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Aakash Chopra predicts the Orange Cap and Puple Cap winners of IPL 2026



As anticipation builds for IPL 2026, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his predictions for two of the tournament’s most prestigious individual awards—the Orange Cap and the Purple Cap. Known for his sharp analysis and bold calls, Chopra has once again placed his faith in young batting sensation and India’s premier fast bowler to dominate the upcoming season.

Aakash Chopra picks the Orange Cap winner in IPL 2026

Chopra has backed Rajasthan Royals’ explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to emerge as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2026. The former cricketer admitted that he has consistently tipped Jaiswal in previous seasons, but believes this could finally be the year the youngster delivers a truly monumental performance.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said he expects Jaiswal to push the boundaries and potentially produce a season in the range of 700 to 900 runs—something only a handful of batters have achieved in IPL history. His confidence stems not just from Jaiswal’s talent, but also from his aggressive intent at the top of the order.

“Can this be Yashasvi Jaiswal’s year? I say before every IPL whether it could be his year? Can it be a 700-900-run reason for this guy? I will say once again whether it can be his. I will once again focus on Yashasvi Jaiswal because I like him a lot,” said Chopra.

Jaiswal had an impressive IPL 2025 campaign, finishing as the seventh-highest run-scorer. He accumulated 559 runs in 14 innings at a striking rate of 159.71, showcasing both consistency and attacking flair. Despite not clinching the Orange Cap last season, his performances reinforced his status as one of the most dangerous young batters in the league.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

Star pacer tipped for Purple Cap glory

On the bowling front, Chopra has identified Mumbai Indians spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as his pick for the Purple Cap in IPL 2026. However, he attached a crucial condition—Bumrah must remain fit and available for the entire season.

Chopra acknowledged that Bumrah’s workload management often limits his participation across all matches, but insisted that if the pacer plays a full season, he could outclass the competition.

“Who can be the highest wicket-taker? That’s an interesting one. Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play all the matches. If he plays all the matches, he could be the one. If Bumrah plays all matches, let’s make it Bumrah,” added Chopra.

Bumrah had a solid IPL 2025 season, claiming 18 wickets in just 12 innings at an impressive economy rate of 6.67. Despite missing a few games, he still finished as the seventh-highest wicket-taker, underlining his efficiency and impact.

While discussing other contenders, Chopra mentioned several top Indian pacers including Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. He also briefly considered overseas options like Mitchell Starc. However, he ultimately circled back to Bumrah as his top choice, citing his unmatched ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

“I am thinking about Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Mitchell Starc among the overseas. Who can it be? Josh Hazlewood isn’t going to play all the games. Let’s go with Bumrah,” Chopra added further.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know



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AB de Villiers reveals ‘naughty’ desire in his, Virat Kohli’s career downfall | Cricket News


AB de Villiers reveals ‘naughty’ desire in his, Virat Kohli’s career downfall
AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: For over a decade, the sight of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers sprinting between the wickets in red and gold was the heartbeat of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While their individual records are peerless, the duo’s lack of an IPL trophy together remains one of cricket’s greatest paradoxes. Now, ahead of the 2026 season, De Villiers has offered a poignant reflection on why their greatest strength, an obsessive hunger for victory, might have also been their “downfall”.The South African icon revealed that both he and Kohli shared a “naughty” trait: they simply wanted to win too much. This intense emotional investment often made the game a deeply personal burden.

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Speaking on the Mbangwa Media YouTube channel, De Villiers explained that their bond was built on a shared DNA of extreme competitiveness. Once they joined forces at RCB in 2011, they realised they were cut from the same cloth. “We realised we played a similar kind of game, had a similar kind of outlook on the game, similar kind of competitiveness, and really enjoyed batting together, running between the wickets, understanding of cricket and just wanting to win,” De Villiers stated.However, that elite mentality had a flip side. De Villiers admitted that their inability to detach from the result often worked against them, leading to a mental exhaustion that made every loss feel like a personal failure.“Both of us were probably naughty of wanting it too much, as maybe our biggest downfall of our careers is wanting the team to win too much, and it sort of affected us so much that we would take it personally when we lose,” he confessed.Last season, Kohli finally won the elusive IPL title. “So that’s maybe… well, at least he got some trophies. I didn’t get a lot,” De Villiers added with a touch of characteristic humility.As RCB prepare for a title-defending campaign in 2026, De Villiers’ words serve as a reminder of the thin line between passion and pressure. For years, the Kohli-ABD era was defined by this “naughty” desire to win, a trait that made them legends, even if it occasionally made the weight of the game too heavy to bear.

