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IPL 2026: GT selects vs RCB, Prasidh Krishna out again

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IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans select against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Prasidh Krishna out again
RCB captain Rajat Patidar and GT captain Shubman Gill (Image: IPL)

New Delhi: In a crucial IPL 2026 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Gujarat Titans won the toss of the dice and opted to play first against defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore.Gujarat Titans rule out pacers again Prasidh Krishna His performance this season has been impressive though. The right-arm fastman, who has taken 12 wickets in seven games and is one of the team’s leading wicket-takers, was not included in the squad for the second consecutive match.Gill confirmed during the throw that Titans were unchanged from their previous match – an eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings – but did not elaborate on Prasidh’s absence.“We’re going to bowl first. It’s looking a little dry, a little patchy. The first four or five overs can give us a little bit of a swing and just in case there’s a dew, we always like to chase it,” Gill said.Gill backs conditions, stresses importance of sprintsThe GT captain emphasized the importance of this game in the championship, especially with back-to-back home games.“Two points are very important for us. The next two games, including this one at home, will determine where we stand in the championship and how far we can go,” he pointed out.Gill also acknowledged the challenge posed by RCB, adding, “They are the defending champions and have been playing some very good cricket. Hopefully it will be a good game.”Talking about the team’s morale, he added, “The atmosphere after the last game was great – lighthearted. It’s about giving everything you’ve got and putting in the right effort.”Patidar remains confident despite being thrown in with batsmenRCB captain rajapatidar Admits he would also prefer to start first but remains confident of posting a strong total.“Obviously, we want to bat first but in the IPL these are usually good wickets to bat on. There is a little bit of grass but I don’t think it will help much. We will look to get a good total and put them under pressure,” Patidar said.He also highlighted the team’s collective effort this season. “The way we’ve played so far has been great. Every player has stepped up for the team. The performance of different players in different games is always a positive sign.”Patidar confirmed that RCB will have the same lineup as GT.

GT vs RCB lineup

  • Gujarat Titans XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (w), Jason Holder, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar.
  • Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood

‘Iron Man’ Luo Tang suffers rare second KO in retirement clash with boxer he previously defeated in 80 seconds International Sports News

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'Iron Man' Luo Tang suffers rare second KO in retirement clash with boxer he previously defeated in 80 seconds
Luo Tang cried after losing to Takeru by KO. Credit ONE Championship

Segawa ended his career with a statement victory on April 29, defeating “Iron Man” Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the fifth round at ONE Samurai 1 in Tokyo to capture the interim ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship, overturning a one-sided loss from more than a year ago. The fight at Ariake Arena, which marked Takeru’s retirement fight, unfolded very differently from their first meeting in March 2025, when Rodtang knocked him out with a left hook in just 80 seconds at ONE Champions 172 at Saitama Super Arena.

From 80 seconds to five rounds

Their first fight was brief but decisive, with Rodtang dominating Takeru early, landing a clean left hook that ended the fight in the first round and earned him a $50,000 performance bonus while improving his record to 274-43. That result carried over into the rematch, with Takeru later admitting he wasn’t at his best that night and that the second run was both competitive and personal.

Fight Breakdown: Takedown, Recovery and Final Stop

The 28-year-old Luo Tang used the same approach as before in the first round, targeting Takeru’s chin and throwing a left hook to end their first fight, but the Japanese boxer representing Team Vasiles was better prepared this time, blocking and absorbing the shot before responding with kicks and counterattacks as the fight gradually settled into a rhythm. The decisive turn came in the second round when Takeru knocked Rodtang down twice with left hooks on separate occasions, forcing the Thai fighter to go eight-count twice, a moment worth noting considering Rodtang’s reputation for durability spanning over 300 fights. Luo Tang regained his composure in the third round, reestablishing his punching combinations after his forward push kick to the body, while Wu absorbed the pressure, smiling at times and gesturing for more exchanges as he continued to trade. The fourth round developed into a sustained exchange, with both fighters landing at close range, with Luo Tang finding success late in the round, but Wu responded in the final seconds with a sharp shot that snapped his opponent’s head back. At the end of the fifth round, Takeru’s right hand knocked down Rodtang, followed by a left hook and a right punch, sending him down for the count. Although Rodtang stood up again, the final right hand left him injured and tied up with the ropes. The referee stopped the fight with 37 seconds left in the game, officially recorded as 2 minutes and 22 seconds of the fifth round.

