Kirsten's Big Verdict On Gambhir's Anti-Superstar Stand Amid T20 WC Win

Gautam Gambhir is a straight-talker. That is one aspect of the T20 World Cup-winning star - first as a player and now as a coach - that none can deny. And yet again, after India's third T20 World Cup win, Gambhir was unabashed about what he wanted from the side. Gambhir spoke about being "misunderstood" as a player and coach, saying that if he is to be made a "villain" for advocating that the team is above the individual, he is okay with the tag, and that "one day, his honesty will defend him."

In an interview with ANI, Gambhir said that while "the media wants to create superstars, his job is to create a super team." "That is a simple difference and that difference will always remain. The media wants to create superstars, but my job as a head coach is to create a super team. And that is the only way I look at my profession because my job is to be absolutely fair, even, and treat everyone exactly equally, because those 15 people in that dressing room are absolutely equal to me," he said.

"I do not look at the amount of runs they have scored. I do not look at the amount of social media following they have. I do not look at what TRP they bring to the people or to the broadcaster. I only look at what they bring to the team and what they bring to the country. And that is why I feel that my job is to create a super team. And hopefully, till I finish my tenure, I will be able to create a super team," Gambhir said.

Gary Kirsten, India's 2011 World Cup-winning coach, has fully supported Gambhir's stand.

"I think it [superstar culture] has changed significantly in India over the last 15-odd years and I think he [Gambhir] is absolutely spot on," Kirsten said on Wisden Cricket's The Scoop on YouTube.

"I think that India was driven largely around that superstardom status of each individual and there was a massive commercial entity to that as well.

"But I think the IPL has definitely brought in a different dynamic there and I couldn't agree with you more. There are just so many good Indian players around now. I mean, you could literally pick three teams. When I was with the Namibians [as a consultant for the T20 World Cup], we were down at the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, and it's the most impressive cricket facility I've ever seen anywhere."

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Why Hansika Motwani Got Divorced From Sohael After 4 Years Of Marriage

Actor Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya have officially ended their marriage. The couple was granted a divorce by a family court in Mumbai's Bandra suburb.

Hansika's lawyer, Adnan Shaikh, confirmed the development to NDTV and shared that the divorce was granted through mutual consent after both parties acknowledged that their marriage had irretrievably broken down.

Couple Struggled With Frequent Disagreements

According to a report by India Today, the plea submitted before the court stated that the couple had been facing regular disagreements, even over minor issues. Over time, these conflicts made it difficult for them to continue living together under the same roof.

The petition also noted that both families and close friends had attempted to help the couple reconcile and encouraged them to work on their relationship. However, those efforts did not succeed in resolving their differences.

Eventually, the two mutually decided to part ways and legally end their marriage. The plea also mentioned that Hansika and Sohael had been living separately since July 2, 2024.

Although the relationship had reportedly become strained, the two later held discussions and agreed to pursue a mutual divorce. Both parties submitted their affidavits to the court confirming their consent to the dissolution of the marriage, with neither making any claims against the other.

Hansika Refused To Take Any Alimony

In an official statement, Hansika's lawyer explained the circumstances behind the legal decision to NDTV.

He said, "Our client, Hansika Motwani, has been granted a decree of divorce by the Hon'ble Family Court Bandra. The divorce was granted by mutual consent after both parties acknowledged that the marriage had irretrievably broken down."

He further added, "Our client had initially approached her now former husband seeking an amicable separation, which ultimately culminated in the present decree. The respondent filed his affidavit before the court today, confirming his consent to the dissolution of the marriage."

Shaikh also clarified that the actor did not seek any financial settlement.

"It is pertinent to clarify that our client has made no claims whatsoever for alimony or maintenance, as her sole intention was to bring a dignified and peaceful closure to the marriage. The reasons for the breakdown of the relationship were placed before the Hon'ble Court in the petition. Our client now wishes to move forward with her life and professional commitments," he concluded

Hansika married Sohael on December 4, 2022, in a grand ceremony. Speculation about trouble in their marriage began last year after the actor deleted her wedding pictures from Instagram.

