Rishabh Pant unleashed a Twenty20-style batting assault to blast India to an incredible three-wicket win in the fourth test decider on Tuesday (19) as Ajinkya Rahane's injury-ravaged tourists humbled Australia with a 2-1 series triumph.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Pant timed his innings to perfection in a 138-ball 89 as India galloped to a record 328-run chase at the Gabba, becoming the first team since the West Indies in 1988 to beat Australia at their Brisbane stronghold.
With regular captain Virat Kohli savouring fatherhood back home, India mowed down 145 runs after tea to claim a win against all odds when Pant smashed Josh Hazlewood to the long-off fence for four with 18 balls to spare.
"This is one of the biggest moments of my life now, and I'm happy that all the support staff and all my team mates supported me even when I wasn't playing," lefthander Pant said after being named Man of the Match.
"It's been a dream series.
"It was a fifth-day pitch and the ball was turning a bit. I thought I have to be disciplined with my shot selection."
Pant's stellar innings was only one of a slew of heroic efforts by the Indian side, with opener Shubman Gill (91) and a battered Cheteshwar Pujara (56) helping them mow down the total with defiant half-centuries.
Without a single first-choice bowler in Brisbane, India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, two years after beating Australia in the 2018-19 series Down Under, and also shot to the top of the World Test Championship.
This victory, however, was a greater achievement by far as the previous series saw Australia deprived of top batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner due to a ball-tampering scandal.
FAR CRY FROM ADELAIDE
The jubilant scenes at the Gabba were also a far cry from the Adelaide opener when India were bowled out for 36 and suffered a thrashing in three days.
Yet they rallied superbly to win in Melbourne and held Australia to a brave draw in the third test in Sydney.
Australia battled hard to claim late wickets on day five in Brisbane but questions will be asked about Tim Paine's captaincy, with the home side proving incapable of bowling India out on the fifth day for a second successive test.
"Absolutely disappointed," said Paine, who was jeered by sections of the crowd at the post-match presentation.
"We came here to win the test and the series, it's been a bit of a trend that we were found wanting in the key moments and completely outplayed by a tough Indian side that fully deserves the win."
Rahane will be the toast of India, however, and now holds an unbeaten record of four wins in five tests.
"It really means a lot to us. I don't know how to describe this victory. I'm just proud of all the boys," said Rahane.
"After Adelaide we didn't discuss about what happened, we just wanted to play our game, show good attitude, show good character on the field.
"Credit to Pujara, the way he handled the pressure was magnificent, and Rishabh was brilliant in the end."
Australia paceman Pat Cummins was named Player of the Series in a losing cause after taking 21 wickets.
Yet he and Australia's vaunted attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon will also be under scrutiny after failing on home pitches.
"Good hard day of test cricket today, I thought Rishabh and the whole Indian side played fantastically, took the game on and deserved the win," said Cummins.
"I would have liked the cracks to play a few more tricks, but it was a pretty good wicket."
KEY iPhone manufacturer Foxconn is investing £1.12 billion to increase its focus on India, as Apple continues shifting production away from China amid geopolitical and tariff-related concerns.
The Taiwanese company said its Singapore-based subsidiary had acquired 12.7 bn shares in its India unit, resulting in an injection of about £1.12 bn.
The Indian arm, called Yuzhan Technology India, manufactures smartphone components in Tamil Nadu, according to local media reports.
No other details were shared in the filing made by Foxconn with the Taiwan stock exchange on Monday.
India has been working to position itself as an alternative manufacturing destination to China.
Efforts by New Delhi to offer subsidies worth billions have helped boost local electronics manufacturing.
Foxconn’s latest move comes weeks after Apple CEO Tim Cook said he expected most iPhones sold in the United States to have “India as their country of origin”.
Experts say the gradual move from China to India helps Apple reduce risks linked to tariffs and geopolitical tensions, including those stemming from former US president Donald Trump’s trade policy.
Apple’s growing focus on India also drew criticism from Trump, who said last week he told Cook: “We’re not interested in you building in India... we want you to build here.”
Foxconn is also expanding its manufacturing operations more broadly in India.
Last week, the Indian government approved Foxconn’s proposal to build a semiconductor facility in northern India in partnership with the HCL Group.
According to a government press release, the HCL-Foxconn joint venture will invest about £324 million in the plant.
The facility will manufacture display driver chips used in smartphones, laptops, cars and other devices.
The press release said the plant is planned to handle 20,000 wafers – thin slices of semiconductor material – each month, with a designed output capacity of 36 million units per month.
India has offered financial support to companies setting up chip manufacturing facilities in the country to build a reliable supply chain and address national security concerns.
Looking for a fun, energetic, and inclusive way to stay fit in London? Bollywood Fitness Classes with Mevy are taking Highams Park by storm this May, offering women of all ages and fitness levels the chance to dance their way to health and happiness. Taking place at All Saints Church on Church Avenue, these sessions blend the colour, rhythm, and excitement of Bollywood music with high-energy dance workouts designed to boost both your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned dancer, these classes are the perfect midweek pick-me-up for any woman looking to move, groove, and glow.
Bollywood Fitness is a unique fusion of traditional Indian dance styles, contemporary moves, and cardio-based fitness routines. Led by the passionate and charismatic instructor Mevy, these classes are designed to get your heart pumping, lift your mood, and help you stay active in a way that feels more like a celebration than a chore.
Each class lasts around 60 minutes and features a full-body workout set to a playlist of iconic Bollywood tracks, from timeless hits to the latest chart-toppers. Expect upbeat choreography, friendly vibes, and an environment where every woman feels confident and supported—no matter her fitness level or dance background.
