File Pic: Harbhajan Singh during the Eden Gardens Test in 2001.
The other day I was having a chat with Matthew Hayden in Goa. I asked him, “Why did you play that shot in the first innings at Eden Gardens?” It was in the second session on Day 1, he was batting on 97, and absolutely dominating us. Haydos said he was feeling confident and wanted to reach his century with a big shot — but as luck would have it, he got caught in the deep by Hemang Badani. That was our first little window of opportunity in that historic Test.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Let’s go back to what happened before that. With Anil Kumble out injured, I was selected for the first Test in Mumbai because I had 28 wickets in the Ranji Trophy that season. At Wankhede, even though we lost pretty badly, I got four wickets. If I hadn’t got those wickets — three in quick succession — I might not have played at the Eden.
Dhol, cheers and flowers: How Delhi welcomed Gautam Gambhir
Those days, every game was a battle for survival for me and I came to Eden Gardens not very upbeat but focussed. It was a beautiful batting wicket on Day 1 and Australia started from where they had left off in Mumbai — till we got Hayden. Then I had Mark Waugh caught when he tried a cut.What happened post tea changed my life forever. Ricky Ponting, whom I had dismissed in Mumbai too, came in, probably a little short of confidence. I knew I had to attack the stumps. He went back to my delivery that skidded and got trapped in front. Next in was Adam Gilchrist and I wouldn’t give him flight, because he was a good sweeper. This one also skidded in and he was leg-before.And then arrived the magic moment. My aim was to keep it full to Shane Warne so that if he missed, I might get the leg-before. But the delivery was a little too full and he played a full-blooded flick. I will be forever indebted to what Sadagopan Ramesh did at forward short-leg. I always say that my hat-trick belongs as much to me as it does to Ramesh for that catch. He just extended his right hand and plucked it out of thin air.From 252-4, the Aussies were now 252-6 and suddenly, we had hope. But Steve Waugh stood in the way. That Australian team just didn’t give up and Steve scored a brilliant century — his only one in India. He batted superbly with Jason Gillespie to get 445.When we batted, it seemed that it was a different pitch. Wickets kept falling as did the mood in the dressing-room as a series loss loomed. Laxman had scored 59 in the first innings batting at No. 6 and coach John Wright suggested that he should go up in the second.I need not elaborate what happened through Day 4. I can tell you what was happening in the dressing-room. None of us were allowed to change our seats as VVS and Rahul Dravid had that incredible partnership. By the end of day, some of us were joking that it was our will-power and superstition that helped the two champions.The fifth day morning was a little fuzzy, as a junior I was not part of the decision-making process. I could understand that there was a lot of dilemma over declaration. When we took the field before lunch, we knew we had a chance.I got Steve again, caught at legslip by Hemang Badani, which remains my favourite dismissal of the second innings. Sachin Tendulkar got those three wickets with some brilliant bowling, but Jason Gillespie was still standing.Dada had fielders all around the bat and we kept attacking. Jason succumbed and then Glenn McGrath. Many ask me whether McGrath was out? Did it hit him a little too far outside the off-stump?There was no DRS, no Hawk-eye, it was all what seemed with the naked eye. For me that was out the moment it hit his pad as he hadn’t offered a shot, and I am happy that umpire SK Bansal thought on similar lines. Those 13 wickets in that Test match changed my life forever. I still maintain, I was born in Punjab, but made in Kolkata.(Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh spoke to Dwaipayan Datta)
Even though the government is taking steps to avoid panic-buying and black marketing of LPG, restaurant and hotel owners across the country have been severely affected by the shortage of commercial cylinders as authorities have prioritized domestic gas supply.
An employee stocks LPG cylinders inside a restaurant in Bengaluru, amid the ongoing shortage, on Tuesday. (PTI) (HT_PRINT)
Industry insiders said the government’s preference for domestic gas supply to homes has impacted the delivery of commercial gas cylinders to restaurants.
However, the Center and oil companies said that gas reserves are sufficient and there is no need to panic. The government has also issued instructions to increase LPG production by 10 percent.
