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Shah Rukh Khan to play a cop in Rajinikanths Jailer 2?

Chennai: If sources in the industry are to be believed, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan is to play a cop in Superstar Rajinikanths eagerly awaited action entertainer Jailer 2. It may be recalled that IANS had reported earlier that sources in the unit had said that only Shah Rukh Khans portions remained to be shot Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 10 Mar 2026 5:20 pm

CBI Summons Vijay for Questioning in Karur Stampede Case on March 15

This comes after Vijay had earlier, on Monday, sought a 15-day extension for his questioning and requested that it be arranged in Chennai or a nearby place

Deccan Chronicle 10 Mar 2026 4:54 pm

T.N. CM Stalin unveils statue highlighting significance of education at the Marina

At another event held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister also released a book on century-old trees in Chennai

The Hindu 10 Mar 2026 4:03 pm

Monitoring LPG Shortage And Travel Logistics Ahead Of 2026 IPL Season: Dhumal

Indian Premier League: Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal said the tournament is monitoring potentially big challenges around hospitality and travel logistics as the 2026 season approaches, though he added that no formal concerns have been raised by hotels or other stakeholders over LPG shortage. The IPL 2026 season begins on March 28, with the schedule for the first 20 games likely to come out on March 12. The ten-team tournament attracts top international players, as well as coaches and broadcasters, thus making travel- and hospitality-related logistics critical to its smooth functioning. But with the US-Israel-Iran war leading to increasing conflict in the Middle East and affecting LPG supplies, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that the supply of cooking gas will be prioritised for households. It has meant that theres a supply crunch of commercial LPG to hotels and restaurants, especially with many eateries in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai saying they will be forced to halt operations due to a shortage of cooking gas. Definitely, it's a challenge. But we haven't got anything yet from hotels as of now. In case there is an issue and they tell us, then we'll review it accordingly. The thing is, in case we would have gone for a booking, they would have told us. But they have to come back with us if this is an issue. So, we haven't heard anything from them. Currently we are hearing it from the media, but we are reviewing and watching the situation from our end and we'll take a call accordingly, Dhumal told IANS on Tuesday. Any wider disruption of commercial cooking gas could affect not only the league but also the ecosystem outside of it, like hospitals, NGOs, educational institutions and various industries. During IPL, many restaurants and roadside stalls see a huge uptick in sales as fans prefer to have their meals when the matches are screened live. Food delivery app services also see a big jump in their services when fans prefer to have food from the comfort of their homes during IPL matches. Aside from LPG concerns, travel logistics also remain a challenge, as seen during the recently concluded Mens T20 World Cup won by India. Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa were unable to leave immediately for home due to the conflict disrupting their flight routes. With their major layover destination in Dubai not available due to the conflict, Zimbabwe had to leave in three batches and reached home via Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines. South Africa and West Indies, meanwhile, were stuck in Kolkata before a charter flight was arranged to get them home via Johannesburg. Aside from LPG concerns, travel logistics also remain a challenge, as seen during the recently concluded Mens T20 World Cup won by India. Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa were unable to leave immediately for home due to the conflict disrupting their flight routes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Dhumal said the IPL is keeping an eye on travel arrangements for overseas players. Right now, we are reviewing the situation. The IPL is still about a few weeks away. We'll see how to go about it, he added. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 10 Mar 2026 3:44 pm

Mother, daughter killed in accident near Perumbakkam

The deceased woman was taking her teenage daughter to drop her off at the school in Medavakkam

The Hindu 10 Mar 2026 2:55 pm

LPG shortage hits several Indian cities; hotels warn of shutdowns

Hospitality industry bodies in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai say irregular gas supplies over the past few days have disrupted kitchen operations, forcing some eateries to cut menus, reduce working hours and temporarily halt services

