Specifically, the six claimed senior Thackeray Sena leaders had plans to eventually merge with the Congress, part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi bloc and the ex-chief minister's ally. This 'merger', they said, was the reason for their jumping ship. They also requested Birla to allocate House seats near the seven occupied by MPs from the Eknath Shinde faction.

This has been a deja vu time for Thackeray, an unhappy reminder of Shinde's rebellion, the fall of his MVA government, and his forced resignation as the chief minister of Maharashtra. Sources told NDTV the rebels had been unhappy with Thackeray's leadership, pointing to the party boss apparently ignoring calls to visit their constituencies and a lack of poll-time support.

RECAP | Lack Of Leadership, Poll Support: Sources On Why Uddhav Sena MPs Want Out

They complained also that even Aaditya Thackeray, his son, seemed off limits to them.

Over the past 48 hours, though this drama has been playing out behind closed doors for months, the Thackeray camp has hit back. strongman Sanjay Raut leading an invective-laden press conference yesterday and repeating those sentiments today.

RECAP | Uddhav Sena MP Abuses Rebels, Then A "Don't Cut It" Note For Media

In a sense, the meeting with Birla crystallises the Sena 2.0 revolt.

The six who were 'missing' this week - their phones were switched off - and their identities in doubt, are now in the open.

And based on similar episodes in the past, in Maharashtra and elsewhere, the Congress' Madhya Pradesh travails, for example, it is likely their 'defection' will be approved, the Shinde Sena's hand will be strengthened, and the BJP will gain six more votes to push through the contentious women's reservation and delimitation bills.

Where are the six rebels now?

After meeting Birla, Nagesh Ashtikar flew to the temple town of Tirupati for a pilgrimage. Bhausaheb Wagchaure went to Varanasi, Sanjay Dina Patil to Mumbai, and Omraje Nimbalkar to Pune. Sanjay Deshmukh and Sanjay Jadhav went to another temple town - Ayodhya.

Their departure was quick but they reached Delhi in a staggered manner.

Ashtikar arrived from Nanded via private jet at 1.30 am June 16.

Nimbalkar arrived from Pune at 4.30 am. He was accompanied by Shrikant Shinde, Eknath Shinde's son. Hours later Deshmukh and Jadhav landed in private jets of their own.

Wagchaure came from Hyderabad, on yet another private jet.

Patil arrived that night.

All six were given rooms at a Noida hotel.

Eknath Shinde, meanwhile, came via Jaipur and the eight, i.e., the six rebels and the two Shindes, reportedly met at Shrikant Shinde's home, after which the latter and Nimbalkar met Birla at 7 am, while the other five Sena rebels had their meeting three hours later.

What next?

The six will meet Shinde again on Saturday, after which they are expected to release from their meeting with Birla. They will also share the letter sent to the Speaker and explain their decision.

Thackeray Sena hits back

Meanwhile, the Thackeray camp has issued a seven-day show cause notice to the leaders and urged Birla to snub their demands - to break from the party and for seat change.

Birla will be told the six will internally face charges of 'anti-party' behaviour.

The Thackeray camp was left extra furious this morning after the six ignored a party whip to be present for a meeting. The Thackeray Sena has nine Lok Sabha MPs left. Only three turned up.

“His run-up is so good, his rhythm is so good, he was hitting the deck and getting the ball to climb. The wicket he got of Gurbaz was particularly impressive because of the way that bouncer followed him. It's very accurate. It comes right at you, exactly where the batter does not want it,” Gavaskar told Jio Hotstar.

The batting great also credited chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection panel for looking beyond numbers and recognising Brar's potential.

“I think the selection committee deserves all the compliments. If you look at his stats, or his India A performances, they're okay, but not to the extent where you would say he deserved an India cap. However, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, saw something in him, and that's why they picked him. He's also been backed by the management, which is so important,” he added.

Gavaskar also reflected on captain Shubman Gill's magnificent run of form and explained how a player's personal performances can influence decision-making as a leader.

Gill led from the front with a superb 154 off 110 balls, sharing a match-defining 224-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who smashed 125 off 79 deliveries, as India piled up 402 all out.

“When you're not getting runs, you're not confident about making those marginal moves that come from your gut feel, like holding back a bowler who has bowled well, giving him an extra over, or moving a fielder from a certain position. That gut feel is a lot stronger when you're personally performing,” Gavaskar explained.

“But if you're not performing, even when you get a gut feel, you're apprehensive about making that call because you're worried about getting it wrong. Since you're also not performing as a player, you'll be criticised for your captaincy as well,” he added.

Looking ahead to the third and final ODI in Chennai, Gavaskar believes India's spin department remains the area where the team management will seek greater clarity despite the convincing series win.

“I think Rohit and Jaiswal at the top will be the combination again for the last game. The spin department is where India will be looking to tick a few boxes. Kuldeep has bowled well without getting the wickets, and Harsh Dubey bowled well and picked up three wickets in the first game, but he was a little on the expensive side,” Gavaskar said.

