Ashwani Kumar. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

A young left-arm pacer from Punjab introduced himself to the cricketing world with a stunning debut in IPL 2025.

His very first delivery? A dream ball — swinging away late and drawing the edge of Ajinkya Rahane to have him caught at backward-point. Next came Rinku Singh, known for his brutal hitting, but the youngster unsettled the southpaw with a sharp bouncer that ended his stay.

Then entered Manish Pandey. An absolute peach of an inswinger trapped him plumb in front—two wickets in the same over.

But the best was yet to come.

Andre Russell—one of the most intimidating batters—was first pushed onto the backfoot with a short ball and then undone by a scorching yorker that uprooted the middle stump, leaving the Kolkata Knight Riders stunned.

In just three overs, Ashwani Kumar had made his mark. His final figures: 3-0-24-4.

Now playing for Punjab in the longer format in the Buchi Babu Tournament, the 23-year-old spoke to the media about his IPL stint and his ambitions for the forthcoming season.

“It all started during the Sher-E-Punjab tournament. Rahul Sanghvi sir, spotted me. Shortly after, I got a call for trials with the Mumbai Indians. The entire MI support staff was present— Kieron Pollard, Mahela Jayawardene (MJ), and everyone else. I think they liked what they saw, and that’s how I got picked,” said Ashwani.

“It was surreal. I still remember meeting Hardik (Pandya) bhaiyya and Rohit (Sharma) bhaiyya. They told me I would be bowling in the death overs and helped me prepare mentally. The message was clear: stay calm, back your skills.”

“When Trent Boult saw me bowling during the camp, he started calling me ‘Swingie’—that became my nickname for the whole tournament! I asked him questions about wrist position, swing control, and lengths. He was generous with his time and tips.”

“(Jasprit) Bumrah bhai was amazing. He taught me how to read the wicket and how to control the game from my end. He said there will be plenty of matches ahead and I’d eventually win games for my team—but I must remain balanced, both on and off the field.”

“The ultimate dream—to wear the India jersey and win matches for the country. That’s my biggest motivation and ambition,” he said.

READ MORE

Polavaram irrigation project receives huge inflow of flood water in West Godavari district
| Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

People from Punjab comprise the biggest chunk of the Indians being deported by the US, government sources said today – days after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s objection to the flights landing in his state. The government has clarified the situation about the handcuffs, with foreign minister S Jaishankar saying there are provisions for it in rules for deportation.

Donald Trump’s campaign promises included a crackdown on illegal immigrants, and since his inauguration, three military aircraft have arrived in India carrying deportees.

After the first flight landed on February 5, Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of trying to defame Punjab and said a holy city like Amritsar should not be made a “deport centre”. This flight had 30 deportees from Punjab and 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat.

Sources said since May 2020, 21 flights have been landed in Amritsar. 
Three flights arrived on February 5, February 15 and February 16 in which 333 Indians were sent. Of them, 262 were men, 42 women, 18 boys and 11 girls. 

Among them, the maximum people – 126 or 37.8 per cent – were from Punjab. The next was Haryana, whose 110 residents comprised 33 per cent of the passengers. Seventy-four passengers, 22 per cent, were from Gujarat. The rest were from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Goa and 1 each from Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.

The rules for deporting illegal immigrants have been mentioned in the handbook issued by USICE in 2015, sources said.

It is clearly written there that under the policy of November 2012, people being sent by ICE planes will be sent in handcuffs. The US has followed the same policy while sending Indians.

Following opposition parties’ protest about the handcuffing of the deportees, foreign minister S Jaishankar told parliament on February 6 that the government was engaging with the US to ensure that deported Indians are not mistreated.

Five passengers including a woman were killed and over two dozen were injured after a private bus fell into a drain in Punjab’s Faridkot district on Tuesday, officials said.

The accident occurred on the Faridkot-Kotkapura road at around 8 am when the bus carrying 36 passengers was going from Muktsar to Amritsar, they said.

The bus plunged into the drain from a 10-feet high bridge after it collided with a truck, officials said.

Five people have died in the incident, Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police Pragya Jain told PTI over the phone.

Of those killed, four were residents of Muktsar district, said officials.

They said 26 passengers were admitted to the Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot.

Of the injured, two have been referred to another hospital in Amritsar. One of them lost an arm in the accident.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan visited the hospital and inquired about the health of the injured.

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

Former and current Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Irfan Pathan, and Cheteshwar Pujara shared a heartfelt message for former wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha as he announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. Saha played his last match against Punjab with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Group C encounter. The wicketkeeper-batter failed to shine in the final game of his illustrious career. He was dismissed for a seven-ball duck by Gurnoor Brar of Punjab. However, Saha’s performance did not affect Bengal much as they clinched a victory by an innings and 13 runs over Punjab.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan took to his official social media handle and gave him best wishes for his new phase of life.

