PERTH, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 19: KL Rahul of India takes a return throw during game one of the One Day International series between Australia and India at Perth Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: India have announced their squad for the three ODIs against South Africa, and as expected, KL Rahul will lead the side in the series starting November 30. In a notable development, Axar Patel has not been included, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to the ODI mix after being dropped for the series against Australia. The other surprising omission from the squad is Varun Chakravarthy, who was India’s trump card in the Champions Trophy.

As TimesofIndia.com had first reported on November 22, regular captain Shubman Gill wasn’t available due to a neck injury, Hardik Pandya is yet to regain match fitness, and Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series. Tilak Varma’s addition to the middle order is a sign of things to come, as the team management is keen to inject more left-handers into the middle order.India have had a very right-hand–dominated ODI batting order, and in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, different combinations will be tried. Tilak and Rishabh Pant could get their chances in the upcoming fixtures, as Shreyas Iyer’s injury allows the think tank to explore all options before the vice-captain regains match fitness.The biggest talking point, however, remains Jadeja over Axar Patel. Not too long ago, the men’s senior selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar had ignored Jadeja for the ODI series in Australia. Agarkar had explained why there was no need for an extra left-arm spinner and clearly indicated that Axar was ahead of Jadeja in the format.“He is very much in the plans. But there will be some competition for places. Of course, he was there in the Champions Trophy squad because we took those extra spinners with the conditions there. At the moment, we could only carry one and get some balance in the team with Washi and Kuldeep there as well. And I don’t think we are going to need more than that in Australia,” Agarkar had said.Axar picked up three wickets in as many games and made contributions of 31 and 44 in the two opportunities with the bat but didn’t make the 15-member squad for the three games against South Africa.

Veteran speedster Mohammed Shami continues to be ignored, even after proving his match fitness in the domestic circuit, as selectors have stuck with the likes of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. Mohammed Siraj also seems to have been rested for the series.India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C) (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel

CLSA has an outperform rating on M&M with the target price at Rs 4,417. Analysts said that the company remains confident in maintaining its market leadership position for SUVs, tractors and LCVs. With new launches and focus on void spaces, M&M expects there is scope for further market share gains in some of the segments. The company is looking for an organic revenue compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15-40% in various segments during the FY26-FY30 period versus a 25% CAGR over the last five years on an overall basis. M&M plans to focus on export markets across all three areas of tractors with the Oja brand, LCVs with global pickup launches and UVs with new launches. The company has also upgraded its tractor volume growth guidance for FY25-FY30 from a 7% CAGR to a 9% CAGR. The company plans to grow its revenue for the LCV business by 1.6x during FY25-FY30. Analysts said M&M has aggressive plans to grow its growth gems.Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating on Maruti Suzuki India with the target at Rs 18,489. Analysts said that the post-festive demand and booking trends are holding well. They said operating leverage and net pricing will be the key drivers of margins in the coming quarters, while discounts peaked in the July-Sept quarter (Q2FY26). The company continues to see a healthy growth rate in exports.Nuvama has a buy on Vedanta with the target price at Rs 686. Analysts said that Vedanta’s focus on demerger, delivery and deleveraging (3Ds) is on course to pay off, supported by tailwinds of commodity prices. They feel a likely favourable outcome by NCLT in Dec-25 (demerger likely by Q4FY26-end), removal of overhang (not buying JP Associates) and further Rs 20 dividend per share by Jan 26 are additional triggers. Analysts expect the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and taxes (EBITDA) to increase at a CAGR of 16% over FY25–FY28 on the back of lower aluminium cost of production, aluminium and zinc volume growth and higher commodity prices.JP Morgan has an overweight rating on TCS with the target price at Rs 4,050. Analysts said that TCS announced a partnership with PE firm TPG with a commitment to invest $1 billion for a 27-49% stake in its newly formed Data centre business, HyperVault. TCS and TPG jointly pledged to invest up to Rs 18,000 crore in HyperVault in equity over several tranches. TCS previously had announced a 1 GW AI ready data centre with an outlay of $6.5 billion with a mix of debt and equity and likely equity partners. Analysts believe the event enables TCS to embark on its capex plans while limiting TCS’s direct equity outlay to $1 billion over the next 5-6 years as it recently highlighted.Citigroup has a buy rating on L&T with the target price at Rs 4,500. Analysts said that the company sees clear opportunities in the Middle East across areas, sees potential in Europe as well and has recently announced a partnership for renewable projects integration. Domestically, an improvement in private sector projects, now 30% of the domestic backlog, is aiding growth.

