Time has run out for...: Sunil Gavaskar suggests one change in India playing XI for Zimbabwe clash

 

India's legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar was left disappointed after Suryakumar Yadav-led side's 76-run loss to South Africa in their first T20 World Cup 2026 Super 9 encounter. Now, even two wins from two games may not guarantee them a spot in the semifinals. India face an in-form Zimbabwe in their next clash on February 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Gavaskar has suggested one change in the lineup for the must-win encounter. He wants Axar Patel to be brought back into the side in place of Washington Sundar. 

“I would look at bringing Axar Patel back into the playing XI, keeping in mind the lack of too many left-handed batters in Zimbabwe’s line-up. You could possibly bring him in place of Arshdeep Singh. But Arshdeep bowled so well against South Africa and you wouldn’t want to change somebody who looked in such good rhythm. So, maybe they might not make a change and go with the same team. But I feel Washington Sundar will be the one to miss out. He is not being used properly. Against South Africa, he bowled just two overs and did nothing with the bat. Against Netherlands, he bowled four overs but took no wickets. I think the time has run out for Washington Sundar. Axar Patel will surely replace him,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Gavaskar unhappy with Tilak’s approach

Gavaskar also criticised Tilak Varma’s batting approach. Walking in to bat in the first over after Ishan Kishan departed for a four-ball duck, Varma went down the track to Marco Jansen and ended up nicking one to wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock. Gavaskar pointed out that the required run rate was not getting out of the hand and Tilak should’ve been himself more time considering Abhishek Sharma was not among runs in the previous three encounters. He went on to say that there was no need for an extraordinarily fiery display in powerplay overs but a measured approach.

Related video: India coach clarifies controversial Axar Patel snub after losing to South Africa (Sports Today)

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India coach clarifies controversial Axar Patel snub after losing to South Africa

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“Tilak Varma has been a very street-smart batter. But I was disappointed with his approach in this game. Ishan Kishan lost his wicket in the first over. The required rate was around 9.5 runs per over, not 15. So, Tilak could have given himself more time. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma had back-to-back ducks. So, the responsibility was on Tilak to stick around, build a partnership, and get past the first six overs, but he failed to do that. You don't always need to score 70 runs in the Powerplay. Even 55-60 runs would have been a good platform. But the reckless approach of the Indian batters led to their downfall in Ahmedabad,” Gavaskar explained.

   

ALSO READ: 'Same brand of cricket, nothing changes': Suryakumar Yadav's plan for must-win Zimbabwe clash after SA drubbing

Samson for Tilak?

Before the game, Varma’s strike rate had come under the scanner. Now, there have been calls to include Sanju Samson at no.3 considering India’s issues against right-arm off-spinners. The coaching staff including Ryan ten Doeschate and Sitanshu Kotak have not ruled out making changes to the lineup either after a horror show in Ahmedabad. 

Following India’s heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in the 2026 T20 World Cup Super 8s, legend Sunil Gavaskar has voiced significant concerns regarding the team's composition and mindset.

Specifically, Gavaskar has stated that "time has run out" for Washington Sundar, suggesting that he should be dropped for the upcoming clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai.

The Suggested Change: Axar Patel for Washington Sundar

Gavaskar’s primary recommendation is the return of Axar Patel to the Playing XI. His reasoning is built on two main pillars:

• Match-ups: Gavaskar pointed out that Zimbabwe’s lineup lacks many left-handed batters. Since Axar is a left-arm spinner who traditionally excels against right-handers (boasting a strong T20I economy rate), Gavaskar believes he is a more strategic fit than Sundar.

• Performance Gap: Gavaskar noted that Sundar "is not being used properly" and has failed to provide a breakthrough or significant batting contribution in recent games against the Netherlands and South Africa. He expressed that Axar’s current form—having taken 6 wickets in the tournament before being benched—makes his exclusion unjustifiable.

  
  
  

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Key Takeaways from Gavaskar’s Critique

Beyond the tactical change, Gavaskar delivered a "brutal verdict" on the team's current state:

• "Ego and Overconfidence": He slammed the Indian batters for a reckless approach against South Africa, stating they "threw their bats at everything" instead of adapting to the tricky pitch conditions as David Miller and Dewald Brevis did.

• The Abhishek Sharma Issue: Gavaskar also pulled up opener Abhishek Sharma, who has struggled significantly in the tournament (including back-to-back ducks). He advised the youngster to curb his instinct to hit a boundary on the very first ball and focus on spending time in the middle.

• Alternative Bowling Change: While he suggested Axar could technically replace Arshdeep Singh to add spin depth for the Chennai track, he admitted the team might be reluctant to drop Arshdeep after his disciplined 2/28 spell against the Proteas.