Eateries in Mumbai in Maharashtra, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Gurugram in NCR, etc. have started taking measures to limit LPG usage, such as switching to crisis menus featuring fast-cooking items and coal-based tandoor food to avoid closures.
Pan-Asian, Oriental cuisine suffers
Rahul Rohra, 41, of Veranda, Bandra and Khar, said cooking on high flame, especially for Pan-Asian and Oriental cuisine, has almost stopped because induction cannot replicate that intensity. Some kitchens have shifted to induction and electric cookers. Earlier HT report He was quoted as saying. “For now, we should be allowed to use charcoal for cooking,” he said.
Shiladiya Choudhary, who owns popular restaurant chains Awadh 1590 and Chowman, said they are focusing on tandoor food cooked in coal-based ovens. “There are attempts to use electric ovens as a substitute for other items, but they are not very efficient,” Choudhary said.
Pralhad Sukhtankar, president of the Goa chapter of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said commercial LPG supplies have come to a halt. “Distributors have switched off their phones and some restaurants have already closed. If there is no intervention, hundreds of restaurants will close down,” he said.
Jayanand Nayak, 45, owner of Ruchi Hotel in Mumbai’s Parel, said he needed three LPG cylinders every day and was getting two till Monday. “I didn’t get anything today,” said Nayak, adding that he has cut down the menu, removing items like dosa, which require a lot of cooking gas.
Bengaluru restaurants are cutting menus
Restaurants across Bengaluru have started making changes to menus and preparing for a possible shutdown as many kitchens are finding it difficult to function due to the disruption in commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply.
Hotel industry representatives say the shortage, which began earlier this week, has already forced establishments to limit gas use while looking for alternative arrangements, a separate HT report noted. Some restaurants say their remaining supplies will only last a few days.
The disruption has prompted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek immediate intervention from the Centre. In a letter to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday, he urged him to take steps to restore supplies so that commercial establishments can continue operating.
He said, “As per discussions with oil marketing companies, the state’s commercial LPG demand has traditionally been supported through supplies from three OMCs – IOCL (about 500-550 MT per day), HPCL (about 300 MT per day) and BPCL (about 230 MT per day) and the sudden disruption in this supply is now severely impacting hotels, catering establishments and other commercial users in Bengaluru. Is doing.”
He said, “Any disruption in their functioning will have a direct impact on daily life in the city. The issue also affects a large number of students and working professionals who stay away from their homes and depend on hotels and mess facilities for regular meals. Additionally, poultry (wedding halls), hostels and event venues that depend on commercial LPG for food preparation are also facing uncertainty, especially with scheduled social and community events.”
Will Bengaluru’s famous dosa get a shock?
Restaurant owners say the drop in supply was first felt on March 9, when many establishments received only a fraction of their normal deliveries. “The supply problem began on March 9. Most hotels received barely about 20 per cent of their normal cylinder deliveries, and since then supplies have stopped completely. Distributors themselves are not getting the cylinders, so restaurants are effectively closed.” Earlier HT report Arun Adiga, managing partner of the nearly eight decade old Vidyarthi Bhavan, has been quoted as saying.
For restaurants that rely heavily on gas-powered burners, the shortage could quickly disrupt service. “Many South Indian dishes, especially dosa, require burners that run on a steady flame. Our restaurant alone uses six to eight LPG cylinders a day, and larger establishments can consume anywhere between 10 to 12 cylinders per day,” Adiga said.
Vidyarthi Bhavan usually prepares around 1,800 to 2,000 dosas on a weekday. “Dosa consumes the most gas in our kitchen. The immediate step we took was to reduce the number of tavas running at the same time. If we switch off two of them, one cylinder runs a little longer. This may help us extend the supply by another day or two, but beyond that there is very little we can do if the supply does not resume,” he said.
The shortage is also evident at the distribution level. An employee at a gas agency said customers were calling repeatedly as the waiting period had become long.
