India head coach Gautam Gambhir has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world with a stunning post-match admission that he “doesn’t believe in data” and relies purely on instinct, following India’s five-wicket victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens that sealed their semifinal berth in the T20 World Cup 2026. The former India opener’s remarkable statement came after Sanju Samson powered the defending champions to a record chase of 196, setting up a blockbuster semifinal clash against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.

“I don’t even know what data is all about”: Gautam Gambhir

During the post-match press conference in Kolkata, Gambhir was questioned about the extent to which he depends on data and analytics while preparing for opponents in the World Cup. His response was characteristically blunt and uncompromising .

“I don’t believe in data, honestly. I have never seen data. I don’t even know what data is all about. I absolutely do not believe in it,” Gambhir declared, leaving journalists stunned.

The head coach elaborated on his philosophy, emphasizing that T20 cricket demands intuitive decision-making rather than statistical analysis. “I feel T20s are more about instinct and backing your instinct as well. Whatever knowledge I have about the game and the T20 format, I give it to the captain and try to help him out as much as I can. But ultimately, it is the captain who takes the final call.” 

Gambhir’s dismissal of data-driven approaches represents a significant departure from modern coaching trends, where analytics and match-up statistics have become increasingly prevalent across international cricket.

The head coach also dismissed another widely discussed concept in tournament cricket – the notion of “peaking at the right time.” When asked if he felt India were hitting their stride at the perfect moment heading into the semifinals, Gambhir rejected the premise entirely.

“Look, I don’t believe in all this peaking at the right time. You’ve got to win every game that you represent your country in. There is nothing like peaking at the right time,” Gambhir asserted.

He stressed that in a short tournament like the T20 World Cup, consistency matters more than timing. “It’s a short tournament that comes and goes very quickly, so you’ve got to try and play your A game every time. You can’t take any opposition for granted.” 

“He never accelerated the innings”: Gambhir’s unique take on Sanju Samson’s masterclass

Gambhir reserved special praise for Sanju Samson, whose unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls guided India to their highest successful T20 World Cup chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s iconic knocks from 2016 and 2022. However, the coach’s analysis of the innings was characteristically nuanced.

“I actually thought that he never accelerated the innings. It was just very normal cricketing shots. I never saw him muscling the ball. That is the kind of talent he has,” Gambhir observed.

Also READ: Sanju Samson reflects on his batting performance that powered India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

The coach revealed that Samson’s return to form was carefully managed after a difficult bilateral series against New Zealand in January, where the wicketkeeper-batter registered scores of 10, 6, 0, 24 and 6 .

“Obviously, he had a tough series against New Zealand. So sometimes it’s important to give him a break as well, because you want to get the guy off that pressure situation,” Gambhir explained.

“Against Zimbabwe, he delivered for us. We got a start that we wanted in the first three overs. And today, again, from where he left against Zimbabwe, he showcased his talent. And this is what we expect from Sanju to do more consistently.” 

In a poignant moment that reflected his own 2011 World Cup final experience – where his match-defining 97 is often overshadowed by the winning six – Gambhir emphasized that all contributions deserve recognition .

“For too many years, we’ve only spoken about certain contributions. This is a team sport. For me, Shivam’s two boundaries are as important as Sanju’s 97. The big contribution makes headlines. The small contribution that can help the team win, cross that line, is going to be very important. That’s going to be the philosophy going forward till I am there.”

As India prepare to face England in Thursday’s semifinal in Mumbai, Gambhir’s instinct-over-data approach will face its toughest test yet against a formidable opponent seeking revenge for the 2024 semifinal defeat.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals – Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Passengers stranded at Beirut airport (AP photo)

Flight operations worldwide have been largely affected by the constantly evolving situation in the Middle East, triggered by the joint US-Israel attack on Iran that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and strong retaliation from Tehran. The exchange of missile strikes amid escalating tensions has made the skies unsafe for aviation, leading to widespread flight cancellations as several Gulf nations shut their airspace. Airports in Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates have also closed their airspace.The disruption followed joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and US military installations in the Gulf. The military campaign has continued after Khamenei’s death, with both the US and Israel striking Iranian military sites.Iran in return, has fired missiles and drones at Israel, US bases in the Gulf region, and other regional targets.

