Rajpal Yadav says time in jail was like near-death experience when he almost drowned: I'm a fighter, will always surface

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March 25, 2026

Rajpal Yadav says time in jail was like near-death experience when he almost drowned: I'm a fighter, will always surface

Rajpal Yadav says he feels reborn, like a child again. The last few weeks have been difficult for the actor. He was sent to prison in a years-old cheque-bounce case, which prompted a wave of support from the industry and a bid by the actor to repay his dues. This led to Rajpal being released from jail after a few days, when the court granted him bail.

Rajpal Yadav opens up on feeling reborn after being in jail.

‘Life is full of relief now’

A relieved man, he meets us during the promotions of his upcoming film, Bhooth Bangla, days after the court refused to arrest him again. We ask him if he is ok now, having left legal troubles behind. “Raahat hi hai zindagi mein (There is only relief in life),” he says philosophically, “You all are here, people from around the country and the world.”

After the Delhi High Court sent him to Tihar Jail in February, many of his co-stars, producers, and well-wishers came together to help him repay his dues in the ₹9-crore cheque-bounce case. As a result, Rajpal partially repaid the debt by the time he was up for bail, and the court granted him relief.

‘I owe the whole world now’

He gets emotional when he talks about the support he received. “When you are stuck in a situation, and at that point, the people for whom you have been working for 20 years stand by you. Whether it is a child or a senior citizen, it does not matter. People prayed for me, others supported me with tan, mann, dhan, whatever they could. That made me a hundred years younger.”

True to his nature, Rajpal jokes about the new debt he is under – to the people who prayed for him from their homes. “I feel I am not indebted to so many people from around the world who wished well for me. Yeh jo karz hua hai poori duniya ka mere upar, iss karz mein main doobna chahta hoon (I feel I am in debt to the entire world, and I want to stay in it),” he says with a smile.

The experience has changed him, though, he admits. “I must have lived 500 lives in the last 40 years, since I started doing theatre at the age of 14. But now I feel like I have been born again. I feel like a child again,” says the veteran actor.

Prolonged legal troubles and spending time in jail can be enough to break anyone. But Rajpal says he is made of different stuff. Recounting a near-death-experience he had as a child, he says, “I have seen death from up close. I almost drowned in the Ganga. At that point, I told myself to keep fighting, to try to surface. You fight the pressure of the water pulling you down. Aapki aadhi jaan nikal jaati hai (You lose half your strength).” He says this experience was like that time for him, adding, “I’m a fighter. In my life, I got sympathy and love from my family and so many other families in the world. So much the world and Indian cinema have given me, it keeps me fighting. I want to live every minute of my life in peace now. Raahat ki saans chahiye. Tabhi has paunga or hasa paunga (Only then can I laugh and make others laugh).”

Rajpal will be next seen on screen in Bhooth Bangla alongside Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi. The horror-comedy, directed by Priyadarshan, will release in theatres on April 10.

Oz-born Williams in the India squad for Hong Kong tie

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March 25, 2026

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Oz-born Williams in the India squad for Hong Kong tie

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams could make his much-anticipated India debut after being named in head coach Khalid Jamil`s 23-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31 in Kochi. Williams was included in the squad after FIFA cleared his change of association, paving the way for the 31-year-old winger to represent India at the senior international level.

He had earlier been part of India`s preparatory camp for the Bangladesh qualifier but missed out on the lineup due to pending documentation. With all formalities now complete, he is in line to make his debut against Hong Kong. Already ruled out of qualification for the Asian Cup, India will look to sign off their campaign on a positive note with a blend of experience and youth in the squad. Williams, whose mother hails from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, will thus become only the second foreign-born footballer of Indian origin to play for the country after Japan-born Arata Izumi, who represented India between 2013 and 2014.

A versatile attacker currently playing for Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, Williams relinquished his Australian passport last year to play for India. Born in Perth in 1993, Williams began his professional journey in England after joining Portsmouth`s academy in 2010. He broke into the senior side a year later, making his debut against Middlesbrough, before going on to have stints with clubs such as Fulham and Barnsley.

