As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, take a look at our special series India at 75 where we count major events from India since 1947.

India at 75: Crowd greets Gandhi in Indian city of Ahmedabad in year 1931

<p>The IPL 2022 edition is not even halfway through but it has given cricket fans plenty to cheer for courtesy of many twists and turns, last-over finishes, low as well as high-scoring thrillers among the ten franchises. While Maharashtra is hosting the league stage, it is reported that the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad is set to host the season finale. Meanwhile, the playoffs venues will be Lucknow or Kolkata.</p>

<p>"IPL final will be played in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Discussions are on to decide the hosts for play-offs with a divide between Lucknow and Kolkata as options. BCCI to decide soon between the two cities. While one section believes it should be Lucknow for being the new entrant, others believe Kolkata should also get important matches," a source told&nbsp;<em>Times Now</em>. Nonetheless, it is to be noted that an official call on the matter is yet to be taken by the BCCI as well as the IPL Governing Council.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rcbs-2635-to-ms-dhoni-led-csks-run-fest-vs-punjab-top-five-team-totals-in-ipl-history-470280"><strong>From RCB's 263/5 to MS Dhoni-led CSK's run-fest vs Punjab: Top five team totals in IPL history</strong></a></p>

<p>So far, the season has lived upto expectations. The biggest surprise has been two of the most successful franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are yet to open their respective accounts in the tournament whereas Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) form the top three in the points table. Meanwhile, the two new teams such as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have also started well to be a part of the top five after match 21.</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see which four sides make it to the playoffs and further progresses ahead to play the summit clash.</p>


The IPL 2022 edition is not even halfway through but it has given cricket fans plenty to cheer for courtesy of many twists and turns, last-over finishes, low as well as high-scoring thrillers among the ten franchises.

The IPL 2022 edition is not even halfway through but it has given cricket fans plenty to cheer for courtesy of many twists and turns, last-over finishes, low as well as high-scoring thrillers among the ten franchises. While Maharashtra is hosting the league stage, it is reported that the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad is set to host the season finale. Meanwhile, the playoffs venues will be Lucknow or Kolkata. "IPL final will be played in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Discussions are on to decide the hosts for play-offs with a divide between Lucknow and Kolkata as options. BCCI to decide soon between the two cities. While one section believes it should be Lucknow for being the new entrant, others believe Kolkata should also get important matches," a source told Times Now. Nonetheless, it is to be noted that an official call on the matter is yet to be taken by the BCCI as well as the IPL Governing Council. ALSO READ | From RCB's 263/5 to MS Dhoni-led CSK's run-fest vs Punjab: Top five team totals in IPL history So far, the season has lived upto expectations. The biggest surprise has been two of the most successful franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are yet to open their respective accounts in the tournament whereas Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) form the top three in the points table. Meanwhile, the two new teams such as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have also started well to be a part of the top five after match 21. It will be interesting to see which four sides make it to the playoffs and further progresses ahead to play the summit clash.

IPL 2022 final in Ahmedabad; toss-up between Lucknow, Kolkata for playoffs venues - Report

<p>Gujarat Titans have announced that they will host their inaugural event at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>As it is the world's largest cricket stadium and the team's home ground, the event will echo the spirit of the Gujarat Titans and the legacy of the state they represent.</p>

<p>The event will be graced by the players, partners and other dignitaries.</p>

<p>Gujarat Titans will set another benchmark with the launch of the team jersey during this event, designed to elicit active fan engagement.</p>

<p>Building on its logo launch, the jersey launch will also be a trendsetter for India's sporting community.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-a-text-message-i-will-never-delete-adam-gilchrist-reveals-his-last-chat-with-shane-warne-461052">It's a text message I will never delete: Adam Gilchrist reveals his last chat with Shane Warne</a></p>

<p>As one of the latest entrants into the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gujarat Titans have been creating a lot of buzz with their team building and the pioneering efforts they have taken in terms of fan engagement.</p>

<p>Signing up of Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan in January 2022 followed by the selection of a host of international and domestic stars at the auction, has created a well-balanced squad with a mixture of youth and experience.</p>

<p>The team is all set for its debut season which will be preceded by a pre-season camp at its iconic home stadium at Ahmedabad.</p>


Gujarat Titans have announced that they will host their inaugural event at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. As it is the world's largest cricket stadium and the team's home ground, the event will echo the spirit of the Gujarat Titans and the legacy of the state they represent.

Gujarat Titans have announced that they will host their inaugural event at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. As it is the world's largest cricket stadium and the team's home ground, the event will echo the spirit of the Gujarat Titans and the legacy of the state they represent. The event will be graced by the players, partners and other dignitaries. Gujarat Titans will set another benchmark with the launch of the team jersey during this event, designed to elicit active fan engagement. Building on its logo launch, the jersey launch will also be a trendsetter for India's sporting community. ALSO READ: It's a text message I will never delete: Adam Gilchrist reveals his last chat with Shane Warne As one of the latest entrants into the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gujarat Titans have been creating a lot of buzz with their team building and the pioneering efforts they have taken in terms of fan engagement. Signing up of Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan in January 2022 followed by the selection of a host of international and domestic stars at the auction, has created a well-balanced squad with a mixture of youth and experience. The team is all set for its debut season which will be preceded by a pre-season camp at its iconic home stadium at Ahmedabad.

IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans to host its inaugural event at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

<p>The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded event, which took place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The ten franchises went on a buying spree and added quite a few big names to strengthen their respective squads for the upcoming IPL 15 edition, set to be held in India in March-May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the Gujarat Titans (GT), the newly-formed IPL franchise along with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they also added some big names in their roster ahead of the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. After adding the likes of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan along with opener Shubman Gill, as&nbsp;their three initial picks, the GT franchise did a good job in their maiden IPL auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kolkata-knight-riders-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-shreyas-iyer-joins-galaxy-of-knights-cummins-returns-453041"><strong>Kolkata Knight Riders complete squad for IPL 2022: Shreyas Iyer joins Galaxy of Knights, Cummins returns</strong></a></p>

<p>The Gujarat franchise have roped in the likes of&nbsp;Lockie Ferguson, Jason Roy, David Miller Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, Alzarri Joseph, etc., along with investing in a host of inexperienced as well as some uncapped players --&nbsp;&nbsp;Gurkeerat Singh, Yash Dayal, Darshan Nalkande.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the whole squad, Hardik, Rashid, Jason Roy, Md Shami, Gill remain one of their biggest stars and signings. Towards the fag end of the mega auction, the think-tank also added two good wicketkeeper-batters in Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is safe to say that Gujarat didn't spend a lot on various players, and bought them for a cheaper price, they would be satisfied with their first outing at the auction as they now have a host of all-rounders (Vijay Shankar,&nbsp;Dominic Drakes and Jayant Yadav) and good international pacers in their mix.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the mega auction, their biggest signings were NZ pacer Ferguson (INR 100 million) and ex-Rajasthan Royals' (RR) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia (INR 90 million). Overall, Hardik and Rashid remain the most expensive players for the Gujarat franchise (both coming in at INR 150 million).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-to-captain-pace-heavy-line-up-453152"><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Complete squad of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2022:</strong></p>

<p>Jason Roy,&nbsp;Abhinav Sadarangani, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Yash Dayal,&nbsp;Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, Varun Aaron, Rahul Tewatia, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Darshan Nalkande, Gurkeerat Singh Mann,&nbsp;Sai Sudarshan</p>

<p><strong>Squad strength:</strong> 23 (15 - India, 8 - overseas)</p>


The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded event, which took place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The ten franchises went on a buying spree and added quite a few big names to strengthen their respective squads for the upcoming IPL 15 edition, set to be held in India in March-May.

The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded event, which took place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The ten franchises went on a buying spree and added quite a few big names to strengthen their respective squads for the upcoming IPL 15 edition, set to be held in India in March-May. Talking about the Gujarat Titans (GT), the newly-formed IPL franchise along with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they also added some big names in their roster ahead of the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. After adding the likes of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan along with opener Shubman Gill, as their three initial picks, the GT franchise did a good job in their maiden IPL auction. ALSO READ | Kolkata Knight Riders complete squad for IPL 2022: Shreyas Iyer joins Galaxy of Knights, Cummins returns The Gujarat franchise have roped in the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Jason Roy, David Miller Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, Alzarri Joseph, etc., along with investing in a host of inexperienced as well as some uncapped players -- Gurkeerat Singh, Yash Dayal, Darshan Nalkande. Among the whole squad, Hardik, Rashid, Jason Roy, Md Shami, Gill remain one of their biggest stars and signings. Towards the fag end of the mega auction, the think-tank also added two good wicketkeeper-batters in Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade. It is safe to say that Gujarat didn't spend a lot on various players, and bought them for a cheaper price, they would be satisfied with their first outing at the auction as they now have a host of all-rounders (Vijay Shankar, Dominic Drakes and Jayant Yadav) and good international pacers in their mix. At the mega auction, their biggest signings were NZ pacer Ferguson (INR 100 million) and ex-Rajasthan Royals' (RR) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia (INR 90 million). Overall, Hardik and Rashid remain the most expensive players for the Gujarat franchise (both coming in at INR 150 million). ALSO READ | Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up? Complete squad of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2022: Jason Roy, Abhinav Sadarangani, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, Varun Aaron, Rahul Tewatia, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Darshan Nalkande, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sai Sudarshan Squad strength: 23 (15 - India, 8 - overseas)

Gujarat Titans Complete squad for IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya-led line-up filled with all-rounders, star pacers

<p>Under 19 Team India players, who won the recently concluded World Cup, attended the second ODI of the three-match series between the Men in Blue and West Indies, here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The India U19 defeated England in the summit clash of the World Cup in the West Indies on Saturday. The Boys in Blue lifted the trophy for a record fifth time.</p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shy-players-dont-open-up-pragyan-ojha-differentiates-captaincy-styles-of-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-451198">'Shy players don't open up....' - Pragyan Ojha differentiates captaincy styles of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma</a></strong></p>

<p>Coming to the second ODI, West Indies stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran won the toss and opted to field first. India made one change to their lineup as KL Rahul came into the side in place of Ishan Kishan while West Indies made one change as Odean Smith replaced Kieron Pollard.</p>

<p>Pollard is missing the second ODI due to a niggle, stand-in skipper Pooran confirmed. On Sunday, India had gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after defeating West Indies by six wickets in the series opener.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Under 19 Team India players, who won the recently concluded World Cup, attended the second ODI of the three-match series between the Men in Blue and West Indies, here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

Under 19 Team India players, who won the recently concluded World Cup, attended the second ODI of the three-match series between the Men in Blue and West Indies, here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. The India U19 defeated England in the summit clash of the World Cup in the West Indies on Saturday. The Boys in Blue lifted the trophy for a record fifth time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) × ALSO READ: 'Shy players don't open up....' - Pragyan Ojha differentiates captaincy styles of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Coming to the second ODI, West Indies stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran won the toss and opted to field first. India made one change to their lineup as KL Rahul came into the side in place of Ishan Kishan while West Indies made one change as Odean Smith replaced Kieron Pollard. Pollard is missing the second ODI due to a niggle, stand-in skipper Pooran confirmed. On Sunday, India had gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after defeating West Indies by six wickets in the series opener.

Yash Dhull-led U19 World Cup winning team watches 2nd ODI between India and West Indies - WATCH

<p>After a long wait, the Ahmedabad franchise's owner&nbsp;Siddharth Patel of CVC Capital Partners has revealed the official name of the Hardik Pandya-led unit. The Ahmedabad franchise is set to be named Gujarat Titans. It remains one of the two new additions (along with Lucknow -- named Lucknow Super Giants) to the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2022 edition, in India.</p>

<p>Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, the Ahmedabad franchise had named all-rounder Hardik Pandya as the captain and also roped in Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill as their three picks. Gary Kirsten, who guided the MS Dhoni-led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, will serve as the batting coach whereas former pacer Ashish Nehra has been named as the head coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-emotional-call-aakash-chopra-on-csk-shelling-out-inr-120-million-to-retain-ms-dhoni-ahead-of-ipl-auction-451508"><strong>'An emotional call': Aakash Chopra on CSK shelling out INR 120 million to retain MS Dhoni ahead of IPL auction</strong></a></p>

