Times of India

Having Been Spoon-Fed T20 Belters, They Have Been Unable To Adapt When Needed Most. Should Indian Cricket Be Worried About Success Away From Home?

West Bengal's second phase of Assembly elections commenced amidst reports of violence, voter intimidation, and technical issues. Incidents were reported across Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged bias from observers and TMC party flags being removed, while the BJP reported an assault on a polling agent in Chapra.

At just 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of the IPL’s biggest attractions with his fearless batting and powerful strokeplay. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma compared the youngster’s nationwide popularity and “aura” to MS Dhoni, saying he has seen only two players command such admiration. Ex-India cricketer Murali Karthik also hailed Sooryavanshi as a “genuine prodigy”, comparing his rise and fame to that of Sachin Tendulkar.

US Vice President J D Vance is questioning the Pentagon's assessment of the Iran conflict, concerned about undisclosed missile stockpile depletion. He fears this could impact responses to global flashpoints like Taiwan, South Korea, and Europe. Despite official assurances, some believe the situation is being downplayed, potentially affecting future military readiness.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer lamented bowling execution after their first IPL 2026 loss. Despite a strong 224, the team couldn't contain Rajasthan Royals' late surge, particularly from Ferreira and Dubey. Iyer acknowledged the challenge for bowlers in modern T20s but stressed execution is key. He remains optimistic, calling it a learning experience.

A 108 ambulance staffer in Katni district allegedly extorted money from a critically injured road accident victim's family and forced a female relative to clean the ambulance. The disturbing incident, captured on video, has led to an official inquiry and a notice issued to the staffer for an explanation.

In a devastating turn of events, two cousins aged 20 and 14 were killed in a hit-and-run accident on Ashoka Road in central Delhi, just after enjoying an IPL match. The massive truck, which turned recklessly at the Mahadev Road T-point, crushed the young duo on their motorbike.

2-Year-Long Hunt Spanned Several Countries, Involved Int'l Agencies

West Bengal's final assembly polls are underway with an unprecedented security deployment across 142 constituencies. Over 2.3 lakh central forces and state police are on duty, alongside observers and NIA teams, to ensure a fear-free and fair election. A significant crackdown has led to over 800 arrests and preventive detentions, targeting potential troublemakers in sensitive zones.

A domestic dispute in Adambakkam tragically ended with a husband allegedly killing his wife, a social media influencer, before taking his own life. The unemployed husband, reportedly facing financial strain, attacked his wife, who was the family's sole earner. Their younger son discovered the grim scene upon returning home. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Supreme Court-mandated tribunals restored voting rights for 1,468 people in West Bengal before the second phase of polls, bringing the total reinstatements to 1,607. This follows the deletion of 27 lakh voters under the "logical discrepancy" clause, with scrutiny intensifying due to a high restoration-to-deletion ratio.

Mike Vrabel, the New England Patriots’ head coach, has reported back to work even though his alleged affair with the former New York Times’ NFL reporter and insider, Dianna Russini, continues to take new turns every minute of the day. As neither of them has accepted that they were engaged in an inappropriate relationship with one another, it seems Dianna Russini has made more moves to hide it.

A man in Bengaluru was hospitalized after allegedly finding a lizard in his paneer tikka roll from a local bakery. He experienced vomiting and diarrhea, leading to a 24-hour observation period. Police have registered a case, though the complainant could not provide photographic evidence of the alleged contamination.