“That is where India will be looking for some answers over the next few ODIs, not just in the final game of the series in Chennai,” he concluded.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

"I think this one deal has paved a way for many more such deals, for many more such equity infusions, and it will open a way for many more foreign banks to have deep ties with the Indian banks thereby consolidating and deepening the Indian banking sector and also thereby helping the Indian economy to grow," Fadnavis said at the RBL Bank and Emirates NBD Bank deal closing event.

ALSO READ: RBL Bank Gets RBI Approval For Emirates NBD Deal, Sources Say

Fadnavis added that the transaction was not merely an exchange of papers, but a history of sorts, as it represents one of the biggest equity acquisitions in India's banking sector.

"It shows the confidence of global investors in the Indian economy and the Indian banking system. It shows the strength of India's growth story," Fadnavis said.

On Thursday, Emirates NBD Bank announced the completion of its acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank through a primary capital infusion of around $2.75 billion (about Rs 26,000 crore).

The transaction, which was announced on Oct. 18, 2025, was completed after receiving all regulatory approvals and fulfilment of closing conditions.

Following the completion of the deal, Emirates NBD holds a 60% stake in the expanded share capital of RBL Bank.

The investment was completed through a preferential issue of shares, along with the mandatory open offer to public shareholders of RBL Bank as per applicable regulations.

The transaction also marks the first acquisition of a majority interest in a profitable Indian bank by a foreign bank, according to the statement.

The investment is among the largest equity fundraises in the Indian banking sector, and one of the largest preferential issuances by a listed company in India.

Fadnavis said the partnership between the UAE-based lender and RBL Bank also reflected the growing economic relationship between India and the UAE, strengthened by commitments made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagements with the UAE leadership.

"This is just the beginning, and we are ready to witness many more such engagements between the two countries," he said.

The chief minister also highlighted the state's role in India's economic growth, saying Maharashtra contributes 14% to the country's GDP and accounts for around 40% of the foreign direct investment coming into India.

ALSO READ: SBI To Raise Rs 60,000 Crore In FY27 Via Bonds

Fadnavis also invited RBL Bank to participate in Maharashtra government projects, saying the state has a project pipeline worth $100 billion.

"I would like to tell you that apart from the private sector, the government is also one sector which is safest to lend. It never defaults. I have a project pipeline of $100 billion. Maybe we can work together," he said.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

IMD issues a press release on the delay in the advancement of the Southwest Monsoon over Maharashtra due to the absence of favourable large-scale meteorological conditions

IMD says, "Southwest Monsoon advanced over parts of South Konkan and adjoining areas of South Madhya…

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2026

ALSO READ: Mumbai Lake Water Levels Fall Below 10%; Delayed Monsoon Raises Supply Concerns

Mumbai Weather Today

According to the Regional Meteorological Department, Mumbai and Thane are likely to remain hot and humid through the day, with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers towards the afternoon or evening. Palghar is also expected to see hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets, the department said.

AccuWeather's forecast, however, points to a largely dry and uncomfortable day for Mumbai. It has predicted mostly sunny and "toasty" conditions for Thursday, June 18, with the maximum temperature expected to touch 36 degrees Celsius. It has also advised caution for those spending long hours outdoors. The chance of precipitation has been pegged at just 4%, while the night is expected to remain mainly clear and very warm, with the minimum temperature around 29 degrees Celsius.

Skymet's forecast also indicates that rainfall activity may remain limited for now. According to Skymet, Mumbai is likely to see a mildly warm day, with morning temperatures ranging between 26 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius and humidity levels between 60% and 85%. Early hours are expected to remain clear, before partly cloudy conditions develop towards the evening. Night-time temperatures may fall to between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius, with humidity rising to 73-90%. Skymet does not expect rainfall overnight.

ALSO READ: Monsoon Arrival Again Delayed In Mumbai? IMD Says Heat, Humidity To Persist As Rain Wait Drags On

"The BCCI is not an authority, we should not intrude into the area where the match referee and the umpires are the main persons who can take any decision regarding any incident that had happened in the playground.

"Whatever had happened, it was a part of the game, and the BCCI have no role to play. The role is of the match referee. If anything is going wrong, he will take a call, the umpires will take a call, and there is a system in place," the eminent lawyer said. 

Sooryavanshi had a fight with Sri Lanka A's Vishen Halambage. Pradeep Jeyapragash, the match referee, recommended fines "amounting to 50 per cent of their match fees" for the incident, according to a report by Sportstar. India A captain Tilak Varma faces a 30 per cent fine, the report added. The report added that since in A-team matches fines/sanctions are not imposed by the ICC, the match referee's recommendations have been forwarded to the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket. The two boards will now decide whether to "ratify and impose the proposed penalties."

Earlier, a report by PTI said Sri Lankan cricketer Vishen Halambage and senior wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella have been sanctioned on separate counts by the SLC-appointed match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash due to their conduct during the tri-nation A series game versus India.

As per sources, Dickwella, who actually stopped the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi-Halambage fracas from getting ugly, was sanctioned for excessive appealing.