<p>For the unversed, the franchise from Ahmedabad is the second team from Gujarat to feature in the IPL. In the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Gujarat Lions were the first-ever side from the state to be included in the IPL. It was led by Suresh Raina, who took them to the playoffs in their inaugural season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hardik's services have been roped in for INR 150 million whereas the CVC Capital Partners also bought Rashid for the same price. Shubman, on the other hand, was picked at INR 80 million. He has earlier represented the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since the 2018 season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mandatory-rules-laid-down-by-bcci-for-all-10-franchises-at-mega-auction-451445">IPL 2022: Mandatory rules laid down by BCCI for all 10 franchises at mega auction</a></strong></p>

<p>It will be interesting to see who all are picked by the Ahmedabad franchise in the forthcoming auction. As per reports, the newly-formed team have INR 520 million in their purse heading into the auction proceedings. The mega auction will be held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13.</p>


After a long wait, the Ahmedabad franchise's owner Siddharth Patel of CVC Capital Partners has revealed the official name of the Hardik Pandya-led unit. The Ahmedabad franchise is set to be named Gujarat Titans.

After a long wait, the Ahmedabad franchise's owner Siddharth Patel of CVC Capital Partners has revealed the official name of the Hardik Pandya-led unit. The Ahmedabad franchise is set to be named Gujarat Titans. It remains one of the two new additions (along with Lucknow -- named Lucknow Super Giants) to the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2022 edition, in India. Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, the Ahmedabad franchise had named all-rounder Hardik Pandya as the captain and also roped in Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill as their three picks. Gary Kirsten, who guided the MS Dhoni-led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, will serve as the batting coach whereas former pacer Ashish Nehra has been named as the head coach. ALSO READ | 'An emotional call': Aakash Chopra on CSK shelling out INR 120 million to retain MS Dhoni ahead of IPL auction For the unversed, the franchise from Ahmedabad is the second team from Gujarat to feature in the IPL. In the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Gujarat Lions were the first-ever side from the state to be included in the IPL. It was led by Suresh Raina, who took them to the playoffs in their inaugural season. Hardik's services have been roped in for INR 150 million whereas the CVC Capital Partners also bought Rashid for the same price. Shubman, on the other hand, was picked at INR 80 million. He has earlier represented the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since the 2018 season. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Mandatory rules laid down by BCCI for all 10 franchises at mega auction It will be interesting to see who all are picked by the Ahmedabad franchise in the forthcoming auction. As per reports, the newly-formed team have INR 520 million in their purse heading into the auction proceedings. The mega auction will be held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13.

IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya's Ahmedabad franchise named Gujarat Titans, reveals team owner

<p>Virat Kohli gave up Team India's captaincy altogether when he resigned as the Test skipper post the South Africa Tests, held early this year. Having been succeeded by Rohit Sharma as the limited-overs captain, Kohli was expected to return to his usual dominant best -- after a decent ODI series versus SA -- when Rohit-led India squared off with Kieron Pollard-led West Indies in the three-match ODI series opener, on Sunday (February 6), in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Kohli has had a good run in white-ball formats in the recent past. However, the 33-year-old has not been able to score a century in international cricket since 2019. His last ODI century came during India's tour of West Indies in August 2019. Thus, he was expected to go bonkers versus the Windies (against whom he averages 70.09) in the series opener but he fell for an eight-ball 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the second and penultimate ODI, also to be held at the same venue; i.e. the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, Kohli is on the cusp of joining icons Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Md Azharuddin in an elite list.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indvswi-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-west-indies-2nd-odi-match-ist-time-and-streaming-details-451463"><strong>INDvsWI: When and where to watch India vs West Indies 2nd ODI match - IST time and streaming details</strong></a></p>

<p>The 33-year-old Kohli will be playing his 100th ODI at home, 259th overall, on Wednesday (February&nbsp;9) during the second and penultimate tie. Kohli's 100th ODI appearance on home soil will make him the 36th cricketer to achieve the special feat in the shorter format. By virtue of this, he will&nbsp;join icons Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Mohammed Azharuddin, and Yuvraj Singh in an elite list by&nbsp;becoming&nbsp;only the fifth Indian to play 100 ODIs at home. At present, the list is spearheaded by Tendulkar (164 matches), Dhoni (127), Azharuddin (113), and Yuvraj (108 matches).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-thought-about-it-virat-kohli-reveals-he-has-been-approached-by-ipl-franchises-in-past-to-leave-rcb-451428"><strong>'I have thought about it': Virat Kohli reveals he has been approached by IPL franchises in past to leave RCB</strong></a></p>

<p>India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series when they take on an inconsistent Kieron Pollard-led visitors in the picturesque Ahmedabad stadium on Wednesday. As Kohli completes a unique ton in ODIs, he will also look to end his century drought at the highest level.</p>


Virat Kohli gave up Team India's captaincy altogether when he resigned as the Test skipper post the South Africa Tests, held early this year. Having been succeeded by Rohit Sharma as the limited-overs captain, Kohli was expected to return to his usual dominant best -- after a decent ODI series versus SA -- when Rohit-led India squared off with Kieron Pollard-led West Indies in the three-match ODI series opener, on Sunday (February 6), in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli gave up Team India's captaincy altogether when he resigned as the Test skipper post the South Africa Tests, held early this year. Having been succeeded by Rohit Sharma as the limited-overs captain, Kohli was expected to return to his usual dominant best -- after a decent ODI series versus SA -- when Rohit-led India squared off with Kieron Pollard-led West Indies in the three-match ODI series opener, on Sunday (February 6), in Ahmedabad. Kohli has had a good run in white-ball formats in the recent past. However, the 33-year-old has not been able to score a century in international cricket since 2019. His last ODI century came during India's tour of West Indies in August 2019. Thus, he was expected to go bonkers versus the Windies (against whom he averages 70.09) in the series opener but he fell for an eight-ball 4. Ahead of the second and penultimate ODI, also to be held at the same venue; i.e. the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, Kohli is on the cusp of joining icons Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Md Azharuddin in an elite list. ALSO READ | INDvsWI: When and where to watch India vs West Indies 2nd ODI match - IST time and streaming details The 33-year-old Kohli will be playing his 100th ODI at home, 259th overall, on Wednesday (February 9) during the second and penultimate tie. Kohli's 100th ODI appearance on home soil will make him the 36th cricketer to achieve the special feat in the shorter format. By virtue of this, he will join icons Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Mohammed Azharuddin, and Yuvraj Singh in an elite list by becoming only the fifth Indian to play 100 ODIs at home. At present, the list is spearheaded by Tendulkar (164 matches), Dhoni (127), Azharuddin (113), and Yuvraj (108 matches). ALSO READ | 'I have thought about it': Virat Kohli reveals he has been approached by IPL franchises in past to leave RCB India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series when they take on an inconsistent Kieron Pollard-led visitors in the picturesque Ahmedabad stadium on Wednesday. As Kohli completes a unique ton in ODIs, he will also look to end his century drought at the highest level.

