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India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav hints at Kuldeep, Abhishek inclusion, stays guarded on handshake row

Suryakumar Yadav hints at including Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan while staying guarded on the handshake issue.

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Surya Kumar Yadav

India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Saturday indicated that left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and opener Abhishek Sharma are likely to feature in the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against Pakistan on Sunday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Colombo, Suryakumar dropped strong hints about the team combination while responding to questions about selection. In a light-hearted exchange regarding Kuldeep’s inclusion, he remarked, “Do you want him to play? Okay then he will play,” suggesting the spinner could be part of the playing XI. He also all but confirmed Abhishek Sharma’s presence in the side.

Handshake uncertainty and focus on cricket

When asked about the possibility of a handshake between the two teams at the toss, Suryakumar remained cautious. “We’ll see about handshake at toss. Wait for 24 hours,” he said, avoiding a direct answer.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had stated that the match should be played in “good spirits,” adding that Pakistan’s record against India in World Cups has not been favourable. He also expressed confidence regarding spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling action and brushed aside concerns about Babar Azam’s form.

Pressure of an India-Pakistan contest

Suryakumar acknowledged the heightened expectations surrounding an India-Pakistan clash, calling it more than “just any other game.”

“There’s always pressure. With India-Pakistan, it’s more of an occasion. No matter how much we say it’s just any other game, it’s a human tendency to be under pressure because it is not any other game. We don’t play them often either. So the pressure is always there,” he said.

India’s batting concerns

Despite securing two wins in the tournament so far, India’s middle order has faced challenges against USA and Namibia. The skipper admitted the team had not been flawless with the bat.

“We had a scratchy start, we can’t run away from the fact. There’s no excuse. Everyone has played a lot of cricket, batters should have their own plans on a tricky wicket. We started well but had a hiccup, but then covered it well. It’s the beauty of T20 cricket,” he noted.

Bilateral cricket question dismissed

On being asked about the prospects of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, Suryakumar distanced himself from the matter.

“It’s not in our hands. When I’m at the position where I can take that call, I’ll let you know,” he responded.

Rain watch in Colombo

As India began training at the R Premadasa Stadium, the pitch remained under covers due to rain concerns. The weather remains a point of attention ahead of the high-profile contest.

With selection hints, political undertones and weather uncertainties in the backdrop, the focus now shifts to Sunday’s marquee T20 World Cup 2026 showdown.

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Commonwealth Games 2026: Sharmila Dhankar scripts history as India reach 10-medal mark on Day 5

Sharmila Dhankar’s historic gold and five more medals helped India finish Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 5 with an overall tally of 10 medals, while another medal is assured in boxing.

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India enjoyed a memorable fifth day at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, taking its overall medal tally to 10 after adding six medals on Tuesday. The day’s biggest highlight came from Sharmila Dhankar, who clinched gold in the women’s para shot put F57 event to become the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in para athletics.

The Indian contingent ended Day 5 with two gold, five silver and three bronze medals, while another medal has already been assured in boxing.

Sharmila Dhankar’s historic gold headlines India’s campaign

Sharmila Dhankar produced a best throw of 9.81 metres to win the women’s para shot put F57 title and hand India its second gold medal of the Games.

India’s medal count in the event improved further after Shilpa K Shyla, who had initially finished fourth, was upgraded to the bronze medal. The change came after Nigeria’s Euchariya Iyiazi lost her bronze following the declaration of one of her valid throws as a foul.

Silver medals boost India’s tally

India collected three silver medals across weightlifting and athletics.

Sarvesh Anil Kushare secured silver in the men’s high jump final after clearing 2.25 metres, becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men’s high jump.

In weightlifting, Valluri Ajaya Babu claimed silver in the men’s 79kg category with a combined lift of 330kg (149kg snatch and 181kg clean and jerk), narrowly missing gold after Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad finished with 331kg.

Earlier in the day, Gyaneshwari Yadav also earned silver in the women’s 53kg weightlifting event.

Bindyarani Devi adds bronze as boxing campaign progresses

Bindyarani Devi contributed another medal by winning bronze in the women’s 58kg weightlifting competition.

India also enjoyed a positive outing in boxing, where Sachin Siwach (60kg), Ankush Panghal (80kg) and Sakshi Chaudhary (women’s 51kg) advanced to the quarter-finals, ensuring at least one more medal for the country.

India’s medals on Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 5

  • Gold: Sharmila Dhankar – Women’s para shot put F57
  • Silver: Gyaneshwari Yadav – Women’s 53kg weightlifting
  • Silver: Valluri Ajaya Babu – Men’s 79kg weightlifting
  • Silver: Sarvesh Anil Kushare – Men’s high jump
  • Bronze: Bindyarani Devi – Women’s 58kg weightlifting
  • Bronze: Shilpa K Shyla – Women’s para shot put F57 (upgraded)

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Who are the experts in Nandan Nilekani-led PM Modi’s exam reform task force?