Halambage was sanctioned for his provocative comments towards Indian batters after a Super Over win, which led to an almost physical confrontation with the 15-year-old Indian superstar.

Sooryavanshi was forced to push Halambage, who had come very close to him during their heated argument.

The quantum of sanctions hasn't been known.

There was no confirmation whether Indian players, including Sooryavanshi and his skipper Tilak Varma, who had a long argument with on-field umpires insisting they conduct a Super Over under fading lights, were just let off with warnings or handed official sanctions.

The incident happened when India were left to chase 17 in the Super Over after both teams were tied on identical scores of 265 each.

Ronaldo featured for Riyadh All-Stars, consisting of players from both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, against a Paris Saint-Germain team that featured the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. Ronaldo's side ended up winning the match 4-3, with the Portuguese stalwart scoring twice. It was then that Kohli warned the world against undermining Ronaldo, even at this stage of his career.

"Still doing it at the highest level at 38. The football experts sitting and criticising him every week for attention are conveniently quiet now that he's put in this kind of performance against one of the top clubs in the world. And he was apparently finished," said Kohli, who has time and again spoken of his admiration for Ronaldo, on social media.

There's no denying that Ronaldo isn't the man he used to be - the forward who terrorised opponents during his time at Manchester United, Real Madrid, or even Juventus. But many are still overlooking the fact that he scored 28 goals in 30 appearances for Al-Nassr in the 2025-26 season. What he is lacking at the moment isn't the ability to lead the attack for Portugal, but rather cohesion with his teammates, who play in faster, more challenging leagues than Ronaldo.

There is nothing wrong with raising questions and criticising him, but ridiculing a player of the stature of Ronaldo, who is single-handedly responsible for some of the brightest moments in football history, is where a line needs to be drawn.

When Ronaldo's Portugal was eliminated from the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Kohli spoke of his admiration for the iconic forward yet another time. His words still resonate with the football fraternity who know and accept what Ronaldo has gone on to achieve in his career.

"No trophy or any title can take anything away from what you've done in this sport and for sports fans around the world. No title can explain the impact you've had on people and what I and so many around the world feel when we watch you play. That's a gift from god.

"A real blessing to a man who plays his heart out every single time and is the epitome of hard work and dedication and a true inspiration for any sportsperson. You are for me the greatest of all time," Kohli had written on Twitter.

What Next For Ronaldo?

As the world looks to comprehend what's next for Ronaldo in the Portugal shirt, as he is expected to quit international duty after the World Cup concludes, the message is hidden in what Kohli said about Ronaldo back in 2019. Not a lot has changed as far as Ronaldo's work ethic is concerned since that period, even seven years later.

"For me, Cristiano is above everyone else. His commitment and work ethic are unmatched. He wants it that bad - you can see it every game. I support every club at which he plays. He inspires me," Kohli had told FIFA.com during a T20 series against the West Indies.

Every setback that Ronaldo faces in his career pushes him to change, to reinvent himself, and to prove people wrong. As Portugal look to bounce back in their remaining group-stage games of the World Cup, expect nothing but an absolute top effort by Ronaldo.

Ronaldo might have Messi as his top rival, but it's Kohli whose behaviour, ambition, and sheer will to get better mirror the Portuguese the most, though in an alternate sport. Just as Kohli has silenced critics to make the No. 3 spot in India's ODI team his own, expect Ronaldo to turn heads with his performances in the coming games.

Canada was extremely unhappy with the tough tackles from Qatar and tempers flared after the final whistle as the players from both teams were seen shoving each other. Even the Canada head coach Jesse Marsch got involved in a tense exchange with Qatar's Julen Lopetegui as both coaches were not happy with the on-field scuffles.

pic.twitter.com/F66djcvJ1J

— Jay (@Jayy_Hardyy252) June 19, 2026

Coming to the game, Jonathan David scored three goals and Canada won its first World Cup match while all but securing a spot in the knockout round with a 6-0 victory over Qatar on Thursday.

Qatar was reduced to nine players because of red cards in the chaotic match. Assim Madibo was handed a red early in the second half after a tackle on Ismael Kone, who was stretched off with a serious injury to his lower left leg. Homan Ahmed was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Tajon Buchanan.

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the match after missing the team's opener in Toronto last week because of the G7 summit in France. He sat with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Cyle Larin scored his second goal of the tournament on a rebound in the 16th minute. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada punched away David's volley but it fell to Larin, who pointed to his ears in celebration as the red-clad crowd roared.

David doubled the lead with a right-footed volley in the 29th, for his first goal in the run of play in more than a year.

Ahmed was sent off with a red card in the 33rd. The official initially pointed to the penalty spot, but after video review Canada was given a free kick just outside the box and the initial yellow card handed to Ahmed was changed to red.

Canada made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time when David scored in a scramble in front of the net off a shot that caromed off the crossbar. Qatari players stood with their hands on their hips in frustration while Canada celebrated.

Canada's players surrounded Kone; in concern when he suffered the scary-looking injury early in the second half, and Madibo was clearly distraught before he was ejected.

