The high-voltage second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between India and England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai began with early drama as England made a strong start with the ball. After winning the toss, the English skipper Harry Brook chose to bowl first — a decision that paid immediate dividends as India lost opener Abhishek Sharma cheaply in the early overs.

The Indian left-hander, who has been known for his aggressive batting at the top, failed to make an impact on the big stage. His early dismissal not only put India under early pressure but also triggered a strong reaction from fans on social media, many of whom expressed frustration over his performance.

Will Jacks dismisses Abhishek Sharma in the second over

The crucial moment came on the last ball of the second over when England spinner Will Jacks struck a vital blow. Bowling a slower delivery at around 85.4 kph, Jacks cleverly drifted the ball inward, tempting Abhishek to attack.

Looking to dominate the spinner, Abhishek advanced down the track and backed away to attempt an aerial flick. However, the timing was completely off as the shot came off the bottom part of the bat. The ball traveled towards deep midwicket, where Phil Salt ran in sharply and completed a comfortable catch.

Jacks celebrated the wicket with visible intensity, knowing the importance of removing an attacking opener early in such a crucial knockout encounter. The dismissal once again highlighted Abhishek’s struggles against spin, as he fell to an off-spinner in a similar fashion.

Fans mercilessly troll Abhishek for his poor performance

Soon after the dismissal, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fans. Many fans expressed disappointment with Abhishek Sharma’s shot selection, especially considering the importance of the match. Several fans pointed out that attempting a risky aerial shot so early in the innings against a spinner was unnecessary. Others criticised his recent performances and questioned whether he had done enough to justify his place in such a high-stakes game.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Hardik Pandya visits Siddhivinayak Temple with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma ahead of semifinal showdown 

Here’s how fans reacted:

Abhishek Sharma has been a very very big letdown this World Cup. Don’t recall any batsman going from being an X factor in a format to being so helpless and clueless – peaked too soon perhaps #IndvsEng #ICCT20WorldCup2026

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma’s poor patch continues as Will Jacks dismissed the Indian opener cheaply 👀#INDvsENG #T20WorldCup2026 #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/ffZdOnKW7x

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 5, 2026

🚨 MEET THE INDIAN ZIMBU ABHISHEK SHARMA 🚨

Recent innings:
– 10(11) vs WI
– 55(30) vs ZIM
– 15(12) vs SA
– 0(1) vs NED
– 0(2) vs PAK

Abhishek is just a flat track bully who forgot how to bat after one fifty against Zimbabwe. 🤯pic.twitter.com/MZAEiA3Icb

— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma in clutch situations-

– Ipl Final : 2(5)
– Ipl Playoffs : 3(4)
– Ipl Playoffs : 12(5)
– Asia Cup final(vs PAK) : 5(6)
– Ind vs pak (WC) : 0(4)
– Ind vs Wi, knockout (WC) : 10(11)
-Ind Vs Eng , semi final WC : 9(6) pic.twitter.com/oGCdacShAd

— 🚩 (@was_groottt18) March 5, 2026

Yuvi paaji to Abhishek Sharma #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/z0oaLQmGaU

— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) March 5, 2026

Currently the best scammer of Indian cricket team, Abhishek Sharma 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bupK4YQ5yk

— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness

Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness

Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness

Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness#INDvENG #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/TMQMUt3UD4

— sanjeev Dsr (@Varisuthehunter) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma goes for 9 of 7 balls. 💔😭

– What Happen Abhi, Another Once Failure For Abhishek. 🥺#AbhishekSharma | #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/XtNCRyhEqa

— Abhishek Sharma Fc (@Abhishek_Fan_) March 5, 2026

🚨ABHISHEK SHARMA IN T20 WC 2026 IS A BIG FLOP🚨

– He was touted as the highest run getter of the competition
– He came here as No 1 T20 batter with everything going his way
– He scored three ducks in his first three outings which was a shock
– He struggled in his short stay… pic.twitter.com/IlRTiBW7dQ

— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger#INDvENG

— Irushi ♡ˎˊ˗ (@Im_IrushiK) March 5, 2026

Bring back shubman Gill and drop this fraud T20 player abhishek Sharma. pic.twitter.com/Ae3N1rSQjo