Key transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi handle major traffic between Europe, Asia and Africa. Airlines operating through West Asia can be diverted over Saudi Arabia or use longer oceanic routes, leading to delays and higher costs. More than 2,800 flights were cancelled across the Middle East on Sunday, according to Flight Aware. Around 1,600 flights were cancelled by West Asian carriers alone. In India, nearly 350 flights were cancelled during the day. Delhi airport reported 100 cancellations, while Mumbai reported 125. Tiruchirappalli airport also saw multiple cancellations.

Air India

Air India suspended flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until March 2. It cancelled around 125 international flights and said North America and Europe flights would operate on alternative routes with technical stops in Rome. The airline advised passengers to check updates online.“In view of the continuing situation in the Middle East, Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 2359 hrs IST on 2 March 2026. Additionally, select flights to Europe scheduled on 2 March 2026 have been cancelled,” the airline said.

IndiGo

IndiGo suspended select international flights using West Asia airspace until March 2. It offered passengers options to rebook or claim refunds and said updates would be shared directly. “This extension is a precautionary measure to ensure that we uphold the highest standards of safety for our customers and crew,” the IndiGo statement read.

Akasa Air

Akasa Air suspended flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh until March 2. It offered full refunds or free rescheduling for affected passengers. “Passengers with impacted bookings until March 7, 2026, may opt for a full refund or reschedule their travel at no additional charge,” it said.

SpiceJet

SpiceJeat cancelled all flights operating between India and the UAE (to and from UAE) for March 1, 2026 and March 2, 2026.“Due to the temporary closure of UAE airspace amid the current situation, all SpiceJet flights operating between India and the UAE have been cancelled till 01 March 2026. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport,” the airline said.

Emirates

Emirates suspended all flights to and from Dubai until at least Monday afternoon, local time. The airline asked passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.The official statement read: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Monday, 2 March.”

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways flight said its operations remained temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline further said it will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on March 02 by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC)

Etihad

“Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad’s operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Monday 2 March,” Etihad said in a social media post. The Gulf carrier has cancelled 30 percent of its flights, according to Aviation analytics agency Cirium said.Thousands of passengers remain stranded across West Asia and other international hubs. Travellers are waiting at airports and hotels with no clear timeline on when normal flight operations will resume as the fighting continues.

Before and after image of US navy fleet

Iran launched retaliatory strikes in fury after the killing of its Supreme Leader.After the longest-serving leader in the Middle East was killed in strikes while in office, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran launched strong retaliatory attacks, targeting key cities including Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and Manama in Bahrain. The strikes rattled the Arab world, with multiple American bases and targets across the region coming under attack from an angered and Khamenei-less power centre in Tehran.

The strikes followed a major military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran, aimed at dismantling the political leadership that had been under Khamenei for more than three decades.Also read: US F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video showing fighter jet engulfed in flames, pilots ejectingSatellite images later emerged showing the Iranian offensive targeting the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Manama. The before-and-after comparison of the images highlighted the scale of the damage caused by the strikes on the American facility.A video circulating online also showed smoke rising from the area around the base. Bahrain’s government confirmed that a missile had targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet facility and called the strike a violation of the country’s sovereignty.Officials said the Fifth Fleet service centre was hit in the missile attack and that emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site. It is not yet clear whether there were any casualties from the strike.The attack in Bahrain came as part of a wider wave of military actions across the Middle East.Several sites linked to the United States across the region are facing threats, including military installations in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Air defence systems in several countries were activated in response.Iran described the strikes as defensive retaliation, saying they were a response to what it called aggression against it.Early Sunday, drones struck the airport in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, causing minor damage, authorities said.The US embassy in Manama also urged American citizens to avoid hotels in the city, warning that they could become potential targets after the Crowne Plaza hotel was hit.Tehran’s offensive also targeted cities that are not traditional military targets, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Sharjah and Manama.

