India produced a strong bowling comeback in the third ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, restricting South Africa to 270 after the visitors looked set for a much bigger total. Pacer Prasidh Krishna and spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared four wickets each, dismantling the Proteas’ middle and lower order. India now need 271 to win the match and clinch the series.

Prasidh Krishna triggers collapse after early struggle

Despite being hit for three sixes in his first two overs, Prasidh Krishna responded remarkably in his second spell. Backed strongly by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain KL Rahul, the pacer removed Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram in the same over before dismissing centurion Quinton de Kock, who top-scored with a fluent 106. He later bowled Ottneil Baartman to finish with figures of 4/66.

His timely breakthroughs halted a South African surge that once appeared to be heading toward 350.

Kuldeep Yadav shines again with lower-order demolition

Kuldeep Yadav’s spell proved decisive in the final phase of the innings. The left-arm wrist-spinner dismantled the lower middle order, dismissing Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi to return impressive figures of 4/41.

His tight overs, combined with pressure created by Ravindra Jadeja, ensured the visitors were unable to accelerate at the death.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli stand out in the field

India’s fielding was sharp, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli taking key catches and saving crucial runs. A sharp catch from Rohit and several athletic efforts kept the South African batters in check.

South Africa lose steam despite de Kock’s century

Quinton de Kock’s 106 kept the Proteas afloat early in the innings, but the team collapsed after his dismissal. From a dominant position, South Africa slipped to 270 all out in 47.5 overs, leaving the door open for India to take control of the series.

India must chase successfully to avoid a second straight ODI series defeat.

Ratan Tata’s stepmother and celebrated business leader Simone Tata passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 95. Known for her pioneering role in building Lakme and transforming India’s retail landscape, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy that redefined Indian consumer culture.

A legacy that shaped Indian business

Simone Tata, born in Geneva in 1930, first came to India at the age of 23. Two years later, in 1955, she married Naval H. Tata and gradually became an integral part of the Tata family’s business vision. Her journey with the Tata Group began in the 1960s, when she was appointed to Lakme—then under Tata Oil Mills.

Under her leadership, Lakme quickly grew into one of India’s most trusted cosmetic brands. She rose to the position of managing director and later chairperson, introducing global formulations and modernising beauty products for the Indian market. Lakme’s rise was also rooted in a strong national vision—launched on former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s suggestion to reduce foreign exchange spent on imported makeup.

Transforming retail through Trent and Westside

After Lakme was sold to Hindustan Lever Limited in 1966, Simone moved to Trent, where she helped build one of India’s earliest modern retail chains. This later gave birth to Westside, a brand that has become synonymous with contemporary Indian shopping culture.

She also played a key role in philanthropic initiatives, guiding organisations such as the Sir Ratan Tata Institute and supporting cultural and children-focused foundations.

Family, personal life and final farewell

Simone Tata is survived by her son Noel, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah. She also drew public attention in recent years for being the only member of the Tata family to attend Cyrus Mistry’s funeral, despite the widely known strained ties between the families.

Her funeral will take place on Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church in Colaba, Mumbai.

Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.

A brutal world built around revenge and espionage

Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.

The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.

Performances that elevate the film

Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.

Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.

Music, violence, and a split narrative

Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.

The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.

Ending that sets up part two

While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.