Varun Chakravarthy and Sanju Samson. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

India’s recent awards ceremony celebrating its cricketing heroes turned into a viral moment after Varun Chakravarthy made a light-hearted yet striking comment involving Sanju Samson.Walking the red carpet alongside Samson, Chakravarthy said: ‘There is meme going on social media, if there is a Mallu in the World Cup team, we never lose the World Cup’.

The remark quickly went viral on social media, especially in the backdrop of India’s dominant triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where Samson played a pivotal role.

Sanju Samson’s dream World Cup campaign

Samson was one of the standout performers of the tournament and was eventually named Player of the Tournament for his exceptional contributions. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 321 runs in just five innings, averaging over 80 with a staggering strike rate close to 200, making him one of the most destructive batters in the competition.His performances in crucial matches defined India’s title-winning run:97 not out vs West Indies (Super 8) – a match-winning knock under pressure89 vs England (Semi-final) – a dominant innings in a knockout clash89 vs New Zealand (Final) – a blazing start that set up India’s title winIn fact, Samson scored 275 runs in the knockout stages alone, showcasing his ability to deliver when it mattered the most. Samson’s journey in the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. He wasn’t even a guaranteed starter at the beginning but made the most of his opportunities, eventually becoming India’s match-winner in high-pressure games.

Varun Chakravarthy’s World Cup campaign

Varun Chakravarthy had a mixed yet impactful campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, playing a key role in India’s title-winning run. The mystery spinner emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers of the tournament, finishing with 14 wickets, showcasing his ability to break crucial partnerships in the middle overs. His standout performance came against the Netherlands, where he delivered a brilliant spell to seal a win for India. However, his campaign also saw moments of inconsistency, including an expensive outing in the semi-final against England. Despite that, Chakravarthy’s wicket-taking ability and control in key phases made him an important contributor to India’s historic third T20 World Cup triumph.After a successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, Sanju Samson is set to begin a new chapter with Chennai Super Kings following his trade, while Varun Chakravarthy returns to Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, aiming to carry his form into the tournament.

Legendary screenwriter Salim Khan is expected to be discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital today following a month-long battle with a minor brain hemorrhage. After a tense month for the Khan family and the film industry, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan is set to return home, according to a Hindustan Times report. Admitted in mid-February following a brain-related medical emergency, the 90-year-old legend has shown significant recovery, and doctors at Lilavati Hospital are now clearing him for discharge.

Hospital admission and diagnosis details

According to reports, Salim Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra West on February 17. He was brought to the emergency room around 8:30 AM following a brain-related issue. After the initial examination, a specialized medical team was formed to assess his condition. He was placed under the care of senior consultant Dr. Jaleel Parkar.

Doctors later confirmed that he had suffered a minor brain haemorrhage, which required careful monitoring and medical intervention. The situation raised concerns initially, given his age, but doctors maintained that his condition was manageable.

Digital subtraction angiography procedure

As part of the treatment, Salim Khan underwent a procedure known as Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Doctors clarified that the procedure is not major brain surgery but an advanced imaging technique.Providing an update at the time, Dr Parkar told the media, “There was minimal brain haemorrhage. A small procedure was done this morning, and it was accomplished. He is fine and stable, but is still on a ventilator. By tomorrow, hopefully, we will take him off the ventilator. All in all, he’s doing quite well. Keeping his age in mind, the recovery time is longer,”

Family support and public attention

Salim Khan’s family members, including Salman Khan, remained by his side throughout the treatment. Several well-known personalities also visited or expressed concern about his health during this period. Recently, Akhilesh Yadav met Salman Khan and shared a picture on social media.

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As the roadmap for the IPL 2026 season begins to take shape, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) find themselves at a tactical crossroads. Despite a legacy defined by aggressive, high-octane cricket, the franchise faced significant turbulence in their middle-order stability last season. Former Chennai Super Kings legend and ‘Mr. IPL’ Suresh Raina has now weighed in on the dilemma, suggesting a massive structural change: the permanent promotion of Rinku Singh in the batting hierarchy.

Suresh Raina reveals ideal batting position for Rinku Singh in KKR lineup

Raina’s assessment stems from a critical analysis of KKR’s net run rate and late-inning efficiency. Last season, the KKR dugout often left their most impactful domestic batter too late in the game. Raina pointed out that the ‘Three R’s’ Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, and Rinku were frequently clustered at positions 7, 8, and 9. This technical bottleneck often left Rinku with too few deliveries to influence the result, forcing him into a ‘slogger’ role that Raina believes diminishes his true value as a technically sound cricketer.