The employee said, “The waiting period for cylinders has increased to about 25 days, and we are constantly getting calls from customers worried about the delay. We have stopped the supply of commercial cylinders as we are not getting any stock. Domestic cylinders are still being delivered, but many customers are calling and asking if they can get a replacement cylinder.”
Restaurant operators say that even the black market has not been able to provide any reliable solution. SP Krishnaraj, owner of Nisarga Grand Hotel on Nripathunga Road, said availability remains scarce. “As of today we have only five cylinders left. Even in the black market the price of a cylinder is around this ₹from 2,800 ₹3,000, and despite paying so much it is still difficult to find. The official price of a 19 kg commercial cylinder is approximately ₹1,940,” he said.
Subramanya Holla S, president of the Bengaluru Hotel Association, said, “LPG supply has already been cut, and there are indications that the situation could worsen. If the supply is completely cut off, restaurants will have to compulsorily close. We are asking the government to limit the supply available instead of stopping it completely, so that establishments can continue to operate with smaller menus and shorter working hours.”
Holla said, “Some establishments are looking at diesel burners as a temporary solution. However, they are neither economical nor particularly safe, but many restaurants have little choice because they do not use electricity for cooking.”
He said the government notification of cut in commercial LPG supply has given rise to black market activity.
“The notification encouraged hoarding and black marketing, making it even more difficult for small businesses to obtain cylinders,” he said.
Himachal Pradesh
The time of crisis in Himachal Pradesh came just before summer tourism. Anil Walia, advisor to Shimla hotels and tourism stakeholders, said they are on the verge of “closure” as many hotels are cutting down their menus. “This is bad news before the start of the summer tourist season.”
Sanjay Gupta, manager of Super Gas Agency in Atawa village near Chandigarh, said that no new cylinder has been received in the last three days. “Restaurant owners are getting a little worried because they can’t stock up or hoard commercial cylinders,” he said.
Meanwhile, NRAI issued an advisory to member restaurants and asked them to make changes in the menu.
“Ongoing geopolitical developments have caused serious disruption in the supply chain of commercial LPG…NRAI urges all members to immediately adopt fuel conservation measures to ensure operational continuity,” association president Sagar Daryani said on Tuesday.
“Immediate LPG conversation measures – rationalize menus by temporarily prioritizing dishes requiring low gas usage or short cooking cycles, train kitchen staff daily on gas conservation discipline, review hours of operation and consider reduced hours in low-demand locations, use alternative cooking solutions and offer limited crisis menus with fast-cooking items,” the two-page advisory said.
Filmmaker Priyadarshan has clarified that his recent remarks about actor Rajpal Yadav’s “poor education” were never intended as an insult, explaining that he meant it in a broader sense of awareness rather than formal schooling.
Rajpal Yadav, Priyadarshan
The director tells HT City exclusively that his comment was about innocence and the challenges of navigating the industry rather than Rajpal’s academic background. “Actually, I didn’t mean that. See, education is something we learn from the street and something we learn from the books too. Now I just meant that (street smartness), maybe because education is also awareness. This is what I meant,” he said. Rajpal has had a tough time in the recent weeks, as he was asked to surrender in connection to a cheque bouncing case, and later released. And when asked about Priyadarshan’s comment, Rajpal had clarified, “This is completely wrong. Priyanji doesn’t know me. I am well educated guy.”
Priyadarshan adds that his observation came from the actor’s simplicity and trusting nature. “Maybe he comes from a village and the people in the village are so innocent, they don’t understand… you should be able to discriminate between right people and wrong people. That is education in a very broad way,” he explains.
He asserts that the remark was never meant to demean the actor. “I didn’t mean that. I didn’t mean to insult him or anything. So I said that because I’ve never seen such an innocent person in my life like Rajpal… innocence comes out of lack of education in the broader sense.”
Priyadarshan goes on to praise Rajpal, with whom he has collaborated on iconic hits such as Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Malamaal Weekly, which in fact completed 20 years of its release on Tuesday, March 10. He believes Rajpal will bounce back strongly. “After Bhooth Bangla releases, I believe Rajpal will spring back as one of the biggest stars of comedy… because he’s done a fantastic job for me in this film.”