On the international stage, Williams represented Australia at the youth level, featuring in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His only senior appearance for Australia came in a 2019 friendly against South Korea, a non-competitive fixture that allowed him to switch national allegiance under FIFA rules.

The Blue Tigers began their camp in Kochi on Tuesday where 20 players along with the staff, have assembled. Defender Anwar Ali, midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, and forward Edmund Lalrindika, who played their last ISL match against Mohammedan Sporting Club on Monday will join the squad later on Tuesday. “This is a good opportunity for us to build for the future,” India head coach Jamil stated in a release.

“We have a lot of promising players coming through, who are currently with the U20 and U23 national teams, playing in the SAFF U20 Championship in Maldives, and the U23 Tri-Nation in Arunachal Pradesh. “Our assistant coach Mahesh is himself leading the U20s, which will help us familiarise them with the system we have in place here with the senior team.”

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Kerala State Assembly Elections 2026: Current Chief Ministers and Ministers

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March 25, 2026

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Kerala State Assembly Elections 2026: Current Chief Ministers and Ministers

In form of 2026 state assembly elections viewpoint, the focus has become on the sitting ministers within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala.

The cabinet includes 11 ministers from the CPI(M) and four from the CPI, along with Kerala Congress (M), Janata Dal (S), which later merged with the Bharatiya Samajwadi Janata Dal, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), Congress (Secular), National Secular Conference and Kerala Congress (B), each contributing one minister.

CPI(M) leader AN Shamseer is the current Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and CPI’s Chittayam Gopkumar is the Deputy Speaker. Kerala Congress (M) MLA N. Jayaraj is the chief whip.

Here is a summary of the Council of Ministers in the state.

Pinarayi Vijayan – CPI (M)

Pinarayi Vijayan Secured a decisive victory in the 2021 Assembly elections in Dharmadam by winning by a huge margin of 50,123 votes. He received 59.61% of the total votes, while his nearest rival C. Raghunathan of the Congress Party received 28.33%.

Mr Vijayan’s portfolios include General Administration, All India Services, Planning and Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, Pollution Control, Scientific Institutions, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Elections, Integration, Information Technology, Sainik Welfare, Crisis Relief, State Hospitality, Airports, Metro Rail, Inter-State River Waters, Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation, Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation, Information and Public Relations, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs, Home, Vigilance, Administration. Civil and criminal justice, fire and rescue services, prisons, printing and stationery, welfare of minorities, as well as all major policy matters and any subjects not specifically mentioned elsewhere.

Of. Rajan

Of. Rajan The Communist Party of India (CPI) won the Ollur constituency by a margin of 21,506 votes. He secured a total of 76,657 votes representing the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

As the Minister of Revenue and Housing, he heads the departments of Land Revenue, Survey and Land Records, Land Reforms and Housing.

Read this also Kerala will become ‘Keralaam’: Union Cabinet approves name change

Roshi Augustine

Roshi Augustine, A member of the Kerala Congress (M) party, won the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections from Idukki constituency by a total of 62,368 votes.

Named as the Minister of Water Resources, he is in charge of Irrigation, Command Area Development Authority, Ground Water Department, Water Supply and Sanitation.

Of. Krishnankutty

Of. Krishnankutty Janata Dal (Secular) defeated Sumesh Achuthan of Indian National Congress from Chittoor constituency by a margin of 33,878 votes.

As Power Minister, his responsibilities include oversight of power and ANERT.

AK Saseendran

AK Saseendran Member of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He became the Minister of Forests and Wildlife in Kerala after winning from the Elathur constituency with a majority of 38,502 (23.6%) votes. His responsibilities include forest and wild life conservation.

Ramachandran Kadannappally

Ramachandran Kadannappally (Congress (Secular)) is a veteran leader of the party, who had won from Kannur constituency several times. In the 2021 assembly elections, he won the Kannur seat by a margin of 1,745 votes (1.3%). He received a total of 60,313 votes with 44.98% vote share.