The core of Raina’s argument is that Rinku is far more than a death-overs specialist. “Rinku will have to bat higher. He can come in at No. 4 because he is not a slogger; he is a proper batsman,” Raina noted during his analysis. By moving Rinku to the second drop, KKR can utilize his ability to navigate the middle-overs spin squeeze, a phase where they struggled for momentum last year. This promotion would allow Rinku to build long innings, providing a safety net for the explosive but sometimes volatile top order.

This potential shift comes at a time of significant leadership evolution for the Men in Purple and Gold. With Abhishek Nayar taking the reins as coach and Shane Watson joining as an assistant, the tactical philosophy is expected to lean toward data-driven aggression. While Ajinkya Rahane remains the designated captain, there is growing chatter that Rinku Singh is being groomed as the successor. Elevating him to No. 4 not only solidifies the batting but also positions him at the heart of the game’s decision-making flow, a vital step if he is to take over the captaincy.

Also READ: “Anil bhai at 8…”: Virat Kohli names his greatest RCB playing XI featuring iconic leg spinner ahead of IPL 2026

Raina solves the overseas puzzle amending the new look KKR opening pair

Beyond Rinku’s role, Raina also touched upon the opening combination, which remains a point of contention between experts. While former RCB coach Sanjay Bangar advocates for the veteran stability of Sunil Narine and Rahane at the top, Raina is backing a more modern approach. He suggests that New Zealand’s Finn Allen, acquired in the mini-auction, should be integrated into the starting XI to provide a high-strike-rate launchpad. Allen’s recent form in the ICC T20 World Cup makes him a nearly un-droppable asset for the KKR management.

However, incorporating Allen creates a selection headache regarding the four overseas slots. With Narine and Cameron Green (slotted at No. 3) being certain starters, KKR must choose between additional batting firepower or death-bowling expertise. With Matheesha Pathirana facing availability questions and Harshit Rana sidelined, the responsibility may fall on Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani to lead the pace attack. Regardless of the bowling makeup, the consensus among legends like Raina is clear: KKR’s path to the IPL 2026 trophy depends on how effectively they can maximize Rinku’s time at the crease.

Also WATCH: Vaibhav Suryavanshi names a special record he would like to break in IPL 2026

As the Middle East conflict enters its third week, rising tensions are pushing global oil prices higher. Crude from the Middle East has seen the sharpest spike, becoming the world’s most expensive oil as disruptions to key supply routes continue. According to a Reuters report, S&P Global Platts assessed cash Dubai crude at $153.25 per barrel for May-loading cargoes on Monday, marking an all-time high and overtaking Brent’s previous peak of $147.50 per barrel recorded in 2008. The surge has also pushed Dubai’s premium to swaps to $56.01 per barrel, even as trading slows due to the US and Israeli war on Iran.The spike in key benchmarks such as Dubai and Oman crude is significantly raising costs for Asian refiners, who rely on these grades to price millions of barrels imported into the region. In response, several refiners are either cutting operating rates or looking beyond the Middle East for alternative supplies.Oman crude futures have followed a similar trajectory, hitting a record $147.79 per barrel. Its premium to Dubai swaps rose to $50.57 per barrel.Despite these highs, market participants say the benchmarks no longer reflect broader market realities. A wide price gap has emerged between Dubai crude and Murban futures, which settled at $111.76 per barrel on Monday.However, though prices continue to soar, physical supply from the region has dropped steeply. Data from Kpler, as cited by Reuters, shows Middle East crude exports to Asia fell to 11.665 million barrels per day in March, down from nearly 19 million bpd in February and around 32% lower than March 2025 levels. The decline is linked to halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict.Refining sources said the rally is being driven by reduced volumes available in the Platts Market on Close process after three crude grades that pass through the strait were removed.“It is unnatural and unfair pricing because of thin trading,” one source said, arguing that the remaining grades, Oman and Murban, do not adequately represent the benchmark used for pricing Middle Eastern and some Russian crude.Another refining source said that trading of May-loading Middle East crude has effectively stalled, describing the Dubai and Oman benchmarks as broken.S&P Global Energy defended its pricing mechanism, stating, “Platts Dubai continues to reflect the value of Middle Eastern sour crude trading in the spot market,” and added that trading activity in the Platts window has been strong this month, with multiple cargo deliveries.However, traders noted that TotalEnergies has emerged as the sole active buyer in the Platts window, purchasing 24 cargoes of Oman and Murban crude, equivalent to 12 million barrels, so far this month. With Middle Eastern supply tightening, Asian refiners are increasingly turning to other regions. Spot premiums for crude from the Americas and Africa have risen as buyers compete for limited cargoes.Traders said Brazilian crude premiums have surged to between $12 and $15 per barrel over ICE Brent, while April-loading West African crude has seen premiums rise by about $1 per barrel compared to a month ago, with most available cargoes already sold.

