Injured Washington Sundar ruled out of New Zealand T20s
New Delhi (PTI): India all-rounder Washington Sundar was on Wednesday ruled out of the five-match T20 series against New Zealand due to a side strain.
Washington had experienced discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the three match ODI series.
Now, it has been determined that he won't be able to recover in time for the five match T20 series beginning in Nagpur on January 21.
"Washington Sundar has been ruled out from T20 series vs NZ due to side strain," a BCCI official told PTI.
Washington's injury puts question mark over his participation in the T20 World Cup, beginning February 7.
Tilak Varma too is out of the first three T20s versus New Zealand due to a groin injury that required surgery.
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Karnataka celebrates Makara Sankranti with great religious fervour
Bengaluru (PTI): Makara Sankranti, marking the Sun's transition into Makara Rashi or capricorn sign, is being celebrated with traditional fervour across Karnataka on Thursday, with temples witnessing heavy footfall and households observing age-old rituals.
In Bengaluru, thousands of devotees thronged the historic Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple at Gavipuram in Basavanagudi from the early hours.
The temple holds special significance on Makara Sankranti as the setting Sun's rays pass through the horns of the stone Nandi and illuminate the Shiva Linga inside the cave temple.
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The Sun's rays directly falling on the Linga in the afternoon on Makara Sankranti is a rare and unique occurrence, symbolising the cosmic alignment and Lord Shiva's blessings, temple authorities said.
Police and temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements to regulate the crowd as devotees queued up to have a darshan of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the cave shrine.
Across the state, devotees offered prayers in temples and observed Sankranti rituals at home.
The festival is traditionally celebrated as Suggi in Karnataka, marking the harvest season.
On this day, festive dishes are prepared and 'Ellu-Bella', a mix of sesame seeds, jaggery, groundnuts and coconut, is distributed to the near and dear ones wishing for their safety and good luck.
In rural parts of Karnataka, farmers celebrate the harvest with special pujas, cattle worship and community gatherings, reflecting gratitude for a good crop.
Cultural programmes and traditional games will also be organised on this day adding colour to the celebrations in several districts.
Flowers, jujube fruits and sugarcane were in great demand in the market as they are the key ingredients for the pujas.