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Rupee sinks 82 paise to all-time low of 93.71 vs US dollar as crude oil surge, FII outflows rattle sentiment


Rupee sinks 82 paise to all-time low of 93.71 vs US dollar as crude oil surge, FII outflows rattle sentiment

The rupee plunged by 82 paise, or nearly 1 per cent, to settle at an all-time low of 93.71 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, weighed down by persistent foreign fund outflows and a sharp rise in global crude oil prices amid mounting geopolitical tensions, PTI reported.Forex traders said the domestic currency remained under intense pressure as elevated energy prices and a shift towards risk aversion dented investor sentiment. Heightened geopolitical uncertainty has also fuelled concerns that higher oil costs could widen India’s trade deficit and push up inflation.At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 92.92 against the greenback and soon breached the 93-mark for the first time. It continued to weaken during the session before settling at 93.71 (provisional), down 82 paise from the previous close.On Wednesday, the rupee had slumped 49 paise to end at its earlier record low of 92.89 against the US dollar. Forex markets remained closed on Thursday on account of Gudhi Padwa.“The rupee hit fresh all-time lows on Friday amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia and FII outflows. Rising global crude oil prices, too, have pressured the rupee,” said Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst, Commodities Research, Mirae Asset Sharekhan.He noted that major central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England and Bank of Japan, have left interest rates unchanged in their recent monetary policy meetings, citing inflation concerns while reiterating their readiness to adjust policy as required.“We expect the rupee to trade with a negative bias as escalating geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices may continue to pressure the rupee,” Choudhary said, adding that the USD-INR spot rate is likely to move in the range of Rs 93.20–93.80.Meanwhile, the dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.35 per cent higher at 99.58. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 1.84 per cent to USD 110.7 per barrel in futures trade.On the domestic equity market front, benchmark indices recovered from the previous session’s losses. The BSE Sensex was trading 325.72 points, or 0.44 per cent, higher at 74,532.96, while the NSE Nifty gained 112.35 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 23,114.50.According to exchange data, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 7,558.19 crore on a net basis on Thursday, adding to pressure on the local currency.



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“I was the closest person to Charlie”: Candace Owens makes explosive claims about Charlie Kirk amid growing controversy


“I was the closest person to Charlie”: Candace Owens makes explosive claims about Charlie Kirk amid growing controversy
Candace Owens has sparked fresh controversy by claiming Charlie Kirk was unaware of key details during his relationship with Erika Kirk. She alleges Erika misrepresented connections to Kanye West’s circle, raising questions about credibility and hidden truths. The remarks have triggered intense online debate, with critics demanding evidence while supporters cite Owens’ proximity as reason to take her claims seriously.

Candace Owens has started another online scandal with her comments about the shady dealings of people close to Kanye West. Her statements have been rapidly circulated on social media and have elicited mixed responses with those in support and those against it calling them into doubt. What is most striking is the confidence that Owens is able to convey in her account as she highlights the fact that she is too close to the people she is writing about. She presents her arguments as something subject to personal experience and not speculation; this has heightened public criticism. With the debate intensifying, viewers find themselves torn between her claims and the necessity of verifiable facts and the debate has become a wider debate on truth, influence and credibility.

Candace Owens doubles down on claims, sparks intense online debate

Owens’ comments have ignited widespread discussion, largely because of the detailed and personal tone she uses to explain her stance. She did not hold back while outlining her belief that key information had been concealed, suggesting a deeper story beneath the surface.Here’s what Candace Owens said, “It is my personal opinion that a deal was done. When I look at the evidence when I look at everything I’m looking at when I see how duplicitous she was and I know that Charlie did not know these things because I was there. I was the closest person to Charlie.”She continued, “While he was dating, he was beginning to date Erika. Okay, no one spent more time with him or spoke to him more He did not know these things about Erika Kirk or erica franz fey was her name at the time We had no idea that she was telling people that she knew the people That were in Kanye’s orbit when he sent that tweet out something is not right. We all know something is not right and I am just Just aghast at the people who are going to pretend continue to pretend like all of this is perfectly normal”The strength of her words has fueled a larger conversation about influence, perception, and credibility in high-profile circles. Critics say that these kinds of claims need hard evidence, especially when they involve more than one person and their reputations. However, supporters say that her closeness to the situation makes her claims more credible.At its core, this ongoing debate shows a tension that is common in today’s media. Personal testimony can be powerful, but it can also make people very skeptical. With more people joining the conversation, the focus now turns to whether new evidence will come to light or if this is still a battle of stories based on opinion and public perception.



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Indian national dies in Saudi Arabia, embassy extends support to family; MEA says 6 deaths so far | India News


Indian national dies in Saudi Arabia, embassy extends support to family; MEA says 6 deaths so far

NEW DELHI: An Indian national died in Riyadh following recent developments on March 18, the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia confirmed in an official statement.The mission confirmed it is in touch with the deceased’s family as well as local authorities, and is providing all necessary assistance. It also expressed condolences and said it is closely coordinating with Saudi officials regarding the matter.

