MS Dhoni (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League could be the “last time” fans see MS Dhoni playing for Chennai Super Kings.As the IPL 2026 season approaches, discussions around Dhoni’s retirement have once again gathered momentum.

Speculation intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, a move that many believe could allow the veteran to further reduce his on-field role while continuing to mentor the team.“CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey and it’s tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him,” Irfan said on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan’.“As soon as the IPL comes around, we start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he is fully prepared for it, and he is looking very fit as well,” he added.The 44-year-old joined the CSK camp in Chennai earlier this month and has been training with the squad led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.Pathan said Dhoni’s role could increasingly focus on guiding the team and helping develop the next generation of leaders within the side.“This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I’m not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.“Sanju will benefit because he will be part of the leadership group as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference.“Questions about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all games will still come up. The CSK team management will take it step by step. They will definitely look to give him a perfect farewell by lifting their sixth IPL trophy.”Dhoni has featured in 278 IPL matches across two franchises — CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK were suspended — scoring 5,439 runs in the tournament.Last season, he was mostly seen in brief cameo roles during the death overs, scoring 196 runs from 13 innings.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, however, has stated that the veteran will be available for the full season and is expected to play “all matches” in the 2026 campaign.Pathan also feels the time has come for younger players to gradually take on more responsibility within the franchise.“We have seen him take responsibility for a number of years now, but I think this is the time for the baton to pass on to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a young captain as well.“CSK’s ideology has changed. It will be key for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni’s experience, and for him to take the players ahead alongside him. It is a very exciting team on paper. In terms of six-hitting ability and intent, I am really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness from this young CSK side.”The trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals means Ravindra Jadeja has returned to his former franchise, while Rajasthan have also parted ways with Jos Buttler.Former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar believes Rajasthan’s younger players must now step up following the departure of two experienced batters.“First they let go of Jos Buttler, and now there is no Sanju Samson as well. The young batsmen in the team will have to take the lead,” Bangar said.“It will be a good start for Riyan Parag, playing three games at home. He will get home support in Guwahati as a local boy, coming here for the first time as a full-time captain. He will definitely want to perform well in front of his home fans, but it won’t be easy for the Rajasthan Royals.”Former India opener Abhinav Mukund also raised concerns about Sunrisers Hyderabad’s early fixtures and the availability of their captain Pat Cummins.“SRH have some difficult games coming up at the start, and you don’t know whether Pat Cummins is fully available or not. They haven’t made any statement yet, so we’ll have to wait for that because he has been a lynchpin for them,” he said.SRH will begin their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 before travelling to face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 and returning home to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 5.

Blasts rock US embassy in Baghdad (AP photo)

After issuing a strong warning that it would target American oil and military facilities in the region, Iran struck the United States embassy in neighbouring Iraq, escalating tensions in the Middle East conflict.The embassy compound in Baghdad was targeted by Iranian drones, according to multiple videos shared on social media. Thick black smoke could be seen rising from the complex after the strikes reportedly hit the helipad of the fortified US mission.Iraq, which has long been a proxy battleground between the United States and Iran, was quickly drawn deeper into the wider Middle East war triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.A cloud of black smoke rose above the US diplomatic mission shortly after explosions were heard on Saturday morning, an AFP journalist reported.Two security officials told AFP that the embassy complex was struck in the attack, though the exact cause remained unclear. One source said a drone had hit the embassy, while another said a projectile, believed to be a rocket, had fallen on the diplomatic complex.Another security source said “a projectile, believed to be a rocket, had fallen near the embassy’s airbase.”The US embassy did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment on the incident.It is the second time the US embassy in Baghdad has come under attack since the start of the war.Several Tehran-backed armed groups, which Washington has designated as “terrorist organisations”, and which operate under an umbrella movement known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have claimed responsibility for daily drone and rocket attacks against US bases in the region.Since the start of the war, several attacks targeting members of those groups across Iraq have been blamed on the United States and Israel.Saturday’s attack came shortly after two strikes targeted the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah and killed two of its members, including a “key figure”, according to security sources.AFP journalists heard explosions in the Iraqi capital followed by ambulance sirens, while witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the Arasat neighbourhood, where several Iran-backed groups are believed to have a presence.“At 02:15 am (2315 GMT Friday), a missile struck a house that was being used by Kataeb Hezbollah,” a security source said, adding that “a key figure was martyred,” and two members of the group were wounded.Two hours later, an airstrike hit a vehicle in eastern Baghdad, killing “a member of the Hashed al-Shaabi,” another security source said.A Hashed al-Shaabi official told AFP that the person killed belonged to Kataeb Hezbollah.The Hashed al-Shaabi, or the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), is a former paramilitary group that has since been integrated into Iraq’s regular armed forces.The force also includes brigades from Iran-backed groups, including Kataeb Hezbollah.None of the sources said who was believed to be behind the strikes, and the Kataeb Hezbollah group has not commented on the incident.

Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi (ANI photo)

Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday sharply criticised the United States over its stance on Russian crude oil, claiming Washington was now “begging” countries, including India, to buy Russian oil after earlier pressuring them to halt such imports.In a post on X, Araghchi said, “The US spent months on bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, White House is now begging the world–including India–to buy Russian crude.”He also criticised Europe’s position on the conflict, writing, “Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia.”

Ending the post with a blunt remark, he added, “pathetic,” while sharing a report highlighting how the US war with Iran could end up benefiting Russia,a country Donald Trump has remained at odds with on several geopolitical issues.Araghchi’s comments came a day after he spoke with his counterpart in New Delhi S Jaishankar. The call marked the fourth interaction between the two ministers since tensions escalated in the Middle East.Meanwhile, Iran has allowed two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to transit through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict in the region, according to a Reuters report citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter.Reuters also reported, citing shipping data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, that a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India after transiting the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.Also read: Five US refuelling planes struck by Iran strikes at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air BaseEarlier, Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali confirmed that Tehran would ensure safe passage for vessels headed to India through the Strait of Hormuz.Responding to a question on whether Indian-bound ships would be allowed safe transit through the key energy route, Fathali said, “Yes. Because India and I are friends. You can see the future, and I think that after two or three hours. Because we believe that. We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate.”He added, “Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. And for this reason, the government of India help us, and we should help the government of India because we have a common fate and common interest.”

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes it would be extremely difficult for the Chennai Super Kings team management to leave MS Dhoni out of the playing XI in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.Dhoni is set to return for Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 campaign, with franchise CEO Kasi Viswanath already confirming that the veteran will be available for the entire tournament. However, the exact role he will play during matches is yet to be finalised. According to Viswanath, the decision will be taken by the team management, who will decide whether Dhoni features as the wicketkeeper or is used as an impact player depending on the match situation.The 44-year-old had a relatively quiet season in IPL 2025 season, scoring 196 runs from 14 matches. Batting mostly in the lower order, Dhoni averaged 24.50 and maintained a strike rate of 135.17 while often coming in during the closing stages of the innings to provide quick runs.Despite questions around his role, Badrinath feels the management would find it almost impossible to bench the legendary captain given the stature he holds within the franchise. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former CSK batter suggested that even head coach Stephen Fleming may not be in a position to make such a call.“I don’t know if it is an administrative decision where he (CSK CEO) said that he (Dhoni) is ready to play all matches. He said that he would support the cricketing decision and stop. Now, will Fleming go and tell Dhoni that you don’t play this match, we are dropping you. I don’t think Fleming has a chance at all. How will he go and tell Dhoni that you are dropped? I literally feel that it is not possible,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.Badrinath further emphasised the level of respect Dhoni commands inside the CSK dressing room. According to him, it would be extremely hard for any member of the coaching staff to even suggest that the former India captain should sit out or be used only as a substitute.“I don’t think any support staff in the world, be it even Fleming, can tell Dhoni you are an impact player, or you don’t play this match. There is no chance. We can take it that he is going to play all the matches,” he added.

Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ is creating massive buzz ahead of its March 19th release. Early reviews hail it as ‘Paisa Vasool,’ with advance bookings already crossing Rs 120 crore. Andhra Pradesh has approved a temporary ticket price hike, and special early morning benefit shows are planned, promising a grand opening for the action entertainer.

