Panaji: Coach Manolo Marquez has warned his players that they cannot turn up for a competitive match and assume the result will go their way, just because “we are FC Goa.”Goa have trained the most this season. It all started in July when the team started preparations for the AFC Champions League Two playoff, a game they won at home to qualify for the group stage of Asian football’s second-tier club competition. At a time when most players were left to wonder about the future, Goa played Asian football and later won the Super Cup.For the ISL, though, Manolo has just two foreign players, significantly reducing the team’s strength. But while the team appeared competitive in the first four matches, unbeaten Goa seemed out of depth against hosts Punjab FC. The former champions were lucky to escape with a draw after the home side took the lead in the first half but were reduced to ten men early in the second with goalscorer Nsungusi Effiong being sent off for a retaliatory headbutt on defender Pol Moreno.“In modern football, you cannot win only with your name,” Manolo told reporters after the 1-1 draw at the Nehru Stadium, Delhi, on Monday. “We cannot play like what we did in the first half. I told the players in the dressing room: ‘I don’t know if we are playing a football league, (top tier) ISL, or we are at a summer camp. Our first half is unacceptable. Because I am the coach, the maximum responsibility for this performance lies with me.”Punjab outplayed Goa in the first half, and despite the opponents being reduced to ten men early in the second, there was hardly any thrust. Manolo’s side had two good chances – Dejan Drazic and Mohammad Yasir going close with close range headers – but for a side that has recently contributed six players to the national team, and two quality foreigners, there should have been more.“Punjab deserved three points (for their first half performance). We were lucky with the red card, which was fair. I am very disappointed with our performance. Punjab were much better than us. They wanted to score, won all the second actions, and were hungrier. I don’t know if the result is fair, but, obviously, the red card changed the game completely,” said Manolo.Goa have scored five goals in five matches, four of them by Serbian winger Drazic. Moreno, another foreigner, has scored the other goal as Indian players draw a blank. The likes of Brison Fernandes, Udanta Singh, Boris Singh, Raynier Fernandes, Ishan Pandita, Muhammed Nemil and Ayush Chhetri have all come close but lacked the final touch.“We scored five goals and everyone knows who scored for us in the competition,” said Manolo. “You need a better mentality (to score). Brison was very good last season. He’s someone with very good mentality. He had chances but he hasn’t scored largely because of bad luck. If he had scored three goals by now, for me it would be normal.“There are some players who, when they are in front of goalkeeper, they wonder whether they’ll score or not. I always say that the money is in the box. If you are unable to remain calm in front of the goalkeeper, it’s better if you play defender. If you are an attacker, and in front of goal, you should at least have the intention to score.“In India, you cannot always have 0-0, 1-1 (scores). When you play a good game, you need to win 4-0. For example, today, when you had a disastrous first half, the opponents get a red card in the second and we equalise immediately. If you are calm and confident, this is a game you should win. We didn’t create enough chances.”

he LPG cylinder rates were last revised earlier this month, effective March 7, 2026. (AI image)

Latest LPG, petrol, diesel prices today: Amid LPG supply pressures and some panic buying on fears of shortage, prices of LPG cylinders – domestic and commercial – remain unchanged across cities. The LPG cylinder rates were last revised earlier this month, effective March 7, 2026. While the price of domestic LPG cylinders (14.2 kg) was raised by Rs 60, that of commercial cylinders was upped by Rs 115.The ongoing US-Iran war has meant that shipments from the Middle East and in particular the Strait of Hormuz have been held up. India imports a major chunk of its LPG needs, and a substantial percentage of that comes from the Middle East, making the supply situation worrisome. While the government has said that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders for domestic usage, panic buying and black marketing has led to long queues outside gas agencies. Since supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been de-prioritised, restaurants and eateries across the country have faced the prospect of a long shut down. The arrival of a third oil tanker, Jag Ladki, at Gujarat’s Mundra port amid heightened tensions in the Middle East reflects ongoing efforts to stabilise LPG supplies.

