Connect with us
हिंदी اردو
Sunday,17-May-2026
Breaking News

National News

‘Sundar fitting in the role of what Ashwin did with Jadeja’, says childhood coach M. Senthilnathan

Published

8 months ago

on

New Delhi, Oct 1: As India prepares for their first home Test series since Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement in December 2024, when they take on the West Indies in the first of two games in Ahmedabad on Thursday, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Washington Sundar can keep going to fill the void left by a legend who defined Indian spin bowling across 106 Tests, especially in a home domination era.

Washington, fresh off a fruitful two-game stint with Hampshire in county championship, had a full-fledged bowling session in Ahmedabad, which has all but confirmed that he will be in the playing eleven (barring any last-minute surprise). After his stunning all-round performances on the Test tour of England, Washington is primed to take charge in this new post-Ashwin era.

“Yes, it’s good for him and the country as well. He’s been in the scheme of things for more than four or five years now, but he was always behind the legend Ashwin as an off-spin all-rounder. So now he’s got his chances and sort of proved himself, which is good for the country and for himself.

“He’s perfectly fitting in the role of what Ashwin did for so long with Jadeja. See, normally the replacements doesn’t come all that easily. But he has been in the scheme of things for four-five years. So, it came out brilliantly. It looks very strong when Washington and Jadeja are there in the team,” said M Senthilnathan, who first identified Washington’s prodigious talent as a 13-year-old at the MRF Academy in Chennai, to media.

At The Oval, while Mohammed Siraj delivered that devastating yorker that shattered Gus Atkinson’s off-stump and England’s dreams of winning the series, it was Washington who had set up the moment. His priceless 53 off 46 balls in the second innings gave India just enough runs to defend against England’s aggressive Bazball approach.

That innings showcased his cricket intelligence. When the last man Prasidh Krishna joined him, Washington was on 17 off 27 balls, and played with restraint. But then he exploded in stunning fashion to get his fifty quickly, including hitting four mighty sixes. He read the game situation very well, understood what was needed, and delivered for India.

But it was in the previous game at Old Trafford where he truly announced himself. Battling for 206 balls alongside Jadeja, Washington crafted an unbeaten 101 that saved India from the jaws of defeat after a refusal to shake hands and accept Ben Stokes’ call for an early draw.

To understand why Washington is ready for this moment of being India’s next lead off-spinner, one has to understand what he’s overcome. Following India’s iconic win over Australia at the Gabba in 2021, where he hit a crucial fifty, Washington was out of picture for more Tests than what he was selected for.

Going into this year’s England series, he had played just nine Tests. The reasons were understandable – India had Ashwin, a legend occupying the off-spin bowling slot. But Washington was never just a spinner who could bat a bit. His talent demanded more, but a pattern of recurring injuries – whether to finger, hamstring or shoulder – also set him back.

Through it all, Senthilnathan kept counselling him that his time of being in the Test team would come. When Washington finally was on the plane to England for the Test tour, Senthilnathan prepped him well, including of avoiding being injured. “It used to be so sad. He had to come, be with us and he was with NCA and then whenever he was here, I kept saying to him, ‘your time will come. So be ready for that and these are the things which is not in your hands. Whatever is in your hands you can do, but some things are not in your hands you can’t do. So be patient’.

“When again he hurt his finger and came back, again a very difficult period mindset wise and I had to tell him, ‘Washi, again I’m telling you, don’t worry about it. You hang in there, work hard, don’t leave it in your domestic cricket games. Keep performing and then you will get your chance. So whatever happens, injury is not in your hands’.

“Not playing or those things around injuries and you’re not playing at all and sitting, those kind of things lead to a lot of stress in the mind. That boy took it well and then probably this time when he went, all I had to tell him was the preparation, how his mind has to be and I did caution him, ‘Washi, England has always got you. So just be aware and do exactly what needs to be done to be fit’,” he elaborated.

What sets Washington apart isn’t just his all-round ability—it’s how he’s built his game to succeed at the highest level. The work done under Senthilnathan’s watch in Chennai has helped him fine-tune his technique – which was evident in his free-flowing strokes in Manchester and The Oval.

“Every single aspect, as I have seen him, has improved. He looks confident and the most important thing is his aggression doesn’t come from his mouth or his actions. He shows it from his mind. At the end of the day, he doesn’t give his wicket away easily.