The upcoming Telugu action entertainer ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ has started generating strong hype even before its theatrical release. Starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead role, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026 and it coincides with the festive occasion of Ugadi. With just days left for the premiere, an early review has started circulating on social media.

Early review calls it ‘Paisa vasool’

On March 11, film personality Umair Sandhu shared his first impressions of the film on X. Sharing his reaction, he wrote, “#PawanKalyan Entry Scene is Paisa Vasool ! Watching Overseas Censor Screening #UstaadBhagatSingh !.”

Advance booking buzz crosses Rs 120 crore mark

Even before its release ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ has reportedly generated impressive business through advance bookings. As reported by Money Control, the film has already recorded significant ticket sales across Telugu-speaking regions and also the film has earned nearly Rs 120 crore in advance booking sales in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Ticket price hike approved in Andhra Pradesh

Ahead of the film’s release, the government of Andhra Pradesh has approved a temporary ticket price hike for Ustaad Bhagat Singh as reported by 123 Telugu website. A new Government Order confirming the revised pricing has also surfaced online.According to the order, single-screen theatres can increase ticket prices by Rs 100, including GST. This brings the revised ticket rate to Rs 247.For multiplex theatres, ticket prices can be increased by Rs 125, including GST. The revised multiplex fare will be Rs 302.These enhanced ticket prices will remain in effect for ten days starting from March 19.

Benefit shows planned for early morning screenings

As per the same Government Order, the film will not have premiere shows before its official release. Instead, a special benefit show will be screened on the release day itself. The benefit show will take place on March 19. It will begin early in the morning between 4 AM and 5 AM.The ticket price for this special show has been fixed at Rs 500, including GST. Additionally, theatres have been permitted to screen five shows per day for the first ten days of release.Interestingly, the project was initially scheduled for release on March 26. The makers later decided to advance the release by a week, bringing it to theatres earlier than planned.Directed by Harish Shankar, the film also features Sreeleela, Raashii Khanna, and R. Parthiban in key roles. On the other hand, Pawan Kalyan’s previous film was ‘OG’.

President Donald Trump said the United States carried out “the most powerful bombing raid” on Iran’s Kharg Island, claiming that American forces “totally obliterated” military targets there while choosing not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure.Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is the primary terminal through which Iran’s oil exports pass, making it a key part of the country’s energy sector.Trump announced the operation in a Truth Social post late Friday (US local time). “Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump wrote.He said the United States deliberately avoided striking the island’s oil facilities.“Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” he added.

Trump also warned Iran against interfering with international shipping in the region.“However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump continued. “Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it!”The strikes come as the US military ordered 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, according to a US official, marking a major reinforcement of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran.A large explosion struck a central square in Tehran where thousands had gathered for an annual state-organized rally supporting the Palestinians and calling for Israel’s destruction. Israel had earlier warned it would target the area.There were no immediate reports of casualties. The decision to proceed with the mass demonstration, attended by some senior government officials despite the threat, highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the conflict.Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes.These developments come amid a rapidly escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has triggered missile strikes, drone attacks and growing instability across the Gulf.

NEW DELHI: Frowning at an advocate’s repeated attempts through PILs to seek paid two-day monthly menstrual leave for female workers, Supreme Court said Friday that such a move could create a psychological barrier among women that they are inferior to men as they can’t work when they are menstruating. A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, “Please understand the long-term impact of such a move. Affirmative action for women is constitutionally recognised. The more unattractive the human resource, the less is the possibility of consumption in the job market.” “We can adjudicate it from the rights’ perspective. But look at the perspective of the job model. Will an employer be happy if an employee takes leave every month? You want to create such a situation where employers will be reluctant to give women jobs,” the bench said. However, it said, “It is for the govt to take a call in framing model policy…”SC warns petitioner not to pursue issue On Feb 24, 2023, SC had asked the govt to examine taking a policy decision on this issue after studying the need and the possible fallout of employers getting dissuaded to engage a large female workforce. For petitioner S M Tripathi, senior advocate M R Shamshad said no action has been taken yet despite lapse of nearly three years. Shamshad said Bihar had done it since 1992 and Karnataka has implemented it in schools. There are some private companies which have voluntarily implemented a menstrual leave policy for female workers. CJI Surya Kant said, “If they do it voluntarily, it is welcome. But the moment it is made compulsory, you do not know how much damage you will cause to their careers. Nobody will give them responsibilities. On the judicial side, day-to-day trials cannot be assigned to them.”