“Iron Man” rare suspension

The loss marked Luo Tang’s second career knockout loss and his first knockout in ONE Championship, with most of his setbacks occurring under different circumstances. His previous losses in the promotion include a unanimous decision victory over Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE Friday Fights 34 in September 2023, a weightless match after Superlek lost weight that allowed Rodtang to retain the Muay Thai world title, and a technical submission loss under special rules to Demetrious Johnson at ONE Over the course of his career, Rodtang has competed in over 300 fights and racked up over 270 wins, with most of his defeats coming early in his career before reaching the top level in Thailand, where he had won 14 straight fights in the ONE Championship.

Takeru’s final performance and career record

For the 34-year-old Takeru, the win capped a career that ended with a 46-5 record, the interim ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship and a reported performance bonus of 15 million yen (approximately $100,000). The victory was widely regarded as one of the best performances of his career, not only because of the result but also because of the way he absorbed early pressure, adjusted his tactics and beat an opponent known for his stamina.

Reactions and Immediate Consequences

The result sparked a strong reaction from fans and fighters alike, especially given Rotang’s reputation and the comparison to the first fight. “Omg! Takeru TKO’d Rodtang in the fifth round,” one fan wrote, while another added: “Oh my word, Takeru stopped Rodtang in the fifth round.” Retired kickboxer Liam Harrison said: “It’s absolutely crazy… wow.” Other reactions focused on the nature of the fight itself, with one comment writing: “Takeru just ate those punches, smiled, and knocked Rodtang out. That was peak cinema at the time and a great way for him to get revenge.” Another fan added: “Man this is the ending he deserves. He’s one of the most entertaining fighters in all of combat sports.” While Luo Tang’s supporters had the opposite reaction, saying: “Luo Tang has been looted.”

What happens as a result?

The rematch, more than a year in the making, turned the tide of their rivalry overnight, with Takeru leaving the sport as a world champion after avenging his most decisive loss, and Rodtang enduring one of the most significant losses of his career in a fight that tested his endurance over five rounds rather than ending in a single exchange.

‘As a single-format player, flow does get disrupted’: Dhawan’s honest take on Rohit, Kohli

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'As a single-format player, flow does get disrupted': Dhawan's honest take on Rohit, Kohli
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli of India (PTI)

ex indian opener Shikhar Dhawan Believe that reduction in frequency of ODI cricket matches will not cause trouble Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli They point to their experience and professionalism as key factors as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup.Dhawan, who has been a one-format player in the second half of his career, admits that limited opportunities to play will affect the pace. In an interview to PTI, he reflected on the challenges of maintaining flow when opportunities stagger.“Yes, when you play a format internationally, your flow does get disrupted,” Dhawan said.He explained that during these phases, players often turn their attention to maintaining optimal fitness, especially when games are infrequent. However, he made it clear that the likes of Rohit and Kohli fully capable of meeting this challenge.“So the players are focused on fitness because you won’t be playing too many games. You’re talking about Rohit and Virat, they are mature guys. It’s a challenge but they know how to turn that challenge into an opportunity.“If you look at their fitness, Virat was always fit but Rohit has undergone a huge transformation,” he added.Dhawan also highlighted how the schedule ahead of the 2027 World Cup should work in their favour, ensuring both players have enough time to find their rhythm.“Now that the 2027 World Cup is coming, they will be playing a lot of ODIs. If you look at the time when I was a single-format player, there were back-to-back T20 World Cups (2021 and ’22), and the ODIs I played were few and far between. So tournaments will not be a problem for Rohit and Virat and there will be enough time to play.”Both Rohit and Kohli are in strong ODI form of late. Rohit, who led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy before being replaced Shubman Gill Captained in October and had a productive year. He scored 650 runs in 14 games at an average of 50, including 2 centuries and 4 fifties. However, his performance dipped in the recent series against New Zealand, with him scoring just 61 runs in three games at an average of 20.33.Kohli, on the other hand, performed brilliantly in the game. In 2025, he scored 651 runs in 13 games at an average of 65.10 with 3 centuries and 4 fifties. He continued this form into 2026 as well, scoring 240 runs at an average of 80 in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January.With their form and experience, the two veterans appear to be in a good position as India works towards its next global tournament.

