K.C. Venugopal seeks more Onam special trains to Kerala
Venugopal, held discussions with Mr. Vaishnaw on Friday during which he pointed out that the services sanctioned so far were inadequate
After 12 years, Neelakurinji begins to bloom in Keralas Chokramudi hills
After 12 years, Neelakurinji begins to bloom in Keralas Chokramudi hills
Egg attacks raise safety concerns for Kerala KSRTC buses
Bengaluru: The discovery of broken eggs on a Kerala KSRTC bus involved in a fatal accident on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and a subsequent egg-throwing incident targeting another Kerala-bound bus have raised concerns over a possible pattern of attacks on buses travelling at night. The first incident occurred on August 8, when a Kerala KSRTC bus 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 .
No direction to sing Vande Mataram in Kerala schools on Independence Day
Director of General Educations circular to school head teachers mentions only national anthem.
Minister Roji M. John condemns protest by SFI at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit as the student organisation rejects reports that it staged a mock funeral of Ciza Thomas, Vice-Chancellor, while a meeting of Syndicate was under way on Thursday
Action plan on cards to avert traffic snarls in Keralas Kozhikode during Onam
Entry of solo-driven cars to Kozhikode city likely to be restricted as part of crowd control measures
Kerala University to introduce double-valuation system for LLB examinations
Decision comes against the backdrop of complaints from students about significant variations in marks during revaluation and demands for greater transparency in the conduct of examinations
SNDP microfinance scam: Kerala HC directs govt. to consider sanction to prosecute Vellappally
Farm owner booked for delayed registration, concealing death of exotic animal in Erode
Verification also reveals that seven African serval cats at the farm has not been registered; one had been purchased from Hyderabad and three from Kerala, whereas three others had been born at the facility
Kerala Schools Told To Skip Vande Mataram
Only the National Anthem at state ceremonies on August 15: Reports
New initiative for scientific flood mitigation in Kerala
Kerala Flood Resilience Initiative envisaged as a model for nation; team of experts from IITs submits preliminary report
Police use water cannons to disperse DYFI protest march to Kerala CM VD Satheesan's residence
In a dramatic turn of events, police intervened to disperse DYFI activists rallying outside the residence of Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan. The uproar unfolded following the arrest of Youth Congress members linked to MDMA possession. DYFI leaders accused the Chief Minister of complicity with drug traffickers, while protesters condemned his inadequate handling of recent natural disasters, including severe floods and landslides.
Kerala raises caregiver assistance under Ashwasakiranam scheme to 1,000
It is a monthly aid to caregivers of chronically bedridden, disabled persons or persons with other terminal or chronic illnesses or the elderly.
Shopping complex in Keralas Neendakara harbour left to rot
Vendors and fishers report that the abandoned structure has effectively transformed into a notorious hideout for drug pushers and anti-social elements, prompting frequent law enforcement crackdowns under Operation Toofan
Kerala Chief Minister to present Forest Medals on Independence Day
The medals are awarded annually to personnel ranging from forest beat assistants to range forest officers for exemplary dedication to forest and wildlife protection
Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh to inaugurate Onam celebrations in Kollam
The week-long celebrations will take place across multiple key locations in the district from August 25 to August 30
Kerala CM Satheesan Slams BJP; Calls Stage Purification Against Kharge Shameful, Undemocratic
The Chief Minister noted that the sacrifices and struggles of the Dalit community played a vital role in shaping our nation and democracy: Reports
Kerala Agrees to Union Govt on PMAY Logo in Front of Project Houses
The scheme provides financial assistance to homeless persons and their families without homes, to bring down homelessness among Indian households
Think your childs PPF is a separate 1.5 lakh limit? Heres what the Kerala HC says
Among the safest investment options in India, public provident fund or PPF investment can help parents prepare for the big expenses in your children's future, be it health, marriage, education or other aspirations.
