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KKR’s playing XI for IPL 2026: Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana out, ‘Kartik Tyagi’ to debut | Cricket News


KKR's playing XI for IPL 2026: Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana out, 'Kartik Tyagi' to debut
KKR’s predicted playing XI (ANI)

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), three-time IPL champions, are gearing up for the 2026 season amid serious concerns in their pace bowling department. With Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out due to injuries, and Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana expected to miss the initial phase, the team management has been forced to rework their strategy significantly.KKR underwent a major rebuild at the IPL 2026 auction, entering with a massive purse of Rs 64.30 crore. The franchise made headlines by signing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive player of the season. They also secured Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore to strengthen their pace attack. Despite the overhaul, KKR retained a strong core featuring: Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Captain Ajinkya RahaneHere is the KKR’s strongest predicted playing XI for IPL 2026Finn Allen (WK): New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen is expected to take charge at the top. He recently smashed one of the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against South Africa which helped New Zealand reach into the finals.Ajinkya Rahane (C): Captain Ajinkya Rahane is likely to partner Allen at the top. While his strike rate in T20s remains under scrutiny, the management continues to back his experience and leadership.Angkrish Raghuvanshi: In IPL 2025, Angkrish Raghuvanshi was a key middle-order batter for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 300 runs in 12 matches with a strike rate of 139.53. He is expected to anchor the No. 3 position.Cameron Green: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, making him the most expensive player this season. Expected to be a crucial all-round replacement for Andre Russell.Rinku Singh: At No. 5 is the crowd favorite, Rinku Singh, who has been the backbone of KKR in the last few IPL seasons. With Andre Russell gone, Rinku is no longer just the “finisher” – he is the senior batter of the lower order.Ramandeep Singh: In early 2025 tournament appearances, he maintained a high strike rate, exemplified by an early-season performance of 22* runs from 9 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI). Ramandeep Singh offers balance as a reliable all-rounder, contributing in both departments.Sunil Narine: No. 7 come the Veteran Sunil Narine who has remained a match-winner for KKR for more than a decade, providing mystery spin in the middle overs and valuable depth with the bat.Varun Chakravarthy: Varun Chakravarthy forms a deadly spin duo with Narine. Although he had a mix 2026 T20 World Cup, finishing as a joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, but facing criticism for inconsistency. After a dominant start (9 wickets, 4 matches) in the group stages, he was expensive and less effective from the Super 8s onwards. He is expected bounce back in IPL for Kolkata.Vaibhav Arora: Vaibhav Arora steps into a bigger role following injuries to key pacers Harshit Rana and Akashdeep. He has the best IPL campaign 2025, claiming 17 wickets in 12 matches.Kartik Tyagi: Kartik Tyagi is the young gun pacer in the team and is likely to make debut for Kolkata will be assisting Vaibhav Arora in the team as an fast Indian pacer along side Blessing Muzarabani. Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwean speedster Blessing Muzarabani has joined KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. Standing at 6’8”, he brings steep bounce and valuable T20 experience, he left PSL and joined IPL as replacement.Impact Sub (Umran Malik): Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana was likely to be an Impact Player option for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. However, his injury has created trouble for KKR ahead of the upcoming season. In absence of Pathirana, bringing in Umran Malik as an Impact Sub during the bowling innings is the most likely move for the side in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Umran Malik finds himself in a critical “redemption” role for the KKR. After being signed for Rs 75 lakhs in the 2025 mega-auction but missing that season due to injury, KKR has shown faith by retaining him for this year’s campaign.KKR’s potential playing XI for IPL 2026: Finn Allen (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani, Umran Malik (Imp)

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After Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum, Iran says ships can pass Hormuz Strait — except ‘enemy’ vessels


After Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum, Iran says ships can pass Hormuz Strait — except ‘enemy’ vessels

Iran on Sunday said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping except that of its “enemies” – a reference to the United States and Israel—amid a 48-hour “ultimatum” from US President Donald Trump to “fully open” the crucial waterway, which carries about 20% of the global crude oil supply.Also Read | Iran reacts to Trump’s Hormuz warning, threatens US infrastructure in Middle East if energy sites attacked“We are ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf. Ships not linked to Iran’s ‘enemies’ can transit the strait by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran,” Reuters quoted Ali Mousavi, Iran’s permanent representative to the IMO, the UN’s maritime agency, as saying.Mousavi, who also serves as the Islamic Republic’s envoy to the United Kingdom, called for a complete end to the ongoing hostilities and urged all sides to build “mutual trust and confidence.”Also Read: Strait of Hormuz on edge as Saudi Arabia opens King Fahd Air Base to US forces amid Iran tensions “Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression, along with the rebuilding of mutual trust and confidence, is essential. The Israeli and US attacks against Iran are at the root of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.Tehran has effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the February 28 joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered the conflict. It has also launched attacks on Israeli territory and targeted Gulf states hosting US military bases.Also Read: Over 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMeanwhile, Trump has repeatedly urged allied countries to deploy their navies to escort vessels through the Strait, but his calls have largely been rebuffed.“If Iran doesn’t fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first!” he declared in a social media post.