“So those are the things you got to prove it to the other team rather than fighting with them on the field. They are doing it because they want to disturb your concentration. So I don’t think he was in any way disturbed because probably it made him stronger. He has it inside his mind so that he keeps himself very focused.”

It’s a quality Washington has demonstrated throughout his career. At the Gabba in 2021, his 62 in the first innings surprised many who didn’t know he could bat so well. But those who’d watched him closely weren’t surprised. Even when he was brought out of the blue for the Pune Test against New Zealand last year, he picked a seven-fer on return.

“He’s a very strong headed boy. Like he won’t show it via body language that I’m going to do this. He will keep it inside and show with a bat or ball. So, I think that’s another great quality of him because sometimes they do all this to disturb him in the situation. This game and a lot of it depends on your confidence.”

Being the sole off-spinner in India’s playing eleven brings challenges which Ashwin made look routine. At home, pitches will be favorable, but picking wickets and maintaining pressure on opposition batting lineups, series after series, is an art mastered through experience.

Against the West Indies’ depleted batting lineup, Washington will be assessed on stricter parameters. Can he ask relentless questions of batters that Ashwin did over his remarkable career? Can he tighten the screws when needed, extract maximum advantage from helpful conditions, and still deliver when the pitch offers less?

The Ahmedabad pitch, with some dampness two days before play and overcast skies typical of the city lately, might not offer the typical turning track. But that’s precisely the kind of challenge that will define Washington’s journey in becoming India’s next premier off-spinner – the ability to adapt, and contribute even when conditions aren’t ideal.

As India begins its series against the West Indies and steps into a new chapter at home without Ashwin, all eyes turn to Sundar – now not a fringe player waiting in the wings, but as the one poised to lead India’s spin attack into the future, ready to shine just as his predecessor from Chennai once did.

“There is nothing like you should relax. I mean, you should be focusing more and more. The success is the history now. Next match comes, you got to think as if it’s the first game he’s playing for the country. Every game and every innings should be like that if you want to be successful,” concluded Senthilnathan, who will be Tamil Nadu’s head coach in the upcoming domestic season.

Post Views: 56,089
Related Tags:

Business

PM Modi’s visit results in India-UAE defence, energy pacts, $5 billion investment deal

Published

2 days ago

on

May 15, 2026

By

New Delhi, May 15: India and the United Arab Emirates signed key agreements, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, on a framework for the bilateral strategic defence partnership, the supply of LPG and strategic petroleum reserves, and an investment to the tune of $5 billion US dollars in Indian Infrastructure and RBL Bank and Samman Capital.

An agreement was also signed for setting up a ship repair cluster at Vadinar.

Speaking during delegation-level talks in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE in every situation, and it will continue to do so. For the restoration of peace and stability, India will extend all possible cooperation.”

He said it was important that the Strait of Hormuz remains “free and open” and added that international laws must be respected.

The Prime Minister thanked UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for strengthening the India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership and said bilateral cooperation had gained greater importance in the current global situation.

PM Modi said both sides had agreed during the UAE President’s January visit to India to qualitatively upgrade relations and had already made significant progress in a short span.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to you for taking our comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. During your visit to India in January, we agreed to qualitatively upgrade our relations. Even in such a small duration, we have made significant progress in all matters. In the kind of situation we have at hand today, the importance of India-UAE strategic cooperation has vastly increased. In the time to come, we will go ahead together in every area,” he observed.

PM Modi said the impact of the conflict in West Asia was being felt globally and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best way to resolve issues.

The Prime Minister arrived in the UAE earlier in the day and received a ceremonial welcome. Later, he held bilateral talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, popularly known as MBZ.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, covering the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The visit aims to deepen India’s strategic and economic partnerships across key sectors, including energy, defence, technology, green transition and trade.

Post Views: 54,630
Continue Reading

International News

EAM Jaishankar meets Iranian FM Araghchi, reviews West Asia situation

Published

2 days ago

on

May 15, 2026

By

New Delhi, May 15: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday met his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi, where the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications, along with bilateral matters of mutual interest.

EAM Jaishankar also welcomed Araghchi’s participation in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being hosted in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairship.

Following the meeting, EAM posted on X : “Had a detailed conversation with FM Abbas Araghchi of Iran this morning in Delhi. Discussed the situation in West Asia and its implications. Also exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest. Appreciate his participation in BRICS India 2026.”

