Every captain trusts his instincts but on June 25, 1983, Kapil Dev decided to go with the gut feeling of his senior seamer Madan Lal.
India's historic World Cup triumph is a part of the folklore.
On Wednesday (27) former skipper recollected how Lal, a medium pacer, who could barely hit 130 kmph during his playing days, literally took the ball from his skipper with the conviction that he can get the legendary Viv Richards out.
Madan before that over was dispatched disdainfully for three boundaries by Richards and West Indies were in pursuit of a modest target of 184.
Naturally, Kapil was apprehensive considering that Richards was literally toying with Lal's bowling. But rest as they say was history.
"Before that particular over, two-three fours were hit off Madan. So I went to Madan asked him to take a break and comeback after a few overs. To which Madan said 'Kapsi (that's how his teammates called him), you give me the ball. I have earlier dismissed Vivian Richards, I can do it once more," Kapil recalled.
"When a player is so confident, even though I was not too keen, I thought, let him bowl another over. They say, some things just happen for you and this happened with us," Kapil said.
Kapil also recalled that every player their role in the team's victory.
"In our hearts, we knew that our team was not the best in the business. Halfway through the tour, we realised that we had a team. When our team was picked, we did not have much confidence but once we started winning matches, everyone was more motivated and played like leaders."
India's top wicket-taker Roger Binny spoke about the Kapil Dev's 175 not out against Zimbabwe as the catalyst.
"Before we could finish our morning coffee, we were 17 for 5. I was the sixth batsman and captain was in. We had got 53 overs to go. We took the score to 77 and I got out and seventh wicket also fell. Till then Kapil did not hit any boundaries, then Madan came inside, he shared another 70 run partnership and got out. Kapil was playing in ones and twos.
Then (Syed) Kirmani came along and shared a 100 run partnership, of which 90 per cent runs were scored by Kapil Dev. You see the scorecard Kapil Dev - 175, the next batsman was 24. It was final few overs that we saw Kapil hitting some big sixes," recalled Binny.
Yashpal Sharma recalled Sir Garfield Sobers' comments that India were a team to watch out for.
Azad spoke at length about his delivery which foxed England batsman Ian Botham in the semi-final, which helped India to beat England.
"The ball remained low and turned. Kapil asked me either the ball can remain low or turn, how did both the things happen? 34 years have gone by, I still don't know how it happened," recalled Azad, who is now a politician.
Other members of the squad - K Srikanth, Sandeep Patil, Mohinder Amarnath, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Valson and team's manager PR Man Singh shared their memories on the win.
Vismaya Mohanlal to debut in Thudakkam, helmed by Jude Anthany Joseph.
The Malayalam film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas.
Mohanlal and Pranav Mohanlal posted heartfelt messages welcoming Vismaya to cinema.
Vismaya is also a published poet and visual artist with a book titled Grains of Stardust.
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s daughter, Vismaya Mohanlal, is stepping into cinema with Thudakkam, a Malayalam feature directed by 2018 filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph. The announcement, made on social media by her father and production house Aashirvad Cinemas, marks Vismaya’s formal entry into acting after years of working quietly as a poet and artist.
Vismaya Mohanlal transitions from poetry and art to acting in ThudakkamInstagram/mayamohanlal
Jude Anthany Joseph teams up with Aashirvad Cinemas for Thudakkam
The upcoming film Thudakkam is being produced by Aashirvad Cinemas, the renowned banner behind many of Mohanlal’s blockbusters. Director Jude Anthany Joseph, known for 2018: Everyone Is a Hero, said he felt a personal responsibility when entrusted with Vismaya’s debut.
“It’s a humble film, but one made from the heart,” he shared, promising to honour the trust shown by Mohanlal and his wife, Suchitra. Details about the film’s plot and cast remain under wraps, though early hints suggest an action-driven storyline, possibly tapping into Vismaya’s martial arts background.
— (@)
Vismaya Mohanlal brings her artistic journey to screen
Before venturing into films, Vismaya carved a creative path through literature and painting. In 2021, she published Grains of Stardust, a collection of poems and illustrations that offered glimpses into her introspective world. Written in a raw, spontaneous style, many of the poems were jotted down during subway rides or inspired by fleeting moments in nature.
