Coming into the competition with promise but limited international exposure, Abhishek made it count when it mattered most. His aggressive, high-risk style of batting helped India clinch their ninth Asia Cup title, and his performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award: 314 runs in seven matches at a strike-rate of 200.

What stood out wasn’t just the numbers, but the freedom with which he played—a freedom made possible, he said, by the trust shown by captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

“I have never felt that this is a pressure match. We have prepared all the matches equally,” Abhishek said after the final. “Surya bhai and GG ji have given me confidence. When you want to play like this [high-risk cricket], you have to accept ups and downs. The way they talked to me during those moments made all the difference.”

A Long Journey to Overnight Success

Abhishek’s road to the top wasn’t without its detours. Part of India’s 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning squad alongside Shubman Gill, his post-U19 career didn’t follow the same rapid upward trajectory. Struggles in the IPL with Delhi Capitals and an inconsistent domestic run kept him on the fringes.

But now, he sees that phase as a necessary learning curve.

“Some players have a straight path, but I experienced everything. If success had come straight away, I wouldn’t have learned as much. I got more time to work on my game—and many don’t get that chance.”

Learning from Suryakumar Yadav

Much of Abhishek’s current confidence comes from observing Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership—particularly how the captain stays emotionally balanced, regardless of performance.

“Even when Surya bhai scores a century, he laughs and talks the same way. Even when he gets out early, he still lifts the team. That’s what I want to learn: how to stay grounded and enjoy everything, even in T20s where the highs and lows are so quick.”

Looking Ahead

With a breakthrough tournament behind him, Abhishek Sharma is not resting on his success.

“I think this is just the beginning of our team and there is a lot more to come.”

India may have found in Abhishek not just a match-winner, but a fearless cricketer shaped by challenges and guided by strong leadership—ready to take on the world.

The post Abhishek Sharma’s Asia Cup Breakout: “This Is Just the Beginning” appeared first on India Podcast.

These tender green leaves are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, and essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. Their high antioxidant content helps fight oxidative stress, while anti-inflammatory properties support heart health and reduce inflammation. Moringa is also known for improving energy levels, gut health, and even skin and hair.

According to a study published by PMC, the leaves’ therapeutic effects are linked to their ability to modulate immune cell signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB pathway, which plays a key role in inflammation and immune response.

To help you get the most out of these super leaves, here are five immunity-boosting foods you can combine with moringa leaves:

1. Turmeric

Combining moringa with turmeric boosts its anti-inflammatory effects. Both have strong antioxidant properties and support the body’s immune defense system. Add them to soups, teas, or golden milk for a healing drink.

2. Ginger

Ginger’s antiviral and antibacterial properties complement moringa’s immune-boosting potential. Blend fresh ginger and moringa into smoothies or stir them into warm herbal teas for cold and flu relief.

3. Garlic

Raw garlic is known for its antimicrobial benefits. Mixing chopped garlic with moringa in salads or sautéed dishes supports respiratory health and improves gut immunity.

4. Lemon

Vitamin C from lemon enhances iron absorption from moringa and strengthens immunity. Squeeze fresh lemon over a moringa salad or mix into a moringa-lemon detox drink.

5. Yogurt

Yogurt adds probiotics that help balance the gut microbiome—key to a strong immune system. Stir finely chopped moringa into plain yogurt for a refreshing side dish or raita.

The Right Way to Consume Moringa Leaves

• Fresh: Wash and add to salads, soups, or stir-fries.

• Powdered: Mix into smoothies, herbal teas, or warm milk.

• Steamed: Light steaming retains nutrients and reduces bitterness.

• Avoid Overcooking: Excessive heat can destroy delicate vitamins and antioxidants.

Start with small amounts (1–2 teaspoons of powder or a handful of leaves) and gradually increase as your body adapts.

The post 5 Foods to Combine with Moringa Leaves for a Stronger Immune System appeared first on India Podcast.

“We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people,” said PM Modi in a statement shared in Hebrew, Arabic, English, and Chinese on social media.

