Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are set to be rested during the ODI series against New Zealand (PTI)

New Delhi: Since the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup, India’ spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has missed just three T20Is. While he was rested for the final group game against Oman and dead rubber versus Sri Lanka in the multi-nation tournament, Bumrah didn’t feature in the third T20I versus South Africa due to personal reasons. Apart from these three games, he has been on the park for 13 T20Is and even played four home Tests against West Indies and South Africa, respectively. The 50-day countdown to India’s title defence at 2026 T20 World Cup has begun and the biggest priority for the thinktank right now is to keep their Most Valuable Player (MVP) fresh and fit for the tournament. There are five more T20Is against New Zealand next month before the focus shifts to the World Cup and the management has made up their mind to not make the bowler play the three ODIs starting January 11. It is understood that the coaching group has already had discussions in this regard and don’t want to compromise on the player’s readiness for the multi-nation tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka during February and March.

“The management is very clear with regards to Bumrah. People outside can create all sorts of fitness theories but it’s very simple – you prioritise the formats and matches you want Bumrah to feature in. It was important from a team’s perspective that he plays maximum T20Is in buildup to the World Cup and he has been on the park since the Asia Cup in the format. Bumrah playing was not just important for his continuity in the format but also for the captain and coach to figure the bowling combination alongside Bumrah. These games have given a clearer picture to selectors also and now the five T20Is vs New Zealand will be just about firming up plans,” a well placed source tells TimesofIndia.com.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“So the three ODIs against New Zealand serve no purpose. You will see more of Bumrah in ODIs when the team shifts focus to 2027 World Cup. That’s how coach Gautam Gambhir plans to use his premier fast bowler,” adds the source.

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates a wicket with Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson

Bumrah not alone

The discussions have just not been restricted to Bumrah as the think tank will be following a similar approach with Hardik Pandya. It is understood that this was the prime reason he wasn’t rushed for the ODI series against South Africa and was asked to skip the third Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games for Baroda. He made two appearances for his state before joining the team in Cuttack for the first T20I of the five-match series against South Africa. The all-rounder, after getting injured in the Asia Cup and missing the white-ball series in Australia and ODIs at home against South Africa, featured in all four T20Is against the Proteas and will have some time to rest and recover before turning up for the T20Is against New Zealand next month. It is further understood that Pandya could be asked to play one or two Vijay Hazare Trophy games for Baroda but it’s not been decided which ones he would play.

India’s Hardik Pandya plays a shot during the fifth T20 cricket match between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

“The approach will be the same for Hardik. Both Bumrah and Hardik are the most important players in the T20I set-up right now and the series vs South Africa showed that. There is a possibility of Hardik playing some domestic games for Baroda just to keep his body ready but no final decision has been taken in that regard,” explains the source.

The Standbys

In the team’s last international match of the year, Hardik was adjudged player of the match for his destructive 25-ball 63 and Bumrah was at his best in the run-fest as he returned with figures of 2/17. The two players served another reminder of their abilities in the format and why they should be handled with utmost care in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Lucknow: From left, India’s Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar and other players ahead of the fourth T20 International cricket match of a series between India and South Africa, at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)(PTI12_17_2025_000490A)

The selectors will pick the squad, and possibly standbys, for the tournament on Saturday, and it’s likely to be along expected lines. The team has opted for continuity since the Asia Cup, leaving little room for surprises when chief selector Ajit Agarkar addresses the media in Mumbai.Rinku Singh was picked for the Asia Cup and the T20Is against Australia, but the left-hander only played the final against Pakistan due to Hardik Pandya’s injury, and featured just once in the five T20Is Down Under. The game in which he made the XI was unfortunately washed out in Brisbane.Washington, who wasn’t part of the Asia Cup squad, has been given outings in the format and even bowled his full quota of overs against South Africa in Ahmedabad. His all-round abilities could help him pip a specialist batter, as his off-spin allows the think-tank to use match-ups against left-handers, if the need arises.

