India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir checks the pitch before a T20 World Cup 2026 match. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has firmly dismissed allegations that pitches in India are “tailored” to favour the home side, saying the team is far too strong to even consider such tactics.Speaking after India’s successful campaign in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Gambhir said criticism about pitch conditions often surfaces only to stir controversy and attract attention.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I don’t agree to that. Why would you tailor something? And honestly, India is too good a team to be even thinking about something like that,” Gambhir said in an interview with ANI.He pointed out that India’s ability to post big totals is not limited to home conditions, highlighting similar high-scoring performances in countries like Australia and South Africa.

“In the T20 format, whether you look in Australia or South Africa, we made 200 runs. If we make 200 runs in India, then the wickets get tailored. So I think some people want to create a controversy. Statements given for views and TRPs should not be acceptable,” he said.The former opener also stressed that pitch preparation during global tournaments is overseen by the International Cricket Council and not the Board of Control for Cricket in India.ALSO READ: Team India Report Card: Perfect finish to a not-so-perfect T20 World Cup campaign“Because sometimes it is important to give players a lot of credit as well. It’s not like we made such big scores only in Indian conditions. In ICC tournaments, they control the wickets. It’s not the BCCI that controls them,” Gambhir said.Citing an example from the group stage clash against Pakistan in Colombo, Gambhir noted that India posted a big total on a turning surface while other teams struggled to reach competitive scores.“We even played a match in Colombo against Pakistan where we made around 180 and the rest of the teams were making 140. We defeated Pakistan by a huge margin and no one questioned the pitch there,” he said.Gambhir added that modern T20 cricket naturally produces big scores because the format is heavily tilted in favour of batters.“No one wants to come and watch a 120-run T20 game. Everyone wants to watch high-scoring matches. This is a worldwide phenomenon — in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England as well,” he explained.

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning its silence after a US official reiterated the United States has “permitted” India to temporarily purchase Russian oil. In a post on X, the opposition party highlighted remarks by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who called India a “good actor” while using the word “permitted.” The Congress asked: “Why is the Government of India not objecting to this blatant insult to our sovereignty and dignity? Instead of defending India’s honour, Prime Minister Modi chooses to remain conspicuously silent.” The party demanded answers from the BJP-led government, alleging that PM Modi’s silence amounts to silent admission. “So the country must ask: What is he afraid of? Why are India’s decisions being dictated from outside? Why is Narendra Modi being blackmailed by the United States? The people of India deserve answers. Because India’s sovereignty is not negotiable,” the Congress added.Also Read | India once defied pressure to buy Russian oil. So why did it need a US ‘waiver’ now?Leavitt said during a media briefing on Tuesday that Washington has “permitted” New Delhi to temporarily purchase Russian oil to address disruptions in global energy supplies amid the West Asia conflict. She emphasized that India had been a “good actor” by previously stopping purchases of sanctioned Russian oil and that the measure would not provide significant financial benefit to Russia. “I have spoken to the president and the secretary of the treasury, and the national security team made this decision because our allies like India have been good actors. As we work to address temporary global oil supply gaps caused by the Iranians, we have temporarily permitted India to accept Russian oil,” Leavitt told reporters.Also Read | ‘Mind your own business’: Kamal Haasan’s sharp message to Trump on India’s oil policy Her remarks come amid heightened Middle East tensions following the killing of Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US–Israeli strikes on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted both Israel and American assets in several Gulf countries. The strikes also killed several senior Iranian officials. On March 5, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver allowing New Delhi to purchase Russian crude. Last year, US President Donald Trump had imposed 50% tariffs on India, including 25% for Russian oil imports. Washington had alleged that New Delhi’s purchases were “funding Putin’s war machine” in Ukraine. In February, India and the US announced a delayed bilateral trade agreement, under which American tariffs on India were reduced to 18%. Later that month, the US Supreme Court, through a majority ruling, invalidated Trump’s tariffs, prompting the two countries to defer further trade talks.

