Manav Suthar Celebrates Test Debut Against Afghanistan: A Dream Come True
New Chandigarh, June 6: The Test match against Afghanistan, which began on Saturday in Mullanpur, marks a significant milestone for all-rounder Manav Suthar. At just 23 years old, this Indian cricketer is making his international debut. The debut cap was presented to him by renowned spinner Kuldeep Yadav. After receiving his cap, Suthar expressed that ... Read more Manav Suthar Celebrates Test Debut Against Afghanistan: A Dream Come True
India Dominates Afghanistan in Test Match with Stellar Performances
New Chandigarh, June 6: India has established a strong grip against Afghanistan in the ongoing lone Test at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. By the end of the first day, the Indian team scored 368 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, with only 85 overs played. Winning the toss in Mullanpur, the Indian ... Read more India Dominates Afghanistan in Test Match with Stellar Performances
9 killed, several injured in truck-jeep collision in Punjab
A tragic road accident in Ferozepur, Punjab, claimed the lives of at least nine people and injured around 15 others when a truck collided with a jeep. The victims were en route to immerse ashes of a family member when the collision occurred. Emergency services responded swiftly, and an investigation into the cause is underway.
Rahul 'Should Be Given Oscar': Star's Act Doubles Afghanistan's DRS Folly
The morning session on Day 1 of the first India vs Afghanistan Test in New Chandigarh could well have belonged to the visiting team. It did not, and they themselves have to blame for it
The morning session on Day 1 of the first India vs Afghanistan Test in New Chandigarh could well have belonged to the visiting team. It did not, and they themselves have to blame for it
India Wins Toss Against Afghanistan, Batting First in Test Match Debut for Manav Suthar
Chandigarh, June 6: India is set to face Afghanistan in a single Test match starting Saturday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first. Manav Suthar is making his Test debut for the Indian team in this match. After winning the ... Read more India Wins Toss Against Afghanistan, Batting First in Test Match Debut for Manav Suthar
Who is Manav Suthar, the Debutant Against Afghanistan? Kuldeep Hands Over the Cap
New Chandigarh, June 6: India is set to face Afghanistan in a single Test match starting Saturday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first. This match marks the Test debut of Manav Suthar for India. The 23-year-old Manav Suthar is ... Read more Who is Manav Suthar, the Debutant Against Afghanistan? Kuldeep Hands Over the Cap
New Chandigarh: Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz expressed that playing against India in the upcoming one-off Test is a long-held dream coming true as he described the chance to participate in red-ball cricket in India as a special milestone in his career. Watching Afghanistan's early steps in Test cricket from a distance, Gurbaz acknowledged that this moment has deep personal importance as his team strives to make its mark in the longest format. I feel amazing. I remember the first Test which I was not part of the test match and I was watching on the TV. Yeah, it just was a dream to play against India in India in Test cricket. Finally, I'm here. Very excited for this game, yeah, Gurbaz said. Afghanistan arrive for the fixture after an extended period of preparation, having spent more than a month working on their red-ball game before travelling to India. Gurbaz believes the groundwork has left the squad well placed heading into the contest. Been very nice. From the last one and a half months, we were practicing in Afghanistan and then we came here early a little bit and then we had a good practice session here in Chandigarh as well that I think we are very well prepared and looking for a good game, the keeper-batter said. While Afghanistan have made significant strides in white-ball cricket, Gurbaz acknowledged that Test cricket remains a learning process for a side still building experience in the format. He stressed that the team has embraced the challenge and is determined to compete despite its relative inexperience. It's a learning for us. We are not that well experienced in Test cricket, which I think in Test cricket, you really need experience and test experience, actually. I think it's a good learning for us and also we had a very good camp and we had a very good red ball practice. I think mentally, physically, we are well prepared and the way we practiced and the way the boys are ready, I think we are very ready to fight and at the same time, we just need to be looking for a good game to play a good cricket game. And yeah, it's a new challenge for me, but as a cricketer, I don't need to make excuses and I'm well prepared to play a good cricket, Gurbaz noted. It's a learning for us. We are not that well experienced in Test cricket, which I think in Test cricket, you really need experience and test experience, actually. I think it's a good learning for us and also we had a very good camp and we had a very good red ball practice. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He's such a nice man. He's an encouraged guy and I think he's a very well supporter for all of us. It's our first tour with him and hopefully we keep continuing the good memories which we had before. And yeah, his knowledge is more than our age. I think we are lucky to have a coach like him and hopefully we learn so much things from him, he said. Article Source: IANS
Shubman Gill Wins Toss, India Opt to Bat Against Afghanistan as Manav Suthar Makes Test Debut
India skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in their one-off cricket Test in New Chandigarh on Saturday. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made his India debut on a hot and humid day, with the pitch expected to get slower and lower as the match progresses at India's newest Test venue. India, ranked third in world Test rankings, would be looking to bounce back after suffering a 2-0 defeat to South Africa at home in November in their most recent Test outing. The match is not part of the World Test Championship cycle, but a key game for Afghanistan who played their debut five-day game in India in 2018. Since then, Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, have played 12 Tests and won four. The Afghans handed a Test debut to left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote and went in with three seamers and two spinners. Teams India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna. Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad Saleem. Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG), Sharfuddoula (BAN) TV Umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) Also Read: Live Cricket Score Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
India begins its Test series against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, aiming to fine-tune its playing combination and address selection queries after a previous home defeat. Afghanistan, though underdogs, seeks to showcase its progress since their last Test encounter in 2018, where they were comprehensively defeated.