— Prince (@JjhaPrince) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma is literally the biggest flop in this edition of T20 World Cup.#AbhishekSharma #T20WorldCup #INDvsENG

— Sarthak Tripathi (@Sarthak14042003) March 5, 2026

Abhishek “FREE WICKET” Sharma #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/lsBiv6XZcs

— Vishesh ヴィシェシュ (@7_vishesh) March 5, 2026

Watching Abhishek Sharma bat, it almost feels like he thinks this is a local tournament and he has already secured his place forever. Unfortunately, international cricket doesn’t reward that kind of attitude. Talent needs responsibility, not just reckless slogging#INDvsENG#T20

— Panks (@pankajbiswas6) March 5, 2026

Abhishek sharma will became Prithvi shaw very soon #INDvsENG

— मुसाफिर (@1ms1___) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma ko team se bahar nikal dena chahiye#INDvsENG https://t.co/LY9Wii4QEB

— राष्ट्रवादी (@royalrajput102) March 5, 2026

So many chances, same result every time.
Abhishek Sharma needs a long break in domestic cricket after this horrible tournament.#INDvENG #AbhishekSharma #GalaxyAI

— Abhishek Yadav (@Abhishek_sy_) March 5, 2026

Abhishek Sharma seems to be the most out of form batsman currently in world cricket, it is unfortunate, specially the timing of it.
Chin up boy @IamAbhiSharma4

— Siddharth Garg (@SidCricket4) March 5, 2026

Also READ: Top 5 fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history ft. Finn Allen

Pune: Mounting fiscal pressure combined with a sharp rise in the state’s debt burden may drive govt to revise the ready reckoner (RR) rates from April. An average increase of over 5% across the state can be expected, senior govt officials said on Thursday.“Considering the widening revenue deficit and the surge in supplementary demands, a revision in RR rates appears imminent. The final announcement will be made on March 31,” a senior state govt source told TOI.Officials said district-wise consultations with stakeholders have been completed, but the final decision will depend on the funds required to support major infrastructural projects, welfare schemes and other spending commitments announced by govt.Last year, the state govt increased RR rates by an average 3.89% after keeping them unchanged in 2023-24 and 2024-25. There was a 5% hike in 2022-23.For the current financial year, the property registration department has been set a revenue target of Rs 63,500 crore, up from the earlier Rs 60,000 crore. Officials said the department has already achieved around 85% of the target even before the close of the financial year and is likely to meet or even exceed the revised goal.The RR rates are determined after assessing property transactions in a particular area, and revisions are proposed based on these trends. “In several pockets, especially in cities such as Pune, Mumbai and Thane, transaction values are significantly higher than the existing RR rates. In some areas, market transactions are over 100% higher than the benchmark rates. Since this trend is seen in both rural and urban pockets, a revision in rates has become necessary,” an official added.In March 2025, the state budget had projected a revenue deficit of Rs 45,890 crore. This rose sharply after supplementary demands of Rs 57,509.71 crore were presented in June 2025. With an additional Rs 75,286.37 crore sought during the winter session in Dec, the revenue deficit now stands at close to Rs 2 lakh crore.The budget has also projected the state’s debt burden to rise to Rs 9.32 lakh crore. During the ongoing legislative session, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis presented supplementary demands worth Rs 11,995.33 crore.Officials in the registration department said some corrections to the RR rates are necessary. “The registration department is among the highest revenue contributors to the state exchequer. In the current fiscal context, revision of rates is necessary,” a senior official said.Developers have urged the state govt to maintain the RR rates this year. Members of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) said the real estate market remains buoyant and stable, partly due to steady RR rates over two consecutive years. “Since govt revised the rates last year, there is no need to increase them again this year,” a senior CREDAI member told TOI.A national member of the CREDAI national governing council said the state has been generating adequate revenue even without frequent revisions. “Govt should ensure that the middle class is not affected. The market is currently stable and buoyant, and that should be considered before making any decision,” a member added. A fresh hike could affect property buyers and dampen market sentiment, he said.Another CREDAI office bearer said the steady growth in property registrations shows that the sector is already contributing significantly to the state’s revenue. “The state has been generating steady revenue from property registrations. There is no pressing need to increase the rates again. Another hike could impact the overall system,” he said.The registration department had achieved around 140% of its revenue target in 2022-23, followed by 100% last year, indicating strong activity in the property market.

