India has won the T20 World Cup 2026. Playing their first tournament without the gods, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the relatively young Indian team put on a performance for the ages at the Narendra Modi Stadium to win their second consecutive title.

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, players who had spent years on the periphery of the Indian line-up, came together at the right time to help India bury the ghosts of November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

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This was not a straightforward title by any stretch of the imagination. The Indian team had to work hard after a sudden decline in form at the beginning of the World Cup. The co-hosts were so poor in adjusting to ICC surfaces that they were bowled out for 77/6 by the United States and then bowled out for 111 by South Africa early in the tournament.

But the team got its best performance when they needed it most. Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dubey and the finalist Abhishek Sharma all raised their hands and claimed the responsibility in the post-Rohit-Kohli era.

Ishaan steals Abhishek’s thunderbolt

A small glimpse of this was seen in the conversation between journalists and Ishan-Abhishek in the press room of Ahmedabad after the match. When asked about the struggles the team members had to go through, Abhishek jumped on the mic and was ready to reveal the mental toll he had to go through to revive his form just before the final.

But before he could answer, Ishan Kishan snatched that moment from him.

“I can also answer this. You were in bad form for a month, I spent two years out of the team.”

Abhishek and the entire press room started laughing at Kishan’s answer.

And it was true. Dropped from the team due to disagreements, and then kept out due to not giving priority to domestic cricket, the left-hander had to work hard to get back into the system.

While away, Kishan recovered his mental state in his first year of exile. In the second, he started scoring runs in almost every game. The diminutive left-hander led his state Jharkhand to its first-ever victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the country’s premier domestic T20 competition.

Kishan himself scored 517 runs in that campaign, forcing the selectors to bring him back into the Indian team.

Everyone knows that in the Indian cricket ecosystem, rapid growth, if not handled well, can lead to an equally rapid decline. And Ishan knew that getting into the Indian team was only half the job.

given a Due to Sanju Samson’s poor form, Lucky got a place in the playing eleven, Kishan announced his arrival. Two fighting innings against Namibia and Pakistan. When the rest of the team scattered, Kishan stood and not only held one end, but also continued the attack while wickets continued to fall around him.

And perhaps, at the end of the tournament, Kishan finally heaved a sigh of relief. After being ousted from the BCCI in 2023, putting his career at risk, he had scripted a comeback for the ages.

In an era where it has become difficult to look at the BCCI or world cricket positively, Kishan’s story reminded people of something simple about India’s cricket ecosystem.

Grind thoroughly. play fair. Make your return.

Opportunities will come. Then it will be up to you to hold on to them.

But Kishan’s story spans two years. Let’s focus on the small moments instead.

The smallest moments matter FT. Shivam Dubey

And ironically, some of the smallest but most significant moments came from one of the greatest men of the Indian team, Shivam Dubey.

Once recognized as a spin-hitter, Dubey has shown remarkable development and attitude with the bat. The jury may still be out on his short-ball abilities, but that hasn’t stopped him from performing well when India needed him.

Saved the match against Netherlands by scoring 66 runs out of 31. Crucial 8* off 4 balls in a virtual knockout against West Indies. Then an inning of 43 runs on 25 balls in the semi-finals, followed by a blazing inning of 26* runs on 8 balls in the final.

These are not the innings that dominate highlight reels. They are the ones who quietly win the tournament.

If Dubey had not hit those two fours against West Indies, or led India to a challenging score against England in the semi-finals, India might not have won this World Cup.

And yet, he is not talked about in the same way as Ishan, or Sanju, or Bumrah.

And perhaps this is the beauty of it.

Man before man. Team before stars. The collective before the individual.

This is the culture this team has thrived on.

Rinku Singh’s silent struggle

While Dubey, Ishaan and Abhishek fought their battle in the limelight, Rinku Singh fought quietly in the shadows.

His ailing father, admitted in a hospital in Greater Noida, could have easily pulled him away from cricket. Rinku could have stayed with them. Instead, he chose to stay with the Indian team.