Afghan national among 6 held for arms, hawala links
CHANDIGARH, June 5: The Amritsar commissionerate has apprehended six persons including an Afghan national and two juveniles over suspected links with a cross-border arms and drug trafficking network, and illicit hawala transfers, a top Punjab Police official said on Friday. Over 1 kg of heroin, five sophisticated pistols and Rs 5 lakh in suspected drug money was recovered from their possession, Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said. Among the arrestees is Baz Mohammad (62), an Afghan national [] The post Afghan national among 6 held for arms, hawala links appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bank fraud: Mandi Gobindgarh businessman jailed in Mohali.
Cash Credit Limit Obtained Using Forged Documents; Special CBI Court Also Imposes A Fine of Rs 15,000.
Woman killed in Mohali office was bride-to-be; stabbed 34 times.
Killer Colleague Still Critical After Self-Harm
Trio robs out-of-fuel motorcyclist in Chandigarh.
Ex-employee held on charges of setting shop on fire in Chandigarhs Manimajra Motor Market.
Knife attack at birthday party in Sector 56; nine held.
Mohali village gurdwara thief beaks leg in flight.
Robbery, heroin ring smashed in Mohali.
Absence of fire escape routes found in safety inspections at tuition centres in Chandigarh.
Action Starts From Sectors 24 And 25
National honours for E-Jagriti amid system crashes, cyber risks
Dark web gamer held over bomb hoax mails in Chandigarh.
Indoor heat crisis needs urgent urban upgrades
Pinjore parking feud murder: 4 held.
Kataria reviews facilities at Indira Holiday Home
Civic body tells councillors to preach clean habits
City brass goes green on World Environment Day
India vs Afghanistan: New Chandigarh to make Test debut today
Spinners Expected To Dominate Blazing-Hot Clash
UT education department scrambles to fix govt school payment woes
Teachers Turn Tech-Support
Rohtak health varsity issues show-cause notices to 2 dental college examiners
Hisar man held for threatening YouTuber over phone
FIR against 10 for hanging Dalit youth upside down in well over theft suspicion
Rs 24cr dues pending for bajra: Rewari farmers
Apprentice linemen lathicharged as recruitment protest intensifies in Patiala
Mishap claims life of former journalist in Chamkaur Sahib
Man kills paramours teen daughter, burns body in suitcase
Una court sentences Amb native to life imprisonment for murdering teenaged girl
CM calls for mass movement on environmental protection
Governor flags off World Environment Day mini marathon, calls for drug-free and green Himachal
Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans to offer X-ray, ultrasound services closer to home in HP
HP signs MoU with UNDP for climate-resilient development
Sukhu launches first phase of Chinar plantation drive
Indian youths trafficked to Myanmar: NIA court rejects bail pleas of two accused
On Environment Day, Haryana govt unveils Rs 2,738 cr horticulture push
Haryana to host CPA conference for first time from June 8-10
In 6 years, Haryana cops arrested 6,256 drug traffickers, seized assets worth Rs 72cr
5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts North India
SRINAGAR: A strong earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck the Hindu Kush region near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border on Friday night, sending tremors across large parts of North India and triggering panic among residents in Chandigarh and the tricity region. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at around 9:46 []
IDFC First Bank fraud was isolated case involving collusion: KPMG
A forensic review has confirmed a Rs 646 crore fraud at IDFC First Bank's Chandigarh branch was an isolated incident. The fraud involved collusion between bank employees, government officials, and third parties. The bank has paid back the principal amount and interest. IDFC First Bank has implemented new controls to prevent future collusion risks at the branch level.