As the Minister of Registration, Museums and Archeology, he is responsible for overseeing Registration, Museums, Archeology and Archives.

KB Ganeshkumar

KB GaneshkumarFrom the Pathanapuram constituency, is a member of the Kerala Congress (B) party. He won the 2021 assembly elections by a total of 67,276 votes.

He is currently the Transport Minister in Kerala, where he oversees responsibilities related to road transport, motor vehicles and water transport.

V. Abdurahiman

V. Abdurahiman, A member of the National Secular Conference (NSC) under the LDF won Tanur constituency in Malappuram district of Kerala with a majority of 985 votes.

He is the outgoing Minister of Sports, Waqf and Haj, and oversees matters related to sports, minorities’ welfare, Waqf and Haj pilgrimage, posts and telegraphs and railways.

GR Anil

The CPI leader, who is contesting the 2021 assembly elections for the first time, won from Nedumangad constituency with a majority of 23,309 votes.

He is currently employed as Food and Civil Supplies MinisterWith responsibilities for food and civil supplies, consumer affairs and legal metrology.

KN Balagopal

KN Balagopal Represents CPI(M) in Kottarakara constituency and was elected to the Legislative Assembly by a margin of 10,814.

He is the current Finance Minister and holds a wide portfolio, which includes Finance, National Savings, Store Purchase, Commercial Taxes, Agricultural Income Tax, Treasury, Lotteries, State Audit, Kerala Financial Enterprises, State Insurance, Kerala Financial Corporation and Stamps and Stamp Duties.

R point

Dr. R. pointRepresenting the CPI(M), he won the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election for the Irinjalakuda constituency in Thrissur district. He secured 73,813 votes, securing a majority of 11,059 votes over his nearest rival.

Serving as the Minister of Higher Education and Social Justice, his responsibilities include collegiate education, technical education, universities (except agriculture, veterinary, fisheries, medical and digital universities), entrance examinations, National Cadet Corps, Additional Skills Acquisition Program (ASAP) and social justice.

J Chinchurani

He made his debut in the 2021 legislative elections from Chadayamangalam Assembly constituency representing CPI and won in his first attempt with a total of 67,252 votes.

currently employed as Animal Husbandry MinisterTheir functions include animal husbandry, dairy development, milk cooperative societies, zoos and supervision of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.

MB Rajesh

MB Rajesh Contested the Thrithala constituency in Palakkad district, winning by 69,814 votes, a vote share of 45.84%. He represents CPI(M). He served as the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly for a short period.

Before 2021, he was also a two-time Member of Parliament (MP) for the Palakkad Lok Sabha constituency (2009–2019). Presently, the Minister of Local Self-Government, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs, his responsibilities relate to Local Self-Government – Panchayats, Municipalities and Corporations, Excise, Rural Development, Town Planning, Regional Development Authorities, Kerala Institute of Local Administration and Parliamentary Affairs.

PA Mohammad Riyas

PA Mohammad RiyasThe CPI(M) leader, emerged victorious from the Beypore constituency in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections. He secured 82,165 votes, winning by a margin of 28,747 votes over his rival from the Indian National Congress.

He is the outgoing Minister of Public Works and Tourism, with duties associated with the Public Works Department and Tourism.

P. Prasad

P. Prasad Representing CPI in Cherthala constituency of Alappuzha district, she topped the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections. He got a total of 83,702 votes.

He serves as the Minister of Agriculture in Kerala, his role is to oversee agriculture, soil survey and soil conservation, Kerala Agricultural University and Warehousing Corporation.

or banana

or banana, Representing CPI(M), he received a total of 72,536 votes in the 2021 Assembly elections, where he contested from Mananthavady constituency.

He serves as the Minister of Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes and oversees the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes.

