Three arrested for sextorting Chennai businessman
Debt-ridden TNPDCL lets 584 crore slip, another 300 crore at risk
Failed To Collect Addl Surcharge From High-Tension Consumers
Nurses protest, demand withdrawal of T.N. governments staff reduction measures
Office-bearers of the Tamil Nadu Nurses Empowerment Association meet Director of Medical and Rural Health Services and submit their petitions
New curriculum for Classes IV-XII to include subjects on emerging technologies
Speaking at a meeting of the curriculum design committee, School Education Minister Rajmohan stresses the need to cultivate natural intelligence in students to ensure their growth
Tamil Nadu is top job creator under textile PLI, generating nearly one in four jobs
Eye care services expanded for persons living with psychiatric conditions
Hatsun Agros quarterly revenue exceeds 3,000 crore for the first time
TVS Motor bullish on demand outlook, steps up capacity expansion
Reports strong growth in Q1 revenue and PAT
Tamil Nadu Sanctions Rs 10.71 Crore for Climate-Resilient Hill Town Master Plans
GIS-mapping drone surveys and geological studies are part of the blueprint for Ooty, Kodaikanal
Private school bus catches fire near Kundrathur
Nonagenarian undergoes keyhole surgery at city hospital
According to a press release, the nonagenarian sustained a tear in the rotator cuff of his left shoulder following a fall at home and experienced persistent pain for nearly a month
Pranesh stuns Gukesh again, Nihal downs Erigaisi at Chennai Grand Masters
GM M Pranesh defeated world champion D Gukesh for a second time. GM Nihal Sarin secured a crucial victory against Arjun Erigaisi in Round 6. French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja moved into sole lead after drawing his game. Erigaisi's defeat left him tied with Abdusattorov on 3.5 points. The elite tournament features top grandmasters and carries significant prize money.
150 persons take part in job fair organised by SCARF
Around 80 persons were shortlisted for various roles. The next job fair is planned to be held on December 1
Chennai businessman abducted during morning walk; four arrested
Trustee moves Madras high court seeking scheme for Vels Trust
QS Best Student Cities 2027: Delhi named world's most affordable student city, Mumbai tops India
Delhi has secured the top global spot for student affordability in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings, underscoring India's appeal as a higher education destination. Mumbai led the country in the overall rankings, while Chennai and Bengaluru also earned places on the global list. The assessment measures cities on academic quality, affordability, employability and overall student experience.
Anupama-Dhruv rumours: Here's what reports claim
Anupama Parameswaran and Dhruv Vikram's relationship appears to be in turmoil after three years together, with rumors of a breakup intensifying. Sources report a fiery argument at a Chennai hotel escalated to an incident where Anupama reportedly slapped Dhruv. Following this, the actress shared enigmatic posts hinting at moving on from 'dead ends.' As of now, both stars have kept silent about these relationship speculations.
CM Vijay appoints his constituency district secretary as Tamil Nadu Housing Board chairman
Siva, whose district covers chief minister C Joseph Vijay's Perambur constituency, played a key role in the CM's election campaign.
Four persons arrested for cheating gold trader of 63 lakh in Chennai
The complainant allegedly gave money to the accused for discounted gold jewellery. However, the accused duped the complainant
Chennai police launch anti-drug awareness campaign; 6,000 students take pledge
Greater Chennai Commissioner A. Amalraj unveiled a new anti-drug logo and inaugurated a signature campaign, with around 6,000 college and school students taking a pledge against drug abuse
Tamil Nadu government appoints V. Siva as Chairman of T.N. Housing Board
Mr. Siva is TVKs North Chennai district secretary and was the partys in-charge for the Perambur Assembly constituency from where Mr. Vijay was elected to the Assembly.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay invited Arivu who is best known for his Tamil independent music including the hit song Enjoy Enjaami, Thalapathy Kacheri from Jana Nayagan to his chamber and listened to his concerns.
