Kapil Dev throws a quick glance at the bat and ball placed at the entrance of the Madras Management Association’s auditorium. They are a photo prop — for the members attending the launch of popular banker Shyam Srinivasan’s latest book, Better Never Stops, a part-memoir, part-practical leadership primer published by WYZR Books (Rs 495).

If not for the teeming autograph hunters and selfie seekers, Kapil might have been tempted to bowl a couple of yorkers or smash a few sixes.

The 67-year-old lanky cricketing legend has seen the highest of highs in the sport; the 1983 World Cup win being the peak. He is currently associated with another sport — golf — which he plays passionately.

Deep down, Kapil remains the boy who once loved hitting the grounds of Chandigarh with a bat and ball in hand.

“People like us… we know only thing: how to play. If we had it our way, we would be playing some kind of sport from childhood till death,” he says, “When we are born, our parents give us a bat and ball to play something, but once we turn six or seven, they take it back and replace it with a pencil to concentrate on education.”

A huge cheerleader for sporting activities, Kapil is peeved about India’s obsession with cricket. “I’m saying this despite being a cricketer myself and fully knowing the love and affection it fetched me,” he smiles, “As a nation, we give 99% to cricket. It’s unfair. Other sports should also get recognition…only then will the nation grow.”

The show goes on

Kapil is a content sportsman today, even as he speaks words of motivation at corporate events and sporting functions. When he is not travelling or playing golf, he enjoys watching movies.

“I grew up watching Amitabh Bachchan saab’s films and styling myself on his looks in the films,” recalls Kapil. Today, thanks to technology and the advent of OTT platforms, Kapil likes catching up on the dubbed versions of South Indian superhits too. “Baahubali was great, and I love watching Allu Arjun’s films too,” says Kapil, mimicking the trademark Pushpa beard-stroke swagger, “They make some people larger than life, but that’s how cinema works in this part of the world.”

Cricket, however, is never entirely out of his system — despite his own admission that he watches only “5% of the matches today”. Like most followers of IPL 2026, Kapil too is full of praise for young sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. “At the moment, he is a special talent, without doubt. But we have to give him time. He is very young and does not know anything other than cricket. Once he gets to know more about life, things might be different.”

Blast from the past

Kapil can be credited for the obsession India has with cricket today. Leading India, the historic World Cup win in 1983 is considered the greatest triumph of the underdog that cricket has ever seen, heralding a young generation of Indian cricket players and enthusiasts. Apart from instilling self belief in the team, Kapil’s crucial batting knock when they were on the verge of elimination (175 against Zimbabwe) and iconic catch (to dismiss Viv Richards in the final) remains the highlight of his glittering career.

So, what was he telling himself when the chips were down? “It’s a story other people will tell better than me,” he says, “When you are in it, you don’t remember it as vividly as people watching it. It was my day, and I’m happy that I won the tournament for India.”

Is there a life lesson he has for people? “Never ever give up. The moment you give up, you are dead.”

Installing reverse osmosis (RO) systems alone at home is not a guarantee for safe drinking water, a recent study has found. While the technology has been proven capable of removing microbes under ideal operating conditions, a field level study in Chennai showed that microbial contamination was detected in samples from RO units, highlighting the lack of regular maintenance and filter replacement as key issues.

The results of the study ‘Evaluating Household Reverse Osmosis Systems for Microbial Safety: A Case Study from Chennai, India’ were recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. The researchers Suzan Kagan et al, aimed at assessing the microbial safety of drinking water before and after household RO treatment to understand how education and awareness influence household water and maintenance practices. The survey conducted in Chennai covered 262 water samples from 216 households, looking at both treated and source water to assess the effectiveness of household water treatment systems.

The authors wrote that while RO systems reduce contamination, 31% of post-RO samples still contained Escherichia coli (E. coli), compared to 71% in untreated water. Furthermore, education levels were found to influence outcomes: 36% of post-RO samples from postgraduate respondents contained E. coli, versus 83% among those with lower education levels. They pointed out that RO systems reduced contamination, but offer limited protection without maintenance.

E. coli is a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines, but certain strains of it can produce toxins that cause severe food poisoning, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Another paper published in Scientific Reports in 2025, by Shohaib Mustafa et al, on ‘Household Adoption of Domestic Water Filtration for Combating Waterborne Diseases in Developing Countries’ recorded the fact that contaminated water was one of the leading causes of several waterborne diseases, such as typhoid fever, cholera, giardiasis, dysentery, hepatitis A, and Salmonella infection, and domestic water filtration was seen as a way to counter the consumption of contaminated water from unsafe sources.

