Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has publicly backed Shubman Gill, linking the young batter’s rapid rise to a lesson he received early in his own international career from Rahul Dravid. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan recalled how Dravid prepared him for the demands of international cricket when he broke into the Indian team as a teenager.

“When I entered the Indian team at the age of 19, the great Rahul Dravid told me that you have come to the team, it is good, but the things would get tougher from here. I asked what to do in case things get tough. He told me you would get used to it,” Pathan said. Pathan believes the same process of adjustment and growth now applies to Gill, particularly after being handed leadership responsibilities at a young age. “Same can be said for Gill. He became captain, in that England series, he increased his average and authority within the team. Then he got the ODI captaincy, when that happens, you get an opportunity to grow a lot,” he added. Gill’s 2025 began steadily in the ODI format, with consistent returns in bilateral series before playing a key role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph. He finished the tournament with 188 runs, highlighted by a century against Bangladesh. The defining phase of Gill’s year, however, came during his first full Test tour of England. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin unavailable, the burden of leadership fell heavily on the young Test captain. Gill responded with a historic series, scoring 754 runs in five Tests at an average of 75.40, including four centuries and a career-best 269. Pathan also addressed the weight of comparisons that follow elite Indian batters across generations. “He has a lot of talent. There will be always comparisons. Virat was compared with Sachin (Tendulkar), and now Gill is being compared to Virat, who has scored those 25,000–30,000 runs. I think he is fully capable of it. He has a fine range of shots,” Pathan said. Gill’s only notable setback came in T20 internationals, where a run of modest returns saw him score 291 runs in 15 innings at an average just over 24 in 2025, eventually missing out on selection for India’s T20 World Cup squad. Pathan views that phase as part of a broader learning curve. “The more responsibility and challenges he gets, he will grow more as a cricketer. I have seen that he is always ready for cricket. Always willing to learn. He has that attitude in him,” he said.

BENGALURU: Following a dispute mirroring the Aravalli controversy, members of a Supreme Court-appointed panel will inspect Bannerghatta National Park Friday after a plea against a 2018 govt move to cut the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Bengaluru’s green backyard. The park is facing pressure from mining and real estate interests eyeing its contiguous landscape. At the core of the standoff is govt’s move to drastically shrink ESZ from 268.9sqkm to 168.8sqkm and curtail its width from 4km to just 1km.A group of citizens and activists led by K Belliappa had approached Supreme Court in May 2025, arguing the reduction undermines the purpose of an ESZ. On Friday, members of the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), led by Chandra Prakash Goyal, will survey the park and speak to senior Karnataka officials, including the chief secretary, to assess the ecological impact of the reduction.

Vanishing buffer

In a preliminary notification in June 2016, the Union environment ministry had in consultation with the state proposed declaring 268.9sqkm around BNP as ESZ. However, the final notification of Nov 2018 sharply curtailed the protected area – a decision the petitioners alleged was influenced by real estate developers and mining and quarrying interests. They contended that several ecologically sensitive pockets surrounding well-documented elephant corridors were excluded from the final notification. Kiran Urs, a member of the Bannerghatta Nature Conservation Trust (BNCT), said ESZ reduction appeared to be an attempt to legitimise existing ecological violations. “The pockets excluded from the final notification contain active quarries, and there were efforts to build a township along the boundary, which will inevitably exert immense pressure on the ecosystem,” Urs alleged. Somashekhar, a farmer from Kaduchikkanahalli near the park, claimed he came under pressure to sell his land even after the final ESZ notification. “However, I continue to hold my land and grow ragi,” he said. Keerthan Reddy of BNCT described the park as one of the best ecological gifts for a burgeoning Bengaluru. “No other city can boast this vast green landscape in its backyard, dotted with a salubrious population of tigers, elephants, leopards, and countless other species of flora and fauna. The city is already witness to rising incidents of human-animal conflict, and violations like these would only add to the problem,” Reddy cautioned.

Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin (AP)

Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the deadly fire at the bar in Crans-Montana that killed 40 and injured 115 as “one of the worst tragedies” the country has known.A fire broke out shortly after midnight on Thursday during New Year celebrations at Le Constellation, a bar popular with international tourists. Swiss police said nearly 100 people were inside at the time of the blaze.