The peace proposal includes the creation of a “Board of Peace”, which will temporarily supervise governance in Gaza. The board will be chaired by President Trump and include international leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces based on a phased process tied to demilitarization benchmarks.

The Board of Peace will oversee Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform program enabling it to take over governance securely and effectively. The framework aligns with earlier peace efforts, including Trump’s 2020 proposal and the Saudi-French peace plan.

Following Modi’s endorsement, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar highlighted potential opportunities for India in Gaza’s reconstruction.

“Gaza will need a lot of rebuilding, and there will be opportunities worth dozens of billions of dollars. India has the capability to deliver large infrastructure projects, and we welcome their involvement,” Azar said during a media briefing in New Delhi.

India has long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the Ministry of External Affairs has not yet clarified how that policy aligns with the temporary international governance of Gaza envisioned in Trump’s new plan.

India’s proactive endorsement marks a notable development in its West Asia policy, signaling increased willingness to engage in post-conflict stabilization efforts in the region.

The post Modi Welcomes Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan; Israel Invites India to Join Billion-Dollar Reconstruction appeared first on India Podcast.

The study, which analyzed electronic health records from over 465,000 pediatric patients, found that the risk of long COVID doubled in children who were reinfected with COVID-19 compared to those who had only been infected once. This finding directly challenges the widespread perception that COVID-19 is always mild in children or that reinfections are less dangerous.

Among the many long COVID complications observed, myocarditis—inflammation of the heart muscle—was the most prominent. The risk of myocarditis tripled following a second COVID infection. Additionally, blood clots were more than twice as likely to occur after reinfection. Other health issues tied to long COVID after reinfection included kidney damage, irregular heartbeats, headaches, abdominal pain, and severe fatigue.

“These results further support one of the strongest reasons I give patients, families and physicians about getting vaccinated: More vaccines should lead to fewer infections, which should lead to less long COVID,” said Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, co-author of the study and Head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

The research was conducted during the period when the Omicron variant was dominant, spanning from January 1, 2022, to October 13, 2023. The study is part of the NIH’s RECOVER Initiative, a nationwide effort involving 40 U.S. children’s hospitals and institutions dedicated to understanding the long-term effects of COVID.

“The level of coordination, data sharing, and analysis requires massive infrastructure and sustained support,” said Dr. Yong Chen, senior author and Director of PennCIL at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

This study is the first and largest longitudinal investigation into long COVID in children and teens following reinfection. Going forward, researchers aim to track patients over longer periods, assess how emerging variants might influence long COVID risks, and explore prevention strategies to reduce severe outcomes in the pediatric population.

The post Reinfection Doubles Risk of Long COVID in Children, Large NIH Study Finds appeared first on India Podcast.

After India’s five-wicket win in the final, Agha announced that the Pakistan team would donate their match fees to civilians allegedly affected by India’s Operation Sindoor—a precision strike by Indian forces targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was carried out in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.

“We, as a team, are donating our match fees to our civilians and our children who were affected in the Indian attack that happened (Operation Sindoor),” Agha said during the press conference.

The comment came shortly after India captain Suryakumar Yadav had announced that he was donating his match fees to the Indian Army and the families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack.

“I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts. Jai Hind,” Suryakumar posted on X.

Sources quoted in the report suggest that BCCI considers Agha’s remarks not only controversial but also politically motivated. The board believes the statement violates the players’ code of conduct, touches on a sensitive bilateral issue, and could attract international scrutiny.

The controversy deepens with Agha also backing ACC and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s decision to retain the Asia Cup trophy after India refused to accept it from him.

“If you don’t accept the trophy from the ACC president, how will you get it?” Agha stated, indirectly criticizing India’s post-match stand.

With tensions already running high between the two cricket boards due to the trophy presentation standoff, Agha’s comments could further strain relations. The BCCI is expected to raise this matter formally, possibly at the upcoming ICC conference in November.

The post BCCI to File Complaint Against Pakistan Captain Salman Agha Over Political Remarks appeared first on India Podcast.

The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is both the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Naqvi insisted that it was his sole right to present the trophy, but the Indian players and management flatly declined to receive it from him.

