India scripted one of Test cricket’s greatest turnarounds at the Eden Gardens in 2001 (Image credit: X)

Twenty-five years after India scripted one of Test cricket’s greatest turnarounds at the Eden Gardens in 2001, legend Sachin Tendulkar revisits the drama of that unforgettable match against Australia. In this interview, the batting great recalls the buzz around Steve Waugh’s seemingly invincible side, the dressing-room belief after the Mumbai defeat, and the magic of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s epic partnership. Tendulkar also reflects on his own surprise spell on the final day, when his “out-of-the-box” bowling helped break Australia’s resistance. He explains how that famous victory trans -formed India’s confidence and why the Eden Test still ranks among the greatest wins of his career.There was a certain buzz before that series wasn’t there? The Aussies landed here having won 15 Tests in a row.

Yes, there was a lot of buzz before Australia got to India, as they had beaten everyone convincingly. I was playing in the Duleep Trophy in Pune for West Zone against East. I was asked by the media if I thought we could beat Australia. My answer was yes. I said it because they had never been put in a pressure situation. So, if we are able to put them in a pressure situation, we need to see how they respond.Did you prepare differently for the series?Nothing specific. I just kept everything normal, because I was playing well and I had scored runs in the Duleep Trophy. I was in a good frame of mind. In fact, in the first Test at Wankhede, I scored 76 and 67.Despite your contributions in Mumbai, the team lost inside three days. What was the mood when you travelled to Kolkata?When we went to Kolkata, the team was determined to fight back. Going one down in a three-match series is never a good feeling. So, we were all prepared and determined to win that Test and go to Chen -nai one-all and pin them down there. But our first innings wasn’t that great. But I remember VVS Laxman got 59.Tell us about watching that Laxman-Dravid partnership from the dressing room, especially on Day Four.Because VVS batted so well in the first innings, it was decided by coach John Wright, captain Sourav Ganguly and a couple of seniors in the dressing room that he would bat at No.3 in the second innings. And VVS just batted magnificently, as did Rahul. Day Four was a special day for us. From where we started in the morning to where we got in the evening, everything had transformed. The thought process was different, and there was a lot of excitement in the air. We felt that if we could score quickly on the morning of Day Five, and put Australia in, knowing how Australians approached all the matches, we knew they would go for the total and play aggressively and positively. And that is how it happened.What was so special about that partnership?It’s very easy to go out there, play a flamboyant innings and come back to the dressing room. But at Eden, time was also of the essence. If we had scored runs quickly and given Australia time, I don’t know if it would have worked. Apart from building a big total, occupying the crease was important too. So, they occupied the crease for a long duration. Batting for a long period of time isn’t just about physical endurance; it is also about mental endurance, how long you are able to concentrate and not give them a chance. I thought the way both of them batted was simply amazing. And we reached a point where there could only be one winner. I had said before the series started that it would be nice to see how Australia respond when they are put under pressure. And Rahul, VVS and Harbhajan, all three were responsible for the Indian team to be in that position on Day Five. And from there on, we capitalised.

Take us through Day Five, final session. Sourav Ganguly brings you on to bowl. Was it only for a change of ends? Watching the sequence of events on YouTube today, did he say, ‘just one over’? You eventually bowled 11 and picked up three vital wickets.Harbhajan was bowling really well. But, for some reason, we were struggling to pick wickets for a while. When you put a team in for just over two sessions, you can’t just expect them to get out eas -ily. If a pair batted for some time, you felt a partnership was building, and the result won’t go in our favour. We had to pick wickets at frequent intervals. I remember Sourav asking me, ‘Why don’t you bowl from this end?’ I have seen videos too where Sourav is talking to me. But it was never about me coming on for just one over. I bowled frequently during that period in Test cricket and before that too, and would provide the odd breakthrough regularly. I started bowling from the pavilion end and got two crucial wickets.You generally bowled leggies to right-handers and off-spin to left-handers, especially in white-ball cricket. But you got Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, two attacking lefties, with full-pitched leggies. What was the thought behind that?Yes, those two guys were actually responsible for Australia beating us in the first Test, as they had a big partnership and scored hundreds. I managed to get both out LBW as they tried to sweep and missed.That googly to Warne. If anyone had to pick it, it had to be a champion leggie like him. But you disguised it perfectly. When did you think of bowling a googly?I’ve always believed that when someone like me comes on to bowl, I should be constantly experimenting and not be predictable. I should be doing different things, out-of-the-box things, not be a regular bowler. I’ve always believed in catching the batter off guard. Warney’s was a prize wicket for me. I don’t think he picked me, and neither did he expect me to get so much turn from my googly. Bhaji was bowling incredibly well. We just needed someone to support him. We were trying, but things were not going in our favour. But those three wickets helped us get back on track and end the game on a winning note.What did that Eden win do to Indian cricket?Our confidence levels just shot through the roof. When we went to Chen -nai, although it was a new game, we felt we had the upper hand. We felt that 70% of the series would belong to us. And, despite Hayden’s unbelievable form in that series, we were able to put up a total in the first innings and put Australia under pressure again. Again, thanks to Bhaji there, who picked a lot of wickets. Rahul and I both scored runs again. I scored a hundred, and we won the series. Wins like the one we had at Eden make a huge difference. There is no medicine like a victory. It’s a tonic that energises you. The memories stay with you forever. But it also helps the next generation. You know, when they are watching us on television, the younger generation gets inspired.Where do you rank the Eden win among the many great wins you have had in your career?Among the top victories. If you take any victory in any part of the world, Eden Gardens 2001 would be discussed and always talked about.