Tamil rapper Arivu detained during bid to protest against NEET near Secretariat in Chennai
Arivu is best known for his Tamil independent music including the hit song Enjoy Enjaami, and for film tracks such as Vaathi Raid from Vijay-starrer Master (2021), Neeye Oli from Sarpatta Parambarai (2021) and Thalapathy Kacheri from Jana Nayagan (2026)
Did Anupama Parameswaran slap Dhruv Vikram with a slipper? Here's what we know
Rumours about Anupama Parameswaran and Dhruv Vikram's breakup intensified after reports claimed she allegedly slapped him with a slipper during an argument at a Chennai hotel. Neither actor has confirmed the claims, while fans continue speculating over their relationship status
Chennai Metro Rail starts work on tunnel to link Nungambakkam and Sterling Road
Tunnelling starts near Khader Nawaz Khan Road. The machines will mostly drill under Uthamar Gandhi Road, Valluvar Kottam Road, and some buildings. Officials say the tunnel will be completed by next January
Inviting colleges and universities to document biodiversity on their campuses
A pan-India initiative by Nature Conservation Foundation welcomes institutions to create a Campus Biodiversity Register, and make it toiNaturalist,eBirdand Season Watch
Udhayanidhi Stalin condemns Tamil rapper Arivu's arrest over anti-NEET remarks
Udhayanidhi Stalin condemned the arrest of Tamil rapper Arivu for his anti-NEET statements. He stated the government is trying to silence opposition to the entrance examination. Arivu's voice reflects sentiments across Tamil Nadu and the nation. The arrest occurred as nationwide protests against NEET gain momentum. Stalin reiterated demands to ban NEET and stop silencing critics.
Great Lakes Institute of Management Gurgaon appoints Raj Krishnan Shankar as Director
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon has appointed Raj Krishnan Shankar as its new director. Shankar will lead the institute's next phase of growth and development. He previously served as an associate professor at Nord University in Norway. Shankar also held a professorship at Great Lakes, Chennai, focusing on strategy. His appointment aims to strengthen the institute's commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance.
Chennai's World-Class Healthcare Infrastructure - A Great Boon and Lifesaver for Patients Worldwide
Reinforcing Chennai's reputation as a global destination for advanced healthcare, Kauvery Hospital , Chennai, successfully performed a complex Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) ablation on a patient from Poland, providing him lasting relief from recurrent palpitations and significantly improving his quality of life. Kauvery Hospital Chennai The individual discovered Kauvery Hospital, while researching advanced treatment options for his heart rhythm condition online. Following a teleconsultation with a senior Cardiac Electrophysiologist, he chose to travel to Chennai for treatment. Throughout his journey, Kauvery Hospital's dedicated International patient Services team provided end-to-end support, including travel coordination, visa assistance, accommodation guidance, and personalized care during his stay. Dr. Deep Chandh Raja, Senior Consultant & Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Kauvery Hospital , said, Heart rhythm disorders from the lower chambers of the heart lead to unwanted extra beats called Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and dangerous conditions called Ventricular Tachycardia. Using advanced 3D mapping technology and intra-cardiac echo imaging, we are able to accurately identify the abnormal electrical circuits causing the arrhythmia and perform precise catheter ablation while preserving healthy heart tissue. This approach improves procedural success, reduces recurrence, and helps patients return to normal life with greater confidence. We are pleased that the patient has recovered well and is doing extremely well following the procedure. " Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director, Kauvery Hospital , said, " Chennai's healthcare infrastructure is a great boon and lifesaver for patients worldwide. We are proud that patients from countries like Poland are choosing Kauvery Hospital for advanced procedures such as VT ablation. Our state-of-the-art Cardiac Electrophysiology facilities and expert specialist team deliver world-class outcomes with compassion and precision. This reaffirms Chennai's position as the Healthcare Capital of Asia ." Kauvery Hospital is equipped with advanced Electrophysiology (EP) infrastructure, including the latest Pulsed Field Ablation, 3D electroanatomical mapping systems and cutting-edge technologies like intra-cardiac echo imaging for diagnosing and treating complex cardiac arrhythmias. These advanced capabilities enable the hospital's Heart Rhythm Services team to perform highly precise procedures with excellent clinical outcomes. The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient is recovering well. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the expertise of the clinical team, the seamless care provided throughout his treatment journey, and the warm hospitality extended by the hospital's International Patient Services team.