Eminent cricket writer Neville Cardus once described cricketing music as, “The sound of the bat meeting the ball, a short, sharp yet musical ‘clock’ which tells of perfect timing.”
Had Cardus been at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he would’ve perhaps been disappointed. For, the moment the ball sped to the boundary, the stadium DJ sprang into action. As the ball travelled to different corners of the ground, one song followed another in rapid succession.
And when the first Indian wicket fell in the form of Abhishek Sharma, before one could absorb the silence of disappointment, the DJ was back again. In Cardus’s words, there was no space for “the deep, sudden sigh of a thousand breaths,” that collective sound of heartbreak which so often defines the theatre of cricket.
One understands that these are different times. The T20 cricket format thrives on constant stimulation and spectacle. Yet one cannot help but wonder whether such boisterous noise is needed. In an already fast-paced game, does it really add anything to the spectator’s experience?
Recently, Sunil Gavaskar had also spoken about how the DJ’s sound during overs could disturb players. And for the fan, who wants to soak in the contest, there’s hardly a moment to breathe. The relentless blast of music often becomes an intrusion, interrupting the natural ebb and flow of the game.
This overuse of stadium music reduces the charm of cricketing music to the background. True followers of the game can only hope that the organisers take note and let the natural symphony of cricket take centre stage.
Laptop upgrades often happen when an older machine starts to struggle, but big electronics events can accelerate that decision. The Electronics Premier League (EPL) sale on Amazon has become one of those moments when buyers re-evaluate their setups, thanks to huge discounts on laptops, gaming systems and other gadgets from major brands. Sales typically include discounts of up to about 65% on electronics as well as bank discounts and EMI options that make upgrades easier.
High-performance laptops take center stage during the Electronics Premier League sale. (AI-generated)
It’s an exciting time to be in love with technology – be it AI solutions, the pace of gadget development and other related technologies. As a tech journalist, I believe it has the potential to solve all the world’s problems if used holistically, and my job is to make it more relevant and understandable.
That context makes the current lineup particularly interesting. Machines like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and HP 14 focus on everyday productivity and portability, while gaming-driven models like the ASUS TUF A15, Dell G15 and Lenovo LOQ pay more attention to graphics power and fast refresh displays. Then there are hybrids like the HP Victus and the ASUS Gaming V16, which attempt to balance gaming capability with practical everyday usability.
Overall, this mix shows how modern laptops are evolving. Buyers are no longer choosing between work and play. Instead, they are looking for machines that can comfortably handle both.
The ASUS TUF A15 gaming laptop focuses on reliable performance for players who want smooth gameplay without pushing into premium price territory. Powered by a Ryzen 7 processor and RTX graphics, it handles modern titles comfortably while remaining capable for everyday tasks. The 144Hz display keeps motion fluid during fast-paced games, which matters during competitive sessions. ASUS’s TUF build quality also adds assurance for long gaming hours, making this laptop a sensible choice for students and casual gamers.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the gaming performance and sturdy build quality. Many appreciate the value for money, although some mention the average battery life.
Why choose this product?
A reliable gaming laptop with strong everyday performance, a fast refresh display, and upgradeable memory perfect for gaming and multitasking.
The HP Victus gaming laptop brings serious performance to players who want strong hardware without having to step up to the most expensive gaming machines. Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX graphics, it handles modern games, streaming, and demanding workloads with confidence. The 144Hz display keeps gameplay smooth during competitive sessions, while the large 1TB SSD provides ample space for games and creative files. HP’s Victus design balances gaming power with a practical everyday laptop experience.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the strong gaming performance and fast multitasking. Many people like the smooth display, although some feel that the laptop is heavy.
Why choose this product?
A powerful gaming laptop with strong graphics, large memory and fast storage, designed for gaming, streaming and demanding applications.