India vs WI: Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh in elite list during 2nd ODI

<p>The forthcoming IPL 2022 edition will see two more teams join the existing eight franchises, in the form of Lucknow Super Giants and the Ahmedabad franchise. While KL Rahul has been named the Lucknow skipper, local boy Hardik Pandya is set to debut as captain for the Ahmedabad line-up in IPL 2022.</p>

<p>Ahead of the new season, all eyes are on the upcoming mega auction, set to be held in mid-February in Bengaluru. For now, Lucknow have roped in the likes of Rahul, Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi whereas Ahmedabad comprise Hardik, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill.</p>

<p>Prior to the auction, Hardik revealed that he is set to return to his all-round abilities for the forthcoming IPL season and also hailed his former Indian captain MS Dhoni for grooming him.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-wants-someone-like-him-lucknow-captain-kl-rahul-eyes-star-foreign-player-ahead-of-ipl-auction-447441">'Everyone wants someone like him' - Lucknow captain KL Rahul eyes star foreign player ahead of IPL auction</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking on&nbsp;<em>Backstage with Boria</em>, Hardik responded on being asked if he wants to be seen as an all-rounder. To this, he said "Yes, that’s my plan.&nbsp;I want to play as an allrounder. My preparation, hard work is all about playing as an allrounder. If something goes bad then I don’t know. I am feeling good, strong and eventually, time will tell."</p>

<p>Hardik, who made his international debut under Dhoni in early 2016,&nbsp;talked about the legendary skipper's role in grooming him as a leader.&nbsp; In this regard, he opined, "I have learned a lot from everyone, especially Mahi Bhai. When I went there [Indian team], I was a raw material. The way he groomed me --&nbsp;he&nbsp;gave me a lot of freedom. He wanted me to make my own mistakes and learn. I used to think why he is not saying a lot of things but later on, I realised that he wanted me to learn on my own so that I can survive more and harden."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-shreyas-iyer-aakash-chopra-names-west-indies-all-rounder-who-should-replace-virat-kohli-as-rcb-captain-447439"><strong>Not Shreyas Iyer! Aakash Chopra names West Indies all-rounder who should replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain</strong></a></p>

<p>Hardik will be eager to make a mark as an all-rounder in the forthcoming IPL season. He hasn't bowled much in the international circuit since his back surgery in early 2020 and, hence, has lost his Test spot. He would be eager to make a resounding contribution in all departments and also take Ahmedabad to the playoffs in their maiden season.</p>


The forthcoming IPL 2022 edition will see two more teams join the existing eight franchises, in the form of Lucknow Super Giants and the Ahmedabad franchise. While KL Rahul has been named the Lucknow skipper, local boy Hardik Pandya is set to debut as captain for the Ahmedabad line-up in IPL 2022.

The forthcoming IPL 2022 edition will see two more teams join the existing eight franchises, in the form of Lucknow Super Giants and the Ahmedabad franchise. While KL Rahul has been named the Lucknow skipper, local boy Hardik Pandya is set to debut as captain for the Ahmedabad line-up in IPL 2022. Ahead of the new season, all eyes are on the upcoming mega auction, set to be held in mid-February in Bengaluru. For now, Lucknow have roped in the likes of Rahul, Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi whereas Ahmedabad comprise Hardik, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill. Prior to the auction, Hardik revealed that he is set to return to his all-round abilities for the forthcoming IPL season and also hailed his former Indian captain MS Dhoni for grooming him. ALSO READ | 'Everyone wants someone like him' - Lucknow captain KL Rahul eyes star foreign player ahead of IPL auction Speaking on Backstage with Boria, Hardik responded on being asked if he wants to be seen as an all-rounder. To this, he said "Yes, that’s my plan. I want to play as an allrounder. My preparation, hard work is all about playing as an allrounder. If something goes bad then I don’t know. I am feeling good, strong and eventually, time will tell." Hardik, who made his international debut under Dhoni in early 2016, talked about the legendary skipper's role in grooming him as a leader. In this regard, he opined, "I have learned a lot from everyone, especially Mahi Bhai. When I went there [Indian team], I was a raw material. The way he groomed me -- he gave me a lot of freedom. He wanted me to make my own mistakes and learn. I used to think why he is not saying a lot of things but later on, I realised that he wanted me to learn on my own so that I can survive more and harden." ALSO READ | Not Shreyas Iyer! Aakash Chopra names West Indies all-rounder who should replace Virat Kohli as RCB captain Hardik will be eager to make a mark as an all-rounder in the forthcoming IPL season. He hasn't bowled much in the international circuit since his back surgery in early 2020 and, hence, has lost his Test spot. He would be eager to make a resounding contribution in all departments and also take Ahmedabad to the playoffs in their maiden season.