Bisleri International marked World Environment Day 2026 through a series of ground-level initiatives across North India. Under its Bottles for Change programme for plastic waste management, Bisleri mobilized communities, government departments, defence establishments, educational institutions, and civil society organisations across Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to combat plastic pollution. Bisleri organised plantation & cleanup drives at Sabarmati Riverfront In Delhi, an awareness session and a painting competition were held at EDM Mall in Kaushambi. Rose Udaan Home for Girls, an NGO managed by Salam Balak Trust, also hosted a painting competition in Dilshad Garden. The activities collectively engaged over 320 participants. Bisleri conducted awareness session at Indroda Nature Park with GEER Foundation In Ludhiana, Punjab, a large-scale plogging drive convened in collaboration with the DC Office and more than 30 government and institutional partners, drew over 1,500 citizens onto the streets to collect and segregate plastic waste. In Chandigarh, a two-day plastic collection drive with the Market Welfare Association of Sector 19D brought together 100 residents. Additionally, an awareness-led painting competition with Yuva Stambh at Babu Dham Colony engaged 50 young participants in a creative exploration of plastic waste and its impact. Best Out of Waste Plant Pot-Making Competition organized by Bisleri & Gram Bharti Samiti In Lucknow, Bisleri set up an exhibition stall at the State-Level Workshop on Environment, organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan. Bisleris stall showcased the importance of recycling through a display of products made from different categories of recycled plastics. The team also distributed comic books and resource kits to raise awareness. To reiterate the importance of waste segregation, they conducted an interactive segregation-based game for visitors. The event was attended by around 800 officials and policymakers.Underscoring Bisleri's commitment to protecting the region's natural water bodies and green spaces, a cleanup drive was conducted at the ecologically sensitive Ekana Wetland in partnership with the Gomti Task Force, and a dedicated awareness session was held at Kudiya Ghat in collaboration with Lion Securities. Commenting on the occasion, Mr K. Ganesh, Director Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International , said, " World Environment Day is a powerful moment to initiate action, and this year we set out to make our presence felt in every corner of the communities we serve. From plogging drives in Ludhiana to plantation campaigns in Gujarat and awareness sessions at the Ekana wetland, each initiative under Bottles for Change reflects our belief that lasting change is built at the grassroots. We are grateful to the state government bodies, institutions, NGOs, and citizen who stood with us to preserve the environment." Plantation drives, cleanup campaigns, and awareness sessions were conducted in Gujarat across five locations including Indroda Nature Park with GEER Foundation, the Sabarmati Riverfront with SRDCL, Pansar Village with Kiran Fitness Centre, RAF Camp Cantonment, and HNGU Patan. Together, these events collectively engaged over 525 participants, bringing together students, defence personnel, and local communities in a shared commitment to tackling plastic pollution. A Letter of Association was also signed with HNGU, deepening Bisleri's institutional partnerships in the state. In Rajasthan, Gram Bharti Samiti partnered with Bottles for Change for a Best Out of Waste plant pot-making competition on June 4, followed by a Run for a Change programme on June 5 in Jaipur. Together, both events mobilized 140 participants. These efforts are part of Bisleri's ongoing Bottles for Change program, which has reached over 10 million people nationwide and raised awareness on plastic segregation and recycling. About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe, and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability. www.bisleri.com .