This unusual situation delayed the presentation ceremony by over 45 minutes. Despite efforts from the ACC and Emirates Cricket Board to find a compromise—such as involving neutral figures like ECB chairman Khalid Al Zarooni or BCB president Aminul Islam—Naqvi remained firm. The Indian team eventually accepted only individual awards sponsored by the event’s partners. The team trophy remains unclaimed.

Following the incident, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed India’s position:

“We will not take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who is also a key Pakistani leader. It’s very unfortunate and unsporting. We’ll raise a strong protest at the upcoming ICC meeting in November.”

The issue escalated further after Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a congratulatory message to the Indian team, calling the win “#OperationSindoor”. Naqvi’s response—geoblocked in India—linked sports to war and accused India of mixing politics with cricket.

Tensions between India and Pakistan had been simmering even before the match. Pakistan had demanded their own representative at the toss, which led to both Ravi Shastri and Waqar Younis conducting pre-match interviews with their respective team captains.

Naqvi had previously stayed away from a similar ceremony at the ICC Champions Trophy final, but this time, expecting a Pakistan win, he was present and prepared to present the trophy.

The BCCI has confirmed it will escalate the matter at the ICC conference in Dubai in early November. But before that, an ACC meeting on September 30 may provide the first formal setting for both parties to address the controversy. However, uncertainty looms over whether BCCI will attend, as the Women’s World Cup also begins that day.

The Indian camp had even considered a workaround—having a foreign coach like Morne Morkel collect the trophy—but the idea was lost in the post-match confusion.

The ceremony ended awkwardly, with host Simon Doull announcing:

“I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight.”

With the medals and team trophy still not officially handed over, and with no plans for a formal ceremony, the situation remains unresolved.

The post Cricket Takes a Hit: Asia Cup Final Marred by Political Trophy Row appeared first on India Podcast.

As of two days before the match, the pitch featured a lush, even grass layer. While some of it may be trimmed before the toss, around 4 to 5 millimeters of grass is expected to remain. This is unusual for Indian conditions, where pitches typically favor spin.

The decision to keep more grass on the pitch is largely due to the nature of the red soil being used. Red-soil pitches can offer good bounce and carry when supported by grass. However, without that grass cover, they tend to break down quickly and turn into spin-friendly dustbowls, as seen during India’s Test against New Zealand in Mumbai last year.

Additionally, recent rainy weather in Ahmedabad has played a role in preserving the green look of the pitch. Rain over the weekend meant the surface was under covers for most of Sunday and Monday. Conditions improved by Tuesday, allowing both teams to train without interruption.

There is a forecast of rain on the first day of the Test, but the weather is expected to clear up during the rest of the match. Injuries to some of West Indies’ frontline pace bowlers might influence how much India chooses to take advantage of the seam-friendly conditions.

The post Green Pitch Awaits India and West Indies in Ahmedabad Test appeared first on India Podcast.

The announcement was made by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on Monday, citing the gang’s involvement in creating fear, violence, and intimidation within Canadian diaspora communities.

Why Was the Bishnoi Gang Blacklisted?

According to Canadian officials, the Bishnoi gang, run by Lawrence Bishnoi, a 32-year-old Indian gangster currently imprisoned, functions as a transnational criminal organization. Though primarily based in India, the gang allegedly maintains a presence in Canadian cities with large South Asian populations.

In 2023, Canadian police accused members of the Bishnoi network of engaging in:

• Targeted homicides

• Extortion

• Drug and arms trafficking

• Violent intimidation of pro-Khalistan activists

Authorities also claimed that some gang members may have been used as proxies by Indian intelligence agents — a claim India denied, citing lack of evidence.

What the Terrorist Designation Means

With the gang now listed as a terrorist organization:

• The Canadian government gains powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and restrict financial transactions.

• Law enforcement can prosecute offences related to terrorist financing, recruitment, and travel.

“Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence, and intimidation by the Bishnoi gang,” said Minister Anandasangaree.
“Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and stop their crimes.”