LPG Cylinder Rate Today (March 18, 2026): City-wise list

Delhi: Domestic Rs 913.00 | Commercial Rs 1,883.00 – Rs 1,884.50Mumbai: Domestic Rs 912.50 | Commercial Rs 1,835.00 – Rs 1,836.00Kolkata: Domestic Rs 939.00 | Commercial Rs 1,988.50 – Rs 1,990.00Chennai: Domestic Rs 928.50 | Commercial Rs 2,043.50Bengaluru: Domestic Rs 915.50 | Commercial Rs 1,910.00Hyderabad: Domestic Rs 905.00 – Rs 965.00 | Commercial Rs 1,900.00Ahmedabad: Domestic Rs 910.00 | Commercial Rs 1,870.00Jaipur: Domestic Rs 915.00 – Rs 916.50 | Commercial Rs 1,890.00Lucknow: Domestic Rs 915.00 | Commercial Rs 1,900.00Pune: Domestic Rs 915.00 | Commercial Rs 1,900.00Chandigarh: Domestic Rs 910.00 – Rs 922.50 | Commercial Rs 1,880.00

Petrol, diesel price today (March 18, 2026): City-wise list

India also ships around 40% of its crude oil needs from the Middle East, but the availability of Russian crude has helped. Crude oil prices have been rising internationally, crossing the $100 a barrel mark, and Iran has threatened that they may go up to $200 if the war doesn’t stop. For the time being, the government has not raised the petrol and diesel prices. The rise in Brent crude and other international rates is expected to be absorbed in the near-term either by the oil marketing companies or the government (in the form of lower excise duty).Delhi: Petrol – Rs 94.77 | Diesel – Rs 87.67Mumbai: Petrol – Rs 103.49 | Diesel – Rs 90.03Bengaluru: Petrol – Rs 102.99 | Diesel – Rs 91.06 Chennai: Petrol – Rs 100.80 | Diesel – Rs 92.39Kolkata: Petrol – Rs 105.45 | Diesel – Rs 92.02

As the excitement builds for IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans have been handed a perfect dose of nostalgia. Former RCB star and current batting coach Dinesh Karthik recently revisited the franchise’s most iconic memories, listing his top five moments from their IPL journey. Having been closely associated with the team across multiple seasons, Karthik’s picks carry both emotion and insight.

Dinesh Karthik relives RCB’s greatest IPL moments ahead of the 2026 season

In a special segment, he walked fans through unforgettable highs – from record-breaking performances to long-awaited glory – while also including the dramatic 2024 win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a match that still gives fans goosebumps.

At the very top of Karthik’s list sits the moment RCB fans had waited nearly two decades for – their maiden IPL title in 2025. After years of heartbreak, the franchise finally broke the curse, delivering a season that will forever be etched in history.

“The best moment that probably ever existed. RCB winning the trophy and Krunal Pandya bowling that wonderful spell in the final. I think it was a special spell,” Karthik recalled. “Being part of that winning team was a special occasion. The way they went about it, a phenomenal match and a goosebumps moment for whoever was a part of that match, including the crowd. We were pushed in many ways, even in the final. I think that was an electrifying moment in RCB history, waiting 18 years to get that title.”

That victory wasn’t just about lifting the trophy – it was about redemption. Virat Kohli’s calm presence in the final and Mohammed Siraj’s clutch bowling in the death overs perfectly summed up RCB’s resilience that season.

Another standout moment takes us back to the unforgettable 2016 season, where Kohli produced arguably the greatest individual IPL campaign ever. One particular knock against Punjab Kings stood out – a breathtaking century scored despite a painful hand injury.

“Virat Kohli’s hundred against Punjab Kings at that stage. He had a torn webbing and the way he gestured after getting that hundred. In a rain-shortened game, getting a hundred is unbelievable,” Karthik expressed. “The way he was able to do it, and how many runs he got in that season, upwards of 900, took his team single-handedly to the final, tells you the great player he is.”

