Ruturaj Gaikwad blamed his spinners for Chennai Super Kings’ five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings in their IPL match on Friday, saying an off day from them hurt the team despite a strong total on the board.Chennai Super Kings posted 209 for 5, with Ayush Mhatre scoring 73 off 43 balls. But Punjab Kings chased down the target in 18.4 overs, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, who made 50.After the match, Gaikwad pointed to the performance of his spinners, Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar, as a key factor in the defeat. Chennai had seam options like Gurjapneet Singh and Jamie Overton available as impact substitutes but chose to bring in Chahar.“We felt we had three seamers going in, and obviously we have two good wrist spinners (Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar) bowling in tandem, especially in the middle after the powerplay. We felt that, you know, it will help,” said Gaikwad.“But I think, you know, slight off day for both of them. So, I think, that is what cost us. Sometimes we executed really well. Sometimes we just didn’t execute at the right time,” he added.He said the team could not build pressure in the middle overs.“There was a point when it (required run-rate) went to 11, and a couple of good overs would have taken it to 12-13. We just did not get momentum in the middle (with the ball).”Gaikwad added that the batting had positives, with contributions from Mhatre and Shivam Dube, but said the bowling needs to improve.Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said the start given by openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh played a big role in the chase.“The way we started today, that was an exceptional start for us. I feel the way they (Arya and Prabhsimran) have been batting has been phenomenal and it stabilises the rhythm for us,” Iyer said.“I am glad everyone is getting to bat. It gives immense confidence to the team. Whenever we are in a pressure situation, people are aware on how to handle it. We just decided in the dressing room, we will play a brand of cricket to impress each other — that gives us a certain sort of clarity, and basically challenging each other.”In the chase, Iyer’s 50 off 29 balls and his 59-run stand with Nehal Wadhera helped Punjab reach 210 for five. The target was 209.Punjab also got contributions from Priyansh Arya (39 off 11), Prabhsimran Singh (43 off 34) and Cooper Connolly (36 off 22).Iyer started slowly, scoring 8 off 9 balls while Connolly took charge. After Connolly fell to Anshul Kamboj, Iyer took control and targeted the spinners. He reached his fifty in 26 balls but was later dismissed by Kamboj while going after a wide delivery.Punjab completed the chase in 18.4 overs, handing Chennai their second loss in a row.

SRINAGAR: The meteorological department has forecast widespread rain, gusty winds and also snowfall at some places in Jammu and Kashmir over the next 36 hours due to strong western disturbance, even as heavy rains flooded roads in Srinagar on Friday.Authorities have issued an advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and follow safety precautions, especially in Srinagar.On Friday, higher reaches of Kashmir, including Mughal Road in Shopian and Sadhna Top in Kupwara, received fresh snowfall, while Srinagar and other districts saw heavy rains which flooded roads, making the movement of people and vehicles difficult. Officials said five road accidents were reported due to slippery roads.The MeT forecast said “erratic weather conditions” are likely to continue till April 10.On April 4, the weather is expected to remain cloudy, with moderate to heavy rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches in J&K. On April 5 and April 6, though the weather will remain cloudy, light rainfall is expected at isolated places.The district administration in Srinagar has issued a public advisory, warning of inclement weather and wind speeds of 40–50 kmph till the evening of April 4. “The general public of district Srinagar is hereby advised to avoid unnecessary movement on roads except in cases of absolute necessity,” the advisory said.“Tourists, local shikara operators, and others around Dal Lake, Jhelum River and other water bodies are strictly advised not to venture out or operate without verifying prevailing conditions and safety status,” the advisory said.The administration also asked miners and others working near water bodies to exercise caution and avoid risk-prone activities near water bodies. Authorities have urged people to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions, and cooperate with officials to ensure safety during the adverse weather period.