Nathan Saliba, who came in as a substitute for Kone, scored on a free kick in the 64th to make it 4-0. Mohamed Manai deflected a shot past his goalkeeper for an own goal in the 75th.

David completed the hat trick in stoppage time, joining Argentina's Lionel Messi as the only players with three goals in a match in this World Cup.

(With AP inputs)

Mexico vs South Korea Live Football Score: MEX vs KOR FIFA World Cup Match

The reports surfaced just weeks after renewed speculation about the couple's wedding plans. With fans closely following every development, even small details from both coasts have quickly become major talking points online.

Travis Kelce's intimate gathering sparks fresh wedding speculation

According to reports, Kelce spent Wednesday evening at the exclusive Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood. The private venue hosted a small group that included his brother Jason Kelce, former Chiefs teammate Ross Travis, and comedian Druski. The gathering reportedly lasted several hours before the group left shortly after midnight.

The event immediately sparked discussion among fans because of its timing. With ongoing rumors about Kelce and Swift preparing for their wedding, many viewed the low-key outing as a possible bachelor party. The intimate nature of the gathering only added to the speculation.

Some notable names were not reportedly present. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, actor Ryan Reynolds, and musician Machine Gun Kelly were among the high-profile friends not linked to the celebration. Their absence generated almost as much conversation as the gathering itself, with fans debating whether the event was truly wedding-related or simply a casual night among close friends.

Taylor Swift's Rhode Island mansion becomes another focus of fan attention

Meanwhile, videos and images began circulating online of increasing activity surrounding the mansion, and attention switched to Swift's Rhode Island home. Several visitors, including longtime friend Abigail Anderson Berard, who was seen at the property, had gathered at the waterfront residence as per reports said.

Other reports said security was increased at the estate and guards were watching the area. Developments have led to online speculation that Swift could be throwing a bachelorette party or other private function in the weeks leading up to her wedding.

The couple became engaged in August 2025 and has since been the topic of ongoing wedding speculations. Suitable venues have been extensively reported, with Rhode Island and New York City both cited as possible sites. While Madison Square Garden has been rumored in recent conjecture, neither Swift nor Kelce have confirmed any wedding arrangements.

Without official announcements, the couple's public appearances and private get-togethers will probably continue to be under the microscope with fans speculating about what's ahead.

The decline comes after an interim peace agreement between Washington and Tehran paved the way for shipping activity to resume through the strategically important waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles about a fifth of the world's oil supply, had effectively been shut after both Iran and the US imposed blockades during the conflict. The disruption triggered a sharp spike in crude prices and raised fears of prolonged supply shortages across global markets.

However, sentiment has shifted rapidly over the past week. Tankers carrying crude that had been stranded in the Persian Gulf began moving through the strait on Thursday, while Kuwait said it would start increasing production as exports gradually normalize.

ALSO READ: Iran Can Buy US Goods From $6-Billion Of Frozen Funds Under Interim Deal: Report

The US Central Command said it had lifted restrictions on traffic to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. Meanwhile, maritime authorities have advised vessels to follow designated routes near the Omani coastline as efforts continue to reduce navigational risks, including concerns over sea mines.

The return of shipping activity has prompted traders to unwind much of the risk premium that had built up in oil prices during the conflict. As a result, crude has now surrendered nearly all the gains recorded since fighting began in February.

US President Donald Trump welcomed the fall in oil prices, arguing that markets were responding positively to the agreement. The interim deal also initiates a 60-day period of negotiations aimed at resolving broader issues between the two countries, including Iran's nuclear programme and the future operation of the waterway.

Restarting oil flows involves more than simply reopening shipping lanes. Producers need to bring wells back online, infrastructure must be inspected and repaired, and authorities still need to coordinate de-mining operations in parts of the strait.

Some shipowners and insurers also remain wary of conditions in the region, suggesting that a complete recovery in exports could take time even as traffic gradually improves.

ALSO READ: PM Modi, Trump Push For Early India-US Trade Deal As Negotiators Enter Final Stretch: Foreign Secretary

Running late for work, the woman admitted she booked the Uber despite noticing the driver's low 4.59 rating. To her surprise, the journey was perfect. She said that the driver was polite, navigated safely, and dropped her off ahead of schedule.

When she promised him a five-star rating at the end of the trip, the driver pleaded, "Please don't."

Also read | Ex-Delhi Cop Quits Job, Moves To Australia To Become Real Estate Agent: "I Took A Risk"

He explained that higher ratings would trigger the platform's algorithm to assign longer routes and high-priority airport trips. However, because his wife is currently undergoing chemotherapy, he desperately needs to stay close to home in case of an emergency.

Moved by his story, the woman honoured his request and gave him four stars. "The whole interaction stayed with me for weeks afterward," she wrote.

"We spend so much time judging people based on scores, reviews, ratings, and numbers that we forget there are actual human lives behind them. Sometimes the person with the lower rating is carrying a burden we know nothing about," the user wrote.

"And sometimes a system becomes so rigid that good people feel forced to make themselves look worse just to survive inside it. Whether his explanation was completely accurate or not almost stopped mattering to me. What mattered was a husband trying to stay close to a wife who needed him."