P. Rajeev

P. Rajeev The CPI(M) Minister for Industries, Law and Coir won the 2021 elections from Kalamassery constituency by securing 58,644 votes. The senior CPI(M) leader was also a former Rajya Sabha member.

His wide portfolio includes the Directorate of Law, Industry (including Industrial Co-operative Societies), Commerce, Mining and Geology, Handloom and Textiles, Khadi and Village Industries, Coir, Cashew Industry and Plantations.

V. Shivankutty

V. Shivankutty Won Nemom constituency as a CPI(M) candidate representing the Left Democratic Front (LDF). He got a total of 55,837 votes.

He is the Minister of General Education and Labour, who oversees General Education, Literacy Movement, Labour, Employment and Training, Skills, Rehabilitation, Factories and Boilers, Insurance Medical Service, Industrial Tribunals and Labor Courts.

VN Vasavan

VN VasavanWon from Ettumanur assembly constituency in the 2021 elections, representing CPI(M). He got a total of 58,289 votes.

He is currently the Minister for Cooperation, Ports and Devaswom and holds the portfolios of related departments.

veena george

In the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, veena george Won from Aranmula constituency, where he represented CPI(M). He got a total of 74,950 votes.

She was appointed as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, and the portfolio includes health, family welfare, medical education, medical universities, indigenous medicine, AYUSH, drug control and women and child welfare.

saji cherian

Saji Cherian, The CPI(M) representing Chengannur Assembly constituency in Alappuzha district won the 2021 election with a total vote count of 71,502.

He is currently the Minister of Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs in the Government of Kerala, and oversees Fisheries, Harbor Engineering, Fisheries University, Youth Affairs, Culture, Kerala State Film Development Corporation, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the Kerala State Cultural Workers Welfare Fund Board.

‘Heroes on silver screen winding up’: AIADMK spokesperson takes dig at Kamal Haasan, Vijay ahead of TN elections

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March 25, 2026

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‘Heroes on silver screen winding up’: AIADMK spokesperson takes dig at Kamal Haasan, Vijay ahead of TN elections

The Tamil Nadu assembly elections will be held on April 23. A month earlier, actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan announced that his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), would not contest and would support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)- led alliance. This will be the first time Vijay will contest polls with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) spokesperson Kovai Sathyan took a dig at both of them.

Kamal Haasan has dropped out of contesting in assembly polls as Vijay contests for the first time. (Facebook/PTI)

AIADMK spokesperson takes digs at Kamal Haasan, Vijay

In a video, AIADMK spokesperson Sathyan released, he slams Kamal for dropping out of the polls and says, “The decision by Kamal Haasan not to contest in the assembly election is not a sacrifice; it is his incompetence. This is the problem with actors who are on the silver screen. They believe that in public life, whatever you talk about in front of the camera is what you need to deliver in public life.”

He added, “In public life, you have to have the political acumen, leadership attributes, and qualities to do good for the people. But unfortunately, people who are from the silver screen aspiring for public life don’t have the leadership acumen and leadership qualities.” Sathyan also took a dig at Vijay, stating, “We have seen several people who are heroes on the silver screen starting a political party and winding up sooner. And we hope that Vijay will also fall in the same line in a couple of months after the assembly elections.”

DMK lauds Kamal Haasan’s ‘selfless sacrifice’

The AIADMK spokesperson was referring to the DMK’s description of Kamal’s ‘selfless sacrifice’ after his MNM party dropped out. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai hailed the actor-politician’s decision to support their alliance, saying, “Our leader, MK Stalin, has welcomed this move. He has termed this a historic and selfless sacrifice by Kamal Haasan, who has taken the interest and welfare of the state of Tamil Nadu into account as he has come to this decision.”

On Tuesday, Kamal told reporters, “We will support them very strongly from outside. We will win… They (party cadre) know my vision. They follow my vision… We are centrists. We know that we will not lean.” This came days after the actor was asked about holding meetings with the DMK about an alliance. He also took a dig at Vijay and said, “Why do I care? I have my own work to focus on,” when asked about TVK contesting in elections.