People around the team will notice his steadfast routine.

Rinku would be one of the first to arrive for practice, bat in hand, warming up before the main characters went out for the net sessions.

On match days, Rinku would run fast around the outfield, throwing himself on the ground, so that the members of the playing eleven would have a chance to take a break and breathe.

In the grand scheme of things, not many people can remember those moments, but to Rinku it matters. Because that’s what his father taught him.

Rinku later wrote after India’s World Cup win, “I have never spent so many days without talking to you. I don’t know how life will go on without you, but I know I will need you every step of the way.”

And then there was Sanju Samson.

A selfless cricketer for most of his career, Samson has always played for the first team. That approach resulted in inconsistency, which led to him being in and out of the Indian team for almost a decade.

Samson was ultimately successful under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. And even in that success he was removed.

What must have gone through Samson’s mind after becoming the first player to be sacrificed despite scoring three T20I centuries in a calendar year?

But Samson did not say a word.

As his fans waged war against the selectors and the head coach, Samson kept his head down, took a drink and waited for his opportunity.

He shared his regrets and pain with Sachin TendulkarWhich helped get him out of a very dark place. Samson played the quintessential team man and waited until his chance finally came.

And from there, there was no looking back.

97* runs against West Indies.

89 runs against England.

89 runs against New Zealand.

Three big performances at the business end of the T20 World Cup were enough for the ICC to recognize Samson as the best player of the tournament, finally leading him to the destiny he had been promised for years.

He came after years of bearing the burden of being labeled as one of the greatest talents to grace Indian cricket.

world cup victory of mortal men

And perhaps that’s why this World Cup feels a little more relevant than the rest.

There is no great man who can save India. There is no god to help the team win.

It is mere mortals like you and me who struggle in our daily lives, who question themselves when doubts arise, and who keep fighting, persevering when the going gets tough.

And perhaps this is the biggest lesson of this World Cup.

The comeback World Cup, won by people like me and you.

t20 world cup | t20 world cup schedule | t20 world cup points table | t20 world cup video | cricket news | live score

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Have banks started leaving Dubai? Standard Chartered issues urgent statement amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The intensifying geopolitical conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel is beginning to roil global financial markets, prompting international banks to reevaluate operations in the Gulf. At the center of the latest developments is Standard Chartered, which has moved to clarify reports that it has furloughed staff from its offices in Dubai.The London-headquartered bank said reports of its Dubai offices being completely evacuated were false. Instead, the bank confirmed it had already extended work-from-home arrangements as a precautionary measure, stressing that its regional operations remain active and business continuity measures are working as normal.The clarification comes after several international media reports that several global financial institutions are vacating offices in the emirate amid growing security concerns linked to the Iran vs US-Israel war.

Rumors of withdrawals spread in Dubai’s banking sector amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Earlier reports indicated that some international banks had begun pulling their staff out of physical offices in Dubai after Iranian officials warned that economic and financial targets linked to the US and Israel could become potential targets in a conflict. The warnings came after an attack on a Tehran administrative building linked to Bank Sepah, one of Iran’s major state-owned banks historically linked to military networks.Iranian officials later warned that economic infrastructure linked to American and Israeli interests in the region could face retaliation. As a result, financial institutions operating in the Gulf began activating contingency plans designed to protect employee safety and maintain operations even if the security environment deteriorates.Many banks have reportedly advised employees to temporarily work remotely or avoid office buildings in major financial districts. However, Standard Chartered quickly moved to clarify that the measures were precautionary rather than an emergency evacuation.

Work from home extended amid Iran vs US-Israel war

According to the bank’s statement, employees in Dubai and wider middle east Work was already being carried out under the flexible remote-working framework introduced during the early stages of the regional crisis. The extension of the arrangement was therefore described as a security measure rather than a response to any specific threat to the Bank’s facilities.Standard Chartered also stressed that its operations in the Gulf are fully functional and the UAE remains a key market for the bank’s global strategy. The clarification is intended to reassure clients and investors that the institution’s regional presence remains stable despite the volatile geopolitical environment.