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Dialling down: Middle East tensions raise alarm for India’s smartphone shipments


Dialling down: Middle East tensions raise alarm for India's smartphone shipments

The Middle East crisis has entered its fourth week and the impact might spill across some Indian industries too. Smartphone market is beginning to feel the strain, with analysts cutting shipment forecasts again as the conflict starts to impact both demand and supply. Research firms have lowered their projections for 2026, pointing to a tougher road ahead. Counterpoint Research now sees shipments at 139 million units, down from 142 million earlier, while Omdia has revised its estimate to 142–145 million from 148 million. Analysts say these numbers could be revised further if the situation does not improve. IDC has taken a more cautious view, expecting shipments to fall to 132 million units in 2026 from 152 million in 2025. The downgrade also reflects ongoing shortages of key components like memory and storage, adding to the pressure on the industry. These are the sharpest cuts in outlook since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Middle East tensions are adding to the uncertainty. With prices of essential goods rising, consumers are likely to cut back on discretionary spending, including smartphones. Industry players say the real impact could be felt more strongly in the second half of the year. “The current market scenario is a bloodbath and the second half of the year will be even worse,” Upasana Joshi, research manager, IDC India told ET. There are already signs of demand slowing, especially in the mass-market segment. “The Iran-Israel conflict is creating a layer of uncertainty, and in such environments, consumers tend to delay discretionary purchases like smartphones,” Tarun Pathak, research director, Counterpoint Research told the financial daily. Companies, in turn, are becoming more careful, tightening inventory, working closely with retailers and offering targeted incentives to keep sales moving in a weaker market. Omdia analyst Sanyam Chaurasia said the second half of 2026 could be particularly challenging, as higher oil and logistics costs are expected to affect rural incomes and agricultural output. Rural markets are likely to be hit harder, while retailers are also pushing back against stocking extra inventory amid weak demand. The sector is also dealing with supply-side challenges. Earlier this year, most brands had already raised prices after memory and storage costs surged 40–50% due to strong demand from AI data centres, forcing suppliers to shift production. Now, disruptions in West Asia are expected to make things worse. Trade routes have been affected, and there are concerns over the supply of helium, a key input for semiconductor manufacturing. Qatar, a major supplier, has halted gas shipments, possibly due to damage at its facilities. All of this is likely to push up production costs further, which could eventually be passed on to consumers, putting even more pressure on demand.



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Iran launches 10 million rial note, highest-ever denomination, as war deepens economic crisis


Iran has introduced its highest-value banknote yet — a 10 million rial note — as war and economic turmoil push the country’s financial system to the brink. According to Financial Times reporting, the new note, worth roughly $7, has already begun circulating through banks as long queues form outside cash machines, with many running dry amid fears that electronic payment systems could fail during the ongoing US-Israel conflict.The move marks a sharp escalation in Tehran’s response to spiralling inflation and a collapsing currency. The pink banknote, featuring the historic Jameh Mosque of Yazd on one side and the ancient Bam Citadel on the other, overtakes the 5 million rial note introduced just weeks earlier. Authorities insist the measure is designed to “ensure public access to cash”, even as digital banking remains officially prioritised.

Watch

Inside Trump’s ‘Secret Mission’ To Secure Iran’s Nuclear Stockpile Amid War

The rapid rollout reflects a deeper crisis. Iran’s rial has plunged to around 1.6 million to the US dollar, close to record lows, eroding purchasing power after years of sanctions and economic isolation. Inflation has surged, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable. Food prices have doubled over the past year, while some staples have risen far more sharply, forcing families to cut back drastically on essentials.The strain has been building for months. Protests that erupted earlier in January over the rising cost of living were met with a sweeping crackdown, including the closure of dozens of businesses accused of supporting the unrest. Internet shutdowns during that period wiped out incomes for many small entrepreneurs, particularly those reliant on online platforms, leaving lasting scars on already fragile livelihoods.

