Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach to caste through social harmony rather than structural confrontation (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Drawing a line between welfare and politics on caste data, RSS national publicity head Sunil Ambekar said the Sangh backs caste census but opposes its use for “dividing society”, even as he outlined the organisation’s position on key debates from caste reform and women’s participation to its equation with BJP.In an interaction with TOI, Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach to caste through social harmony rather than structural confrontation. “If mutual affection grows and discrimination disappears, even large issues can be resolved. Without harmony, even small issues become major conflicts,” he said.He said access to temples, cremation grounds, water sources and public spaces should be open to all, with RSS volunteers engaging at the local level to address such concerns. He pointed to institutions such as Vidya Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalaya and Seva Bharati as part of a wider outreach network, adding that leadership is increasingly emerging from marginalised communities, including women.On women’s participation, Ambekar defended the parallel structure ofRashtriya Sevika Samiti, saying it mirrors the RSS shakha model. At the same time, he acknowledged the need to expand women’s role, noting that participation in decision-making and outreach is rising through a coordination mechanism called “Mahila Sambandh”. He also flagged the centenary theme of “Kutumb Prabodhan”, which seeks to encourage families to support women’s participation in public life.On the caste census, he reiterated that while RSS supports it for welfare, it opposes political misuse. “Democracy requires representation, but politics should not pit one community against another,” he said, arguing that societal unity can counter divisive mobilisation. Despite perceptions of polarisation, he said “on the ground we see unity”, citing gatherings such as the Kumbh and the Ram Mandir consecration.Addressing the RSS-BJP equation, Ambekar said the Sangh remains a social organisation focused on “building individuals”, with swayamsevaks working across sectors, including politics. He stressed that organisations operate independently, while describing India’s framework as “society-centric” in contrast to Western state-centric models. While political parties function within electoral cycles, he said RSS works on a longer civilisational horizon through “Lokmat Jagran”.On criticism linking Hindu nationalism to democratic backsliding, Ambekar rejected the premise, describing Hindu culture as “unifying” and rooted in ideas such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He argued that India’s civilisational ethos enables coexistence and strengthens democracy in a diverse society.On concerns over discrimination against people from the north-east, he said the term “racial discrimination” is misplaced, attributing past tensions to historical distortions and limited interaction. He said exchange programmes have reduced misunderstandings and called for sensitive handling of such issues.On global conflicts, Ambekar said India should be guided by peace and principles, with the govt taking decisions based on strategic assessment.

Aditya Dhar‘s ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ headlined by Ranveer Singh released in theatres on March 19 and reviews are pouring in from all over. Viral scenes from the film are all over the internet and netizens cannot stop gushing over the film and several celebs have also dropped their reviews. Despite the fact that ‘Dhurandhar 2’ also criticised and accused of being a propaganda film, it’s creating history at the box office. Many celebs have reacted to the film and now ‘Krrish’ director Rakesh Roshan has also praised the film. The film-maker shared a photo of Aditya Dhar on his Instagram and he wrote, “I just watched ADITYA DHAR’S HISTORIC DHURANDHAR, and it is a reminder to all of us filmmakers to pause and reset the fabric of cinema with the vision, passion and audacity with which Aditya has made Dhurandhar. He has started a new era in filmmaking! This should not be considered as a threat, but a healthy and much needed revolution in storytelling and entertainment. It was about time, and @adityadharfilms has delivered beyond expectations! God bless and more power to you, Aditya!” Director Siddharth Malhotra of ‘We Are Family’ fame commented on Rakesh Roshan’s post and wrote, “So so so agree sir ❤️❤️ I hope actors also learn to stop following trends and film makers also start believing in scripts and conviction 🙌 ❤️ inspiring this is for everyone.”Mahesh Babu also reviewed the film and said, “#DhurandharTheRevenge is an explosion executed with perfect precision!!!! The finest version of Ranveer unleashed and how… 💥💥💥 The way Aditya Dhar has conceived and delivered this standing ovation worthy experience is remarkable 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Special mention to Maddy’s performance and Shashwat Sachdev’s music..🔥🔥🔥 This is a film meant to be experienced and celebrated…. Congratulations to the entire team….❤️❤️❤️Meanwhile, Ram Gopal Varma called it a ‘horror’, as he wrote, “Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Ram Gopal Varma among others also showered praise on ‘Dhurandhar 2’.

A charming interaction between Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma highlighted the relationship between the top batters of the Indian cricket team. During the BCCI Naman Award ceremony, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill faced each other for a brief conversation.

The Indian cricket fans know that these two batters from Punjab are very close to each other. Whenever they shared the same dressing room, field, or the team bus, paparazzi got their moment. Like multiple times before, Gill and Sharma shared a very joyful chat during the interview, which is now viral on social media platforms.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill engaged in a funny chat

The funny conversation started with a very simple question, which could be answered in only one word. But if the person standing opposite is the best friend of the team, then things are different.