All Eyes On T20I Captaincy As Selectors Convene To Pick Indias Squads For Multiple Tours
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: While the second session of the first day in the India-Afghanistan one-off Test match is underway in New Chandigarh, all eyes will be on Mumbai when the Ajit Agarkarled senior national selection committee will meet at the BCCI headquarters on Saturday to finalise Indias squads for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England. Following the meeting, Agarkar and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia are scheduled to address a press conference at 1 pm on the fourth floor of the boards headquarters. India will play two T20Is in Ireland on June 26 and 28, followed by five matches in England from July 1 to 11. The Agarkar-led panel will also pick India's 'A squad for the red-ball series against Sri Lanka, to be played from June 25 to July 5, as well as release a shortlist of players for the Mens T20 event at the Asian Games, to be played in Nagoya, Japan. The biggest talking point, though, will be the future of T20I captaincy, which is all set to dominate discussions in the selection meeting. Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to a historic defence of the Mens T20 World Cup title in March, has been in a prolonged lean patch. He managed only 270 runs in 13 innings for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54. Even in the World Cup, Suryakumar wasnt at his prolific best -- scoring 242 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.72. With Suryakumar turning 36 in September, it will be interesting to see if he will retain his captaincy or lose both the leadership armband and his place in the side. Amongst the frontrunners to succeed Suryakumar, Shreyas Iyer has been the standout candidate. An in-form Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL crown in 2024 and guided Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to finals in 2020 and 2025, respectively. He also captained Mumbai to win the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. If named as Indias 15th mens T20I captain, it will cap off an extraordinary turn of events for Iyer, the current vice-captain in ODIs. Iyer wasnt in the T20I set-up for the previous World Cup cycle, though he was in the squad for the series win over New Zealand earlier this year as a replacement for injured Tilak Varma. Other leadership options include Hardik Pandya, who is currently working on his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after back spasms hurt him in IPL 2026 and led India in 16 T20Is before. Other candidates for the leadership role include Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson. If not for the leadership role, the trio could be in the mix for the vice-captains role, too. Deliberations will be there on including teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and two-time IPL-winning captain Rajat Patidar in the T20I team after the duo had a stellar time in IPL 2026 with the bat. But how the duo will be accommodated in the line-up, already having Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan in the top order, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, with Indias Test team set to play a crucial two-game series in Sri Lanka in August, the selectors may also send senior redball players to feature in the shadow A tour for early acclimatisation of batting in spin-friendly conditions and bowling with the red Kookaburra ball. Deliberations will be there on including teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and two-time IPL-winning captain Rajat Patidar in the T20I team after the duo had a stellar time in IPL 2026 with the bat. But how the duo will be accommodated in the line-up, already having Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan in the top order, remains to be seen. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Fast bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi, who picked 60 wickets in Jammu and Kashmir, winning the Ranji Trophy earlier this year, could be included in the India A squad after missing out on a spot in the squad for the Afghanistan Test. In all, Saturday promises to give answers to a lot of high-stakes questions, while setting the tone for a crucial few months for Indian cricket in both the shortest and longest formats. Article Source: IANS
Job Opportunities at C-DAC: Apply for 16 Positions with Attractive Salaries
Chandigarh, June 5: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Mohali has announced job openings for 16 contractual positions across various domains at its centers and project sites nationwide. Among the 16 vacancies, there are 13 positions for Project Engineer/PS and O Executive (Experienced), 2 for Senior Project Engineer/Module Lead/Project Leader, and 1 ... Read more Job Opportunities at C-DAC: Apply for 16 Positions with Attractive Salaries
Shubman Gill's India Ready For Red-ball Return As Afghanistan Await In Historic New Chandigarh Test