Mid Day 10 Mar 2026 2:12 pm

BCCI To Announce IPL 2026 Schedule For First 20 Days By March 12: Saikia

Miraj International Cricket Stadium: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will release the schedule for the first 20 days of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by March 12, said secretary Devajit Saikia. The 19th edition of the IPL will run from March 28 to May 31, after the initial window was between March 26 and May 30. We plan to announce the IPL 2026 schedule by March 12. For now, we are going to announce the IPL schedule for the first 20 days, Saikia told IANS on Tuesday. It is understood the remainder of the tournaments schedule will come later as the BCCI aims to avoid a clash with assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu. Nevertheless, teams have already begun their pre-season preparations. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings started their training on March 1 at their High-Performance Centre in Navalur, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni among those present. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru held a small preparation camp at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 10, while 2022 champions Gujarat Titans held practice sessions twice at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara. Nevertheless, teams have already begun their pre-season preparations. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings started their training on March 1 at their High-Performance Centre in Navalur, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni among those present. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals are expected to assemble for a practice camp in Jaipur from March 15, while three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their pre-season camp on March 18. Delhi Capitals recently did one in Hyderabad and are expected to have one in New Delhi, while Lucknow Super Giants had held a preparatory session in Lucknow. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 10 Mar 2026 1:42 pm

'Stocks may last 12 days': Tamil Nadu restaurants cut menu items amid LPG shortage as Gulf conflict spirals

Restaurants across Tamil Nadu face a bleak future as commercial LPG cylinder supplies dwindle, with existing stock expected to last only one to two days. Hotels are reducing food item offerings to conserve gas, likening the situation to a COVID-19 lockdown. The Tamil Nadu Hotels Association has appealed to the Centre to withdraw an order suspending commercial LPG cylinder supplies.

The Times of India 10 Mar 2026 1:39 pm

Commercial LPG cylinders remain unfilledat Chennai bottling plants of oil marketing companies

Distributors of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum confirmthat bottling of commercial cylinders had been stopped at the plants. Hotels, restaurants, small eateries, and tea stalls take the hit and initiate stringency measures

The Hindu 10 Mar 2026 12:54 pm

LPG shortage: Bengaluru hotels close today; Which major cities will suffer worst and what it means for students and office-goers relying on mess?

Commercial LPG Cylinder shortage: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has suspended the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to non-essential sectors, prioritizing domestic households and hospitals. As a result, major hotel associations in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai have warned that thousands of eateries will be forced to shut down immediately.

The Economic Times 10 Mar 2026 12:06 pm

Versuni India Expands Manufacturing Footprint with New Production Facilities in Chennai and Ahmedabad

Versuni India today announced the launch of new manufacturing facilities in Chennai, and Ahmedabad , as part of a major expansion of its existing manufacturing operations in India. The expansion strengthens the companys local production capabilities across high-growth appliance categories while reinforcing its long-term commitment to manufacturing in India. The expanded facilities will enhance Versunis production capacity for key categories including Airfryers, Air Purifiers, and kitchen appliances , while supporting the companys broader localisation strategy and improving supply chain efficiency for the Indian market. The Chennai facility, which spans 12,000 square meters, will continue to serve as an integrated manufacturing hub for kitchen appliances. As part of the expansion, the new facility will include a new Airfryer motor manufacturing line, increasing the overall production capacity. With the new plant, the Ahmedabad facility has now doubled in size to more than 15000 square meters of production space. The expansion supports the doubling of Airfryer production capacity per year, while also introducing a new Air Purifier assembly line. The facility also integrates automated and robotic coating lines, plastic injection moulding capabilities, and assembly lines for Airfryers, garment steamers, and air purifiers. Commenting on the expansion, Gulbahar Taurani, Managing Director & CEO, Versuni India , said :, "India continues to be one of the most dynamic markets for home appliances globally. Expanding our manufacturing capabilities in Chennai and Ahmedabad allows us to strengthen localisation, scale production in high-growth categories, and respond faster to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building manufacturing capability in India." These strategic expansions will enable the company to achieve a complete portfolio of 100% Made in India products, further strengthening their commitment to local manufacturing . Both the facilities combined are expected to generate more than 1000 job opportunities alongside creating indirect employment through supplier and logistics networks over the next three years. With this expansion across Chennai and Ahmedabad, Versuni continues to strengthen its manufacturing backbone in India while supporting the growing demand for innovative appliances across kitchen, garment care, and air treatment categories. Both manufacturing locations incorporate smart automation and digital manufacturing capabilities, including robotic production systems, automated testing machines, conveyor-based material handling systems, and IoT-enabled monitoring tools, helping improve operational efficiency, quality consistency, and productivity. About Versuni Versunis purpose is turning houses into homes. As a house of home appliances brands, Versuni markets: Philips, Philips Baristina, Philips Walita, Preethi, Senseo, LOR Barista, Saeco, and Gaggia. With more than 900 patents to its name, Versunis portfolio spans coffee and kitchen appliances, garment care, climate care, and floor care. Philips, Saeco and Gaggia products are sold under trademark license from Koninklijke Philips N.V.Products under the Philips brand include the Airfryer, Espresso Machine with LatteGo, Handheld Steamer, Air Purifier and AquaTrio Cordless Vacuum. Versuni is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with innovation, manufacturing, and commercial centers across the globe and a footprint in over 100 countries.