The study also posited an interesting correlation that was observed between education level and the presence of E. coli in drinking water. For respondents with postgraduate degrees, 36% reported an incidence of E. coli contamination in their drinking water, while for non-educated respondents, this value increased to 83%. Many households assumed that once an RO machine was installed, no further vigilance was needed, which led to complacency about cleaning and servicing, and created a gap between perceived and actual safety.

This highlights the critical role of user knowledge, practices, and proper water handling in preventing contamination, particularly in households using RO systems, according to the authors. Interestingly, the results of the 2025 study by Mustafa et al revealed that awareness of risks associated with contaminated water, social influence, and water pollution knowledge are the most significant predictors behind the use of domestic water filtration plants, whereas cost is a potential barrier.

In the Chennai study, the authors argue that utilising only RO devices as a stand-alone solution to urban drinking water safety may not be effective, and may worsen inequalities, because low- and middle-income households often buy systems with great difficulty and then realise they cannot afford to maintain them. What is required is a chain of quality and hygienic water supply, beginning with reliable piped supply, regulation of point-of-use devices, education on maintenance and hygiene, and servicing structures that are affordable.

The persistent accumulation of water hyacinth and consequent rising mosquito menace in the Adyar River have drawn flak from residents and rowers, who have demanded a permanent solution from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).

S. Jagadeeshan, 24, a resident of a settlement near Thideer Nagar on the banks of the Adyar, alleged that the build-up of water hyacinth, garbage, and debris, along with the mosquito menace, was addressed only during visits by elected representatives so far.

“The last time the hyacinth was cleared was about a month ago. Even then, it was not removed completely. Mosquito breeding has become so menacing that we are not able to even step outside. Children get sick often,” he said.

Mr. Jagadeeshan claimed that there was no door-to-door garbage collection in the locality, except in Gothamedu Housing Board tenements, resulting in residents dumping waste into the river. He also said drainage works promised by the previous government remained incomplete despite roads being dug up three months ago, leading to sewage entering the river. He further said that on the wider river banks on the other side of Maraimalai Adigal Bridge (formerly Marmalong Bridge), some youth engage in gambling and alcohol consumption between the bushes.

Madras Boat Club captain Sumana Narayanan said the spread of hyacinth had intensified since October last year, resulting in the cancellation of morning boating sessions because of dense weed accumulation. She said repeated complaints had been made to the GCC and deweeding operations were carried out periodically, but it was a recurring issue.

She added that mosquito breeding had increased, particularly for residents living near the banks. She said the spread of hyacinth reduced oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish deaths, and that the weeds moved along the river depending on wind direction.

Ms. Narayanan said older members of the club had observed that the problem had worsened over the past 30 to 40 years. She also referred to assistance provided earlier by Anna University and agencies from the Netherlands, and an earlier water study conducted by Anna University.

Over the years, several allocations have been announced for Adyar River restoration, including projects for eco-park development, sewage interception, flood mitigation, riverfront parks and resettlement of families living along the banks. The allocations ranged from multi-crore phase-wise projects between 2006 and 2011 to ₹4,227 crore in 2024.

Chennai Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar said he would inspect the river and ensure action against illegal sewage discharge and garbage dumping into the waterbody.

Chennaiyin FC did not have a smooth ride into the sunset as it ended its already dismal Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 campaign with a 1-2 loss against Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday (May 16, 2026).

Daniel Chima Chukwu and Ryan Williams traded strikes in the first half, before debutant Serto Worneilen Kom bagged a late winner, leaving Chennaiyin 13th in the table with just nine points.

In sweltering conditions, Bengaluru asserted control courtesy of its four-man midfield with Braian Sanchez and Soham Varshneya testing the opposition goalkeeper in the opening half hour.

But for all its dominance, it was Chennaiyin that surprisingly broke the deadlock.

Chukwu started the swift move by winning the ball in the middle of the pitch and distributing it before running up to take up position inside the box. The ball, meanwhile, made its way around to Mandar Rao Desai, who was played through on the left wing before laying it on a plate for Chukwu.

Bengaluru was desperate for an equaliser before the break, and this time its hunger was rewarded as William pulled off a crisp one-touch move with Lalremtluanga Fanai to set himself up for an easy finish from close range.

