Indian bowlers started the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe convincingly. Mayank Yadav took a wicket on the very first ball, demonstrating his intentions. In this match, Ashok Sharma, who previously showed outstanding results for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, debuted for the Indian team. Many experienced bowlers were rested in this series, which allowed Ashok to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
Besides Mayank Yadav, known for his speed, Ashok Sharma attracted the attention of experts with his play. After making a splash in the IPL, demonstrating deliveries over 150 km/h and aggressive bowling, he finally got the opportunity to play for India. Ashok's path to the Indian team was not easy.
Ashok Sharma, hailing from the village of Rampur near Rajpura in Rajasthan state, came from a family with an unstable financial situation. Both Ashok and his elder brother liked cricket, but their father's salary was insufficient to cover the expenses of sports for two children. In this situation, Ashok's elder brother, Akshay Sharma, made an important decision by sacrificing his own dream for his younger brother. Ashok noted that his elder brother sacrificed his career, and without this, he would never have reached his current level.
At the IPL 2026 auction, Gujarat Titans acquired Ashok for 90 million rupees. He attracted everyone's attention with his speed. Against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ashok bowled a ball at a speed of 154.2 km/h, which was the fastest delivery of the season.
He also showed strong results in domestic cricket. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2025-26), Ashok Sharma became the most successful bowler, taking 22 wickets in 10 matches. During a Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai, when the team was in trouble, Ashok changed the course of the game by dismissing stars like Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, and Siddhesh Lad.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a fifteen-year-old player, attracted the attention of the entire cricketing world as the Indian team decided not to include him in the final T20I match against England.
This young batting talent broke Sachin Tendulkar's record, becoming the youngest player selected for the Indian national team and the youngest Indian representative across all formats. He is also a debutant for the country in Tests and the youngest in T20Is history.
Previously, Suryavanshi demonstrated impressive form for the Rajasthan Royals, scoring a total of 776 runs, including a century and a fifty, and becoming the tournament's top scorer by hitting a record 72 sixes.
However, this successful form did not translate to the international level. In the first three matches against England, he managed to score only 14 runs at Manchester, 13 in Nottingham, and 15 in Bristol.
In the final T20I match against England, India decided to drop Suryavanshi, which was a controversial move and drew dissatisfaction among cricket legends. Nevertheless, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer defended the decision during the post-match press conference.
Iyer stated that Suryavanshi had to give way to Sanju Samson, who, according to him, 'has won us so many series in the past.' He clarified that the management wanted to form a combination of left-handers and right-handers in the top order batting, leading to the pairing of Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
Great Indian cricket personality Sunil Gavaskar noted that the young player deserved another chance and mentioned that Suryavanshi appeared dejected, according to Indian media. Gavaskar added, 'I just hope someone puts a hand on his shoulder, some senior player, and says: 'Look, this is not the end'.' He also emphasized that if there was a chance to win the series, he would understand the need to give a chance to another player, but given the current scoreline (3-0), making an Indian victory impossible, Suryavanshi should have been kept in the squad.
Meanwhile, former player Mohammad Kaif, considered one of India's greatest fielders, expressed his bewilderment, stating that he 'has never seen such confusing Indian cricket management.' He addressed the team, noting that both Suryavanshi and Samson 'should receive confidence, not doubts in their minds.'
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu criticized the poor communication. He advised the team to 'take a little more care of him,' pointing out that Suryavanshi is a young player 'who will serve Indian cricket for 20–25 years.' Rayudu also noted that it is 'very important for the management to absorb all the negativity, soak up all the pressure, and keep such young people in a bubble of positivity,' according to Indian media reports.
The famous Bollywood actor Rajesh Sharma is in critical condition, fighting for his life in the hospital. His condition worsened after he was stung by an insect on the set of a Prabhas film. He is currently hospitalized in West Bengal.
Akshay Kumar, the renowned Bollywood actor, posted a message on X expressing deep concern for his friend Rajesh's condition. He shared that he learned about the insect bite Rajesh suffered during filming. Kumar wished him a speedy recovery, addressing the deity Mahadev. In his emotional post, he wrote: 'Get well soon, buddy, we still have so much to laugh together.'
Akshay Kumar also shared an old photograph with Rajesh, where both are shown laughing heartily. Both actors previously worked together on films such as 'Bhoot Bangla', 'Special 26', 'Lakshmi', 'Mission Ranganj', 'Toilet - Ek Prem Katha', and their joint performances were highly praised by audiences. Fans are also praying for Rajesh's quick return to the screen.
According to Bengali actress Sudipa Chatterjee, Rajesh was shooting the film 'Spirit' with Prabhas in Hyderabad. There, he was stung by an insect on his leg. The insect's venom began to spread seriously through the actor's body. Initially, the bite was not perceived as a threat, and Rajesh was not immediately taken to the doctor. After about six hours, Rajesh felt severe pain in his leg, and his health began to deteriorate rapidly.
Sudipa clarified that the infection quickly spread to his right leg, and the actor's condition continued to worsen. According to her, Rajesh's condition remains extremely serious, and he is in danger because the insect venom is gradually spreading through his body, worsening his situation. He is currently under constant medical observation.
In his career, Rajesh has worked in projects such as 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', 'Ishqiya', 'No One Killed Jessica', 'Chiller Part', 'Dithi Picture', 'B.E. Pass', 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns', 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story', and 'India's Most Wanted'.