“From sharing dressing rooms to seeing you pull off those insane stumpings, what a journey you’ve had bro! Wishing you all the success and happiness in this new phase of life. You’ll always be a champion,” Dhawan wrote in a post on X.

From sharing dressing rooms to seeing you pull off those insane stumpings, what a journey you’ve had bro! Wishing you all the success and happiness in this new phase of life. You’ll always be a champion @Wriddhipops ???? pic.twitter.com/lFjEKljAsB

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 1, 2025

The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan congratulated Wriddhiman Saha for his cricketing career and called him “udtaaaaaa Saha”.

“Congratulations @Wriddhipops on your career. Your wicket-keeping skills were the best we had in test cricket. Will miss calling it “udtaaaaaa Saha”. I’m sure you will keep flying high in your second innings buddy. Good luck,” Irfan Pathan wrote on X.

Congratulations @Wriddhipops on your career. Your wicket keeping skills were the best we had in test cricket. Will miss calling it “udtaaaaaa Saha”. I’m sure you will keep flying high in your second innings buddy. Good luck. pic.twitter.com/OT42TBZ3pr

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 1, 2025

Saurashtra and India right-hand batter Cheteshwar Pujara said that Wriddhiman Saha’s contribution for Indian cricket is invaluable.

“Congratulations on an incredible career @Wriddhipops! …Your contribution to Indian cricket has been invaluable. It has been a pleasure spending time with you on and off the field! Best wishes for the journey ahead,” Pujara wrote in a post on X.

Congratulations on an incredible career @Wriddhipops! ????…Your contribution to Indian cricket has been invaluable. It has been a pleasure spending time with you on and off the field!

Best wishes for the journey ahead ???? pic.twitter.com/znRCk7ZdJG

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) February 1, 2025

Rishabh Pant shared a photo along with Wriddhiman Saha on his social media handle and said that he has always admired his skills and craft.

“As a fellow keeper, I have always admired your skills and your craft. Wishing you all the success and happiness in your next chapter @Wriddhipops bhaiya,” Pant wrote on X.

As a fellow keeper, I have always admired your skills and your craft. Wishing you all the success and happiness in your next chapter @Wriddhipops bhaiya. #RP17 pic.twitter.com/xNf2yrjZLn

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) February 1, 2025

Earlier on Friday, Saha also received a guard of honour from his teammates as he went down on the crease to bat for the last time.

Taking to X, Saha recalled the first time he stepped onto a cricket field in 1997. He added that it was an honour for him to represent his country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school.

“It has been 28 years since I first stepped onto a cricket field in 1997, and what a journey it has been! Representing my country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school has been the greatest honor of my life. Everything I am today, every achievement, every lesson learned- l owe it all to this wonderful game… Now it is time to begin a new chapter, dedicating myself to my family and friends, cherishing the moments I may have missed, and embracing life beyond the field. I am eternally grateful to my parents, my beloved elder brother Anirban, and my extended family. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in my dreams made this journey possible…,” Saha wrote on X.

The 40-year-old extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their support throughout his career.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the BCCI, its presidents, secretaries, and all office bearers for their support throughout my career. A sincere thank you to all my coaches, mentors, physios, trainers, analysts, teammates, logistics teams, masseurs, and every support staff member of the Indian Cricket Team, Bengal Cricket Team, Tripura Cricket Team, and all the clubs, districts, universities, and school teams I had the privilege of representing. Your faith in me and your constant encouragement have meant the world. I am deeply thankful to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for their trust and support throughout my career…,” he added.

He also gave special mention to his childhood coach, Jayanta Bhowmick for his guidance both on and off the field.

“A special mention to my childhood coach, Jayanta Bhowmick, who saw something in me long before I saw it in myself. Your guidance, both on and off the field, has been a blessing in my life. To my friends, ground staff, net bowlers, dressing room attendants, fans, scorers, well-wishers, critics, and journalists each of you played a role in my journey. Your support, encouragement, and even your criticism pushed me to be better, to work harder, and to never stop learning… This game has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It has been my passion, my teacher, my identity. As I walk away from the field, I do so with immense gratitude, carrying memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, cricket. Thank you all,” he concluded.

Thank You, Cricket. Thank You everyone. ???? pic.twitter.com/eSKyGQht4R

— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 1, 2025

Saha made his first-class debut in 2007, following that he has played 142 matches and 210 innings, scoring 7169 runs at a strike rate of 48.65 and an average of 41.43. He slammed 14 centuries and 44 fifties in the first-class cricket.

Earlier in November 2024, Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from international cricket. Saha last played for India in 2021 and has scored 1,353 runs in 40 Tests for India, with three centuries and six fifties in 56 innings. He has also played five ODIs for India.