West Indies players (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

NEW DELHI: The West Indies cricket team has finally received an update regarding their delayed return home after being stuck in India following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Head coach Daren Sammy shared the development on social media, writing, “Got an update. that’s all wi wanted,” after days of uncertainty surrounding the team’s travel plans.

The squad had been unable to leave India because several airlines cancelled or rerouted flights due to restricted airspace in the Gulf region. The restrictions came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which affected multiple international flight routes.Earlier, Sammy had openly expressed his frustration online as the team waited for information. In one post he wrote, “I just wanna go home,” and later added, “At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days,” highlighting the growing anxiety within the squad and support staff.Cricket West Indies (CWI) had earlier confirmed that the team’s travel plans were postponed because airlines were avoiding the affected airspace for safety reasons. The board explained the situation in a statement, saying, “These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.”The board also assured fans that the safety of players and staff remains the top priority and that it is coordinating with several authorities to arrange a safe journey back. “CWI is working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities, and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff,” the statement added.The West Indies were knocked out of the tournament after losing to India at Eden Gardens, where India chased down 195 with an unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson.

India’s Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

India’s aggressive start in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England cricket team at Wankhede Stadium came with a familiar talking point. The early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma once again triggered a wave of reactions on social media.Abhishek’s campaign in the tournament has been a frustrating one. The left handed opener managed just 9 runs from seven balls before getting out, continuing a run of low scores that has kept fans talking throughout the competition.His numbers in the 2026 T20 World Cup tell the story of an inconsistent run. Abhishek has scores of 0 (1), 0 (4), 0 (3), 15 (12), 55 (30), 10 (11) and now 9 (7). One area that has drawn particular attention is his struggle against off spin. Across five innings against off spinners in this tournament, Abhishek has faced 27 balls and scored 29 runs while being dismissed three times. The average of 9.66 and strike rate of 107.40 have become a talking point among fans analysing India’s batting.Within minutes of his latest dismissal, social media was flooded with memes. Many fans joked about the repeated early wickets while others questioned whether India should rethink the opening combination for big matches. Some supporters also pointed out that young players often go through rough phases in global tournaments.

Abhishek Sharma social media reaction

Abhishek Sharma social media reaction

Abhishek Sharma social media reaction

While Abhishek’s exit sparked debate online, the mood inside the stadium quickly shifted thanks to Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper batter continued his outstanding form and brought up another half century, his second in a row in the tournament.Samson’s fearless strokeplay set the tone for India’s innings after Harry Brook won the toss and asked India to bat first. The right hander attacked the England bowlers from the start and helped India race to 111 for one in just nine overs.As the semi-final unfolds, Abhishek’s struggles remain a major talking point online. Yet Samson’s brilliant knock has given Indian fans plenty to cheer about on a big night in Mumbai.

The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) is set to return with its eighth edition, celebrating the inspiring journeys and achievements of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. The much-anticipated TOISA 2025 ceremony will take place on March 21, 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together sporting icons and emerging stars who made the nation proud over the past year.This edition will recognise athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, honouring performances during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. From global championships to major international tournaments, Indian sport witnessed a remarkable year filled with memorable victories and record-breaking performances.Sport has a unique ability to unite people, cutting across barriers and bringing millions together in moments of pride and celebration. The Times of India Sports Awards aim to recognise not just victories on the field, but also the determination, sacrifices and relentless effort behind those triumphs. A distinguished jury comprising eminent Indian sporting personalities will select the winners across various categories.The past year produced several landmark achievements. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra continued his remarkable run on the global stage with outstanding performances in the Diamond League, while shooter Samrat Rana clinched three medals at the World Shooting Championships.Indian cricket also enjoyed a historic year. The India women’s national cricket team lifted their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title on home soil, while the India national cricket team captured both the ICC Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. In another remarkable feat, the India women’s blind cricket team became the first-ever champions of the Women’s Blind Cricket T20 World Cup.Beyond cricket, the India men’s national field hockey team triumphed at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup, securing qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2026. Indian para-athletes also shone brightly at the World Para Athletics Championships, returning home with a rich medal haul.Young talents made headlines too, with promising athletes like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in cricket, Divya Deshmukh in chess, and Tanvi Sharma in badminton emerging as stars of the future.Through these honours, TOISA continues its mission of celebrating India’s sporting heroes — the athletes whose grit, dedication and excellence inspire a nation.