Akshaye Khanna is getting the attention he deserves from his role in Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’. With more eyes on him now, people are watching his funny and real acting in Farah Khan’s crazy movie ‘Tees Maar Khan’ again. It failed at the box office when it came out, but over time it became a fan favorite and part of pop culture. Social media clips of his scenes often tag Farah, and she praises him there. But she recently said their early work together was tough, she even skipped projects with him back then.

Farah Khan traumatised after working with Akshaye Khanna

On Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Farah Khan shared: “In the ’90s, I did a couple of movies with Akshaye, and after that I was traumatised. Because he used to be a different person. Yes, introverted, but not a nice person on set. Whenever I heard that Akshaye Khanna was in a film, I used to say, ‘I don’t have the dates.’” She added that the actor was dealing with hair loss at the time, which kept him in a bad mood.

Akshaye Khanna irritable over hair loss

“I think at that time he himself had said that he was losing his hair. He was constantly irritable. He used to throw things and say, ‘What kind of dialogue is this?’ He used to be that kind of person.” But Farah noted her view shifted during their work on Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. She couldn’t turn it down since it was her cousin Farhan’s first time directing.

Akshaye Khanna changes after ‘Dil Chahta Hai’

She shared, “He had completely changed by then. He had reconciled with his hair. In ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, he became very chill. Before that, if there was water or rain in a scene, he would always wear a cap, like see every rain song of his, such as in Taal. But after Dil Chahta Hai, something changed. And he is a brilliant dancer, if you watch ‘Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe,’ he is dancing better than Aamir and Saif.”

Farah Khan praises Akshaye Khanna today

Farah noted that they now enjoy a great bond. She even rang up Akshaye Khanna right after seeing Dhurandhar to praise him. “I called him and then I went to his Alibag house. What I like about him is that he is not about the fluff, he is about the work. He enjoys acting.”

Akshaye Khanna gets ‘Tees Maar Khan’ role

During the chat, Farah also disclosed that Aatish Kapoor’s part in ‘Tees Maar Khan’, which Akshaye took on, had been passed up by others first. “Many people said no to that role. First Sharman Joshi turned it down because he was doing Ferrari Ki Sawaari at the time. And Akshaye Khanna was the last person you would think of for that role because it’s such a zany, cracked comedy, he had to go completely hamming.”

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has stepped into a new phase of life after marrying his fiancée Vanshika Singh in a grand ceremony held on March 14 in the scenic hill town of Mussoorie. The celebrations came just days after Kuldeep returned from India’s triumphant campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where the team successfully defended its title.

The wedding, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, turned into a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance, and the presence of several well-known faces from the cricketing fraternity.

Festive atmosphere lights up Mussoorie as Kuldeep Yadav ties the knot with Vanshika

The wedding festivities were marked by a joyous and lively atmosphere. Traditional dhol beats, band music, and enthusiastic dancing by guests created a festive mood throughout the celebrations. Videos from the ceremony quickly surfaced on social media, offering fans a glimpse into the colorful event.

In the clips, Kuldeep appeared relaxed and delighted, sharing the special moment with close friends and relatives. The celebrations reflected a blend of traditional rituals and modern wedding charm, with guests enjoying every part of the ceremony.