India batter Shubman Gill on Saturday conceded that he has, of late, developed a tendency to lose focus after getting 25-30 runs in red-ball cricket, evidence of which was seen in a couple of his dismissals during the five-match Test series in Australia. Gill identified this as an area of concern soon after making a fine second-innings hundred for Punjab on the third day of their Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka. His 102-run knock, though, went in vain as Karnataka hammered the visitors by an innings and 207 runs. “Red-ball batting is a concern. Sometimes, I think with the red ball, in the matches that I play, I get very good 25-30 runs.

“I think in those moments, sometimes I put too much pressure on myself to be able to score big runs. I think that is not the way that I have grown up playing my game,” Gill said.

The elegant batter, who is a treat to watch when in full flow, added, “There is a certain zone that I am in, certain intent that I am in and sometimes I think I lose that because I put too much pressure on myself that I have to get a big run now that I am set.

“I think in those crucial moments, I sometimes lose my focus and concentration. I think it keeps you in the game all the time.

“As a person, I like to be involved in the game and what is happening. I think it brings out the best in me as a player when I am constantly involved in the game.” On the Indian team’s last tour of Australia, Gill made just 93 runs in six innings at an average of 18.60. He missed the series opener in Perth due to injury and was dropped for the Boxing Day Test at MCG.

This innings on Saturday will give him some confidence going forward.

“I think any innings that we play at any level, it’s very important to be able to get runs, get back in form and have that feel. When you are playing well, when you are in that zone, it’s important to stay in that zone as long as possible and that’s what I was trying to do when I was batting there.

He described the knock as “satisfying”, having got out off an inside edge in the first innings.

“I think this innings was very satisfying for me, the way I played. The first, I think, in 130 balls, I scored 40-odd runs, and they were bowling well and there was some help in the wicket as well. So, keeping that in mind, I think I was very satisfied with the way that I was playing.

“After the lunch, I just thought to play a little bit more of my shots. Also, the wickets were falling from one end. So, I wanted to make sure that I am getting some runs as well, playing some shots.” He said no amount of practice can give a player what he derives from playing in a competitive match at this level.

“I think if there is a chance, we must keep in mind that there is enough of a gap between the match and the next series that you are going to play. So, if there is enough gap, if there is 15-20 days between that, then I think it is very helpful to play the match because the match feels different no matter how much you practice.

“When you go out there playing at any level, there are certain aspects of your game that are challenged when you are playing a match. So, it is helpful.” Gill likened this surface to the one that was used for the Test match against New Zealand three months ago.

“I think the first inning when we batted, the wicket was quite damp. I think it was like the match that we played against New Zealand here. The only difference that I would say, there was a little bit more grass on this wicket.

“And in the second innings, I think it got a little easier to play your shots. In the first inning, the ball was stopping and seemed a bit too much to play the shots.

“In the second inning, the ball was still, I felt seaming, but it was still easier to play your shots because the ball was coming at a good pace.” Among the India stars returning to the domestic circuit, Gill was the lone centurion and played 171 balls for his knock.

Taking serious note of the rising incidents of stray dog attacks on children, the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed the Local Government and Rural Development Departments to conduct a census of stray dogs in all cities.

Expressing ‘deep concern’ over these incidents, the commission took suo-motu notice of the matter.

“The reports of stray dog attacks on children have been brought to the commission’s attention through media sources,” Kanwardeep Singh, the Chairman of the child protection body said in a press release.

Kanwardeep Singh highlighted that media reports have revealed alarming incidents, including the tragic deaths of two children within a week in Hasanpur village near Ludhiana due to stray dog attacks.

Similar incidents have been reported from various parts of Punjab, including Mohali, Zirakpur, Amritsar, Machhiwara Sahib, and Nabha, raising serious public concern.

He also urged immediate sterilization to prevent further incidents.

The Chairman further informed that he has written to the Administrative Secretaries of the Punjab Local Government Department and the Rural Development & Panchayat Department, urging them to implement the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, as notified by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, on March 10, 2023.

Kanwardeep Singh emphasized that timely implementation of these rules will help control the stray dog population and prevent further attacks on children.

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

Punjab skipper Shubman Gill endured a tough day as Karnataka posted a mammoth 475, built around Ravichandran Smaran’s maiden first-class double ton that put the hosts firmly in the driver’s seat in their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy match Friday. After a poor show with the bat on the opening day, it was another difficult day for Gill on the field as his bowlers failed to apply pressure on the opposition. Resuming on 199 for 4, overnight batter Smaran dominated proceedings with a superb 277-ball 203, almost single-handedly taking Punjab to the huge total.