Keralam government to launch Kerala Flood Resilience Initiative using advanced technology
The News Mill
Mounting criticism in Kerala over Centres Mines and Minerals Amendment Act
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan terms the MMDR amendment Act an assault on the federal structure envisaged by the Constitution; he alleges that the legislation formed part of a broader policy to open Indias precious mineral wealth to private monopolies
Titan World eyes 250 crore retail business from Kerala in three years
On changing consumer behaviour, Alick said around 60 per cent of watch purchases were currently made for gifting, including weddings and other occasions.
UPST Rank Holders Association in Kerala calls off Secretariat protest
Protestersagree towithdraw from stir based onGeneral Education Minister N. Samsudheens assurance that demands raised by them will be examined and those found favourable will be implemented at the earliest
Keralas Congress MLA C.R. Mahesh apologises for seat belt violation
In a Facebook post, the Karunagappally MLA says travelling without a seat belt is against the law and admits that such a mistake happened on his part
Bank fails to return your FD after maturity? What depositors can do to recover their money
A Kerala HC ruling offers relief to FD holders facing delayed payments. Here's what depositors can do if a bank refuses to return their money after maturity and what remedies may be available.
Kerala MLA Apologises For Not Wearing Seatbelt
Mahesh said he was issuing the statement after the incident was reported by the visual media. I apologise for the incident and thank the media for pointing out the mistake, the MLA added
Keralas UPSC Protest Ends After 17 Days Following Government Assurances
Thiruvananthapuram, August 14: The 17-day-long protest by the UPSC Rank Holders Association in front of the Kerala Secretariat concluded on Friday. This decision came after the Minister of General Education, N. Shamsudheen, assured the demonstrators that their primary demands would be considered, with positive decisions made wherever feasible. The conclusion followed a crucial meeting between ... Read more Keralas UPSC Protest Ends After 17 Days Following Government Assurances
Kerala Orders Probe Into Egg-Hurling at KSRTC Bus in Karnataka, Suspects Sabotage
According to a statement, the eggs hit the bus's front windshield, obstructing the driver's vision and creating a dangerous situation that could have led to an accident
BJP leader S. Suresh alleges that former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) are involved in the loot' and urges the V.D. Satheesan government to hand over the case to CBI
Asianet Unveils 'OG Onam' 10-Day Festive Entertainment Celebration
Asianet will unfold a spectacular 10-day celebration, with each day dedicated to a distinct theme that captures the authentic spirit, warmth and grandeur of Keralas biggest festival.
7 states plan 1,380 new GCCs, to help create 1.2 mn jobs by 2031: CBRE
Seven states, including Karnataka and Maharashtra, have come up with dedicated policies to facilitate establishment of 1,380 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) with a target to create an additional 12 lakh jobs by 2031, according to CBRE. Real estate consultant CBRE on Friday released a report 'The Policy Advantage: Powering India's GCC Growth'. As per the report, seven states -- Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh -- are targeting setting up of around 1,380 GCCs in their states with a cumulative target of creating about 1.18 million jobs by 2031. The speed at which state governments have moved to formalise dedicated GCC policies is unprecedented in India's commercial real estate landscape, said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE. This reflects a broader recognition that these centres are no longer a peripheral component of India's services economy, but a central pillar that states .
34-year-old assistant professor at Kozhikode Medical College found dead in quarters
State government also decides to agree to Centres requirement to display emblem in front of houses built under PMAY, despite stiff resistance from Opposition LDF
A man lost Rs 9,854 after falling for a fake UPI cashback scratch card scam. Federal Bank initially refunded the amount as required under RBI guidelines, then quietly reversed the credit weeks later, blaming the customer. A Kerala consumer commission has now ordered the bank to restore the full amount along with Rs 5,000 in compensation and Rs 3,000 in costs, ruling the bank failed to prove any negligence on the customer's part.