The HP 14 laptop focuses on balanced performance for professionals and students who want a compact machine that can still handle demanding workloads. Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra processor and backed by 24GB of memory, it handles multitasking, productivity software, and everyday creative tasks with ease. The 14-inch display keeps the laptop portable without sacrificing comfortable screen space, while the lightweight 1.4 kg build is perfect for commuting and hybrid work. With fast SSD storage and modern connectivity, it fits well into daily routine.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Early buyers highlight the smooth everyday performance and fast boot speeds. Some believe that the display quality is good but not exceptional.
Why choose this product?
A practical everyday laptop combining Intel Core Ultra performance, generous memory and portability, perfect for productivity and multitasking.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 laptop balances strong performance with everyday practicality, making it a reliable choice for work, study, and entertainment. Powered by a 13th generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of memory, it comfortably handles multitasking, from spreadsheets and presentations to light creative tasks. The 15.3-inch WUXGA display offers generous workspace, which helps during long productivity sessions. With a metal top cover and relatively lightweight construction, it’s easy to move between office, classroom, and home.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the smooth everyday performance and huge display. Many people say that it feels quick for office work and multitasking.
Why choose this product?
A reliable laptop with strong Intel performance, practical design, and a large display perfect for work, study, and everyday computing.
The Dell G15 gaming laptop is built for players who want reliable performance for modern titles without stepping into the premium price category. Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and RTX graphics, it handles competitive games and tough workloads with ease. The high refresh rate display keeps the action smooth during fast scenes, while the large 1TB SSD ensures ample space for a growing game library. Dell’s sturdy design also gives the laptop a solid, durable feel.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the smooth gaming performance and reliable build quality. Many highlight the strong value for money for a beginner gaming laptop.
Why choose this product?
A capable gaming laptop with modern Intel performance, RTX graphics and large storage suitable for gaming, streaming and demanding tasks.
The Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop is designed for players who want modern graphics power at a reasonable price. Powered by an AMD Ryzen processor and NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics, it handles current titles comfortably while remaining capable for everyday work or study. The 144Hz display keeps gameplay fluid during fast scenes, which matters in competitive matches. Lenovo’s LOQ series also focuses on efficient cooling, helping the laptop maintain performance during long gaming sessions without excessive noise.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the strong gaming performance and smooth display. Many also highlight the effective cooling and overall value for money.
Why choose this product?
A capable gaming laptop combining RTX 4050 graphics, a fast display, and reliable cooling, perfect for modern games and demanding workloads.
The HP Victus gaming laptop brings strong performance to players who want modern graphics power combined with reliable everyday usability. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics, it handles current games with ease while remaining capable of editing, streaming, and multitasking. The 144Hz IPS display keeps motion fluid during competitive sessions, improving responsiveness in fast-paced titles. HP’s Victus series also focuses on practical design, offering a sturdy build and comfortable keyboard for long gaming hours.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the smooth gaming performance and solid build quality. Many highlight the fluidity of performance and overall value for money.
Why choose this product?
A capable gaming laptop with Ryzen performance, RTX 4050 graphics, and a fast display suitable for modern games and demanding tasks.
The ASUS Gaming V16 laptop is designed for players who want capable gaming performance in a relatively portable machine. Powered by an Intel Core processor and RTX graphics, it runs modern titles comfortably while remaining useful for everyday work and study. The larger 16-inch display gives games and media more breathing room, while the 144Hz refresh rate keeps the action fluid during fast scenes. ASUS also keeps the design practical, making the laptop suitable for both gaming sessions and daily productivity.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Early buyers highlight the strong performance and smooth display quality. Many people appreciate the large screen and solid build for gaming.
Why choose this product?
A practical gaming laptop with RTX graphics, a massive display, and reliable performance that’s perfect for gaming, streaming, and everyday computing.
Which laptop offers the best value for gaming during sales like EPL?
For buyers chasing gaming value, models like the ASUS TUF A15 and Lenovo LOQ stand out. Both combine fast refresh displays with capable GPUs like the RTX 3050 or RTX 4050. The Dell G15 and ASUS Gaming V16 also offer strong entry-level gaming power. These machines balance graphics performance, cooling, and display smoothness, which matters more for gameplay than cosmetic design.