Her brother, actor Pranav Mohanlal, encouraged her to compile them into a book. With both siblings now in the film industry, Thudakkam also adds to the growing list of second-generation talents in Malayalam cinema, including Dulquer Salmaan, Keerthy Suresh, and Kalidas Jayaram.
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The aim is to attract graduate-level or above workers, making several low-paid roles ineligible for visas. (Representational image: iStock)
THE GOVERNMENT on Tuesday introduced the first set of tougher immigration rules in the House of Commons aimed at reducing the recruitment of foreign skilled workers, including in the care sector. The new measures are described as a “complete reset” of the UK’s immigration system.
The proposed changes, originally outlined in an ‘Immigration White Paper’ in May, include raising the skills and salary thresholds for foreign workers — including those from India — ending overseas recruitment for care worker roles, and removing more than 100 occupations, such as chefs and plasterers, from the shortage occupation list that currently allows certain visa exemptions.
If approved by parliament, the changes will take effect from July 22. The aim is to attract graduate-level or above workers, making several low-paid roles ineligible for visas.
“We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years,” said home secretary Yvette Cooper.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK,” she said.
Cooper added that the tougher approach “values skills, tackles exploitation and ensures those who come to the UK make a genuine contribution”.
Changes to care sector recruitment and work visa salary thresholds
A statement tabled in the Commons by Home Office minister Seema Malhotra said that skilled workers already in the UK will not be subject to the new skill level requirement, which will mandate a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from July 22.
“Salary requirements for work visas are being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics data, ahead of an upcoming thorough review of salary requirements (including discounts) by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC),” Malhotra’s statement said.
From July 22, overseas recruitment for social care worker roles will close. New applications from abroad will no longer be accepted. However, transitional provisions will allow “in-country switching” for care workers already in the UK until July 2028.
The Home Office said the changes are meant to restore order to the points-based system by focusing on higher skills, fewer numbers and tighter controls. The department said this was an important step in reducing the UK’s dependence on lower-skilled overseas recruitment.
Temporary shortage list and next set of reforms
Only time-limited access below degree level will be allowed for certain roles included in a temporary shortage list of "critical roles". The independent Migration Advisory Committee has been asked to review this list, including the occupations, salary levels and benefits.
“Workers in occupations on the temporary shortage list will no longer be able to bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts. The occupations included on the list are time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain beyond that date if the independent Migration Advisory Committee recommend it,” the Home Office said.
Further changes proposed in the White Paper are also expected to be implemented by the end of this year. These include increasing the immigration skills charge on companies that employ foreign workers and tightening English language requirements for visa applicants.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Glen Powell stars in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man based on Stephen King’s dystopian thriller
• Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards in The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright.
• Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel and a remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film.
• Powell plays a desperate father competing in a televised death game to save his daughter.
• The action-thriller hits cinemas on 7 November 2025 via Paramount Pictures.
Glen Powell races against time in The Running Man, the latest high-stakes action film from director Edgar Wright. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, the story reimagines the cult 1987 film through a modern lens. Powell stars as Ben Richards, a working-class father who enters a violent, state-sponsored game show to fund his daughter’s medical treatment, but quickly becomes a national sensation and a symbol of rebellion.
Edgar Wright’s high-energy vision for Stephen King’s dystopia
Wright, known for Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, employs his signature fast-paced style here. The film is set in a bleak future where contestants, or “Runners,” must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins called “Hunters.” The entire ordeal is broadcast to a bloodthirsty audience, with each day increasing the prize money and the danger. Powell’s character gains unexpected popularity, forcing the game’s creators to reckon with the monster they’ve built.
Josh Brolin plays the charismatic yet ruthless producer Dan Killian, while Colman Domingo appears as host Bobby Thompson. The ensemble cast also includes Katy O’Brian as a fellow contestant, Lee Pace as a top-tier Hunter, and Michael Cera as a rogue insider aiding Richards.
