Times of India

New Zealand captain Mitch Santner has asked fans to wake up early for the T20 World Cup final against India. The match starts at 2:30 am in New Zealand. Santner acknowledged the team will be outnumbered by Indian supporters. He encouraged fans to set alarms and support the Blackcaps. The team hopes to return home with the trophy.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions, India is rerouting crude oil supplies to secure uninterrupted fuel imports. Refiners are increasing sourcing from the US, West Africa, and Russia, while holding planned maintenance to build reserves. This diversification aims to mitigate risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring domestic fuel needs are met despite potential cost increases.

Iran's Assembly of Experts has selected a successor for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in joint US-Israeli airstrikes. Members confirmed a majority-approved candidate has been determined, though the name remains undisclosed. This marks a critical transition for Iran, preparing for its second leadership change since the 1979 revolution amid heightened regional tensions.

Sanju Samson has become India's T20 World Cup 2026 hero with match-winning knocks against the West Indies and England. Captain Rohit Sharma's pre-tournament encouragement, recalling his own experiences, proved vital. Samson, who missed the 2024 edition without playing, has seized his chance, now a leading Player of the Tournament contender with exceptional form and two Player of the Match awards.

Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport, Bose told news agency PTI that he, however, would return to Bengal to cast his vote. Bose, a native of Kerala, had shifted his voting base to Bengal barely a week before tendering resignation from his office. Bose avoided a direct response when asked ​to comment on the angst expressed by President Droupadi Murmu on alleged protocol violations and tribal deprivation in the state.

Members of the India women's team and head coach Amol Muzumdar have sent their best wishes to the men's team ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. Following their own recent World Cup victory, the women's team expressed their support through a video, encouraging the men to bring the trophy home.

India's energy security is bolstered by over 250 million barrels of oil reserves, sufficient for nearly two months. Diversified crude imports from 40 countries and a reduced reliance on the Strait of Hormuz mitigate geopolitical risks. India continues to import Russian oil, complying with G7 price caps, while domestic ethanol blending and expanded refining capacity further strengthen its energy independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress for allegedly mismanaging and boycotting an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu. Modi termed the actions an insult to the President, the Constitution, and democratic traditions, warning that the people of West Bengal would not forgive this perceived disrespect towards a tribal woman leader.

Iran's top security official has vowed retaliation against US President Trump for the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei and over 1,000 Iranians. Tehran launched missile strikes on Israel and US bases following the joint US-Israeli attacks. Trump dismissed the threats, calling for Iran's unconditional surrender, while Iran warned regional nations against aiding US operations.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi cautioned against externally driven regime change in Iran, stating such efforts would lack public backing and escalate regional instability. He emphasized respecting Iran's sovereignty and urged an immediate end to hostilities, advocating for diplomatic solutions and independent regional self-determination. Beijing is ready to help restore order and peace.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, has formally joined the JD(U). This development follows Nitish Kumar's decision to step down as CM, sparking speculation about his successor and potentially ushering in a new political era in Bihar. Nitish Kumar himself announced his intention to contest the Rajya Sabha elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced near-total dominance over Iranian airspace following coordinated strikes with the US, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion.' He stated the campaign, supported by former President Trump, aimed to neutralize an immediate threat from Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile program, emphasizing a strategic shift in the region post-October 7th.

Players from South Africa national cricket team and West Indies national cricket team criticised travel arrangements after their exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, questioning why England national cricket team flew home earlier. Quinton de Kock and David Miller voiced frustration, while Daren Sammy and Michael Vaughan also questioned the situation.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi conducted a demolition drive, razing illegal portions of a house linked to an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash. A 26-year-old man was killed in the dispute, which involved long-standing family feuds. Heavy police presence ensured order during the operation.

A footwear shop's promotional offer of premium shoes for just Rs 1 triggered chaos in Kozhikode on Sunday morning. Hundreds of people, some arriving as early as 2 am, gathered for the offer, leading to a stampede-like situation and traffic disruption. Police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the unruly crowd, and shop owners were taken into custody.

Both are chasing history. No country has won the T20 World Cup consecutively, nor has a host ever won the tournament.

MS Dhoni arrived in Ahmedabad ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand national cricket team at Narendra Modi Stadium. Dhoni had earlier watched India’s semi-final win over England in Mumbai. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India aim to defend their title, while New Zealand chase their maiden T20 World Cup crown.