As of now, neither Hansika nor Sohael has publicly commented on their divorce.

ALSO READ: Hansika Motwani And Sohael Khaturiya Relationship Timeline: Paris Proposal, Jaipur Wedding, To Quiet Divorce

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In Khamenei's Will, He Didn't Want Son To Be Iran's Supreme Leader: Report

Few people wanted Mojtaba Khamenei to become Iran's next supreme leader, not US President Donald Trump, and not even his own father.

The late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes on February 28th, had made clear in his will that he did not want his son to succeed him, according to a report by the New York Post. However, the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ultimately pushed Mojtaba into the position anyway.

According to experts, the elder Khamenei had serious reservations about his son's suitability for the role.

"In Khamenei's will, he explicitly asked Mojtaba not to be named as successor," said Khosro Isfahani, research director at the opposition group National Union for Democracy, which has ties to Iranian intelligence networks.

Read | When A Young Mojtaba Khamenei Was Witness To Father's Assault

Isfahani said the late leader believed Mojtaba lacked the experience and political stature needed to run the country.

"Mojtaba is an impotent young cleric who has achieved nothing in terms of political life," Isfahani said.

"All these years, he has been nothing without his father's name," he added.

Iran's leadership succession is typically determined by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader. But according to Isfahani, Mojtaba's appointment did not follow the normal process.

Instead, he said the IRGC pressured the Assembly while it was deliberating last week and ultimately forced the decision.

Read | Why US Sanctioned Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei In 2019

Isfahani, citing sources inside Iran, said Mojtaba did not even secure a majority of votes from the council. The pressure from the IRGC reportedly led several clerics to boycott the session where the successor was formally announced.

"The Assembly of Experts that was supposed to pick the replacement of Khamenei didn't vote for Mojtaba," Isfahani said.

"There was a lot of pushback against him, but under pressure from the IRGC, he was named as the successor."

According to Isfahani, the powerful military force sees Mojtaba as someone they can easily control.

"They see him as a puppet - a blank canvas that they can paint anything on," he said.

Trump On Mojtaba Khamenei

Trump said that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not be able to "live in peace". He has expressed strong disapproval after Iran elected the second son of Ali Khamenei as the new leader.

Prior to Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment, Trump insisted that the US should have a say in selecting the next leader for Iran, similar to past US involvement in Venezuela.

In an interview with Axios, Trump said that Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, succeeding his father as the new head of the Islamic republic is "unacceptable" and that he wants someone who would "bring harmony and peace to Iran".

Read | "I Don't Believe He Can Live In Peace": Trump's Warning For Mojtaba Khamenei

Trump said that making someone a leader who would continue Khamenei's policies would force the US to be back to war "in five years".

On Sunday, Trump told ABC News, "He's going to have to get approval from us. If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long."

Mojtaba, 56, had never held an official government position before his appointment. Much of his influence came from operating behind the scenes within his father's inner circle as the Islamic Republic tightened its conservative grip on power.

Leaked US diplomatic cables from the 2000s described him as "the power behind the robes". Around the same time, he was accused of helping manipulate Iran's presidential elections to ensure victories for regime loyalists.

Meanwhile, Israel's military has previously warned that any Iranian leader who continues Tehran's campaign of terrorism would be considered an "unequivocal target for elimination".

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Gurugram Techie Reveals Rs 89,500 Monthly Expense Breakdown, Internet Reacts

The internet is filled with videos of professionals sharing details about their salaries, monthly expenses, and savings. Such posts often go viral because they offer a rare glimpse into the financial lives of working individuals. From tech employees and consultants to freelancers and entrepreneurs, many people are increasingly opening up about how much they earn and how they manage their money. These videos spark curiosity among viewers and trigger discussions about the cost of living, personal finance, and whether certain salaries are enough to sustain a comfortable life in major cities.

Recently, a software engineer and digital creator garnered attention after sharing a detailed breakdown of her Rs 89,500 monthly expenses while living in Gurugram. Her monthly budget is heavily weighted toward financial future-proofing, with the majority of her income going toward investments rather than daily living costs. 

