Mohammed Shami’s anticipated return to international cricket has been further postponed as he was notably absent from India’s lineup for the first T20I against England. This decision has intensified discussions around the fast bowler’s fitness levels.

Despite showing signs of recovery and actively participating in pre-match training sessions, the 34-year-old pacer’s exclusion by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who chose the playing XI after winning the toss, has raised eyebrows. Shami, observed bowling intensely at the nets while targeting a two-stump line, also had his left knee heavily strapped, a detail that did not go unnoticed during his practice.

The veteran pacer, who has been sidelined for over a year, recently shared his journey of recovery and his determination to return to the field. At a recent Cricket Association of Bengal event, Shami expressed his relentless desire to play for the country and mentioned his active participation in domestic cricket across all formats to regain his form.

Despite this, concerns about his knee swelling post-training sessions linger. Suryakumar Yadav had previously shown confidence in Shami’s recovery, hinting at his inclusion and emphasizing the bowler’s experience as a valuable asset to the team.

However, on the eve of the match, despite Shami’s rigorous training and a subsequent session where he bowled with full intensity, he appeared cautious while walking back to the dressing room, hinting at persistent unease.

This ongoing saga not only affects Shami’s immediate future in the Indian squad but also puts a spotlight on the team’s preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy, particularly with uncertainty surrounding another key pacer, Jasprit Bumrah.

As the selectors, including Chairman Ajit Agarkar, deliberate on the team’s composition, the emphasis on Shami’s readiness highlights the challenges of managing athlete fitness at the highest levels of cricket. Agarkar has remarked on the strategic importance of reintroducing Shami through shorter formats as a buildup to more intense international engagements.

As the series progresses, all eyes will remain on Shami’s recovery trajectory and his potential impact on the team’s dynamic, especially in the white-ball setup.

The wait is over. The trailer for Chhaava, the highly anticipated historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has finally been released, offering a thrilling sneak peek into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The trailer’s release in Mumbai was marked by Rashmika Mandanna’s determined attendance despite a visible leg injury, showcasing her commitment to the project.

The visuals immediately immerse the viewer in the grandeur and brutality of 17th-century India. We see a montage showcasing the multifaceted life of Sambhaji Maharaj – a skilled warrior, a devoted husband, and a king fiercely protective of his kingdom. The trailer expertly interweaves moments of personal intimacy with scenes of intense warfare, highlighting the complexities of his reign.

At the heart of the narrative is a relentless pursuit of vengeance. Aurangzeb, played with menacing intensity by Akshaye Khanna, vows the elimination of Sambhaji Maharaj at any cost, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict between the Maratha and Mughal empires.

The trailer is filled with exhilarating action sequences; Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerful performance, embodying the fearless warrior spirit of Sambhaji as he single-handedly confronts hordes of enemy soldiers in breathtaking battle scenes. The sheer scale of these sequences promises a visually stunning cinematic experience.

The trailer culminates in a truly unexpected and unforgettable scene: Sambhaji Maharaj engaging in fierce, hand-to-hand combat with a lion. This moment serves as a powerful symbol of the king’s courage and unwavering determination.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava is more than just a historical drama; it’s a visceral and emotionally charged portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel, Chhava, the film promises a stirring tale of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a king who fought valiantly to protect his people. With its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and thrilling action sequences, Chhaava is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Mark your calendars for its theatrical release on February 14, 2025.

Prince Harry has reached a settlement with Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN), bringing an abrupt end to a high-profile lawsuit alleging widespread phone hacking and unlawful surveillance.

The settlement, announced just as the trial was about to commence, includes substantial financial compensation for the Duke of Sussex and a formal, unequivocal apology from NGN. This marks a significant victory for Harry, who had accused the media giant of years of intrusive and illegal activities targeting his private life.

The apology, issued directly to Harry’s legal team, explicitly acknowledged the serious breach of privacy inflicted by both The Sun and the defunct News of the World. It detailed unlawful actions perpetrated between 1996 and 2011, including phone hacking, surveillance, and the use of private investigators to obtain sensitive information.

The statement specifically addressed the intrusive activities carried out by private investigators employed by The Sun, emphasizing the severity of the intrusion into Harry’s private life during his formative years. The apology extended to the distress caused to his late mother, Princess Diana, highlighting the impact of the media’s actions on the young prince.

This settlement represents one of three lawsuits filed by Harry against British media outlets, all stemming from accusations of privacy violations. He has consistently blamed the media for the relentless pursuit of his mother, Princess Diana, ultimately leading to her tragic death in a car crash in Paris while being chased by paparazzi.

The relentless media attention, he has claimed, also contributed to the intense pressure that led him and his wife, Meghan Markle, to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States in 2020.

The case underscores the wider issue of phone hacking and media intrusion, exemplified by the notorious scandal that forced the closure of News of the World in 2011. The hacking of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler’s phone, during the police investigation into her disappearance, remains a particularly egregious example of the unethical practices employed by some sections of the British press.

Harry’s legal battle has brought renewed focus to this issue and the need for greater accountability within the media industry. The settlement, while ending this particular legal chapter, leaves a lasting legacy concerning media responsibility and the rights of public figures to privacy.