Pant In Focus Ahead Of Selectors Meeting To Pick Indias ODI Squad For New Zealand Series
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: With the Ajit Agarkar-led national senior selection committee set to meet in online mode on Saturday to finalise Indias squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the debate over whether Rishabh Pant can retain his place in the squad will be under huge focus. A majority of players who played in the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa, including the veteran Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are surely going to be there for the three matches against a New Zealand squad which has a fair mix of youngsters and experienced campaigners. The series begins in Vadodara on January 11, and is followed by clashes in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18 respectively. But when the matter comes to having Pant in the ODI squad, expect a serious discussion to happen in the selection meeting. Pant's form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has been uneven, with just one half-century in four matches, totalling to 121 runs coming at an average of 30.25. Pant has not played an ODI since featuring against Sri Lanka in August 2024 - it came after he missed substantial game time due to recovering from injuries sustained in a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. His recent domestic performances have done little to bolster his case, and add to it, KL Rahuls sparkling form as a first-choice keeper-batter in the ODI team means Pant has been left warming the bench. In 2025, Pant didnt play a single ODI and was an unused member of the victorious Champions Trophy squad, as well as in the series win over South Africa. Making things complicated for Pant is the re-emergence of Ishan Kishan, whos now in the T20 World Cup squad on the back of blazing form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as well as Dhruv Jurel making big runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Already out of India's T20I side and with his ODI prospects looking bleak, Pant has effectively only the IPL and a handful of Tests later this year to showcase his continued relevance to India's white-ball plans. Another name likely to feature in discussions by the selection committee is in-form left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal, who has scored three centuries in four games in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. But with captain Shubman Gill returning, as well as Rohit, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad around, it will be interesting to see how the selectors go about in accommodating Padikkal in the squad. Another name likely to feature in discussions by the selection committee is in-form left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal, who has scored three centuries in four games in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If the youngsters are to be rested in order to keep them fresh for the T20 World Cup, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami can be in frame of a comeback, though whether the selection committee opts to recall him is uncertain. The spin department appears settled due to the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. Article Source: IANS
WTT Youth Contender: 334 players from 10 countries, Feeder Series in Vadodara
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Nicholas Lee To Take Over As New Strength And Conditioning Coach Of Indian Womens Team
Sussex County Cricket Club: Nicholas Lee is set to take over as the new strength and conditioning coach of the Indian women's cricket team. Sources familiar with the matter told IANS that Lee is likely to join the Indian team after the 2026 season of the Womens Premier League (WPL) is over on February 5 in Vadodara. Yes, its confirmed that Lee will be the new S&C coach of the Indian womens cricket team. Australias Nathan Kiely was also in talks, but Lee was always in the running for this role. Once WPL is over, Lee will link up with the Indian team, sources further said. After the five-team WPL is over, India will play a multi-format series in Australia from February 15 to March 9. The multi-format tour begins with the T20I leg, starting at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on February 15, followed by games at Manuka Oval, Canberra, and Adelaide Oval on February 19 and 21, respectively. Focus will then shift to the ODI series, where India enters as World Cup winners. The series will begin at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on February 24. The second and third ODIs will be staged at Hobarts Bellerive Oval on February 27 and March 1, respectively. The third ODI match was previously moved to Hobart from Melbourne by Cricket Australia (CA) due to floodlight issues. The tour culminates with a day-night Test at the WACA Ground in Perth, set to take place from March 69. Coming to Lee, hes an experienced strength and conditioning coach specialising in physical preparation and conditioning in elite sports. His recent assignment was serving as the strength and conditioning coach for the Gulf Giants in season four of the UAEs ILT20. Lee previously worked as the strength and conditioning coach of Afghanistan's mens team from January 2024 to December 2025, and served as head of physical performance at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from March 2020 to January 2024. Coming to Lee, hes an experienced strength and conditioning coach specialising in physical preparation and conditioning in elite sports. His recent assignment was serving as the strength and conditioning coach for the Gulf Giants in season four of the UAEs ILT20. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lee, a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, played 13 first-class matches as a right-handed batter, amassing 490 runs at 30.62, including three half-centuries and a highest score of 79 not out. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Players And Staff Celebrate New Year Within Camp