Keralam sanctions Rs 150 crore to clear pending paddy procurement dues
The News Mill
Kerala court sentences seven to life for 2016 murder of 19-year-old
Kerala court sentences seven to life for murder of yearold
Kerala drivers are the 4X4 Stock class champions at The Rainforest Challenge (India) 2026
Athul Thomas and Binil Babu from Kerala are champions in the 4X4 Stock class at the recently-concluded Rainforest Challenge (India) in Goa
Kerala Girl Dies by Suicide After Parents Stop Her Using From Using Phone
Chengamanad police has registered a case of unnatural death and are also investigating whether any other factors may have led to her death
Arrest of trio by Keralas Vigilance in alleged 10-lakh bribery case exposes official-middlemen nexus
VACB sources say role of more revenue officials in the case is being probed
Out On Bail In Girlfriend's Death Case, Kerala Man Dies After Poisoning Self
According to police, Vaisakhan was arrested in January this year in connection with the death of his girlfriend.
Sabarimala Gold Loss Probe Officer SP S Sasidharan Gets Presidents Medal
Sasidharan is the lone Kerala officer to receive the Presidents Medal for Distinguished Service this year
Sabarimala gold loss probe officer S. Sasidharan gets Presidents Medal for Distinguished Service
As part of Independence Day celebrations, 11 officers from Kerala Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and Prison and Correctional Services have been selected for various Presidents Police and Fire Service Medals
Upset Over Lawyer Representing His Wife In Court, Kerala Man Stabs His Father
Mohandas, whose son and daughter-in-law are lawyers, was attacked at his residence in Murikumpadam, Puthuvypeen, on Thursday evening, police said.
Vizhinjam to begin direct EXIM cargo operations from Aug 18: Shashi Tharoor
New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) Direct export-import (EXIM) cargo movement at Keralas Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin from August 18 which is a major step in the ports transition from an international transhipment hub to a gateway for Indias overseas trade, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Friday. Taking to the social media platform X, []
Cochin Shipyard Limited Announces 2026 Apprentice Recruitment for 139 Positions
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has announced the recruitment of 139 Graduate and Technician Apprentices for 2026. The application process opens on August 12 and closes on September 1, 2026. Only residents of Kerala who have completed their educational qualifications in specified years are eligible to apply. The selection will be based on merit, with document verification required for shortlisted candidates. This is a great opportunity for aspiring apprentices to join a prestigious organization. Read on for detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions.
Kerala sportspersons receive govt boosts with jobs
Thiruvananthapuram Four Malayali sportspersons have received the Centres recognition in the form of government jobs, with the Mumbai Income Tax The post Kerala sportspersons receive govt boosts with jobs appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Parliament Monsoon Session ends with 12 Bills passed amid disruptions
A total of 12 Bills were passed by both Houses during the session. The key legislation included the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, the Tribunals Reforms Bill, the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill.
Messy make-up: cosmetics addiction takes the sheen out of childhood
A large number of schoolchildren in Kerala are taking an early morbid fascination towards cosmetics, which experts term Cosmeticorexia. Navamy Sudhish examines the mental and physical consequences of the obsessive behaviour
Mines, minerals bill gets nod, draws fire from Jharkhand, Kerala
Parliament's Monsoon Session adjourned sine die
New Delhi, Aug 13:The Monsoon Session of Parliament which commenced on July 20 was adjourned sine die on Thursday.The session provided 19 sittings spread over a period of 25 days.During the session, 11 Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha and two Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha. Twelve Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 12 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha.The total number of Bills passed by both Houses of Parliament during the session was 12. Two Bills replacing and encompassing the provisions of the Ordinances, The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, and the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, which were promulgated by the President before Monsoon Session, were considered and passed by both the Houses. Demands for Excess Grants for the year 2022-23 were taken up and the related Appropriation Bill was introduced, considered and passed by Lok Sabha on August 4 and returned by the Rajya Sabha on August 6. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was referred to the Joint Committee of the Houses for examination and report. In order to address, with immediacy, the concerns of students relating to public examinations, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced to amend the parent act of 2024 as a major initiative to strengthen the integrity and credibility of the public examination system. The Bill seeks to ensure speedy investigation and time-bound trial of offences under the Act; empower state governments and union territory administrations to designate Special Fast Track Courts and appoint Special Public Prosecutors; mandate completion of investigations within two months and trials within three months; enable the Central Government to constitute Special Task Forces for investigation, wherever necessary; enhance penalties for offences; and provide for a time-bound appellate mechanism before a Division