  
  

Current Situation: India currently sits with a dismal Net Run Rate of -3.800. The upcoming match against Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26, is essentially a must-win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

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Fatty liver warning: 3 face changes that appear when the body is dealing with this disease

 

Fatty liver disease is emerging as one of the most common chronic liver conditions worldwide, often developing silently without noticeable symptoms. It often progresses silently and affects millions worldwide. While excessive alcohol intake is a known cause, metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can also lead to fat accumulation in the liver.

According to Mayo Clinic, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is now the most common liver condition globally. Early detection is vital, as untreated fatty liver can progress to a severe form called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can cause liver enlargement, scarring, and even cancer. Surprisingly, some of the earliest clues may appear on your face. Here are three major signs to watch for.

1. Facial Puffiness and Swelling

One of the more visible indicators of liver dysfunction is puffiness, especially around the eyes and cheeks. This occurs because liver damage can reduce the production of essential proteins, affecting fluid balance and blood circulation. Persistent swelling without an obvious cause, such as allergies, may signal the liver is struggling. Experts emphasize that noticing facial puffiness early can prompt timely medical evaluation and help prevent disease progression.

READ ALSO: Walking vs climbing stairs for fat loss: Fitness coach answers which cardio type helps the body lose weight faster

2. Darkened Neck Creases

Dark patches in the folds of the neck, known medically as acanthosis nigricans, are often linked to insulin resistance—a common complication of MASLD. High insulin levels can trigger pigment changes in the skin, causing visible darkening. The neck crease is typically where these changes first appear, serving as a subtle warning that liver function and insulin metabolism may be impaired.

3. Facial Redness and Rosacea-Like Symptoms

Chronic liver conditions can sometimes manifest as persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, or rosacea-like bumps. While rosacea itself is not exclusively caused by liver disease, its appearance alongside other warning signs, such as puffiness or darkened skin, may indicate underlying liver issues. Additionally, nutrient deficiencies caused by impaired liver function, particularly zinc, can lead to rashes around the mouth or mild facial irritation.

Other Facial Indicators

In advanced stages, fatty liver may cause jaundice, noticeable as yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup. Some individuals may also experience facial itching caused by the accumulation of bile salts in the bloodstream. These signs indicate significant liver impairment and require urgent medical attention.

READ ALSO: What’s that smell? 3 body odour types that could be early warning of upcoming health problems

Prevention and Management

Addressing facial symptoms alone is not enough; managing the underlying liver condition is key. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting processed and high-fat foods, and controlling blood sugar, are central to prevention. Emerging treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists are showing promise in managing MASLD, though no FDA-approved drug exists specifically for the condition yet.

For more news like this visit The Economic Times.

While fatty liver disease—particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)—is often called a "silent" condition because it lacks obvious symptoms in the early stages, the skin on your face can sometimes act as an early warning system. When the liver struggles to filter toxins or produce proteins, the results often "leak" into your appearance.

Here are 3 specific facial changes that can signal your liver needs attention:

1. Puffiness and Fluid Retention (Edema)

A struggling liver can lead to a decrease in the production of albumin, a protein that keeps fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

• What to look for: General facial swelling or localized "bags" under the eyes that don't go away with a good night's sleep. This is often more pronounced in the morning.

2. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)

This is perhaps the most well-known sign of liver distress. It occurs when bilirubin (a yellow-orange bile pigment) builds up in the blood because the liver isn't processing it efficiently.

• What to look for: A subtle yellowish tint to the skin or, more reliably, a yellowing of the sclera (the white parts of your eyes). Even a slight change in the whites of your eyes warrants a medical check-up.

  
  
  

3. Skin Discoloration and "Spider Angiomas"

The liver regulates hormone levels, including estrogen. When the liver is compromised, estrogen levels can rise, causing small blood vessels to dilate.

• Spider Angiomas: These look like small red dots with "spider-like" legs radiating outward. They commonly appear on the cheeks or nose.

• Hyperpigmentation: You might also notice "liver spots" or a brownish discoloration (melasma) on the forehead or cheeks, often caused by increased iron levels or hormonal imbalances related to liver function.

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Other "Face-Adjacent" Signs to Watch

Sign	Why it Happens
Itchy Skin (Pruritus)	Caused by a buildup of bile salts under the skin.
Rosacea/Redness	Chronic inflammation in the liver can manifest as facial flushing.
Loss of Hair	Thinning eyebrows or hairline can be linked to nutrient malabsorption.

Important Context

It is important to remember that having one of these signs does not automatically mean you have fatty liver disease. Puffiness can be caused by too much salt, and yellowing can occasionally be caused by eating too many carrots (carotenemia). However, if these changes are new, persistent, or accompanied by fatigue and abdominal discomfort, they are your body's way of asking for a professional opinion.

Note: Fatty liver is often reversible in its early stages through diet and exercise. High-fructose corn syrup and excessive alcohol are the two biggest contributors you can control.

Would you like me to find a list of liver-friendly foods that help reduce inflammation and fat buildup?

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