PM Modi has constituted a six-member task force led by Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms for the National Testing Agency. Here’s a look at the experts on the panel.

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Following the announcement of a high-powered task force to reform India’s examination system, the Centre has brought together experts from technology, space research, intelligence, education, cybersecurity and logistics to recommend structural changes for the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The panel, led by Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

In a video message shared on social media, the Prime Minister said the government aims to make examinations more reliable, transparent and technology-driven. He said the task force would submit recommendations to improve the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest.

Nandan Nilekani to lead the panel

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and non-executive chairman of Infosys, will head the task force. Widely recognised for leading the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and playing a key role in the development of Aadhaar, Nilekani is expected to contribute his expertise in technology, digital infrastructure and data security to the examination reform process.

Former ISRO chief S Somanath

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath, an aerospace engineer, is also part of the panel. During his tenure, ISRO successfully carried out the Chandrayaan-3 mission. His experience in executing complex, high-precision missions is expected to help strengthen quality control and multi-layered verification processes in examinations.

Former IB director Tapan Deka

Former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka has been included for his experience in intelligence and security. A former IPS officer with a postgraduate degree in Physics, he is expected to provide inputs on strengthening intelligence gathering and cyber monitoring to curb organised examination fraud and paper leak networks.

IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti

V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, is another member of the panel. A computer science academic, he has led initiatives related to microprocessor development and information security at the institute. His expertise is expected to support measures aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and protecting examination software and digital infrastructure.

Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal

Former Education Secretary Anita Karwal brings administrative and academic policy experience to the task force. A retired IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, she is expected to contribute recommendations on examination policies, answer-key mechanisms, evaluation standards and improvements in the functioning of examination centres.

Logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena

Retired bureaucrat Amrit Lal Meena, who previously served as Bihar’s Chief Secretary and as Special Secretary (Logistics) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, completes the six-member panel. His expertise in supply chain management is expected to help strengthen the secure printing, storage and transportation of question papers through tamper-resistant logistics systems.

The multidisciplinary panel has been tasked with recommending structural reforms aimed at improving transparency, security and reliability in India’s examination system.

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Mirabai Chanu’s record gold lifts India to four medals on Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 4

Mirabai Chanu created history with a Commonwealth Games record gold as India added three weightlifting medals on Day 4. The country now has four medals, while Indian boxers also impressed with key victories.

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Mirabai Chanu

India enjoyed a successful Day 4 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, led by star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who clinched a historic gold medal while setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the women’s 48kg event.

Mirabai registered a combined lift of 190kg to finish on top of the podium, securing her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Her victory also helped India take its overall medal tally to four.

Two more weightlifting silvers boost India’s tally

India added two silver medals in weightlifting to strengthen its campaign.

Chanambam Rishikanta Singh finished second in the men’s 60kg category, while Raja Muthupandi claimed silver in the men’s 65kg event with a total lift of 286kg (126kg in snatch and 160kg in clean and jerk).

Malaysia’s Aznil Bidin won the men’s 65kg gold after producing Commonwealth Games record lifts in both the snatch and clean and jerk disciplines.

Indian boxers enjoy mixed day in the ring

India also impressed in boxing, with Jadumani Singh defeating Pakistan’s Sumama Rehman by unanimous decision in the men’s 55kg Round of 16 to advance to the quarter-finals. The win leaves him one victory away from guaranteeing a medal.

In the women’s 54kg Round of 16, Preeti Pawar overcame Malawi’s Deborah Mtenje to progress to the next stage.

However, Aditya Pratap Yadav suffered a defeat in the men’s 65kg Round of 16 after Uganda’s Nuhu Batte fought back to secure a 3-2 verdict.

Swimming team finishes sixth in relay final

India concluded its Day 4 campaign with the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay final. The quartet of Aryan Nehra, Srihari Nataraj, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda and Dhakshan Shashikumar finished sixth in 7:29.84, improving significantly on their qualification timing.

Australia won the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record time of 7:01.47, while England secured silver and Wales claimed bronze.

India’s medal tally after Day 4

India’s medals at the end of Day 4 are:

  • Gold: Mirabai Chanu (Women’s 48kg Weightlifting)
  • Silver: Chanambam Rishikanta Singh (Men’s 60kg Weightlifting)
  • Silver: Raja Muthupandi (Men’s 65kg Weightlifting)
  • Bronze: Jhandu Kumar (Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting)

With another strong performance in weightlifting and encouraging results in boxing, India ended Day 4 with momentum heading into the next round of competition.

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