Poll

Do you believe the introduction of a 10 million rial banknote will help ease Iran's economic crisis?

Now, the war has intensified the pressure. Continued US and Israeli strikes, including attacks on key nuclear facilities such as Natanz, have deepened uncertainty. While officials say there has been no radiation leak, the conflict has rattled markets and further weakened investor confidence. Cash transactions have surged, with traders and merchants increasingly avoiding credit or cheques amid fears of instability..



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Rs 27 crore tag! Rishabh Pant ‘under most pressure’ in IPL 2026 | Cricket News


Rs 27 crore tag! Rishabh Pant 'under most pressure' in IPL 2026
Rishabh Pant (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: The Rs 27 crore price tag, Lucknow Super Giants’ failure to enter the playoffs in IPL 2025, and poor form with the bat — Rishabh Pant will hope to bury all ghosts of the 2025 season and start afresh when the 2026 edition kicks off. Lucknow Super Giants will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.Will Pant be under any pressure?

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Shashi Tharoor & Samson’s Redemption Story: From Setbacks to Glory

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes that Lucknow Super Giants skipper Pant will be the player under the most pressure in the tournament.Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament’s history last year when LSG secured the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 27 crore.However, his performances with the bat failed to justify his price tag. Although he scored a century, his overall campaign remained underwhelming, as the ton came when LSG were already out of the race for the playoffs.Pant scored just 269 runs in the 13 matches he played last season at a poor average of 24.45.“For me, Rishabh Pant is probably the player in the IPL who is under the most pressure this season. Some guys flourish under the price tag pressure, while some don’t. I think last season was a really tough one for him. The team struggled, and he also struggled with runs in the way that he batted,” Du Plessis told Jio Hotstar.“So, there is all that pressure coming into the season, along with the expectations of what the team is going to do. With a batting-heavy team, how are they going to maximise their bowling? Because there is pressure on your captain, scoring runs is your first job.“So, if he is scoring runs as a captain, it takes pressure off in the first instance. But then there is a second instance, which is the team performance overall. And last year, both of those things had big red crosses against them,” he said.

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NZ vs SA, 4th T20I Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between New Zealand and South Africa?



New Zealand will have a golden opportunity to seal the five-match T20I series when they face South Africa in the fourth game at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on Sunday, March 22.

Leading the series 2-1 after back-to-back wins, the Black Caps are just one victory away from clinching their first bilateral T20I series against the Proteas in over 20 years. For South Africa, it’s a must-win clash if they want to keep their hopes alive and push the contest into a decider in Christchurch.

The series has seen a shift in momentum. South Africa started strongly with a convincing seven-wicket win in the opener, but New Zealand have bounced back in style. A dominant 68-run victory in Hamilton was followed by a comfortable eight-wicket win in Auckland, where they chased down 136 with ease.

New Zealand’s disciplined bowling has been the key difference, consistently putting pressure on South Africa’s relatively inexperienced batting lineup, which has struggled to build partnerships.

However, the hosts face a setback with Tom Latham ruled out due to a thumb injury. Tom Blundell has been drafted in, while Mitchell Santner will continue leading the side. With a few absences, opportunities could open up for fresh faces as New Zealand look to finish the job.

NZ vs SA, 4th T20I: Match details

  • Date and Time: March 22; 11:45 am IST / 6:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
  • Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington

NZ vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 23 | South Africa won: 13 | New Zealand won: 10 | No result: 0

Sky Stadium Pitch Report

Sky Stadium in Wellington is known for offering a fair contest between bat and ball, thanks to its drop-in pitch that provides even bounce and reliable carry. Batters can trust the surface to play their shots, but bowlers – especially seamers – also get their moments, particularly early in the innings.

The conditions in Wellington often play a key role. With cool temperatures and frequent breeze, there’s usually some assistance for swing bowlers when the ball is new, especially if there’s cloud cover overhead. This can make the initial overs quite challenging for batters.

As the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, allowing batters to score more freely. T20I matches here generally see totals in the 150-160 range, making for competitive games. Teams also tend to prefer chasing at this venue, as conditions often become slightly easier under lights.

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman

Also READ: Lockie Ferguson, Tom Latham sizzle in New Zealand’s commanding win over South Africa in 3rd T20I

NZ vs SA, 4th T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

  • New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
  • South Africa’s powerplay score: 40-50
  • South Africa’s total score: 150-160

Case 2:

  • South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
  • New Zealand’s powerplay score: 50-60
  • New Zealand’s total score: 170-180

Match result: New Zealand to win the contest.