It’s finally that time of the year! Winters in North India come with a distinct mood altogether. The atmosphere is cold, the quilt is all the more cozy, and the food table transforms into a procession of all sorts of delicacies: gajar ka halwa, butter chicken, sizzling pakode, revdi, and gajak. The catch is that while the “pure joy of winters” may unfold with innocence in the mouth, it may become a reality show of sorts in the heart, especially when the mercury goes down, and the blood pressure starts rising naturally.Now, here are the four most loved winter delicacies of all time that are a treat for taste buds but bane for our hearts and arteries. Dr Manan Aggarwal, a respected doctor warns about the dangers of our favourite deserts and crispy delights.

Carrot Halwa: Healthy name, Heavy game

The story begins every time with, “its just carrot, it shouldn’t be tha complicated! because carrot is actually the sidekick. The main stars are actually full cream, khoya, ghee, and sugar that transform that innocent-looking dish into a calorie and fat bomb.In fact, since everyone is less active during the winter months and their blood is a bit thicker, this regular indulgence in something like this can cause sugar, triglycerides, and weight to shoot up. Because the heart has to work so much harder to maintain blood flow during a cold climate, this heart, already working overtime, shouldn’t receive a steel bowlful of this on a daily basis.

Butter chicken & rogan josh: Comfort for the tongue, pressure on the arteries

There’s something about a cold night, some hot naan, and an indulgent, creamy gravy that makes everybody feel like they are in heaven! But the same elements that make the gravy so indulgent are what make it so bad for our heart. This cream, this saturated fat, this butter, it all increases the bad cholesterol in the body, fueling the chunks that clog heart vessels that are already narrowed down due to the cold.This doesn’t translate to a life imprisonment diet of boiled food. This is a guideline on how to reserve the rich gravy dishes for the real indulgences and not for every second day. Smaller helpings, lower use of cream, emphasis on tandoori or BBQ meals, and a minimum of fifty percent alongside rotis and sabzi can sustain the taste buds as well as the heart.

Samosa, Kachori, and Pakode: The Crispy treat with a price tag

Every chai wala’s table in winter features one common guest – something fried. The initial bite of a hot samosa or pakoda during a foggy night can never be compared to anything else. However, the catch with these delights is that they are often fried with very hot oil, which makes them chock-full of unhealthy fats and oxidants. These unhealthy fats increase LDL levels, which increases inflammation, leading to increased coagulation levels, which can be very harmful as “winter itself” is pushing blood to become thicker and “stickier”.Nor will it be the same when, instead of platefuls of fried snacks for dinner, you get to enjoy them as weekend snacks. Roasted chanas, moderate peanuts, corn chaat, and air-fried snacks can be had on other days.

Revdi and gajak: Big on taste, bad for heart

Revdi and gajak are festive, nostalgic, and innocent because they are so small. “Bas do-chaar hi toh liye,” goes the typical remark. But the “two-four” bits are actually sesame or peanuts held together with sugar or jaggery, and lots of added fat too. This translates into a quick burst of calories and sugars with every mouthful. With minimal physical activity and increased sedentary time, such constant snacking silently contributes to increased weight, sugars, and triglycerides – all the wrong signals for the heart.The key is not to banish them, but to ritualize them: perhaps two little pieces after lunch on special days, and not a constant background snack throughout the evening. Keep them stored in a small dabba, and not in an open, overflowing thali that begs to be mindlessly grazed from.

US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning against those who intended to “threaten or attack America” as the States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS targets in Syria. The move came after two American soldiers were killed in the Syrian desert“Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria, whose beautiful souls I welcomed home to American soil earlier this week in a very dignified ceremony, I am hereby announcing that the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation, just as I promised, on the murderous terrorists responsible,” he said.“We are striking very strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if ISIS can be eradicated. The Government of Syria, led by a man who is working very hard to bring Greatness back to Syria, and is fully in support. All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE USA,” he added. Syrian state television said the strikes struck locations in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, as well as the Jabal al-Amour area near Palmyra, AP reported. According to the report, the attacks were aimed at weapons depots and command centers used by the Islamic State group to plan and launch operations in the region.The US Army identified the two National Guard members killed in Syria on Saturday as Sgt Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Also killed was Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Macomb, Michigan, a US civilian serving as an interpreter. The shooting, which occurred nearly a week earlier near the historic city of Palmyra, injured three additional US service members along with several Syrian security personnel, while the attacker was fatally shot.