West Indies’ skipper Shai Hope plays a shot at Eden Gardens. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: West Indies captain Shai Hope did not hide behind excuses after his side’s T20 World Cup campaign ended with a defeat to defending champions India at Eden Gardens. Instead, he stood up and took responsibility.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India chased down a challenging 196-run target to knock the former champions out in a must-win Super Eight clash on Sunday. But Hope admitted the total could have been far more imposing had he accelerated at the top.“Yes, I’ll take the blame. I should have batted a lot faster — if that’s what you want me to say,” Hope said candidly in the post-match media interaction. “When you’re leading, you want to put your hand up and set the tone at the top. It didn’t happen for me today. I just didn’t get going.”

Hope’s 32 off 33 balls — including 17 dot deliveries — stalled momentum in a high-scoring contest. Though he insisted he was not batting poorly, he conceded that the tempo hurt the team.“In situations like this, when you’re struggling, everyone struggles. But I don’t think I was batting badly,” he explained. “I hit a few fielders and they bowled well. As much as you’d love to hit every ball for six, it doesn’t happen.”West Indies were 45 without loss in the powerplay after targeting 65–70. “We had a platform. With the batting depth we have, I didn’t see it as a big issue at the time, but we didn’t execute as well as we wanted,” Hope admitted.Despite late acceleration from Roston Chase, Rovman Powell and Jason Holder lifting them to 195/4, the total proved 20 runs short on a dewy surface.“Here in Eden Gardens, chasing is usually better, especially with the dew. It always becomes a factor,” Hope said, also lamenting his poor run with the toss. “I don’t think I could win a toss… that always puts me on the back foot.”Calling it a “game of small margins,” Hope added, “One team has to win.”He reserved special praise for India’s match-winner Sanju Samson, whose unbeaten 97 sealed the chase. “He shot the ball very nicely from the beginning all the way through to the end… very smart and calculated. You must give him an A-plus. But we wish he didn’t have that innings today.”Even in defeat, Hope chose perspective. “There are a lot of positives. Our bowling was much better… the powerplay bowling especially stood up.”

Amid the escalating Iran–US–Israel conflict, a viral video circulating online appears to show an Iranian missile evading multiple interceptor rockets over Jerusalem before striking its target.The footage, reportedly recorded from a terrace, captured around 10 interceptors heading toward the incoming missile. A spark is seen mid-air before the missile continues its trajectory and hits. The exact time and location of the video have not been independently verified.Some social media users have claimed the missile could be Iran’s Fattah system, which is designed with manoeuvrable glide capabilities to evade air defence interceptors.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has previously described Fattah missiles as marking “the beginning of the end” for Israel’s air defences, asserting that their manoeuvrability allows them to alter trajectory during the terminal phase of flight.Iran’s broader missile capabilityIran maintains one of the largest missile arsenals in the Middle East. In 2022, former US Central Command chief General Kenneth McKenzie said Tehran possessed “over 3,000” ballistic missiles, excluding cruise missile systems.Its inventory includes short- and medium-range ballistic missiles such as the Fateh family, Zolfaghar, Dezful, Kheibar Shekan and Sejjil, alongside older Shahab and Ghadr variants. Ranges vary between 300 km and 2,000 km, with some systems assessed as potentially capable of longer reach if modified.Shift toward precision and survivabilityOver the past two decades, Iran has prioritised precision, solid-fuel propulsion and survivability over merely extending range. Solid-fuel missiles are quicker to launch and less vulnerable to pre-emptive strikes compared to liquid-fuel systems.Iran has also invested in manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles and terminal guidance systems, aimed at complicating interception by advanced air defence systems.Regional reach and regeneration effortsDespite reported damage to parts of its missile stockpile in recent strikes, analysts say Iran retains significant strike capability across the Middle East. Tehran has also transferred missile technology to regional allies and proxy groups, expanding its strategic depth.While the exact size of its current inventory remains unclear, the breadth of systems across ballistic and cruise categories suggests Iran’s missile forces remain central to its military doctrine and deterrence posture.

Iran has warned that the United States has crossed “a very dangerous red line” by killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.In an exclusive interview with CNN, Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said US President Donald Trump had triggered serious consequences by authorising the strike.

‘We have no option but to respond’

Khatibzadeh said Khamenei was not only a political leader but also a major religious figure for millions of Shiite Muslims.