Your daily dose of cricket!

The presenter asked Gill whether Sharma sought advice from him after registering three back-to-back ducks in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. Abhishek Sharma had a very poor run during the tournament when he managed to get three ducks in a row in the group stage.

Gill, the captain of Team India for the Test and ODI formats, who will advise the No.1 T20I batter in the world? “No.1 T20I batsman in the world ko kaun advice dega?” Shubman Gill said.

These types of comments can only be made if the person next to you is a very close friend. As Gill started the chat in a teasing way, and that too publicly, Abhishek Sharma, who loves to smash the ball all over the park, easy to assume that he did not hold back.

Sharma claimed jokingly that he texted Shubman first

After Gill’s remark, Sharma replied, “Maine hi message kiya tha isko 3 duck ke baad ke mujhe bat de de, isse pehle koi aur record bann jae” (I was the one who messaged him after three ducks and told him to give me his bat, otherwise some other unwanted record would have been made).”

When presenter asked Shubman if he gave any advice to Abhishek Sharma before T20I WC-

SG- no.1 T20I batsman in the world ko kaun advice dega 😭😭

AS- maine hi message kia tha SG ko 3 duck ke baad ke mujhe bat dede, isse pehle koi aur record bann jae 😂 He said ke tu kar lega… pic.twitter.com/5zMiFpMism

— Naina Dev (@NainaDev380254) March 21, 2026

When most of the batters prefer not to talk about the bad days on the pitch, Sharma was talking about his hat-trick of ducks jokingly, which is common among friends. As soon as the video was shared on social media platforms, cricket fans thoroughly enjoyed the pure friendship atmosphere.

Abhishek did not forget to share what Shubman told him in reply when he asked to give his bat. “Usne bola tha, tu kar lega” (He told me, you’ll manage it)”, Sharma further added.

Shubman Gill made the chat more hilarious with his final touch

It was a small line, but enough to express how much trust and comfort they contained for each other.

As the conversation shifted from runs to bats, the presenter asked, “Who do you think has the best bat?” to Abhishek Sharma. He spontaneously replied, “Shubman ka hi” (Shubman’s, of course)”.

In reply, what Shubman said made the whole conversation more hilarious. “Woh mere bat se hi khelta hai hamesha (He plays with my bat all the time anyway),” Shubman Gill said.

Read More: Not Shubman Gill! These 3 players could power GT to IPL 2026 glory

The future of MS Dhoni in the IPL has once again become a major talking point after former India cricketer Robin Uthappa suggested that IPL 2026 could mark the end of Dhoni’s illustrious career with Chennai Super Kings. Speaking on JioHotstar’s TATA IPL: Out or Out of the Park, Uthappa offered a detailed perspective on Dhoni’s evolving role, leadership transition within CSK, and what the upcoming season could mean for the franchise icon.According to Uthappa, Dhoni’s role in the upcoming season is expected to evolve significantly. Rather than being a central on-field figure, he could take a step back and operate more as a guide for Ruturaj as Captain.

“I don’t think CSK should hand over the leadership duties to Sanju Samson. You have to give Ruturaj Gaikwad time to settle as captain. He has been leading the team since 2024. No matter what people say, he is coming out of the shadow of MS Dhoni. You want him to come out completely and stand in his own light. You want to see what he can produce. You want him to lead the team when MS is not playing and stand on his own, without that overwhelming feeling of always being under that energy. So I think you can see Dhoni being a little more hands-off,” Uthappa said Uthappa made a bold and emotional prediction about Dhoni’s future, indicating that the 2026 season could be his farewell. The statement has immediately sparked conversations among fans, as Dhoni, one of the greatest captains in IPL history edges closer to the final phase of his playing career.“IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year. I don’t see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he is on his way out, he wants to wean himself out. I think he will do that. Only then will we see the true potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. Give him a few years. If it doesn’t work, you always have Sanju Samson in the team to handle the captaincy duties.” Robin on dhoni’s role in CSK

MS Dhoni in IPL 2025

MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 season was a mix of evolving responsibility, flashes of brilliance, and growing questions about his role in a transitioning Chennai Super Kings setup. Dhoni entered IPL 2025 primarily as a finisher and wicketkeeper, with reduced batting responsibility compared to his prime years. However, his role changed mid-season when captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury, forcing Dhoni to step back into leadership duties.As captain, Dhoni was responsible for guiding a struggling CSK side through a difficult campaign, balancing leadership with his limited batting role lower down the order. Dhoni mostly batted in the lower order (No. 7 or below), often coming in during the final overs. His role was not to build innings but to provide quick cameos and finish games.

Wicketkeeping Excellence Continues

Even at 43, Dhoni continued to shine behind the stumps. He achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first wicketkeeper to reach 200 dismissals in IPL history, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest keepers in the league. However, with the inclusion of Sanju Samson wicket-keeping duties might be handed over to him.