You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uk07-rider-bigg-boss-toyota-fortuner-desperately-needed-love-youtuber-anurag-dobhal-livestreams-crash-at-150kmph-11183633” on this server.

Reference #18.4cfdd417.1772922811.5dcfb207

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.4cfdd417.1772922811.5dcfb207

The India National Cricket Team is just one step away from lifting the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy, but the struggles of the mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy have left many worried.

The defending champions will face the New Zealand National Cricket Team in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, and every bowler must deliver on the big night to script history.

It is a bit of a concern for India: Anil Kumble on Varun Chakravarthy

However, Varun Chakravarthy’s sudden dip in form has raised a serious question before the title clash. The mystery spinner has lost his charm since the Super 8 stage began, conceding more than 40 runs in his four overs against the West Indies and England.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Read Also: India vs New Zealand: Sourav Ganguly announces T20 World Cup final result a day before match

Ahead of the summit clash, the legendary spinner Anil Kumble believes that Varun Chakravarthy’s struggles could create extra pressure on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The former Indian head coach pointed out that if Chakravarthy fails, New Zealand will freely score in the middle overs.

Anil Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo, “Yes, it is a bit of a concern for India because he’s been their go-to bowler; he’s been their wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs. Obviously, it starts putting extra pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. So, it’s not easy when the opposition sort of now looks at India and says, “Okay, it’s only Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs that we need to be worried about, not necessarily Varun.” Not easy from an Indian captain’s perspective.”

Faf du Plessis points out India’s biggest weakness before T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Meanwhile, former South African skipper Faf du Plessis pointed out that India usually relies heavily on its main five bowlers. But if one of them struggles badly, the captain is forced to look at a sixth bowling option, which has been the Men in Blue’s weakness in this tournament.

That means rival teams can target weaker overs and put India’s bowling attack under huge pressure. Faf du Plessis said during the same discussion: “Makes a difference in terms of that sixth bowling option. When you back your five bowlers, you’re hoping that they’re delivering in every match.”

The Proteas star added, “And, these last two-three games, there’s been a bit of concern around his form. So now, if you’re playing your match-ups really well, you can really expose that fourth and fifth bowler to bring someone as your sixth bowler in on the day.”

Read Also: IND vs NZ Match Prediction – Who Will Win Final? | ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin explains why batters target Varun Chakravarthy early

Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Varun Chakravarthy’s confidence drops whenever batters start attacking him early in the spell, which makes it harder for the mystery spinner to stay calm and control the game.

The former off-spinner feels the leg-spinner should avoid bowling from around the wicket to left-handed batters, as it gives them a better angle to attack. Ashwin feels the Indian team management needs to talk to Varun and help him adjust his tactics as soon as possible.

Ashwin said on “Ash ki Baat”: “You cannot miss the lengths. Line and length variations with speed variations are important. Varun has to be spoken to. Do not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander.”

Thane: As many as 10 students trained at the Chintamanrao Deshmukh Administrative Institute, operated by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), successfully cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, officials informed on Saturday.Dr Dipali Mahato, a resident of Powai, secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 36, improving significantly from her previous AIR 105. Dr Mahato, who studied dentistry, narrowly missed being in the elite administrative services last year but successfully cleared both the exam and interview this year, securing her path to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), institute director Mahadev Jagtap informed.

Simultaneously scoring well were other top performers including Ankita Patil (AIR 140, formerly 303), Abhishek Magdum (449), Dhananjay Dighe (529), Paras Mestri (555), Avishkar Derle (591), Siddharth Tagad (619), Shivam Wakhare (651), Manish Jhende (788), and Pranav Bendhari (926). All of them are expected to join services such as IAS, IPS, and IRS.Thane’s mayor Sharmila Pimpolkar and municipal commissioner Saurabh Rao congratulated all the achievers, noting that their success brings pride to the city and adds to the municipal corporation’s reputation for nurturing and fostering talent.Jagtap said the institute provides free guidance and training for UPSC and MPSC aspirants, with a focus on increasing participation of native Marathi students in civil services. Around 140 students are trained annually, receiving a Rs 3,000 monthly stipend, with hostel facilities, and structured coaching tailored to the aptitude of all the admitted students. “The Chintamanrao Deshmukh Administrative Institute is likely the only civic-run facility in the region offering comprehensive, high-quality civil service training. Many of our alumni now hold top positions across govt services,” said Jagtap.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-israel-war-dubai-strikes-live-updates-donald-trumps-endgame-in-iran-his-statements-suggest-even-he-doesnt-know-11183343” on this server.

