Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced his support for Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, saying the veteran leg-spinner still has plenty to prove despite not being a regular member of the Indian team in recent years.Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan said Chahal would be determined to make a strong statement in the IPL after spending a long time outside the national setup.

“He is the most successful bowler in IPL history, and he has not got to play for India on a regular basis. So this thought will always remain in his heart, and it should be there for any player, Yuzi must also be thinking that he was doing commentary with us, and whenever an active player does commentary, fans start believing he might be stepping away from cricket. But Yuzi is fully focused and ready for this IPL season. He will step onto the field to prove a point.” Pathan said.

Chahal’s impressive IPL numbers

There is little doubt about Chahal’s stature in IPL history. The leg-spinner currently holds the record for the most wickets in the tournament. So far, Chahal has played 174 IPL matches and taken 221 wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker in the league’s history. His ability to pick wickets consistently in the middle overs has made him one of the most valuable spinners in the competition.With the 19th edition of the IPL approaching, Chahal will be looking to add more wickets to his tally while representing Punjab Kings.

Despite his outstanding IPL numbers, Chahal has not been a regular feature in the Indian side recently. The leg-spinner last represented India national cricket team in a T20 International against the West Indies on August 13, 2023. He also last played an ODI for India earlier that year against New Zealand on January 24, 2023.Since then, the competition among spinners in the Indian squad has increased, with players like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi frequently featuring in the limited-overs setup.

Chance to prove a point in IPL 2026

With IPL 2026 around the corner, Chahal now has another opportunity to remind selectors of his abilities. Strong performances for Punjab Kings could strengthen his case for a return to the Indian team.

India’s rising batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has set his sights on one of the most iconic records in T20 franchise cricket ahead of IPL 2026. The Rajasthan Royals star revealed a special record he would like to target in the cash-rich league.

Suryavanshi made the revelation during an interaction on the sidelines of the BCCI Naman Awards, where he was honoured along with the India Under-19 squad for winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe. The young batter has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket, and his bold ambition reflects the fearless approach that has already made him a fan favourite.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi honoured for India’s sixth U-19 World Cup triumph in Naman Awards

The awards ceremony celebrated the success of the Indian Under-19 team, which secured the country’s sixth U-19 World Cup title earlier this year. Suryavanshi played a key role in the tournament and was recognised alongside his teammates during the event.

During the ceremony, former Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson also shared a popular anecdote about Suryavanshi’s first meeting with legendary Indian cricketer and coach Rahul Dravid. According to Samson, the youngster impressed everyone with his fearless attitude even during that initial interaction, a trait that has since become a defining feature of his cricket.

The recognition at the awards further underlined Suryavanshi’s rapid rise in the game, especially after his impressive performances at both domestic and international youth levels.

Vaibhav on the record he is eyeing ahead in IPL 2026

While interacting with veteran cricket presenter Harsha Bhogle, Suryavanshi was asked to choose a record he would most like to achieve in the IPL. The options included hitting 6 sixes in an over, scoring the fastest century in IPL history, or surpassing legend Chris Gayle’s monumental 175-run innings.

Without hesitation, the young batter selected Gayle’s record-breaking knock as his dream milestone. Notably, Gayle’s 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Pune Warriors in 2013 remains the highest individual score in IPL history and is widely viewed as one of the most destructive T20 innings ever played. By naming that record as his target, Suryavanshi signaled his intent to push the boundaries of power-hitting in the tournament.

Here’s the video:

Boss Baby has his eyes set for this one! 👀

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieve this feat in the #TATAIPL 2026 ✍️👇

Watch BCCI Naman awards 👉https://t.co/8W5zMWhfvk pic.twitter.com/CZ3xnzqifF

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 15, 2026

Also READ: Aakash Chopra points out the ‘weakness’ of Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026

Breakout IPL season raised expectations

Expectations surrounding Suryavanshi heading into IPL 2026 are extremely high, largely due to his sensational debut season in the tournament.