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for April 4, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.Aries:Today may not be a favorable day for you. You may be affected by negative thoughts and feel impatient. Your arrogance may hold you back from making important decisions. You may feel stuck in life. You mayneed the blessings of your elders, which can help you overcome difficult situations. Avoid investing inunproductive assets. Love birds should avoid discussing trivial matters.Taurus:Today, at the beginning of the day, you may struggle to focus on your work. However, with the blessingsof your elders, you will be able to handle the situation. You may find the resources needed to completeyour projects. Your sources of income may increase, and losses may turn into profits, improving yourfinancial health.Gemini:Today, you may receive a big order from a new client, which will improve your business liquidity. You arelikely to meet an influential person who may help you grow your business. Your bond with your bossmay strengthen, and you may receive a promotion due to your hard work. Your social prestige may alsoincrease.Cancer:Today, you are blessed by your elders, which may bring patience to your thought process. You are likelyto feel calm and happy. You may plan to visit a spiritual place for peace of mind. You may also donate toa religious cause. There are chances of overseas travel.Leo:Today, you may feel dull and may experience some health issues that could affect your daily work. Youmay feel anxious due to unknown fears, making you sensitive and emotional. Avoid rash driving andadventurous activities. You may feel drawn toward occult subjects. Visiting a religious place, chantingmantras, or praying may bring relief.Virgo:Today, you may enjoy time with your family. You may share romantic moments with your spouse,strengthening your relationship. You may spend money on artefacts or household items to renovateyour home. You may also attend parties or events. It is advised to read documents carefully beforemaking investments in fixed assets.Libra:Today, you may feel happy and energetic. You may engage in self-exploration and analysis, which willboost your confidence and help you face challenges with courage. It is advised to remain patient whilemaking financial decisions in business. Love birds may enjoy happy moments together.Scorpio:Today is a good day for you. Your enthusiasm may be high, but you need to keep it balanced. Self-analysis will help boost your confidence and enhance your social prestige. You may resolve manyproblems through effective communication. Investors are advised to avoid speculation. You may alsoplan for higher studies to advance your career.Sagittarius:Today, you may not fully enjoy your work or family life. It is advised to avoid arrogance and ego in yourrelationship with your spouse, as it may affect emotional bonding. Issues in partnerships may getresolved. Singles should avoid rushing into decisions regarding marriage. With patience, you willovercome current challenges.Capricorn:Today, you may successfully implement your business plans with the support of your subordinates. Youmay attend social or family gatherings, which will help expand your network. You may also plan shortbusiness-related trips that could bring benefits in the near future.Aquarius:Today is a good day for you. Your financial condition may remain strong. You may gain from pastinvestments. You will be able to control unnecessary spending, which will improve your savings. Lovebirds are advised to communicate politely to avoid misunderstandings.Pisces:Today, you may be busy with matters related to siblings and relatives. You may plan to start a newventure with the help of your network. You may receive an order that could boost your family business.Your connections may help you complete tasks successfully. Some gains are likely with minimal effort.

CSK vs PBKS Live Score, IPL 2026: Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and opted to bowl first against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in both teams’ second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer said he chose to bowl first because the pitch looked fresh and he wanted to assess its behaviour early. He added that PBKS are confident due to their strong lineup and momentum from the previous match, while also acknowledging CSK as a consistently strong side, and emphasised focusing on playing their best cricket.

“I feel the wicket is fresh. It would be a great thing to know how the wicket is going to play. So, based on those, I’ve taken this decision. (About their recent record against CSK) It gives us immense confidence considering the line-up that we have. Also, the motivation we got from the last game, definitely we’ll rub on today. They also have a tremendous team who have been playing consistently great cricket over the years. So, we just want to play to the best of our abilities and see to it that we put the best foot forward today,” Iyer said at the toss presentation.

PBKS are coming off a three-wicket victory against the Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 campaign opener. In that match, Cooper Connolly, who was playing his first-ever IPL match, scored an impressive unbeaten 72 in what was a tricky chase. PBKS will aim to continue the winning momentum and register their second consecutive win.

CSK, on the other hand, received a proper drubbing at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in their first match of the ongoing tournament. After CSK posted a meagre 127 on the board batting first, Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blasted a 17-ball 52 to take his side over the line in just 12.1 overs, handing CSK an eight-wicket defeat. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will look to rebound after the heavy loss and get their first points in the IPL 2026.

CSK’s young batting had a tough outing on a lively Guwahati track, but come Chennai they might be at ease slightly with better batting conditions, while PBKS they will ride on the fact that they have won their last three fixtures at this venue and with likes of Cooper Connelly firing, PBKS will be looking to make it four in a row.

CSK endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table, and would have aimed for a fresh start this year. However, their campaign began on a poor note as they suffered a heavy defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. After being bowled out for just 127 in 19.4 overs, CSK saw Rajasthan chase down the target comfortably in only 12.1 overs, losing just two wickets.

In contrast, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) opened their season with a hard-fought win against the Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS restricted their opponents to 162/6 on a challenging pitch. Despite a shaky middle-order performance, Punjab managed to cross the finish line in 19.1 overs with three wickets in hand.

Punjab Kings have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two sides, winning six of their last seven encounters against CSK. That said, the overall head-to-head record remains perfectly balanced, with both teams winning 16 matches each out of 32 played. CSK had claimed victory in their first-ever clash back in April 2008, while PBKS emerged victorious in their most recent meeting in April 2025.