The video begins with Nikkita Yadav introducing the topic and explaining that she will walk viewers through her monthly spending while living in Gurugram, often called India's Millennium City. She lists her key expenses, including Rs 16,000 for rent and electricity, Rs 3,000 for groceries, and around Rs 1,500 for transportation. She also sets aside Rs 5,000 for skincare and shopping, along with Rs 4,000 for leisure activities such as watching movies and dining out.

The largest share of her income, however, goes toward financial commitments and investments, which together amount to Rs 60,000. She spends that amount on EMIs and systematic investment plans (SIPs). With these commitments included, her total monthly expenditure comes to about Rs 89,500, offering viewers insight into the spending and saving habits of a young professional working in the tech industry.

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This breakdown has sparked online discussion, particularly as it contrasts with other recent viral posts from techies whose "regular" lifestyle expenses often exceed Rs 1.4 lakh due to higher rent and frequent socialising. 

One person was surprised by her low travel costs and asked how her spending on transportation was so minimal, noting that services like Uber and Ola are usually the main options for commuting. In reply, Yadav explained that her office provides a cab service, which she uses for most of her work travel. She also mentioned that she only has to go to the office about 10 days a month, so most of her transport spending happens during outings outside work.

Another viewer congratulated her on her progress and asked about her cost-to-company (CTC) and work experience. Yadav said she could not publicly reveal her exact salary but shared that it is more than Rs 15 lakh per annum, with 2.9 years of work experience. 

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Fuel Prices Up, Salaries Cut: Energy Shock To Pakistan Amid Iran War

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a sweeping austerity and energy-saving plan, saying the steps were necessary as the country confronts a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Pakistan, like several other economies, is facing fuel supply disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies.

The disruption began after Iran retaliated against US bases in the Middle East following joint strikes by the United States and Israel, complicating oil shipments across the region.

Amid tightening supplies, Pakistan increased petrol and diesel prices by 20 per cent and rolled out nationwide austerity measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption and government spending.

Region "In A State Of War"

In a televised address to the nation, Sharif said the wider region had been engulfed in conflict and stressed that Pakistan was working through diplomatic channels to help ease tensions.

"The entire region is currently in a state of war," the PM said, adding that Pakistan was making every effort through diplomatic channels to help resolve the situation.

Sharif also condemned the attacks on Iran that resulted in the killing of Ali Khamenei, while also criticising retaliatory strikes targeting friendly Gulf countries.

Oil Prices Surge

Sharif said global energy markets had already reacted sharply to the conflict.

"The price of crude oil in the international market has suddenly jumped from around $60 to more than $100 per barrel," he said, adding that Pakistan's daily economic activity depended heavily on oil and gas imports from Gulf countries.

He said the government had been forced to take difficult economic and administrative decisions to manage the situation.

"We have taken difficult decisions to reduce the energy crisis and stabilise the economy despite challenging circumstances," he said.

Sharif acknowledged that the recent fuel price increase was a painful decision.

"The increase in petroleum prices was a difficult decision taken with a heavy heart," he said.

"My mind told me that there was no option but to increase fuel prices, while my heart worried that it could place a burden on the poor," he added.

He warned that prices could rise further as the global crisis continues but assured the public that the government would try to limit the burden.

"I assure the nation that we will make every possible effort to ensure that the burden on the public is kept to a minimum," he said.

Government Announces Austerity Measures

Sharif said both federal and provincial governments had agreed to implement austerity and simplicity measures to conserve energy and reduce expenditure.

Under the new plan, fuel allocations for vehicles used by government departments will be cut by half for two months.

"For the next two months, the fuel provided to vehicles of government departments will be reduced by 50%," he said.

The prime minister added that 60 per cent of vehicles across government departments would remain off the roads during the same period.

Members of the federal cabinet, advisers and special assistants will not draw salaries for two months, while members of parliament will face a 25 per cent pay cut.

"All government departments will reduce their expenditures by 20%," he said.

Travel Ban And Work-From-Home Policy

Sharif also announced a ban on foreign travel by ministers, advisers, special assistants and government officials unless the visit is deemed essential.