Is a gaming laptop like the HP Victus or Dell G15 practical for everyday work?
Yes, many gaming laptops are twice as good as productivity machines. The HP Victus and Dell G15 have strong processors with large SSD storage, making them useful for editing, programming, or multitasking. Their high-refresh displays make even everyday scrolling smooth. The only compromise is weight and battery life compared to thinner laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3.
Which laptops here are better suited for office work or studying rather than gaming?
Laptops like the HP 14 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 focus more on productivity than gaming. Their processors handle heavy multitasking, while lightweight designs make commuting a breeze. These models are suitable for students, analysts, and professionals working with documents, spreadsheets, and browser-heavy workflows, while still being capable enough for occasional media editing or casual gaming.
What matters more in a laptop for long-term use: processor, GPU or display?
For most users, the processor and memory determine how long a laptop will remain relevant. Machines like the HP Victus with Ryzen 7 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 with Intel Core i7 are better because they handle future workloads comfortably. However, for gamers, the GPU and refresh rate display become equally important on a laptop like the Lenovo LOQ or ASUS TUF A15.
Factors to Consider When Buying a New Laptop
Processor performance and generation
Graphics capability for gaming or creative work
Display size, resolution and refresh rate
RAM capacity and upgrade options
SSD storage speed and expandability
Port selection and wireless connectivity
Build quality, weight and cooling system
Main features of laptops discussed today
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened flat in trade on Wednesday as Middle East tensions and US-Iran war continued to add uncertainty to global markets. While Nifty50 was above 24,250, BSE Sensex was near 78,300. At 9:18 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 24,284.90, up 23 points to 0.096%. BSE Sensex was at 78,281.72, up 76 points or 0.097%.Stock market experts expect the benchmarks to move within a consolidation phase in the near term. Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “There are some important market trends that investors should analyse and try to understand now. One, the FII vs DII game is back to the last one-year pattern of sustained selling by FIIs being more than matched by sustained buying by DIIs. Given the continuing indifference of FIIs towards India and the sustaining inflows into Indian equity mutual funds, this game is likely to continue in the near-term. Two, despite the weakness in the market some segments like pharmaceuticals and domestic consumption themes like telecom, automobiles and defence are exhibiting resilience. Sustained FII selling has made large banking stocks, which constitute the largest segment of FII’s AUM, attractive. These stocks have the potential to reward investors who can buy and hold them for at least two years. Here patience is the key. The decline in Brent crude to below $88 will improve the risk-on sentiment in the market.”Asian equities opened about 0.8 per cent higher and optimism around the artificial intelligence sector also improved sentiment after Oracle Corp. shares surged 8 per cent in after-hours trading following stronger-than-expected revenue results.In the United States, stocks pared early gains on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 slipping into negative territory. Investors weighed diminishing expectations of a quicker end to the US-Israeli war on Iran against renewed military threats and continuing concerns about potential economic stagflation.Commodity markets showed mixed movements. Gold prices advanced on Wednesday as declining oil prices eased concerns over inflation. Investors are also awaiting a series of US economic indicators due later this week for signals on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.Oil prices fluctuated on Wednesday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the International Energy Agency had proposed the largest release of oil reserves in its history to counter supply disruptions arising from the war involving Iran.Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers of equities worth Rs 4,673 crore on Tuesday. Domestic institutional investors, on the other hand, purchased shares worth Rs 6,333 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
Cardi B turned a concert mishap into a moment of genuine accountability, quickly apologizing to a fan whose fresh hairstyle took an unexpected hit. During her March 4, 2026, show in Houston on the Little Miss Drama Tour, the rapper poured water on herself from a plastic bottle before tossing it toward the crowd. The bottle landed right on a fan named Patrice, soaking her bow-adorned hair and glasses in an instant.