Fans across social media platforms expressed their happiness for the cricketer, congratulating him and wishing the couple a wonderful married life.

भारतीय क्रिकेट टीम के धाकड़ स्पिनर Kuldeep Yadav Ji को वैवाहिक जीवन की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।
ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि आपका वैवाहिक जीवन सुख, समृद्धि और खुशियों से भरा रहे।
💐🏏 #KuldeepYadav #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/ObNL4XX8MP

— Nitin Singh Choudhary (@JournalistNiti1) March 15, 2026

Cricket fraternity joins the celebrations

Several prominent figures from the Indian cricket fraternity were present to celebrate the occasion. Among the notable attendees were Yuzvendra Chahal, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma and former India batter Mohammad Kaif.

Their presence added extra sparkle to the wedding, as many of Kuldeep’s teammates and cricketing friends joined the celebrations. Guests were seen enjoying the festivities together, sharing laughter and dance moments during the event.

The picturesque surroundings of Mussoorie further enhanced the charm of the ceremony, making it a memorable occasion for everyone present.

Also WATCH: MS Dhoni repairs his bat using an electric sander during IPL 2026 practice session

Grand reception planned in Lucknow

While the Mussoorie wedding was an intimate yet grand affair, an even bigger celebration is set to follow. The couple will host a lavish reception on March 17 at Hotel Centrum in Lucknow.

The reception is expected to witness the presence of several eminent personalities from cricket, politics, and business circles. With Kuldeep being one of India’s leading spinners, many prominent figures from the sporting world are likely to attend the event.

Also READ: Ahead of IPL 2026, Sun TV takes CSK to court – here’s the reason

MUMBAI: Hailing the India men’s team for winning the 2026 T20 World Cup and the Women’s team too for clinching their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title last year, former India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed hope that “there is looking back from here,” and both the sides “carry this momentum forward.” “I am very happy and very proud to see what we have been seeing for the last couple of years now. To come out with flying colours and achieve what we have achieved, not just the men’s team but also the women’s team winning that World Cup in (Navi) Mumbai was fantastic to watch. Recently, the men’s team, what they did was phenomenal. I hope this is just the start, there is no looking back from here because once you get that momentum… we often talk about momentum and now both the men’s and women’s teams have that momentum. All I hope is that we carry this momentum forward,” Rohit said at the launch of the new season of T20 Mumbai League and the announcement of the three-team T20 Mumbai Women’s League on Saturday.

Led by Rohit Sharma and then Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian men’s teams clinched back-to-back T20 World Cup titles in 2024 and then on March 8, 2026 in Ahmedabad, crushing New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. Meanwhile, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team beat South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to clinch the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup on No 3 last year. The modern-day great credited the “people behind the scenes” as well for the success of the Indian men’s and women’s teams. “There is no secret to success, it’s all about hard work. The men’s and women’s team have worked really hard to achieve what they have achieved today. Of course, it’s not just about the players who perform on the field, there are so many people behind the scene who have put in so much hard work into that success so that the team can have success. A lot of people and personnel to give thanks to,” said the 38-year-old. Rohit’s advice to players in the T20 Mumbai league was simple: ‘Grab your opportunity.’ “You never know what’s going to happen so whenever the opportunity arises you should be ready for the challenges. I still believe in the process to prepare really well and be ready for the opportunity,” said the ‘Hitman’.Asked on whether Mumbai’s cricketers had an edge over their counterparts due to the struggles they went through while growing up as cricketers, Rohit disagreed with the thought. “I don’t believe in this edge. When players are picked in the national team there is a reason why they’ve been picked. We have seen there is so much competition in our country when we talk about cricket. Right from U-14s you got to be lucky; of course, you need the talent to find success but you also got to be lucky to be at the right time at the right place for people to notice you. Sometimes you can be as talented as you can be but if people are not watching you, then you can be slightly unlucky. You’ve got to be lucky as well, but there is no substitute to hard work and that is not just with the Mumbaikars but also with the players who are representing the country,” said the opening great. Also present was India women’s team pacer Sayali Satghere, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik, ex-president Ashish Shelar and the entire MCA apex council. Rohit expressed his happiness “with the way Mumbai cricket is shaping up.” “They are going through this tough grind to find success. But (I am) very happy with the way Mumbai cricket is shaping up, also with what T20 Mumbai has done. A lot of young cricketers we saw who played this T20 Mumbai have gone on to play the IPL team and of course the national team as well so it is a big, big platform. I am sure the guys who are going to play will understand that this format is wonderful and I am happy that we are doing this again after a successful last season,” he said. Rohit gave credit to the MCA for conducting the revived T20 Mumbai League despite the monsoon having just started. “It was a tough task right after the IPL got over, and the monsoon had just started. I got to give credit to each and every member of the MCA to pull that through, making three games in a day happen is not easy and also a big, big round of applause to all the groundsmen as well who put their hands up and got the grounds ready, which is why I said there is no substitute to hard work. With three new teams added, it’s getting bigger,” Rohit said.