Devotee Complaints Prompt Inspection at Chennais Vadapalani Temple
Noticing the minister at the temple, a few devotees approached him and raised concerns over being prevented from reaching the inner sanctum, with barricades being placed 20 feet away
CM Vijay requests Ford to resume production operations in Tamil Nadu
A delegation led by Fords vice-president, Matthew Godlewski, held discussions with the Chief Minister at the Secretariat inChennai on July 20, 2026
TVK-led Tamil Nadu govt to present maiden budget on August 5
The TVK-led government will present its maiden budget on August 5. A dedicated Agriculture Budget will be tabled the following day, August 6. The Assembly Speaker announced these dates to reporters at the Secretariat. Parliamentary immunity protocols for arresting legislators were also clarified by the Speaker. Prior permission is mandatory for arrests within protected Assembly premises.
Chennai gold wholesaler duped of Rs 63 lakh in fake gold supply scam; 4 arrested
Egmore police arrested four men for cheating a gold dealer of sixty-three lakh rupees. The accused had promised to supply gold at a discounted price. The prime accused, Sakthi, remains absconding and a special team is searching for him. Police seized cash and motorcycles used in the fraudulent transaction. The four arrested suspects were remanded in judicial custody.
ED raids 2 locations, searches ex RTO officers home in Chennai
Enforcement Directorate officials conducted searches at two Chennai locations on Tuesday morning. These searches targeted a retired RTO Deputy Commissioner's residence and a businessman's house. The operations began around 8 a.m. with Central Armed Police Forces personnel present. Officials did not disclose the specific reasons or the case under which these actions were initiated. Further details regarding any seizures were awaited as the investigation remains in progress.
Petrol, Diesel Prices Today: Indian fuel prices remained unchanged on Monday, July 21, despite global crude oil falling below ninety dollars. Retail fuel costs are influenced by taxes, freight, and exchange rates, not just crude prices. Oil marketing companies review prices daily, but revisions do not always occur immediately. Consumers can check prices via SMS or official websites for their specific city.
Three Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested for Illegal Entry in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, July 21: The Q Branch police in Tamil Nadu have arrested three Bangladeshi nationals. They were found living and working illegally at a scrap yard near Guduvancheri in Chengalpattu district without valid travel documents. The arrests followed a tip-off received by the Chengalpattu Q Branch, indicating that some workers at a scrap yard in ... Read more Three Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested for Illegal Entry in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Dairy Farmers Demand Increase in Aavin Milk Purchase Prices
Chennai, July 21: Dairy farmers in Tamil Nadu are urging the state government to revise the purchase prices set by Aavin for milk. They argue that rising production costs have made it increasingly difficult to sustain their dairy businesses at current rates. Farmers have expressed concern over the widening gap between the prices offered by ... Read more Tamil Nadu Dairy Farmers Demand Increase in Aavin Milk Purchase Prices
Elgi unveils FY31 roadmap, targets 6,615cr revenue
Pegs Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) At 11%
Hyundai readies ecosystem ahead of mass-market EV launch
IOB eyes $1 billion through FCNR (B) and OFCB
WRD moves to protect reservoir catchment areas from pollution after residents raise concerns
Kilambakkam skywalk project likely to be completed by Dec.
The CMDA is executing the project to link Kilambakkam Bus Terminus with the new halt railway stationin three phases at a cost of 79 cr. While the first girder has been installed on GST road, traffic clearance is awaited for the second, says official
Tiruttani man attacked with chilli powder, robbed by gang
Coimbatore Farmer Earns UN FAO Recognition for Soil Health Farming Model
Farm has survived droughts and heavy rainfall over the past 17 years
Tamil Nadu Yet to Implement Child Street Situation Policy, Activists Say
Tamil Nadu Has 10,674 Children Living On The Streets. And The Policy Meant To Identify, Protect And Rehabilitate Them Remains Only On Paper
Youth beats mother to death in Perungudi, arrested
The accused was allegedly under mental stress after failing in his Class 12 examinations
Arjun Erigaisi Triumphs Over World Champion Gukesh at Chennai Grandmasters 2026
Chennai, July 20: Indian chess player Arjun Erigaisi secured a significant victory against world champion D. Gukesh in the fifth round of the Chennai Grandmasters 2026, taking a joint lead in the tournament. Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov also made his mark by winning with the black pieces, keeping him in contention for the title. The prestigious ... Read more Arjun Erigaisi Triumphs Over World Champion Gukesh at Chennai Grandmasters 2026
Chennai records light showers, more rain likely this month
On Tuesday, the city and its suburbs are likely to receive light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the evening and night.