Dozens of bodies, mostly infants, discovered in Kenya mass grave

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March 25, 2026

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Dozens of bodies, mostly infants, discovered in Kenya mass grave

Some of the 32 bodies, including 25 children, are believed to have come from local hospitals and mortuaries.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra reclaims photography realism in an age of algorithmic excess| Business News

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March 25, 2026

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra reclaims photography realism in an age of algorithmic excess| Business News

Some partnerships are just meant to be. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari. Sir Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Steven Gerrard and Liverpool. Xiaomi and Leica. It is quite remarkable the photography approach insists on realism, in an era where phone makers and their camera making partners are increasingly relying on artificially intelligent boost for everything in the frame. It may work for some, but absolutely not for purists. Two phones remain a distinct rarity in these times. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro series, and Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra with Leica’s foundational expertise. This is the standard Ultra flagship, and some may remember HT reviewed the Xiaomi 17 Ultra By Leica first in India, later announced for some markets as the Leica Leitzphone powered by Xiaomi. There are some differences.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra goes on sale in India in a single variant (16GB + 512GB). (VIshal Mathur | HT Photo)

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra goes on sale in India in a single variant (16GB + 512GB), albeit in white and black colour options, with a price tag of ₹1,39,999. There is certainly an argument for a gorgeous and sparkly Starlit Green colour for India. That’s approximately how much flagships cost in this day and age, nothing away from general norms in that regard. Between the Chinese version and this global iteration, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra gets a slightly smaller battery comparatively (6,000 mAh versus 6,800 mAh) but still significantly more than the predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s 5,410 mAh capacity. Everything else is the same, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, the memory and storage combination, a gorgeous to use 6.9-inch OLED display, as well as the camera system. All specs, are top notch.

The camera troika his led by 50-megapixel Light Fusion 1050L, a 1-inch sensor, the type that is fast disappearing from smartphones as phone makers use smaller sensors and then prioritise aggressive AI processing to make for the loss of any hardware driven details. That isn’t it—this is also the world’s first phone with a LOFIC sensor (that’s short for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor). Instead of combining multiple exposures that lead to motion blur, this sensor uses a specialised component to sift excess light from bright areas in any single shot (think of this as a safety valve, holding back any extra amount). It, in our experience, effectively solves the often complicated issue of high-contrast scenes (that is, bright sky vs. dark shadow) where phone cameras typically either blow out highlights or over-darken shadows. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra plays the balancing act, brilliantly.

Xiaomi’s LOFIC technology finds the right foundation with a 1-inch sensor. The full well capacity is 6.3x more than the predecessor’s sensor, which means this is capable of handling much higher light levels and thereby you’ll notice better dynamic range in complex (specifically, backlighting too) lighting scenarios.

For zoom up to 120x (this is continuous zoom; most appreciated when you switch from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra to a flagship that doesn’t have this), Xiaomi is using a Leica 200-megapixel 75-100mm optical zoom telephoto camera with three matched lens groups and a prism. This 1/1.4-inch large telephoto sensor is used throughout this range, and the key takeaways are native 200-megapixel image quality without any digital cropping. The third piece is a 50-megapixel ultra wide lens which is Samsung’s JN5 sensor.

Everything that Xiaomi and Leica have done, is simply working towards a better balance between shadows and brighter highlights, without blown-out areas, and certainly closer to how a human eye perceives a scene. This is a camera that you can aim straight in the direction of the late afternoon sun and still get the depth of every tree, branch and leaf in the frame. You can also zoom in at 60x or 80x with stable enough hands, keep the AI detailing boost off, and still capture a ladybug on a flower. Or the sheer brilliance of brightly lit structures backgrounded by an inky black sky.