Playing for Rajasthan, the young opener delivered several match-winning performances and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most explosive batters. His standout moment came when he smashed a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest centurion in IPL and men’s T20 history.

That blistering hundred was also the second-fastest century in IPL history, trailing only Gayle’s record-breaking effort. Suryavanshi’s fearless batting style and ability to dominate bowling attacks earned him the Super Striker of the Season award, cementing his reputation as a breakout star.

With his growing stature and remarkable performances, Suryavanshi is expected to play a crucial role for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL season. He is widely tipped to become the team’s permanent opening batter, particularly following the departure of Samson.

Also READ: Robin Uthappa explains why IPL 2026 will be a challenging season for Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson (R) with Shaheen Afridi during a practice session. (PTI Photo)

Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad launched a blistering attack on the team’s leadership after Pakistan slumped to a 2-1 ODI series defeat against Bangladesh, warning that Pakistan cricket was slipping to alarming levels.Speaking after Pakistan’s 11-run loss in the third and final ODI in Dhaka, Shehzad criticised captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and head coach Mike Hesson, accusing the management of making excuses instead of addressing deeper issues within the team.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“After the pathetic T20 World Cup campaign, you did not make any changes. You brought youngsters out of nowhere. Now you have lost the series and you are giving excuses of having youngsters in the playing XI,” Shehzad said on his YouTube channel. “When you don’t accept your mistakes, you will never move ahead in life.”Pakistan were without senior batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the series, with conflicting explanations offered by the team management. While Afridi and Hesson said the pair had been rested, chief selector Aaqib Javed claimed the duo had sustained injuries during the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Shehzad also questioned Pakistan’s tactical decisions, particularly Afridi’s call to bowl first in the series decider.“When you won the toss, why did you decide to bowl? It was a good pitch. You should have batted and put runs on the board, then bowled under lights,” he said. “When your senior players behave like this, what do you expect from the youngsters?”Bangladesh secured the series thanks to a standout performance from Tanzid Hasan, who smashed a run-a-ball 107 to guide the hosts to 290 for five at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s chase was led by a fighting 106 from Salman Ali Agha, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 279, with Taskin Ahmed claiming four wickets.The defeat follows Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage — their fourth consecutive ICC event without reaching the semi-finals.Shehzad dismissed the management’s attempts to downplay the setbacks. “You say you beat Australia and South Africa, but they never played their full-strength teams. If you wanted to fix Pakistan cricket, you would have done it by now.”In his harshest criticism, Shehzad warned that Pakistan’s standing in international cricket was slipping dramatically.“You are becoming an associate team,” he said. “People are now treating Pakistan like Zimbabwe. And then you say we crashed out of the World Cup due to run rate. Have some shame.”

China on Monday pushed back against the United States over a new set of trade investigations launched last week, saying that it has “lodged representations” with Washington and calling on the US to “correct its erroneous ways.” The response comes as trade negotiators from the two countries gather in Paris for talks. The latest US investigations are aimed at 60 economies, including China, and will examine alleged “failures to take action on forced labor” and whether such practices place a burden on or restrict American commerce. These probes were announced a day after Washington opened a separate investigation focusing on excess industrial capacity among 16 trading partners, including China. Beijing’s foreign ministry criticised that move, describing it as “political manipulation.” In a statement, China’s commerce ministry urged Washington to take a different approach, saying: “We urge the US side to immediately correct its erroneous ways, meet China halfway… and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiations.” The ministry also criticised the forced labour investigations, describing the move as “extremely unilateral, arbitrary and discriminatory” and accusing the US of “attempting to construct trade barriers.” Chinese officials said they have formally “lodged representations” with the United States over the latest probes. The developments come as trade representatives from both countries met in Paris on Sunday, with Washington indicating the discussions would continue for two days. Concerns around forced labour in China’s western Xinjiang region have been raised by human rights groups and United Nations experts, particularly over alleged exploitation of minority communities. Beijing has consistently rejected the allegations, calling them “fabricated.” The two investigations announced by Washington are expected to take several months to conclude. Their findings could potentially support the introduction of new tariffs, especially after the US Supreme Court in February struck down sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Washington has said that Donald Trump plans to visit China between March 31 and April 2, though Beijing has yet to confirm the proposed dates. Trump told the Financial Times that the meeting might be delayed, noting that the planned summit could be postponed because of the Middle East war.

