Following India’s emphatic 9-wicket victory over UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, all-rounder Shivam Dube addressed the media at the post-match press conference, where he reflected on the match and also spoke warmly about fellow all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Dube, who played a key role with the ball in dismantling the UAE batting lineup, was asked about frequent comparisons drawn between him and Hardik Pandya. In response, Dube dismissed any notion of rivalry, instead emphasizing admiration and respect for Pandya’s experience.

“Hardik is like a brother from whom I tend to learn a lot,” Dube said. “He has way more experience than me, both in the IPL and international cricket.” He further added that comparisons between the two don’t cross his mind. “Comparison, I never thought of, as my only endeavour is to learn as much as I can from his vast experience,” Dube stated.

Dube’s mature response highlighted his humility and team-first mindset, even as he continues to grow in stature as a reliable all-rounder for India. With performances like the one against UAE, where he took 3 wickets and bowled with discipline, Dube is steadily carving a place for himself in India’s T20 setup, while remaining grounded and focused on learning from senior players like Pandya.

India’s win over UAE not only marked a dominant start to their Asia Cup campaign but also showcased the depth in their squad, with players like Dube stepping up and contributing significantly.

India created history in their Asia Cup 2025 opener by recording their fastest win in T20I cricket. Chasing a modest target of 58 set by UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India completed the chase in just 4.3 overs, finishing with an astonishing 93 balls to spare. The victory showcased India’s dominance and aggressive approach in the shortest format.

The Indian batting lineup displayed clinical execution, combining fearless stroke play with sharp running between the wickets. Every batter contributed to maintaining a relentless pace, leaving the UAE bowlers struggling to make an impact. The win also highlighted India’s depth in batting, as the team efficiently chased even a low-pressure target.

This historic performance surpassed India’s previous record for the largest T20I win in terms of balls remaining, which was achieved on November 5, 2021, against Scotland, when India had 81 balls to spare. By breaking this record, India set a new benchmark for efficiency and dominance in T20I cricket.

India’s explosive start in the Asia Cup sends a clear message to their rivals, demonstrating their ability to chase any target with precision and intent. The team’s combination of aggression, timing, and strategic running makes them a formidable side in the ongoing tournament.

Mumbai: The road concretisation project, which was temporarily suspended during the four-month monsoon season, is set to resume next month. The BMC will first prioritise the completion of 574 roads, spanning 156.74 km, which were partially completed and secured before the onset of rains. In addition to these, 776 new roads, covering approximately 208.70 km, will also be taken up for concretisation in the upcoming phase.

So far, 49% of the total roads taken up under the BMC’s concretisation project have been completed, with nearly 64% completion recorded in the second phase.

As per civic data, over 771 roads covering 186 km have been fully completed, while 547 roads spanning 156.74 km remain partially completed. The concretisation work was halted after May 31 due to the onset of the monsoon. However, the work is now scheduled to resume from October 1, a senior civic official confirmed.

“To minimise disruption for citizens, we will carry out the road concretisation work in phases. Simultaneously, roads where work has not yet commenced will also be taken up,” according to an official.

Phase I of the project is targeted for completion by May 2026, while Phase II is expected to witness substantial progress, with full execution likely by the first half of 2027.

Meanwhile, following public criticism over road concretisation work in certain areas, the BMC has launched a public dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability.

The portal allows citizens to track the status of the concretisation project, providing key details such as the contractor’s name, start and expected completion dates, and other relevant information for each road earmarked for concretisation.

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made a significant acquisition, purchasing a 4.61-acre land parcel in Nariman Point, South Mumbai, from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) for ₹3,472 crore. This transaction is one of the largest land deals in India in 2023, and the prime location near key government and corporate institutions enhances its long-term value.

MMRCL initially intended to auction the property through a global tender, marking the first auction in Nariman Point since its establishment as a commercial district in the 1970s. However, the tender was halted after RBI expressed interest in expanding its headquarters in January.

The deal, registered on September 5, included a stamp duty of over ₹208 crore. For RBI, this acquisition expands its real estate holdings in Mumbai, where it already has properties, including its Mint Road headquarters. The new site is planned for institutional use, which will bolster the central bank’s presence in India’s financial hub.

MMRCL, responsible for developing metro projects in Mumbai, has been monetizing land in the area to support metro expansion efforts. Despite the development of new business hubs like Bandra-Kurla Complex and Lower Parel, experts emphasize that the RBI deal underscores Nariman Point’s enduring stature in the commercial real estate sector.

The concluded sale, which came after a failed auction attempt, also included a 90-year lease on the land at the significantly lower price of ₹3,471.82 crore compared to the reserve price of ₹5,173 crore set for the global bid. The acquisition aligns with RBI’s long-term strategy, as the organization has been looking for office spaces of at least 30,000 sq ft in South Mumbai for four years. The land has a buildable area of 1.6 million sq ft, with 113,500 sq ft designated for the relocation of previous occupants.

Part of the proceeds from the sale will assist MMRCL in repaying a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for constructing the underground metro line, which has a revised cost of ₹37,276 crore, with a substantial portion financed by JICA. This acquisition reinforces Nariman Point’s significance in India’s real estate landscape, reflecting institutional confidence in Mumbai’s ongoing value as a financial center.