Xiaomi has upgraded the video recording aspect with the 17 Ultra, and you’ll prefer the 4K Dolby Vision at either 60fps or 120fps, and the results are really on point—particularly with details, though one could complain colours in this video recording method are a smidgen subdued. That said, motion tracking autofocus can occasionally stumble if the subject is moving fast. And if it’s about stabilisation, this sits a notch behind the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

There is little to complain about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s design, which is extremely refined. The black colour variant that I’ve used extensively all these days, looks gorgeous, and that isn’t something that can be often said for phones with an understated colour choice. There is a very subtle texture on the back, visible when light bounces off it at certain angles. It also feels much lighter than an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Must appreciate Xiaomi’s attention to detail with the different shaping for the volume keys and the power button, which sit on the same side spine. But it will take some time for a slightly realigned hand positioning to become muscle memory, because otherwise, fingers tend to fight for the same space as where the textured circumference of the camera island is.

The proverbial cherry atop the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s experiential cake, is the excellent battery life. I’ve been able to get two days of fairy diverse usage from this phone, before it drops to 20% charge level, and it’s time for a splash and dash. And with 90-watts wired charge speeds (and 50-watt wireless, if you get the correct charging accessory), this should take just more than half an hour to be ready for a couple of days more.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, is really as close as it gets to a flawless Android flagship at this moment. At least as far as the specs in place, the camera tuning with Leica’s expertise very much at play, and under the hood optimisations for battery life and thermals. There really is no app or use case that’ll make this phone heat up or betray any signs of stutter. Software may be a conversation for some, though I have no complaints with HyperOS across any of my usage habits. I’d place the Xiaomi 17 Ultra above the Vivo X300 Pro and the Oppo Find X9 Pro, and alongside the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in terms of overall refinement and very different approaches to photography. Both will find an audience. Yet, it is nigh impossible to not fall in love with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

Ben Duckett’s IPL 2026 withdrawal raises concerns over English players’ future in the Indian Premier League

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Ben Duckett’s IPL 2026 withdrawal raises concerns over English players’ future in the Indian Premier League

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over a growing trend of withdrawals by English cricketers from the Indian Premier League, warning that franchises could rethink investing in young players from England after Ben Duckett’s sudden exit from IPL 2026.

Duckett, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore at last year’s auction, pulled out of the upcoming season, citing a desire to spend time at home and prioritise red-ball cricket. His decision comes in the aftermath of a disappointing Ashes campaign and limited involvement in the recent T20 World Cup.

As per the IPL’s updated regulations, Duckett now faces a potential two-year ban from the league and future auctions. His late withdrawal is expected to trigger the penalty clause introduced last year, which targets overseas players who pull out of contracts at short notice. Notably, his England teammate Harry Brook is already serving a similar ban after withdrawing from his deal with Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 season.

Reacting to the development, Chopra voiced his frustration on social media, highlighting what he sees as a worrying trend. “Ben Duckett pulls out. Just like Brook. IPL teams might start cancelling ‘young’ English players in the future,” Chopra wrote on X.

Chopra also suggested that Delhi Capitals could use this opportunity to recalibrate their squad strategy. With multiple opening options already in place, including Prithvi Shaw and Pathum Nissanka, he advised the franchise to strengthen their spin department by bringing in an experienced overseas option.

“Perhaps, an opportunity for DC to make a slight pivot. How about a backup overseas spinner instead? Mujeeb. Keshav. Or someone else!!! They already have so many openers to choose from,” he added.

Duckett has been under scrutiny following England’s underwhelming Ashes campaign, where he managed just 202 runs. His struggles have persisted across formats, with only one half-century in his last 28 innings, raising further questions about his consistency.

Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, must now identify a suitable replacement ahead of IPL 2026. They are scheduled to begin their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1 and will be keen to settle their squad quickly following Duckett’s late withdrawal.