New PCA Stadium: Less than a week after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 ended, Shubman Gill's India are gearing up to return to traditional cricket when they host Afghanistan in a one-off Test at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh starting on Saturday. Although this match does not count towards the World Test Championship cycle, India has stated they will treat it as seriously as any other Test. This match is India's first Test since their series against South Africa in November. It poses a unique challenge for a squad still adjusting to franchise cricket. Eight players from the 15-man squad participated in the IPL final, leaving little time to shift from white-ball cricket to the patience and discipline required in the longest format. For Gill, this match presents another chance to assert his authority as Indias Test captain while leading a team in transition. The hosts will play without veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is rested. With Ravichandran Ashwin retired, India will play a home Test without both stalwarts for the first time since 2010. Head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed claims that the match holds less importance because it is outside the World Test Championship. A Test match is a Test match. I know people say this isnt part of the World Test Championship, but for me, it is a Test match. We need to win for the country because you don't differentiate between Test matches, whether they are part of the World Test Championship or not. That is why we will try to field our full-strength side for this Test, Gambhir said. This match is also important for the venue itself. Until last week, the New PCA Stadium showcased IPL colours as one of Punjab Kings' home grounds and hosted the Eliminator and Qualifier 2. Now it is preparing for its first Test, becoming the 31st venue to host a men's Test in India. Indias team management has confirmed that Sai Sudharsan will continue at No. 3, showing their confidence in him as a long-term solution in that crucial position. The match also marks an important milestone for Rishabh Pant, who is set to play his 50th Test. Only MS Dhoni and Syed Kirmani have played in more Tests as wicketkeepers for India. With Ashwin retired and Jadeja unavailable, much of the spin workload will fall on Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner had a challenging IPL campaign, taking just 10 wickets in 12 matches. However, he has used the break since Delhi Capitals' early exit to regain his form with the red ball. Meanwhile, Afghanistan arrive aiming to showcase how far they have come since their first Test appearance against India in Bengaluru in 2018. In that match, they lost in under two days by an innings, but captain Hashmatullah Shahidi believes his team is better prepared this time. The visitors are missing star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, but they still have an experienced core led by Shahidi and Rahmat Shah. Rahmat is Afghanistan's top Test batter, holding records for runs, centuries, and fifty-plus scores in the format. He enters this match needing just 30 runs to become the first Afghanistan player to reach 1,000 Test runs. The Test will also mark the start of a new era for Afghanistan under head coach Richard Pybus, who expects conditions to change significantly over the five days. This is a new stadium, it is a new wicket. I think the Indian coaching staff will be as curious to see how the wicket plays as we are. It looks like a good cricket wicket, but I have no doubt the heat will pull moisture out quickly. It has a solid covering of grass, but will it hold together? Spinners will play a major role in the game, even though it looks pretty green at the moment, Pybus said. The black-soil surface is predicted to be good for batting early on, although rising June temperatures, expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, could change its nature as the game progresses. Such conditions are likely to favour spinners and will require endurance and patience. When: Saturday, June 6, 9:30 AM IST Where: New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh Where to watch: Jiostar and Star Sports Network Squads: Where to watch: Jiostar and Star Sports Network Also Read: Live Cricket Score Afghanistan: Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Afsar Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Qais Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman. Article Source: IANS
Chandigarh Weather Forecast IND vs AFG: India returns to Test cricket against Afghanistan in Mullanpur. Shubman Gill leads a new-look Indian team. Afghanistan faces challenges with key players absent. The pitch offers assistance to bowlers. Weather is expected to be favourable for uninterrupted play. This Test serves as preparation for India and a proving ground for Afghanistan.
India make red-ball switch for Afghanistan challenge in New Chandigarh's maiden Test
India will likely have to decide between Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar for the third spinner's spot
Gautam Gambhir Backs Sai Sudharsan as a World-Class Player Ahead of Afghanistan Test
Chandigarh, June 5: Indias head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has firmly stated that the team will provide Sai Sudharsan with ample opportunities. Gambhir emphasized that Sudharsan is a world-class player, coming off a remarkable IPL 2026 season where he scored over 700 runs. Following Gambhirs remarks, it is almost certain that Sudharsan will take the number ... Read more Gautam Gambhir Backs Sai Sudharsan as a World-Class Player Ahead of Afghanistan Test
IGPL Bharath Classic: Kochhar One Behind Leader Runchanapong; Aryan Roopa Also In Top-10
IGPL Morocco Rising Stars: Karandeep Kochhar of India posted a fine round of 6-under 66 and positioned himself in the tied second place after the first day of the USD 500,000 IGPL Bharath Classic at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. The 26-year-old from Chandigarh is one shot behind the leader, Thailands Runchanapong Youprayong, who carded 7-under 65 that included eight birdies against one bogey. Kochhar, a four-time winner in India, added a breakthrough win on the IGPL Tour late last year with a victory in IGPL Dubai hosted by Shiv Kapur. Kochhar had a four-birdie streak early in the round from the second hole and turned in 5-under 31, before picking two more birdies against one bogey in his second nine for a 66. Sharing the second place with Kochhar were Australias Will Florimo and Austrias Nicklas Regner. Kochhar, a four-time winner in India, added a breakthrough win on the IGPL Tour late last year with a victory in IGPL Dubai hosted by Shiv Kapur. Kochhar had a four-birdie streak early in the round from the second hole and turned in 5-under 31, before picking two more birdies against one bogey in his second nine for a 66. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The next best Indian in the field was Aryan Roopa Anand, who armed with confidence that leapfrogged since his win at the IGPL Congo, shot 4-under 68 despite two bogeys. He had six birdies including three in a row on the front nine of the course from the third to the fifth. Article Source: IANS