Also READ: Will Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings punish Lockie Ferguson for missing early part of IPL 2026?



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Puducherry Assembly Elections: Puducherry polls: BJP names another candidate for Karaikal South – check full list | India News


Puducherry polls: BJP names another candidate for Karaikal South - check full list

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named M Arulmurugan as its candidate for the upcoming Puducherry assembly elections, set to be held on April 9. The announcement follows the BJP’s release of the first list of nine candidates a day earlier. Arulmurugan will contest from the Karaikal South constituency in the Union territory.With this, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced all candidates for the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections. Earlier, the party had announced several candidates for constituencies it will contest as part of the alliance. It did not announce candidate for one seat as its alliance partner AIADMK, which was allotted two seats, insisted on one more seat.Here’s a list of all the candidates

  • M Arulmurugan from Karaikal South
  • A Namassivayam will contest from Mannadipet
  • E Theeppainthan from Oussoudu (SC)
  • PML Kalyanasundaram from Kalapet
  • VP Ramalingame from Raj Bhavan
  • A Johnkumar from Mudaliarpet
  • Embalam R Selvam from Manavely
  • GNS Rajasekaran from Thirunallar
  • A Dineshan from Mahe

Seat sharingThe BJP is contesting the election in alliance with the AINRC. Under the agreed formula, AINRC will contest 16 seats, while the BJP and its allies will fight the remaining 14 seats. The BJP itself will contest 10 constituencies, while two seats each have been allotted to the AIADMK and Jose Charles Martin’s Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), following discussions over the latter’s inclusion in the alliance.Puducherry pollsThe Election Commission has scheduled polling for all 30 seats in Puducherry in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.Preparations for the polls are underway, with the Commission completing the first randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). It said detailed records will be shared with candidates after the final list of contestants is ready to ensure transparency in the process.Puducherry has around 9.44 lakh eligible voters, including about 4.43 lakh male voters, 5 lakh female voters and 139 third-gender electors. The electorate also includes 23,033 first-time voters aged between 18 and 19, over 6,000 voters aged 85 and above, and 12,204 persons with disabilities.Voting will be held across 1,099 polling stations, including 610 in urban areas and 489 in rural regions, with an average of 859 voters per booth.With candidates being announced and logistics in place, the focus is now on the upcoming contest as parties prepare for polling next month.



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IPL 2026: Can Hardik Pandya end Mumbai Indians’ title drought? | Cricket News


IPL 2026: Can Hardik Pandya end Mumbai Indians' title drought?
Hardik Pandya (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

Despite persisting with a strong core for years, Mumbai Indians have failed to win the Indian Premier League title since 2020. To end this drought in 2026, they will need their superstar players to put the team above individual ambitions and respond positively to Hardik Pandya’s leadership style.MI’s leadership group is vastly experienced, with Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah all capable of turning matches in pressure situations. With most of their top players in form, the fivetime champions would want their title drought to end this season.

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With a lethal batting lineup, multiple allrounders, a worldclass pace spearhead in Bumrah and a crafty T20 spinner in Mitchell Santner, MI possess a combination most teams will envy. Being one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, they know the winning formula. They simply need to rediscover it.Less than a month ago, Pandya delivered another strong allround performance in India’s triumph at the 2026 T20 World Cup, earning praise for his bowling contributions, something R Ashwin recently highlighted as being underappreciated. As a senior player, Hardik played a crucial role in helping India lift the trophy under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy.When MI begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29, Pandya will expect a similar level of commitment from his India teammates — Suryakumar, Rohit, Bumrah and Tilak Varma.Add overseas firepower in Will Jacks, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and New Zealand’s white-ball captain Santner and MI appear, on paper, to be one of the strongest franchise sides in world cricket.