Evening News Report: SC asks centers to consider abortion for rape survivors after 20 weeks; & more

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Photo credit: ANI

  • The Supreme Court urged the Center to consider amending the law to allow rape survivors to have abortions beyond 20 weeks, saying no time limit should be applied in such cases.
  • For the first time, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Navy fired a salvo of indigenous NASM-SR anti-ship missiles from a helicopter.
  • Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said India had halted Operation Sindoor on its own terms, claiming it was ready for a protracted conflict and rejecting Pakistan’s “nuclear bluff”.
  • The Supreme Court stayed its order on the anticipatory bail plea of ​​Congress leader Pawan Khera, who told the court that “there is no need to humiliate him by arrest” in the passport dispute case.
  • US President Donald Trump shared a map renaming the Strait of Hormuz and said the US blockade of Iran could last for months.

Here are the top 5 stories of the day:

‘Imagine the pain and humiliation’: SC urges Center to allow Abortion after 20 weeks For rape survivors

The Supreme Court asked the Center to consider amending the law to allow rape survivors to terminate their pregnancies after 20 weeks, stating that there should be no time limit in such cases. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, hearing a plea filed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) against its previous order allowing a 15-year-old survivor to terminate the 30-week pregnancy, said the law must evolve with time and highlighted the lasting trauma caused by such cases. Read more

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Let’s not choose for people: Supreme Court quashes center of underage rape survivor’s pregnancy case

DRDO and Navy fire first salvo of 2 anti-ship missiles from helicopters off Odisha coast

In a bid to enhance maritime strike capabilities, the Defense Research and Development Organization and the Navy successfully fired the first salvo of indigenous NASM-SR anti-ship missiles from a helicopter over the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast. The two missiles were fired in succession, marking the first such air-launched salvo test, achieving all objectives using a tracking system deployed at the Chandipur Integrated Test Range. Read more

‘We are not falling into nuclear bluff’: Rajnath Singh lashes out at Pakistan, explains why Operation Sindo was halted

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that India had voluntarily stopped Operation Sindoor on its own terms and claimed that the country was prepared for a protracted conflict and did not stop due to lack of capabilities. Addressing a security summit, he said India had not been fooled by Pakistan’s “nuclear bluff” and continued to maintain strong reinforcement capabilities, while reiterating that there would be no distinction between terrorists and their supporters. Read more

‘No need to humiliate me by arrest’: South Carolina’s Pawan Khera in passport dispute case

The Supreme Court stayed its order on the anticipatory bail plea of ​​Congress leader Pawan Khera, who told the court that there was “no need to humiliate him by arrest” in the passport dispute case related to the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Kayla argued the charges were a trial matter and did not require an arrest, while his lawyers said a custodial interrogation was not necessary. Read more

US president shares new map, names Hormuz ‘Trump Strait’, says blockade could last months

US President Donald Trump shared a revised map, renaming the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” and said the US naval blockade against Iran could last for months. The blockade since mid-April has targeted ships linked to Iranian ports and pushed up global oil prices. Iran has rejected U.S. claims of economic damage, criticized the strategy and said it will not enter talks on its nuclear program unless the blockade is lifted. Read more

Nepali authorities give illegal occupiers until Friday to vacate public land; squatters announce protest

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KATHMANDU, Nepal authorities have issued notices to people living on the banks of Kathmandu rivers and on illegally occupied land, asking them to vacate the area by Friday, even as squatters announced a three-week protest against the demolitions.

Nepali authorities give illegal occupiers until Friday to vacate public land; squatters announce protest
Nepali authorities give illegal occupiers until Friday to vacate public land; squatters announce protest

The Kathmandu District Management Office issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday as part of beautification and environmental protection efforts.

The notice said that from 7 a.m. on Friday, authorities will demolish illegal structures on public land or river banks.

Earlier last week, the federal government in coordination with Kathmandu City demolished temporary and permanent structures constructed by landless squatters in Thapatali, Garigaoun, Sinamangarh and Manohara areas on the banks of Bagmati river.

In the demolition operation, thousands of security personnel were mobilized and more than 1,500 settlements belonging to landless settlers were demolished.

The government has identified around 900 displaced families and temporarily shifted them to different hosting areas, including Dasharath Stadium, various huts in Kirtipur and Balaju districts.

Kathmandu city officials said that after a review of landless settlers, alternative resettlement facilities will be provided to genuine landless settlers.

The landless squatters complained that the government demolished their settlements within a short period of time without arranging proper facilities for them.