The bench warned petitioner Tripathi of adverse order against him if he approached the court on this issue for a third time. His petitions, raising the same issue, were disposed of twice in Feb 2023 and July 2024. In Feb 2023, Spain had become the first EU country to introduce menstrual or period leave of 3-5 days, salary for which is paid by the govt. The erstwhile Soviet Union had taken a policy decision to pay female workers who were absent from work because of pain during the menstrual period. Japan had enacted a law in this regard in 1947 and South Korea in 1953.

Death, black marketing, theft, hotels overcharging, restaurants shutting down causing job losses – shortage of LPG cylinders due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US and Israel is upending lives and livelihood in a multitude of ways across the country. Domestic LPG cylinder prices are being blackmarketed at double the rates – Rs 1,400 normally, Rs 2,800 now – in Tamil Nadu. About 40% eateries in Kerala and 30% in Karnataka have temporarily shut down, hotel associations of these states say. At Hingna industrial estate near Nagpur, over 70% MSMEs claimed to face serious operational difficulties due to restrictions of commercial LPG cylinders and rising fuel prices. In TN, consumer helplines received 70 calls related to overcharging at hotels and tea shops citing gas crunch. In Thiruvanthapuram’s Chalai market area, a thief was spotted on CCTV walking away with a commercial cylinder from a hotel. There’s much more. The iconic 200-year-old Sri Ganesh Temple in Secunderabad has stopped distribution of annadanam and prasadam. Sweets cooked in high temperature flames – labanga latika, kalojaam, pantua, darbesh, among others – are off the shelves in Kolkata. So are dishes like handi biryani, mutton rezala, and dal makhani, which take more time to cook, from restaurant menus in the eastern megapolis. In schools and colleges, menus too are being trimmed. In Bhopal, a crippling shortage of commercial gas cylinders has forced the town’s premier educational institutions such as National Law Institute University and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research to slash hostel meals. It is a similar story in competitive coaching hub Kota town in Rajasthan. Several hostels and mess operators have downsized the menu, stopped serving snacks, and shifted to cooking in coal wherever possible. A hotel of Bharwad community in Gujarat reduced the number of rotis being served to students from 700 to 300. In Kolkata, Desun Hospital has temporarily restricted its menu to vegetarian and egg-based meals since non-vegetarian dishes generally require more fuel, said CMD Sajal Dutta. The effort is to prioritise the needs of patients over everybody else. At Sehna village in Punjab’s Barnala district, Bhushan Kumar, 60, was customer number 25 among 125 who had queued up for a LPG cylinder at 5am. At 7.50am, he collapsed. He was taken to hospital but died on the way. In several tea stalls in Chennai, prices were hiked from Rs 3 to Rs 5. In Mogappair and Anna Nagar, the price of a glass of tea was hiked from Rs 12 to Rs 15 and coffee from Rs 15 to Rs 18. Vendors said the revised prices would remain until the gas issue settled. “Commercial gas now costs as much as Rs 5,000. We are also unsure about when we get a refill,” a vendor said. Hoteliering was hit hard in Kerala. “The worst hit are the eateries in urban hubs like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, where fire-safety norms and congested buildings make switching to traditional firewood impossible. Out of the nearly one lakh hotels, small and big, nearly 40% have downed shutters,” said N Abdul Razzak, general secretary, Kerala Hotel & Restaurant Association. Families and small eateries across the country were adopting various methods to cope with the situation. In Punjab, dhabas are moving to earthen chulhas. This has increased demand for wood and coal. Some families are opting for small tandoors and kerosene stoves. Demand for induction cooktops has spiraled in Kanpur’s Maniram Bagiya market, which has more than 150 shops selling electrical goods, according to Manoj Mehgani, president of Maniram Bagiya Electric Market.