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Yet, this star-studded outfit — the IPL’s version of the Galacticos — has struggled to gel into a champion team since Pandya returned as captain in 2024. His first season as MI captain was disastrous, with the team managing only four wins in 14 matches.The situation worsened with the crowd booing him as he had replaced sentimental favourite Rohit as captain. Then, there were reports of dressing-room unrest. However, the management kept faith in Pandya and retained him for IPL 2025. The results improved as MI reached the playoffs, before Shreyas Iyer’s sensational innings knocked them out in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.IPL 2026 could be a defining test for Pandya’s leadership. Suryakumar Yadav’s stature has risen after leading India to the T20 World Cup title and he too would be nursing captaincy ambitions in the IPL. Rohit too remains one of the most respected leaders in world cricket. If MI struggle early, calls for a leadership rethink may grow louder. The best approach for Pandya and head coach Mahela Jayawardene would be a collaborative leadership model that actively involves senior players in decision-making. Such a consultative approach would keep the dressing room united and focused on the trophy rather than individual egos.This season could also be crucial for Rohit. Now visibly leaner and fitter, the 38-year-old looks motivated for a strong campaign. Used as an ‘Impact Sub’ at times last season, Rohit could play a larger on-field role this year, allowing him to contribute more to tactical decisions. The Mumbaikar remains the emotional heartbeat of MI, though a prolonged dip in form could raise uncomfortable questions for the team.MI’s batting has tremendous depth. Rohit is likely to open with either Quinton de Kock or Ryan Rickelton, followed by a strong middle order featuring Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak and Hardik, along with power-hitters Sherfane Rutherford and Jacks. Pandya’s own batting position will be key — ideally, he should bat no lower than No. 6 to maximise his impact in the death overs.Much will also depend on Jasprit Bumrah, whose match-winning spells powered India’s T20 World Cup campaign. Pandya would be wise to use him as a strike bowler throughout the innings, much like Suryakumar did for India, rather than saving him only for the death overs.Beyond Bumrah and Santner, MI’s bowling could be vulnerable on the flat Wankhede pitch, especially against big-hitting lineups.Ultimately, Pandya’s biggest challenge is to ensure MI function as a happy, united team rather than a group of superstars with bruised egos. Keeping emotions in check and fostering harmony in the dressing room will be crucial. If MI get that right, Hardik could find himself smiling on the podium after the IPL final on May 31.THE MI SWOTBe it a power-packed batting unit, skillful allrounders or a bowling lineup with depth and potency, Mumbai Indians have most bases covered to go deep in IPL 2026…Strength : Mumbai Indians’ biggest strength is their batting core of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup winners— Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma—who bring stability and firepower. Overseas stars like Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford and Mitchell Santner add depth, while Jasprit Bumrah remains the side’s biggest USP, capable of changing games at any stage. A strong pool of allrounders gives MI flexibility and balance across conditions.Weakness: The lack of a reliable Indian opener alongside Rohit Sharma and an experienced Indian wicketkeeper could force MI to play both Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, using up overseas slots. With Piyush Chawla retired, Santner becomes the frontline spinner, further limiting combinations and tactical flexibility.

Poll

Which player do you think is most crucial for MI's success in IPL 2026?

Opportunity: Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar offer a potent new-ball threat, while allrounders like Hardik, Santner, Jacks and Shardul Thakur provide balance. Hardik and Naman Dhir add finishing power, giving MI the ability to dominate key phases of the game. If their bowling unit clicks, and does so collectively, MI could dominate the powerplay and death overs.Threat: Ageing stars like Rohit, de Kock, Boult and Santner raise concerns over fielding and consistency. Heavy dependence on senior players and too many options could create selection confusion resulting in issues with role clarity. —Gaurav Gupta

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Why is Dimona called ‘Little India’? Inside Israeli town struck by Iran


Iran’s TIT-FOR-TAT Revenge Shakes Israel; Dimona, Arad ON FIRE; Israel ‘Forced’ To Conceal Truth?

Over 100 injured in Arad, Dimona in Iranian strikes; Netanyahu vows to attack Tehran on all fronts

The Middle East conflict escalated further on Saturday after Iran struck the southern Israeli town of Dimona.Also Read | Watch: Missile strike rocks Israel’s ‘Little India’ as Iran attack injures over 40; videos show chaosIran said the attack was in retaliation for a joint US-Israeli strike on its Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. However, Israel has denied it was involved in the strike.Dimona is home to a significant Indian community. Around 7,500 Indian nationals live here, accounting for roughly 30% of its population.Therefore, the town is often referred to as “Little India.”

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Iran’s TIT-FOR-TAT Revenge Shakes Israel; Dimona, Arad ON FIRE; Israel ‘Forced’ To Conceal Truth?