A neighbourhood Indian restaurant in west London has suddenly become the centre of a political and cultural storm stretching far beyond Hammersmith. What began as a dispute over halal and non-halal meat at a Sikh-owned establishment has spiralled into street confrontations, police intervention and viral social-media outrage.At the centre of the controversy is Rangrez, a restaurant on Fulham Palace Road that had already announced its closure after operating for 16 years. Its owner, Harman Singh Kapoor, says he faced months of harassment because the restaurant publicly refused to serve halal meat. Videos of confrontations outside the premises have since been seized upon by commentators across the world as evidence for a familiar claim in right-wing circles: that Britain has “fallen to Islam”.

What is the controversy?

The immediate trigger was the restaurant’s declaration that it did not serve halal meat. Kapoor said that as a Sikh he preferred to serve jhatka meat, which some Sikhs consider religiously permissible in contrast to halal slaughter.According to Kapoor, the decision led to months of harassment including fake online reviews, threats and confrontations outside the restaurant. The situation escalated on March 14, when a crowd gathered outside Rangrez. Social media posts claimed that more than a hundred people had surrounded the premises and blocked entrances while chanting slogans.In the hours leading up to the confrontation, Kapoor also promoted what he called a “Non Halal meetup” at the restaurant through his social-media accounts. The post invited supporters to gather at Rangrez at 2 pm on March 14 and asked attendees to bring recording equipment to document any “troublemakers”.The message read: “Non Halal meetup! Today 2pm Rangrez restaurant. 14th March Saturday today. Please have recording equipment to help us record any troublemakers. Thank you and see you soon!” The call for a meetup circulated widely online and drew both supporters and critics to the restaurant.Later that day Kapoor posted videos describing the situation as threatening and said he had taken his kirpan, the ceremonial blade carried by observant Sikhs, to protect his family. Hours later he was arrested while the crowd dispersed.The arrest quickly became the centre of the controversy. Supporters argue the restaurant owner was punished for defending his family and exercising his religious beliefs. Critics say the confrontation had been escalating for weeks and point to Kapoor’s own inflammatory posts.Police have not publicly clarified the circumstances of the arrest or whether charges have been filed.

Who is Kapoor?

Harman Singh Kapoor has been active for years in diaspora politics and Sikh community debates, often presenting himself as a critic of Khalistani extremism and what he describes as weak policing in Britain.He has previously said he received threats because of his activism. When he announced the closure of Rangrez earlier this year, he cited rising costs but also claimed that intimidation and disturbances around the restaurant had made it impossible to continue operating.At the same time, Kapoor’s social-media posts have attracted criticism. Some have included harsh remarks about Muslims and declarations that he would not cater to them. Those comments have complicated attempts by supporters to portray him purely as a victim of religious intolerance.How the global right turned Rangrez into a culture-war symbolOnce videos of the confrontation began circulating online, the episode was rapidly absorbed into the global culture wars.Right-wing commentators framed the incident as proof that Muslim communities were forcing businesses to comply with halal practices and that British authorities were siding with protesters rather than protecting a Sikh business owner. In this narrative, the Rangrez dispute became another example cited by critics who argue that Britain is capitulating to religious pressure.The idea that Britain has “fallen to Islam” has circulated for years across sections of the global right. Even before becoming US Vice President, JD Vance sparked controversy when he joked that Britain might become the “first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon.”Technology billionaire Elon Musk has also repeatedly criticised the British government under Keir Starmer, particularly over issues such as policing, immigration and free speech.Against that backdrop, the Rangrez episode quickly became another flashpoint. American political activist Valentina Gomez wrote on X: “Either bow… or you’ll get arrested. The UK has succumbed.” Commentator Gunther Eagleman wrote: “BRAVE Sikh restaurant owner Harman Singh Kapoor and his family are being terrorised because he refuses to sell Sharia-compliant halal meat.” Other posts claimed that Pakistanis had surrounded the restaurant and suggested the incident showed that Sharia law had effectively replaced British law. The framing mirrors the style of MAGA-aligned social-media narratives, where isolated incidents are turned into symbols of national decline. In this telling, a confrontation outside a restaurant in Hammersmith becomes evidence of a country surrendering to religious pressure.Yet many of the claims circulating online rely on partisan interpretations. The exact size of the crowd, the sequence of events leading to Kapoor’s arrest and the legal basis for police action have not yet been fully clarified.