Speaking after the incident, Parmelin said authorities are investigating “the exact circumstances” of what happened. “We owe it to victims”, their families and all Swiss citizens, he said, as quoted by BBC.He added that flags will be flown at half-mast for five days, stressing that a “tragedy of such a scale” must not happen again.Asked by a journalist whether minors were among those who died, state councillor Stéphane Ganzer said he would not describe the victims as minors, but added, “You can imagine on New Year’s Eve that the population is quite young. We’re talking about a young festive population.”Parmelin said the identification of victims needs to be completed as quickly as possible, but stressed the process is “extremely difficult work” and “is something that will last a long time.”Parmelin thanked countries that offered support in the aftermath of the fire, pointing specifically to neighbouring France, Germany and Italy. He said communications are being established through foreign ministries with the families of foreign victims.Earlier, Parmelin, who took office on January 1, wrote on X, “What was a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana last night, felt across the country and beyond. The Federal Council has taken note of this with deep dismay. Its thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families and it extends its deepest condolences.”Authorities have cordoned off the area and imposed a no-fly zone as emergency operations continue. Around 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances and 150 responders were deployed to the scene. Officials said emergency operations will continue over the coming days.Officials described the blaze as an “embrasement généralisé,” a firefighting term referring to a sudden and violent ignition caused by combustible gases, similar to what English-speaking firefighters call a flashover or backdraft.Beatrice Pilloud, prosecutor-general of Valais canton, said “currently we are favouring a fire and at no time is there question of any attack,” adding that out of respect for the families she could not provide further details. Police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

Florida Panthers at New York Rangers (Image Via Twitter)

A new year starts with the NHL Winter Classic. The hockey fans in all parts of the USA and Canada are waiting for this so much that they are actually writing the date of this famous outdoor event on their calendars. It is not only the location, but the teams taking part too, that make this year’s classic stand out. The Panthers and Rangers will fight each other, and the spectators will have a good time watching fast-paced action, certainly some unforgettable moments, and a total celebration of hockey tradition like no other. With such a unique and historical holding, this winter classic truly emerges as one of the most awaited games of the NHL season.January 2, Friday, 2026, 8 p.m. ET is the date and time for the NHL Winter Classic. It is going to happen at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, which is home to the Miami Marlins, a Major League Baseball team. The event will set the record for the southernmost outdoor game in NHL history, as well as being the very first one in Florida. Besides the Rangers and the Panthers, fans will get to see the whole fiasco happening under brightly lit stadiums, where the intensity of ice hockey comes to the most unusual but spectacular setting ever. The Sporting News indicates that the shift from the traditional New Year’s Day slot to that of the game’s day is a measure to ensure that maximum attention will be on the ice because the game will not conflict with the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

How to watch NHL Winter Classic: Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers

The game will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV, and there is also a streaming option through DIRECTV. Besides, viewers can also follow the game via SiriusXM channel 220, where live commentary and analysis will be provided.The football- and baseball-type stadium setting of LoanDepot Park contributes to the magic, with the audience experiencing hockey in a new and historic environment. As the league moves its winter magic to Miami, the 2026 Winter Classic is going to be one of the most unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.The NHL Winter Classic 2026 is going to be a show event, mixing up the old with the new and playing the country-wide game that will be at the center of the spotlight for the entire hockey fandom.Also Read: Top NHL suspensions and fines of 2025: Mathew Barzal, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, and others disciplined

Bangladesh has been in turmoil since the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi (File photo)

A brutal attack on a Hindu businessman in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district on New Year’s Eve has left him fighting for his life after he was assaulted by a group of miscreants and set on fire, triggering fresh concern over a spate of recent mob violence incidents in the country. The incident took place around 9.30 pm in the Damudya area, near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Koneshwar Union. The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das, was reportedly waylaid, beaten and doused with petrol before being set ablaze, reported news agency ANI, citing Prothom Alo.

Das was later shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment as his condition worsened, the report said.Police sources said Das is a resident of Tiloi village in Koneshwar Union and runs a pharmacy along with a mobile banking business at Keurbhanga Bazar. On Wednesday night, after shutting his shop, he was returning home in an auto-rickshaw when the attackers stopped the vehicle on the Damudya–Shariatpur road near the market and assaulted him.According to Prothom Alo, the miscreants attacked him with sharp weapons before setting him on fire. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond along the roadside. Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee.Locals later rescued Das and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he was given first aid in the emergency ward. He was referred to Dhaka later that night for advanced treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries.Sima Das, the victim’s wife, said the family was struggling to understand why he was targeted. “My husband returns home every night after closing his shop with the day’s sales money. On Wednesday night, criminals attacked him. He recognised two of the attackers, and because of that, they assaulted him with the intention to kill–hacking him and setting fire to his head and face after pouring petrol on him. We have no enemies in the area. We have no disputes with anyone over any matter. We cannot understand why the criminals suddenly targeted my husband.”Nazrul Islam, a doctor at the emergency department of Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, said the victim had multiple injuries when he was brought in. He added that one abdominal injury was particularly serious, prompting doctors to refer him to Dhaka. Das also suffered burn injuries on his face, the back of his head and his hands.Mohammad Rabiul Haque, Officer-in-Charge of Damudya Police Station, said police swung into action after receiving information about the attack. “After receiving information about a terrorist attack on a businessman at Keurbhanga Bazar, we went to the scene. The names of two of the attackers have been identified. They are local residents Rabbi and Sohag. Efforts are underway to arrest them. We are also trying to identify others who may be involved in the incident,” he said, as quoted by Prothom Alo.The attack comes amid a series of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Last month, two Hindu youths were lynched in separate incidents. Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker in Mymensingh district, was beaten to death over alleged blasphemy charges on December 18, after which his body was reportedly hanged and set on fire.In another case, a Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched in Hosendanga village of Kalimohor Union in Rajbari’s Pangsha sub-district over an alleged extortion dispute.These incidents have triggered widespread outrage and condemnation from political leaders, religious organisations and minority groups in both Bangladesh and India.