DY Patil Stadium: Players and coaching staff of the Mumbai Indians Womens Premier League (WPL) squad kicked off the new year in style with an in-house celebration. The franchise arranged a party for all the members who have already joined the camp and started training ahead of the fourth edition of the tournament. MI shared a video of the celebrations across their social media handles, featuring the players, alongside head coach Lisa Keightley and bowling coach Jhulan Goswami, cutting a cake, dancing, and enjoying themselves. They captioned the video, writing, Walking into 2026 in style. Two-time champions MI commenced their training camp on December 30, with the fourth edition of WPL set to take place across two venues: the first leg in Navi Mumbais DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodaras Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5. Speaking about the camp, Keightley had said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week. The defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament, January 9, 2026, against the WPL 2024 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Speaking about the camp, Keightley had said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week. Also Read: Live Cricket Score MI Squad for WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Kamalini G, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Rahila Firdous, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque Article Source: IANS
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Two-day Millet Mahotsav in Vadodara - Times of India
Two-day Millet Mahotsav in Vadodara Times of India
Virat Kohli 'steps Into 2026' With Wife Anushka Sharma In A Masked Picture
The T20I: India's charismatic batter Virat Kohli stepped into the new year' 2026 with his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, posting a photo on social media. The former India captain posted a photograph on Instagram featuring the couple wearing masks, with Kohlis playful Spiderman-style mask adding a touch of humour to the frame. Taking to Instagram, Kohli wrote, Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life. The post instantly garnered views and got flooded with comments from fans and followers wishing the lovely couple good luck ahead of the new year 2026. After retiring from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli has been in the best form of his life in ODI cricket. This 35-year-old cricketer returned to India's top domestic One-day tournament for the first time in 15 years and made a great return by scoring 131 runs and 77 runs consecutively to show his talent and desire to play at this level of cricket. Kohli's recent run of form has been historic as he achieved 16,000 runs in List A cricket, making him the fastest player to do so, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. He is scheduled to play against Railways on January 6 at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, which is located in Bengaluru. After retiring from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli has been in the best form of his life in ODI cricket. This 35-year-old cricketer returned to India's top domestic One-day tournament for the first time in 15 years and made a great return by scoring 131 runs and 77 runs consecutively to show his talent and desire to play at this level of cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Indian team will gather in Vadodara on January 8 to prepare for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The ODI series with the Black Caps will kick off with a clash in Vadodara on January 11, with the second and third matches in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively. It will be followed by a five-match T20I series. The T20I matches will be played between January 21 and January 31. Article Source: IANS
Indias ODI squad vs NZ: Gill to lead; Bumrah and Pandya likely to be rested
The Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand will be selected on January 3. The series begins on January 11 in Vadodara. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to feature. Shubman Gill will lead the team. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for workload management. Dhruv Jurel is a potential wicketkeeper choice.
After Three Successful Editions, WPL 2026 Set To Serve As A Launchpad For Youngsters
ODI World Cup: The Womens Premier League (WPL) gained momentum in its inaugural edition in 2023 and has since become a platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent. With the tournament now gearing up for its fourth edition, several up-and-coming cricketers from across the world will be hoping to put up remarkable performances to grab the selectors attention. Over the years, the franchises have targeted youngsters at the auction to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and bring it to the forefront, and some of them have gone on to become household names. Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Kashvee Gautam, and Niki Prasad are prime examples of how WPL has helped shape careers. The first-ever WPL auction saw not-so-well-known players find franchises bidding for them, and four years down the line, the first-ever mega-auction saw teams ignite a bidding war for young cricketers. The mega-auction, held in November, kicked off with a marquee lineup featuring stars like former Australia captain Meg Lanning, Indias ODI World Cup hero Deepti Sharma, Indian pace sensation Renuka Singh, Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy, and South Africas ace Laura Wolvaardt, among others. The auction offered one of the clearest signals yet that the WPL has entered a new phase. The era of simple retention has given way to one of recalibration. Big-money moves, such as Deepti Sharmas Rs 3.2 crore re-signing with UP Warriorz, Amelia Kerrs Rs 3 crore return to Mumbai Indians, and the surprise acquisition of Shikha Pandey for Rs 2.4 crore, reflected a growing premium on multi-skilled, high-impact players. Just as revealing were the notable absences. Healy going unsold, along with several senior England players, underscored a shift in franchise thinking, with teams prioritising balance, availability, and tactical fit over reputation alone. This auction was less about star power and more about laying a sustainable foundation for the future, signalling a league increasingly focused on long-term growth rather than short-term attention. While these well-known players aimed to attract attention, the franchises focused more on acquiring India's emerging talent to build a secure future, not just for their franchise but also for Indian cricket as a whole. The 16-year-old Deeya Yadav became the youngest cricketer to be sold at the WPL auction, and her story became one to remember. The auction room remained quiet for 10-15 seconds after the auctioneer called her name, before Delhi Capitals, who had been tracking the teenager for a while, raised their paddle and roped her in at a base price of Rs 10 lakh. The youngster now aims to do well for her side and make headlines, to get under the selectors radar and earn an India call-up. Deeya is not the only one. There are several stories associated with the WPL, and the tournament keeps making strides and sets new benchmarks with every passing year. Heading into the WPL 2025 auction without an India cap, N. Sree Charani ignited a fierce bidding war between DC and MI, with the former ultimately securing her for Rs 55 lakh. As a trusted left-arm spinner across various phases, she provides the control and dependability that captains value highly. Her reputation has soared, especially after playing a key role in India's ODI World Cup victory, despite being a surprise choice to start as late as June. Courtesy of her World Cup-winning performance and impressive domestic career with Andhra, Charani bagged a Rs 1.3 crore deal at the 2026 mega auction as Delhi continued to showcase their faith in the left-arm orthodox spinner. The tournament has so far conducted three successful seasons, with Mumbai Indians (MI), led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, winning the inaugural and the 2025 edition, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinching the crown in 2024 under Smriti Mandhanas leadership. With the Women in Blue recently winning the ODI World Cup in November this year, excitement for the fourth edition of the WPL is at an all-time high, with more fans showing their enthusiasm for the tournament. The 2025 season marked a turning point for perceptions of the womens league. Unlike previous years, matches were decided by tighter margins, the gap in playing standards narrowed noticeably, and, for the first time, domestic Indian players consistently shaped results in the games biggest moments. Mumbai Indians title-winning campaign showed how sustained improvement and clearly defined roles can deliver success, while Delhi Capitals run of consecutive second-place finishes underlined just how fine the margins are between consistent excellence and failing to take the next step. DCs decision to appoint Jemimah Rodrigues as captain is symbolic of the leagues shifting priorities. Moving on from Lanning, who led the side to three successive finals, the franchise has opted for renewal, signalling a desire to refresh both leadership and identity. The move also reflects a broader trend across the league: a growing emphasis on Indian captains as the public face of franchises. This shift has gathered momentum in the wake of Indias success at the Womens ODI World Cup, gradually rebalancing the influence foreign players held during the leagues formative years. With younger players increasingly entrusted with captaincy amid congested schedules, rising expectations, and more complex tactical demands, leadership will come under sharper scrutiny than ever. How these new captains manage pressure and shape team culture may prove decisive in defining the leagues next phase. WPL 2026 kicks off on January 9 with two-time and reigning Womens Premier League champions MI facing RCB in Navi Mumbai. The Navi Mumbai leg will take place from January 9 to 17, with 11 matches scheduled, and the subsequent 11 games will be hosted by Vadodara, including the playoffs. The league matches will run until February 1. The Eliminator, involving the second and third-placed teams on the points table, will be held on February 3. The table topper will advance straight to the Final on Thursday, February 5, in Vadodara, where the next WPL champion will be crowned. WPL 2026 schedule Navi Mumbai leg Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vadodara leg Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Also Read: Live Cricket Score Feb 5: Final Article Source: IANS
Amanjot Kaur Wins Best Fielder Medal After Indias 5-0 T20I Series Over Sri Lanka
DY Patil Sports Academy: After India completed a commanding 5-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka, seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur took home the best fielder medal for her exceptional fielding. I think the best fielder of the series, without a doubt, was Amanjot Kaur, said head coach Amol Muzumdar in a video shared by the BCCI on their social media accounts on Wednesday, where the all-rounder got the medal and huge cheers from the rest of the Indian team. As India beat Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the final game of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Amanjot produced a composed allround effort - striking 21 off 18 balls and returning with figures of 1/17, apart from being sharp with her fielding work. The series win over Sri Lanka capped off a remarkable year for India, during which they won the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup on home soil, retained the U19 Womens T20 World Cup trophy, and secured series wins against England on the white-ball tour. Wishing you a very happy new year. Let's get into 2026 in the same way that we got into 2025. Well done once again. 