Disclaimer: The opinions, analyses and recommendations expressed herein are those of brokerage and do not reflect the views of The Times of India. Always consult with a qualified investment advisor or financial planner before making any investment decisions.

India’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana showcased her vibrant side in a delightful pre-wedding dance with her fiancé, music director Palash Muchhal, captivating fans ahead of their wedding on November 23. The couple’s pre-wedding celebrations have been a vibrant spectacle on social media, featuring colourful rituals and lively moments shared with friends, family, and teammates from the Indian women’s cricket team. The latest viral video shows the couple performing a perfectly choreographed dance, breaking Smriti’s usual reserved image and enchanting cricket fans nationwide.

Smriti Mandhana’s pre-wedding celebrations highlight fun and tradition

The couple’s engagement was announced in a unique way with Smriti sharing a joyful Instagram reel featuring her dancing alongside teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil, subtly flaunting her engagement ring. Palash Muchhal’s surprise proposal took place at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the same venue where India recently clinched the Women’s ODI World Cup, adding sentimental value to the occasion.

The following days saw colourful pre-wedding rituals including the Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies. The Haldi event was a burst of sunshine with Smriti dressed in bright yellow, dancing amongst her “team bride” teammates such as Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, and Radha Yadav, who joined the festive spirit. The Mehendi ceremony was equally beautiful, with Smriti captivating in a purple ensemble. These events were filled with joy, music, and camaraderie, capturing the blend of cultural traditions and personal happiness.

Also WATCH: Smriti Mandhana kicks off wedding celebrations with epic dance featuring Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil and World Cup winning stars

A playful cricket match adds unique flair

One of the standout moments of the festivities was a friendly cricket match pitched between ‘Team Groom,’ led by Palash and ‘Team Bride,’ captained by Smriti herself. The match featured several of Smriti’s Indian teammates, including Shafali and Jemimah underpinning the close bond between her sporting and personal life. ‘Team Bride’ emerged victorious in this spirited contest, displaying competitive energy and joy, perfectly capturing the couple’s shared love for cricket.

Adding to the celebrations, multiple videos surfaced of the couple’s sangeet where their chemistry shone through as they danced to popular Bollywood hits like “Tenu Le Ke Main Jawanga,” while Palash serenaded Smriti with romantic songs. The wedding festivities have truly been a meld of love, sport, and music, reflecting the personalities and passions of the bride and groom.

This lively display of dances, rituals, and friendly sportsmanship has painted an unforgettable portrait of the couple’s joyful journey to their wedding day, thrilling fans and followers across India and beyond. Mandhana, known for keeping her emotions controlled on the cricket field, surprised fans by fully embracing the festive spirit and sharing such expressive moments with Palash, making these celebrations a memorable chapter in her life.

Here are the videos:

Smriti Mandhana and Palash muchhal dancing together ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cIFvv3WkCl

— JosD92 (@JosD92official) November 22, 2025

oh my god smriti’s girl gang performed for her 🥹💕 pic.twitter.com/1MzVGpycCD

— IWCT WORLD CHAMPIONS🎊 (@mandyyc0re) November 22, 2025

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s wedding invite goes viral online; Here’s what we know

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Smriti Mandhana and her father