News Voir 10 Mar 2026 11:40 am

IPL 2026: Matthew Hayden Joins Gujarat Titans As Batting Coach

ICC Cricket World Cup: The Gujarat Titans have appointed former Australian opener Matthew Hayden as their batting coach ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, the franchise confirmed on Tuesday. A two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner and one of the most formidable openers of his generation, Hayden brings extensive international experience and a deep understanding of modern T20 batting to the Titans coaching setup. His addition strengthens the teams support staff as the 2022 champions prepare for the new season. Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki said the former Australian stars appointment comes at an important moment for the franchise. Matthews appointment comes at a pivotal phase in our journey. As a franchise committed to excellence and long-term success, we are constantly focused on strengthening our cricketing ecosystem. His experience at the highest level, coupled with his ability to mentor emerging talent, will be instrumental in shaping our batting identity for the seasons ahead, Solanki said. Hayden, meanwhile, expressed his excitement about taking on the role and outlined the standard he hopes to instil within the sides batting unit. Commenting on his appointment, the Aussie great said, Good batting applies pressure. Great batting owns the game. Thats the standard we want to set at Gujarat Titans. During an illustrious international career with Australia, Hayden featured in 273 matches across formats and scored more than 15,000 runs. Renowned for his aggressive yet technically sound approach, he played a significant role in shaping the powerplay dominance that defines modern white-ball cricket. Hayden also left a notable mark on the IPL during his stint with Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2010. Across 32 appearances, he scored 1,107 runs at an average of 36.90 and a strike rate of 137.52. During an illustrious international career with Australia, Hayden featured in 273 matches across formats and scored more than 15,000 runs. Renowned for his aggressive yet technically sound approach, he played a significant role in shaping the powerplay dominance that defines modern white-ball cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He capped his IPL journey on a high by helping Chennai Super Kings secure their maiden league title in 2010, leaving a lasting legacy through both his performances and his fearless approach to T20 batting. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 10 Mar 2026 11:24 am

East Coast Road (ECR): How Chennais coastal stretch is turning into a growth hub

Chennai's East Coast Road (ECR) is transforming from a scenic route to a prime residential hub. Enhanced connectivity, new infrastructure like the Kalaignar Convention Centre, and improved social amenities are attracting long-term residents. Developers are responding to this demand with quality housing projects, positioning ECR as a key player in Chennai's premium housing market.

The Economic Times 10 Mar 2026 10:51 am

Karur stampede row: Vijay seeks 15 days exemption from questioning

Actor turned politician Vijay has sought a 15-day exemption from appearing for questioning in the Karur stampede case. The actor was asked to be present on March 10 for questioning. Vijay has also requested CBI to question him at its Chennai office

Mid Day 10 Mar 2026 10:13 am

Petrol, Diesel price today: Check latest fuel rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Noida and Gurugram on March 10 as crude oil hovers $90 barrel

Petrol, Diesel price March 10: Despite the global crude oil price hovering around $90-$100 barrel, there has been no change in the prices of petrol and diesel on Tuesday, March 10. In Delhi, petrol price stands at Rs 94.77 per litre and in Mumbai, it is priced at Rs 103.49 per litre. The petrol prices remain high in Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru.