5-nil is a statement, added Muzumdar. Once the New Year break is over, the Indian team members will join their respective sides for the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL), set to take place from January 9 to February 5 across two venues - DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Wishing you a very happy new year. Let's get into 2026 in the same way that we got into 2025. Well done once again. 5-nil is a statement, added Muzumdar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While MI enter the tournament as defending champions, RCB are the only other side to have lifted the WPL trophy. Delhi Capitals, to be captained by Jemimah Rodrigues this year, have finished runners-up thrice under Meg Lannings leadership, while Gujarat Giants, led by Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, and UP Warriorz are yet to make it to the final at the event. Article Source: IANS
Jerrssis Wadia: Tipped as the 'Next Travis Head', shipped to Adelaide from Vadodara
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Pandya Likely To Play Two Games For Baroda In Vijay Hazare Trophy, Set To Be Rested For NZ ODIs
Asia Cup Super Fours: Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to feature in two of Baroda's final three Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches in January, before being rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11. Yes, its confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. Hes not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday. Pandya last played an ODI for India in March, which was the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Along with ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload also needs ample management, Pandya is expected to return for Indias five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting in Nagpur on January 21, before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7. Both Pandya and Bumrah are considered indispensable to India's T20 World Cup title defence hopes by the team management, though the latter has been exempted from featuring in Vijay Hazare Trophy games. Pandya returned to full all-round duties during India's 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa in December after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained in the Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka in September. The injury had sidelined him from the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India's subsequent 2-1 T20I series win in Australia. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. The selectors are expected to get an official update on the status of Shreyas Iyer, who has been training and building up his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The selectors are also likely to deliberate over the second keeper slot, especially with T20 World Cup-bound Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel in fine form, thus giving stiff competition to the incumbent Rishabh Pant. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Players Begin Pre-season Training
Head Coach Lisa Keightley: Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have commenced their training camp ahead of the upcoming Womens Premier League (WPL) season. The fourth edition of WPL will take place across two venues: the first leg in Navi Mumbais DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodaras Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5. Under the leadership of Head Coach Lisa Keightley, Bowling Coach and Team Mentor Jhulan Goswami, Batting Coach Devieka Palshikaar, and other support staff, the players who have already arrivedSaika Ishaque, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, N Kranthi Reddy, and Rahila Firdous began their pre-season training. Speaking about the camp, Keightley said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week._ The session emphasised fitness, skill evaluation, and team cohesion, helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff. The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions, as the squad continues to arrive, gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season begins. The defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament, on January 9, 2026, against the WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The session emphasised fitness, skill evaluation, and team cohesion, helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff. The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions, as the squad continues to arrive, gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season begins. Also Read: Live Cricket Score MI Squad for WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Kamalini G, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Rahila Firdous, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque Article Source: IANS
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WPL 2026: Ex-Australia Player Kristen Beams Appointed MI's Spin Bowling Coach