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Iranian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

The meeting marked the first high-level diplomatic engagement involving India since the Iran war began.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar on Thursday highlighted the fragile security environment in West Asia, stating that the persistent tensions in the region, along with threats to shipping routes and energy infrastructure, remain a matter of global concern.

Delivering the national statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairship, the EAM said, “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation. Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.”

He also reaffirmed India’s “strong commitment” to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

“Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the foundation of international relations. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts,” the EAM said.

In his address at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday, Araghchi urged the global community to condemn “violations of international law” by the United States and Israel and take action against “warmongering”, thereby bringing an end to the impunity of those who violate the UN Charter.

He stated that Iran has been subjected to “brutal and unlawful aggression” by the US and Israel.

“The attacks on my people have been justified with false claims that run counter to the informed assessments of the International Atomic Energy Agency and even America’s own intelligence community. The truth is that Iran — like many other independent nations — is the victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering. These are ugly things which have no place in today’s world,” the Iranian Foreign Minister stated.

Marking Tehran’s first high-level diplomatic outreach since the conflict in West Asia began, Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit.

The escalating tensions in West Asia have also rattled global energy markets, with oil and gas prices surging after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic shipping corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that carries nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas) supplies.

Post Views: 54,626
Continue Reading

Crime

NEET paper leak case: Key accused’s MBBS daughter goes ‘missing’ as CBI closes in

Published

2 days ago

on

May 15, 2026

By

Jaipur, May 15: The NEET paper leak scandal in Rajasthan is beginning to resemble a full-blown crime thriller, with every new revelation exposing another layer of an alleged education mafia that may have penetrated deep into the country’s medical admission system.

Now, the investigation has reached the corridors of Pandit Nawal Kishore Sharma Government Medical College in Dausa and at the centre of the latest twist is a young MBBS student who has suddenly vanished from campus. Pragati Biwal, a first-year MBBS student and daughter of arrested NEET paper leak accused Mangilal Biwal, has reportedly gone “missing” from the college soon after the CBI intensified its crackdown on the family.

According to sources, Pragati quietly submitted a leave application and left the campus immediately after the arrests of her father and uncle, Dinesh Biwal, both considered key figures in the growing paper leak scandal. For the past two days, Pragati has not attended classes, and her sudden disappearance has sparked intense speculation within academic circles and among investigators.

While family members insist she secured admission through merit and hard work, the timing of her exit has raised uncomfortable questions. What has particularly caught the attention of investigators is the extraordinary number of medical admissions within the same family.

The CBI is now reportedly scrutinising the academic records and admission history of multiple members of the Biwal family to determine whether the alleged NEET paper leak network was used to secure seats in prestigious medical colleges.

The list is striking: Pragati Biwal is studying MBBS in Dausa. Her brother Vikas is enrolled at Sawai Madhopur Medical College. Her cousin Saniya studies at SMS Medical College, Jaipur. Another cousin, Palak, is pursuing medical education in Mumbai. Gunjan, another family member, is studying medicine in Banaras.

Investigators are now trying to determine whether this concentration of medical admissions in one family is merely exceptional academic success or evidence of something far more sinister.

Meanwhile, the CBI has intensified searches at the family’s properties in Jamwaramgarh, Jaipur.

On Thursday, teams conducted raids at the residence of the accused brothers, Mangilal and Dinesh Biwal, in Khatik Mohalla. Sources say no male family members were present during the operation, prompting investigators to question the women of the household, including the accused’s mother and wives, for several hours.

The agency also searched a nearby farmhouse, examined luxury vehicles parked at the premises, and seized several important documents believed to be linked to the racket.

The investigation has now spread beyond Rajasthan, with arrests already made in Maharashtra.

So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the NEET paper leak case, while five accused, including Dinesh Biwal, Mangilal Biwal, and Vikas, have been sent to seven-day CBI custody.

The CBI is also searching for Dinesh Biwal’s son, Rishi, a NEET aspirant this year, who is reportedly absconding.

As the probe widens, investigators suspect the scandal may be much larger than initially believed, potentially involving a well-organised network manipulating one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.

With an MBBS student mysteriously ‘disappearing’ from her college campus just as the investigation closes in on her family, the NEET paper leak case has taken yet another dramatic turn, one that could expose what may become Rajasthan’s biggest education scam in recent memory.

Post Views: 52,543
Continue Reading

Trending