Fan’s lighthearted post
Patrice, posting as @labellepatrice on Instagram, shared the video with a playful caption that captured the thrill of the night. “You got hair done, but Cardi B accidentally throws water on you,” she wrote, adding, “WORTH IT.” Her upbeat take showed no real grudge, just the excitement of a brush with her idol, making the wardrobe malfunction all worthwhile.
Cardi B Debuts Newborn Son in Patriots Gear as She and Stefon Diggs Melt the Internet
Cardi B’s quick apology
Cardi B, 33, spotted the post and jumped into the comments with real remorse. “Sorry, friend. I’m mad at myself cause what happens if you were going to the club after and I just messed you up,” she replied, owning the slip-up fully. Patrice brushed it off gracefully, responding, “It’s okay girl. Amazing show.” Their exchange highlighted Cardi’s approachable side, turning a potential fan faux pas into a sweet interaction that fans adored.
Tour highlights and updates
The Houston gig kicked off a string of high-energy stops for Cardi B, who just welcomed her fourth child, a son with NFL star Stefon Diggs, three months earlier. She shut down doubters on X (formerly Twitter) on February 23, boasting, “The fact of the matter is, so far every single show of mine has been sold out. Packed from top to bottom! They said I wasn’t gonna commit after I gave birth, they said I wasn’t gonna take it seriously, but I take it very seriously.” She added, “I perform for two hours and don’t complain. Not only do I treat my shows like concerts, I treat them like parties and have a good time wit my people that’s why I get REAL reviews from REAL attendees whether that’s my fans, celebrities, or just people that wanna have a good time. Thank you!!” Earlier in the tour, Cardi B confirmed her bond with Diggs amid breakup whispers, snapping back at rapper Bia during a February 15 Los Angeles concert.“Just cause I ain’t f– with my baby daddy don’t mean you get to talk s–t about my baby daddy!” she declared, defending her partner fiercely. Stefon Diggs’ mother, Stephanie Diggs, even showed support by attending the Houston concert, posting on Instagram, “Ready to party.” Cardi B also shared laughs backstage, telling friend Kehlani after her Palm Desert opener that she plans a post-tour trip to Colombia for butt reduction surgery.“After this tour, I don’t wanna hear nobody for three months. I’m going to Colombia. Nobody hit me up, nothing. I’m taking this a** out!” Past stage moments This wasn’t Cardi’s first water-related stage story. In July 2023 at Drai’s Beachclub in Las Vegas, she threw a mic at a fan who splashed her with a drink after she invited the crowd to “splash her down.” Police investigated but filed no charges.
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi also says Qatar and Oman cannot act as mediators while under attack.
Published On 11 Mar 202611 Mar 2026
Share
Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs has called for a de-escalation in hostilities across the Middle East and urged Iran and the US to return to the negotiation table for a mediated solution.
Speaking to Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi said that Iran’s attacks on its regional neighbours bring “benefit for no one”.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Iran has responded to a nearly two-week-long bombardment campaign from the United States and Israel by firing missiles and drones at its neighbours in the Gulf region and beyond, causing casualties, damaging critical infrastructure and severely disrupting the region’s energy-driven economy.
Al-Khulaifi said Qatar remains “extremely worried” about the wider range of attacks, including against civilian infrastructure.
“It’s unfortunate where we are standing right now,” the minister said.
“We also believe that there is no pathway to a sustainable and long-lasting solution other than returning to the negotiation table,” he told Al Jazeera.
Qatar condemns in the “strongest terms, the unjustified and outrageous attacks on the state of Qatar that directly impact its own sovereignty”, he said.
Doha will continue to take “every possible and legal measure to defend and practise its exercise of self-defence against this aggression”, he added.
Al-Khulaifi said the conflict demands a “global solution” to ensure that the Gulf’s energy supply chain keeps moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where global traffic has been severely disrupted by the conflict.
Ensuring freedom of movement through the waterway is “very critical,” he noted.
It is notable, Al-Khulaifi pointed out, that Iran has targeted countries such as Qatar and Oman, which had previously served as regional mediators and tried to “build bridges between Iran and the West”.
Neither country can play that role as long as the attacks continue, he said.