Kohli’s 973-run season remains unmatched, and that innings symbolized pure determination.

From AB de Villiers’ magic to Yash Dayal’s redemption: Moments that defined RCB

Karthik’s list also celebrates one of the most remarkable comeback knocks in IPL playoff history – AB de Villiers; heroic innings against Gujarat Lions in 2016. With RCB struggling at 29 for 5 in a high-pressure chase, de Villiers delivered a masterclass that turned the game on its head.

“AB de Villiers in that must-win game against Gujarat Lions, the way he took RCB to the final. Fantastic knock,” Karthik said, adding with a touch of humour: “I have a bad memory in that game because I was keeping for Gujarat. But still, a terrific knock.”

De Villiers’ unbeaten 79 remains one of the finest examples of composure under pressure.

Then comes a moment no IPL fan can ever forget – Chris Gayle’s unbelievable 175 not out against Pune Warriors India in 2013. It wasn’t just a record-breaking innings; it was a display of dominance rarely seen in T20 cricket. Sixes rained across the stadium, bowlers looked helpless, and Gayle carved his name into cricketing folklore.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Dwayne Bravo, Matthew Hayden and others to participate in CSK reunion at Chepauk

Finally, Karthik highlighted a more recent memory – the thrilling 2024 clash against CSK. It was a must-win game for RCB, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. After posting a strong total, the match went down to the wire, with MS Dhoni threatening yet another iconic finish.

But this time, it was Yash Dayal who had the final say. Defending 17 runs in the last over, he held his nerve brilliantly and dismissed Dhoni, sealing a famous win and RCB’s playoff qualification.

“The CSK game where Yash Dayal gets Dhoni’s wicket in the end. That was a terrific match. The way we pulled it off to get into the knockouts was a great moment in RCB history,” Karthik said

That victory marked a stunning turnaround for RCB, who had climbed from the bottom of the table to secure a playoff spot with six consecutive wins.

Karthik himself has been a key part of RCB’s journey, contributing valuable runs and experience over the years. Now, as batting coach, he continues to shape the team’s future while celebrating its past. As RCB prepare to defend their title in IPL 2026, these moments serve as a reminder of how far the franchise has come – and the legacy they continue to build.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru – RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Tuesday it used a new “Haj Qasem” ballistic missile for the first time in a fresh wave of attacks against Israel and the United States, describing it as an advanced precision-guided weapon named after slain commander Qassem Soleimani.The IRGC claimed the strikes targeted sites in Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It also said the barrage hit US military bases in the region, including facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.The reported use of the missile comes as the Iran-Israel war enters its third week, with the conflict spilling across the Gulf, disrupting shipping lanes and drawing in multiple regional actors.Named after Soleimani, the former head of the IRGC’s Quds Force killed in a 2020 US drone strike, the Haj Qasem missile carries both symbolic and military significance.The missile is described as a road-mobile, solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile with a reported range of about 1,200 to 1,400 kilometres, putting Israeli cities within reach. Solid-fuel systems can be launched more quickly than liquid-fuel missiles, reducing the window for interception before launch.

