Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Two Indian stars have been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2026, underlining the country’s dominance during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Joining them in the three-man shortlist is a rising South African batter who impressed in a bilateral series.The nominations reflect a month dominated by high-pressure performances, particularly in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, where India successfully defended their title on home soil.World Cup performances dominate shortlistIndia’s campaign was defined by match-winning contributions in crunch situations, and the two nominees played pivotal roles in sealing the title. One of the nominees, Sanju Samson scripted a remarkable turnaround, going from the sidelines to becoming the tournament’s standout performer.Once included during the Super Eights, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a stunning run of scores — 97 in a must-win clash, followed by back-to-back 89s in the semifinal and final. His tally of 275 runs in three crucial matches came at a staggering average of 137.50 and a strike rate nearing 200, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.Complementing that batting brilliance was India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who once again proved decisive in knockout cricket. In a high-scoring semifinal, he stood out with tight, pressure-building overs that turned the game. He then delivered a match-winning spell in the final, claiming four wickets while conceding just 15 runs to seal victory and earn the Player of the Match honour.Across the last three matches of the tournament, Bumrah picked up seven wickets at an exceptional average, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable performers in global events.South African challenger impressesThe third nominee, Connor Esterhuizen, a young South African batter, made a strong case with a breakthrough T20I series against New Zealand. He amassed 200 runs in five matches, including a maiden fifty and a blistering unbeaten 75 in the decider, helping his side clinch a 3-2 series win.With two Player of the Match awards and a rapid rise in the ICC rankings, his performances ensured a competitive edge to the shortlist.The final award now hinges on a contest between proven match-winners and an emerging talent who made a big statement on the international stage.

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The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to stay proceedings in a plea filed by Vedanta Limited challenging the approval of AdGroup’s resolution plan for the takeover of insolvent Jaiprakash Associates Limited.A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that since the appeal is likely to be decided shortly by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), and Vedanta’s interests have been adequately safeguarded through interim measures, there was no necessity to grant any interim relief.“The appeal is likely to be addressed soon, and we see no legal necessity to issue any interim direction,” the Court noted, while requesting the NCLAT to hear the matter on an out-of-turn basis on the scheduled date or immediately thereafter if arguments remain incomplete.The NCLAT is scheduled to hear Vedanta petition on Friday 10th April.Vedanta, in its petition, has challenged the decision of the Committee of Creditors (CoC) to accept Adani Group‘s resolution plan. It contended that its revised addendum bid offers over Rs 3,400 crore higher gross value compared to Adani’s proposal.Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Vedanta, while Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented Adani Group. Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the lenders’ consortium (CoC) at the apex court.During the hearing, Vedanta submitted that it proposed to pay Rs 17,926 crore to creditors, as against Rs 14,535 crore under Adani’s plan. It argued that the CoC was effectively accepting a resolution plan that was around Rs 3,000 crore lower in value. However, the CoC countered that the practical difference between the two bids would amount to only about Rs 500 crore.The Court recorded submissions that the matter is listed before the NCLAT this week, and implementation of the resolution plan would take approximately 50 days, with little likely to change in the interim period of a few days.Observing that the NCLAT interim order had already addressed Vedanta’s concerns, the Supreme Court stated it would not halt the process at this stage. It added that any policy decision taken by the resolution professional or monitoring committee during this period must be in accordance with law and subject to NCLAT’s approval.The apex court further noted that the resolution process remains subject to approval by the adjudicating authority, and emphasised that if any action outside the legal framework is undertaken, appropriate recourse would be available.Both sides agreed before the apex court for an expeditious hearing before the NCLAT.