Who are Denny Hamlin’s parents? NASCAR star’s father dies after North Carolina house fire leaves mother critical (Image via Getty)

NASCAR icon Denny Hamlin has shared an emotional update after a devastating house fire turned his family’s life upside down. The fire broke out at his parents’ home in North Carolina on Sunday night. His father, 75, Dennis Hamlin, sadly died from injuries suffered in the blaze. Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, was also inside the house when the fire started. The 69-year-old was left in critical condition and rushed to the hospital. After days of concern, Hamlin has now confirmed that her condition is improving. The family continues to grieve the loss of his father while holding on to hope during his mother’s recovery.

Denny Hamlin thanks supporters as his mother shows signs of recovery

Denny Hamlin took to social media to address fans and well-wishers. He thanked people for the messages sent after his father’s passing. He also shared that his mother is steadily getting better. Hamlin said the family is grateful for the support and asked for privacy as they deal with the tragedy.It later emerged that Mary Lou showed incredible bravery during the fire. She reportedly managed to pull her terminally ill husband out of the burning house before firefighters arrived. Both were found outside the home with serious injuries. Sadly, Dennis did not survive despite medical efforts.Fire officials said the situation was difficult when crews reached the scene. Nearly half of the two-story home was already on fire. It took close to two hours to fully put out the flames. While some valuable items, including cars and racing memorabilia, were saved from the garage, the damage to the house was extensive.Emergency services confirmed that they were called to the scene shortly after 6:15 PM. Several fire agencies responded together. Authorities later stated that both Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin suffered life-threatening injuries while trying to escape the fire.Tributes have poured in from fans across the NASCAR world. Hamlin has often spoken about how important his parents were to his career. They were regular supporters throughout his rise in the sport. Hamlin drives the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He remains one of the most successful and highest-paid drivers in NASCAR. In the 2025 season, he finished second overall, just three points behind Kyle Larson. He recorded six wins and finished in the top five in 14 races.Also Read: Formula 1 2026 chaos begins early as Ferrari challenges Mercedes’ new engine power advantage

Representative image (AP)

Russia said on Thursday it had recovered and decoded data from a Ukrainian drone shot down earlier this week, which it claimed showed the drone was targeting a Russian presidential residence. Moscow said it would share the relevant information with the United States.“Decryption of routing data revealed that the final target of the Ukrainian drone attack on December 29, 2025, was a facility at the Russian Presidential Residence in the Novgorod region. These materials will be transferred to the American side through the established channels,” Russia’s defence ministry said through a post on Telegram. The CIA earlier rejected Moscow’s claim about the alleged attack, US officials said. They added that CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed US President Donald Trump on the assessment on Wednesday.Moscow on Monday accused Kyiv of attempting to attack a residence of President Vladimir Putin in Russia’s northern Novgorod region using 91 long-range drones. It said the incident would be taken into account while reviewing its negotiating position in ongoing US-backed talks to end the Ukraine war.Trump initially voiced sympathy for Russia’s claim, telling reporters on Monday that Putin had informed him of the alleged incident and that he was “very angry” about it. By Wednesday, however, Trump appeared more sceptical, sharing on social media a New York Post editorial accusing Russia of obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine.Ukraine has denied carrying out any such attack, calling the accusation part of a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at driving a wedge between Kyiv and Washington following a weekend meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Zelenskyy called Russia’s claim “a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war.”The episode followed shortly after Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. While both sides struck a positive tone after the meeting, little headway was made on key issues, including security guarantees for Ukraine and Russia’s demand that Kyiv cede territory.Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Wednesday that he and other senior officials had spoken with Ukraine’s defence minister Rustem Umerov and several European national security officials as part of efforts to end the war.