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana‘s wedding has been postponed after her father was rushed to a hospital in Sangli on Sunday, experiencing symptoms similar to a heart attack. The India opener had to put all wedding celebrations on hold while her father remains under medical observation and may require an angiography.The wedding between Smriti and singer Palash Muchhal was planned for November 23 in Sangli. Her father, Shriniwas Mandhana, was taken to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Sangli after falling ill on Sunday.“Shriniwas Mandhana, Smriti Manandana’s father, experienced symptoms of a heart attack around 11:30 after feeling left-sided chest pain. He was immediately transferred to Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Sangli for further assessment. Despite his slightly raised cardiac enzymes, he requires ongoing observation. Our cardiologist, Dr Rohan Thanedar, has examined him as well,” Dr Naman Shah, Director of Sarvhit Hospital, told news agency ANI. “There are no new findings on the echocardiogram. However, he may need continuous ECG monitoring and, if necessary, angiography. Currently, his blood pressure is slightly elevated, so he needs continuous monitoring…It could be due to physical or mental stress, perhaps because it is wedding season with a lot of hectic activity.”Smriti’s manager Tuhin Mishra informed the media about the indefinite postponement of the wedding due to her father’s health concerns.“Smriti is very clear that she wants her father to recover first and then resume the wedding. It has been indefinitely postponed,” he said.The pre-wedding festivities had already begun, with social media showcasing various celebrations on Saturday. Friends and family shared glimpses of the couple’s celebrations, including a video of Smriti and Palash dancing to the Bollywood song ‘Tenu Leke’ during what appeared to be their sangeet ceremony.The development has caused the couple to put their wedding plans on hold while focusing on the health and recovery of Smriti’s father.The medical team continues to monitor Shriniwas Mandhana’s condition at the Sangli hospital, with further decisions about the treatment plan pending based on his progress.

Mumbai: Adani Group‘s defence and aerospace unit is considering an acquisition of Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC), India’s leading non-captive pilot training firm, people familiar with the matter said. If the deal goes through, it will mark the group’s entry into the aviation training business and ramp up its M&A portfolio.Established in 2012, FSTC has four simulator facilities in Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, as well as four flying schools in Haryana, Surat, and Solapur, as listed on its website.The proposed FSTC transaction is expected to be routed through Horizon Aero Solutions, a 50:50 joint venture between Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADST) and Prime Aero. ADST is a wholly-owned subsidiary of group flagship Adani Enterprises, while Prime Aero is owned by Prajay Patel, son of Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel.

ADST has been building its business both organically and through acquisitions. In Dec 2024, it acquired controlling interest in Air Works, which enabled its foray into aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) business. It then furthered its presence with a 50% share purchase in Indamer Technics (the remaining 50% is held by Prime Aero).Defence and aerospace is a strategically important sector for the Adani Group, with plans to triple its investment in the near future. Currently, the group has invested Rs 5,000 crore in the sector.The potential FSTC deal will allow ADST to capitalise on the growing demand for cockpit crew, who are mandated to undergo a minimum number of flight simulation hours for training. Demand for military pilots is increasing due to rising geopolitical tensions, higher defence spends, and need for advanced skills.ADST has been supplying drones, loitering munitions, and other warfare systems to India’s defence ministry, which were used during Operation Sindoor, a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May of this year.FSTC’s clientele includes Indian defence forces and commercial airlines. “You are giving me shocking news. I’m boarding a flight. I’m going on a holiday,” said FSTC co-founder and MD Dilawer Singh Basraon, when reached on his cell phone. An Adani Group spokesperson declined to comment on TOI’s email query.In FY24, FSTC reported an operating profit of Rs 124.2 crore on a revenue of Rs 214.5 crore. A Nov 2024 note by India Ratings and Research highlighted that FSTC’s revenue growth has been fueled by ongoing investments in expanding its fleet of simulators and training aircraft, funded through a mix of resources including loans. In FY23, its operating profit and revenue were Rs 96.4 crore and Rs 165.1 crore, respectively.Apart from FSTC, CAE Simulation Training, a 50:50 joint venture between Canada’s CAE and InterGlobe Enterprises, also provides pilot training. Its main customers are Indigo (owned by InterGlobe) and Akasa. Additionally, there is the IPO-bound Flywings Simulator Training Centre. In Aug 2025, CAE, while announcing a new pilot training centre in Mumbai, predicted a demand for 20,000 new professional pilots in India over the next 10 years, with the Asia Pacific region requiring 98,000 pilots during the same period.

NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the borders “can change” as he hinted that Sindh, which went to Pakistan during Partition, could “return to India again someday,” stressing the region’s deep civilisational ties with the country.Speaking at an event, he said, “Today, the land of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be a part of India. And as far as land is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again.”