Glen Powell’s rise continues with another genre-bending role
Following recent hits like Hit Man, Anyone but You, and Twisters, Glen Powell continues his streak with The Running Man. His role as Ben Richards combines grit, heart, and defiance, positioning him as a reluctant hero challenging a corrupt system.
The screenplay, co-written by Wright and Michael Bacall, blends action, satire, and social commentary. With a stellar cast and Wright’s kinetic direction, The Running Man is poised to be a major autumn release.
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The couple met on the members-only dating app Raya during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic
Morgan Riddle is an influencer and media personality with over 1 million followers.
She is known for popularising tennis among younger audiences.
Riddle and Fritz met on the dating app Raya in 2020.
She regularly travels with Fritz on tour and featured in Netflix’s Break Point.
Riddle has collaborated with Wimbledon and launched tennis-themed products.
Morgan Riddle, often referred to as Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend, has become a recognised figure in the tennis world, thanks to her growing media presence and efforts to modernise the sport’s image. As Fritz continues to climb the ATP rankings, currently sitting at World No. 5, Riddle is frequently seen supporting him courtside, including at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships in London.
A social media influencer with a tennis mission
Riddle has built a career as a full-time influencer and media personality, gaining popularity on Instagram and TikTok for her lifestyle, fashion and behind-the-scenes tennis content. Her viral videos, including one that aimed to “make tennis cool again,” have drawn both praise and criticism.
In the now-famous clip, Riddle explained how tennis works, described the annual tournament schedule, and spoke about her life travelling with Fritz. While some fans were critical, Fritz publicly supported her efforts, saying: “I 100 percent agree with everything in that video. I think what she did was awesome for our sport.”
A strong relationship in the spotlight
The couple met on the members-only dating app Raya during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. At the time, Riddle had just relocated to Los Angeles. Their first date involved takeout sushi and a horror film at home — a setting dictated by the lockdown restrictions of the time.
Riddle is frequently seen supporting him courtside, including at the 2025 WimbledonGetty Images
Despite busy schedules and constant travel, the couple have been together since 2020 and celebrated their three-year anniversary in June 2023. Riddle has said that maintaining their relationship takes teamwork and understanding, especially as they spend over 30 weeks a year on the road.
“We travel so well together,” she told PEOPLE magazine. “Both of us are very focused on what we’re doing… we’re very much immersed in each other, but also have our own things going on.”
From Minnesota to the global tennis stage
Riddle was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a hockey-loving household. Tennis was never part of her upbringing — in fact, she has joked about being “not athletic at all” and more involved in theatre and debate.
After studying English Language and Literature at Wagner College in New York, she entered the real estate sector before shifting to media and influencer marketing. She has since worked with outlets like the Food Network and Hollywire before committing full-time to content creation.
She has also worked as a model and in 2023 launched a tennis-themed jewellery line in collaboration with Lottie NYC.
Working with Wimbledon and growing tennis’ appeal
Riddle’s growing status within the sport led to a collaboration with Wimbledon in 2023, where she hosted a video series called Wimbledon Threads, interviewing fans about their fashion choices. She called the project a “huge” opportunity for being taken more seriously in the tennis world.
She has also used her platform to promote the sport among younger audiencesGetty Images
“To be recognised by a tournament of that prestige is just a big win for me,” she said. “That’s something that I’ve struggled with — especially with the older, more traditional tennis fan base.”
She has also used her platform to promote the sport among younger audiences, often sharing her travels to tournaments like the Laver Cup and the Nitto ATP Finals with her followers.
On screen and in the press
Riddle and Fritz both appeared in Netflix’s Break Point, the docuseries exploring professional tennis behind the scenes. Filmed by the creators of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, the show featured their journey and offered fans a glimpse into life on tour.
In August 2023, The New York Times profiled Riddle in an article titled The Most Famous Woman in Men’s Tennis, highlighting her unique position in the sport. She spoke about the pressures of public scrutiny, saying: “If his ranking had gone down, they’d say it’s my fault. The only time I really get nervous is when I see him getting nervous.”