Why does Dubai matter to global banks?

Dubai has become one of the most important financial centers in the Middle East over the past two decades, attracting global banks, investment firms, hedge funds and wealth managers. Much of this growth has been driven by the rise of the Dubai International Financial Centre, often referred to as DIFC.Established in 2004, the DIFC has transformed Dubai into a regional financial powerhouse. By the end of 2025, there were more than 290 banks, more than 100 hedge funds, nearly 500 wealth management firms, and more than 1,200 family offices and related institutions in the district.For international lenders such as Standard Chartered, the UAE plays a strategic role in connecting markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The bank generates a significant portion of its income from operations in the region and has appointed a number of senior executives to Dubai to oversee regional business expansion.

Widespread corporate precautions across the Gulf amid Iran vs. US-Israel war

Standard Chartered is not alone in implementing precautionary measures. Other international firms and financial institutions have also taken steps to protect employees as regional conflicts escalate. Some companies have directed employees to work remotely, while others have allowed employees to temporarily relocate outside the area.Meanwhile, many global banks have reviewed business continuity plans to ensure that even if physical offices become inaccessible, operations can still continue. In some cases, banks temporarily closed branches or limited on-site operations while shifting services to digital platforms. These measures highlight the increasing sensitivity of multinational corporations to geopolitical risk in the Middle East.The current crisis stems from the escalating confrontation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has triggered missile attacks, drone strikes and military exchanges across the region. The conflict has already disrupted aviation routes, shipping lanes and energy markets. Financial institutions, especially those with large regional operations, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of employees and customers.Analysts say such precautionary measures are common during geopolitical instability and do not necessarily indicate an imminent return of investment. Nevertheless, the situation has raised concerns about how prolonged instability could affect Dubai’s reputation as a stable global financial centre.

Dubai’s safe haven status comes under scrutiny amid Iran vs US-Israel

For years, Dubai has marketed itself as one of the safest and most business-friendly environments in the Middle East. Its political stability, world-class infrastructure and international regulatory framework have attracted hundreds of multinational companies. However, regional conflict has sometimes tested that reputation.Reports suggest that global banks are emptying offices, sparking debate over whether geopolitical tensions could undermine the city’s position as a safe haven for global finance. Experts say that while short-term precautionary measures remain in place, the long-term fundamentals supporting Dubai’s financial ecosystem remain strong.As the Iran vs. US-Israel war escalates, multinational corporations operating across the Gulf are likely to step up security protocols. Remote work policies, contingency planning and employee relocation options are expected to remain part of corporate strategies until the geopolitical outlook stabilizes.For now, Standard Chartered’s clarification highlights an important difference: precautionary measures should not necessarily be interpreted as a corporate withdrawal from the sector. Instead, they reflect the careful balancing act that global companies must perform when operating in a region experiencing sudden geopolitical shocks. Despite the uncertainty, Dubai’s financial sector continues to operate and major institutions are committed to maintaining operations while prioritizing the safety of employees.

New Delhi: Suggesting a major shift in agriculture policy, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Central government to consult with domain experts and stakeholders to formulate a beneficial framework to encourage farmers to shift from traditional wheat and paddy crops to pulses. During the hearing on a PIL, initially questioning the wisdom of the government in importing yellow peas without import duty, which is currently pegged at 30%, Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi that a reduction in the production of pulses by 30 lakh tonnes between 2021 and 2024 was necessary to stabilize prices and protect consumer interests. The government was forced to import yellow peas for defence. CJI Kant, who comes from a farming family, said the government has provided minimum support price (MSP) for wheat, rice and millets, but not for pulses. “The moment you ensure that farmers get remunerative MSP for pulses, the production of which is lower than that of paddy or wheat in a given area, the production will automatically increase. Otherwise, small farmers will not take the risk of growing pulses because they are not sure whether it will cover the cost of investment and labour,” CJI Kant said. ”Please ask your agriculture ministry to consult people who understand the pulse of farmers and not foreign degree holders,” he said. He said that to encourage growth in pulse cultivation, the policy would have to provide not only a guaranteed price for pulses but also a guaranteed venue for the sale of pulses grown by farmers. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, said the CJI’s views are reflected verbatim in the recent report of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), a statutory body attached to the Agriculture Ministry, which recommends MSP for 22 crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. “There is a need to have better coordination and understanding among various Ministries of the Central Government and to set up a mechanism under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for the promotion of pulses as an alternative to wheat or paddy in Northern and Central India and as an alternative to certain other crops in Southern India,” the bench said in its order. “In the absence of an incentive MSP for pulses, the price offered should be sufficient to meet the expenses of small farmers growing pulses,” the Supreme Court bench said.