Bench of the High Court. The bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and has been assented to by the President. Some other major Bills passed by both Houses during the Session are as under: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Act of 1971 to bring VandeMataram, honoured as the National Song, within the ambit of Section 3 of The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and proposes to make it an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of VandeMataram or cause disturbance to any assembly engaged in its singing, thereby extending legal protection to the National Song and making such acts punishable under the act. The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to amend the parent Act of 1969 to make provisions for delayed registration of births and deaths more stringent by prescribing a streamlined verification mechanism. The Bill provides for registration after one year and up to two years only with the approval of the competent Executive Magistrate, and after two years only with the approval of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Act of 2006 to provide for a national digital platform for free and voluntary registration of MSMEs and strengthen the MSME sector by improving access to finance, ensuring faster adjudication of delayed payment disputes of micro and small enterprises, promoting ease of doing business, and decriminalising offences regarding contravention of certain provisions, replacing conviction-based fines with graded penalties by including warning at the first instance. The Bankers Books Evidence Bill, 2026, seeks to expand the scope of the definition of bankers books to include all forms of records maintained by banks, whether in physical, electronic, digital, virtual, cloud-based or in any other form, thereby providing a comprehensive, technology-neutral and future-ready legal framework. It standardises certificates and recognises manual, digital and electronic authentication, while enabling electronic records to be produced physically or electronically. It further empowers the central government to extend coverage across the financial sector and defines special cause for judicial production. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution by altering the name of State of Kerala as Keralam in accordance with article 3 of the Constitution. The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962, to expand the definition of foodstuffs to include any other food items as may be notified by the central government, remove the geographical restriction applicable to industrial goods, strengthen the cooperative sector by updating statutory references, removing obsolete provisions, and empowering the corporation with necessary incidental powers. These measures will facilitate the collection and sharing of credit and other relevant information with authorised institutions, while providing greater flexibility, legal clarity, and operational efficiency and enable timely, direct and responsive financial assistance for co-operative development. The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, seeks to improve the efficiency, ensure independence, transparency, and uniformity in the qualifications, appointment, terms and conditions of service of chairpersons and members of various tribunals, the administration and functioning of the tribunals, to establish a National Tribunals Commission and to make consequential amendments in related enactments and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to provide certainty, stability and predictability in the fiscal regime in the mineral sector, thereby giving impetus to national economic growth which would facilitate the aims of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ultimately attaining the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The productivity of Lok Sabha was approximately 19 percent and that of Rajya Sabha was approximately 39 percent.
Centre steps in with jobs, Kerala govt boosts by awarding cash rewards for sporting personalities
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14 (IANS) Four Malayali sportspersons have received the Centres recognition in the form of government jobs, with the Mumbai Income Tax Department appointing them under the sports quota, while Kerala steps up its financial rewards for sporting excellence. Sandra Mol Sabu, Jilna M.V., Shyam Prasad U. and Alphonsia M. received their appointment orders []
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express to get 16 coaches
Kerala High Court denies bail to accused in organ trafficking
Organ trafficking exploits vulnerable populations, fuels transnational crime networks, and undermines public trust in legitimate medical systems, says court
SC seeks CCI response in Kerala State Beverages Corp case
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Competition Commission of India and others. This follows an appeal by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies against KSBC. The industry body alleges unfair trade practices and discrimination in the liquor market. KSBC is accused of unilaterally fixing prices and levying additional charges. The court will hear the matter again on September 23.
Ministerial team to visit Aralam farm to review human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures
Tahsildar held on bribery charge in Kochi
T.K. Govindan alleges financial irregularities in coop. society in Keralas Kannur
Kochi Corporation to recommend Vigilance probe into G Memorial, P&T complex construction
Alleged construction lapses blamed for poor condition of two facilities; UDF councillors raise corruption allegations over G Memorial
Punjabi Traveller Amazed By Kasaragod Railway Station Cleanliness In Kerala, Video Viral
Punjabi traveller was highly impressed by the exceptional cleanliness at Kasaragod railway station in Kerala.
