The Indian cricket team has undergone a reshuffle for the final three T20 Internationals against England, with Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube stepping in to replace the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy, a promising young power-hitter, suffered a side strain during a net session on Friday, preceding India’s second T20I against England in Chennai.

The BCCI announced the change on Saturday, stating that Reddy would undergo further management at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks, effectively ruling him out of the remaining England series and potentially limiting his return to the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

This unfortunate setback marks a significant blow for Reddy, who had been making steady progress as an all-format player. This is not the first time Dube has filled in for Reddy; he previously replaced him during a T20I tour of Zimbabwe.

Adding to India’s injury woes, lower-order batsman Rinku Singh sustained a low back spasm while fielding in the first T20I at the Eden Gardens. The BCCI confirmed that Singh is ruled out of the second and third T20Is, prompting the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh as cover. While Reddy’s injury is a considerable disappointment, given his recent form, Dube’s return offers a potent replacement.

The powerful hitter, who last played for India during the Sri Lanka series in July 2023, had been sidelined with a back injury but recently returned to domestic cricket. Notably, Dube’s selection marks a turnaround after being initially overlooked for the England series. His absence was directly linked to Reddy’s impressive performances.

The irony is not lost that despite recently playing for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir (where he unfortunately scored a pair), Dube now finds himself back in the national spotlight. Throughout his career, Dube has showcased significant talent in both batting and bowling, boasting 33 T20I appearances, 448 runs at a strike rate of nearly 135, and 11 wickets with his military medium pace.

The updated Indian squad for the remaining T20I matches against England now includes Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, and Ramandeep Singh. The team will be hoping to recover from these setbacks and finish the series strongly.

Jharkhand’s Republic Day tableau, a vibrant spectacle of colour and movement, presented a compelling narrative of the state’s journey from its rich heritage to its remarkable progress. The tableau, aptly titled “Swarnim Jharkhand: A Tradition of Heritage and Progress,” served as a powerful visual testament to the state’s multifaceted identity. Central to this narrative was the pivotal role played by the late industrialist, Ratan Tata, whose visionary leadership laid the groundwork for much of Jharkhand’s subsequent development.

The tableau’s design was meticulously crafted to showcase this multifaceted narrative. At its heart was Jamshedpur, India’s first planned industrial city, a legacy of Tata’s pioneering efforts. This iconic city, depicted in vivid detail, served as a powerful symbol of industrial growth and modernization. However, the tableau astutely avoided portraying a solely industrial narrative. It carefully integrated elements celebrating Jharkhand’s cultural richness and its commitment to social progress.

A striking image of two young girls engaged with laptop computers underscored Jharkhand’s significant strides in education. This symbolized the state’s dedication to expanding educational access, particularly for tribal children in both urban and rural areas, representing a crucial investment in the future.

The tableau cleverly juxtaposed this modern image with vibrant representations of traditional art forms. Sohrai and Khobar paintings, meticulously crafted by tribal artists, were displayed prominently, showcasing the enduring legacy of Jharkhand’s artistic heritage. Adding to the spectacle, performers enacted the energetic Chhau dance of Seraikela, a captivating dance form deeply rooted in the state’s cultural identity.

The tableau also subtly highlighted the contributions of women in Jharkhand’s economic landscape, acknowledging their significant role in generating employment and driving economic growth. This balanced depiction of industrial progress and cultural preservation made the tableau a truly comprehensive representation of Jharkhand’s identity.

By celebrating both its industrial achievements and its vibrant cultural traditions, the tableau offered a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of Jharkhand, highlighting its progress while deeply respecting its heritage.

The inclusion of the Jaduguda uranium plant subtly acknowledged the state’s contribution to India’s nuclear energy program. In essence, the tableau was a powerful and memorable celebration of Jharkhand’s journey, skillfully weaving together its past, present, and future.

Karnataka’s 76th Republic Day tableau paid a vibrant tribute to Lakkundi, a historical city nestled in Gadag district, approximately 70 km from Hubballi. Acclaimed as the “Cradle of Stone Craft,” Lakkundi’s architectural splendour took centre stage in the parade along Kartavya Path.

The tableau’s design masterfully captured the essence of Lakkundi’s rich heritage. The forefront showcased the majestic Brahma statue from the Brahma Jinalaya temple, the oldest Jain shrine in the city, dedicated to Lord Mahaveera. Its intricate details and imposing presence immediately drew the viewer’s attention, setting the tone for the tableau’s narrative.

Following the Brahma statue was a depiction of the open-pillared mantapa of the Brahma Jinalaya temple, a testament to the sophisticated architectural techniques employed during the era. The open structure, with its elegant pillars and intricate carvings, added another layer of visual appeal to the tableau’s composition.

The tableau’s main section provided a breathtaking glimpse into the grandeur of Lakkundi’s most prominent temples. The Kashi Vishweshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stood as a symbol of architectural mastery. Its ornate carvings and imposing structure were vividly represented, highlighting the city’s rich religious and cultural tapestry. Completing the ensemble was the Nanneshwara temple, another significant Shiva temple in Lakkundi, further emphasizing the city’s devotion to Lord Shiva.

The temples of Lakkundi are not merely structures of stone; they are living testaments to the syncretic nature of Karnataka’s culture. They reflect a harmonious blend of different faiths and traditions, showcasing the state’s long-held reputation for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Karnataka, known as the “SarvaJanangadaShaanthiya Thota” or “garden of peace,” embraces diversity, and Lakkundi’s temples embody this spirit.

Beyond its religious significance, Lakkundi’s historical importance cannot be overstated. Once a flourishing commercial hub between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, the city flourished under the rule of various dynasties, with the Chalukyas leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape.

The city’s legacy extends beyond its temples; its numerous step wells and inscriptions serve as invaluable historical records. With over 50 temples, most dedicated to Lord Shiva, 101 stepwells, and 29 inscriptions, Lakkundi presents a captivating journey through time, an unparalleled treasure trove for history and architecture enthusiasts. The tableau served as a powerful reminder of Lakkundi’s enduring legacy, highlighting the artistic prowess and cultural richness of the Kalyani Chalukyas.