Taylor Fritz's girlfriend continues to grow her profile
Morgan Riddle is an influencer and media personality with over 1 million followersGetty Images
As Taylor Fritz continues to perform at the highest level in men’s tennis, Morgan Riddle has carved out her own space within the sport. With a growing audience, strategic brand partnerships, and a shared goal of modernising tennis, she remains an influential figure in her own right, both on and off the court.
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Keir Starmer speaks during a reception for public sector workers at 10 Downing Street in London on July 1, 2025. (Photo by CARL COURT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer faced the most serious test of his leadership on Tuesday (1) as his government’s flagship welfare reforms came under fierce attack from within his own party.
The day was marked by emotional speeches, last-minute concessions, and a deep sense of division among Labour MPs, many of whom said the proposed changes would push vulnerable people into poverty
The atmosphere in the House of Commons as tense, with about 50 Labour MPs expected to vote against the bill, reported The Times.
The government, aware of the scale of the rebellion, was reportedly considering further concessions, including delaying the most controversial measures until after a full review of the welfare system.
One of the most contentious points was the introduction of a four-point threshold for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility, which critics said would deny help to those unable to wash or dress below the waist from November 2026
Marie Tidball, one of the only MPs with a visible physical disability, delivered a moving speech, saying, “It is with a broken heart that I will be voting against this bill today. As a matter of conscience, I need my constituents to know I cannot support the proposed changes to PIP as currently drafted. Low-level support like PIP helps disabled people, keeping us out of the dark corners of hospitals, prisons and social care settings.”
She warned that the changes could put about 150,000 people into poverty.
Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, has announced she will vote against the bill, citing deep concerns about its impact on disabled people.
Apsana Begum
Begum said, “When it comes to people’s lives and wellbeing, there can be no compromise. Politics should serve people – not the other way around.” She criticised the planned £3.5 billion cuts to disability benefits, calling them unacceptable.
The MP expressed strong opposition to what she described as a “two-tier system” that would force disabled people into greater hardship.
Begum also pointed out the anxiety felt by disabled constituents in her area, who have already endured years of austerity and hardship. “I say to them: I am with you,” she declared.
She also condemned other welfare measures such as the two-child limit and the “poisonous narrative” that blames people for their poverty. “My constituents voted for an end to austerity. They want a welfare system that supports people, not one that pushes into poverty,” Begum said.
“That’s why I’m voting against this cruel Disability Benefit Cuts bill”
Rebecca Long Bailey, a former Labour leadership contender, echoed these concerns. She said the planned cuts “will still push hundreds of thousands of vulnerable sick and disabled people into poverty,” adding that “existing claimants will live in fear that if the situation changes and they are reassessed, they could lose everything under the new system.”
Long Bailey criticised the government for rushing the bill through without proper consultation, warning that it would worsen human rights violations already highlighted by the United Nations
Dame Meg Hillier, who had initially led efforts to block the bill, withdrew her amendment after the government agreed to a “staggered approach.”
She told the Commons, “Divided parties do not hold power or government. If we want to power our government, if we want to see our values in this country, we have to vote for this today.” Yet she admitted that “there is still a lot to be done” to protect disabled people and those seeking work
Meanwhile, the government’s climbdown last week was prompted by a major revolt from Labour MPs who argued the original proposals went too far. More than 120 MPs had signalled their willingness to rebel, forcing ministers to water down the changes.
The new plan means the stricter criteria for sickness and disability benefits will only apply to new claimants, not those already receiving support
Secretary of state for work and pensions, Liz Kendall, presented the revised bill to parliament, but newly released government data estimated that even the watered-down reforms could push an extra 150,000 people into poverty.
This left some Labour MPs still reluctant to back the bill, with backbenchers exposing “so many holes in the government’s plans,” as one put it
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Times Radio, “We’re all trying to find a way to protect the most vulnerable people and get people back into work if they need it,” defending the government’s approach.
However, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch rejected the bill outright, calling it “a fudge” and saying, “A fundamental and serious programme to reform our welfare system is required, and this bill is not it."