Reference #18.6fdd417.1772933030.23e9efd4

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.6fdd417.1772933030.23e9efd4

Abhishek Sharma (right) speaks to his father Rajkumar Sharma at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo Courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

TimesofIndia.com in Ahmedabad: On Saturday, most eyes were glued to the net where Abhishek Sharma was batting during India’s training session on the eve of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. Facing a mix of throwdown specialists and net bowlers, Abhishek batted for nearly 30 minutes and was watched closely by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Off-spin was the flavour and there were plenty of inside-out hits, which grew cleaner as he settled into the crease.

Abhishek’s father and childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, was stationed far from the action but had the best possible vantage point to watch his son go through the paces one last time before the big night. The father wasn’t worried and kept craning his neck in the direction where the ball was hit. Every sweet connection was met with an assuring nod. Unbeknownst to his son, the father, his biggest cheerleader, supporter and critic, was quietly in attendance to offer support during the toughest phase of his career.

Abhishek Sharma (left) walks back after meeting his father Rajkumar Sharma at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo Courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

“Bahut time baad net dekh raha hu, kal sab accha hoga team bhi World Cup jeetegi (I am seeing his net after a very long time. Everything will be good tomorrow and the team will win the World Cup),” he quipped.“I am sitting there,” he said, pointing towards a hospitality box above, “but the real fun is to watch the match from here. I watched all his early days of cricket from near the boundary ropes, it was fun,” added the father.Without his spectacles, he couldn’t observe the proceedings as closely as he would have liked but the sound of the shots was assuring enough to bring a smile to his face. When Abhishek finished his hit, coach Gambhir summoned him and the two had an extended chat lasting nearly twenty minutes. It was an animated pep talk, highlighted by fingers pointing towards different parts of the ground and plenty of reassurance.

Abhishek Sharma (left) talks to head coach Gautam Gambhir after his stint at the nets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo Courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

Father Rajkumar watched the conversation and, the moment it ended, net bowlers and onlookers mobbed Abhishek with requests for selfies and autographs. He obliged them all and the father allowed his son the required space before walking towards him.“Usko bata to deta hu mai aaya hu (laughs) [Let me tell him that I am here],” he said.The father and son met and had a brief chat, mostly about cricket and batting, before more “Abhishek sir, Abhishek sir” requests interrupted the moment.Abhishek requested a support staff member to take his gear to the dressing room and the freed-up left-hander ensured he signed every piece of paper that came his way through the security fence.

Abhishek Sharma speaks to his father Rajkumar Sharma after India’s nest session on the eve of the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Photo Courtesy: Sahil Malhotra)

It has been a difficult tournament for the World No. 1, as he is yet to fire on all cylinders and has struggled against off-spin. Teams have cracked his code and he scored his first World Cup runs in his fourth innings after three ducks. The stomach infection that forced him into hospital did not help and returning to fluent ways has been a struggle since then. The batter who demolished the opposition in the fixtures preceding the tournament has become a walking wicket for opponents. All they need to do is deploy an off-spinner. Even a part-timer would do.After tallying 89 runs in eight games, the youngster will need to take a fresh guard and forget everything that has happened so far. For some batters, it is about getting two sweet hits out of the way before normalcy returns. Abhishek belongs to that school of batsmanship and he does not need to look too far back for inspiration. In the game against Zimbabwe, the opener attempted to spend time in the middle and, while the lack of spin in the powerplay was helpful, his patience also paid off.

“Dua (prayer),” was the word the father repeatedly used when he met several greeters near the sightscreen. He also had a brief interaction with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who was inspecting preparations for the big final at the Narendra Modi Stadium with other officials of the global cricket body.When the team returned to the dressing room and the ground was vacated for Sunday’s musical performances, father Rajkumar left the premises with a prayer that his son would return to dominating ways when he watches from the third-tier hospitality box.