The Economic Times 10 Mar 2026 8:35 am

First-time fathers adorable, nervous reaction to holding baby goes viral

A heartwarming video of a first-time father's emotional reaction to holding his newborn has gone viral, amassing millions of views. The footage, shared by Dr. Suganya Saravanakumar, shows the father's trembling hands and nervous yet joyful expression as he cradles his baby for the first time. Netizens praised his authentic vulnerability and the touching moment.

The Times of India 10 Mar 2026 8:12 am

Dhurandhar 2 premium seat costs Rs 2900; sold over 2.7L tickets

The buzz around 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' is palpable, with ticket pricing varying widelystarting at just Rs 59 in Chennai to a whopping Rs 2900 for luxury seating in Mumbai. With over 2.75 lakh tickets already snapped up, the film has raked in Rs 13.75 crore through advance sales, setting the stage to potentially surpass 'OG's' preview box office slam. Read on to know more in detail.

The Times of India 10 Mar 2026 7:49 am

Typos, lengthy math paper frustrate CBSE Class XII students

The Times of India 10 Mar 2026 3:18 am

Commercial LPG cylinders remain unfilledat bottling plants of OMCs

Distributors of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum confirmthat bottling of commercial cylinders had been stopped at the plants. Hotels, restaurants, small eateries, and tea stalls take the hit and initiate stringency measures

The Hindu 10 Mar 2026 12:43 am

Metro Rail seeks CCRS approval to relaxcurbs on Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch

A CMRL official says the frequency between Poonamallee and Porur can be brought down from 15 minutes to 10 minutesif the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety approves the request; CMRL has also requested for operation of trains at a speed of 40 kmph between Porur and Vadapalani

The Hindu 10 Mar 2026 12:28 am

Greater Chennai Corporations early intervention center to offer free therapy for kids

Two more such centres are set to come up one on C.P. Ramasamy Road and another in Thiruvanmiyur

The Hindu 10 Mar 2026 12:24 am

Tamil Nadu can never be painted in saffron, says CM Stalin

The BJP will never be able to rule the State even if it comes wearing the mask of theAIADMK, the DMK president says at the 12thState conference of the party atSiruganuron the outskirts ofTiruchi

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 11:48 pm

Minister Demanded 'South Indian' Over 'Dravidian' for Funds: Scholar's Fiery Rebuttal

V.I. Subramoniam, a renowned Tamil scholar, championed Dravidian languages, famously refusing to rename his university from 'Dravidian' to 'South Indian' for government funding. He was a prolific institution builder, establishing key organizations like the Dravidian Linguistics Association and the International Institute for Tamil Studies, significantly advancing global Tamilology research.

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 11:00 pm

Rejecting rumours, TVK says Vijay firm on no electoral alliance with NDA

Two senior TVK leaders said several parties, including AIADMK, contacted them earlier, but their position remained the same.

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 9:32 pm

Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar As Governor-in-Charge of Tamil Nadu

Governor swearing in at Raj Bhavan, Chennai on March 12

Deccan Chronicle 9 Mar 2026 7:43 pm

Chennai hospital launches campaign on salt consumption and kidney health

The campaign seeks to educate people about the connection between high salt intake, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 7:43 pm

KaarTech raises $11M in Series B round led by Playbook Partners

The Chennai-headquartered technology services company plans to use the capital for strategic acquisitions and to expand market reach with its AI platforms.

Your Story 9 Mar 2026 6:53 pm

Nainar Nagenthran slams DMK government over law and order

He claims that murders, robberies, sexual assaults, and machete attacks had become everyday occurrences in the past five years

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 6:37 pm

TVK flags series of crimes, accuses govt. of law and order failure

In a post on X, the party alleges that the State administration has completely failed

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 6:32 pm

Savukku Shankar seeks discharge from case on tweets against Palaniswami, Panneerselvam

Justice C. Kumarappan directs Chennai Cyber Crime police to file a counter affidavit by April 9, 2026, and stays the proceedings pending before Saidapet Metropolitan Magistrate court till then

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 5:40 pm

Do Thalapathy Vijay and Trisha have a massive age difference? Find out

Vijay and Trisha Krishnan have been in the spotlight amid rumours about their relationship. The two actors, who have an age gap of eight years, recently sparked buzz after appearing together at a wedding in Chennai