NEW DELHI: As Kerala heads into the 2026 assembly elections, the contest is no longer just about ideology or leadership, it is increasingly a battle of promises. From welfare payouts and free services to large-scale infrastructure and economic transformation plans, all three major fronts – the LDF, UDF and BJP-led NDA – have unveiled expansive manifestos aimed at wooing a politically aware and welfare-conscious electorate.The scale and scope of commitments underline a larger shift in Kerala’s electoral politics. Welfare is no longer a differentiator; it is the baseline. What sets parties apart is the scale, delivery mechanism, and credibility of execution. In a state known for high human development indicators and strong public participation, voters are now weighing not just promises, but sustainability and governance capacity.All three alliances have converged on key themes, social security – employment, healthcare, and infrastructure – while competing to outdo each other in quantum and coverage. The result is a dense, high-stakes policy contest where every segment of society, from youth and women to farmers and senior citizens, has been targeted with tailored offerings.

LDF: The incumbent’s bet – delivery, not disruption

The ruling LDF, led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has framed its manifesto as a continuation of its governance model, combining welfare expansion with long-term economic growth.At the core is a promise to eliminate absolute poverty, with a targeted plan to uplift around five lakh families. Welfare pensions are proposed to be increased to Rs 3,000 per month, alongside expanded care systems for the elderly and bedridden.

The LDF has placed strong emphasis on employment and skills, promising campus placements, expanded training programmes, and a “Back to Campus” initiative to bridge employability gaps. Women’s participation in the workforce is targeted to reach 50%, backed by support systems such as childcare, safe mobility, and skill development.On the economic front, the Left has outlined an ambitious plan to attract Rs 2 lakh crore in investments over five years, develop industrial corridors, and promote innovation hubs. Public sector units are to be modernised, with a goal of raising turnover to Rs 10,000 crore by 2031.Tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure also feature prominently. The manifesto targets 5 crore domestic tourists by 2031, improved support prices for key crops, and expansion of transport networks including metro and water-based systems. Speaking after releasing the manifesto, Vijayan said the vision was to combine social justice with growth, adding that development must remain “people-focused and inclusive.”

UDF: The comeback pitch – welfare with accountability

The Congress-led UDF has countered with a manifesto blending welfare guarantees with governance and institutional reforms. Released in Kochi, the document was presented by Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and handed over to Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. The key highlights are the “Indira Guarantees” announced by Rahul Gandhi. These include:

The UDF has also promised to legally guarantee welfare pensions, stating they are “not charity but a right.”Economic proposals include Mission Samudra to build a port-led economy, expansion of aviation infrastructure, and creation of 10,000 high-revenue enterprises. A “Job Watch Tower” is proposed to track employment trends.On social welfare, the alliance has pledged food security through Indira Canteens, free ration for vulnerable groups, and the “Nava Ashraya” housing scheme targeting five lakh beneficiaries.Healthcare and labour reforms include free dialysis for BPL patients, higher wages for ASHA workers, and subsidies for sectors such as fishing and transport.The manifesto also places emphasis on social harmony, proposing a ministry of tolerance and a social harmony department to address communal tensions and political violence.

NDA: Breaking the duopoly – Identity, benefits and big-bang projects

The BJP-led NDA, whose manifesto was released by party president Nitin Nabin, has combined direct welfare benefits with infrastructure and governance-focused proposals.Among the key promises:

The NDA has also promised to establish an AIIMS in Kerala and expand healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat to all residents.

On infrastructure, the alliance has proposed a high-speed rail corridor linking Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, expansion of metro networks, and development of Vizhinjam port into a major industrial hub.The manifesto includes a strong focus on religious and institutional reforms, with commitments to revamp Devaswom Boards and ensure “greater participation of devotees” in temple management.“We will protect Sabarimala, Guruvayoor and all other places of worship by revamping Devaswom Boards,” Nabin said.It also promises a time-bound CBI probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case and a dedicated infrastructure mission for the shrine.On the economic front, the NDA aims to transform cities into sectoral hubs, positioning Thiruvananthapuram as an IT capital, Kochi as a shipbuilding hub, and Kannur as a defence innovation centre.Nabin criticised both LDF and UDF, alleging “negligible industrial growth, economic stagnation and fiscal misgovernance,” and claimed the electorate was seeking change.

Common ground: Welfare as the political centrepiece

Despite sharp political differences, a clear pattern emerges across manifestos, welfare remains central to Kerala’s electoral politics.All three alliances have:

This convergence reflects both the expectations of Kerala’s electorate and the competitive nature of its politics, where incremental advantages can decide outcomes.

Beyond promises: The real test

While the manifestos are expansive, the key question remains implementation. Kerala’s fiscal constraints, rising debt, and structural economic challenges pose significant hurdles to delivering on large-scale commitments.At the same time, the overlap in promises raises the stakes of credibility. Voters are likely to evaluate not just what is being promised, but who is best placed to deliver.As the campaign intensifies, the 2026 election is shaping up not just as a contest of parties, but as a referendum on competing models of welfare, growth, and governance.(With inputs from agencies)