Jhatka vs halal: what is the difference?

At the heart of the dispute lies a religious distinction rooted in South Asian traditions.Halal, in Islamic practice, refers to food permitted under Islamic law. When it comes to meat, halal slaughter requires a method known as dhabihah, in which the animal’s throat is cut while invoking the name of God and the blood is drained from the body.For Muslims, halal meat forms part of a broader framework of religious observance governing everyday life.Jhatka, by contrast, refers to a method in which the animal is killed instantly with a single blow. The term literally means “a swift strike”.The distinction has historical roots in Sikh tradition. Sikh teachings discourage consumption of kutha meat, which many Sikhs interpret as referring to meat slaughtered through ritual methods such as halal. The rejection of ritual slaughter is linked to Sikh ideas of autonomy and resistance to religious authority imposed by others.

The Empire strikes back

The Rangrez episode is about far more than a restaurant menu. It sits at the crossroads of diaspora politics, Britain’s anxieties about immigration and multiculturalism, and the modern culture wars that now travel across the internet at the speed of outrage.At one level, it reflects how South Asia’s unresolved history continues to echo inside Britain itself. The United Kingdom today hosts large communities from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, many of whose families arrived in the decades after the Second World War. With them came memories, loyalties and grievances forged during the final years of British rule on the subcontinent.That history matters. The hurried partition of India in 1947, engineered under the departing British Empire, divided the subcontinent into India and Pakistan and hardened religious identities across the region. The trauma of that moment shaped the politics of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs for generations.

A refugee special train at Ambala Station during the Partition of India (Source: Wiki Commons)

The British once managed those communities as subjects of empire. Today many of their descendants live in British cities. History, in other words, has completed a quiet circle.Occasionally that circle becomes visible. The Leicester riots of 2022, where Hindu and Muslim groups clashed after an India–Pakistan cricket match, were a reminder that South Asia’s rivalries can reappear thousands of miles from where they began. Social media mobilisation and diaspora politics turned a sporting dispute into a street confrontation.The Rangrez episode sits in the same uneasy landscape.It also unfolds at a moment when parts of British society are increasingly sceptical about the state’s willingness to confront Islamist extremism. Critics frequently point to the grooming gang scandals in towns such as Rotherham and Rochdale, where investigations later concluded that authorities were slow to act against organised abuse networks partly out of fear of being accused of racism.Those episodes have fed a broader sentiment among sections of the public that the British state has become overly cautious in confronting certain forms of extremism. Whether that perception is fair or exaggerated remains fiercely contested, but it has become a powerful political narrative.Right-wing commentators have seized on incidents like Rangrez to reinforce that argument. In their telling, a dispute over halal meat is not just a restaurant controversy but another sign that Britain’s institutions are unwilling to challenge religious pressure.Social media has amplified that interpretation. In the digital age, a confrontation outside a neighbourhood restaurant can become a global ideological symbol within hours. What begins as a local dispute quickly turns into a morality play about civilisation, immigration and national identity.And there is an irony running through all of this. The communal politics that intensified under the British Empire in South Asia were once exported from London to the subcontinent. Today, through migration and diaspora networks, those same tensions occasionally travel back the other way.When that happens — as in Leicester, or outside a restaurant in Hammersmith — it can feel as though the old imperial story has come full circle.The empire divided the subcontinent. Decades later, fragments of those divisions sometimes reappear on British streets — a reminder that history has a long memory, and that the past rarely stays where it began.

