Pune for allegedly residing illegally after crossing the border through Bengal. The women were tracked after police arrested four members of a family from Powai and Navi Mumbai in Jan and Feb.

The advance sales for ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ are showing no signs of slowing down. The film, starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, is just a week away from its release, and it is already eyeing a USD 3 million debut at the North American box office. The sequel to the 2025 blockbuster hit ‘Dhurandhar’, is set to begin its box office run on a strong note. Early advance box office reports indicate that the film’s total advance collections for the North America premiere shows have hit an estimated USD 975,000, as per Venky box office.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ advance USA box office collections

The North America opening day collections, including the premiere shows, has hit an advance sales of USD 1.45 million. Meanwhile, the total first weekend collections have hit an estimated USD 2.8 million. With a week still to go before the film releases worldwide, it remains to be seen just how much the movie can make at the box office and set a new record in advance ticket sales. Of the total revenue, Texas has raked in the highest gross total of USD 162, 198 with California coming in second with a total haul of USD 145, 686 and New Jersey raking in an estimated USD 68,868. As per the report, the film’s Hindi language release has alone scored an impressive USD 874K haul.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ to clash with ‘Project Hail Mary’

While Yash’s ‘Toxic’ may have bowed out of a box office battle with ‘Dhurandhar 2’, the Ranveer starrer will still have to face off against the Hollywood sci-fi film ‘Project Hail Mary’ starring Ryan Gosling in the lead. The film that hits the big screens on March 20, is currently eyeing a USD 60-70 million opening, as per early box office predictions.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ advance collections at Indian box office

Meanwhile, according to latest data, the film’s domestic premier shows have already recorded a massive Rs 19.01 crore gross in advance bookings. Meanwhile, the film’s gross total collection, taking into account blocked seats, thus push the film’s advance to an estimated Rs 24.2 crore.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ to have wide release

It is worth noting that ‘Dhurandhar’ opened at the box office last year with a total net collection of Rs 28 crore, in just the Hindi language. For the sequel, the team has ensured a wide release for the movie in Hindi markets, as well as south markets by dubbing the film in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

About ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi and Yami Gautam.The film will also have premiere shows scheduled to play in cinemas on March 18, a day before the film’s official worldwide release on March 19.

NEW DELHI: A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya alleging disrespect to the national flag during celebrations after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The complaint was submitted by advocate Wajid Khan Bidkar at the Shivaji Nagar police station, accusing the all-rounder of insulting the Tricolour during the team’s on-field celebrations following the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.According to the complaint, several videos from the victory celebrations went viral on social media, showing Pandya celebrating with the national flag draped over his shoulder. The complainant alleged that during the celebrations the cricketer was seen dancing and later lying down on the stage with the flag still wrapped around him.

Khan has argued that the act amounts to disrespect towards the national flag and violates provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.“You must have seen the T20 World Cup celebrations. Hardik Pandya was dancing with his girlfriend in celebration of his victory. The national flag was tied to his back,” Khan told ANI.“According to Section 2 of the 1971 National Flag Act, we should respect the dignity of the national flag. However, Hardik Pandya was so lost in the celebration that he was lying with his girlfriend while wearing the national flag. I believe it is an insult to the national flag,” he added.Khan said he initially faced questions from the police about jurisdiction since the incident occurred in Ahmedabad. However, he insisted that a complaint could still be filed as the national flag represents the entire country.“When I went to file the complaint, they told me the incident occurred there, not here. I told them the national flag is a symbol of the entire nation, and we can file a complaint here. They have accepted my complaint and given me a copy,” he said.A police officer at the Shivaji Nagar station confirmed that the application had been received but did not provide further details on possible action.The complaint comes after India’s dominant win over New Zealand national cricket team in the final on Sunday. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.The victory also marked a historic milestone for India national cricket team. The team became the first side to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to secure consecutive titles after their 2024 triumph, and the first nation to lift the trophy three times, having previously won in 2007 and 2024.

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The celebrations of India’s consecutive T20 World Cup triumph in 2026 are still fresh in Ahmedabad, and Hardik Pandya stands at the heart of the festivities. His transformation, from the most heavily criticized figure in Indian cricket in 2024 to the “Ice-Man” of the 2026 final, is a remarkable tale of comeback.But as the interviews rolled in, fans noticed a peculiar linguistic quirk. Instead of saying “I was nervous,” Hardik might say, “Hardik Pandya knows how to handle these moments.” While the internet loves a good “ego” meme, what we’re actually seeing is a sophisticated psychological tool called illeism.

Far from being a “gaffe,” it’s the same mind hack used by legendary sport stars like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. Here is the science behind why Hardik speaks about “Hardik Pandya” in the third person.

1. The “Inner Coach” Effect (Self-Distancing)

When you are in the heat of a World Cup final over, your emotions are screaming. By using his own name, Hardik creates psychological distance. It’s the difference between being in the fire and watching the fire from a safe distance– a way of detaching from the moment and just being an observer.The Logic: Psychologists like Ethan Kross have shown that talking to yourself by name reduces emotional reactivity.The Result: It allows him to give himself objective advice. He isn’t a nervous guy under pressure; he’s a coach directing a player named “Hardik” on what to do next.

2. Branding the “Superstar” vs. the human

For elite athletes, their name is a brand. There is “Hardik,” the guy who plays with his son Agastya at home, and then there is “Hardik Pandya,” the commercial powerhouse and India’s premier all-rounder cricketer.The Public Persona: When he refers to himself in the third person, he is often talking about the player and the expectations that come with that brand.The Shield: It helps him separate public criticism from his private self-worth. If people boo “Hardik Pandya,” it’s about the brand, not the man.