"Only extremely necessary visits for national interest will be allowed," he said, adding that teleconferencing and online meetings would be prioritised.

The austerity measures also include a deduction of two days' salary from Grade-20 and above officers earning more than 300,000 Pakistani rupees per month.

The government will also impose a complete ban on official dinners and iftar parties, while seminars and official events will be held only at government venues to reduce costs.

Sharif said 50 per cent of staff in both the public and private sectors would work from home, except for essential services.

Government offices will operate four days a week, though the policy will not apply to banks.

Schools across the country will also be closed for two weeks starting at the end of the current week as part of the energy conservation drive.

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First-Time Father Holding Newborn Melts Hearts, Video Hits 207 Million Views

A heartwarming video of a first-time father's nervous and emotional reaction to holding his newborn has captivated millions after being shared by Dr. Suganya Saravanakumar on Instagram. The clip, filmed at Sugan Multispecialty Hospital in Chennai, shows the doctor gently guiding the trembling father as he experiences a mix of awe, fear, and joy. In the video, the father's hands are visibly shaking as he prepares to touch the infant. He appears stiff and unsure, prompting the doctor to calmly coach him on how to position his hands safely.

"The strongest person has trembling hands to hold the tiny joy. Moments are lived. Memories are cherished every day, every minute, every second; the new joy joins the family," the video was captioned on Instagram.

Watch the video here:

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Shared on March 7, the video has already garnered over 207 million views and 9.9 million likes on Instagram. Netizens have praised the doctor's patience and the father's raw, authentic vulnerability, with many commenting that it perfectly captures the "real father's fear" of holding something so precious and fragile. 

One user wrote, "The weight on his shoulders, he felt like lifting a whole world." Another commented, "The purest form of love, fear of hurting unknowingly, to stay away to keep it protected."

A third said, "He must have lifted so much weight in the gym, but he is scared of holding his baby." Think how sensitive and caring a man can be when he loves someone.

"Those whose first baby is a girl can truly understand this feeling," a fourth stated, while a fifth appreciated the doctor saying, "Such a beautiful moment." I love the way you comfort him."

"The way he was getting scared to hold the baby for the first time and then held his breath while carrying the baby very carefully so that the baby doesn't wake up. Best moment ever," added a sixth. 

Tips for New Fathers Holding a Newborn

• Support the head: Always support the baby's head and neck, as their muscles are still weak.
• Keep the baby close: Holding the infant firmly against your chest makes them feel secure and safe.
• Move slowly: Avoid any sudden or jerky movements. Moving with quiet confidence helps both you and the baby stay calm.
• Involvement: Bonding often takes time. Starting with daily care activities like bathing or skin-to-skin contact from day one can help build your confidence. 

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IPL 2026: Starting Date Announced By BCCI - Everything You Need To Know

The upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season will officially kick off on March 28, broadcaster Star Sports confirmed on Sunday. The official announcement came ahead of the India vs New Zealand ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is to be noted that the fixtures of the IPL 2026 edition are yet to be announced by the IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions. The Bengaluru-based franchise defeated Punjab Kings in the 2025 edition summit clash by six runs in Ahmedabad.

Earlier this month, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary, Santosh Menon, confirmed that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 home games. He also confirmed that the venue will host the IPL 2026 final, along with one of the play-off matches in the tournament.

Notably, RCB's remaining two home matches of their IPL 2026 campaign will be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

RCB, in a statement on Tuesday, said, "RCB extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for their unwavering guidance, cooperation and support in facilitating the hosting of matches in Bengaluru. The collective efforts to ramp up infrastructure and safety measures in time for the IPL season have ensured that the defending champions will play the majority of their home games in their home ground," a statement stated.

Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, "The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players, inspiring them through every phase of the game. Our fans have stood by us unconditionally, and they deserve the opportunity to watch their team compete at home."

"After detailed discussions and completing the necessary due process around permissions, we are pleased to confirm that RCB will play five matches in Bengaluru. We sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their support in making this possible," Menon said.

Cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been suspended since June last year after 11 people died and several were injured in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 title celebration.

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