Click here for live updates on day 23 of Middle East warMaharashtra influenceMost members of the Indian community are Jewish and trace their roots to Maharashtra. Indian shops are scattered across Dimona, many selling familiar snacks such as “sonpapdi,” “gulab jamun,” “papri chaat,” and “bhelpuri.”Cricket is a popular sport in the town, and Marathi is among the most commonly spoken languages.The second edition of the Indian Film Festival in Israel, organised by the Indian embassy, was held in Dimona in November last year.Also Read | ‘Can reach London, Paris or Berlin’: Israel says Iran launched missile with range of 4,000 kmWhy was Dimona specifically hitThe Iranian attack reflects a direct tit-for-tat response. Dimona is close to the Negev desert, home to Israel’s Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced it is investigating a failure to intercept the Iranian ballistic missile. According to the military, air defence systems engaged the incoming projectile, but the interceptors failed to bring it down.The Iranian missile strikeAt least 47 people were injured in the attack, including a 12-year-old boy who remains in serious condition after being struck by shrapnel, officials from the Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue services and local residents told PTI.A woman in her 30s sustained moderate injuries from flying glass, while 31 others suffered minor wounds from shrapnel or were hurt while rushing to shelters. Another 14 people were treated for acute anxiety at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel.The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), noted that there were no indications of damage to the nearby nuclear facility.“The IAEA is aware of reports of an incident in the city of Dimona, Israel, involving a missile impact and has not received any indication of damage to the nuclear research center Negev,” the agency posted on X.It also called for “maximum military restraint” following the attack.



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Is Nora Fatehi’s work permit in India in trouble after the ‘Sarke Chunar’ controversy? Lawyers approach Ministry of Home Affairs |


Actress Nora Fatehi has been in the news after her latest track ‘Sarke Chunar’ sparked a controversy and was eventually banned. The Hindi version of this song from the Kannada film ‘KD Devil’ was criticised over its alleged ‘double-meaning’ lyrics. The situation has escalated further now, with a group of ten lawyers reportedly approaching the Ministry of Home Affairs, demanding cancellation of Nora’s work permit and her deportation from India.As per reports, the complaint has also been forwarded to several key authorities, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the National Commission for Women, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

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‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ Divides Internet As Nora Fatehi Faces Backlash

In their petition, the lawyers have alleged that the song is obscene, sexually suggestive, and offensive to public morality as well as the dignity of women. They further argued that Nora has misused her privilege to work in India by associating with such content. Referring to provisions under the Foreigners Act, 1946, they stated that the government holds the authority to act against foreign nationals whose actions may disrupt public decency or order. They also cited the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, along with other legal provisions.The plea additionally claims that the song violates multiple laws, including sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.Beyond the legal framework, the lawyers argued that such portrayals contribute to obscenity, promote the objectification of women, and reinforce problematic societal narratives.Earlier, responding to the backlash, Nora had stated that she was unaware of the meaning of the lyrics, as she had performed the song in Kannada. She also claimed that a translated version was used without her consent. The actress took to her social media and clarified in a video, “I shot this song three years ago in Kannada. When I shot this song, I said yes to it because it was part of a big film and also alongside Sanjay Dutt, who would say no to it. It was a remake of what I thought was ‘Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main.'”She further revealed that she had no role in the Hindi adaptation and was unaware of the changes made later. “When they translated this song, nothing seemed inappropriate or vulgar to me, but I do not understand Kannada, so I rely on whatever they say to me. Whatever they have done right now, dubbing it in Hindi and the lyrics, they did not take any permission or approval from me. I had no idea about it,” she added.The actor also recalled her reaction when she attended the song’s launch event, where she first noticed certain issues. “When I attended the launch, I saw the Kannada version, and I had a major issue because they used unflattering photos in the lyrical video. They also used an AI photo of Sanjay and me. I was very irritated at the event when I saw all that. However, I kept my calm,” Nora continued.It was when she saw the Hindi version that she was left shocked. “I was conflicted with what I saw. When I saw the Hindi version, I knew it would get backlash. I told the director that this was not okay, and I dissociated myself from the project. I did not promote it anywhere. I told the director my image and reputation are on the line.”Speaking more broadly about the limitations faced by performers, she said, “The thing with us artists is that we do not have power, we have little power and control. Thankfully, in Bollywood, many have respected my work. However, there are certain industries that do not care about my opinion. But because of the backlash, they had to take it down, and I am thankful.”However, the petitioners dismissed her clarification, calling it an afterthought. They maintained that performers cannot take credit and remuneration for a project while distancing themselves from its content. The lawyers also asserted that the involvement of AI tools does not absolve individuals of responsibility.Adding to the controversy, the Muslim Personal Darul Ifta in Aligarh issued a fatwa against the actress after the song sparked outrage online. The body reportedly deemed the content objectionable and contrary to Islamic principles.Amid mounting criticism, the Union government on Wednesday confirmed that the song has been banned. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision in the Lok Sabha while responding to a query raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.



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