ODI World Cup: Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed former Australia leg-spinner Kristen Beams as their spin bowling coach for the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, the franchise announced on Monday. It's my first time as a coach here. It's an incredible opportunity to work with someone like Jhulan Goswami, one of the greats of the game, and somebody I played cricket against. Incredible culture that they've developed a winning culture over a really long period of time, but a family, and that's what you hear everyone talk about, that this group is so tight knit, and it's a family, and it's what you want to be a part of, said Kristen in a video posted on the franchises Instagram account on Monday. Kristen was an instrumental player in Australia's World Cup campaigns, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2017 Womens ODI World Cup in England. Her international career spanned 1 Test, 30 ODIs and 18 T20Is, and 45 T20 games in the WBBL, before she ended her playing career to move to coaching. I think as a coach coming in, that's exactly what you want to be able to do, is to walk into an environment that feels really tight knit, and a team that knows how to win, added Kristen. Kristen brings a proven coaching pedigree to the MI set-up featuring head coach Lisa Keightley, bowling coach and mentor Jhulan Goswami, batting coach Devieka Palshikaar and fielding coach Nicole Bolton. I think as a coach coming in, that's exactly what you want to be able to do, is to walk into an environment that feels really tight knit, and a team that knows how to win, added Kristen. Also Read: Live Cricket Score WPL 2026 will run from January 9 to February 5 and will be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. MI, the two-time champions are led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and will open their campaign against Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Article Source: IANS
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BJPs new Gujarat state executive triggers debate over factional balance, regional representation
AHMEDABAD: The BJPs long-awaited announcement of its Gujarat state executive has reshaped the partys internal power structure, with the new team under state president Jagdish Vishwakarma triggering fresh debate over leadership influence, factional balance, and regional representation within the party. The Gujarat BJP saw a major organisational reshuffle late Saturday night after newly appointed state president Jagdish Vishwakarma announced his full team, ending weeks of speculation and setting off fresh discussions within the party. Ten leaders have been appointed as state vice presidents, while Anirudh Dave, Dr Prashant Korat, Hitendrasinh Chauhan, and Ajay Brahmabhatt have been elevated as general secretaries, positions that form the partys command structure. The BJP leadership insists the intent is organisational strengthening. According to the party, seasoned leaders have been entrusted with vice-presidential roles, while a representative mix has been created among general secretaries and ministers to sharpen booth-level efficiency and message delivery ahead of upcoming political wars. Simultaneously, state presidents of the Kisan Morcha, Yuva Morcha, Mahila Morcha, SC-ST, OBC, and Minority Morcha were announced, completing the social and political architecture of the party. Gujarat BJP chief spokesperson Dr Anil Patel sought to set the tone, revealing that a meeting was held with the newly appointed office bearers, the state president, and the organisation's general secretary immediately after the announcement. They were formally introduced and guided on their responsibilities, Patel said, underlining the partys expectations. Our focus is clear. how to strengthen the organisation and how to take the development work of the Gujarat government to the people. Every office bearer must understand what their role is in that mission. New responsibilities have been assigned with one objective - to support the government and ensure the party is ready for every program. Old and new office bearers will work in coordination. This is about teamwork, not titles, he added. However, the newly announced executive committee has once again brought allegations of factionalism to the surface. Several leaders considered close to former state BJP president CR Patil are conspicuously absent from the list, fuellign speculation of a deliberate sidelining. In contrast, leaders perceived to be from camps opposing Patil appear to have gained prominence, suggesting an intentional recalibration of internal power. The new BJP state executive has also drawn criticism over regional imbalance, with no general secretary appointed from South Gujarat, a long-time party stronghold, while Saurashtra has secured three of the posts, triggering allegations of geographical favouritism. The announcement has also sparked discontent at the local level. The elevation of a Surendranagar district leader to the post of state general secretary has drawn attention, as he had earlier faced opposition from party workers in his home district. The decision has surprised party cadres and reinforced concerns that grassroots feedback was overlooked. The appointment of Ajay Brahmabhatt from Kheda as general secretary has similarly led to murmurs within the party, with leaders from Vadodara and North Gujarat feeling they were sidelined. The reshuffle has also revived memories of past internal battles. Leaders who had publicly differed with CR Patils working style or whose names surfaced during controversies such as the Patrika episode have now found space in the new structure. Former minister Ganpat Vasava, widely seen as a Patil opponent, has been appointed state president of the Scheduled Tribes Morcha, while Zhankhanaben Patel, whose Assembly ticket was earlier cut, has been rewarded with a vice-presidential post in the state committee. The new executive has also renewed debate over the BJPs stated principle of one person, one position. Party critics note that several leaders who already hold organisational or governmental responsibilities have been included again in the state executive. This has raised questions within party circles about consistency in applying the rule and about internal discipline in the formation of the expanded committee.
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Vadodara MLA Ketan Inamdar urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rescue over 100 Indian youths stranded in Myanmar after being trapped in a cyber scam racket.