'We Will Expect Him To Be The Way He Is': Gambhir On Pant's Test Vice-captaincy Snub
Lucknow Super Giants: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence on Rishabh Pant's removal as Test vice-captain, saying that the team management does not want the wicketkeeper-batter to change his natural style of play, but the 28-year-old must improve his ability to read match situations in international cricket. Pant was replaced by KL Rahul as India's Test vice-captain ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, a move that sparked widespread debate. The leadership change came after the left-hander endured a disappointing Test series against South Africa, where India were whitewashed 0-2, and a below-par IPL 2026 season with the Lucknow Super Giants. Addressing the issue during a pre-match press conference, Gambhir made it clear that the team management continues to back Pant's aggressive approach. And, as far as Rishabh is concerned, we will expect him to be the way he is. It's not like we will tell him to work on his game. But, in international cricket, it's very important to read the situation, he said. At that time, what kind of situation was there, and what kind of situation demands a certain shot. But, it's not like any player is told to play a completely different game than his natural game, he added. The India coach said players across formats must ultimately focus on contributing to the team's success. Whether it's test cricket, one-day cricket, or T20 cricket. The ultimate aim is to make a run and take a wicket. You can never get away from that. No matter how you make it, it's up to you. But it's very important to read the situation and the game, he said. Gambhir also played down the significance of leadership roles, insisting that captaincy and vice-captaincy are secondary to performing for the country. Whether it's test cricket, one-day cricket, or T20 cricket. The ultimate aim is to make a run and take a wicket. You can never get away from that. No matter how you make it, it's up to you. But it's very important to read the situation and the game, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Pant, 28, is preparing to play his 50th Test match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh starting on Saturday. In 49 Tests, Pant has amassed 3476 runs at an average of 42.91 and strike-rate of 74.24, including hitting eight centuries and 18 fifties. Article Source: IANS
Woman Stabbed To Death By Spurned Partner In Mohali Office
CHANDIGARH, Jun 5: A 29-year-old woman was allegedly knifed to death by her colleague and spurned partner inside the office of a private company in Mohali, the horror unfolding in full view of others who tried to stop the attack but could not, police said on Friday. The assault took place on Thursday evening. The accused, Harvinder Mann, tried to kill himself with the same knife after repeatedly stabbing Dimple. Both were rushed to hospital where she was declared brought [] The post Woman Stabbed To Death By Spurned Partner In Mohali Office appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lucknow Super Giants: Former cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi on Friday hailed Rishabh Pant as the finest wicket-keeper batter India has ever seen in Tests, saying the southpaw's match-winning knock at the Gabba in 2021 would remain etched in his memory forever. Pant, 28, is preparing to play his 50th Test match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh starting on Saturday. In 49 Tests, Pant has amassed 3476 runs at an average of 42.91 and strike-rate of 74.24, including hitting eight centuries and 18 fifties. But his milestone Test comes at a time when the past few months havent been good for him. He had a forgetful time with the bat and as a captain for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, even as he lost the vice-captaincy in Tests to KL Rahul. During the Tests against South Africa and the BorderGavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Pants highrisk approach drew scrutiny at times. But the shift from IPLs chaos to the grind of Test cricket now offers Pant a chance to reset and be at his blistering best with the bat. See, to be honest, Rishabh got the captaincy because Shubman was injured. In all fairness, he was vice-captain. He had a fantastic England trip. Unfortunately, he couldn't play the entire series because of that injury. I feel that what happened with him in the IPL, I think selectors are looking at him where he can just discover himself back as a batsman. It's because we know how impactful a player he is as far as Test matches are concerned. With his batting, he single-handedly won us so many matches. So, if he can rediscover that touch, I think that is what selectors are looking at as always we have to look at the bigger picture. Sometimes, it's a tough call you're taking, but it's for the larger interest of the game. I'm sure, knowing Ajit, he must have conveyed it to Rishabh before announcing it and it is for the good of the team and good for Rishabh as well, Gandhi said in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Friday. Gandhi, who was the national selector when Pant made his Test debut against England at Trent Bridge in 2018, said his great overseas Tests record is a testimony to his extraordinary impact in the longer format for India, while also singling out the often-overlooked improvement in his