Smaran’s knock was the highlight of the day, with the next best score being Abhinav Manohar‘s 34. Smaran anchored the innings as other batters chipped in with useful contributions before Karnataka were bowled out in 122.1 overs.

In their second innings, Punjab were 24 for 2 in 13 overs, and were trailing by 396 runs, with Gill holding the fort at 7 not out from 36 balls, and Jassinder Singh at the crease on zero.

Haryana’s Anuj Thakral shines with 6/31 against Bengal 

At Kalyani, Anuj Thakral’s brilliant spell of 6/31 helped Haryana dismiss Bengal for 124. The hosts, playing their must-win game, thus conceded a crucial 33-run first innings lead.

Haryana, who were dismissed for 157 in their first innings, reached 158 for 2 at stumps on Day 2, taking a 191-run overall lead.

Himanshu Rana (46) and Nishant Sindhu (26) were at the crease at the close of play.

Ton-up Abhishek and Aryan put UP in control 

In Patna, Uttar Pradesh took control with a commanding 417 for 2 on Day 2, having gained a 169-run first-innings lead over Bihar.

Abhishek Goswami was the star, falling just short of a double ton with a blistering 198 off 206 balls, including 29 fours and three sixes.

At stumps, Aryan Juyal remained unbeaten on 103, with Karan Sharma (37) giving him company.

Bihar had been bowled out for 248 in their first innings.

MP lead by 133 against Kerala 

In Thiruvananthapuram, Madhya Pradesh took a 133-run overall lead against Kerala, reaching 140 for 2 in 41 overs, after dismissing Kerala for 167 in 56.2 overs.

Skipper Shubham Sharma (46) and Rajat Patidar (50) anchored the innings, with the MP bowlers, Aryan Pandey (3/31) and Avesh Khan (3/43), doing the damage earlier.

Brief Scores: 

At Bengaluru: Punjab: 55 & 24-2 in 13 overs (Shubman Gill 7*; Prasidh Krishna 1/4) Karnataka: 475 all out in 122.1 overs (R Smaran 203; Mayank Markande 3/53, Jassinder Singh 3/66) 

At Kalyani: Haryana: 157 & 158-2 in 44 overs (Himanshu Rana 46*; Mukesh Kumar 1/32) Bengal: 124 all out in 40.2 overs (Abishek Porel 31; Anuj Thakral 6/31) 

At Patna: Bihar: 248 Uttar Pradesh: 417-2 in 91 overs (Abhishek Goswami 198, Aryan Juyal 103*; Nawaz Khan 1/25) 

At Thiruvananthapuram: Madhya Pradesh: 160 & 140-2 in 41 overs (Shubham Sharma 46*, Rajat Patidar 50*; MD Nidheesh 1/35) Kerala: 167 all out in 56.2 overs (Salman Nizar 36, Aryan Pandey 3/31, Avesh Khan 3/43).

In the attack, the woman sustained at least 15 wounds.

Citing the example of India’s ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill playing for his side, Punjab head coach Wasim Jaffer said the presence of senior stars in domestic circuit will be a “motivating” factor for young cricketers. Gill will turn out for Punjab against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match in Bengaluru from Thursday, and similarly other top stars such as Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are appearing in this round of the tournament.

“If you want to be an international cricketer, and you want to be successful, that is something youngsters need to learn from these guys (senior stars) as how they go about their game. It is quite motivating,” Jaffer told reporters here.

“In our case, if any youngster is coming into the side, he will see him (Gill) from close quarters. How he goes about his business, how he prepares, how he plays.

“When he is in the hotel, how does he prepare himself. It is quite a learning thing. I am sure a lot of young guys in our side will be doing that,” he added.

While Punjab will have the services of Gill, they will not have left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and opener Abhishek Sharma as the duo is a part of India’s T20I squad against England.

“We have gone through that throughout the season. Even in the Ranji Trophy, we lost Prabh Simran Singh, Nehal Vadhera, Ashdeep and Abhishek as they were away on a Emerging tour. In fact, Abhishek hasn’t played even a single Ranji Trophy this season.

“We are happy that they are playing for India. But as and when they are available, they always come and play, which is a good thing. And it (their absence) gives opportunity to the younger guys to come and show their mettle,” he added.

Punjab are currently fifth in the group and they are facing Karnataka in a must-win match, and Jaffer said it’s opportunity for the team to show their presence of mind under a pressure situation.

“Obviously, irrespective of where we are in the table, we are playing against a strong team, Karnataka. The pitch here looks like a wicket which is going to give you a result. It doesn’t look like a flat wicket.

“You want to play on a sporting pitch. But you need to look to win. We are going with that approach. We have got a very young side as well, but the good thing is that Shubhman is available. So, it is a good opportunity to showcase their skill against a good team,” he noted.