3. The Neuroscience: Amygdala vs. Logic

This isn’t just “sports speak”; it’s a brain bypass.Lowering the Alarm: Using the third person helps quiet the amygdala (the brain’s fear center).Boosting the CEO: It simultaneously engages the prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for logic and complex decision-making).In plain English: It turns the “panic” volume down and the “clear thinking” volume up. It’s why you’ll hear high-pressure performers say things like, “LeBron James has to do what’s best for the team.”

4. Builds authority

In a leadership role, saying “This is what Hardik Pandya expects” carries more weight than “I’d like us to do this.” It signals authority and certainty. It sets a standard for the entire dressing room, reinforcing his identity as a big-match player both to his teammates and—crucially—to himself.

How You Can Use the “Hardik Hack”

You don’t need a stadium full of fans to benefit from this. Psychologists actually recommend this to combat anxiety in daily life.Instead of: “I’m going to mess up this presentation.”Try: “XYZ [Your Name] has prepared for this. They just need to stay calm and deliver the key points.”It feels a bit weird at first, but it forces your brain to talk to you like a supportive mentor rather than a harsh critic.Hardik’s “third-person” talk is a masterclass instrumental resilience. Try it in high-pressure situations and see how this helps.

Chennai: French automaker Renault is positioning India as a major global manufacturing and export hub as part of its 2030 growth strategy, with plans to launch four new locally developed models, including EVs and hybrids. While unveiling the group’s mid-term strategy ‘futuREady’ in Paris on Tuesday, the top management indicated that India will play a central role in its international expansion as it looks to accelerate growth outside Europe. Renault sold 620,000 vehicles in markets outside Europe in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year, and is now stepping up investments across its five global hubs — Morocco, Türkiye, Latin America, South Korea and India. Internationally, India will become a key production and supply centre, serving both local and global markets by manufacturing a full range of models, including for Nissan, the company said, adding that India’s rapidly expanding automotive market, driven by strong demand for SUVs and the gradual shift towards electrification, makes it a strategic centre for its long-term plans. The company’s proposed four new models in India by 2030, including fully electric and full-hybrid vehicles, will cater not only to Indian consumers but also to several export markets. A key element of its strategy will be the production of its new B-segment sub-4 metre SUV derived from the Renault Bridger Concept. The model will be available in combustion, hybrid or electric versions depending on the market. It will be launched initially in India by the end of 2027, with a gradual roll-out to other international markets.With more than 15 years of presence in the country, Renault said it will leverage its established supplier ecosystem and local manufacturing capabilities to scale production and support exports. Renault has now taken full ownership of the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Oragadam, near Chennai, which can produce up to 4.8 lakh units annually.Renault Group targets global sales of over 2 million vehicles by 2030, with half of those coming from markets outside Europe. It also aims for 100% electrified sales in Europe and 50% electrified sales in international markets by the end of the decade.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League, is gearing up for the start of the IPL 2026 season, with their opening match scheduled against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on March 30. However, ahead of the season, one topic had been dominating conversations among fans – whether former CSK star Suresh Raina would return to the franchise as the team’s fielding coach.

The speculation spread rapidly across social media and cricket circles, with many supporters hoping to see the beloved “Chinna Thala” back in yellow. But CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has now addressed the rumours and clarified the situation.

Suresh Raina as CSK fielding coach? Franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan gives update

In a recent interaction with a Tamil news channel, Kasi Viswanathan firmly dismissed the reports linking Raina with the fielding coach role at CSK.

“Suresh Raina is not the fielding coach. It’s a baseless rumour.”

The rumours had gained momentum after CSK posted a teaser on social media hinting at a “big announcement” scheduled for March 22. Fans quickly began speculating that the announcement could be related to Raina’s return to the franchise in a coaching role.

Given Raina’s legendary status at CSK and his long association with the team, the idea excited many supporters. The former Indian batter was a key figure in CSK’s success during their dominant years and remains one of the most loved players in the franchise’s history.

However, the franchise has now confirmed that Raina will not be part of the coaching setup for the upcoming IPL season.

Who is CSK’s new fielding coach?

While Raina will not be returning in a coaching role, CSK has indeed made a new addition to their support staff. Former England wicketkeeper-batter James Foster has been appointed as the team’s fielding coach for IPL 2026.

The 45-year-old brings extensive experience from both international cricket and franchise leagues. Foster has previously worked as the fielding coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has also been involved with several T20 teams around the world, including the Desert Vipers and Peshawar Zalmi.

Kasi Viswanathan had earlier confirmed the franchise’s plans to bring in a specialist for the role.

“We have been looking for a fielding coach. I am hopeful he will join us.”

Foster’s appointment comes at a crucial time for CSK as the franchise looks to rebuild after a difficult campaign in IPL 2025, where they finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their history.

The Englishman will work alongside an experienced coaching staff led by head coach Stephen Fleming. The support team also includes batting coach Michael Hussey, bowling consultant Eric Simons, assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram, and fielding coach Rajiv Kumar.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – BCCI announces schedule for the first phase; RCB to take on SRH in the opening contest

In the upcoming season, CSK will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, while legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni will continue to be part of the squad, adding invaluable experience and leadership to the team.

Another major development ahead of IPL 2026 is the arrival of Sanju Samson, who has joined the franchise through a trade from Rajasthan Royals. Samson’s move to CSK comes after his remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

With new additions to both the coaching staff and playing squad, CSK will be hoping to bounce back strongly this season and return to their winning ways.

Also READ: Explained – After T20 World Cup glory, why Shivam Dube and his wife took a 3rd AC train ticket from Ahmedabad to Mumbai?