While the authenticity of the post remains unverified, it serves as a powerful reminder that behind every digital metric is a human being fighting a silent battle.

The story resonated online, drawing hundreds of likes and a wave of comments.

Also read | Employee Shares Emotional Video Of Bringing Parents To Amazon Office, Calls It "Every Girl's Dream"

See the post here:

I was running late for work one morning and when I requested an Uber I noticed the driver had a 4.59 rating. Normally I probably would have canceled, but I was more worried about getting to work on time than analyzing ratings.

When I got in, he greeted me politely, confirmed the…

— 10th Wonder (@boltedsage77) June 16, 2026

"Wow, thanks for tweeting this, it resolved my long-term doubt," one user wrote. "I, too, occasionally find low-rated drivers to be very professional!"

"My only thought was, 'You seriously would cancel a 4.59 rating??'" another user commented, addressing critics of the driver's score. "I could understand [avoiding] a 3.5, but a 4.59 is very good, especially when you realise people will give a 4 or less for the smallest, most inconsequential perceived slight. This says more about the passenger than the driver."

"This story teaches a powerful lesson: numbers can measure performance, but they can never measure someone's circumstances. Before judging a person by a score, remember there is a human being behind that number," a third user summed up.

NHL Insider Darren Dreger Reported Mason McTavish Could Be Traded This Offseason 

TSN insider Darren Dreger reported Thursday, that he thinks Mason McTavish will likely get moved this offseason, and that would just add another notable name to an NHL market that's been active lately.

McTavish's connection with the Ducks has been under the spotlight for a while now. The 23-year-old spent most of last season working in the middle-six roles despite entering the league with expectations of becoming a cornerstone player. There have also been reports hinting at him feeling frustrated about his ice time, and some earlier contract negotiations brought a bit of tension between the player and the organization too.

So basically, Anaheim seems open to looking at other options at the moment. And the schedule timing could even help Detroit quite a bit. McTavish is now going into his second season on a six-year deal with a cap hit of around $7 million, and many evaluators still think his best hockey is ahead of him. Getting a younger forward with his combination of size, skill and upside would be a significant addition for any club looking to reshape its core.

Could Mason McTavish Trade Rumors Impact Dylan Larkin's Future in Detroit? 

Detroit's interest in a player like McTavish has become even more compelling, because there is so much wobble around Dylan Larkin right now.

One possible scenario is that Larkin might become part of a package headed for Anaheim. That move would give the Ducks an established top-line center, allowing the Red Wings to bring in a younger player who could help shape the franchise's next chapter.

There is also another angle to consider. Bringing in a player of McTavish's caliber could shore up Detroit's roster enough so Larkin sees the organization is still serious about building a competitive club around him.

For now, Mason McTavish stays listed as an Anaheim Ducks player, but Darren Dreger's report only intensified trade speculation. Since Dylan Larkin's future remains uncertain, Detroit might emerge as a team worth watching if discussions around McTavish continue to gain momentum this offseason.

"Today, the Telangana Cricket Association has sent legal notices to Vijay Deverakonda, Venkatesh Daggubati, international cricketer Siraj, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu and Tilak Varma, questioning their association with the tainted and illegal TG20 League proposed to be conducted by the Hyderabad Cricket Association," Reddy told ANI.

According to the notice, the TCA has alleged that the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is conducting business with corporate entities without BCCI authorisation and that promoting the proposed TG20 League without such approval amounts to an offence. The association has raised concerns over the league's regulatory status and the potential implications of celebrity endorsements.

"The Hyderabad Cricket Association, conducting the TG20 league, has changed its name in due course from Telangana Premier League to TTL, then to the TG20 Premier League, and now TG20. They say they have some prefix, some names, some sponsors' names now, but basically they do not have two primary mandates to conduct any franchise-based Premier League at the state level. All the BCCI members should adopt two rules: Rule number 28. The governing council, which is supposed to conduct and organise this league, has to be elected by the association's general body in an annual general meeting, and the chairman of this league — it is mandatory that the chairman of the league should be elected by the general body of the association — which did not happen," he added.

Reddy said the TCA would move court if the celebrities continued to be associated with the tournament.

"Hyderabad Cricket Association wants to overcome the lack of legality and compliance by using celebrities and misleading stakeholders. That is why we are objecting. We have sent notices and will also file legal suits against them if they continue to associate with this league," he said.

Reddy stated that the BCCI had directed the HCA in 2021 to collaborate with the TCA for the development of cricket outside Hyderabad city, but alleged that the directive was not implemented.

As of now, neither Vijay Deverakonda nor Venkatesh has publicly responded to the legal notices or the allegations made by the TCA.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Portugal got off to the perfect start thanks to a headed goal by Joao Neves early in the match and it looked like business as usual for them. With a midfield boasting of superstars like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, there was hardly any lack of creativity and after just 25 minutes of play, Portugal ended up playing 200 more passes than their opponents.