All about Haj Qassem

Iranian media reports say the missile is equipped with a manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle, which can alter its path during descent, potentially making it harder to intercept. It is also said to use a combination of inertial navigation and optical or infrared seekers, allowing it to strike targets without relying on GPS signals.Iranian officials have claimed the missile can evade advanced air defence systems such as THAADand the Patriot system, though such assertions are contested by Western analysts and remain unverified.The Haj Qasem is reported to carry a payload of around 500 kilograms and travel at high speeds during atmospheric entry. Its road mobility is seen as enhancing survivability by allowing launchers to be moved and concealed.In the current conflict, Iran has said it deployed the Haj Qasem alongside other ballistic missiles, including Ghadr, Emad and Fattah, as well as drones, in coordinated strikes. Analysts say such combinations are typically intended to complicate and strain air defence systems.The introduction of the missile into active operations is being viewed as part of Iran’s broader reliance on ballistic missile capabilities, particularly in a conflict that has expanded beyond direct exchanges and is increasingly affecting the wider regional security landscape.According to Iranian claims, the missile is equipped with a manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle, or MaRV, which can adjust its trajectory during descent. Such capability, if effective, could complicate interception by missile defence systems. Iranian media reports also say it uses advanced navigation systems, including inertial guidance and optical or infrared seekers, enabling it to strike targets without relying on GPS and to operate in contested electronic environments.Iranian officials have further claimed that the missile can evade systems such as THAAD and the Patriot missile system, though these assertions are disputed by Western analysts. Independent verification of the missile’s full capabilities remains limited, but analysts note that Iran has been working to improve the accuracy and survivability of its missile arsenal over the years.The Haj Qasem is reported to carry a payload of around 500 kilograms and to travel at very high speeds during atmospheric entry. Its road mobility adds to its survivability by making launch sites harder to detect and target.In the current conflict, Iran has said it used the Haj Qasem alongside other ballistic missiles such as Ghadr, Emad, and Fattah, as well as drones, in coordinated attacks. This combination reflects a broader approach aimed at challenging air defence systems through multiple incoming threats rather than relying on a single platform.The missile’s introduction into active operations appears to serve both operational and signalling purposes. It demonstrates Iran’s ability to deploy newer systems during a prolonged conflict while also sending a message about its strike capabilities amid sustained pressure from Israeli and US actions.At the same time, the effectiveness of such systems depends not only on their technical specifications but also on real-world performance against layered air defence networks. As the conflict continues, assessments of the Haj Qasem’s impact are likely to evolve.

Lalit Modi and Kavya Maran

NEW DELHI: A storm surrounding Abrar Ahmed’s signing in The Hundred continued to grow after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi posted a pointed message that appeared aimed at Kavya Maran and her franchise, Sunrisers Leeds.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Sunrisers Leeds, owned by the same group behind Sunrisers Hyderabad, picked Abrar for £190,000 (approx. Rs 2.34 crore) at the inaugural men’s Hundred auction in London. The move triggered a massive backlash in India, given the long-standing absence of Pakistani players from IPL-linked ecosystems.

Without naming anyone directly, Lalit Modi wrote on X: “Investing 2.34 crore on a Pakistani player when the fans are already on edge? I know a thing or two about managing optics and building empires. Call me.”The controversy even led to Sunrisers Leeds’ social media account being temporarily suspended amid the outrage, underlining the scale of public reaction.Backlash, political undertones and Gavaskar’s remarksThe signing has also reignited political sensitivities tied to India-Pakistan relations. Pakistani players have not featured in the IPL since its inaugural 2008 season, following the 2008 Mumbai attacks and subsequent diplomatic fallout.The debate escalated after Sunil Gavaskar criticised the move, calling it an indirect way of funding Pakistan’s military — remarks that drew sharp reactions across the cricketing community.Pakistan-born England cricketer Azeem Rafiq slammed Gavaskar’s comments, posting: “This is absolutely ridiculous & should be condemned… Vile stuff.”Despite the uproar, a telecomasia.net report indicated that Abrar remains unfazed. Ranked third in the ICC T20I bowlers rankings, the mystery spinner is focused on his career and opportunities in global leagues.“The noise on Abrar’s signing is not unexpected, but he is not losing sleep over the uproar,” sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board said.Franchise stands firm amid ECB scrutinySunrisers Leeds coach Daniel Vettori defended the decision, stating that Abrar was among several top overseas spinner options after they missed out on Adil Rashid.“Very pleased to get him,” Vettori said, backing the selection purely on cricketing merit.With tensions between India and Pakistan still strained following recent geopolitical flashpoints, Abrar’s signing has become more than just a cricketing decision.