Precious metal prices in India are expected to remain moderately strong in fiscal year 2026–27, supported by ongoing global uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, fears of trade wars and concerns about a possible global recession are likely to boost demand for safe-haven assets like gold and silver. However, high interest rates may limit sharp price gains. The outlook comes after a strong performance in FY26. Silver futures jumped by Rs 1,41,431, or 142.2%, rising from Rs 99,461 per kg on April 1, 2025. Gold also rose sharply by Rs 60,258, or 67%, from Rs 90,503 per 10 grams during the same period. This strong rise was driven by several global factors, including trade tensions linked to Trump’s tariff policies, geopolitical issues, strong buying by central banks, limited supply and overall global economic uncertainty. “The outlook for gold and silver for fiscal 2026-27 will remain moderately bullish. Since the global economy is going through a rough patch due to geopolitical tensions, trade wars and fear of global recession, demand for safe-haven assets will rise,” Aamir Makda, Commodity & Currency Analyst at Choice Broking told PTI in an interview. Even after strong gains, prices saw a sharp fall towards the end of FY26. In March, gold fell by Rs 11,343, or 7%, while silver dropped by Rs 41,752, or 15% on the Multi Commodity Exchange. On this correction, he said, “Historically gold’s demand as a safe-haven asset will likely increase in the second phase of war situations when dollar gains get limited.” However, he added that if interest rates in the US and other major economies stay high for longer, it could limit further upside in bullion prices. Silver’s strong performance in FY26 was supported by a supply shortage that has continued for five years, rising demand from solar panels and electric vehicles, and higher investment through ETFs, which increased price movements in the smaller silver market. Looking ahead, silver is expected to stay moderately strong in FY27. Domestic prices may range between Rs 2.75–3.5 lakh per kg, depending on currency movements. In global markets, silver could trade between $85 and $100 per ounce. For gold, demand from central banks is expected to remain an important support factor. Purchases are likely to average 750–850 tonnes in 2026 and stay stable in 2027. “Economies such as India, Poland and Turkey will continue to lead the charge as they are replacing US dollar reserves with gold to bolster monetary sovereignty and hedge against geopolitical sanctions,” he added. In crude oil, supply is expected to rise in FY27 due to higher production from non-OPEC countries and slower global demand. This may reduce inflation, which can put pressure on gold and silver. A stronger rupee due to lower oil prices may also make precious metals cheaper in India. The US dollar is expected to remain unstable due to uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy. A stronger dollar, however, could limit gains, especially in silver. Overall, prices are expected to stay supported by global risks, central bank buying and industrial demand, even though volatility is likely to continue.

Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has criticised the side’s approach with the ball after their 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, suggesting a lack of adaptability cost them dearly. CSK were put under immense pressure after RCB posted a daunting 250/3 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The late assault from Tim David and Rajat Patidar proved decisive, with the duo stitching together a blistering 99-run stand in just 35 balls. Despite a spirited effort with the bat, CSK were eventually bowled out for 207. Reflecting on the bowling performance, Rayudu felt the problem was not just the initial plan but the failure to reassess when things began slipping away. “More than a bad plan, they just stuck to that bad plan. There was nobody to intervene and to just take some time off, take those 20-30 seconds, just make it slightly more slow and then guide the bowler with a message. I think they should have slowed it down a little bit,” Rayudu said. The closing stages of the innings, where RCB hammered 97 runs in the final five overs, highlighted CSK’s struggles at the death. Rayudu pointed out that the bowlers were unable to respond effectively after being hit. “Their follow-up balls after a boundary or a six aren’t great,” he added. “Generally, as a bowler, you need to be aware that, okay, I have been hit for a six, but it’s the next ball that matters. Whenever you see good death bowlers, they always follow up with a very good ball. But their powerplay bowling and middle-overs bowling was much better than what it was last game.” While CSK faltered in key moments, Rayudu lauded RCB’s sharp awareness and control throughout the contest, which has been a hallmark of their recent dominance, including a fourth straight win over CSK. “RCB, meanwhile, are not letting anything just pass by; they just want to control every scenario, every over,” he said. The contrast in execution and in-game decision-making ultimately proved decisive, as CSK’s inability to adapt under pressure allowed RCB to take complete control of the match.