North Korea has expressed support for the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader of Iran, while condemning what it described as the “illegal” military attack by the United States and Israel that killed Iran’s previous leader. A spokesperson for North Korea’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Pyongyang respected Tehran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ali Khamenei.“Regarding the recent official announcement that the Iranian Assembly of Experts has elected a new leader of the Islamic Revolution, we respect the right and choice of the Iranian people to elect their Supreme Leader,” quoted Aljazeera, citing KCNA. The spokesperson also criticised the US and Israel for launching what it called an unlawful attack on Iran. “We express grave concern and strongly condemn the aggression of the United States and Israel, which, by launching an unlawful military attack against Iran, are undermining the foundations of regional peace and security and increasing instability in the international landscape,” the spokesperson said.The statement added that such actions undermined “the political system and territorial integrity of a country”, which was unacceptable and “must be condemned and rejected by the entire world.” The conflict began after a US-Israeli strike on February 28 that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, triggering the ongoing war in the region. North Korea had earlier criticised the offensive, describing it as “gangster-like conduct”.Separately, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw another test-firing of strategic cruise missiles from the country’s newest destroyer, the Choe Hyon destroyer. During the launch, Kim spoke about the need to maintain and expand a nuclear deterrent. Aljazeera said he referred to the strategic task of “maintaining and expanding a powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent”. The test marked the second missile launch from the destroyer overseen by Kim, who recently praised the move to arm the country’s navy with nuclear weapons.The United States has long sought to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear programme, while Pyongyang has argued that its weapons are necessary to deter potential threats from South Korea and its allies in Washington. In recent months, however, the administration of US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to revive high-level talks with North Korea, while Kim has suggested the two countries could “get along” if Washington recognised Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear power.

In April 2014, reports suggested that filmmaker Shekhar Kapur was finally ready to begin work on his long-delayed futuristic film ‘Paani’, a project that had remained stuck in development for more than a decade. At the time, Sushant Singh Rajput had replaced Hrithik Roshan as the male lead, raising hopes that the ambitious film, set in a dystopian 2050 where the world is grappling with an extreme water crisis, would soon enter production. However, nearly 12 years later, and more than five years after Sushant’s death, the film is still yet to be made.Kapur recently opened up on the project and shed light on why Yash Raj Films ultimately stepped away from the film. In a conversation, he revealed that the production was halted before it could even begin.

“I couldn’t even start Paani’s production (unlike some other films of Kapur that were shelved midway). By the time YRF decided that they wouldn’t cast Sushant, I had already been rehearsing with him for six months. After hearing their decision, I went back to the West. I had only come to India to do Paani. However, I haven’t abandoned the project,” he said in an interview with The Lallantop. Kapur also recalled a conversation with Aditya Chopra, the head of YRF, explaining how their creative arrangement eventually led to the film being dropped by the studio.“The agreement Aditya Chopra (YRF’s head) and I had was that he would wield the business control while I would have the creative control over the movie. Then one day, he called me for breakfast and said, ‘Shekhar, what I have seen at YRF is that, if I don’t stand behind the director all the time, things don’t run well and the film doesn’t turn out well. Hence, it has become my habit. But I can’t stand behind you like that.’ He was right, because our agreement was that we were making my film. ‘I probably won’t be able to do that,’ he said. That’s how we decided that YRF wouldn’t go ahead with the project.”Kapur explained that the decision wasn’t the result of any conflict, but rather a natural difference in creative approaches between two established filmmakers.“It’s a simple matter. Since we couldn’t stay together creatively, it was decided that YRF would not make it. That’s how Paani hit a roadblock. But I haven’t abandoned it totally,” he said.Reflecting on Sushant, who passed away in 2020 at his home in Mumbai, Kapur shared that he was in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand when he heard the tragic news. The director described the late actor as deeply dedicated to his craft, though he admitted he did not know him well on a personal level.“He was very obsessive about the role. I didn’t notice anything different in him. He was an obsessive actor. As a director, that’s what I needed. I didn’t notice anything else abnormal about him. That may also be because I didn’t know him personally,” he said.

Just days after celebrating India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav is preparing to begin a new chapter in his personal life. The 31-year-old left-arm wrist spinner will marry his childhood friend Vanshika Chadha this month in Uttarakhand.

For Kuldeep, the timing of the wedding could hardly be more special. Fresh from helping India defend their T20 World Cup title, the cricketer now steps into what many describe as the most important “second innings” of his life.

Kuldeep Yadav and Vanshika Chadha’s wedding plans

Kuldeep and Vanshika, both originally from Kanpur, have known each other since childhood. Their relationship took a formal step forward when the couple got engaged on June 4, 2025, during a private ceremony at a hotel in Lucknow. The engagement was attended by close friends and family, including Rinku Singh and his fiancee Priya Saroj.

