KS News Desk
Guwahati, Nov 26 (PTI): Under-fire India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday said it was up to the BCCI to decide his future after the Test series whitewash against South Africa but also reminded everyone of the success the team has achieved in his eventful tenure.
Gambhir was speaking after the humiliating 408-run drubbing at the hands of South Africa in the second Test here Wednesday, which gave the visitors a 2-0 series sweep.
"It is up to the BCCI to decide. I have said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach. Indian cricket is important, I am not important. And I sit here and say exactly the same thing," Gambhir was terse as usual at the post-match press conference.
"And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I am the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I am sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand (home series whitewash last year). And I am the same guy who won the Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup as well," Gambhir reminded.
The combative response to the question on his future aside, Gambhir said he would not try to dodge the blame for the debacle against a very well-prepared South Africa.
"The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," he conceded in his first reactions after the 0-2 drubbing.
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he added.
Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of their 18 Tests, including whitewashes against New Zealand last year and South Africa now at home.
Gambhir has also attracted criticism for frequent changes in the team and his inclination to focus on all-rounders at the expense of specialists in the traditional format.
He insisted that in Test cricket, a man with limited talent but tough mindset can trump prodigal talent on any given day.
"Red ball cricket is a completely different challenge to white ball cricket. There needs to be a different skill set. And more importantly, there need to be tough characters that are important to be a successful Test side," the former southpaw said.
"You don't need the most skillful and the most flamboyant players to succeed in Test cricket. You need the toughest characters with limited skills who will go on to succeed in Test cricket, irrespective of how the conditions and what the situation is," Gambhir said.
Asked why India have not done well against quality spin attacks on slightly challenging tracks since the series against New Zealand, Gambhir insisted the team's core composition, which featured Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, was different at that time.
"Look, first of all, the series against New Zealand, we had a very different side," one could gauge where this was going.
"And this is a very different side. I am sure you guys cover a lot of cricket and I am sure when you see this batting line-up, the experience of that batting line-up to what this team has is chalk and cheese.
"So comparing everything to New Zealand is probably a wrong narrative," he was slightly agitated as he answered.
And then he went on to cite the inexperience of the current line-up.
"I do not give excuses. I have never done that in the past. I will never do it in the future as well. But four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Tests and they will grow. They are learning on the job and on the field," he said.
"Test cricket is never easy when you're playing against a top quality side. So you've got to give them time as well. So, for me, I think that is something they'll keep learning. Hopefully, they keep learning. That is important."
Transition is a word that he "hates" but acknowledged that this is exactly what the side is going through right now.
"They need time to keep getting better against quality attacks and against quality sides. Yes, this is a team which has less experience and I've said it before as well, they need to keep learning and they're putting everything possible to turn the tide," he said.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirās Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). āAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,ā he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.āIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,ā he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebās research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. āIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,ā he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. āIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,ā he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,ā he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. āMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,ā he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. āJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.ā āYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,ā he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 8:Ā The University of Kashmir (KU) has made the biometric attendance mandatory for the students of its affiliated colleges from Academic session 2026-27. The development comes in wake of the complaints about the thin attendance of the students in various private B.Ed colleges affiliated with the Kashmir University. A circular in this regardĀ has been issued by the Assistant Registrar Dean Colleges Development Council (DCDC) of the University. "All the Chairpersons and Principals of private affiliated colleges of the University of Kashmir are hereby informed that biometric attendance for all the enrolled students and staff has been made mandatory from the year 2026-27," the KU circular reads. The Principals of all the affiliated colleges have been directed to install biometric attendance machines in their respective institutions on or before the commencement of the Academic year 2026-27 under intimation to the Dean College Development Council of the University. "The college shall also ensure proper upkeep, maintenance, and systematic preservation of all biometric attendance records for future reference and verification," it reads. The Colleges have been directed to comply with this directive "without fail." The move comes in wake of the inspections conducted last year by the DCDC of KU in various B.Ed colleges where most of the students were found absent. An official said that there were complaints about the poor attendance of the students in B.Ed colleges. "The students do not attend their B.Ed classes regularly which defeats the purpose of the course," the official said. Earlier, DCDC of KU earlier barred the B.Ed students to appear in teh semester exams for falling short of attendance. The decision was taken in wake of the surprise inspection conducted by Dean College Development Council (DCDC) in various B.Ed colleges of Kashmir in June-July month of 2025 and several students were found absent from the classes. Following this, the students were directed to attend supplementary classes to complete the recommended attendance for appearing in their exams. Also, the exam of these students was deferred by few months.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has pulled up the officers vested with the powers of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) as their additional assignment, for indulging in administrative works, beyond their domain. As per the order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, the officers having additional DDO powers, have been reprimanded for going beyond their role of duties. "It has come to the notice of the DSEK that many officers of the department vested with DDOs powers are affecting transfers and doing administrative works having no authority to do so," the order reads. As per the order, all these DDOs holding charge in additional capacity have been asked to utilise the powers for the purpose of drawing and disbursing salary and other financial matters within the limits of the authority. "The officers shall not exercise any administrative powers particularly with respect to the transfer of staff," it reads. The DSEK has warned of disciplinary action in case of violation of the order by any officers. "Any deviation from the instant order shall be viewed seriously and invite disciplinary action," it reads.