Mosquitoes, stray dogs and waste trigger heated exchanges in Kochi Corporation Council
Opposition cites failure of 50-day action plan and Animal Birth Control programme; UDF questions credibility of data on soaring dengue cases; 24-crore annual burden of waste management systems comes under scrutiny
BJP says programmes will be held across State to shape strong public protests against insulting Vande Mataram and against taking positions that aid anti-national elements
Caste-based discrimination against Mallikarjun Kharge condemnable: Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan
He says the incident at Haldwani in Uttarakhand was a blatant violation of democratic values and the right to equality guaranteed by the Constitution
Committee grants clearance after considering a report submitted by NHAI that addressed concerns regarding geological and safety aspects of revised alignment; project will be completed at a revised estimated cost of around 12,595 crore
CPI(M)-Backed Islamic Bank Depositors Face Financial Troubles, Kerala CM Promises Investigation
Kannur, August 13: Depositors of a Sharia-compliant cooperative society initiated by CPI(M) leaders in Kannur are facing financial difficulties. Complaints have emerged that depositors are unable to withdraw their funds. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has assured that these grievances will be investigated. The situation took a new turn when Nasar, one of the depositors who ... Read more CPI(M)-Backed Islamic Bank Depositors Face Financial Troubles, Kerala CM Promises Investigation
MMDR Bill leaves states' minor mineral rights intact: Mines Minister Reddy
Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said the MMDR Bill applies only to major minerals and does not affect states' powers over minor minerals, as Kerala warned of legal action.
Kerala Water Authority to hand over unused Kaloor reservoir to SUEZ
40-lakh-litre tank could supplement distribution network served by Thammanam tank; only six of 13 overhead storage reservoirs in Kochi are operational; KWA explores using unused tanks to strengthen distribution and address tail-end shortages
Kerala HC extends stay on PCB order to close down poultry-waste rendering unit in Keralas Kozhikode
The court was considering a report on a site inspection jointly conducted by the environmental engineer from the PCB and the District Collector
Court says the petitioner based his plea on unverified press reports and that he did not approach the authorities concerned with his grievance or corroborated the information through official channels
Students death: panel seeks police report
Kerala govt. introduces special HR cell in Health department
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan says the decision to form the special cell was taken as vacancies in the department were remaining unfilled as promotions were not taking place
National Education Policy 2020 not approved in Kerala, clarifies KSHEC
Doctors at a national conclave point out that with ASD being a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, a life-course approach that promotes continuous, coordinated, and person-centred support over the years into adulthood and beyond is needed
CPI(M) accuses Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan of making false claims on MDMA case accused
Satheesan said he had met the accused only after he was injured in a police action during the LDF govt. rule. Govindan displays photos of the CM with the accused purportedly taken before the date
Vidya scholarship scheme launched at Moyan school in Keralas Palakkad
Savarkar quiz row: Kerala HC seeks Govt reply on teacher
Kochi, Aug 13 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Thursday sought the state governments response to a plea by a teacher suspended for including V.D. Savarkars name as the answer to a question on freedom fighters in a school quiz in Kasaragod, adding a fresh turn to the controversy that has already triggered a political []
Kerala Congress (B) leader Ganesh Kumar steps up criticism of NSS chief, rules out legal battle
Radhakrishnan will be awarded an honorary DSc degree, while the others will receive honorary DLitt degrees
Fishers vow to resist move to open Keralas black sand wealth to corporates
T.N. Prathapan calls Centres proposed amendments a threat to Keralas coastal rights and fishing community
Man killed in accident at Edappal
Kerala: CPI(M)-backed Islamic banking society under scrutiny as complaints mount
Depositors of Keralas Halal Fayida Cooperative Society have complained of difficulties in withdrawing their money, prompting the state government to order a probe. One depositor who had raised concerns has since confirmed that his Rs 1 lakh deposit was returned
ED attack case: Kerala High Court upholds bail for ninth accused
Recently, the court allowed bail applications of 17 other accused as well
Orthodox Church to consult legal experts on Kerala HC order
Ahead of Onam, vegetable prices skyrocket in Keralas Kozhikode
Heavy rainfall and supply shortages drive up vegetable costs even as clamour for government subsidies grows
Canadian citizen arrested for alleged job fraud in Kerala
He collected around 3.5 crore from several people after promising to arrange nursing and other jobs in Canada.