IPL 2022: 'He wanted me to....'- Ahmedabad captain Hardik Pandya hails MS Dhoni for grooming him

<p>The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction. As per latest reports, the IPL 2022 mega auction is set to be held in the garden city, i.e. Bengaluru on February 7 and 8.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unless the COVID-19 situation worsens, we will have the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we plan to hold it in Bengaluru. Preparations are underway," a senior BCCI official told the news agency PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-likely-dates-revealed-set-to-be-a-two-day-affair-438406"><strong>IPL 2022 mega auction likely dates revealed, set to be a two-day affair</strong></a></p>

<p>This time around, several top players are set to go under the hammer as the eight existing IPL franchises will look to revamp whereas the two new teams will build their respective line-ups after wisely choosing three players each prior to the mega auction. The likes of KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Pandya brothers and many others have not been retained. Hence, all eyes will be on them before as well as during the auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, the auction was supposed to be held in early January, 2022. However, it has been delayed due to lack of clarity regarding the Ahmedabad franchise's future ever since the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI initiated an inquiry on CVC Capital Partners' association with betting firms. On the other hand, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned Lucknow franchise are on a signing spree at the moment. They have already signed Andy Flower as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor and named Vijay Dahiya as the assistant coach recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-virat-kohli-shadab-khan-names-star-indian-opener-and-david-warner-as-toughest-batter-to-bowl-at-439078"><strong>Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at</strong></a></p>

<p>With plenty of action in the shortest format in the run-up to the mega auction, in form of BBL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, etc., there will be several&nbsp;options for all the ten IPL teams in the star-studded event which is likely to be held in Bengaluru.</p>


The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction.

The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction. As per latest reports, the IPL 2022 mega auction is set to be held in the garden city, i.e. Bengaluru on February 7 and 8. "Unless the COVID-19 situation worsens, we will have the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we plan to hold it in Bengaluru. Preparations are underway," a senior BCCI official told the news agency PTI. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction likely dates revealed, set to be a two-day affair This time around, several top players are set to go under the hammer as the eight existing IPL franchises will look to revamp whereas the two new teams will build their respective line-ups after wisely choosing three players each prior to the mega auction. The likes of KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Pandya brothers and many others have not been retained. Hence, all eyes will be on them before as well as during the auction. For the unversed, the auction was supposed to be held in early January, 2022. However, it has been delayed due to lack of clarity regarding the Ahmedabad franchise's future ever since the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI initiated an inquiry on CVC Capital Partners' association with betting firms. On the other hand, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned Lucknow franchise are on a signing spree at the moment. They have already signed Andy Flower as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor and named Vijay Dahiya as the assistant coach recently. ALSO READ | Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at With plenty of action in the shortest format in the run-up to the mega auction, in form of BBL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, etc., there will be several options for all the ten IPL teams in the star-studded event which is likely to be held in Bengaluru.

Countdown begins! IPL 2022 mega auction likely to be held on Feb 7 and 8 in Bengaluru: Report

<p>All the eight existing IPL franchises revealed their list of retained players on Tuesday evening (November 30). While some big names were retained, many popular names got released. Though many are set to enter the auction pool, some big players are expected to be picked by the two new IPL franchises -- Lucknow and Ahmedabad -- as the two new additions have a license to pick three players each prior to IPL 2022 mega auction.</p>

<p>For the unversed, the big players such as KL Rahul, David Warner, Hardik Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Ben Stokes, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, etc. have been released. Hence, the two new IPL teams have quite a few options to pick from.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashid-khan-to-ben-stokes-top-5-overseas-players-released-by-their-teams-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-433867"><strong>Rashid Khan to Ben Stokes: Top 5 overseas players released by their teams ahead of IPL mega auction</strong></a></p>

<p>Before the mega auction, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra named six players who are most likely to be picked by Lucknow and Ahmedabad. Speaking on his Youtube channel, "My first pick is KL Rahul. I feel he will not be able to reach the auction. Punjab Kings wanted to retain him but he didn’t want to. I think he is going to Lucknow and will become the captain of the new team. Rashid Khan is second in the pecking order. I don’t think his name will reach the auction table. He did not want to stay at SunRisers Hyderabad as he has been already approached by a new franchise with a better salary.</p>

<p>My third pick is Shreyas Iyer. He is likely to become captain of the Ahmedabad franchise. He is an important player and will be drafted to a new team. I won’t be surprised to see him lead Ahmedabad as he has already captained Delhi Capitals. Yuzvendra Chahal is another player who might go to Ahmedabad. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya might not be a part of the auction, but Ishan Kishan’s stocks are a bit high at the moment," he opined.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rahul-iyer-or-warner-aakash-chopra-suggests-virat-kohlis-successor-at-rcb-ahead-of-ipl-2022-433845"><strong>Not Rahul, Iyer or Warner! Aakash Chopra suggests Virat Kohli's successor at RCB ahead of IPL 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>“David Warner will not make it to the auction either. He is a proven match-winner. He has a lot of experience, has won a lot of games, and has scored 600 odds runs in so many seasons. You won’t find a more consistent player than him,” Chopra added.</p>

<p>The IPL 2022 mega auction is likely to be held in early 2022. On the other hand, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had confirmed that the next edition will be held in India.</p>


All the eight existing IPL franchises revealed their list of retained players on Tuesday evening (November 30). While some big names were retained, many popular names got released.

All the eight existing IPL franchises revealed their list of retained players on Tuesday evening (November 30). While some big names were retained, many popular names got released. Though many are set to enter the auction pool, some big players are expected to be picked by the two new IPL franchises -- Lucknow and Ahmedabad -- as the two new additions have a license to pick three players each prior to IPL 2022 mega auction. For the unversed, the big players such as KL Rahul, David Warner, Hardik Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Ben Stokes, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, etc. have been released. Hence, the two new IPL teams have quite a few options to pick from. ALSO READ | Rashid Khan to Ben Stokes: Top 5 overseas players released by their teams ahead of IPL mega auction Before the mega auction, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra named six players who are most likely to be picked by Lucknow and Ahmedabad. Speaking on his Youtube channel, "My first pick is KL Rahul. I feel he will not be able to reach the auction. Punjab Kings wanted to retain him but he didn’t want to. I think he is going to Lucknow and will become the captain of the new team. Rashid Khan is second in the pecking order. I don’t think his name will reach the auction table. He did not want to stay at SunRisers Hyderabad as he has been already approached by a new franchise with a better salary. My third pick is Shreyas Iyer. He is likely to become captain of the Ahmedabad franchise. He is an important player and will be drafted to a new team. I won’t be surprised to see him lead Ahmedabad as he has already captained Delhi Capitals. Yuzvendra Chahal is another player who might go to Ahmedabad. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya might not be a part of the auction, but Ishan Kishan’s stocks are a bit high at the moment," he opined. ALSO READ | Not Rahul, Iyer or Warner! Aakash Chopra suggests Virat Kohli's successor at RCB ahead of IPL 2022 “David Warner will not make it to the auction either. He is a proven match-winner. He has a lot of experience, has won a lot of games, and has scored 600 odds runs in so many seasons. You won’t find a more consistent player than him,” Chopra added. The IPL 2022 mega auction is likely to be held in early 2022. On the other hand, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had confirmed that the next edition will be held in India.