The All Nepal Landless Squatters Association, affiliated to the Nepal Communist Party, has announced a two-phase nationwide protest plan against the government’s move to demolish illegal structures.

Their protest plans include public meetings, rallies, signature drives starting on May 3, and a nationwide indefinite general strike starting on May 21.

Under the three-week protest plan, they will also launch a nationwide signature campaign calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, claiming that he is working against the interests of ordinary people.

This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.

‘There is no place in the Gulf, except at the bottom of the waters’: Iran’s Khamenei slams US as ‘Great Satan’, rejects nuclear restrictions

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'There is no place in the Gulf, except at the bottom of the waters': Iran's Khamenei slams US as 'Great Satan', rejects nuclear restrictions

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized the United States on Thursday, calling it the “Great Satan” and saying he would not compromise Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.In a written statement read on state television, Khamenei said Iran’s strategic plans remain non-negotiable and are vital to the country’s sovereignty. He also said that Americans have no place in the Persian Gulf region.“We share a common destiny with our neighbors on both sides of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometers away and act with greed and malice have no place here — except under the water,” he said, according to the Associated Press.He further described Iran’s technological and military capabilities as national assets that will be protected by the people. “Ninety million proud and honorable Iranians at home and abroad regard all of Iran’s identity-based spiritual, humanistic, scientific, industrial and technological capabilities – from nanotechnology and biotechnology to nuclear and missile capabilities – as national assets and will protect them just as they protect the country’s waters, lands and airspace,” Khamenei said.The comments come as tensions rise in West Asia, with Iran’s oil industry reportedly under pressure due to restrictions affecting tanker sailings. The disruption coincided with volatility in global oil prices, with Brent crude hitting $126 a barrel.Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains at the heart of the standoff. Iran’s strategic position in the waterway has added to volatility in energy markets and increased pressure on the United States as it weighs responses.The United States and Iran remain locked in disputes over sanctions, nuclear talks and sea control as a fragile ceasefire remains in place. Tehran has also proposed delaying talks on its nuclear program, while Washington insists its goal is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes but has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels.Khamenei also linked Iran’s regional posture to broader geopolitical changes, saying the future of the Persian Gulf should be determined by regional powers rather than external actors.He suggested Iran would continue to defend its position in the Strait of Hormuz and called for what he called a “new management” framework for the waterway. Gulf Arab states and much of the international community consider the strait an international passage vital to global trade.

Chanakya today predicts landslide victory for BJP in Assam, fierce fight between UDF and LDF in Kerala

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Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan and Himanta Biswa Sarma

New Delhi: Today’s Chanakya’s exit poll forecast released on Thursday covers West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, assamand kerala.A day earlier, several other pollsters released estimates for those states.The figures represent the average number of seats each party is likely to win, Chanakya Today reported. Forecasts point to a landslide victory for the BJP in Assam, hinting at re-election for the current chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarmawhile the Congress appears to be trailing by a huge margin, is of little comfort to Gaurav Gogoi in a state once ruled by his father Tarun Gogoi.For the 2026 Assam elections, Chanakya today predicts that the BJP-led alliance will have a clear advantage and is expected to win 93 to 111 seats, with an average of 102 seats. The Congress-led alliance is expected to get 14 to 32 seats, with an average of 23 seats, while other alliances are likely to remain marginal, with 0 to 2 seats, with an average of 1 seat.In Kerala, forecasts point to a close contest between the incumbent LDF and the main opposition United Liberal Alliance.Forecasts suggest that Kerala will be a hotly contested contest between two fronts in 2026. The UDF is expected to win 60 to 78 seats, with an average of 69 seats, followed by the ruling LDF with 55 to 73 seats, with an average of 64 seats. The BJP is expected to get 3 to 11 seats, with an average of 7 seats, while the other parties are expected to get 0 to 1 seats, with an average of 0 seats.Seat predictions for the other two major states, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, are yet to be announced.