glove work. It's very heartening to see the way he has evolved as a Test cricketer, the impact he has made on world cricket and playing 50 Test matches - it's a significant milestone. If you look at his performance overseas basically, whether just South Africa, England, even in Australia, he has played some very impactful match-winning knocks. So that was very nice to see and also, nobody talks about his wicket-keeping. The way he has improved his keeping - whether it is India or abroad, he has been rock-solid as a wicket-keeper. The only thing that I can wish is that this 50 he converts it into a 100. In whatever cricket I have seen, whatever Indian history as far as wicket-keeping batsmen is concerned, I think Rishabh is probably the best wicket-keeper batter India has ever seen so far, he added. Asked to pick his defining memory of Pant in Tests, Gandhi did not hesitate in mentioning the breach of the Gabba fortress in January 2021, when Pant hit 89 not out off 138 balls as India chased down 328 to pull off a heist and get an epic 2-1 series win over Australia. I would definitely recall the Test match at Gabba. The way he played that knock and he turned it around. So winning that series despite all the things going around - India was missing a lot of senior cricketers. On the final day, he believed that he's going to single-handedly win the match, which he did. Although he got a lot of support in the start and in the middle as well, but to stay till the end and win in Australia against their full side, I think that was the memory which will always remain in my memory, to be honest. I'll always remember that very fondly, he added. Gandhi also celebrated Pant's exuberant personality on the field, saying cricket needed characters like him, not robots. Also, one thing, I like his celebration after he gets a milestone. I mean, after he gets 100, I like to see that somersault, as we just want characters on the cricket field. We don't want robots, right? So he brings that flair. He has his own style and the way he plays some shots, he knows how it works for him and that has yielded results for him. I just wish him a lot of luck as far as health and fitness is concerned. Unfortunately, like we saw last year in England, he was doing so well and then he had a setback. So I just wish him really well and I hope this fifty will be converted into a hundred, Gandhi added. On Pant's recent struggles in white-ball cricket, with Ishan Kishan also taking his place as the second keeper in ODIs, Gandhi said the remedy lay in introspection and a return to basics. If you look at his early part of the career, as you rightly mentioned that he used to play a lot of shots on the offside, he used to drive and those things may have gone amiss. Sometimes in T20, you're trying too hard. I think he just needs to take some time with himself, do a little bit of introspection, and look at his old videos. Then I'm sure, you just keep working on your basics. Whenever a player is out of form, he needs to just go back to the basics. It's not that he has to change a great deal as he knows how to score runs, which is how we played 50 Test matches. So, I think these two-three Test matches that he's going to play before going to New Zealand are going to be very crucial, he said. Further asked on how Pant can evolve his white-ball game, Gandhi said, Like playing in the V, as we always talk of the basics, and playing close to the body - these are some of the basics to work on because sometimes in white ball, you tend to throw your bat and all sorts of mistakes do creep in - like tending to play away from the body. It's not that he has to change a great deal as he knows how to score runs, which is how we played 50 Test matches. So, I think these two-three Test matches that he's going to play before going to New Zealand are going to be very crucial, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Importantly, if you look at his Test record, the way he's batted is known to all. So, when it comes to white ball, he's underachieved a little bit. I mean, I'm sure he'll ponder over it. He'll do introspection and knowing him, he's going to come back stronger and harder, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
India's No.3 Problem Unsolved Since Pujara Left, Give Next Man Longer Run, Says Gandhi
Since Cheteshwar Pujara: The number three batting position remains India's biggest concern heading into the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, with former national selector Devang Gandhi saying the slot has been unsettled since Cheteshwar Pujara's exit and urged the team management to give the next incumbent a longer run. Indias number three remains the most unsettled seat in its batting line-up in Tests. Since Cheteshwar Pujaras exit, seven batters have auditioned at onedrop and none have nailed it down so far. Shubman Gill had the longest stint before shifting to number after taking over as captain. Since then, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal have batted at number three. The 2-0 series loss to South Africa at home laid bare the chaos - Washington was thrust into the role on a raging turner at Eden Gardens, only to be dropped back down after Indias collapse. Sudharsan returned in Guwahati, but is yet to make the spot his. For the Test against Afghanistan, Sudharsan is again in the mix, though Padikkals prolific domestic run also puts him firmly in contention. See, the number three spot has been a spot of bother. Nobody has settled in since Pujara left. So, that will be one area. India would like to also try out the youngsters. Even Kuldeep hasn't had a game for a long time. So, if Kuldeep comes into play, his form is going to be very crucial going into Sri Lanka. So, I think India will definitely keep those options in mind and then go ahead because this is also, I feel, a very good chance - we're playing in Chandigarh, and