– Ends

Published By:

Saurabh Kumar

Published On:

Mar 25, 2026 13:38 IST

'Bridgerton' S5 TROLLED for skipping Eloise-Phillip arc

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March 25, 2026

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'Bridgerton' Season 5 TROLLED as Francesca-Michaela acr takes lead amid anticipation for Eloise and Phillip romance

The hit Regency drama ‘Bridgerton’ was the hot topic of discussion online, following the announcement that Season 5 will focus on Francesca Stirling’s storyline. The next season, based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, will feature Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling and Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling in leading roles, picking up on their story after the events of Season 4′. ‘Bridgerton’ Season 5 plotThe first-look teaser was unveiled on Tuesday, with a description confirming, “The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd). Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons. But when John’s cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran’s complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions.“

Fans react to Francesca Stirling and Michaela Stirling arc

Soon after the announcement, the fanbase was vocal about their dissatisfaction, as many had been expecting the next chapter to centre on Eloise Bridgerton’s romance with Sir Phillip Crane, a storyline that built up over previous seasons. Fans took to social media to share their disappointment, with one fan writing, “the way my whole tl is about Eloise and Philip deserving the next season and I’m with yall. My baby Eloise deserved the spotlight next, not her spinster era.” Another commented, “Mind you, her husband JUST died and there’s supposed to be a 2 year gap where Eloise could meet and marry Sir Philip but what do I know, I just am following the actual storyline timeline.”Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing eagerness to see Eloise’s love story unfold. “Okay, people are being annoying so bye. I just really want to see Eloise fall in love IS THAT SO WRONG,” one post read, while another added, “Oh my philoise you deserved better.”However, some observed that actor Chris Fulton and Claudia Jessie are a part of the cast, indicating that Phillip and Eloise may just begin their romance this season, before taking the lead in Season 6. Judging from past release schedules, ‘Bridgerton’ Season 5 may release late 2027 or early 2028.

Anurag Dobhal fears he may never walk again after surviving car crash during Instagram Live: ‘Leg is numb’

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March 25, 2026

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Anurag Dobhal fears he may never walk again after surviving car crash during Instagram Live: ‘Leg is numb’

(Trigger warning: suicide, reckless driving, violent threats)

YouTuber and Bigg Boss 17 fame Anurag Dobhal recently left fans shaken after attempting suicide during an Instagram Live, which ended in a car crash. The influencer was immediately rushed to the hospital and admitted to the ICU with critical injuries, requiring multiple surgeries. Now, Anurag has shared a worrying health update, admitting that he fears he may not be able to walk again.

Anurag Dobhal, aka UK07 Rider, was involved in a serious car accident during his Instagram Live.

Anurag Dobhal gives health update

On Tuesday, Anurag took to Instagram to share a video to give an update about his health after the surgeries. He posted a video with a caption that read, “Zindagi Mai Shyd Fir Kabhi Chal Payuga Ya Nahi (Will I ever be able to walk again or not).”

In the video, Anurag is seen taking physiotherapy sessions. He goes on to reveal his stitches and shared, “One of my legs is totally numb, I cannot move it. The hip above it underwent surgery, because of which the nerves of the leg seem to be damaged. I don’t know how I will recover.”

Along with posting this video on Instagram, he reshared it on his story with a caption that reads, “Some bad news.”

As soon as Anurag shared the video, fans flooded the comments section with reactions, pouring in heartfelt messages and wishing him a speedy recovery.

One comment read, “Inshallah everything will be back to normal and you will ride again”, with another reading, “Mahadev bless you.”

“Be positive,” one wrote, with one writing, “Stay Strong Bhaiyaa.”

“Stay strong … Best is yet to come. The Reincarnation of UK07 rider is gonna be epic,” one mentioned. Another fan wrote, “Bhaiya jii u re champion… nd u will ride again so keep smiling. “Mahadev with you don’t worry you will be fine soon,” one mentioned.

About Anurag Dobhal’s suicide attempt

In the first week of March, Anurag shared a YouTube video, calling it his “final video”, accusing his parents and brother Kalam of mentally harassing and torturing him over his interfaith marriage with Ritika. The YouTuber claimed that his family wasn’t happy with his marriage and didn’t even let Ritika enter the house, and thus they had to live separately.