इन दिनों उत्तर प्रदेश के कई जिलों में गैस सिलेंडर की कमी की खबरों के बीच कालाबाजारी के मामले भी सामने आ रहे हैं. इस बीच, हापुड जिले में पुलिस और जिला पूर्ति विभाग ने बड़ी कार्रवाई करते हुए अवैध रूप से रखे गैस सिलेंडरों का जखीरा जब्त कर लिया. छापेमारी के दौरान समाजवादी पार्टी नेता अब्दुल रेहान के घर से 55 भरे हुए गैस सिलेंडर और कई खाली सिलेंडर बरामद किए गए. पुलिस के आने की खबर मिलते ही आरोपी मौके से फरार हो गये. फिलहाल पुलिस उसकी तलाश कर रही है और मामले की जांच जारी है.

सूचना मिलने पर पुलिस और पूर्ति विभाग ने छापा मारा।
यह पूरी घटना हापुड जिले के असौड़ा गांव की बताई जा रही है. पुलिस को सूचना मिली थी कि पंचायत घर के पास रहने वाला अब्दुल रेहान अपने घर में अवैध रूप से बड़ी संख्या में गैस सिलेंडर का भंडारण कर रहा है. सूचना मिलते ही जिला पूर्ति विभाग की टीम पुलिस के साथ मौके पर पहुंची और घर पर छापा मारा। छापेमारी की भनक लगते ही आरोपी घर से भाग गया। पुलिस टीम को मौके से 55 भरे हुए गैस सिलेंडर और कई खाली सिलेंडर मिले, जिन्हें अधिकारियों ने तुरंत जब्त कर लिया.

स्थानीय लोगों ने कालाबाजारी का आरोप लगाया
स्थानीय लोगों का कहना है कि आरोपी लंबे समय से गैस सिलेंडर की कालाबाजारी कर रहा था. उनका दावा है कि वह एक सिलेंडर करीब 2000 रुपये में बेच रहे थे. इलाके में गैस की कमी के कारण लोगों को महंगे दामों पर सिलेंडर खरीदने को मजबूर होना पड़ा. यह मामला सामने आने के बाद इलाके में चर्चा का माहौल है और लोग प्रशासन से सख्त कार्रवाई की मांग कर रहे हैं.

मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ कालाबाजारी पर सख्त हो गए हैं
इस बीच योगी आदित्यनाथ ने प्रशासन को पेट्रोल, डीजल और घरेलू गैस सिलेंडर की कमी की अफवाह फैलाकर जमाखोरी और कालाबाजारी करने वालों के खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई करने के सख्त निर्देश दिए हैं. उन्होंने एजेंसियों को गैस वितरण व्यवस्था सामान्य रखने के लिए सुरक्षा व्यवस्था सुनिश्चित करने का निर्देश दिया है, ताकि ग्राहकों को समय पर सिलेंडर मिल सके.