“Of course, from a religious aspect, he was a great religious leader, so many of Shiite followers across the region and around the world are going to react to that, and this is very obvious because President Trump passed a very dangerous red line,” he told CNN.“We have no option but to respond,” he added.Khamenei, 86, was killed in joint US–Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and government sites. His death has shaken the leadership of the Islamic Republic and raised fears of wider regional instability.

Wave of retaliation across the region

Following the strikes, Iran launched an unprecedented wave of missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. Targets included countries hosting US military bases, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.According to news agency AP, explosions were reported in Tehran as Israel said it was striking the “heart” of the Iranian capital. At the same time, Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel, US installations in the Gulf, and cities including Dubai and Riyadh.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard earlier threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever against Israel and US bases.The violence has disrupted air and sea traffic, caused civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure across several countries.

Iran warns Gulf states over US bases

Khatibzadeh told CNN that Tehran had contacted Gulf Arab states about American military bases on their soil.“We communicated with them: either to shut down those American bases that are constantly threatening Iran and are constantly using to offend on Iran, or we have no option just to push back,” he said.He added that Iran cannot directly strike US territory.“Iran cannot reach out to American soil, so we have no option just to attack any bases which is under US jurisdiction,” he said.Several Gulf states, including Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, have reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. Qatar said eight people were wounded in attacks early Sunday, raising its total to 16 injured since the conflict began.

Diplomacy in doubt

When asked whether diplomacy was still possible, Khatibzadeh said Washington had repeatedly disappointed Tehran.“The US has disappointed Iran several times and there was no necessity to start this aggression,” he said.“If President Trump didn’t want to see Iran hitting back … President Trump should have not started this war from the beginning,” he added. “It was a war of choice.”Meanwhile, Trump warned Iran not to escalate further. In a post online, he said the US would respond with unprecedented force if Tehran intensified its attacks.

Uncertain leadership in Tehran

As the conflict continues, Iran has moved to stabilise its political system. A 66-year-old cleric, Ali Reza Arafi, has been appointed to a three-member leadership council that will govern until a new supreme leader is selected.The council includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei.At the same time, Israeli officials claimed their strikes killed several top Iranian military figures, including chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi. Iran has not confirmed those claims.

Region on edge

The crisis has already spread beyond Iran and Israel. Protests have broken out in places such as Karachi and Kashmir, while embassies across the region have issued security alerts.US embassies in Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Pakistan have advised staff and citizens to shelter in place. Several airports across the Middle East remain closed, stranding thousands of travellers.With both sides exchanging threats and missiles, and diplomacy appearing distant, the killing of Khamenei has pushed the region into one of its most dangerous moments in years.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its thrilling knockout stage, with the four semifinalists confirmed following India’s victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday, March 1. Defending champions India will face England in a blockbuster second semifinal, while tournament unbeaten South Africa takes on New Zealand in the first semifinal.

T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals: Schedule

The semifinals will be played across two iconic Indian venues on successive nights, with both matches starting at 7:00 PM IST.

• First Semifinal: South Africa vs New Zealand
• Date: Wednesday, March 4
• Time: 7:00 pm IST (Toss at 6:30 pm IST)
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

South Africa enters the contest as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having won all seven matches played so far. The Proteas defeated New Zealand earlier in the tournament by seven wickets on February 14 in Ahmedabad. The Black Caps, finalists in 2021, will be eager to settle scores and return to the summit clash after five years.

• Second Semifinal: India vs England
• Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Time: 7:00 pm IST (Toss at 6:30 pm IST)
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

This fixture renews one of modern cricket’s most intense rivalries. India and England have met five times previously in T20 World Cups, with India winning three encounters and England two. The teams faced each other in the 2024 semifinal, where India emerged victorious by 68 runs in Guyana. However, England exacted revenge in the 2022 edition in Adelaide, defeating India by 10 wickets.

How the teams reached the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals?

South Africa dominated Group 1 of the Super 8s, defeating India, Zimbabwe and the West Indies to maintain their perfect record. They had previously topped their group stage with four wins out of four.