Aakash Chopra predicts 6 players who will be picked by Lucknow and Ahmedabad before IPL 2022 auction

<p>KL Rahul was not retained by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the retention list announced by the 2014 runners-up on Tuesday evening (November 30). The retained players from the Punjab franchise were Mayank Agarwal and local boy Arshdeep Singh.</p>

<p>While Rahul's release was a shocker for many, several reports had already indicated that the captain-cum-opener was looking forward to playing for a new team. As per many reports, the new teams such as Lucknow and Ahmedabad are interested in attaining Rahul's services. Amid all this, PBKS had to release the swashbuckling opener despite his good run as a top-order batsman (surpassing the 500-run mark every season&nbsp;in Punjab's jersey since 2018).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hell-be-the-likely-heir-not-kl-rahul-former-rcb-skipper-picks-virat-kohlis-successor-at-bengaluru-433272"><strong>He'll be the likely heir: Not KL Rahul! Former RCB skipper picks Virat Kohli's successor at Bengaluru</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking on Star Sports, head coach Anil Kumble revealed that Rahul was in their scheme of things but explained why he had to leave. He told, "Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It's the player's prerogative."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-retention-whos-in-whos-out-ahead-of-mega-auction-all-you-need-to-know-433141"><strong>IPL retention: Who's in, who's out ahead of mega auction? All you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>Not only Rahul, some big names such as Rashid Khan, David Warner, Pandya brothers, Jonny Bairstow, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, etc. weren't retained by their respective franchises. All the non-retained players will now head to the mega auction for IPL 2022, likely to be held in early next year.</p>

<p>However, the two new teams such as Lucknow and Ahmedabad have a license to pick three players each prior to the auction. Hence, six players among Rahul &amp; Co. can find a new IPL team before the mega auction.</p>


KL Rahul was not retained by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the retention list announced by the 2014 runners-up on Tuesday evening (November 30). The retained players from the Punjab franchise were Mayank Agarwal and local boy Arshdeep Singh.

KL Rahul was not retained by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the retention list announced by the 2014 runners-up on Tuesday evening (November 30). The retained players from the Punjab franchise were Mayank Agarwal and local boy Arshdeep Singh. While Rahul's release was a shocker for many, several reports had already indicated that the captain-cum-opener was looking forward to playing for a new team. As per many reports, the new teams such as Lucknow and Ahmedabad are interested in attaining Rahul's services. Amid all this, PBKS had to release the swashbuckling opener despite his good run as a top-order batsman (surpassing the 500-run mark every season in Punjab's jersey since 2018). ALSO READ | He'll be the likely heir: Not KL Rahul! Former RCB skipper picks Virat Kohli's successor at Bengaluru Speaking on Star Sports, head coach Anil Kumble revealed that Rahul was in their scheme of things but explained why he had to leave. He told, "Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It's the player's prerogative." ALSO READ | IPL retention: Who's in, who's out ahead of mega auction? All you need to know Not only Rahul, some big names such as Rashid Khan, David Warner, Pandya brothers, Jonny Bairstow, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, etc. weren't retained by their respective franchises. All the non-retained players will now head to the mega auction for IPL 2022, likely to be held in early next year. However, the two new teams such as Lucknow and Ahmedabad have a license to pick three players each prior to the auction. Hence, six players among Rahul & Co. can find a new IPL team before the mega auction.

IPL retention: Anil Kumble reveals PBKS wanted to retain KL Rahul, explains why star batter 'decided to leave'

<p>After making its entry in several nations, a monolith has been spotted in a forest park in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The metallic structure was discovered at the Symphony Forest Park in Thaltej, surrounded by many development projects, reports The Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-after-utah-romania-monolith-disappears-too-347034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Looking at this monolith closely will reveal few numbers inscribed on one of the sides, but, it has not been decoded yet what these numbers mean.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monolith-christmas-edition-because-this-one-is-made-of-gingerbread-352528">Monolith Christmas edition? Because this one is made of Gingerbread</a></strong></p>

<p>After the structure started to create some noise on social media, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's assistant director of parks and gardens said that it was installed by a private firm that developed and maintained the park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It has been given on a public private partnership (PPP) mode for a period of five years on a deposit," Patel told Indian Express.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The artist, who wishes to stay anonymous for installing the monolith said that the idea behind this structure was for people to have a "deeper understanding of life".</p>

<p>"It allows them to have a deeper understanding of life and that is the essence of the sculpture," the artist said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The monoliths that started to appear in countries like the US, UK, Romania, and others from late November led to rumours of aliens' visitations because of its resemblance to the one seen in a "2001: A Space Odyssey", a science fiction film.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After making its entry in several nations, a monolith has been spotted in a forest park in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The metallic structure was discovered at the Symphony Forest Park in Thaltej, surrounded by many development projects, reports The Indian Express.

After making its entry in several nations, a monolith has been spotted in a forest park in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The metallic structure was discovered at the Symphony Forest Park in Thaltej, surrounded by many development projects, reports The Indian Express. Watch | Looking at this monolith closely will reveal few numbers inscribed on one of the sides, but, it has not been decoded yet what these numbers mean. Also read | Monolith Christmas edition? Because this one is made of Gingerbread After the structure started to create some noise on social media, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's assistant director of parks and gardens said that it was installed by a private firm that developed and maintained the park. "It has been given on a public private partnership (PPP) mode for a period of five years on a deposit," Patel told Indian Express. The artist, who wishes to stay anonymous for installing the monolith said that the idea behind this structure was for people to have a "deeper understanding of life". "It allows them to have a deeper understanding of life and that is the essence of the sculpture," the artist said. The monoliths that started to appear in countries like the US, UK, Romania, and others from late November led to rumours of aliens' visitations because of its resemblance to the one seen in a "2001: A Space Odyssey", a science fiction film.

After trips across the world, monolith makes India debut

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and got first hand information on ZycoV-D, a Covid19 vaccine candidate.