अफवाह फैलाने वालों पर भी कार्रवाई की जायेगी
इस मामले में राज्य के मुख्य सचिव ने शासनादेश जारी कर सभी जिलों के डीएम को निर्देश भेज दिये हैं. आदेश में कहा गया है कि सोशल मीडिया, चैनलों और अन्य माध्यमों पर फैल रहे भ्रामक संदेशों और वीडियो पर कड़ी नजर रखी जाए। साथ ही यह भी सुनिश्चित किया जाए कि गैस सिलेंडरों की आपूर्ति में कोई बाधा न आए। प्रशासन, पुलिस, राजस्व विभाग तथा खाद्य एवं रसद विभाग के अधिकारी लगातार क्षेत्र में भ्रमण करते रहेंगे तथा गैस वितरण से जुड़े वाहनों को पर्याप्त सुरक्षा भी दी जायेगी।

US expands military presence in Middle East amid Iran-Israel tension, USS Tripoli deploys marines

The United States is significantly expanding its military footprint middle eastThousands of marines and a powerful amphibious assault ship are being sent to the region as tensions rise with Iran. The deployment comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has already led to missile attacks, drone strikes and regional instability across the Gulf.According to reports, the Pentagon has ordered the deployment of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its Marine Expeditionary Unit to the region, bringing thousands of combat-ready troops and advanced military equipment closer to the conflict zone. The move signals that Washington is preparing for a broader confrontation, while also trying to protect strategic shipping lanes and US assets in the Middle East.

Rapid US military buildup amid Iran vs Israel war

The deployment reportedly includes approximately 2,000-2,500 Marines as well as additional Sailors and naval assets who will operate from the USS Tripoli and accompanying ships. A Marine expeditionary unit is designed to be a highly flexible force capable of conducting a wide variety of missions, including:

Because these units operate from amphibious ships rather than land bases, they allow the U.S. military to respond quickly to crises without relying on host country permission. Officials say the deployment was requested by the United States Central Command, which oversees US military operations throughout the Middle East. The goal is to give commanders more options as tensions with Iran continue to rise.

Why is America sending marines now amid Iran vs Israel war?

The decision comes against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating regional conflict due to US-Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets in late February 2026. Those attacks reportedly killed several senior Iranian leaders and damaged key military facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and US bases across the Gulf. Since then, the conflict has spread on several fronts:

The deployment of the Marines is widely seen as a precautionary move to prevent Iranian escalation, while also ensuring the US can respond quickly if the conflict escalates.

Strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz between Iran vs US-Israel war

One of the main concerns over the deployment is the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. About one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway, making it a vital artery for the global economy.Recent Iranian actions in the area, including threats to shipping and increased naval activity, have raised fears that the strait could be disrupted or temporarily closed. Such a move would jolt global energy markets and could trigger a major international military response.The advent of amphibious ships and marines therefore serves two purposes:

What USS Tripoli brings to the battlefield amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The USS Tripoli, an American-class amphibious assault ship, operates almost like a small aircraft carrier.It can take:

This combination allows the ship to launch air strikes, amphibious landings and rapid-reaction missions from the sea. Since it does not require a nearby airbase, the ship allows US forces to operate in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and surrounding areas. The Marine deployment is part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Middle East that is expanding through the early 2026s. The buildup includes:

Analysts say the scale of the deployment is the largest in the region since the Iraq War. The buildup reflects Washington’s growing concern that the conflict with Iran could escalate into a regional war involving multiple countries and armed groups.

Regional conflict is already escalating amid Iran vs. US-Israel war

The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has already had ramifications across the Middle East. According to reports:

Civilian casualties are also rising in many countries, while governments in the region fear even greater increases. Meanwhile, international leaders, including European and Middle Eastern governments, have called for de-escalation and diplomatic dialogue.

What will happen next between Iran vs US-Israel war?

Military analysts say the naval deployment does not mean a ground attack on Iran is imminent. Instead, the move offers the US several strategic options:

However, the presence of thousands of additional US troops also increases the threat dramatically. If Iran were to directly target U.S. forces or allies, the conflict could quickly escalate into a broader regional war.For now, the deployment underscores how volatile the Middle East has become in recent weeks. With missile exchanges, drone strikes and naval confrontations increasing across the region, the arrival of the USS Tripoli and its Marines signals that Washington is preparing for the possibility that the conflict could escalate.It remains to be seen whether this move acts as a deterrent or becomes a prelude to a broader war. However, one clear message is that the Middle East is once again at the center of a geopolitical crisis that could reshape global security and energy markets for years to come.