Ashok Leyland targets 25,000 export units through global expansion
TAFE Motors & Deutz open new engine unit at Alwar
CM directs officials to set up biogas plants across TN
Triple riding turns fatal: One killed, two injured
19-year-old strangles, stabs mother to death at home in Perungudi
Tamil Nadu Law Minister R.Nirmalkumarjustifies the arrest ofDMKVilathikulamMLAG.V.Markandayan
He says the MLAspoke in a threatening manner. If anMLAgoes to the extent of issuing a death threat to the Chief Minister, it is definitely a law and order issue. If someone speaks in this manner, legal action is bound to be taken.
Tamil Nadu scales up ABHA creation, 2.54 crore people covered so far
ABHA, a 14-digit unique health identifier created using an Aadhaar number, is a key feature of the Union governments Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), launched in 2021, enabling a digital health records ecosystem
Thirumudivakkam history-sheeter shot in leg after attacking cop; held
Gang of four hacks 20-year-old history-sheeter to death at Washermenpet
Centre reiterates that release of Samagra Shiksha funds for T.N. tied to NEPs implementation
The Union government, however, says the RTE (Entitlements) component will be released in due time. It was replying to MP Dayanidhi Marans question in the Lok Sabha
Fresh trouble for EPS as C Ve Shanmugam camp renews rebellion
History-sheeter hacked to death by gang in Washermenpet, 4 persons detained
The police suspect previous enmity as the motive behind the murder
Chennai Grand Masters: Arjunpulls off a Houdini act, jumps to joint lead
The top-ranked Indian player gets the better of World champion Gukesh
Child sexual abuse survivors cant be made to re-live trauma: Madras high court
Workshop organised on application of AI in life sciences
Cyber slavery case: key accused arrested at Bengaluru International airport
He served as a recruitment agent, who lured youths with the promise of lucrative jobs, trafficked them to foreign countries, where they were forced to work in cyber scam centres
How electrical hazards are killing children, workers and families
Recent tragedies highlight electrical safety failures in public spaces and institutions. A teenager died at a fair while a child perished in a Delhi park. An engineer's death in Noida prompts criminal proceedings against the electricity department. Ghaziabad schools face high-tension threats, and a Chennai man died saving family. Four family members died in Maharashtra village, prompting safety audit demands.
These areas of Chennai to face power cut on Wednesday
CloudifyOps Launches MIXIMO, an AI-Driven Cloud Migration and Modernization Platform
CloudifyOps, an AI Transformation Partner for enterprises, today announced the launch of MIXIMO, an AI-driven cloud migration and modernization platform designed to simplify the full cloud transformation lifecycle, from discovery and assessment to migration and modernization planning and execution. CloudifyOps | MIXIMO Built with an AI-first approach, MIXIMO helps organizations understand their infrastructure and applications, map dependencies, and make migration decisions based on real utilization data rather than guesswork. Supporting AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform as both source and target environments, it enables both on-premises-to-cloud and multi-cloud transformation through one platform. Sushanth Bellapu, Founder and CTO, CloudifyOps / MIXIMO , said, The industry has long treated cloud migration as a logistics problem. MIXIMO reframes it as an intelligence problem. Built by engineers who have navigated large-scale transformations firsthand, MIXIMO applies AI to understand applications, dependencies, and modernisation opportunities before a single workload moves. The result is predictable outcomes, lower risk, and infrastructure that is truly cloud-native not just cloud-hosted . MIXIMO combines automated infrastructure and application discovery, portfolio assessment, dependency mapping, and AI-driven instance and service recommendations in one platform. Discovery supports agent-based, agentless, and repository-based approaches, enabling assessment at scale. The platform supports three migration strategies: Rehost, Replatform, and Refactor, making it suitable for different cloud transformation journeys. Its tri-mode instance recommendations provide 1-to-1, cost-effective, and high-performance mapping based on actual source utilization. MIXIMO also automatically generates a visual and actionable End State Blueprint for individual workloads, helping teams plan their migration architecture with greater clarity. We are not entering the migration tooling market; we are creating the migration intelligence category , said Vaitheeswaran Krishna Subramanian, CEO, CloudifyOps . MIXIMO turns years of migration expertise into a platform, making intelligence-led migration available to any engineering team, at any scale . MIXIMO is designed for startups, SMBs, and enterprises across healthcare, BFSI, SaaS and technology, e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing. For organisations with data sovereignty and compliance requirements particularly in BFSI and healthcare MIXIMO supports self-hosted and hybrid LLM deployment, ensuring sensitive infrastructure data remains within the organisation's own environment. With MIXIMO, CloudifyOps aims to make cloud transformation more intelligent, predictable and accessible for businesses at every cloud maturity stage. CloudifyOps is India's leading AI Transformation Partner, helping enterprises move from manual complexity to autonomy through AI, cloud, and intelligent operations. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bengaluru, with offices in Chennai, Dubai, and the United States, CloudifyOps combines over a decade of mission-critical cloud engineering with purpose-built AI capabilities. An AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and one of the few organisations in India to hold the AWS AI Services Competency across both Generative AI and Agentic AI, CloudifyOps serves businesses across BFSI, healthcare, SaaS, and enterprise technology sectors in India, the Middle East, and the United States. With a team of over 150 cloud and AI specialists, CloudifyOps delivers AI Transformation, Cloud Transformation and Managed Services. miximo.ai .