Initially, the wedding had been scheduled for November 2025, but the plans had to be postponed due to Kuldeep’s busy international schedule and India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. With the tournament now successfully concluded, the couple has finally set a new date.

The celebrations will unfold over several days, beginning with traditional pre-wedding ceremonies in Mussoorie before concluding with a grand reception in Lucknow.

The Mussoorie wedding is expected to be an intimate affair attended by close family members and relatives. The scenic hill station, known for its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views, will provide a beautiful backdrop for the couple’s special day.

The reception in Lucknow, however, is expected to be a much larger celebration. Sources suggest that several BCCI officials, current and former Indian cricketers, Bollywood personalities and prominent political figures could be present for the event.

Kuldeep’s father, Ram Singh Yadav, has already begun extending invitations. On March 8, he personally visited the state secretariat in Lucknow to invite Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reflecting the family’s deep connection to the region.

Kuldeep Yadav’s journey: From small-town dreams to World Cup glory

Kuldeep’s journey to the top of international cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, he grew up in modest surroundings. His father ran a brick kiln but always supported his son’s ambitions of becoming a cricketer.

Interestingly, Kuldeep was not initially drawn to cricket. However, once he began training seriously under coach Kapil Dev Pandey, his talent as a left-arm wrist spinner quickly stood out.

Over the years, Kuldeep has developed into one of India’s most reliable bowlers across formats. So far in his international career, he has played 191 matches for India, taking 365 wickets with an impressive average of 22.50 and an economy rate of 4.84. His ability to deliver match-winning spells has made him a crucial part of the national team.

Also READ: Explained – Virat Kohli’s absence from the T20 World Cup 2026 Final while MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma were in attendance

Kuldeep was also part of India’s successful campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, which concluded on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India defeated New Zealand in the final to become the first team to successfully defend the title and the first host nation to win the tournament.

During the competition, Kuldeep contributed with disciplined bowling performances, including a notable spell of 1/14 in three overs during the high-pressure group-stage match against Pakistan.

Reflecting on the victory, Kuldeep also expressed happiness for teammate Sanju Samson, who played a key role in India’s success.

“I have shared my cricketing journey with him since the Under-12s, and I am very happy to see him get the rewards of his hard work over the years,” he told NDTV.

Beyond cricketing achievements, what makes Kuldeep and Vanshika’s story particularly touching is its simplicity. In an era where the personal lives of sportspersons often dominate headlines, their relationship represents a genuine, grounded bond – two people from the same city who grew up just a few kilometres apart and eventually found their way to each other.

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan reacts after Kirti Azad questions Indian team’s temple visit following T20 World Cup 2026 triumph

NEW DELHI: Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia on Wednesday, as the ministry of civil aviation said it was closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and its impact on flights between India and the region.Amid the escalating conflict in the region involving the US, Israel and Iran, airlines are operating services in a calibrated manner as there are airspace restrictions and closures.

Air India said it will operate eight flights between Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, and 14 flights to and from Muscat on Air India Express. Additional non-scheduled flights to the UAE will operate depending on slot availability and regulatory permissions, the airline said.Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and travel arrangements.Indigo will also begin its Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai services on Thursday. SpiceJet has secured approvals for alternate airports, while Akasa Air has been advised to start its Mumbai–Riyadh–Mumbai flights according to operational conditions.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has coordinated additional arrival and departure slots and approved Muscat International Airport as an alternate route for flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Jeddah, and Medina.Air India and Air India Express also said they will start levying a fuel surcharge of Rs 399 on each domestic flight ticket from March 12, as airlines face rising operating costs following a sharp increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices amid tensions in Middle East.The airline group said the surcharge will be implemented in phases across domestic and international routes due to the steep rise in jet fuel prices linked to the geopolitical situation in the Gulf region.Ministry of civil aviation has meanwhile assured that ticket prices were being monitored to prevent any undue surge during this period of regional tensions.Following military strikes and retaliatory actions between Iran and its adversaries, several countries temporarily closed or restricted their airspace. This forced airlines worldwide to cancel flights, reroute aircraft, or suspend services. Some planes were diverted mid‑flight, while others were held on the ground before departure. The disruptions led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays, leaving travellers stranded at major airports worldwide.