“We will not be able to fulfil that role under attack, and that’s something the Iranians need to understand.”
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani tried to convey those points during a phone call with Tehran several days ago, the foreign minister said, when he urged Iran to cease attacks on its neighbours.
“The regional countries are not an enemy of Iran, and the Iranians are not understanding that idea,” Al-Khulaifi told Al Jazeera.
Doha also remains in contact with officials in the US and has encouraged US President Donald Trump to cease hostilities, he said.
“Our line of communication is always open with our colleagues in the United States, and we keep encouraging and supporting the pathway of peace and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
“We really hope that the parties can find that pathway, end military operations, and return to the negotiation table.”
PATNA: Early in 2024 it seemed all over for Ishan Kishan. The left-handed batter was dropped from BCCI’s central contracts list on the back of taking a break during the tour of South Africa and not playing domestic cricket despite the board’s diktat.Two years down the line Kishan has shown that he belongs at the top with the very best after playing a pivotal role in helping India defend the T20 World Cup and on return to Patna on Tuesday, he was given a hero’s welcome.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“My performance and the team’s success serve as significant motivation for young children from Bihar and elsewhere who aspire to grow in the sport,” said the wicketkeeper-batter.“I felt the better I perform, the more motivation it will provide for the young children from here who want to move forward,” he stated.
Ishan Kishan responds to Kirti Azad’s criticism | T20 World Cup
Despite the success on the field, Kishan faced a heartbreaking loss off it as his maternal cousin, Patna High Court advocate Vaishnavi Singh, and her husband, Ritwik Thakur, died in a road accident a day before the final on Saturday. He, however, didn’t let the tragic loss affect him and scored 54 off 25 balls in the final. Ishan had also made a 40-ball 77 against Pakistan and 24-ball 61 against Namibia as overall he amassed 317 runs from nine matches.It’s not the first time that he has risen above adversities.Last year, he got back into the BCCI central contract and took Jharkhand to victory in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he was the highest scorer with 517 runs. It was enough to get a call-up to the T20 World Cup team and he did not disappoint.“Having played the World Cup now, it shows that you just have to work hard and you can move forward from anywhere,” Kishan added.
Singer-actor Miley Cyrus has made her much-awaited return as the beloved Disney character Hannah Montana for the first time in 15 years, leaving fans highly pleased and excited.
On Tuesday, Disney unveiled the trailer for the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, featuring Miley Cyrus. The special is set to debut on March 24 – 20 years after the original show premiered on Disney Channel.
As teased in the trailer video, fans will be treated to never-before-seen footage of the cast, recreation of the show`s set, iconic old moments, and even “familiar notes that find their way back into the spotlight”, Disney said in a statement, as per Variety.
“This show defined a generation. This anniversary is for them, it`s for us. This feels like home to me,” an overwhelmed Miley Cyrus said in the video.
The special will be filmed in front of a live studio audience, bringing to fans a delightful conversation between Miley Cyrus and host Alex Cooper.
According to the Disney+ website, Cyrus will join the special, to be filmed in front of a live studio audience, for an exclusive, in-depth interview with podcast host Alex Cooper. The conversation will “offer an intimate look at the creation of one of pop culture`s most iconic characters and the lasting impact the show and character have had on fans around the world.”
Hannah Montana originally premiered in 2006 and ran for four seasons until 2011. The show received much love from the audience, becoming a fan favourite among the kids and teenagers.
It even won four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children`s Program.
Hannah Montana followed the tale of Miley Stewart – a teenager from Malibu, California, who doubles as the famous pop singer Hannah Montana. The show even spawned a film titled Hannah Montana: The Movie, which came out in theatres in April 2009.
Besides Miley Cyrus, the show also featured Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Earles and Moises Arias.
Meanwhile, Hannah Montana`s 20th Anniversary Special will premiere on March 24, 2026. It will stream on Disney+. (ANI)
A number of high-profile guest stars also made appearances during the show`s total run, including Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, Dwayne Johnson, Larry David, and Lisa Rinna, among others.
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