By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

US President Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed confidence in India-US trade ties, even as his administration moves forward with a 25% import tariff on all vehicles, effective April 2.

Calling India “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world,” Trump noted the issue remains central to trade negotiations. However, he also stressed the strength of his personal rapport with PM Modi, saying: “He is a very smart man and a great friend of mine.”

Trump added that his recent discussions with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone well and expressed optimism, saying: “I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country.”

Trump, who has long criticized India’s trade practices, reiterated that the country remains one of the highest tariff-imposing nations. His declaration of “reciprocal tariffs” suggests countries like India should brace for economic pushback. “They charge us, we charge them,” Trump said recently.

But despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump’s remarks about PM Modi paint a completely different picture — one of camaraderie, not confrontation. “We had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country,” he added.

The vehicle tariff, which Trump announced earlier this week, is expected to impact nearly half of all vehicles sold in the US, including those built abroad by American companies. The move is part of the administration’s broader push for “reciprocal tariffs”, with Trump asserting: “They charge us, we charge them.”

Praise, pressure, and political convenience?

Trump’s warm words for Modi come just weeks after the Indian PM visited Washington DC in February. The two leaders launched “Mission 500”, a goal to double India-US trade to $500 billion by 2030. But while the mission sounds ambitious, it’s unclear how it aligns with a 25% import duty on a key sector like automobiles.

Critics argue that Trump’s approach — praising allies while penalizing them economically — reflects a broader pattern of political double-speak. On one hand, the US demands fairer access to foreign markets. On the other, it escalates trade tensions through blanket tariffs.

Vehicle tariffs: protection or provocation?

The new tariff, set to hit half of all vehicles sold in the US — including American-made cars assembled abroad — has already raised concerns among automakers and trade analysts. If India chooses to respond, the so-called “good talks” Trump refers to could quickly turn sour.

While the White House pitches the move as pro-jobs and pro-fairness, its timing — coupled with contradictory praise — raises doubt about the coherence of US trade policy, especially toward close allies like India.

The US and India have long had friction over tariff imbalances, but the tone from both sides remains constructive, with trade fairness, national security, and job creation identified as shared goals.

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

It was anything but a calm post-match press conference after Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) 50-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Chepauk on Friday. When a journalist raised a pointed question about CSK’s approach being outdated,” the CSK head coach Stephen Fleming didn’t hold back.

In a post match conference, the journalist cited CSK’s slow chase of 156 in the first game and a score of 146 against RCB, asking Fleming if the team’s conservative batting approach was losing relevance in modern T20 cricket. Fleming, visibly annoyed, shot back:

The question that sparked it all?

“In the first game, you chased 156 in almost 20 overs. Today, you scored 146. I know this is your way of playing cricket, but do you think it’s kind of getting outdated?”

That didn’t go well with Fleming. His response? Sharp and direct: “What do you mean by my way of playing? We’ve got firepower all the way through. Just because we don’t swing from ball one… just wait till the end, see who wins. It is a positive brand of cricket. Don’t discount us.”

And when the journalist tried to clarify, Fleming shut it down: “You sort of are. Silly question.”

Chepauk advantage?

Interestingly, the loss was CSK’s first of the IPL 2025 season, and RCB’s first win at Chepauk since 2008. But Fleming says there’s no such thing as home advantage anymore. “We’ve told you for years — we can’t read these wickets. It’s not the Chepauk of old. We’re trying to figure it out every single game,” the CSK head coach admitted.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s surprising take on loss

The CSK skipper believed 170 was a par score and blamed fielding errors for the defeat. “We dropped catches, gave away boundaries. The wicket wasn’t easy to bat on. But it wasn’t a huge loss… just 50 runs,” Gaikwad said.

Wait, just 50 runs?

That comment raised a few eyebrows, especially in the context of T20, where a 50-run margin is quite significant. Fans online were quick to call out the casual tone.

So, is CSK really outdated? Or just warming up the vintage engine?

One loss doesn’t define CSK — but the questions around their approach and consistency may linger. Are they ready to bounce back? Only time (and the next match) will tell. But if you’re planning to question Stephen Fleming again — maybe bring a helmet.

What’s next for CSK?

As they prepare to travel to Guwahati for their next match, Gaikwad said the focus is clear: “We need major improvement in fielding. It’s about turning up mentally strong and fixing the areas we’re lacking in.”

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have already had an emotional roller-coaster in the opening week of IPL 2025. From intense post-match scrutiny after their season-opening defeat to Delhi Capitals, to a dominant comeback win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the focus has remained squarely on newly-appointed captain Rishabh Pant—and the public reaction from team owner Sanjiv Goenka.

Pant, who was signed for a record Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, came into the season carrying high expectations. But after a disappointing loss to DC, things quickly grew tense. Cameras captured a visibly serious post-match discussion between Goenka, Pant, and head coach Justin Langer—a moment that instantly reminded fans of Goenka’s now-infamous confrontation with former captain KL Rahul during IPL 2024.

That 2024 exchange, which followed a 10-wicket defeat to SRH, was widely seen as the beginning of Rahul’s exit from the franchise. With Pant now in charge, the conversation stirred similar concerns.

However, LSG flipped the narrative just three days later after wining registering a thumping victory against the tournament’s fan favourite destructive Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In response to SRH 191 target, the Goenka and company chased down the target of 191 in only 16.1 overs to beat SRH by five wickets. As David Miller hit the winning runs, the LSG owner walked down and embraced Pant in a moment that went viral—this time symbolizing reassurance and public backing.

Though Pant did not contribute significantly with the bat in either match, his presence behind the stumps and leadership on the field appeared far more composed in Hyderabad. His field placements, bowling changes and calm demeanor marked a shift from the LSG’s previous poor outing against DC.

Right after Supergiants loss against Capitals, the LSG assistant coach Lance Klusener had highlighted the core issue in a post match conference. Citing LSG’s inability to finish strong with the bat despite promising starts, he said that the team left 20–30 runs out there. That’s probably why we ended up under pressure with the ball.

Goenka, too, addressed the squad calmly in the dressing room after the defeat. “Lots of positives in both batting and bowling. We’re a young team. Let’s look forward to the 27^th.” he said in a video shared by the franchise.

His words was focused on growth and learning, rather than criticism—another sign of the franchise’s internal reset.

Pant, for his part, has shown he’s not afraid of feedback. Reflecting earlier on the KL Rahul-Goenka fallout, Pant had said in an interview, “I get scolded every day, but I’m also stubborn. These things happen when you lose.”

But unlike Rahul, Pant now has a public sign of support from the franchise owner. The hug, captured on camera, wasn’t just celebratory—it was symbolic. It sent a message that, despite a shaky start, Pant has the management’s trust and time to lead.

With one win under their belt, LSG will now look to build momentum. And for Pant, the journey as captain continues—with the weight of expectation, but also a reassuring hand on his shoulder.