On March 7, Anurag started his Instagram live session while driving a car. He told viewers he felt completely alone and had no one left to call while driving his Toyota Fortuner SUV on the Delhi–Meerut Expressway, with the speedometer reportedly showing 140-150 kmph. During the livestream, he said, “Log hi nahi bache hai yaar jisko phone karu (I have no one left, whom to call?), let’s go for a final ride.” He crashed his car but was rescued and taken to the hospital. Following the incident, his manager shared an update confirming that the YouTuber had been admitted to the ICU and was under medical observation. Now, Anurag is back home and is in his recovery phase.

Soon after his video, his brother Kalam called him out for “one-sided allegations” and further claimed that Anurag is doing all of this for views. Kalam dismissed all the allegations against the family.

If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918

India top six events in Asia Cup Stage 1 qualifiers as Compound men dominate

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March 25, 2026

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India top six events in Asia Cup Stage 1 qualifiers as Compound men dominate

India`s young recurve archers rose to the occasion while the seasoned compound men stamped their authority, as the country topped qualification in six events at the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage 1, here on Tuesday.

Fielding a second-string side in the absence of several top names, India made a strong start to the new international season by finishing on top in men`s compound individual and team events, men`s recurve team, women`s compound team, and both recurve and compound mixed team events.

The recurve men`s trio of Devaang Gupta, Sukhchain Singh and Juyel Sarkar led the charge, powering India to the top seeding in the team event and a direct entry into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winners of the tie between Bhutan (No. 9) and Mongolia (No. 8). China and Kazakhstan finished second and third respectively.

Devaang, one of India`s brightest young prospects who recently won gold at the Khelo India University Games and a silver at the 2024 Pan American Championships, was the best-placed Indian in the individual rankings at third with 663 points, just four behind top-ranked neutral archer Kirill Batuev. China`s Jiabing Yang (664) took the second spot.

Sukhchain Singh, making a comeback after five years, was placed eighth with 657, while the 20-year-old Juyel Sarkar, a consistent performer in Asia Cup team events, finished 11th with 654.

In women`s recurve, Ruma Biswas produced an impressive show to finish second with 650 points, just three behind Singapore`s Tabitha Ern Lin Yeo. Kirti (638, 10th) and Ridhi Phor (627, 17th), who is returning after a three-year gap, were the other notable Indian performers as the team secured third place behind Malaysia and Vietnam.

Compound quartet shines

The experienced compound men completely dominated proceedings, occupying the top four spots in the individual qualification. Veteran Rajat Chauhan led the field with a stellar 712 out of a possible 720, followed by world No. 4 Rishabh Yadav (708), Asian Games gold medallist Prathamesh Jawkar (706) and Uday Kamboj (703).

The trio, which is among the strongest in the field and will be aiming to defend their title, also ensured India a direct quarterfinal berth in the team event, where they will take on the winners of Chinese Taipei (No. 8) and Singapore (No. 9).

India had entered the tournament as firm favourites in the compound section, even in the absence of some big names, with the core group boasting significant international success, including a World Championships team gold last year.

In the women`s compound section, 20-year-old Chikitha Taniparthi led the Indian challenge with a fourth-place finish (697), continuing her steady rise after a team bronze at this venue last year.

She was followed by experienced archer Raj Kaur (5th), while Tejal Salve, a gold medallist from last year`s Asia Cup leg in Singapore, finished 13th with 658. The trio combined to give India the top seeding in the team event.

India also topped the standings in both recurve and compound mixed team events, underlining their all-round depth despite fielding a relatively inexperienced squad.

The tournament marks the start of a long international season, with the Indian think-tank opting to rest established names such as Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Abhishek Verma to test bench strength ahead of the Asian Games later this year.

Despite the absence of these marquee archers, India the defending overall champions will be aiming to continue their dominance on the Asia Cup circuit, having topped the medal tally with eight medals, including five gold, in last year`s opening leg.

With 194 archers from 19 countries competing, the event offers crucial world ranking points and serves as an early-season testing ground.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

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