The visitors sealed the game in the closing stages of a drab second half after Williams breached the box before cutting the ball back to Fanai. Pritam Kotal stood strong to block his shot, only to see the loose ball smashed into an empty goal by substitute Kom, who took advantage of a snoozing defence.

With the win, Bengaluru kept its mathematical title chances alive and temporarily leads the standings with 23 points.

The result: Chennaiyin FC 1 (Daniel Chima Chukwu 34) lost to Bengaluru FC 2 (Ryan Williams 43, Serto Worneilen Kom 89).

The sixth leg of the Indian Athletics Series, beginning at the Nehru Stadium here on Sunday and part of the 16-leg nationwide circuit running from April to September, will be a huge preparatory exercise for athletes like star long jumper Murali Sreeshankar and others.

The Athletics Federation of India has made participation mandatory in a minimum of two domestic meets to be considered for the National Federation Cup in Ranchi from May 22 to 25 (it is the final selection trials for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games to be held in July-August). For the 27-year-old Sreeshankar the meet assumes significance and he is keen to perform well here.

“Heading up to Federation Cup and rest of the season, so obviously the target is to be in good shape for the main events including the CWG and Asian Games. I am looking forward to a good performance here,” he told presspersons after his training session on Saturday.

Sreeshankar, a silver medallist in the 2022 CWG, said the training stint recently in South Africa was quite competitive and is bound to help him in future events.

“I trained for three weeks in the North West Academy of Sport in Potchefstroom, South Africa and did 8.12m in a meet in Pretoria. The cold weather in South Africa and Glasgow CWG will be similar, which might help me,” he said.

Starting Friday, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Councillors will meet with residents at the ward offices to resolve civic issues in the city.

GCC on Thursday ordered the reopening of councillors’ offices that were closed owing to the model code of conduct for Assembly elections. As the elections have been completed, the civic body is set to open the offices of councillors, standing committee members, Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Congress councillor Dilli Babu said the officials have informed that the councillor’s office would be opened. “Residents will start visiting the ward offices to complain about civic issues on Friday. Dumping of debris has increased in some loccations. Sewage problems have also been reported,” he said.

DMK councillor T.V.Shemmozhi said at least 10 residents visit the councillor’s office to complain about civic issues in the ward every day. “The number of complaints about civic issues has reduced during the past few weeks. Residents have complained about garbage problems in Vasantham Colony in Anna Nagar. We will clear the garbage on Friday,” he said.

Councillors have also complained about a rise in complaints about streetlights in the city. Work on roads are expected to be taken up shortly.

In Ripon Buildings, residents were advised not to visit during the model code of conduct after the announcement of the Assembly elections. Once the office of the mayor, deputy mayor and standing committee chairpersons are expected to be opened, residents are expected to visit Ripon Buildings to redress grievances about civic issues. Work on roads, stormwater drains, community halls and schools are expected to resume shortly.

Gaurav Gill, returning to rallying after a year’s break, showed no rustiness as he topped the time sheets in the 49th South India Rally, which commenced at the Madras International Circuit here on Friday.

The three-day event is also the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and Round-1 of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship.

The 44-year-old Gill, a three-time APRC champion and winner of seven National titles, clocked a combined time of two minutes, 51.5 seconds for the two loops of 1.45 kms dirt Super Special Stage. He piloted a Volkswagen Polo to finish 5.1 seconds ahead of arch-rival Karna Kadur in the APRC segment with Jason Saldanha in third place.

Gill, with the experienced Srikanth Gowda as co-driver for the first time, gave a near-flawless exhibition of pace, precision and car control and looked to be in a good space going into Saturday’s Special Stages.

Arun Y. Mavaji and Arvind Dheerendra topped the INRC 2 and INRC 3 classes, respectively, while Tarushi Vikram was the fastest in the Ladies class and also in the Junior INRC category.

Provisional results (Leg-1, Section-1): Asia-Pacific Rally Championship: 1. Gaurav Gill & Srikanth Gowda (02mins, 51.5secs); 2. Karna Kadur & Kumar Ramaswamy (02:56.6); 3. Jason Saldanha & P.V. Srinivasa Murthy (02:58.3).

Indian National Rally Championship: INRC Overall: 1. Gill & Gowda (02:51.5); 2. Ritesh Rai & Phalguna Raghavendra (02:55.6); 3. Kadur & Ramaswamy (02:56.6)

INRC 2: 1. Arjun Y. Mavaji & Jeevarathinam J. (03:09.5); 2. Ritesh Guttedar & M. Suraj (03:10.3); 3. Rakshith Iyer & Chandrashekar (03:18.2).