Stock market outlook (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah, Head – Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities shares his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty and top sectors in focus amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and US-Iran war. Here is his view for the week starting March 16, 2026. Nifty ViewThe sell-off on Dalal Street extended into a third consecutive week as escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran continued to erode investor confidence. The pressure intensified sharply during the last three trading sessions, with the benchmark Nifty index declining over 5% during the week, marking its steepest weekly fall since June 2022. Automobile and Banking stocks emerged as the key laggards, exerting significant downward pressure on the index. However, the magnitude of the correction suggests that geopolitical concerns alone may not fully explain the sharp sell-off witnessed in the market.A major factor weighing on sentiment has been the heightened volatility in crude oil prices. Early last week, Brent crude briefly cooled off and slipped to a low near $80.29, providing temporary relief to equity markets. This respite proved short-lived as prices quickly reversed course and climbed back close to the $100 mark, once again unsettling investors. Adding to the uncertainty are concerns around gas shortages and potential supply disruptions following tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have raised cost pressures and margin-related worries across several sectors. The broader market impact becomes even more evident when viewed through the lens of the index’s deteriorating technical structure.From a technical perspective, the Nifty remains firmly entrenched in a downtrend, with the pace of the decline accelerating in recent sessions. Over the last 27 trading sessions, the index has corrected more than 12%, making it one of the sharpest drawdowns in recent history. The formation of weekly candles with long upper shadows over the past two weeks indicates persistent selling pressure at higher levels, suggesting that every pullback is being used as an opportunity to exit positions. Additionally, the index has closed below the crucial 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the prior rally from 21743 to the all-time high of 26373, signaling a weakening technical setup and implying that the market may require more time before forming a meaningful bottom.Momentum indicators further reinforce this bearish view, with the weekly RSI slipping to 30.43, its lowest level since the COVID-induced market crash. Going ahead, the 22850–22800 zone is expected to act as immediate support for the index, and a sustained break below 22800 could extend the correction towards 22500. On the upside, the 23450–23500 zone is likely to act as immediate resistance, with any recovery attempt facing selling pressure at higher levels.Bank Nifty ViewThe banking benchmark index, Bank Nifty, has also witnessed a sharp correction in recent sessions and has notably underperformed the frontline indices, reflecting sustained selling pressure in banking heavyweights. Over the last week alone, the index has declined by nearly 7%, and more importantly, it has broken down from its rising channel on the weekly chart. This breakdown signals a clear shift in the medium-term trend, indicating a transition from consolidation to a phase of pronounced weakness.From its recent peak of 61678, Bank Nifty has corrected by nearly 13% within a span of just 15 trading sessions, underscoring the intensity and speed of the ongoing decline. Such a sharp fall over a short period typically points to aggressive unwinding of positions and heightened risk aversion within the banking space, suggesting that investors are increasingly cautious about the near-term outlook for the sector.Technically, the setup remains decisively bearish. All key moving averages along with momentum-based indicators are aligned on the downside, confirming the prevailing negative trend. The weekly RSI is currently placed around 34.56, marking its lowest level in recent years. This reflects persistent weakness and indicates a lack of meaningful buying interest, despite the magnitude of the correction already witnessed.Looking ahead, the 53400–53200 zone is expected to act as an important support area, as a horizontal trendline support is positioned in this region. However, any sustained breakdown below the 53200 level could further intensify selling pressure and open up additional downside towards 52500, followed by 51800 in the short term. On the upside, any pullback or relief rally is likely to face strong resistance in the 54500–54600 zone, which is expected to act as an immediate hurdle and may attract fresh selling interest.Overall, until Bank Nifty shows clear signs of stabilization and manages to reclaim key resistance levels, the trend is likely to remain under pressure. In such an environment, market participants may continue to adopt a cautious, level-based approach while closely monitoring price action around critical support zones.Sectors in focus:From a technical standpoint, Nifty Auto, Private Banks, PSU Banks, Oil & Gas, FMCG, IT, India Tourism and Media sectors are expected to remain under pressure and underperform in the short term.In contrast, the CPSE space stands out as the only segment likely to deliver relative outperformance over the near term.(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)