KS News Desk Srinagar, Jan 7: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that growing depression and frustration among youth is pushing them towards taking the wrong steps. She said this while referring to the recent Red Fort blast incident. Mehbooba Mufti while speaking at a function marking the 10th death anniversary of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said the younger generation is grappling with uncertainty and lack of opportunities, which is having serious social consequences. Overcome with emotion during her address, Mehbooba Mufti broke down while remembering her father, describing him as a statesman who believed in peace, courage and people-centric politics. āOn the 10th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Sahab, we honour a leader whose legacy of reconciliation, courage and commitment to the people continues to inspire us,ā she said. She reiterated the need to address the concerns of youth and restore hope, stating that only meaningful engagement and inclusive politics can prevent alienation. (KNC)
New Delhi, Jan 8: A prominent member of India's shooting coaching staff, Ankush Bhardwaj has been suspended by the national federation over the accusations of sexual harassment leveled by a minor shooter. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) has confirmed that an FIR has been filed against Bhardwaj in Faridabad. "NRAI has suspended him and we will issue a show-cause notice," NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia said. "He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity," he added. Bhatia said NRAI had recommended Bhardwaj for a place in the 37-strong coaching team after the Paris Olympics in 2024. "It was on the recommendation of the NRAI that he was appointed by SAI as one of the coaches. It is a case of sexual harassment which happened in Surajkund," said Bhatia. Bhatia did not say when the incident took place but according to the FIR filed by the victim, she was targetted last month after a training session at the Karni Singh Range. The girl, who has been training with Bhardwaj since August last year, stated that she was left traumatised by the incident and spoke up in front of her mother on January 1 after being persistently probed. Bhardwaj, a former pistol shooter, had served a doping ban in 2010 for the use of a beta-blocker during his competitive days. (PTI)
KS News DeskĀ Baramulla, Nov 7: Anantnag Rebels on Friday clinched the title of General Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Womens Premier League (KWPL) 2025 by defeating Game Swingers Baramulla on Home ground- General Bipin Rawat stadium Baramulla.The cricket tournament commenced on October 29 of 2025 with the participation of 16 teams including eight professional teams and eight teams from the amateur side.The cricket tournament was organised in the memory of Indias first Chief of Defence Staff, Late General Bipin Rawat which was jointly supported by the Indian Army, Baramulla Cricket Forum, and District Administration Baramulla."It was a collective effort to and commitment for promotion of peace, cricketing talent and inclusion through sports," one of the organisers said.During the finals, Anantnag Rebels emerged as victorious by defeating Game Swingers Baramulla by nine wickets.While setting the target Baramulla scored 140 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 20 overs.While chasing the target the openers from Anantnag Rebels made a good start which helped theĀ team to lift the victory easily against the opponents.Anantnag Rebels chased the score in 15 overs and lost only one wicket.Rubiya from Anantnag Rebels was felicitated as the Best batter, Man of the Match and Player of the tournament.Meanwhile, in the Amateur League, Army Goodwill School (AGS) Uri lifted the trophy by defeating, government girls higher Secondary School Baramulla.Sania Rashid was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for her extraordinary performance.The finals and post match presentation ceremony was attended by GOC Dagger Division Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh.Ā Other senior officers from the Indian Army, youth leader Touseef Raina and other senior citizens from Baramulla town were also present at the occasion.In his address, chairman Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF) Abdul Khaliq Wani said the General Bipin Rawat Memorial KWPL has captured the spirit of Kashmir."The enthusiasm and skill shown by these young women reflect a bright future for sports in the Valley," he said.
KS News DeskĀ Srinagar, Jul 26: The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports under-19 girls football tournament commenced at Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) Srinagar.The inaugural day witnessed an action-packed start with three matches played, setting the tone for the tournament which will continue for two weeks.In the inaugural matches, Comrade F C maintained dominance throughout the game and scored 15 goals against team of Woodlands School who could not score a single goal till the last minutes of the game.In another match, Downtown Heroes displayed their dominance by defeating SRM Welkin school by scoring six goals. The opponent team did not score a single goal in the match.In the last match of the day, team from Kashmir Harvard school defeated GVEI with 20 win.Speaking on the occasion, Chairman GVEI Mohammed Yusuf Wani, expressed his delight for hosting the tournament event.It is a privilege for our school to provide a platform for young girls to showcase their talent in football. Such tournaments are vital in nurturing sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence among our youth. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote holistic growth through sports, he said.