The US Justice Department has begun releasing a large batch of previously unseen files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following lengthy efforts to make government records about the case public.The release comes under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by US President Donald Trump in November. It required unclassified documents in the department’s possession to be made public by December 19, 2025.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News on Friday that the Justice Department would publish “several hundred thousand” pages of documents on the deadline, but he said that the full set will not be released at once and additional batches are expected over the coming weeks. Blanche said the department needed extra time to protect victim identities and ensure that names and identifying details are appropriately redacted.The newly released documents include a wide range of investigative material generated over nearly two decades of federal scrutiny into Epstein’s conduct and network. These materials may comprise photographs, internal law enforcement communications, evidence inventories, and other records related to multiple aspects of the Epstein investigation, according to CBS news.In addition to Friday’s Justice Department release, lawmakers and committees have previously made thousands of pages of materials public through subpoenas and voluntary disclosures. In September, the House Oversight Committee released tens of thousands of pages of files ranging from court records and flight logs to videos of Epstein’s jail cell before his death. The earlier revelations included previously available material as well as a new context for Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures. No formal accusations have been made against political leaders whose names appear in the records.The Epstein Files Transparency Act also requires the government to publish a list of all politically exposed persons and government officials named in the records, along with explanations for any redactions and withheld portions, within 15 days of the documents’ release.Despite the milestone release, the Justice Department is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who say the department is violating the law by not releasing all of the files by the legal deadline, which was 30 days fromt he president’s signing.

US President Donald Trump introduced the US visa scheme aimed at wealthy foreigners willing to pay at least $1 million to gain permanent residency in the country. The programme is called the Trump Gold Card, and it is designed for high-level professionals who can prove they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States.Speaking as he revealed the card, Trump described it as “the green card on steroids. It is a pathway, it is an amazing thing.” He criticised the Biden administration, claiming that around 25 million people had entered the US during its tenure, including “drug dealers and all sorts of people… from jails all over the world: Venezuela, the Congo, everywhere.”Trump said the Gold Card scheme would prioritise talent over mass migration. “Now, when people come in, they have to pay $1 million. And we’ve seen a tremendous surge,” he said. The MAGA chief added that the programme would allow graduates of top US universities to remain and work for American companies. “Someone graduates top of their class at the best school, wants to work for a great American company and now they can. The company will pay a little bit, but that’s okay. They’ll be able to keep the talent.”Under the scheme, companies sponsoring workers must pay $2 million, plus additional charges. A higher-tier “platinum” option offering preferential tax treatment will also be available for $5 million. All applicants must first pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee, with further payments to the government potentially required depending on individual circumstances.Trump compared the Gold Card to a standard green card, which allows immigrants of all income levels to live and work permanently in the United States, often leading to citizenship after five years. He suggested that the new programme was targeted at “high-level” professionals who are “productive,” rather than low-skilled migrants.The announcement comes alongside Trump’s hardline immigration stance, which included a crackdown on illegal migration and measures discouraging legal immigration. According to the POTUS, the Gold Card programme would generate revenue for the US Treasury while ensuring that top talent can remain in the country to contribute to American businesses.