INRC 3: 1. Arvind Dheerendra & Shahid Salman (03:01.5); 2. Ashwin Pulagiri & Raghunath Swaminathan (03:01.9); 3. Tarushi Vikram & Athreya Kousgi (03:05.6).

INRC 3T: 1. Vikash Balachandran & Chiranth Jain (02:59.6); 2. K.C. Adith & C.A. Avinash (03:09.7); 3. Sidhartha Santosh & Sawan Sathyanarayan (03:11.9).

Ladies: 1. Tarushi Vikram & Athreya Kousgi (03:05.6); 2. Athira Murali & Arun Chakkalakkal (03:05.9); 3. Shivani Pruthvi & Vinay Padmashali (03:09.4).

Junior INRC: 1. Tarushi & Athreya (03:05.6); 2. Hoshmand Elavia & Venu Ramesh Kumar (03:14.0).

A few parts of the State, particularly the coastal region, are likely to receive scattered rainfall until Monday. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued a yellow alert for a few northern districts on Sunday, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall.

The unusual January weather system over Bay of Bengal was the reason behind the break in dry phase this month, prolonging Northeast Monsoon. Heavy rains are likely to lash isolated places in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Villupuram districts on Sunday.

The RMC had revised heavy rainfall warning on Saturday, and warning was withdrawn for a few districts like Tiruvallur and northern districts on Sunday, due to change in the weather system’s movement.

B. Amudha, Head (Additional in-charge), RMC, said the depression over southwest Bay of Bengal crossed the northeast Sri Lanka coast, close to Mullaittivu, between 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday.

The weather system is likely to weaken into a well-marked low pressure area, inducing wind convergence and causing rainfall activity over coastal parts of the State. As the northeasterly winds converge towards the centre of the circulation, the wind direction is likely to change to Westerlies, she said.

On Saturday, coastal places like Chennai experienced nippy weather, interspersed with light rainfall, owing to the wind influence that brought moisture from the Bay of Bengal. While the wet spell is likely to continue till January 16, rain may largely reduce from Tuesday.

On the updated heavy rainfall warnings, Ms. Amudha said: “We cannot rule out the possibility of intense downpour in coastal areas whenever there is a system in Bay of Bengal. Early warnings are provided to carry out precautionary measures in multiple sectors. On some occasions, we may not receive rainfall as expected owing to complex weather dynamics.”

The RMC has predicted most parts of the State may experience a cool weather as the minimum temperatures is expected to be normal or drop below average over T.N., Puducherry and Karaikal area till Monday.

When arguably one of the game’s finest openers is following your progress, stays in touch and sends a text saying, “Perfect. Very good job!” — you know you’ve done something right.

Maharashtra’s Arshin Kulkarni, playing in the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai, earned that exact compliment from his Lucknow Super Giants coach, Justin Langer, after a stunning performance.

The 20-year-old from Solapur scored a sensational 146 in the first innings and followed it up with a composed 69 in the second, guiding Maharashtra to a comprehensive win over Himachal Pradesh.

In an exclusive chat with The Hindu, Arshin reflected on the knock, his time with LSG during the IPL, and his rapport with Langer.

“Firstly, I’m pleased I could contribute to my team. I’ve been to Chennai before, during the IPL and trained here. The wicket was excellent — it felt really good to bat on”, Arshin said.

Recollecting the moment he was picked in the IPL auction, he said, “I was at home with my mom and sister. When LSG picked me, they both had tears in their eyes — happy tears. It was one of the most emotional moments for our family”.

His IPL experience, especially the exposure in the dressing room, left a lasting impression.

“It was surreal to share the space with legends. Just observing their work ethic and discipline taught me so much. Rishabh bhaiyya gave me amazing advice — keep things simple and always stay in the present. That really stuck with me”.

Talking about Langer, Arshin shared a key moment from one of their early interactions.

“During our first practice session, JL told me, ‘Watch the ball like Maxwell’. He referenced Maxwell’s 201 in the World Cup — especially how he watched the ball so closely, even when he couldn’t move. That advice stayed with me”.

“JL and I still stay in touch. We keep talking about my batting. I texted him after scoring 146 and 69 in the Buchi Babu, and he replied, ‘Perfect. Very good job!’ That message meant a lot”.

For Arshin, the message is simple: stay grounded and keep doing the job.