The Middle East crisis is no longer just a geopolitical standoff, rather it has now escalated into a full-scale war zone, with the potential to send shockwaves through multiple economies. Analysts have warned that the US and Israel’s attack on Iran could carry direct consequences for consumers and the broader economy. At the heart of the concern lies the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route that has now been disrupted as the war intensifies.The global oil market is closely tracking developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. As the crisis escalates, its impact is also expected to reach American consumers.It began at the Strait of HormuzOn Thursday, oil climbed above $100 a barrel even after 32 countries announced they would release a record 400 million barrels of oil into the market. Earlier in the week, prices had stayed below that level after US President Donald Trump suggested that the war would end soon, a prediction that now appears overly optimistic. Iran continues to control the strait. In his first public message since assuming leadership, Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as a “tool of pressure.” US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on CNBC that it could take weeks before the US Navy is able to start escorting oil tankers through the strait. While international tankers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, Iran has continued moving its own oil through the passage. Its ships are currently the only ones transiting the route, allowing Tehran to maintain oil revenue while other countries face disruption. Even if the fighting were to stop immediately, reopening the waterway would not be instant. Homayoun Falakshahi, lead crude research analyst at Kpler, said it could take between one and three months to restore operations. Hundreds of ships would need to be cleared, and oil producers would also require time to repair damaged facilities, increase production and restart shipments. Analysts say the length of the war will play a key role in determining how far energy prices climb. Jay Hatfield, CEO and founder of Infrastructure Capital Advisors, warned that oil could reach $150 a barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. As oil prices rise, fuel costs are also expected to climb. Petrol prices are already moving towards $4 a gallon, increasing the cost of filling up vehicles. Diesel prices are also projected to approach $5 a gallon, according to CNN. Higher diesel costs would affect the transportation sector. Trucking companies that move consumer goods could introduce fuel surcharges to offset rising expenses, and some companies, including FedEx, have already begun doing so. Businesses are unlikely to absorb the added costs themselves. Many companies are already coping with tariffs introduced under the Trump administration, leaving little willingness to cut into profits further. According to JPMorgan, consumers are expected to absorb around 80% of tariff-related costs this year. As transportation becomes more expensive, certain products could see price increases sooner than others. Perishable goods such as dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fish are expected to rise first. Airfares may also increase. Over time, if fuel remains expensive, many goods transported by trucks, aircraft or ships could become costlier. Economic outlook facing pressure The potential economic impact is also drawing attention. While the US economy remains relatively strong, there are signs of vulnerability. Since May last year, the economy has lost 19,000 jobs. Large spikes in oil prices have historically been followed by weaker economic activity. Previous examples include the 1973 oil crisis, the oil shock during the 1990 Gulf War and the 2008 global financial crisis. A prolonged rise in energy costs could lead businesses to reduce hiring or implement layoffs. It could also cause stock markets to decline and reduce consumer spending, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of US economic output. The current situation contrasts with the surge in oil prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when the US job market was expanding strongly. Businesses today are already facing uncertainty linked to tariffs and the growing role of artificial intelligence, CNN reported. Reflecting these risks, economists at Goldman Sachs have revised their outlook. They have increased their forecasts for both inflation and unemployment and raised the probability of a recession this year to 25%, up from 20% previously.

Actor Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya have officially ended their marriage after the Bandra Family Court granted them a divorce on March 11, bringing their four-year relationship to a close. The development has continued to draw public attention, prompting reactions from people connected to the family. Amid the ongoing talk of divorce, Hansika’s estranged sister-in-law Nancy James has urged people not to involve her in the matter. Nancy, who is currently separated from Hansika’s brother Prashant Motwani, said she has been inundated with calls, messages and social media tags asking her to comment on the divorce.Speaking to Hindustan Times, Nancy said the situation had become overwhelming and that she would rather stay away from the controversy.