Stand-up comedian and actor Zakir Khan left everyone wondering and worried after he announced he is taking a break from work to focus on his health. He shared this during the Hyderabad leg of his ‘Papa Yaar’ tour. Amidst this, a new video surfaced showing him hospitalized.

Zakir Khan gets spotted in a hospital robe in his brother’s vlog

In a vlog posted by his brother Arbaz Khan on Instagram, Zakir Khan can be seen sitting on a hospital bed wearing the pink uniform. The video went viral, leaving his fans worried and praying for a speedy recovery.According to reports, the ‘Chacha Vidhayak Hai Humare’ actor has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. However, neither the stand-up comedian, his family, nor his team has officially confirmed this or commented on his health status as of now.

Meanwhile, the clip showed him watching the India vs England T20 World Cup match. When Arbaz asked the comedian how he was feeling, the latter replied, “Match abhi fasa hua hai (The match is in a critical spot right now).”Khan himself even dropped heart emojis in the video’s comment section. Now, fans are waiting for an official update from their beloved stand-up comedian.

More about the announcement of his break

Last month, Zakir Khan stated that he will take a break until 2028 or 2030. He expressed that he will focus on his health along with some personal matters.According to a Hindustan Times report, addressing the crowd at his Hyderabad show, he said, “It will be a break of three, four, or five years to take care of my health and to sort out a few other things. Everyone present here tonight is very close to my heart. Your presence means more to me than you can imagine, and I will always be grateful to all of you. Thank you so much.”Later, while talking to Gulf News, he stated that his family has a certain genetic illness, and he needs to focus on that issue. The actor-comedian also added that less sleep and constant travel have started affecting him physically.Later, at a recent event, he clarified that he was not suffering from any serious health issue that required him to take a break. Zakir stated that he received a lot of writing work, making it difficult for him to manage things simultaneously.

Gold on the domestic front on the daily chart is witnessing a short-term corrective phase after a strong uptrend. (AI image)

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are supported by the underlying geopolitical negative sentiment but the gains are capped, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.Gold declined last week, marking the $5,000 mark as escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran diverted investor flows toward the US dollar and crude oil. Rising energy prices and concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly 20% of global oil shipments, have heightened fears of inflation, potentially delaying interest rate cuts by the Fed. While safe-haven demand continues to provide underlying support to bullion, gains remain capped amid expectations of a more hawkish policy stance. Investor positioning also reflected caution, with gold-backed ETF holdings falling by nearly 30 tonnes last week. Despite weak US GDP data market participants focused on rising inflation concerns and the path of interest rate change in 2026. Focus this week will be on Fed, BOJ, BOE, ECB interest rate decisions and changes in China LPR.Gold on the domestic front on the daily chart is witnessing a short-term corrective phase after a strong uptrend, with prices drifting lower toward the middle Bollinger Band near ₹155,000, which is acting as an immediate support zone. The recent pullback appears to be a healthy retracement within the broader bullish structure, following the sharp rally seen earlier this year.Price action also indicates a mild descending channel consolidation, suggesting temporary profit booking rather than a trend reversal. On the upside, ₹160,000–₹162,000 remains a key resistance zone, and a sustained move above this area could revive bullish momentum toward ₹165,000.On downside, ₹155,000 is the first support, aligning with the mid Bollinger Band, while a deeper correction could extend toward ₹150,000–₹148,000, where previous breakout zones and lower Bollinger support are placed. Overall, the broader trend remains constructive as long as prices hold above the ₹150,000 support region.(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)

In a blend of personal celebration and high-stakes corporate manoeuvring, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp is buzzing with headlines. While the franchise prepares for a massive ownership shift valued at over $2 billion, its star pacer Yash Dayal has quietly embarked on a new journey of his own.