Modi, Priyanka At Post-Session Tea Meeting

NEW DELHI: Rancour and blame game inside Parliament made way for conviviality and cordiality at a customary post-parliamentary session get-together of govt functionaries, including PM Narendra Modi, and opposition MPs at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber over tea on Friday.Congress and other opposition parties, which had skipped the meeting in a few previous sessions to convey their protest with happenings inside Parliament, were present in full force in an informal setting marked by Modi’s wit and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s relaxed and easy presence.Sources said Priyanka made polite enquiries from Modi about his foreign trip, setting the tone for a rare convivial setting involving govt & opposition members, some of whom nudged for a longer session as the 15-day sitting of winter session, which was adjourned sine die, was one of the shortest ever.With her brother Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in LS being in Germany, first-time MP Priyanka was the main Congress voice in the meeting. Her confidence but easy manner was a change from Rahul’s more aggressive and confrontational approach, a source said.Modi, sources said, asked opposition MPs about the session and praised RSP MP NK Premachandran, a Congress ally, for his diligence in parliamentary business. Several others too echoed the positive view of the seasoned parliamentarian. The PM made some light comments, evoking smiles from everyone.Sources said that Priyanka spoke about the health benefits that she got using a herb from her constituency Wayanad in Kerala.Modi used the Tamil greeting ‘Vanakkam’ for Manickam Tagore, and Priyanka quipped that she too has learnt a line in the language which means ‘Vote for Congress’, eliciting smiles from everyone, sources said. There was all-round laughter when a vocal opposition MP’s pitch for a longer session drew a quip from govt side that a short sitting might have given his throat some rest.Birla, sources said, emphasised the opportunity given to so many of the members from different parties to speak on bills and different issues despite the relatively short session. This was acknowledged by members at the meeting. Lok Sabha’s productivity was 111% in this session.Defence minister Rajnath Singh was among the ministers present at the meeting, which was also attended by Kumari Selja, Mohammad Jawed, from Congress, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav, DMK’s A Raja and NCP(SP)’s Supriya Sule, besides several BJP allies.After returning last night from his three-nation tour, Modi joined LS as Vande Mataram was played to mark the session’s end moments after it convened at 11am. This Parliament session was headlined by the passage of VB-G RAM G bill to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA amid fierce opposition protest. The session marked by high productivity ended with govt and opposition benches trading punches.As Birla read out his valedictory statement in LS, opposition raised slogans of “Mahatma Gandhi ki jai” to highlight their protest against removal of Gandhi’s name from the rural job guarantee scheme. A debate listed on air pollution, which was jointly moved by Priyanka, DMK’s Kanimozhi, did not take place due to what a govt functionary described as “bad atmosphere” inside the House.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, players Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson after the team’s victory (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

NEW DELHI: India ended the T20I series against South Africa on a high by winning the fifth and final match and sealing the five-match series 3-1 on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this win, India have managed to extend their unbeaten streak. They are now on a streak of 10 consecutive series wins (including major tournaments).

With the 4th T20I in Lucknow being abandoned earlier because of heavy fog, everyone wanted to see a full game, and the players didn’t disappoint at all.India put up a big total of 231 for 5 after South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. The batting effort was led by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Tilak played a steady and attacking knock, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls. Hardik provided the late surge with a quick 63 off just 25 balls, hitting five 4s and five 6s. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma also gave India a strong start at the top.Chasing 232, South Africa began well. Quinton de Kock was in fine form and attacked the Indian bowlers from the start. South Africa matched India’s Powerplay score and stayed in the hunt. When Dewald Brevis joined de Kock, the visitors picked up momentum. The pair played freely and took South Africa to 118 runs at the halfway mark, putting pressure back on the Indian side.At that point, the match seemed evenly balanced. That is when India captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to his most trusted bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah made an immediate impact by dismissing de Kock with a sharp return catch. That wicket changed the game.South Africa suddenly lost their rhythm. From 120 for 1, they slipped to 135 for 5 in a short span. The middle order could not recover from the collapse. Varun Chakaravarthy added to South Africa’s problems with an impressive spell, picking up four wickets and breaking key partnerships.While Varun took the wickets, Bumrah’s spell stood out in a high-scoring match. He finished with excellent figures of 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs, controlling the game when it mattered most.South Africa eventually finished on 201/8 in their 20 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target.With this victory, India won the match by 30 runs and closed the series 3-1. Hardik Pandya, who also took one wicket during his bowling, has been named the Man of the Match.