“After Hansika’s divorce I started getting a lot of calls and messages to comment on the development. On social media also I started getting a lot of DMs and tags and people started this is karma for Hansika. I really got fed up. Honestly, I don’t want to involve myself in anyone else’s life. My divorce is underway. And I am on a healing journey. I was getting calls and messaged for comments, I was fed up so I wrote the message on Stories,” she said.Nancy’s relationship with the Motwani family has been strained for some time. In December 2024, she filed an FIR against Hansika and the actor’s mother Jyoti Motwani under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 498A (dowry-related cruelty), Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and Section 352 (criminal intimidation and intentional insult).In her complaint, Nancy alleged domestic violence and claimed the stress caused her to develop Bell’s palsy. She also accused her in-laws of demanding expensive gifts and money, and alleged that interference from Hansika and her mother created problems in her marriage with Prashant Motwani. Nancy further claimed that she was pressured to sell her apartment.In February last year, Hansika and Jyoti obtained anticipatory bail from the Mumbai Sessions Court. Two months later, in April, they approached the Bombay High Court seeking to have the FIR quashed. In her petition, Hansika stated that she was shocked to find her name included in the complaint.Reflecting on her own legal battle, Nancy said, “I have been harassed and tortured by this family and I don’t want to associate with them anymore. I am therefore seeking divorce and has file a DV case against my husbands his sister and mother. I hope my divorce puts an end to the ordeal. I am still suffering and on a healing journey.”Nancy also made it clear that she does not wish to comment further on Hansika’s divorce or the speculation circulating online.“I have full faith in the judiciary and the legal system of our country. Justice will prevail and once the case reaches its logical conclusion I will speak at length But right now, I don’t want to be dragged in her case or her karma or whatever,” she said before ending the conversation.Meanwhile, Hansika Motwani and Sohael Khaturiya’s divorce was formally confirmed earlier this month by the actor’s lawyer, Adnan Shaikh, who shared the update with NDTV.

After two wildly contrasting games, the series stands on a knife-edge at 1-1. Bangladesh dominated the opener with a clinical 8-wicket win, but Pakistan roared back in the second ODI, securing a massive 128-run victory (DLS). Both teams have now experienced the highs of a blowout win and the lows of a batting collapse. With the trophy on the line on Sunday, expect a high-tension battle at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

The hosts will be scratching their heads after the second ODI. Their bowlers, particularly Rishad Hossain, who claimed three wickets, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, did well to spark a Pakistan collapse in the latter half of the first innings, but the batting unit ultimately failed to turn up. Nahid Rana remains the focal point of the attack; after his blistering five-wicket haul in the series opener, he continues to be the primary threat to Pakistan’s top order. However, the major concern for the Tigers lies in their top-order vulnerability. Chasing a revised target in the second game, the top three batters fell for single digits, leaving the middle order exposed. Heading into the decider, they desperately need a steady start from Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das to anchor the innings and provide a platform for a competitive total.

This new-look Pakistan side, missing veterans like Babar Azam, found an unexpected hero in Maaz Sadaqat. The youngster’s sensational all-round performance anchored by 75 runs and capped with three wickets has shifted the momentum firmly back toward Shaheen Afridi’s men. All eyes will once again be on Sadaqat to see if the 20-year-old can replicate those Player of the Match heroics under the pressure of a series finale. Pakistan’s clear strategy will be to attack with raw pace; Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf looked lethal in the previous encounter, effectively using the steep Dhaka bounce to dismantle the Tigers’ lineup. If their speedsters hit their marks early, they will be confident in their ability to overpower the hosts once more.

BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: March 15; 01:45 pm IST/ 08:15 am GMT/ 02:15 pm Local
• Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

BAN vs PAK, Head-to-Head Record

Matches played: 41 | Bangladesh won: 6 | Pakistan won: 35 | No results: 0

Shere Bangla National Stadium Pitch Report

Sher-e-Bangla track for this series decider is expected to maintain its traditional slow and low character, though the first two ODIs have shown a surprising amount of carry and bounce for the pacers. Early on, new-ball bowlers will likely find lateral movement and extra lift, making the Powerplay a critical phase for survival.

As the game progresses, the surface will likely dry out, allowing spinners to extract significant grip and turn. Batting will require patience, as the ball may hold in the surface, making timing difficult. Given the humid conditions and the potential for a slightly sluggish second innings, the captain winning the toss might lean toward batting first to avoid the wear and tear of a typical Mirpur afternoon.

Squads

Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul ​Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, ⁠Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad ⁠Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, ‌Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shamyl Hussain

Also WATCH: Salman Agha loses cool after unusual run out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI

BAN vs PAK, 3rd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bat first
• Pakistan powerplay score: 40-50
• Pakistan total score: 250-260

Case 2:

• Bangladesh wins the toss and bat first
• Bangladesh powerplay score: 30-40
• Bangladesh total score: 245-255

Match result: Team batting first will win the game.

Also READ: Salman Ali Agha and Mehidy Hasan Miraz react to the run-out controversy after Pakistan’s emphatic win over Bangladesh in 2nd ODI