Mid Day 9 Mar 2026 4:03 pm

Chennai assistant professor completes 7,530 km ride on electric bike

Baala Manikandan travelled across 16 states in 19 days on an electric motorcyle, and has been recognised by the Asia Book of Records

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 3:54 pm

Rotary Club of Chennai Legends and Rotary District 3234 Donate 225 Sewing Machines to Women

The Rotary Club of Chennai Legends, in association with Rotary International District 3234, organised Rotosew, an initiative to donate 225 motorised sewing machines to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the city, in commemoration of International Womens Day, to support them in starting their own tailoring ventures. Rotary Club of Chennai Legends and Rotary District 3234 Donate 225 Sewing Machines to Women Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women . AKS Rtn. Er. Muruganandam M, RI Director (202527) and RI Vice President (202627), attended the event as the Chief Guest, while AKS Rtn. Vinod Saraogi, District Governor (202526), was the Guest of Honour. The event was also graced by Rtn. Ravi Sundaresan, District Governor Nominee (202829); PDG Rtn. Sridhar J, RRFC (202627); Rtn. NS Saravanan, Immediate Past District Governor; Rtn. Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends; and Rtn. Dr. M. Durga Mohan, Chair CSR, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends. The Rotary Club of Chennai Legends had donated 200 sewing machines under the Rotosew initiative last year and plans to make the programme an annual feature. The club is also seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from corporate houses to expand the reach and impact of the initiative. In her comments, Rtn Dr. Durga Mohan said, Rotosew is not just about donating sewing machines; it is about enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods with dignity. Through our two-month vocational training programme, the beneficiaries are trained in stitching kids, mens and womens garments, equipping them with practical skills that are immediately marketable. With the growing demand for tailoring and customised apparel, this skill offers strong opportunities for self-employment and income generation. Beyond training and equipment, we are also working to create market linkages by connecting these women with corporate customers and bulk orders, helping them establish steady income streams . Recently, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends in association with Rotary Dist 3234 had organised Gift of Mobility, an initiative under which 225 bicycles along with helmets were distributed to school-going girls to support continuity in education and ensure their safety while commuting. As part of the initiative, the club also conducted a hands-on road safety programme to equip the students with the knowledge and confidence to ride safely. cl@ri3234.org

News Voir 9 Mar 2026 2:08 pm

Inside Team Kalki: How 2 former Tihar inmates built a pan-India darknet drug network

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted a pan-India darknet drug network, Team Kalki, seizing significant quantities of LSD, MDMA, and liquid MDMA. The operation, led by repeat offenders Anurag Thakur and Vikas Rathi, involved over 1,000 consignments dispatched since January 2025. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this online trafficking ring.

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 2:06 pm

DMK chief M K Stalin to kick-start poll campaign in Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin will launch DMKs poll campaign at the partys 12th state conference from Siruganur on the Trichy-Chennai national highway here on Monday, March 9. The conference theme is Let Stalin continue, let Tamil Nadu win. Apart from highlighting the achievements of the state government, Stalin, who is the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 9 Mar 2026 1:29 pm

SwachhPoes:how a gated community in Chennai is promoting the goals of Clean India Mission

A resident of Aashiana Apartments at Alwarpet in Chennai, Anita Hegde narrates how volunteer-residents from the gated community are nudging their neighbours on Poes Road and Rajakrishna Road to practise source segregation of waste, keep their neighourhood spic and span and also adopt other sustainability-promoting practices

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 1:24 pm

PM Surya Ghar scheme: Coimbatore tops rooftop solar adoption in Tamil Nadu

Chennai is second in the list; 55,328 households have installed rooftop solar in Tamil Nadu until February 28, 2026

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 12:46 pm

Karur stampede probe: CBI summons TVK chief Vijay for another round of questioning tomorrow

Actor-politician Vijay has been summoned again by the CBI in New Delhi on March 10 regarding the Karur stampede probe. This follows earlier questioning where Vijay attributed the chaos to insufficient police presence during his rally. The CBI took over the investigation into the September 2025 incident that tragically claimed 41 lives.