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“The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th.”“The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter,” it added. The update comes amid continuing concerns involving Indian nationals in the region after Iran continued to launch missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours following Israel and US launched strikes on Tehran, with the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia closely monitoring the situation and extending consular assistance as needed.Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs said that a total of six Indian nationals died and one remained missing in separate incidents across the Gulf region amid the West Asia conflict.The MEA said Indian missions were coordinating with local authorities for assistance and repatriation. Addressing the Inter-Ministerial Briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA, Aseem R Mahajan, said Indian missions in multiple countries worked closely with authorities to locate the missing person and facilitate the return of the deceased to India.“Six Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one is missing in various incidents. Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals to India,” Mahajan said.The travel situation from the Gulf region was gradually improving, with a significant number of passengers already returning to India, an MEA official said.“Situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region. Since February 28, around 300,000 passengers have returned from the region to India,” the MEA official said .According to the MEA, airlines from the United Arab Emirates were continuing to operate limited non-scheduled flights depending on operational and safety considerations.“From the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations. Today, again, around 90 flights are expected to operate from various airports in the UAE to India,” he added.



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Assam assembly poll jolt: Congress’s Prateek withdraws candidature after dad Pradyut Bordoloi joins BJP | Guwahati News


Prateek Bordoloi & Bhanwar Jitendra Singh (L), Pradyut Bordoloi (R)

GUWAHATI: In a significant political development ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, Congress candidate Prateek Bordoloi on Thursday withdrew his nomination from the Margherita constituency, a day after his father — veteran leader and former minister Prayut Bordoloi — switched sides to join the BJP.In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Prateek said he was stepping aside “with utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility” towards the party. Citing his father’s political move, he noted that continuing as the Congress candidate under the present circumstances “would not be appropriate”.

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Prateek said the people of Margherita and Congress workers “deserve absolute clarity and confidence” in the party’s nominee. “It would be unfair if any confusion or perception arises regarding my commitment or the party’s position,” he wrote.Reaffirming his loyalty, he emphasised that his “faith in the ideals of the Congress remains unwavering” and that he would continue to work for the party and the development of Margherita in any role the leadership deemed fit.A Congress worker since his youth, Prateek said the organisation had shaped his political values and given him the platform to serve. He expressed gratitude to the leadership for its trust and encouragement over the years.His exit from the contest marks the latest jolt to the Congress in Upper Assam, coming within hours of his father’s high‑profile defection to the BJP — a development that triggered intense speculation about the younger Bordoloi’s future.The Congress is yet to announce who will replace Prateek in Margherita.



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MS Dhoni omitted! Irfan Pathan picks his ideal Chennai Super Kings lineup for IPL 2026



The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been synonymous with the ‘Thala’ factor, but as we approach the 2026 season, the conversation around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are shifting from nostalgia to cold, hard strategy. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Yellow Army’s fanbase, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal CSK playing XII for IPL 2026—and the most decorated captain in the league’s history, MS Dhoni, is nowhere to be found in the starting lineup.

With the season opener scheduled for March 28 and CSK set to face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, Pathan’s selection reflects a vision of a modernized, high-velocity batting order. His logic centres on the benefit to the franchise over sentimental value. Pathan argued that while Dhoni’s brief cameos in the final overs delight the crowd, they don’t necessarily provide the structural stability required for a championship run in the current hyper-competitive era.

MS Dhoni misses out as Irfan Pathan names Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre to lead the batting charge

Pathan’s blueprint for the 2026 season prioritizes youth and aggressive intent. In a surprising tactical shift, he opted for a fresh opening pair consisting of the young sensation Ayush Mhatre and the prolific Sanju Samson. This allows the incumbent skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to slot in at No. 3, providing a solid anchor for the explosive middle order.

The middle phase of the innings in Pathan’s vision is dominated by power-hitters with range. Shivam Dube retains his spot as the primary spin-hitter, followed by the Dewald Brevis. However, the most debated inclusion is Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6. Pathan explicitly stated that for Sarfaraz to thrive and provide the necessary late-middle-order stability, Dhoni must step aside.

If MS Dhoni says that he is playing and will play regularly, then that’s one thing. You see, there comes a time when even the greatest player in the world has to leave. Will he play every game or not? Will Mahendra Singh Dhoni play all the games or not? This is something I have believed and talked about for many years. If Dhoni plays, for at least the last two years, it’s true that even two overs are enough to please Chennai fans, but it doesn’t really benefit the Chennai team. If Dhoni wants to play, he should play at least four over,” Pathan noted on his YouTube channel.