File Pic: Image from the historic India vs Australia Test in 2001 at Eden Gardens.

This week, twenty-five years ago, few were giving Indian cricket any hope. Bruised, sullied from the match-fixing scandal barely a year before and fighting to save face, here was a rudderless team hosting Steve Waugh’s ‘Invincibles’. What unfolded would change Indian cricket forever. TOI revisits a watershed moment…Eyes twinkling, she was bounding down the stairs when she suddenly stopped. The Eden Gardens ground floor lobby was swarming with journalists, officials and hangerson as the Indian cricket captain, just a year into the job, walked out of the dressing-room, opened the glass door and waded into the delirious pool. Sourav Ganguly, yet to change out of his whites, looked up, gave Mrs Ganguly a beaming smile and said, rather loudly, “After the press conference…”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!But his liquid gaze conveyed a deepseated yet effusive joy that can never be lost in translation — even after 25 long summers. “Yes, we did it, love,” he simply conveyed.Memories bring diamonds and rust and that 30-second vignette and what preceded at the Eden Gardens remains the shining light in Indian cricket after the dust settled down long after Steve Waugh’s “Invincibles” returned from the final frontier.It was the summer of 2001. Indian cricket was gasping for fresh air to clear away the stench of the match-fixing scandal that refused to leave the white flannel. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had censured former captain Mohammed Azharuddin with a lifetime ban and Ajay Jadeja with a five-year banishment. Sachin Tendulkar spurned captaincy leaving a dangerous void that needed immediate attention. Under such undesirable circumstances, Ganguly was given the charge of a rudderless ship, a decision that would go on to pay a multi-fold dividend.

The team hit the ground running with a 3-2 One-day win over South Africa, and in came Steve Waugh’s Australia for a three-Test series on the back of 15 consecutive Test victories. Comparisons with Donald Bradman’s Invincibles of 1948 were part of the dinner table conversations and the Australians were on the Waugh-path in Mumbai. Finishing off the first Test match within three days, the Australians lived up to their reputation that preceded them taking their tally to 16.Kolkata, just renamed two months before, was their next stop. Captain Waugh scored a century – his lone one in India — and his bowlers including the irrepressible Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne bared open India’s usual failings, reducing them to a hard, long chase in the match.A small blip or a bump on the road shook the Australians in the first innings. A sprightly young off-spinner, who grew up to become Bhajji, trapped Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist in front off two successive balls and then scalped Shane Warne with the third to become the first ever Indian to notch up a Test cricket hat-trick. Harbhjahan Singh’s youthful impudence (7/123) was rather unscripted allowing the packed audience to dance in the prospect of a fight.The visitors failed to read the writing on the wall. So did the scribes in the press box who were mostly convinced of an Australian victory.Ganguly’s team wasn’t up for a hiding without hitting back.

Waugh enforced a follow-on after India succumbed in the first innings and he rued his decision long after the last ball was bowled by none other than Harbhajan as the shadows lengthened on the Eden pitch three days on. Scoring a fighting half century amid the crumbling edifice of the Indian batting in the first innings, VVS Laxman earned a promotion to bat at No 3 when Waugh forced the follow-on.Through Day Four Laxman and Rahul Dravid batted and chiselled a sporting sculpture that can draw parallels with Michelangelo’s David if you are an art buff. If political history is your calling, you can think of Stalingrad.The match turned on its head. The magnitude of the fall may be grasped by the fact that it was the Australian wicket-keeper, Adam Gilchrist’s first taste of defeat in Test cricket since his debut in Nov ’99, 15 Tests prior.The match turned, so did the fortunes of Indian cricket led by the redoubtable Ganguly who had left the visiting captain waiting pitchside before the toss, just to make a point. Taking the fight to the opposition, psychologically and tactically, was his brainchild, unheard of in Indian cricket annals.Asked about the fallout of the reversal, the Australian captain said, “The sun will rise tomorrow.” It really shone on Ganguly’s India.The third Test in Chennai was another streetfight and young Harbhajan ended up with 32 wickets helping India wrap up a Test series against the high and mighty. Though the impact of the series win wasn’t felt immediately.The Eden Test was the inflection point where Ganguly’s team turned the corner. From the unflushed, odorous path to the tree-lined avenue of sporting greatness.Twenty-five years on, the Eden Test match remains a dangling conversation without the superficial sighs.