However, what emerged as the problem was the finishing and creating chances that could eventually end up in a goal. Ronaldo looked rigid as the striker and Portugal ending up taking just six more shots in the entire match after Neves' goal. What was even more concerning that with the match ending 1-1 and DR Congo claiming a historic point, it was actually their opponents who had more shot attempts (eight to seven), more shots on goal (two to one) and more xG created (0.82 to 0.64).

The Ronaldo Problem

Ronaldo claimed the record of being the oldest outfield player to start a match in  World Cup history at the age of 41 years and 132 days. He ended up breaking the record held by Canada's Atiba Hutchinson and it was a testament to his longetivity and commitment to the game. However, although people say "age is just a number", it does catch up with athletes.

Ronaldo was a fiery winger in his youth who was known for dribbling past oppositions and pulling off physical feats that left the world stunned. However, over the years, he has adopted a more central forward role with little defensive contributions. In the current Portuguese system, he hardly ever drops back to help in build-up with his goal-scoring being his only purpose.

However, with zero goals in his last 10 World Cup and Euro matches, even the numbers show a clear story of struggle.

Farewell Tour Impacting Portugal's Chances?

At 41, it is likely that Ronaldo will not play any more World Cups. The fanfare around his every move has been sensational in the build-up to the tournament and with 28 goals in 30 games for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, he seemed ready.

But, a closer look at his performances for Portugal in the recent past revealed a horror story.

The superstar has played 396 out of possible 420 minutes in the team's last four matches in major competitions. In these games, Portugal have scored just once. While the team average 1.9 goals per game when he starts, it jumps to 2.8 when he does not. Even that average is a bit skewed considering it includes a 9-1 victory over Armenia.

A comparison with Lionel Messi is quite natural but what the Argentine footballer lacks in pace, he makes up in link-up play and spacial awareness. The system utilised by Argentina allows faster players to make runs into the attacking third while Messi adopts a more deeper role which he uses to either make the pass or create a long-range attempt.

In comparison, Portugal are stacked by technicians like Bruno and Vitinha who are brilliant in creating chances but a wayward or misfiring Ronaldo can be the difference that ends up causing the team some grief in the tournament. Even on Wednesday, Portugal controlled the game but the spark to create something special just never came from Ronaldo and Co.

Burden Of History

At the end of the match, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez was clear about his decision to play Ronaldo for 90 minutes. "In a match like today's, where it was difficult to get into the box, it is important to use Cristiano's quality. It makes no sense to take off the greatest goalscorer in the history of football in a match where we need goals," he told the media.

The words could not have been more accurate but they also hold the essence of the core problem. He is indeed one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of football but that Ronaldo has not been seen on the international stage for quite some time. Instead, we have an aging superstar who still has the mental prowess but not the physical grit to play his natural game.

Against DR Congo. we saw a Ronaldo who neither helped his side in creating opportunities nor came up with anything special to clinch the game for his side.

It was a superstar who seemed like a shadow of his old self and a seemingly weak link in the Portuguese system that can bring their World Cup dreams crashing down to the ground.

"You see, not all national teams at the senior level have a 14 or 15-year-old in their squad. After many decades, we have someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi," Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"At one point in time, it was Sachin Tendulkar (16 and half at time of Test debut)who made it to the national team at such a young age. When such a young kid is part of the senior team, there are obviously a lot of issues that can crop up," he added without elaborating.

"Therefore, to make him comfortable and help him get used to an adult environment, where all the other players are above 18 years of age, and the team management members are also adults, we felt it would be helpful," Saikia, a former Ranji Trophy player for Assam, stated further.

"We are doing this because we believe it will ease a lot of issues as far as Vaibhav is concerned." Saikia cited the example of how senior teachers accompany students on school excursions.

"Even when a school student goes on an excursion, there is usually a senior person accompanying them. Vaibhav is still a kid. He has only just come out of school, or is perhaps in his final year of school.

"So, we thought it proper to allow his parents to travel with him. I am very happy that his parents are also taking good care of their kid, who is an asset for Indian cricket not only now but for the next two or three decades," he added.

Rob Gronkowski believes winning is the only answer for Patriots amid Mike Vrabel controversy

Gronkowski knows better than most what it takes to handle pressure in New England. During his playing days, the Patriots regularly dealt with criticism, rumors, and major storylines that attracted national attention. Yet the team consistently found success because it remained focused on the bigger goal.

Speaking about the situation surrounding Vrabel, the former tight end offered a straightforward solution. "It's as easy as this: win. You win," Gronkowski said. He underlined the importance of being bonded as players, working hard and holding each other accountable in training camp and the regular season.

Gronkowski doubled down on that belief by adding, "If you win, it solves all problems. It really does. It's crazy how winning in the NFL, it truly does and you're good to go there. You gotta win, baby." His comments reflected a mindset that has long been associated with successful Patriots teams, where results on the field often silence outside criticism.

Patriots have the roster to compete again despite lingering Mike Vrabel questions

The Patriots enter the new season with plenty of reasons for optimism. Quarterback Drake Maye is on track to be one of the league's most promising young players after a strong 2025 campaign. The organization also upgraded its offense with the addition of receiver A.J.  That growing partnership could become one of the key storylines for New England this season as the team looks to return to the Super Bowl.