He emphasized that if the veteran wicket-keeper does take the field, he must commit to batting at least four overs to justify his spot in the modern T20 ecosystem.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know

Pathan focuses on strategic bowling depth and the ₹28 crore investment

Pathan’s selection also highlights CSK’s massive investment in uncapped domestic talent. He included Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively. Both players were acquired for a staggering ₹14.2 crore each at the auction, and Pathan believes their all-round utility is essential for a balanced side.

The bowling department sees a heavy reliance on variety and recent form. Noor Ahmad, who was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in 2025 with 24 scalps, leads the spin attack alongside Caribbean Akeal Hosein. The pace battery features New Zealand’s Matt Henry, while Khaleel Ahmed is designated as the Impact Player to provide a left-arm angle. Interestingly, Pathan found no room for Anshul Kamboj or Rahul Chahar, opting instead for a lineup that prioritizes early wickets and mystery spin.

Irfan Pathan’s CSK Playing 12 (IPL 2026): Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad. Impact Player: Khaleel Ahmed.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026



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‘Maharashtra Epstein Files’: Nashik astrologer rape case triggers political storm, questions raised on Rupali Chakankar | Mumbai News


MUMBAI: A self-proclaimed spiritual leader’s arrest in Maharashtra in a sexual assault case and videos of him assaulting women has led to the Opposition dubbing the incident as Maharashtra’s ‘Epstein files’. Ashok Kharat’s arrest from Nashik in a rape case has led to the Opposition slamming the state government due to his alleged links to senior politicians of ruling alliance. Like the Epstein files, there are allegedly 58 videos of assault recorded by Kharat, as per the Opposition.UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut said: “All this is like Jeffrey Epstein files. In fact, it is more horrifying than that. I have got a few videos. I believe there are some people from BJP and the ruling alliance. If the police has extracted 56 such clips from his phone, then the Maharashtra government will fall.”While it is unclear as to how many videos or how many more women Kharat had abused, there is at least one video that has gone viral where Kharat is seen abusing a woman in his office after conducting a fake ritual. One of Kharat’s office employees is facing a case in Shirdi for threatening a woman by leaking her obscene photos and clips. Kharat is accused of luring unsuspecting women with intoxicants and then abusing them and filming them.Raut trained his guns on the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, Rupali Chakankar, for being associated with Kharat. “What is the job of the chairperson of the Women’s Commission? She is supposed to get justice for women who are facing injustice. But here, she is seen washing feet of a man accused of rape. Ministers are being seen with this man.”Kharat was photographed with deputy CM Eknath Shinde in 2022 when the latter visited the Shri Shivnika Sansthan Temple which Kharat is associated with. The real heat is being faced by NCP leader Rupali Chakankar, a trustee of the temple trust along with Kharat and there are photos and videos of Chakankar with Kharat in public. In one photo, Chakankar is holding an umbrella for Kharat and in another she is seen washing Kharat’s feet.In the wee hours of Wednesday, Kharat was arrested after a 35-year-old woman complained to the police that Kharat had sexually abused her for three years from 2022 to 2025 under the guise of resolving her personal problems.Chakankar has claimed that she was not aware of Kharat’s activities and that the law should take its own course. Rupali Thombre Patil, a NCP leader and at loggerheads with Chakankar, has sought her resignation.Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has constituted an SIT to probe the case. Kharat has been remanded to police custody till March 24.



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Centre forms expert panel to rewrite NCERT Class 8 chapter after row over ‘corruption in judiciary’ section | India News


Centre forms expert panel to rewrite NCERT Class 8 chapter after row over 'corruption in judiciary' section

NEW DELHI: The central government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it has constituted a three-member expert committee to rewrite the chapter on the judiciary in the NCERT Class 8 textbook, following a row over a section referring to “corruption in the judiciary.The committee comprises former Attorney General K. K. Venugopal, former Supreme Court judge Indu Malhotra, and Justice Aniruddha Bose.After the government assured the Court about the formation of the committee, the Supreme Court closed its suo motu proceedings in the matter. The Court had earlier stayed the sale of the book and sought responses from the authorities.NCERT had earlier acknowledged the error and withdrawn the chapter. On February 25, it pulled the new Class 8 Social Science textbook from sale.The issue was raised before the CJI-led bench by senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi. They argued that students were being taught about corruption in the judiciary as if it existed in no other institution.“They have left out bureaucracy, politics, etc. Not a word on other sectors. They are teaching as if it only exists in this institution,” the senior lawyers said.CJI Surya Kant said that no one would be allowed to “defame” the institution of judiciary and initiated suo motu proceedings over the inclusion of the section in the textbook.The inclusion of the section marked a notable shift from previous editions, which had largely focused on the structure and role of courts. The revised chapter, titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” went beyond explaining court hierarchy and access to justice, and addressed challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs.



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