Location: All Saints Church, Church Avenue, Highams Park, London E4 9QZ Dates: Thursdays, May 22 and May 29 Time: Evening sessions (exact time available on booking site)
The venue is easily accessible by public transport and offers a warm, welcoming space perfect for letting loose and enjoying some “me-time” away from the daily grind.
These classes are designed exclusively for women and are open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to try something new, reconnect with your cultural roots, or just want a fresh way to stay active, Mevy’s Bollywood fitness classes offer a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
No previous dance experience is necessary—just bring your energy, a bottle of water, and a willingness to have fun!
Spaces are limited, and demand is growing fast! To secure your place for one or both sessions, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for “Bollywood Fitness Classes with Mevy.” Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Keep ReadingShow less
Aishwarya Rai and daughter Aaradhya land in France ahead of the Cannes 2025 red carpet event
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has once again touched down in France for the Cannes Film Festival, and this time, as always, her daughter Aaradhya is by her side. The duo was seen arriving at Nice Airport, where they were warmly received. A video of their arrival, now circulating widely online, captures Aishwarya chatting warmly with a greeter who hands a gift to Aaradhya before they head off.
Clad in a navy blue trench coat, Aishwarya kept it simple yet elegant. Aaradhya wore an all-black outfit and seemed at ease, exchanging smiles and laughter during the brief encounter at the airport. Despite recent speculation about whether Aishwarya would attend Cannes this year, especially after a video of her dancing with husband Abhishek Bachchan at a wedding in Mumbai, her airport appearance has laid all doubts to rest.
Fans quickly jumped into action online, sharing excitement over her return to Cannes. Comments ranged from “She is back!” to eager anticipation over her upcoming looks. However, not all responses were glowing, with some commenting on her choice of hairstyle.
Aishwarya is expected to walk the Cannes red carpet on 21 and 22 May, marking her 22nd year at the prestigious event. Her first appearance was in 2002 for the premiere of Devdas, where she made headlines arriving in a traditional gold saree, accompanied by Shah Rukh Khan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
As for Aaradhya, her presence at Cannes is no surprise. Aishwarya has often said that her daughter enjoys the experience, not just for the glamour but for the atmosphere and the people she’s grown familiar with over the years. She once shared that Aaradhya understands the significance of the festival and appreciates the world of cinema.
— (@)
This year’s Cannes also sees other Indian names on the guest list, including Payal Kapadia on the competition jury, and stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa promoting their film Homebound. Meanwhile, the restored version of Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri brings legends like Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal back to the spotlight.
With Aishwarya back on the red carpet, the countdown to her Cannes look has officially begun.
Keep ReadingShow less
Washington often imposes such visa restrictions without naming the individuals involved.
THE US State Department on Monday said it was imposing visa restrictions on owners and staff of travel agencies in India who it says knowingly facilitate illegal migration to the United States.
An unspecified number of individuals associated with these travel agencies are being subjected to visa bans under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The action is based on information collected by the US mission in India, according to department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Washington often imposes such visa restrictions without naming the individuals involved.
"We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks," Bruce said. She did not provide details on how the travel agents had facilitated illegal migration.
The action is part of a broader effort under president Donald Trump's administration to curb migration to the United States and deport undocumented immigrants already in the country.
The US embassy in New Delhi has also issued repeated warnings on its social media platforms, advising Indian nationals visiting the United States not to overstay their authorised period of stay. It warned that overstaying could lead to deportation and a permanent ban from entering the country.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Keep ReadingShow less
Taylor Swift’s voice echoes through The Handmaid’s Tale in a surprise Reputation (Taylor’s Version) debut
Taylor Swift’s long-awaited Reputation (Taylor’s Version) finally made its presence known, but not through a press release or streaming platform. Instead, it emerged through the eerie silence of Gilead. The re-recorded version of “Look What You Made Me Do” debuted unexpectedly in the opening scene of the latest episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, catching fans and viewers completely off guard.
The episode begins with Elisabeth Moss’s character, June Osborne, orchestrating a quiet but fierce act of resistance against the regime. As handmaids march through a war-torn street, Swift’s voice cuts through the chaos. The updated track underscores the rebellion, syncing perfectly with the tension and defiance unfolding on screen.
The original 2017 version of the song was a turning point in Swift’s career, born out of public backlash and a media storm. Its reappearance now, in a show about fighting back against oppression, feels deeply personal. Swift’s battle to reclaim her music mirrors the episode’s themes: reclaiming agency, rewriting narratives, and refusing to be silenced.
Moss, also an executive producer of the show, shared how this moment had been years in the making. She revealed she had always wanted to feature a Taylor Swift track but waited for the right moment. “This was it,” she said. “The song, the scene, the story, it all just clicked.” Moss also attended Swift’s Eras Tour last year with castmate Bradley Whitford, making her admiration for the singer no secret.
— (@)
For Swifties, this is the clearest sign that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is on the horizon. While fans have spotted hints in everything from merch updates to symbolic fashion choices, this full-length debut feels like the real beginning of the next chapter.
It also marks the latest move in Swift’s ongoing mission to re-record her early albums and reclaim ownership after the rights to her original masters were sold without her consent. So far, she’s re-released Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and *1989*, with Reputation and her debut album left.
Swift’s music has popped up in recent shows and documentaries, but this moment in The Handmaid’s Tale is her strongest re-entry into the Reputation era. It's less of a promo, more of a declaration. The gloves are off.