From enablers to champions, J&K's Ranji Trophy triumph beautiful: Sachin Tendulkar
New Delhi (PTI): The Kashmir willow has been part of the journey for legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, who on Saturday described Jammu and Kashmir's Ranji Trophy success as a "beautiful" transition from being cricket's enabler to a champion.
Jammu and Kashmir created history by winning the country's most prestigious red-ball competition by getting the better of eight-time winners Karnataka on the basis of first-innings lead in the summit clash in Hubballi.
It turned out to be a one-sided game despite the lopsidedness in terms of experience, with Karnataka's playing XI boasting of four Indian Test cricketers in KL Rahul, Mayank Agarawal, skipper Devdutt Padikkal and Prasidh Krishna.
"The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions' kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir's journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful," Tendulkar remarked on X.
Under the Laws of Cricket mandated by the MCC, professional match bats must be crafted from willow, specifically English or Kashmir varieties, though new regulations allow for laminated bats using other woods.
The bat is made of two elements — the handle and the blade — which according to the laws should be of single willow wood. A laminated bat, meanwhile, is made with two or more willows.
While the English willow is considered more for its lightness in weight, the Kashmir willow — even tough it is identical in species (Salix alba 'caerulea') — is believed to be greater in density due to the difference in weather in the two places.
Tendulkar, meanwhile, also noted J&K's consistency and resilience in a successful campaign which was highlighted by Auqib Nabi's 60 wickets in the season including a five-for in the final.
"The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi's impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign," he wrote.
"A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket," Tendulkar added.
While Tendulkar mentioned Nabi among the victorious players of Jammu and Kashmir, his former teammate and India captain Sourav Ganguly had picked out the right-arm seamer for Indian Test call-up.
"J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do ..They have made that region so proud of them .. tuff environment makes tuff people. Aqib nabi on his way to national colours .. england is the place to start in the summer," Ganguly had written on X.
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Lenskart apologises after online backlash, releases new style guide welcoming religious symbols
New Delhi (PTI): Following massive online backlash over a purported internal grooming document, eyewear retailer Lenskart has issued a public apology and released a standardised 'In-Store Style Guide' that allows employees to wear religious and cultural symbols at work.
In a statement on X, the company said it is making its guidelines public and transparent to address the concerns of its customers and community.
The new policy "explicitly and unambiguously" welcomes all symbols of faith carried by team members, including the bindi, tilak, sindoor, kalawa, mangalsutra, kada, hijab, and turban.
"If any version of our workplace communication caused hurt or made any of our team members feel that their faith was unwelcome here, we are deeply sorry. That is not who Lenskart is, and it is not who we will ever be," the company said.
This comes following a controversy that erupted earlier this week when a document, alleged to be Lenskart's employee grooming policy, went viral on social media. Netizens pointed out that the policy restricted employees from wearing certain religious markers, particularly the bindi and tilak, sparking outrage and calls for a boycott.
Addressing the uproar a few days ago, Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal had stepped in to clarify that the viral document was an "outdated version" and did not reflect the company's current stance.
"I want to speak directly that this document does not reflect our present guidelines. Our policy has no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak," Bansal had stated, apologising for the confusion and concern the situation had caused.
Building on Bansal's earlier clarification, Lenskart's latest statement emphasised the company's homegrown roots, noting that its 2,400-plus stores are run by people who bring their beliefs and traditions to work every day.
"Lenskart was built in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians... That is not something we will ever ask anyone to leave at the door," the statement read.
The retailer has now committed to ensuring that every future policy, training material, and communication carrying the Lenskart name will reflect inclusive values.
"We will do better. And we will keep earning your trust," the company said.
