Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup? Gavaskar explains how Guwahati 101 helps his case
In an exclusive interaction with India Today, former India captain and cricket analyst Sunil Gavaskar analysed India's historic 400-plus run chase against the West Indies in Guwahati.
One of the biggest takeaways from the interview was Gavaskar's view on Rohit Sharma's chances of making India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said Rohit's century against West Indies "does absolutely no harm at all" to his chances, while also pointing to his hundred at Lord's and the approach he has adopted since the 2023 World Cup.
Describing Rohit as a "totally unselfish cricketer", Gavaskar said the former India captain looks to give the team a flying start by taking risks in the first 10 overs. He added that if Rohit continues batting the way he has at Lord's and against West Indies, he can produce more big hundreds and partnerships for India.
Parts of Maharashtra face severe drought conditions, prompting residents of Tulshi village in Solapur district to stage a unique protest by putting their village on sale in exchange for water. Residents have appealed to industrialists to buy the village and provide water. Despite the operational status of the Sina Mada Lift Irrigation Scheme drawing from the Ujjani Dam since 2000, water has yet to reach Tulshi, leaving villagers completely reliant on water tankers. The severe scarcity has triggered an acute livelihood crisis, leaving locals without jobs, farming income, or cash, while also preventing marriages in the parched hamlet.
Speaking at the India Today South Conclave, Andhra Pradesh Minister for HRD, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh addressed key national and state issues, including political controversies surrounding the Election Commission and Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls. He defended the institutional integrity of the poll panel, remarking that it is easy to blame the Election Commission after losing an election. Highlighting TDP's role as an ally of the NDA, he affirmed that the party raises concerns and gives constructive input internally. Lokesh outlined significant educational reforms in Andhra Pradesh, including transparent recruitment of sixteen thousand teachers and student tracking to prevent dropouts. Emphasising future readiness, he declared, "the education system has to be realigned with the requirements of Bharat of tomorrow, not of yesterday," underscoring efforts to introduce artificial intelligence and quantum computing to prepare youth for modern industry challenges.
In an interview with India Today, Congress General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain addressed the INDIA bloc's planned protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Responding to questions regarding alliance cohesion following the absence of key parties like DMK and AAP from recent meetings, Hussain asserted that opposition parties remain united against what he termed manipulations of the electoral process, stating, "They want the CEC to go." Addressing concerns over whether the INDIA bloc is driven entirely by Congress and Rahul Gandhi, Hussain maintained that leadership in both Houses naturally guides parliamentary strategy, while decisions remain collective. Refuting claims that the alliance convenes only during crises or lacks ideological foundation, Hussain emphasized, "It's an alliance of conviction," noting regular coordination among parties. He further stated that diverse sections of society, including youth, students, and farmers, are voicing strong dissatisfaction with the central government's policies and democratic track record.