Indian PM Modi meets scientists at Zydus Cadila Plant in Ahmedabad

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there.</p>

<p>Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development. The plant is located in the Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Zydus Cadila has announced that the phase-I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D was over and it has commenced phase-II clinical trials from August.</p>

<p>Modi is also slated to visit Hyderabad where he is scheduled to visit vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's facility.</p>

<p>After landing at Hakimpet Air Force station, Modi will reach Bharat Biotech's facility at Genome Valley at 1.30 pm. The facility is around 50 km from Hyderabad.</p>

<p>Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is undergoing phase-3 trials.</p>

<p>After his hour-long visit to the facility, the PM will proceed to Pune, where he will visit the Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for the vaccine.</p>

<p>The prime minister will reach Serum Institute campus around 4.30 pm, an official said.<br />
Modi's hour-long visit to SII is aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanism, he said.</p>

<p>The prime minister will fly back to Delhi in the evening.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there. Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there. Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development. The plant is located in the Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad. Zydus Cadila has announced that the phase-I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D was over and it has commenced phase-II clinical trials from August. Modi is also slated to visit Hyderabad where he is scheduled to visit vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's facility. After landing at Hakimpet Air Force station, Modi will reach Bharat Biotech's facility at Genome Valley at 1.30 pm. The facility is around 50 km from Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is undergoing phase-3 trials. After his hour-long visit to the facility, the PM will proceed to Pune, where he will visit the Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for the vaccine. The prime minister will reach Serum Institute campus around 4.30 pm, an official said. Modi's hour-long visit to SII is aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanism, he said. The prime minister will fly back to Delhi in the evening.

PM Modi to visit vaccine making units in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune

<p>A blaze in the wee hours at a private hospital in Ahmedabad has left eight COVID-19 patients dead.</p>

<p>The victims include five men and three women, who were being treated at the ICU ward of the COVID-19 designated Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>Fire broke out around 3.30 am on the fourth floor of the four-storey hospital.</p>

<p>To this end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in support of the hospital. He said, "Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM&nbsp;<br />
@vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vijayrupanibjp</a> Ji and Mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/ibijalpatel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibijalpatel</a> Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1291206650930421760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Around 40 other COVID-19 patients at the facility were rescued and shifted to a civic hospital in the city.</p>

<p>Primary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, police said.</p>

<p>Shrey Hospital is among the around 60 private hospitals designated as COVID-19 hospitals by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.</p>

<p>Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar, who reached the spot soon after the fire broke out, said an electric short circuit led to the blaze, which spread in the ICU ward within minutes.</p>

<p>Principal Health Secretary Jayanti Ravi also reached the spot and assured a thorough probe into the incident.<br />
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an inquiry into the incident.</p>

<p>In a statement, the CMO saidthe probe will be conducted by two IAS officers, Additional Chief Secretary in Home Department Sangeeta Singh and ACS in Urban Development Department Mukesh Puri. They have been asked to submit a report in three days, the statement said.</p>

<p>With 1,073 new coronavirus positive cases, Gujarat's COVID-19 tally reached 66,777 on Wednesday. The number of deceased has gone up to 2,557, an official said.&nbsp;</p>


A blaze in the wee hours at a private hospital in Ahmedabad has left eight COVID-19 patients dead. The victims include five men and three women, who were being treated at the ICU ward of the COVID-19 designated Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad.

A blaze in the wee hours at a private hospital in Ahmedabad has left eight COVID-19 patients dead. The victims include five men and three women, who were being treated at the ICU ward of the COVID-19 designated Shrey Hospital in Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad. Fire broke out around 3.30 am on the fourth floor of the four-storey hospital. To this end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in support of the hospital. He said, "Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM @vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected." Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM @vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2020 × Around 40 other COVID-19 patients at the facility were rescued and shifted to a civic hospital in the city. Primary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, police said. Shrey Hospital is among the around 60 private hospitals designated as COVID-19 hospitals by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar, who reached the spot soon after the fire broke out, said an electric short circuit led to the blaze, which spread in the ICU ward within minutes. Principal Health Secretary Jayanti Ravi also reached the spot and assured a thorough probe into the incident. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has ordered an inquiry into the incident. In a statement, the CMO saidthe probe will be conducted by two IAS officers, Additional Chief Secretary in Home Department Sangeeta Singh and ACS in Urban Development Department Mukesh Puri. They have been asked to submit a report in three days, the statement said. With 1,073 new coronavirus positive cases, Gujarat's COVID-19 tally reached 66,777 on Wednesday. The number of deceased has gone up to 2,557, an official said.

Ahmedabad COVID-19 hospital fire leaves eight patients dead

<p>Famous Indian astrologer Bejan Daruwalla is no more. The man, whose astrological predictions were avidly followed by millions across the country, breathed his last on Friday at a hospital in Ahmedabad. The astrologer reportedly died of coronavirus complications. He was 90.<br />
<br />
He had tested positive for the virus a few days back and was admitted in a private hospital in Ahmedabad. Reports state that he was on ventilator support for the past few days.<br />
<br />
A practicing Zoroastrian, Daruwalla was also a Ganesha devotee and astrology columns in various leading newspapers went under the title 'Ganesha Speaks'.<br />
<br />
His predictions were well known and followed by people across religion.<br />
<br />
He had predicted several Prime Ministerial victories including that of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Morarji Desai and recently, Narendra Modi. He had also predicted the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi's accident and the Bhopal gas tragedy, amongst others.</p>


Famous Indian astrologer Bejan Daruwalla is no more. The man, whose astrological predictions were avidly followed by millions across the country, breathed his last on Friday at a hospital in Ahmedabad.

Famous Indian astrologer Bejan Daruwalla is no more. The man, whose astrological predictions were avidly followed by millions across the country, breathed his last on Friday at a hospital in Ahmedabad. The astrologer reportedly died of coronavirus complications. He was 90. He had tested positive for the virus a few days back and was admitted in a private hospital in Ahmedabad. Reports state that he was on ventilator support for the past few days. A practicing Zoroastrian, Daruwalla was also a Ganesha devotee and astrology columns in various leading newspapers went under the title 'Ganesha Speaks'. His predictions were well known and followed by people across religion. He had predicted several Prime Ministerial victories including that of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Morarji Desai and recently, Narendra Modi. He had also predicted the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi's accident and the Bhopal gas tragedy, amongst others.

Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla dies of coronavirus complication in Ahmedabad

700 "super spreaders" have been found coronavirus positive in India's Ahmedabad. "Super-spreaders" are those carriers of the viral infection who could infect a large number of people coming in their contact. Watch this video to know more.

India: 700 'super-spreader' test coronavirus positive in Ahmedabad

<p>For the second consecutive day, hundreds of migrant workers clashed with the in Gujarat police. Group of migrant workers have been protesting against the lockdown, and demand that the authorities make arrangements to send them&nbsp;to their hometown.</p>

<p>More than 500 workers hurled stones at the police trying to enforce the lockdown rules. The clash, that took place in Surat on Saturday, comes after a similar protest was staged in Ahmedabad on Friday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-crosses-18000-mark-1362-new-cases-reported-297283"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Maharashtra crosses 18,000 mark; 1,362 new cases reported</strong></a></p>

<p>Protesters took to the streets in the city of Surat on Saturday, a day after residents in Ahmedabad clashed with paramilitary forces.</p>

<p>More than 500 workers employed in industries in the Hazira belt, staged a protest demanding that the authorities send them back to their hometowns. The protestors are mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Police had to use teargas to disperse the crowd.&nbsp;Nearly 60 migrant workers were arrested on the charges of&nbsp;unlawful assembly and rioting. The police is working on identifying the rest of the people who were involved in organising the protest.</p>

<p>“We told them that a large number of workers have [already] been sent to their home states by the government, and similar arrangements would be made for them too,” Inspector H.R. Brahmbhatt, based at Ichhapore police station, told a media organisation.</p>

<p>However, the protestors allegedly did not listen to the police and pelted stones at the police.</p>

<p>This is not the first time Gujarat has seen protests from migrant workers during this lockdown. Earlier in the week, almost 1,000 migrant workers staged a protest in the village of Vareli.</p>

<p>The violence comes as the number of reported coronavirus cases in India climbed to 59,662, with 1,981 deaths.</p>


For the second consecutive day, hundreds of migrant workers clashed with the in Gujarat police. Group of migrant workers have been protesting against the lockdown, and demand that the authorities make arrangements to send them to their hometown.

For the second consecutive day, hundreds of migrant workers clashed with the in Gujarat police. Group of migrant workers have been protesting against the lockdown, and demand that the authorities make arrangements to send them to their hometown. More than 500 workers hurled stones at the police trying to enforce the lockdown rules. The clash, that took place in Surat on Saturday, comes after a similar protest was staged in Ahmedabad on Friday. Also read: COVID-19: Maharashtra crosses 18,000 mark; 1,362 new cases reported Protesters took to the streets in the city of Surat on Saturday, a day after residents in Ahmedabad clashed with paramilitary forces. More than 500 workers employed in industries in the Hazira belt, staged a protest demanding that the authorities send them back to their hometowns. The protestors are mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Police had to use teargas to disperse the crowd. Nearly 60 migrant workers were arrested on the charges of unlawful assembly and rioting. The police is working on identifying the rest of the people who were involved in organising the protest. “We told them that a large number of workers have [already] been sent to their home states by the government, and similar arrangements would be made for them too,” Inspector H.R. Brahmbhatt, based at Ichhapore police station, told a media organisation. However, the protestors allegedly did not listen to the police and pelted stones at the police. This is not the first time Gujarat has seen protests from migrant workers during this lockdown. Earlier in the week, almost 1,000 migrant workers staged a protest in the village of Vareli. The violence comes as the number of reported coronavirus cases in India climbed to 59,662, with 1,981 deaths.

Migrant workers protest against lockdown in Gujarat; 60 arrested

India welcomed Donald Trump with a grand reception Ahmedabad. The American President hailed India's diversity - and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address.

Gravitas: Trump's grand reception in Ahmedabad: The Highlights

It was an action packed day for US President Donald Trump. The American President was welcomed by more than one lakh people in Ahmedabad.

Gravitas: Donald Trump kicks off first visit to India

From references to Bollywood films, to cricket and even Indian culture - US President Donald Trump's speech has something for every Indian.

Gravitas: Trump puts his best 'desi' foot forward

Prime Minister Modi will sit down with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday for talks. What can we expect?

Gravitas: Day two of Trump's India visit: What to expect

US President Donald Trump is known for his flamboyance. Narendra Modi rose from humble origins to become India's Prime Minister. But both leaders are similar on some levels.

Gravitas: Trump and Modi: Similarities and Differences

What is the potential of the Indo - U.S. ties? Both countries are miles away, but the relationship has immense potential. Wion's Palki brings you a SWOT analysis of the India - USA relationship.

Gravitas: India - USA ties: A SWOT analysis

After Barack Obama, Donald Trump is the second US President to bring up Bollywood to win hearts in India. Wion's Palki tells you how Indian films added to the buzz around Trump's visit in India.

Gravitas: US Presidents and Bollywood references

Donald Trump's visit to India could kick off a new chapter in the Indo-U.S. ties. On WION Edit, Wion's Palki assesses the future of India's relationship with the United States.

WION Edit: The future of Indo-US ties

12 senior members of the Trump administration are accompanying the US president on his visit to India. Wion's Palki tells you all that you need to know about Team Trump.

Gravitas: Trump's India visit: Meet team Trump

US President Donald Trump got a rockstar welcome in India. A report claims that 56% of Indians show confidence in Trump. Wion's Palki tells you why more Indians are now admiring Donald Trump.

Gravitas: Why Indians like Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump is on a visit to India. He arrived in India on February 24. Today is his day 2 in the country. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and top brass of his administration. Watch the video to know what is scheduled on day 2 for Trump's India visit.

Trump's India visit day 2, What is on the agenda?

US President Donald Trump is on a visit to India. He arrived in India on February 24. Today is his day 2 in the country. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and top brass of his administration. Donald Trump has always shown his immense love for India and PM Modi but does this mean that a tangible deal is on the way?

India-US looking forward to signing pacts, Will bilateral relations ramp up

The second leg of Trump's visit to India is all set to begin from trade deals to ceremonial dinners. Trump has a jam-packed day ahead. Watch WION ground report for more information:

WION ground report: India-US likely to sign pacts on defence deals

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