Yash Dayal ties the knot with content creator Shweta Pundir in an intimate ceremony

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dependable left-arm seamer, Dayal, has officially entered a new innings off the field. Reports have confirmed that Dayal married popular digital content creator and social media influencer Shweta Pundir in an intimate ceremony on February 4, 2026. The wedding, held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, was a strictly private affair, attended only by immediate family members and a select few relatives.

While Dayal known for his calm demeanor on the pitch opted to keep the news away from the media spotlight, the secret was unveiled through Pundir’s social media. She recently shared a heartwarming reel on Instagram, capturing glimpses of their special day. Shweta is a well-known figure in the digital space, boasting over 587K followers on Instagram. Beyond her lifestyle vlogging, she has professional ties to the sport, having worked as a broadcaster for the Intercontinental Legends League.

Dayal, who was a vital component of the RCB squad that clinched its maiden IPL title in 2025 with 13 wickets in 15 matches, is currently gearing up for the 2026 season. After being retained by the franchise, the pacer will look to carry the momentum of his personal happiness onto the field as RCB begins its title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.

🚨: Yash Dayal secretly married content creator Shweta Pundir on 4 February in the presence of only their family members. pic.twitter.com/cLG20s0kxn

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) March 15, 2026

Also READ: Kuldeep Yadav ties the knot with longtime girlfriend Vanshika in grand Mussoorie ceremony

A difficult period of days for Dayal in past few months

Despite the joy of his recent marriage and the triumph of the 2025 IPL season, the past several months have been arguably the most challenging of Dayal’s life. Since July 2025, the cricketer has been embroiled in serious legal controversies that threatened to overshadow his sporting achievements.

Dayal faced allegations of sexual assault and “sexual intercourse by deceitful means,” leading to FIRs filed in both Ghaziabad and Jaipur. The accusations, which included claims of exploitation under the pretext of marriage, led to a period of intense public scrutiny and legal battles. The severity of the charges including one initially linked to the POCSO Act sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics questioning his retention by RCB.

However, the tide began to turn in early 2026. In January, the Rajasthan High Court granted Dayal anticipatory bail, providing him with a much-needed legal reprieve. Throughout this turbulent phase, Pundir remained a steadfast pillar of support, even posting a congratulatory message when the bail was granted, stating, “The comeback is always stronger than the setback.” While the legal proceedings are still ongoing, Dayal’s recent marriage and his continued focus on cricket suggest a man determined to move past the shadows of the previous year.

Also WATCH: Inside Kuldeep Yadav and Vanshika Chaddha’s vibrant mehendi ceremony in Mussoorie

Top executives from some of America’s largest oil companies warned officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration that the energy crisis sparked by the war with Iran might worsen, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report said that chief executives of Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips raised these concerns during a series of meetings at the White House last Wednesday, and in recent conversations with US energy secretary Chris Wright and interior secretary Doug Burgum.The development comes at a time when disruptions to energy shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz have unsettled oil prices and global markets. The strait is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes and any interruption to the passage of vessels through the waterway is expected to create volatility in energy supplies. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said that once the conflict subsides, oil prices will come down quickly. “Oil prices will come tumbling down once it is over, and it will be over pretty quickly.”Donald Trump’s appeal to seven countries to deploy warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open has met with a negative response from Washington’s allies, casting doubt on the plan. Earlier on Saturday, Trump urged other countries to join efforts to secure the shipping route. In a post, he wrote, “Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.” He added that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations should send ships to the area.Later the same day, the US president reiterated his call, writing, “The countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” He further said: “The US will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well.”Since US military operations began two weeks ago, global crude prices have climbed past $100 per barrel, while petrol prices in the United States have increased by more than 70 cents per gallon.