NEW DELHI: The West Indies cricket team are facing travel troubles after being knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, several airspaces in the Gulf region have been restricted, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights. As a result, the West Indies squad has been stuck in India for several days without clear information on when they can return home.

Head coach Daren Sammy expressed his frustration on social media as the uncertainty continued. “I just wanna go home,” he had penned earlier today.In another post a few hours later, he wrote, “At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days,” highlighting the anxiety within the team.Earlier, Cricket West Indies confirmed that the team’s travel plans had been postponed because airlines were avoiding the affected airspace due to safety concerns. In a statement, the board said, “These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.”The board also reassured fans that the safety of the players and staff is the top priority and that it is working with the International Cricket Council and other authorities to arrange a safe return. “CWI is working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities, and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff,” the statement added.The West Indies were eliminated after losing to the India national cricket team at Eden Gardens. India chased down 195 with a strong unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson.

The high-voltage atmosphere of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its fever pitch as India prepare to face England in the second semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. While the cricketing world anticipates a masterclass between the defending champions and a powerhouse English side, the narrative off the field has been equally explosive. Former Indian batter has launched a scathing attack on ex-Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, following the latter’s controversial remarks regarding India’s title credentials.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on the eve of the blockbuster India vs England clash, Mohammad Kaif did not hold back. He dismissed Amir’s frequent criticisms as desperate attempts to stay relevant in the media cycle. Kaif questioned the sincerity of Amir’s skepticism, suggesting that everyone, including Amir, was aware of India’s inevitable rise to the knockout stages.

“Did Amir really not know that India would reach the semifinals? Of course, he knew that the defending champions would make it, but they say these things because it becomes news. We must not give them importance. There is no need for us to come down to their level and reply,” Kaif stated.

Kaif further dismantled Amir’s authority to critique the Indian team by recalling the pacer’s own high-pressure failures. Specifically, he pointed to the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat against the USA. Kaif reminded fans that it was Amir who struggled in the Super Over of that historic match, leaking runs through several wides and failing to find his line.

“The loss they faced against the USA in 2024—it was the same bowler who was responsible. In that over, he conceded only one boundary, but bowled too many wides. His balls did not even land on the stumps. Who got scared against that USA team and made his side lose the game? I don’t have to say more,” Kaif added, suggesting a bowler who faltered against an associate nation has little room to judge a top-tier side like India.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history ft. Finn Allen

Amir’s persistent doubts on India in T20 World Cup 2026

The war of words stems from a series of provocative statements made by Amir throughout the 2026 tournament. Appearing on the Pakistani show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’, Amir had initially predicted that India would not even make the semi-finals, claiming that teams like the West Indies and South Africa were playing more complete cricket.

Even after India silenced critics by chasing down 196 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens led by a stunning 97* from Sanju Samson, Amir refused to backtrack. Instead, he doubled down, asserting that “India will not play the final.” He cited India’s reliance on Jasprit Bumrah, frequent middle-order collapses, and fielding lapses as fatal flaws that England would expose in Mumbai.

Amir also courted controversy by labeling the dismissal of Shimron Hetmyer in the Super 8s as questionable, suggesting that had the decision gone the other way, India would have been knocked out. With Pakistan already eliminated from the tournament, Kaif’s rebuttal serves as a firm reminder that while talk is cheap, India’s performance on the field has been the definitive answer to their critics.

Also READ: IND vs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin names the decisive player battle for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal

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