Delhi Capitals' Ashutosh Sharma, left, pulled off a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL in Visakhapatnam. AFP
Delhi Capitals' Ashutosh Sharma, left, pulled off a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL in Visakhapatnam. AFP
Delhi Capitals' Ashutosh Sharma, left, pulled off a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL in Visakhapatnam. AFP
Delhi Capitals' Ashutosh Sharma, left, pulled off a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL in Visakhapatnam. AFP

Uncapped Ashutosh Sharma and Vignesh Puthur make early mark in IPL 2025


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The opening encounters of the 2025 Indian Premier League have had it all - high scores, close games, and even something for the bowlers as well.

Already, Sunrisers Hyderabad have gone into overdrive with the bat, blasting 286 in their opening match of the season, while defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders were completely outplayed in the season opener at home.

Beyond the familiar faces, a few lesser known players made a big impression very early in the tournament, showcasing the vast pool of talent at the disposal of the franchises in the IPL and also underscoring the match readiness of modern T20 cricketers.

Mystery spinner from Kerala

There are mystery spinners, and then there is Vignesh Puthur. The left-arm wrist-spinner from the southern Indian state of Kerala is an almost complete unknown in Indian cricket, having not even represented his state.

He was plucked out of a domestic T20 tournament by Mumbai Indians, sent to South Africa for further polishing as a net bowler and then used as an impact player in the first match of the IPL in Chennai.

Puthur, 24, was pressed into action as Mumbai were running out of options while defending 159. With the help of sharp spin and good control, Puthur picked up three top order wickets, including the well set captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, to bring Mumbai back into the match.

While his team still lost, Puthur - the son of an autorickshaw driver - made a huge impression on senior players on both sides. Quality left-arm wrist-spin is one of the most valuable trade skills in T20 cricket and Puthur seems to have it in abundance.

Ashutosh the finisher

Last season, Ashutosh Sharma created an unexpected and highly effective middle order partnership with Shashank Singh at Punjab Kings, turning matches around from impossible positions in the second innings.

However, Punjab could not quite benefit from their form as their entry points were not ideal. Ashutosh, 26, was surprisingly not retained, and landed up at Delhi Capitals, where he pulled off a spectacular win in his debut outing against Lucknow.

Delhi were 7-3 and 50-4 chasing 210. Ashutosh was struggling for most of his innings, moving to 20 off 20 balls.

Then, as the equation came down to 62 from 30 balls with four wickets in hand, the burly batsman hammered Lucknow bowlers to all parts of the ground, closing the match with a stunning six for a one-wicket win, finishing on 66 from 31 balls with five fours and as many sixes.

This could be the season Ashutosh forces his way into the national consciousness and senior team.

Unheralded Vipraj stuns Lucknow

Before Ashutosh's masterclass on Monday, there was a powerful cameo from Vipraj Nigam. Another uncapped player who snuck under the radar, Nigam made an impact with the ball and bat against Lucknow.

The leg-spinner and lower order batter could have had the perfect day, had a simple chance at cover from Nichloas Pooran not been dropped off his bowling. Still, he got the chance to become a hero in the second innings.

The 20-year-old was responsible for putting momentum back into Delhi's innings after Tristian Stubbs was bowled by Manimaran Siddharth with the team needing 97 from 45 balls.

With Ashutosh struggling at the other end, the diminutive batter cracked 39 off just 15 balls. Had he not got out right after the drinks break, Nigam could have finished the game on his own.

His timing and placement made one wonder whether he could be better used up the order. Plus, he is a proper leg-spinner who bowls in first-class cricket, which will come in handy on quite a few surfaces in the IPL.

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The specs

Engine 60kwh FWD

Battery Rimac 120kwh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry

Power 204hp Torque 360Nm

Price, base / as tested Dh174,500 

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Company Profile

Company name: Yeepeey

Started: Soft launch in November, 2020

Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani

Based: Dubai

Industry: E-grocery

Initial investment: $150,000

Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year

Election pledges on migration

CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections" 

SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom" 

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPros%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEasy%20to%20use%20and%20require%20less%20rigorous%20credit%20checks%20than%20traditional%20credit%20options%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOffers%20the%20ability%20to%20spread%20the%20cost%20of%20purchases%20over%20time%2C%20often%20interest-free%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EConvenient%20and%20can%20be%20integrated%20directly%20into%20the%20checkout%20process%2C%20useful%20for%20online%20shopping%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHelps%20facilitate%20cash%20flow%20planning%20when%20used%20wisely%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECons%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20ease%20of%20making%20purchases%20can%20lead%20to%20overspending%20and%20accumulation%20of%20debt%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMissing%20payments%20can%20result%20in%20hefty%20fees%20and%2C%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20high%20interest%20rates%20after%20an%20initial%20interest-free%20period%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFailure%20to%20make%20payments%20can%20impact%20credit%20score%20negatively%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERefunds%20can%20be%20complicated%20and%20delayed%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ECourtesy%3A%20Carol%20Glynn%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
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Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

Updated: March 25, 2025, 11:29 AM