India secured their semifinal berth with a crucial victory over the West Indies in the final Super 8 fixture on Sunday. Chasing 196, Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls guided the defending champions home with four balls to spare.

England topped Group 2 with three consecutive wins against Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, becoming the first team to secure semifinal qualification.

New Zealand progressed despite losing to England in their final Super 8 match, courtesy of their superior net run rate following a rain-abandoned game against Pakistan.

Also READ: Will PCB sack him? Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha responds after T20 World Cup debacle

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Broadcast details (Radio)

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has warned that nothing short of a “special effort” will be enough when the defending champions face England in a blockbuster T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, even as he lavished praise on Sanju Samson for keeping their title defence alive.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson produced a sublime unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls to power India to a five-wicket win over the West Indies at a packed Eden Gardens, chasing down 196 in a winner-takes-all Super Eights clash. His knock, studded with 12 fours and four sixes, lifted India to 199/5 and into the last four.

“We all know how good a player Sanju is,” Gambhir said after the match. “It was all about backing him and when the team needed him the most. Obviously today was the day when he probably showed his full potential.”Samson had played just one group-stage match, scoring 22 against Namibia, as India preferred a left-hand opening pair. Recalled for the Super Eights to add a right-handed option at the top, he made 24 against Zimbabwe — enough for Gambhir to persist with him.“I have always said that he is a world-class player. He is a great talent and hopefully he can kick on from now and we can see a lot more innings like this,” Gambhir added.

But the focus now shifts to Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where a formidable England side awaits on Thursday. Harry Brook’s men arrive unbeaten in the Super Eights and peaking at the right time.“Look, they’re a world-class team, they’re a quality team, they’ve got a lot of quality players as well,” Gambhir said in a post-match news conference.He acknowledged the new challenge posed by Wankhede’s conditions after Kolkata. “We all know that playing at the Wankhede is a tough game, but it’s another opportunity to do something special for the team and for the country.”India, he stressed, must be flawless.“Hopefully we play our best game, that is going to be very important and we can keep ticking all the boxes. Because we will need a special effort to beat a quality side like England,” Gambhir further added.

Security heightened in Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs has cautioned states about the possibility of communal tensions in the wake of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, asking authorities to stay alert and take preventive steps.In a letter circulated on February 28, the ministry warned that recent military developments in West Asia could have “ripple effects” within India, particularly if overseas events are invoked during religious gatherings or public meetings, news agency PTI reported.States have been asked to keep a close watch on individuals and groups that could provoke unrest. The advisory specifically called for monitoring “pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory sermons” that may inflame communal sentiments. The ministry also emphasised the need for closer intelligence coordination and timely intervention to prevent any deterioration in the law-and-order situation.The alert comes against the backdrop of a sharp escalation in the Middle East following reported joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran. New Delhi has publicly called for restraint while keeping a close watch on developments, mindful of the large Indian presence across the Gulf region.Officials said the government is assessing the situation not only from a geopolitical perspective but also for its potential domestic impact, amid concerns that international developments could be used by extremist elements to trigger tensions at home.Precautionary measures have already been taken in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Mobile internet speeds were reduced across the Valley on Monday following spontaneous protests over the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials said, adding that the step was taken to maintain law and order.Security has been tightened in Srinagar, with the Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk sealed off using barricades. Additional police and CRPF personnel were deployed across the city to prevent large gatherings.Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran during a joint US-Israel operation. The development triggered protests and mourning in several places, including parts of India.Officials said demonstrations were reported from Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Kashmir, which has an estimated Shia population of around 15 lakh, saw some of the largest gatherings.Meanwhile, the conflict in West Asia continues to intensify. The United States and Israel have carried out sustained strikes on Iranian targets, focusing on ballistic missile infrastructure and naval assets in the days following Khamenei’s killing. Iranian officials say more than 200 people have been killed since the campaign began.Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military facilities in the Gulf. Strikes have also reached major cities in the region, including Riyadh and Dubai.The conflict has also begun to disrupt civil aviation across the Gulf. Several airlines have suspended or curtailed services as the exchange of strikes continues. Airports in Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait have also reported strikes or operational disruptions as tensions continue to rise.