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 12:44 pm

2 men hacked to death in Tamil Nadu; police probe revenge angle linked to DMK functionarys murder

Two young men, Arumugham and Santhosh, were brutally hacked to death by an unidentified gang in their sleep at a house in Tirusulam. The incident, discovered by residents early this morning, has prompted a police investigation. Authorities are exploring a possible revenge motive, as Arumugham was reportedly linked to a DMK functionary's murder last year.

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 11:00 am

Opening careersin Data Science for government school students

Forty Class XII students from 10 government schools recently cleared a certification programme offered byIIT-Madrasin association withLatentViewAnalytics

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 10:37 am

A new selfie point at theMarina?

The Marina beach has a culture of sculpted art; by its design and focus, this one is hugely different from the other works adorning the leisure spot

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 10:30 am

SwachhPoes:baby steps to a clean and green neighbourhood

Residents of Aashiana Apartments nudge their neighbours from Poes Road and Rajakrishna Road to practise source segregation of waste

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 10:23 am

TN CM unveils new projects worth 44.88 crore in Chennai

Stalin inaugurated three projects of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, executed at a cost of 28.25 crore in his Kolathur Assembly constituency

The Hindu Businessline 9 Mar 2026 10:20 am

Top 5 Players who could Impact the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Semi-Finals ft. Sam Curran, Tristan Stubbs, and more

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is approaching the business end of the tournament, and we will soon be left with four teams and three matches that will decide the champions of the ongoing biennial tournament. The tenth edition of the T20 World Cup has not disappointed the fans as several associate teams proved their worth in the group stages, and the Super Eight stage has also surprised at every juncture so far, with an unthinkable script in store for us for the semi-finals as well. England became the first team to seal a semi-final spot, albeit the English team does need to fill a few holes if they want to lift the T20 World Cup for the third time. The likes of Jos Buttler and Tom Banton look short of runs, while Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell also need to improve their consistency with the bat in hand. Apart from England, its a toss-up between New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, with the Kiwis seeming like the side which has the most potential to defeat opposition sides in their upcoming matches. In the other group, South Africa and the West Indies are front-runners to make it to the semi-final, but one should never rule out a team like India, which can still work wonders and win both matches by a huge margin to reach the semi-final stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Lets have a look at the top five prominent names who could influence the semi-finals of the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup: #5 Axar Patel (India) Axar Patel will have to contribute as a genuine all-rounder in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Axar Patel has emerged as one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket over the last couple of years, and the fact that he was elevated to the vice-captain role in the Indian T20 team spoke loads about his pivotal contributions and current standing in the team. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, the Indian side was in a precarious position after three of their top four batters, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav, had returned to the pavilion. At that moment, Patel stepped up and built a solid partnership with Virat Kohli, contributing 47 runs off 31 balls, which helped the Blues lift the trophy after 17 years. India was in a similar position against South Africa in the Super Eight stage, but their vice-captain wasnt able to bail them out as he was dropped by the team management on his home ground. Axars return to the team in place of Rinku Singh or Washington Sundar could provide India a much-needed boost, which just might propel them into the semi-final if other results go their way. #4 Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) Lockie Fergusons ability to strike crucial wickets in the powerplay overs has come to the fore, even on flat pitches of the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The fast bowler dismissed both in-form opening batters, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, and also scalped the important wicket of the dangerous Quinton de Kock against South Africa. Fergusons variations and the wily method of delivering both the new ball and the old ball would be crucial against Sri Lanka and England, as the pitches on offer in Colombo and Pallekele offer more assistance to fast bowlers compared to the pitches in Chennai and at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Kiwis first fixture in the Super Eight stage was abandoned due to rain, which would put more pressure on the side from down south to perform against hosts Sri Lanka and a formidable English side which has already sealed their berth in the semi-finals. #3 Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies) While skipper Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer have been in superb form at the top of the order, Sherfane Rutherford could be the X-factor for the Caribbean side when the big moment arrives for the West Indies. Rutherford has hit 11 maximums in the ongoing T20 World Cup, the joint second-most as of statistics after the end of Zimbabwe vs West Indies where he hit 31 runs off 13 balls to help his side put up 254 runs on the board. The southpaw has scored 157 runs at a strike rate of 189 and has been dismissed only once, in the first match against Scotland which even signifies that Rutherford could bat even higher but Darren Sammy might reserve him for death overs which has benefitted the team so far. #2 Tristan Stubbs (South Africa) Like Sherfane Rutherford, Tristan Stubbs has been the bonafide finisher for his side and has been dismissed only once in the tournament so far against Afghanistan. Even against the Afghans, Stubbs rose to the occassion in the Super Over battle smashing 10 runs when the Proteas needed 11 off 3 balls and then smashed a maximum in the second Super Over as well. Tristan Stubbs has proven his mettle as a reliable finisher for South Africa alongside David Miller The 2024 T20 World Cup runners-up would be hoping that the triumvirate of Dewlad Brevis, Stubbs, and Miller works wonder in the semi-final as well. Apart from his Super Over exploits, Stubbs also dominated against Canada with an unbeaten innings of 34 runs off 19 balls while his innings of 44 runs off 24 balls against India. The Proteas would be relying on the brilliance of Stubbs and David Miller as the duo showcased in the Super Over against Afghanistan and also in the Super Eight stage fixture against India, where the likes of Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya had no answers to their destructive shot-hitting abilities. #1 Sam Curran (England) Sam Curran is the most proven all-round option and the third senior-most player of the team in terms of appearances for the national team amongst the current squad members. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Curran failed to produce his best as he scalped only 3 wickets in 5 matches and bowled at an economy rate of almost 10, failing to complete his quota of overs in most fixtures. While Curran has made some useful contributions with the bat in his hand in this edition, the left-arm seamer has proved to be indispensable due to his excellent death bowling skills and the ability to pick wickets with the new ball and in the middle overs as well. When it seemed like Italy could run England close in the death overs, Curran produced his best with figures of 3/22 in three overs, scalping the crucial wicket of Grant Stewart, who was closing in on his half-century while playing at a strike rate of more than 200. Similarly, when Nepal was cruising in the run-chase against the Englishmen, Curran dismissed the dangerous Dipendra Singh Airee and then defended 10 runs in the final over against a well-set Lokesh Bam as well to help his side make it to the Super Eight stage unscathed. AUTHOR: Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports analytics expert