UDF government in Kerala has failed to contain price rise ahead of Onam: G.R. Anil
Former Minister says the State government hasreduced the quantity and increased the price of rice distributed through the public distribution system, compared to the previous Onam when the LDF government was in power
Kerala CM Denies Role in Removal of Social Media Posts Linked to Him, Govt
The Chief Minister said Hussain had met him three to four times but claimed he was unaware of Hussains alleged involvement in the drug case at the time.
Independence Day: Kerala CM to inaugurate Resurge Safe Women, Safe Kerala on August 14 night
Event to be organised by the Women and Child Development department as part of the Independence Day celebrations from 9.30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
No Such Thing As An Off-season; Shreyas Is One Of The Best Minds I've Seen: Trevor Gonsalves
With Indian Premier League: A franchise like Punjab Kings used to be perpetually trapped in the cycle of mid-table rebuilds till a grand change at the top happened in 2025. Under head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS reached the summit clash, but fell short of the trophy. Their quest to win the title began brightly in 2026 before an unbeaten run in the first half made way for six straight losses. Though they won their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants, the unimpressive second half meant PBKS finished right outside the first four spots in the points tally. With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 still a fair bit away, PBKS have hit the ground running in terms of preparations via an ongoing off-season camp in New Chandigarh. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Gonsalves breaks down the reasoning behind off-season camps, different needs of players to keep themselves sharp and match-ready, evolution of the franchise, 'positive-only' leadership of Shreyas Iyer, and more. Excerpts: - Q. What are the core objectives you are trying to achieve through this off-season camp? A. As of today, I really don't see anything as off-season. Cricket is being played throughout, and you may be aware that even the Sher-e-Punjab is starting in a few days, and we carry a few Punjab players with us. Many more state leagues are also on, or about to start. You have the Kerala Premier League and had the Andhra one getting over. Now you have the UP Premier League, and it's really about keeping the players in shape and keeping them in touch. We also look forward to our players performing in all these tournaments that are coming up. At the same time, you've also seen that a few of our players have been elevated and gone up to the Indian side. So, it's about keeping them fit and in touch with the game. It's good that we come around for a week or so in a period of 25 or one month or so. So, it's a good period that's carrying on going up to the IPL. Q. This camp features the likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera. How do you tailor individual technical work for these players who are at very different stages in their careers? A. Well, see, it is not about the drill sessions at this moment. It is about, again, all the names that you mentioned are all professional cricketers, right? So, Prabh is about to play for the side in a few days. Shashank is ironing out a few of his problems that were there earlier on and is still trying to be in shape, and the same with Nehal. So, we have a specific mode now with only six or seven guys here around. We are giving them all the phases that usually come in the game. So, that's how we are going about it. It's not about being too specific about anything. But yes, they are having their own plans. We are executing a few plans and a few match scenarios. Well, I am in one-to-one touch with Ricky. Ricky is aware of everything that's going on, and he gets a report on a day-to-day basis. Q. You've been with the team since the 2022 season. What sort of shift has happened from 2025 in terms of personnel, mindset and ethos of the Punjab Kings? A. Going back to when I joined in 2022, when Trevor Bayliss was also the coach, I think it's about picking and getting into the right combination. The most important part that I see is about the home players and the picks in the overseas brackets. The person that we have in command now, Ponting, has been around for a decade. He's been around for a very long time, and he's an excellent, excellent person who knows all the players in and out. Being with the IPLs and various franchises for so long. So, he knows everyone in and out. That cuts our problems a lot in picking the right players for the right spot. Now, as of today, we boast of a team that can really do this - we have two sets of players. We have a backup for every single player on this team. So, even if one player goes down, the next player is always ready there and is as good as the first player applying to the eleven. So, it's really about picking the right slots, getting in the right players, and then working on it. Q. At PBKS, theres a lot of faith shown in young Indian batting talent like Prabhsimran, Wadhera and Priyansh Arya since 2025. How do you see this