Vrabel's coaching credentials also remain difficult to ignore. Vrabel enters 2026 with a roster capable of competing against the league's best teams. Questions about the offseason controversy may continue, but the Patriots have an opportunity to change the conversation once games begin.

As Gronkowski sees it, the formula remains simple. If New England keeps winning, attention will quickly shift from headlines and speculation to what happens on the field every Sunday.

Before that, however, Phillips faced Archer with goggles on! 

Jofra Archer unleashed a huge, deadly bouncer at Glenn Phillips in the 2nd Test against New Zealand

- Look at Phillips' reaction pic.twitter.com/3cldPx2SG5

— T-Celebs (@t_celebs) June 18, 2026

New Zealand was bowled out for 391 after resuming on 291-7, and Phillips was the last man out for an even 100 on a warm, sunny morning. The Black Caps would have thought 350 a bonus with their tail exposed and the new ball imminent.

But England's own valid hopes of quickly cleaning up the tail were undermined by overdoing the short balls and not having its most potent weapon, Jofra Archer. His eight overs in a row of venom bowled at the end of Wednesday were exhilarating but probably also taxing in his first Test since December.

England's leading strike bowler didn't appear until close to lunch, the 19th over of the morning. He collected New Zealand's ninth wicket, and the innings was over moments later.

Thanks to England's misplaced short-ball tactic, Phillips and tailender Kyle Jamieson cashed in.

They scored 74 runs together in 12 overs in the first hour, and New Zealand flew past 350.

Jamieson was dropped on 15 by Ben Duckett, who was looking into the sun with his sunglasses on his cap, and New Zealand's tallest ever cricketer at 2.07 metres (6-foot-8) was hit twice on his helmet.

From 6 overnight, Jamieson hit six more boundaries, a couple of them exquisite cover drives. He was out for 41 off 48 balls, his highest Test score in six years. He was bowled by part-time spinner Jacob Bethell, who took a team-leading three wickets.

Jamieson's exit ended an entertaining partnership of 87 from 96 balls with Phillips.

Phillips had resumed on 49 and brought up 50 off the day's second delivery with a top edge over the wicketkeeper. Without Archer to duck at, Phillips punished the wayward balls of Sonny Baker and Josh Tongue.

Bethell's spin was effective after just five overs with the new ball.

Phillips passed his previous highest Test score of 87 against Bangladesh in 2023 and comfortably racked up his hundred off 133 balls with 18 boundaries, following two centuries each in one-day internationals and Twenty20s.

Then Matt Henry fell to Archer, and Phillips holed out to deep midwicket.

With AP inputs

In a message addressed to the Iranian people, Khamenei said he granted permission for the agreement after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian, who heads Iran's Supreme National Security Council, that the rights of the Iranian nation and the "resistance front" would be protected.

"As you have become aware, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials, out of compassion and goodwill, made extensive efforts-and of course, it was this American president who, out of desperation, resorted to all sorts of levers to bring this about," Khamenei said in the post on X. He added that Iranian officials had made extensive efforts "out of compassion and goodwill", while claiming that the American president had acted "out of desperation" and used "all sorts of levers" to reach the agreement.

In another post, Khamenei said, "I, in principle, [regarding the memorandum of understanding] had a different opinion, but out of the commitment that the esteemed President, as the head of the Supreme National Security Council, gave to me on behalf of himself and the members in safeguarding the rights of the Iranian nation and the resistance front, and explicitly undertook to accept responsibility for it, I granted permission for it."

ALSO READ: 'Who Said That?' Trump Blanks When Reminded He Said Iran Never Loses A Negotiation | Watch

Khamenei said Pezeshkian had explicitly accepted responsibility for safeguarding Iran's interests under the deal. He also warned that Tehran would not yield if Washington sought to go beyond the agreed terms.

"The esteemed President has stated that if the American side seeks to overreach, they will not yield to it," Khamenei said.

The remarks come after the US and Iran signed a memorandum aimed at ending hostilities and opening the way for wider negotiations. The framework provides for further talks over a final deal within 60 days, while also addressing issues including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.

Khamenei, however, sought to frame the move as a conditional approval rather than a diplomatic concession. He said Iran would now wait for the stated conditions in the memorandum to be fulfilled, but stressed that any future negotiations with the US would not amount to accepting Washington's position.

"From this moment forward, we-that is, you, the proud nation, and this humble servant-will await the fulfillment of the stated conditions [in the memorandum of understanding]. However, it goes without saying that the negotiations that will take place in the future will not amount to accepting the enemy's viewpoint," Khamenei concluded.

ALSO READ: Iran Can Buy US Goods From $6-Billion Of Frozen Funds Under Interim Deal: Report

Kush Bohra, Founder Kushbohra.Com and Shahina Mukadam, Independent Market Expert provided insights on these investor queries and more on NDTV Profit's Ask Profit show.

Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd. (CMP: Rs 142.91)

Shahina: Hold but don't add

• Company bouncing back based on good OEM sales.
• Global acquisitions support their growth.
• Stock has run-up in terms of valuations.
• Continue to hold but wait before you add.

