Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Gujarat Titans in a thrilling IPL 2026 final. Both teams boast in-form captains, Rajat Patidar and Shubman Gill, and formidable batting line-ups. The contest promises a compelling clash of consistent teams, with RCB aiming for a second consecutive title and GT seeking to leverage home advantage.

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee revealed that Rahul Gandhi offered assistance for Abhishek Banerjee's medical treatment following an alleged attack in West Bengal. Gandhi condemned the incident as an assault on democracy, while the TMC blamed BJP-backed supporters, a claim the BJP denies.

The deal is likely to boost Afghanistan’s defence capabilities amid recent military tensions with Pakistan. Moscow is also seeking Taliban’s help to counter terror groups such as IS-K, which poses a threat to Central Asia, traditionally seen as Russia’s strategic backyard

Ghaziabad police have shot dead Asad, the main accused in the fatal stabbing of Class 11 student Surya Chauhan. Asad, who was on the run with a Rs 50,000 bounty, allegedly opened fire on police during an attempt to apprehend him. He succumbed to injuries at the hospital. An injured constable is also undergoing treatment.

At 36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is still outrunning younger pacers. While generations of fast bowlers have come and gone since his IPL debut in 2011, the RCB veteran remains a constant. TOI traces the fitness transformation, meticulous preparation and daily discipline that have helped him stay relevant in cricket's most demanding format for more than a decade.