trend? A. We in India have totally different wickets compared to what we have overseas. If it's in England or in Australia, the wickets in India can be really challenging. It's the same as when an Indian player goes out; it's very challenging for them because, year-round, and when you speak about the Indian batsmen, yes, it's very difficult for an outsider to come and settle on the Indian wickets. Its because you can have less bounce, you can have a little bit of turn, you can have a little bit of grip on it, which is usually not the case on English and Australian wickets. So, really, yes, the Indian players form the majority of the great IPL teams that are there now. If you notice, the better the Indian players, the better the team performs, with due respect to the overseas players and all of them. But yes, you have to have a strong Indian batting line-up for me. That's it. Q. Shreyas Iyer's leadership at PBKS so far has been a revelation, and he now captains India in T20Is? What makes him a standout skipper? A. Shreyas and Ricky have been working for a long time now, even before coming to Punjab Kings. When they both got here, and now when you're talking about Shreyas, Shreyas is totally an amazing personality, and the biggest thing is he's such a good listener. When I talk about communicating with Shreyas, he's such a good listener that any single person in the team- he may be the 25th person in the team- can just go out and speak to Shreyas, and this guy will always have time for you. He will always have time for you. Shreyas is one of the best minds I have seen in cricket so far. What a level-headed guy, and a good head on your shoulders. He's one person who backs every single player, and the best part I like about him is that in the meetings or at personal levels or in the field or at practice, you can't speak a negative line. However bad the situation is, you've got to take out a positive line from it and speak it if you want to. But there is no speaking negatively when any player or anybody is concerned, and Shreyas is in front of you. It's got to be positive. If the feedback is there, it's got to be positive. So that's a very good thing. He is only talking positively and well. Nothing more than that. Yes, mistakes do happen, and everyone realises that a mistake was made. So you don't need to go up to his face and tell him that you made a mistake. They are all mature and highly experienced players. So that's a very good point that I like about Shreyas. He is an amazing human being, has very good ears, and is always ready to hear you out. Q. From a coaching perspective, how critical are these camps in keeping players sharp compared to just monitoring them during the domestic season? A. Not all the players are international players, and not necessarily all the players play domestic cricket. So now, if we don't have these camps, a lot of players would be missing out on really good cricket. We know that if a player has to practice alone in his hometown, we don't know the quality of wickets he's going to get there. What is the quality of the bowlers he's going to face there? Or if he's a bowler, what quality of batsmen is he bowling to? Will he get that quality of balls that we are providing, the Kookaburra balls? Maybe not. So it is more about facilitating these players and getting them ready, because the remaining players who come from overseas or international cricket or state duties are ready. So what about the players who are not in the state category and international side? It's more important for them as well. These are the reasons why we have planned this now. This season is going to be alarmingly long for us because we have a terrific, terrific schedule in place. We have a lot of camps coming up, and these camps really do help because it's all about coming together, meeting the person, trying to understand what's going on in his mind. It's not only all about cricket. It's all about the mindset and the frame of mind that he's in. How is he going? What's his body language? How positive is he? What's his attitude? A lot is being worked on also on their mindsets, and having these camps off and on is really, really important. We know time flies, and very soon we'll be into the 2027 season. So what about the players who are not in the state category and international side? It's more important for them as well. These are the reasons why we have planned this now. This season is going to be alarmingly long for us because we have a terrific, terrific schedule in place. We have a lot of camps coming up, and these camps really do help because it's all about coming together, meeting the person, trying to understand what's going on in his mind. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A. You can speak and get away with it. But data is the truth. You can't run away from the data. The data shows what the person has done, and I wouldn't say that we are 100 percent reliant on it. But yes, data in today's life plays an important role. We can't run away from the data. The data speaks volumes, and we do rely on it. Yes, data does have an important place as far as we are concerned, and yes, data helps. Article Source: IANS