The minister referred to the Sindh province along the Indus River, noting that many Sindhi families migrated to India after 1947. Citing former deputy PM and BJP stalwart LK Advani, he said Sindhi Hindus of that generation had never fully reconciled with the separation.“Lal Krishna Advani wrote in one of his books that Sindhi Hindus, especially those of his generation, still haven’t accepted the separation of Sindh from India,” Singh said.He cited Advani to underline that the Indus River’s importance goes far beyond geography. “Not just in Sindh, but throughout India, Hindus consider the Indus River sacred. Many Muslims in Sindh also believed that the water of the Indus was no less sacred than the Aab-e-Zamzam of Mecca. This is Advani ji’s quote.”Reiterating the emotional link, Singh said, “Our people of Sindh, who hold the Indus River sacred, will always be our own. No matter where they are, they will always be ours.”Singh also recalled his efforts to provide proper citizenship via law to various immigrant Sindhi families after his visit to the community in Delhi back in 2019, describing their living conditions as “distressing.” He went on to add that because of NDA being in minority in Rajya Sabha back then, the bill collapsed in the upper house, but Amit Shah taking over the home affairs continued the work in the direction, a possible reference to Citizenship Amendment Act.“People from the Sindhi community and various other non-Muslim groups had fled to Delhi, where they were living in slums in extremely distressing conditions. I personally went to see them. After returning, I decided that we would enact whatever laws were necessary to grant them proper citizenship. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi and apprised him that I was moving forward in this direction. The bill was prepared, I introduced it in the Lok Sabha, and it was passed there. But it was the final phase of 2019, only a few months were left, and we did not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha. I spoke to several opposition leaders, but they refused to support it. I said that if it didn’t pass that year, it would certainly be passed the next year. Later, when Amit Shah became the Home Minister, I spoke to him, and he took the work forward,” he added. Earlier in September while interacting with the Indian community in Morocco, Singh had expressed confidence that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would integrate with India “without aggressive steps”.“PoK will be ours on its own. Demands have started being made in PoK, you must have heard sloganeering,” he had said then.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a fresh-looking 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, beginning November 30. With regular captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer sidelined due to injuries, senior wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been entrusted with leadership duties. The series marks an important phase in India’s preparation cycle as the team continues to test its depth ahead of a packed 2026 calendar.

KL Rahul returns as captain amid injury setbacks

Rahul, who remains India’s preferred wicketkeeper in ODIs, returns to the leadership role at a time when the team has been hit by multiple injury concerns. Gill is currently undergoing medical evaluation in Mumbai after sustaining a neck injury during the opening Test against South Africa. The incident forced him to withdraw from the remainder of the Test series, with Rishabh Pant stepping in as stand-in captain. Shreyas Iyer, too, has not recovered in time, prompting the selectors to explore alternate combinations.

Despite Pant’s inclusion, the national selectors have opted to retain Dhruv Jurel in the squad. The young wicketkeeper impressed with his composure on the Australia tour and continues to remain in the mix as part of India’s long-term plans.

Fresh additions as Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant strengthen the squad

The ODI setup sees the return of several key players, including Ravindra Jadeja, Pant, Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jadeja’s comeback means Axar Patel misses out after a lukewarm performance in Australia. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj is being rested with the selectors prioritising workload management ahead of back-to-back Test commitments.

Tilak and Gaikwad, both highly rated in India’s white-ball structure, are expected to play crucial roles in the middle order. Their inclusion signals a continued push to provide opportunities to emerging talents, especially with Hardik Pandya still unavailable. Consequently, young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy holds his spot after positive displays in recent outings.

Also READ: Fans brutally troll KL Rahul for dropping Aiden Markram’s catch on Day 1 of second Test

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli headline batting unit; limited pace resource

India’s batting department carries a blend of experience and youth. Veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will provide the much-needed stability at the top, while Yashasvi Jaiswal could be in line to add to his solitary ODI appearance.

However, India’s pace attack appears relatively thin for this tour. With Siraj and Bumrah resting after the Test series, the selectors have named only three specialist fast bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. This means the spin trio of Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will shoulder a significant share of the bowling workload.

The ODI leg begins in Ranchi on November 30 before moving to Raipur on December 3. The final match will be played in Visakhapatnam on December 6. After the 50-over series, both teams will gear up for a five-match T20I contest.

India’s squad for South Africa ODIs: KL Rahul (c/wk), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel

Also READ: DC’s most expensive players at each IPL Auction: From KL Rahul to Yuvraj Singh