NEW DELHI: India’s T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson has opened up on his much-discussed exit from Rajasthan Royals, revealing that the decision stemmed from a simple realisation — his journey with the franchise had run its course.Now gearing up for a new chapter with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Samson made it clear that emotions won’t cloud his focus when he comes up against his former side.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we face them now, I will play my best cricket,” Samson said.

The highly anticipated clash will come early, with CSK set to face the Royals in their opening game of the season in Guwahati. While Samson admitted the occasion would feel “unusual,” he struck a balanced tone about the emotional aspect of the reunion.“I don’t think much about emotions on the ground as the situation dictates the game. But certainly before and after the match there will be emotions, as there are players and support staff with whom I have shared a long association,” he added.

Samson eyes fresh start with CSK

Samson’s move to CSK has already generated significant buzz, not least because of the opportunity to share a dressing room with MS Dhoni. The Kerala batter revealed he has already spoken to the CSK legend and is eager to learn from him.“I am really excited to be part of CSK. I had spoken to Dhoni bhai earlier and always had positive vibes. Spending close to two months with him will be a great opportunity to observe and learn,” he said.Samson also fondly recalled the support he received from Chennai fans during the T20 World Cup. “I was surprised by the support from the Chennai crowd. Maybe they see me as one of them. I don’t want to disappoint them and will give my best for CSK,” he said.Fresh off a stellar World Cup campaign, Samson now turns his focus to IPL 2026, determined to make a strong impact in yellow.

Celina Jaitly has reacted after the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition seeking consular access, legal assistance and communication with her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who is currently detained in the United Arab Emirates.The court disposed of the plea after being informed that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister and preferred to handle legal matters only after consulting his wife, Charul Jaitly.

Responding to the development, Celina shared a detailed note on social media expressing gratitude to the court and the Government of India.

“Today was the last hearing of my writ petition in front of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. I had approached the Hon’ble Court out of deep concern for the safety, security & well being of my brother, Maj Vikrant Kumar Jaitly,” she wrote.She added that with their parents no longer around, she felt a sense of responsibility toward her brother.“He is in a foreign nation & as his sister, especially in the absence of our parents, I felt it was my duty to ensure that he was not left without protection or support.”

‘My concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention’

In her note, the actor revealed that she had moved court despite going through difficult personal circumstances.“I am myself navigating extremely difficult personal circumstances, including ongoing matrimonial proceedings, yet my concern for my brother’s welfare compelled me to seek judicial intervention,” Celina said.She also thanked the Indian government after being informed that officials had been in contact with Vikrant.“Today, I am grateful that before the Hon’ble Court, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed that they have had multiple legal accesses to him & are moving forward to ensure proper legal representation & his well being.”“This gives me a sense of relief & reassurance that the Government of India is standing by one of its soldiers,” she added.

Court notes Vikrant Jaitly declined legal representation and communication

According to Bar and Bench, the matter was heard on March 16 by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who was informed that Vikrant Jaitly had already been granted consular access but had declined legal assistance.Authorities also told the court that a law firm had offered to represent him free of charge, but he refused the offer.The court recorded that Vikrant had “unequivocally stated that he is not willing to be represented by any of the law firms,” including a pro bono offer from a UAE-based firm.Celina had also sought permission to communicate directly with her brother, but that request was declined as well.While disposing of the petition, the court directed authorities to remain in touch with Vikrant and provide assistance if required.“In view of the facts and developments, there is no reason to keep this petition pending,” the court observed.

Detention in UAE since September 2024

Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, a former Indian Army officer and Celina’s brother, has been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 6, 2024.Reports suggest the matter is linked to alleged national security concerns, though the exact charges have not been made public.Before his detention, Vikrant had been living in the UAE since 2016 and was reportedly working with the MATITI Group, a consultancy and trading firm. Celina has earlier raised concerns about the lack of clear legal representation, limited updates about the case, and the absence of direct communication with her brother.Concluding her statement, the actress wrote, “My only intention has always been his safety, dignity & fair treatment. I remain hopeful & thankful for the continued support extended to him by our Government as a son of our nation.”