Former India spin legend Harbhajan Singh, now part of the IPL 2025 commentary panel, has weighed in on one of T20 cricket’s most debatable questions—who is the best T20I batter right now?

Is it Australia’s in-form explosive opener Travis Head, India’s rising star Abhishek Sharma, or the ultra aggressive Jake Fraser-McGurk? No, says Harbhajan.

His pick? Nicholas Pooran

The former off-spinner declared his choice on social media after Nicholas Pooran’s latest blitz for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. “Currently Nicholas Pooran is the best player of T20 format. Period!” he posted on X.

Presenting the batter’s T20I stats, Harbhajan declared Pooran as the best T20 player in the world right now, following his electrifying start to IPL 2025 with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Continuing his red-hot form, the 29-year-old West Indian has smashed 145 runs in just two matches, including a 26-ball 70 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and a 75 from 30 balls vs Delhi Capitals. He currently holds the Orange Cap, with a strike rate of 258.92 and average of 72.50.

After his destructive knock against SRH, Nicholas Pooran has became the second player after KL Rahul to score over 1000 runs for LSG. He reached the milestone in just 31 matches, averaging 45.54 at a destructive strike rate of 184.53.

Known for his effortless power-hitting, Pooran holds the record for the most IPL fifties scored in under 20 balls—doing so four times, more than any other player. He recently smashed an 18-ball half-century, second-fastest for LSG, only behind his own 15-ball effort from IPL 2023.

When it comes to speed, Pooran leads again—holding the record for most IPL fifties in under 20 balls (4). Travis Head and Fraser-McGurk have managed this feat three times each.

In a tournament full of hard-hitters, Pooran isn’t just keeping pace—he’s setting it.

The Central government has approved the transfer of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium. The decision, formalised by the Union Law Ministry on Thursday, comes amid ongoing controversy over an alleged cash stash incident linked to the judge’s residence.

“In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice Yashwant Varma… to be a Judge of Allahabad High Court,” stated the official notification.

The Supreme Court had earlier clarified that the transfer was not related to the ongoing inquiry into the alleged cash discovery at Justice Varma’s official bungalow, where a fire reportedly destroyed a substantial amount of money. The judge has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and part of a conspiracy.

Protests and criticism over transfer decision

The decision has triggered protests by lawyers in the Allahabad High Court, who have objected to what they perceive as a pattern of sending judges to their court as a punitive measure. They argue that such transfers reinforce a negative perception of the court being used as a “dumping ground.”

Former Attorney General of India Mukul Rohatgi also voiced concern over the matter, suggesting the transfer appears linked to the controversy surrounding the alleged cash stash. “There are several loose ends in this case… I don’t think there is any great thing in saying that the transfer is not connected to the scam,” he said, questioning the Supreme Court’s statement distancing the move from the investigation.

Justice Varma, in a response submitted to the committee formed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, described the allegations as damaging to his reputation. “In the life of a judge, nothing matters more than reputation and character. That has been severely tarnished and irreparably damaged,” he wrote.

The controversy continues to stir debate within the legal community, even as Justice Varma prepares to assume his new position at the Allahabad High Court.

A fire broke out at Annapurna Girls’ Hostel in Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park-3, triggering panic as flames rapidly engulfed parts of the building. The blaze, caused by an air conditioner explosion, sent thick smoke billowing from the windows as terrified residents scrambled to escape.

Eyewitnesses described terrifying moments as students scrambled to safety. “We suddenly heard a loud bang, and within seconds, smoke started filling the corridors,” recounted one resident who wished to remain anonymous. “Everyone started running for the exits, shouting and calling for help.”

The most dramatic moments came when two students found themselves trapped on the second floor, cut off by the rapidly spreading fire on Thursday evening. Quick-thinking locals immediately sprang into action, procuring a ladder to assist in their rescue. In a heart-stopping moment captured by bystanders, one of the girls fell approximately 10 feet while attempting to reach the ladder, landing hard on the ground below. Miraculously, fire officials later confirmed she sustained only minor bruises and was declared out of danger after a medical examination.

Fire department teams arrived within 15 minutes of receiving the distress call. “Our personnel worked swiftly to contain the blaze and ensure all students were accounted for,” said Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey. “By the time we arrived, most residents had already evacuated thanks to the efforts of local residents.”

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, with preliminary findings pointing to an electrical malfunction in the AC unit. The hostel management has come under scrutiny for fire safety compliance, particularly regarding emergency exits and fire extinguisher availability.

While no serious injuries were reported, the incident has raised serious questions about safety standards in student accommodations across the rapidly developing educational hub of Greater Noida. Local officials have promised stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in the wake of the near-tragedy.