Tamil Nadu Power Corporation Takes Strict Action Against Billing Errors Amid Rising Complaints
Chennai, July 20: Amid increasing complaints about exorbitant electricity bills, the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDC) has ordered strict measures against billing errors across the state. The company has directed field officers to ensure accurate assessments and warned that disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible for issuing incorrect bills. This action ... Read more Tamil Nadu Power Corporation Takes Strict Action Against Billing Errors Amid Rising Complaints
Highways Department to begin desilting of stormwater drains in Chennai soon
IIT Madras to organise GATE 2027; exams scheduled from February 6 to 21
IIT Madras will conduct the GATE 2027 examination from February sixth to twenty-first. The computer-based test will feature thirty papers and a revised syllabus. A new robotics and automation paper is being introduced for the first time. Textile engineering and fibre science will now be a sectional paper. GATE scores are accepted for postgraduate admissions and recruitment by various organizations.
The protest would demand the implementation of 33% reservation for women without linking it to the Census and delimitation exercise
Bhaktavatsalamstake on the destruction of documents relating to anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu
He said he was advised that papers on politicians against whom detention orders had been served need not be kept so that they would not be availableto the very people who were likely to take charge of the government. When Ministers came to know about officers who had made reports about them, they would get prejudiced, he further said
Meenambal Sivaraj: a trailblazer for Dalit rightsand women empowerment
MeenambalSivarajwas born on December 12, 1904, in Rangoon, in a family that placed great importance on educationand service. One of her most significant contributions was her work with All India Scheduled Castes Federation founded byAmbedkar
The 1995 caste reprisals that scarred southern T.N. also touched Communist leader Nallakannus life
On December 3, 1995, Nallakannus 84-year-old father-in-law, A.K. Annasamy, was murdered by a gang while he was asleep at his house in Marudanvalvu village, then part of Chidambaranar district (now Thoothukudi district)
Hosting a dolphinarium in Chennai turned into controversy as all the three dolphins died, setting off one of the countrys earliest debates on the ethics of marine mammal captivity
Why the Church of Scotland Mission was worried about schools in Madras falling into debt
While notable progress was made in the area of female education, there was also concern over the lack of availability of female teachers to tutor the girls.
170 years ago, a debate in Britain parliament on torture in Madras
Forms of torture in Madras Presidency at the time included tying a man by the hair of his head to the tail of an ass, and parading him though the public market
Chennais iconic annual fair at Island Grounds turns 50
The 70-day-long India Tourism and Industrial Fair that began at the Island Grounds in the city recently turned 50 this year. The Sutrula Porutkatchi was conceived and named by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. It began in the city in 1974 as the Pongal Tourist Trade Fair.