Over 100 Gujarati youths trapped in Myanmar, forced to involve in cybercrimes
AHMEDABAD: What began as a dream of well-paying foreign jobs has turned into a horrifying ordeal for more than 100 youths from Gujarat, who are now trapped in Myanmar after falling victim to an international cyber-scam racket. Lured by fake data-entry job offers promising easy work and attractive salaries, these young menmany from Vadodara districts Savli and Desar talukaswere sent abroad by agents posing as legitimate recruiters. However, soon after reaching Myanmar, the reality turned nightmarish. Instead of employment, they allegedly faced confinement, coercion, and were forced to participate in illegal cybercrime operations. According to the youths, they were made to work for 14 to 18 hours a day under threats and intimidation. Any attempt to resist reportedly invited severe consequences. Their plight came to light after a video appeal surfaced on social media, showing exhausted and frightened youths pleading with the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to rescue them. For nearly 20 days, the victims claim they have been hiding in hell-like conditions at a safe house operated by a local NGO in Myanmars Maya Wadi area. With almost no money, dying phone batteries, and limited access to help, hope is fast fading. One of the trapped youths, Kunjan Shah from Sandhasal village, shared his ordeal through a viral audio message. We were brought here in the name of jobs, he said, his voice trembling. But we were forced into illegal work for 14 to 18 hours daily. We escaped when we got a chance. Now we have no money, no phone balance, and no support. Fear escalated further after news emerged that the Ahmedabad Crime Branch had recently busted a Myanmar-based cybercrime racket. Realising they were likely entangled in the same criminal network, the youths fled the company, choosing uncertainty over captivity. Despite reports that Myanmar authorities have cleared their immigration status, the youths allege that no concrete assistance from Indian officials has reached them yet. Back in Gujarat, families are shattered. Kunjans parents, Jayeshbhai and Hansabhen, broke down while speaking to the media. They revealed that their son had travelled to Thailand and later Myanmar four months ago in search of a better future. We dont want money or compensation, they said tearfully. We just want our son and all the other children to come home safely. As anxiety spreads among families, political pressure is building. On December 26, Savli MLA Ketan Inamdar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention. He also reached out to Vadodara MP Dr. Hemang Joshi for support. In his letter, the MLA stated that Kunjan Shah and around 10 youths from Desar taluka, along with nearly 100 Indians, are currently stranded in Myanmar after being cheated under false job schemes. This is not an isolated incident, Inamdar said. More than 100 Indian youths are suffering. Ten are from Vadodara district, and one is from my own village.
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AHMEADBAD: A murder has shaken Gujarats Vadodara district, with police alleging that a minor girl, driven by a forbidden love affair, drugged her own father and orchestrated his killing with the help of her lover and his friend. Investigators say the crime came to light after they pieced together a trail of failed poisoning attempts, a past POCSO case, and a carefully planned escape. Vadodara city was jolted after police cracked the murder of a young man from Padra taluka, who was stabbed to death inside his own home. What initially appeared to be a mysterious, blood-soaked killing near the victims residence soon turned into a calculated crime involving his own minor daughter. According to police, the murder was carried out in collaboration with the girls lover, Ranjit, and his friend Mahesh. Investigators said the plan was simple yet sinister: put the father into a deep sleep and eliminate him. On the night of the murder, the minor girl mixed sleeping pills into her fathers food. Once he slipped into an unconscious state, Ranjit and his associate entered the house around 2.30 am and stabbed the sleeping man three times, ensuring his death before fleeing the scene. Police claim the girl watched the killing from a window, waiting for confirmation that her obstacle had been removed. Vadodara district Superintendent of Police Sushil Agarwal, while revealing disturbing details of the case, said, This was not an impulsive act. The girl had attempted to poison her parents earlier as well. Two days before the murder, she mixed sleeping pills again, but the plan failed. Even earlier, she tried to drug her mother by adding sleeping pills to a glass of water, but the bitter taste saved her life. According to the police, these repeated failed attempts strengthened the resolve of the conspirators. On the third attempt, the pills worked and the murder followed. Investigators also pointed to a troubled family background. Police said the deceased father strongly opposed his daughters relationship and confined his wife and daughter inside a room, locking them from outside. That resentment, they believe, turned lethal. Adding another layer to the case, SP Agarwal said the accused lover, Ranjit, had earlier abducted the minor girl, prompting the father to file a complaint. Ranjit was arrested under the POCSO Act and later released on bail. After coming out on bail, he re-established contact with the minor and together they planned to kill the father and run away, the SP said. Police have arrested the minor girl, her lover Ranjit, and his associate Mahesh. Investigators are tracing the source of the sleeping pills and the weapon used in the crime, and are also examining whether anyone else had prior knowledge of the plot. What police say began as a love affair ended in a brutal family murder, leaving Vadodara stunned by the extent of obsession and planning involved when law, fear and blood ties were all crossed.
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