the wicket is going to be also good. I mean, India hasn't played a Test match for quite some time. So, before heading to Sri Lanka, I think this is the right time to get most of the players back in form and give them some game time, Gandhi said in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Friday. On Sudarshan's prospects, Gandhi, who featured in four Tests and three ODIs for India, suggested the young left-handed batter may be left out after failing to make the most of his chances in Tests in England and at home, while backing an in-form Padikkal to get a fair run. See, in all fairness, Sai has had a fair run. I mean, he played in England and thereafter, he played in India as well. Unfortunately, he didn't grab those chances. So, I think he will probably have to sit out of this Test match. Padikkal has only played two Test matches wherein he got up to fifty once. I think whoever is playing should be given a fair run - give him at least four or five Test matches to prove himself. It's not an easy spot to bat, especially number three. It requires sound technique, and temperament. So, it's a very challenging position to bat at. Whoever they have identified, they need to give him a longer run, he added. On the evolution of Shubman Gill after taking over as India's Test skipper last year, Gandhi was effusive in his praise. See, there has been a steady growth as far as his captaincy is concerned. Since he took over as captain, we know how well he took to captaincy as a batter, right? Scoring 700 runs on his first tour of England. So, that was very good. I think that will help him a lot and over the years, if you even look at the way he was captaining in the IPL, there has been a steady progress. He lends that balance to them and he brings that calmness to the table which I think is very important. It's quite, in fact, heartening to see the way he has been evolving as a captain and also as a batsman. The inclusion of left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar in the Test squad has been a big talking point and Gandhi said all-round ability has become a key selection parameter, especially in planning for life beyond Ravindra Jadeja. Yes, definitely and see, (Ravindra) Jadeja has served for a very long time. But if you look ahead, we definitely are looking for spinners. At the same time, it helps if you are able to bat. Then I think it lends a lot of balance to the side as you bat deep. Sometimes, it becomes very crucial if your bowlers are able to bat well and it's an added comfort. On tall right-arm fast bowler Gurnoor Brar being included in the Test set-up ahead of Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who picked 60 wickets in a victorious Ranji Trophy campaign, Gandhi said physical attributes and an 'X-factor' sometimes tipped the scales in a player's favour. At the same time, Gandhi felt Nabi would get his opportunities to play Tests through the India A route, especially with the side set to play two multi-day games in Galle, Sri Lanka. Sometimes there are certain players who can be fast-tracked if selectors feel that Gurnoor has a little bit of a spark. He has the height going for him. So that is why he may have been preferred over Auqib. But I'm sure, there are a lot of A series, as we know, and that he can be a part of that squad. Sometimes the selectors want to see again and have a closer look at how he bowls in the nets and all. So I'm sure he'll be groomed into the India A squad and he'll get his opportunities from there. But some players are fast-tracked while some people will have to take the staircase. Unfortunately, he's not being fast-tracked - so that's OK. I mean, I wouldn't worry overly. But it's not that the domestic performances are not rewarded - they are rewarded. But sometimes there are certain tough calls which selectors do take and we have to understand that, he added. He further said a green wicket in Chandigarh could well give Brar his Test debut, and that the match would also help selectors assess him ahead of the New Zealand series. It does - if as selectors you feel that he's got an x factor, right, then you may fast track him. You sometimes don't want to delay it. So I have a strong feeling that if the wicket is a little green, then he might make his debut because I think that will be a good way to prepare for the New Zealand series as well. It will give us some insight into how he's bowling in a Test match and if any areas need to be addressed. Between now and the New Zealand Test matches, he'll have enough time to work on those aspects of his bowling. So, I mean, there are certain attributes, but it's always the x-factor which sometimes weighs the decision-making, he added. Brar, Dubey and Suthar have all come through the India A system before earning their maiden Test call-up, and Gandhi signed off by underlining the value of a steady feeder line that continues to supply players to the senior side. It's very heartening because whenever selectors go to the breadth of the country, watching all the domestic matches, and then you pick someone who goes on to play for India A and he does really well, it feels great. So, we have a very good system here in India where players go through the ranks of Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup. Brar, Dubey and Suthar have all come through the India A system before earning their maiden Test call-up, and Gandhi signed off by underlining the value of a steady feeder line that continues to supply players to the senior side. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, it's a very systematic process and I think people need to just appreciate that and look at the kind of talent India has always thrown up, whether it is white ball cricket, and even red ball as well. It's a very good system that we have at the moment. Article Source: IANS
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