उत्तर प्रदेश की राजधानी लखनऊ में रमजान के आखिरी शुक्रवार यानी अलविदा जुमे की नमाज को लेकर प्रशासन और पुलिस हाई अलर्ट पर है. शिया समुदाय के गुस्से की खबरों के बीच पूरे राज्य में सुरक्षा बढ़ा दी गई है. संवेदनशील शहरों और इलाकों में अतिरिक्त पुलिस बल तैनात किया गया है. पुलिस और प्रशासन ने शांति व्यवस्था बनाए रखने के लिए व्यापक तैयारी की है. अधिकारियों का कहना है कि किसी भी तरह की गड़बड़ी से निपटने के लिए सभी जरूरी कदम उठाए जा रहे हैं और स्थिति पर लगातार नजर रखी जा रही है.

डीजीपी ने दिए अलर्ट रहने के निर्देश
राज्य के पुलिस महानिदेशक राजीव कृष्ण ने सभी जिलों के पुलिस अधिकारियों को विशेष रूप से सतर्क रहने का निर्देश दिया है. उन्होंने कहा है कि अलविदा जुमे के दिन सुरक्षा कड़ी रखी जाए और किसी भी तरह की अफवाह या भड़काऊ गतिविधि पर तुरंत कार्रवाई की जाए. इसके साथ ही खुफिया एजेंसियों को भी अलर्ट कर दिया गया है, ताकि हर गतिविधि पर नजर रखी जा सके और समय रहते जरूरी कदम उठाए जा सकें.

सोशल मीडिया पर कड़ी निगरानी
प्रशासन ने सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म पर फैल रही अफवाहों और भड़काऊ पोस्ट पर कड़ी नजर रखने के निर्देश दिए हैं. इसके लिए साइबर टीमों को सक्रिय कर दिया गया है। अधिकारियों का कहना है कि अगर कोई भी व्यक्ति सोशल मीडिया के जरिए अफवाह फैलाने या माहौल खराब करने की कोशिश करेगा तो उसके खिलाफ तुरंत सख्त कार्रवाई की जाएगी. साथ ही लोगों से अपील की गई है कि वे किसी भी तरह की अफवाह पर ध्यान न दें और शांति बनाए रखें.

नमाज की खास तैयारी
अलविदा जुमे की नमाज को लेकर प्रशासन और पुलिस अधिकारियों की बैठक भी हो चुकी है. बैठक में नमाज के दौरान सुरक्षा, व्यवस्था और सुविधाओं पर विस्तार से चर्चा की गयी. अलविदा जुमे की नमाज दोपहर 12:45 बजे जामा मस्जिद ईदगाह में अदा की जाएगी। इसके लिए मस्जिदों के आसपास साफ-सफाई, बिजली और पानी की व्यवस्था सुनिश्चित करने का निर्देश दिया गया है.

सुरक्षा के लिए आधुनिक तकनीक का उपयोग
नमाज के दौरान बड़ी संख्या में नमाजियों के जुटने की संभावना को देखते हुए विशेष सुरक्षा व्यवस्था की गयी है. ईदगाह के गेटों पर डीएफएमडी यानी डोर फ्रेम मेटल डिटेक्टर लगाए जाएंगे, ताकि सुरक्षा जांच ठीक से हो सके। इसके अलावा पूरे इलाके पर ड्रोन कैमरे से भी नजर रखी जाएगी. प्रशासन ने वुजू के लिए पानी के टैंकरों की व्यवस्था करने पर भी जोर दिया है, ताकि नमाजियों को किसी तरह की दिक्कत न हो. प्रशासन और पुलिस का कहना है कि सभी तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं और लोगों की सुरक्षा को सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता दी जा रही है.