Despite criticism, Pakistan's interim coach Aaqib Javed backs Babar Azam to continue to open batting alongside Fakhar Zaman in the absence of injured Saim Ayub. Babar had a poor outing an an opener during the three matches of the tri-series, which saw him accumulating just 62 runs. Pakistan lost the tri-series final against New Zealand.
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India's captain Rohit Sharma was dropped for the series-deciding fifth Test against Australia, replaced by Shubman Gill. Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah mentioned Rohit 'opted to rest', which former India batter turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar found vague. Manjrekar criticized the lack of transparency, emphasizing the need for clear communication with fans.
The Supreme Court invited protesting farmers for discussions, but the farmers refused, demanding direct talks with the central government. They intensified their agitation with a 'Rail Roko' protest, disrupting train services across Punjab. Their demands include a legally binding MSP, debt waivers, and withdrawal of police cases.
Pakistan-based don Shahzad Bhatti released a video claiming responsibility for a grenade attack on social media influencer Rozer Sandhu's house in Jalandhar. The device, which didn't explode, was found by police officials. Bhatti warned of further attacks if Sandhu continued to disrespect Islam. Jalandhar police are investigating the incident and examining the suspicious object.
A US national, Mykhailo Viktorvych Polyakov, was arrested for entering prohibited North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was remanded to custody with video evidence confirming his visit. Polyakov claimed to be a thrill seeker and had previously attempted similar actions, including making contact with isolated tribes.
Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was once again placed under house arrest, preventing him from leading Friday prayers at Srinagar's Jamia Masjid. This marks the fourth consecutive Friday Mirwaiz has been barred, sparking criticism from the Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid and the National Conference, who decried the restrictions as unjust and a violation of religious freedom.
Jasprit Bumrah is still in recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, gradually increasing his workload to prevent a stress fracture in his back. Both Bumrah and Akash Deep, who are nursing back injuries, aim to return to competitive cricket by mid-April, with medical teams treading cautiously.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned on the death of Pope Francis, describing the pontiff as a global symbol of "beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage". "I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace," he said.
The United States defended the lowest-ever ODI total of 122 against Oman in the Cricket World Cup League 2, winning by 57 runs. Nosthush Kenjige's left-arm spin took 5/11, dismissing Oman for 65. Milind Kumar top-scored with 47* and complemented Kenjige's efforts with 2/17. This match emphasized spin-friendly conditions at the Oman Cricket Academy.
Ravichandran, father of Indian just-retired Ashwin, revealed that his son's sudden retirement stemmed from alleged humiliation within the team. The family was shocked by the decision, believing Ashwin's career had more to offer. Repeated omissions from the playing XI likely fueled Ashwin's retirement, a move his father suggested was emotionally difficult but perhaps inevitable given the circumstances.
The political rivalry between AAP and Congress in Delhi has intensified as Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi engage in direct attacks. Accusations of corruption and alliances with the BJP are central to their dispute. This conflict could influence the cohesion and future of the opposition's INDIA bloc.