News Voir 9 Mar 2026 10:02 am

After a 32-hour journey, Chima joins Chennaiyin FC hours before ISL match, goes on to play

Chima came on as a second-half substitute, replacing fellow striker Inigo Martin

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 2:24 am

NDA leaders in TN condemn Mamata for insulting Prez

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:56 am

AIADMK hits back at Stalin, OPS for their remarks on EPS

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:53 am

Womens day walkathon held in city

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:53 am

Wasnik holds meeting with TNCC leaders

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:53 am

Women engineers must build confidence, visibility to lead in tech, say panellists

Vellore Institute of Technology alumni share career journeys and challenges at International Womens Daywebinar.

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 1:46 am

TNPDCL announces grievance redress meetings

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:35 am

Two college students drown while bathing in Kondangi lake

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:35 am

Man held for phone theft and fraud in Periamet

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:35 am

After TN talks, Cong drives hard bargain in Puducherry

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:33 am

SRMIST introduces AI agent for faculty hiring

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:17 am

Udhayanidhi opens a slew of projects in Maduravoyal

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:17 am

Only cash, no cards at elite Tasmac shops, allege buyers

The Times of India 9 Mar 2026 1:15 am

A successful but battered alliance

The DMK-Congress seat sharing agreement in Tamil Nadu has come at a cost

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 12:50 am

Chennai Corporation to set up pedestrian-friendly crossings to improve road safety

Pedestrians lack adequate facilities to cross road junctions such as Pantheon Road, Police Commissioner Office Road, and Rukmani Lakshmipathi Salai

The Hindu 9 Mar 2026 12:18 am

T.N. forms panel to frame rules to ban hostile dog breeds

The committee will recommend norms to regulate or ban aggressive dog breeds in the interest of public safety

The Hindu 8 Mar 2026 11:53 pm