‘My soulmate, my best friend’: Ritika’s birthday wish for Rohit melts hearts

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'My soulmate, my best friend': Ritika Sajdeh melts hearts with heartfelt birthday wishes for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma and wife Ritika Sajdeh. (Image source: Ritika’s Instagram post)

New Delhi: A heartfelt letter written by wife Ritika Sajdeh stood out among the many wishes from the cricketing fraternity on Rohit Sharma’s 39th birthday on Thursday.Ritika penned a heartfelt message on Instagram that quickly struck a chord with her fans. “Happy birthday, my Ro. Every year I say you are my best friend, my soulmate, the best part of us, and this year is no exception. For everything we have in this life and more,” she wrote.The post, filled with warmth and emotion, went viral within minutes and gave people a glimpse into the personal side of one of India’s most famous cricketers.MI locker room celebration adds joyThe celebrations didn’t stop on social media. Mumbai Indians shared a graphic video from the dressing room where Rohit is seen cutting a birthday cake surrounded by his teammates. Ritika was also there, standing next to him as the players smeared cake on his face in a relaxed celebration.The video quickly gained traction online with fans enjoying the candid moment of the former Mumbai Indians captain sharing a laugh with his team.Condolences poured in from cricket fraternityBirthday wishes poured in from the cricketers. The Board of Control for Cricket in India highlighted Rohit’s remarkable career, pointing to his more than 500 international caps and over 20,000 matches, as well as his achievements as a World Cup-winning captain.Former opening partner Shikhar Dhawan recalled their successful partnership, while Suresh Raina hailed him as “one of the best players the game has ever seen”. Irfan Pathan and Mohammed Shami also sent messages, highlighting the respect Rohit enjoys in the cricketing world.A legacy that continues to growRohit is widely regarded as the modern white-ball superstar and has built a stellar career since making his debut in 2007. He has led India to major ICC titles, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, cementing his legacy as a successful leader.At the team level, his captaincy led Mumbai Indians to become one of the most dominant teams in IPL history, leading them to five championships.Although Rohit has withdrawn from Tests and T20Is, he continues to represent India in ODIs and remains an integral part of the IPL.

Fire breaks out after explosion in Queens, 10 injured: all in knife dispute

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A major explosion sparked a five-alarm fire at a home Queensresulting in multiple new york police department The officer is hospitalized. According to the New York Post, a total of 10 people were injured, including seven police officers.

An explosion in Queens caused a five-alarm fire that injured ten people, including seven police officers. Police were hit by an explosion while trying to enter a home in response to a dispute. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and the explosion and initial altercation are now under investigation.
An explosion in Queens caused a five-alarm fire that injured ten people, including seven police officers. Police were hit by an explosion while trying to enter a home in response to a dispute. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and the explosion and initial altercation are now under investigation.

Police were dispatched to a dispute at a property on 130th Street on the South Side around 3 a.m. Thursday. richmond HILL. Initial reports said there was a man inside the residence armed with a knife. At one point, he barricaded himself in the basement, according to police reports, CNS News reported.

As police attempted to enter the premises, an explosion occurred.

The force of the explosion pushed officers and at least two people were lifted off the ground. One officer suffered a severe cut to his head, police officials reported.

Queens fire: Firefighting actions taken

More than 100 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed to put out the blaze caused by the explosion. When they arrived they found a two-story house completely engulfed in flames.

The fire started in one house and quickly spread to neighboring homes.

Footage from the scene captured large amounts of smoke billowing from the neighborhood.

Queens fire: Residents report huge explosion

Queens residents report hearing explode.

“It was a loud bang and probably gunshots because I saw the police backing up and then they were like, ‘You have to evacuate, you have to evacuate,'” one resident said, according to CBS News. “I just grabbed what I could, jumped in the car and drove away, because the worst happened and I could at least sit in the car and charge my phone and go to someone’s house.”

A representative from the police department said no shots were fired.

Fire department officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported. The officer who was taken to the hospital is in stable condition, according to law enforcement.

this New York Fire Department People nearby are advised to avoid the smoke and expect traffic delays in the morning.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and police are also investigating the circumstances that led to the initial altercation.

‘We are forming a Maa, Marti, Manushi government’: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata rejects exit polls giving advantage to BJP

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New Delhi: Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee rejected the state’s exit poll projections on Thursday, announced Trinamool Congress A “Government of God, God, and Man” would be formed.Her reaction came after multiple pollsters released forecasts pointing to a close race in the ruling. TMC and the main opposition, bjp.

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‘Moving from stall to stall for the first time’: Congolese leader says Mamata is ‘restless’, not confident Bangladesh will win

The two-phase voting held on April 23 and April 29 ended with a record-high turnout of over 90 per cent in all 294 seats.The Chief Minister of Bengal posted a video message on X expressing confidence in the current government. She also said that “TMC will win over 226 seats”, surpassing the 215 seats she had secured earlier.