Background on Lawrence Bishnoi

In India, Lawrence Bishnoi is a high-profile gangster suspected of running a 700-member crime network from inside prison. He has been linked to:

• Drug and arms smuggling

• Extortion of celebrities

• Contract killings, including the 2022 assassination of singer Sidhu Moosewala

India has labeled him a serious threat to national security.

Context: Canada-India Tensions

This designation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore strained ties between India and Canada, especially following the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

• Canada accused India of involvement in the killing, leading to diplomatic fallout.

• India has denied any role, and bilateral relations were frozen for months.

• Recently, both countries have appointed new high commissioners and resumed security cooperation talks.

Last week, Canada’s national security adviser Nathalie Drouin confirmed that India has committed to non-interference and cooperation in ongoing investigations.

The post Canada Lists India’s Bishnoi Gang as Terrorist Entity, Freezes Assets and Seizes Property appeared first on India Podcast.

During the tense chase of 147 runs in the final, India suffered an early collapse, losing three wickets for just 20 runs, including key batters Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Just when things looked bleak, Tilak Varma stepped up with a brilliant 69 off 53 balls, stabilizing the innings and guiding India to a comfortable win.

Rauf’s Costly Spell

While praising Tilak Varma’s composure under pressure, Ashwin couldn’t resist poking fun at Haris Rauf’s expensive bowling spell.

“Thanks to Haris Rauf, we won the match easily,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Tilak Varma absolutely stole the show. He has veins of ice. Outstanding knock.”

Rauf, who had previously made headlines for his aggressive behavior during the Super 4 match, leaked 50 runs in just 3.4 overs in the final, becoming Pakistan’s most expensive bowler of the match.

Ashwin also highlighted Tilak’s ability to handle pressure and adapt to pitch conditions:

“He read the bounce well and started playing square of the wicket. People think hitting Rauf for six is easy — but it’s not.”

Praise for Indian Spinners

Ashwin didn’t stop at the batting heroics. He also credited spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who together picked up six wickets and played a crucial role in halting Pakistan’s early momentum.

“Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave them a good start. But this is where the difference lies. Sri Lanka play spin well. Pakistan don’t always handle big-match pressure,” Ashwin commented.

He emphasized that while Pakistan has capable players of spin, the pressure of high-stakes matches often proves to be their undoing.

The post “Thanks to Haris Rauf”: R Ashwin Mocks Pakistan Pacer After India’s Asia Cup 2025 Victory appeared first on India Podcast.

What’s Causing the Heavy Rain?

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the downpour is a result of a complex weather pattern currently active over western and northern India.

Here’s what’s happening:

• A low-pressure area has developed in the region.

• From this, two troughs (elongated zones of low pressure) are extending —

  • One moves eastward toward southeast Uttar Pradesh

  • Another stretches northwest toward Rajasthan

These troughs act like weather highways, pulling in moisture-laden winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The convergence of moist air from both directions leads to intense cloud formation and localized but heavy rainfall.

Impact on Delhi-NCR

The sudden showers brought both relief and disruption:

• Waterlogging was reported in multiple low-lying areas.

• Traffic jams were worsened by festival season crowds.

• Public transportation delays were also common.

The IMD has not issued warnings for a prolonged wet spell but forecasts intermittent rain over the next couple of days.

Why September Sees This Kind of Weather

September in North India often marks a transitional phase as the southwest monsoon begins to withdraw. However, retreating monsoons can still bring sudden, intense showers — especially when multiple troughs align and moisture sources are active.

Meteorologists stress that such episodes underline how interconnected regional weather systems are. Moisture from both seas (Arabian and Bay of Bengal) is funneled into the Indo-Gangetic plains, triggering sudden downpours in areas like Delhi-NCR.

Why Was Delhi-NCR Hit So Hard?

• Dense urban infrastructure means less room for water drainage.

• The convergence of moisture happened directly over the region.

• Festive traffic added to the chaos, leading to major delays.

The rains may have been short-lived, but their intensity and timing made a major impact.

The post What’s Behind the Sudden Spell of Heavy Rain in Delhi-NCR? Here’s the Science appeared first on India Podcast.