Tamil Nadus link to a key amendment to the Constitution on freedom of press, expression
On March 1, 1950, the Madras government banned Cross Roads, a Left-leaning journal. A month later, the Supreme Courts full Bench, by five to one, quashed the order. The Constitution had to be amended in the light of the landmark judgment. Parliament adopted the amendment Bill, with 246 members voting in favour and 14 against
Salem C. Vijiaraghavachariar, the freedom fighter who fought againstKalaPaani
Salem C.Vijiaraghavachariar, one of the doyens of the national movement during the pre-Gandhi eraand the first Tamil to become the All India Congress Committee president, was ordered to be transported toAndamansto serve a 10-year imprisonment. He appealed to the High Court of Madras and got his conviction quashed on January 9, 1883
S. Chellapandian: a Speaker with sound knowledge of British parliamentary practices
S.Chellapandiantried to follow British parliamentary practices.In the opinion of former President R.Venkataraman, he knew legislative procedures so thoroughly that he would not only enforce them but would also guide new members to learn the art
J.C. Daniel, a Tamil dentist and martial artist, who became the father of Malayalam cinema
Driven by his passion for cinema, Daniel sold his share of family property inKanniyakumaridistrict and borrowed money from friends and relatives to producethe first Malayalam silent filmVigathakumaran(The Lost Child). The film told the story of a child kidnapped by a plantation worker from Sri Lanka and later reunited with his family
When explosives were planted at police premises across Tamil Nadu in 1999
A massive search operation after a low intensity explosion in Chennai revealed that bombs were placed in the Police Commissionerate, Prison Headquarters and other police establishments
Collection of names of animals as portrayed in Tamil classics
The ancient Tamils employed a remarkable richness of vocabulary to refer to animals.H.Chithiraputhiran, a former professor at Tamil University,Thanjavur, has compiled a specialised dictionary of animals in classical literature to recover these words
For theIrulars, theMasiMagamfestival is deeply tied to their culture and collective identity.They gather in their thousands on the shores ofMamallapuramto perform marriages, naming ceremonies for children, ear piercing, and tonsuring. In fact, they come in search of their patron deityKanniammal, who they believe had left them
Sivaji Ganesans gift of baby elephant to American children and his U.S. visit as state guest
Sivaji Ganesan was invited to the United States as part of the U.S.India Cultural Exchange Programme. During the trip, Sivaji was treated as a state guest, assigned two officials to assist him, and given a daily allowance of $160, a considerable sum at the time.
The 1952 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, an illustration of the limits of poll manifestos
In the first elections held in 1951-52 after the country became a Republic with the system of a universal adult suffrage in place, the major contestants were the Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI)
The fate of Nagapattinams lost vihara
The return of the famed Leiden plates to India revives questions about what became of Nagapattinams great Buddhist vihara and its vast endowments
Chennai, July 20: PMK President Dr. Ambumani Ramadas reaffirmed his partys commitment to achieving comprehensive social justice for all communities in Tamil Nadu during the Vanniyar Sangams foundation day celebration on Sunday. He described the formation of the organization as a pivotal moment in the states social justice movement, urging people to renew their commitment ... Read more Vanniyar Sangams Foundation Marks a Milestone in Tamil Nadus Social Justice History: Ambumani Ramadas
Duleep Trophy: Gaikwad To Lead Star-studded West Zone Squad; Mulani Named Vice-captain
Chennai Super Kings: India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of a star-studded West Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, with seasoned left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani named as his vice-captain. The squad was announced on Monday following a meeting between the zonal selection committee for the competition to be played from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) grounds in Bengaluru. Last year, Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur led West Zone, who reached semi-finals of the competition, but didnt go to final as Central Zone grabbed the first-innings lead. Now, for the upcoming competition, the captaincy baton has gone from Thakur to Gaikwad, who also leads Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and was recently in India A squad for 50-over tri-series and red-ball games against Sri Lanka A. The team features two specialist wicket-keepers in Harvik Desai and Urvil Patel, ensuring strong options behind the stumps. Apart from Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw and the prolific Khan brothers - Sarfaraz and Musheer have been included. They are joined by Jaymeet Patel and Shivalik Sharma to complete a solid batting department. Spin bowling duties will be spearheaded by vice-captain Mulani, off-spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian, and left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai. The fast-bowling department features Thakur, alongside speedsters Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chaudhary, and all-rounder Atit Sheth. The selectors have also named a six-member standby list to cover any injury contingencies. The standby players include Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Spin bowling duties will be spearheaded by vice-captain Mulani, off-spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian, and left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai. The fast-bowling department features Thakur, alongside speedsters Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chaudhary, and all-rounder Atit Sheth. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Reserve players: Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Article Source: IANS