Kush: Hold

• Bullish on entire space. 
• Stock has a good run with strong rising trend.
• Support comes close to Rs 141 mark.
• Constructive till the stock maintains Rs 141-142 zone.

Coforge Ltd. (CMP: 1,480.40)

Kush: Hold

• Constructive view on Coforge.
• Rising trend line support.
• Stock is trying to find support at 20-day average. 
• Stop loss is near Rs 1,365 mark.

Tata Power Company Ltd. (CMP: Rs 401.85)

Kush: Hold

• There is traction but stock is not yet ready to bump up to move higher.
• Stock is seeing positive trend with rising trend line support of 200 day moving average.
• Stock is seeing positive trend. Continue to hold.
• Book profit at Rs 450.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) (CMP: Rs 109.73)

Shahina: Hold for medium term

• Valuations are not expensive.
• Keep stop loss of Rs 90 or Rs 100.
• Can hold PNB for a bounce.

Marksans Pharma Ltd. (CMP: Rs 261.50)

Kush: Hold

• Remain constructive on this stock.
• Trend is starting to pick up again.
• Second target is Rs 274 where full or partial profits can be booked.
   

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the investment advisers on NDTV Profit are of their own and not of NDTV Profit. NDTV Profit advises users to consult with their own financial or investment adviser before taking any investment decision.

What's Happening

• On Suhana Safar, Suhasini revealed, "I married for the first time at the age of 60. Until then, I hadn't found the right match. My husband is a very well-known scientist. When he talks about science, I don't understand a thing, but he is a wonderful human being."
• The story is a lot more interesting than you might imagine. According to Suhasini, who revealed this on actor Sulekha Talwalkar's YouTube channel, she joined Facebook after being urged to do so by a co-star. The intention was to find work opportunities.
• But then came a suggestion of a profile that caught her attention.
• Suhasini shared, "I saw Atul's profile and thought, 'Physicists are on Facebook too?' He was working on the Large Hadron Collider. Since I have always been interested in science, I sent him a message asking, 'What is LHC?'"
• Eventually they started exchanging emails and he said that he was looking for a life partner.
• She continued, "He never directly proposed anything, but he hinted at it. When I realised he was looking for someone, I laughed to myself. I thought, 'When I couldn't find the right person in 60 years, how am I suddenly going to find him now?'"

Advice From Suhasini's friend

It is not uncommon to come across fake profiles on social media.

Speaking of what her friend said when Atul asked Suhasini for her phone number, she shared, "My friend told me that at this age, the options only become fewer. Don't shut the door before you've even opened it. If you don't like him, you can always move on. There's no harm in trying. When Atul asked for my number, I told him, 'Good girls don't give their phone numbers to strangers.' On the internet, it's not about who you meet; it's about what you meet. People create fake profiles all the time."

She went so far as to match his Facebook information with that of the organisation he worked at, and everything matched. Her friend even asked her, having stayed alone all her life, what's stopping her now?

She also revealed how Atul and she were supposed to meet earlier, but it did not happen until Diwali, and even then she arrived late on purpose.

She shared, "I wanted to make sure he actually looked like the person in the photographs before meeting him."

Getting Married And Telling Her Mother

Suhasini shared, "We met at the end of November and spoke extensively. By January 16, we were married. Once we had made the decision, there was no point waiting."

The actress explained that when she told her mother she had found someone, her mother could not believe it.

"She called back again just to confirm what she had heard. Eventually, she told her daughter, "You've found an intelligent man," added Suhasini.

What impressed Suhasini's mother was when she asked Atul why he wanted to marry at 60.

Suhasini revealed, "He said, 'Suhasini has lived alone all her life and can continue to do so. I can continue to live alone as well. But I want to give happiness a chance. If it doesn't work out, we will simply admit we made a mistake.'"

Speaking of how funny it was when they went to register their marriage, Suhasini shared, "When we went to register our marriage, the official assumed I had come to collect an old marriage certificate." The official asked them, "You and uncle?" And that cracked up the couple.

She concluded by saying that the judgments that came her way for marrying at 60 were no different to those she faced when she did not marry when she was younger. She explained the downside of being a celebrity.

Suhasini said, "When you're a celebrity, people think they have the right to judge every decision you make. When I was 26, my mother asked if I wanted to get married. I said no. She respected my decision but warned me that I was choosing a difficult path."

Suhasini and Atul have now been married for 15 years.

About Suhasini

Suhasini Mulay is a five-time National Award winning actress who has carved her niche in parallel cinema and Bollywood. She debuted in Mrinal Sen's classic Bhuvan Shome (1969), when she was just 18. The actress has also worked as an assistant director to Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen.

She has produced over 60 documentaries, An Indian Story, Bhopal: Beyond Genocide, Chithi, and Official Art Form won National awards. 

She won a National Awar for Best Supporting actress for Gulzar's 1999 film Hu Tu Tu

In Hindi she is remembered for her powerful performances in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, Dil Chahta Hai, and Lagaan.

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