Watch: "Dukhi Mat Ho" - Rohit's Golden Advice To Samson When He Was Dropped

India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson's journey up to the match-winning 97 against West Indies has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Despite being India's first-choice T20I opener for more than a year, Samson found himself out of India's playing XI at the start of the tournament after Ishan Kishan's impressive form. However, now Samson has grabbed his second chance with both hands. Following his incredible knock against West Indies, a pep talk given to him by former India captain Rohit Sharma went viral on social media.

Rohit had been present at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai ahead of India's opening game of the tournament against the United States of America (USA). However, Samson did not feature in India's playing XI.

This was when Rohit walked up to Samson to offer him support.

"Kaisa hai? Dukhi mat ho bhai. It is a long tournament, kabhi bhi mauka aa sakta hai ("How are you? Don't be disheartened. It is a long tournament. The opportunity can come at any moment)," Rohit had said to Samson, as revealed in a video posted by the official Instagram account of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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Rohit's words have turned out to be true. Samson was able to make a return to the team following India's defeat to South Africa. While he played a fiery cameo in India's win over Zimbabwe, he then smashed an innings against the West Indies that will go down in Indian cricket folklore.

Samson also paid tribute to Rohit and Virat Kohli after the match.

"Playing IPL for around 10 to 12 years and being with the Indian team for the last 10 years... I have not always been playing, but I was looking from the dugout, learning from greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It was very important to observe, learn, and see what they were doing," Samson said after master-minding India's highest-successful run chase in T20 World Cup history.

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Total Lunar Eclipse On March 3: Check Timings And Where It Can Be Seen In India

A total lunar eclipse, one of the most striking astronomical events, will be visible in India on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes into the Earth's umbral shadow, giving it a darker appearance. In contrast, a partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the upcoming lunar eclipse will have a magnitude of 1.155, making it a profound total lunar eclipse. This celestial spectacle will be visible in India, as well as in various parts of East Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

Visibility Conditions In India

According to the department, people in most parts of the country will be able to see the final stages of the eclipse at moonrise. However, some areas in Northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be able to see the end of the total eclipse before its end.

Key Timings 

The India Meteorological Department has provided the following timings according to Indian Standard Time:

• Eclipse Begins at 3:20 pm.
• Total Phase Begins at 4:34 pm.
• Total Phase Ends at 5:33 pm.
• Eclipse Ends at 6:48 pm.

On the evening of March 3, 2026, astronomy enthusiasts across the country will have the opportunity to witness the final moments of this profound total lunar eclipse.

A total lunar eclipse will occur globally, most parts of India will only see the final phase of the eclipse around moonrise at sunset. In cities such as Nagpur and Chennai, for example, observers will be able to watch a portion of the Moon partially covered by Earth's shadow as it climbs above the eastern horizon.

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Amid Strikes By Iran, "Misinformation On War" Warning For Dubai Residents

The United Arab Emirates has announced that the circulation of "unverified information about wars, security or national safety" will be punishable with a jail term and/or a steep fine. Under the country's cybercrime law, the possible penalties will include detention or in more serious cases, a jail term of several years. The fine could be between AED 100,000 to 1000,000. 

It is illegal, UAE said, to spread "false news, rumours or misleading information". Sharing content that causes panic or public confusion is also a strict no-no, UAE said. 

The warning comes in the wake of US and Israeli air strikes on Iran that started on Saturday. In its retaliatory attacks, Iran targeted Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. All the targets house air-bases with US assets. 

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that all the targets have been struck "by powerful blows of Iranian missiles".

"This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated... All US assets throughout the region are considered legitimate targets for Iran's army, it said.

The UAE's ministry of Defence said one Pakistan, one Nepali, and one Bangladesh national were killed in airstrikes. There were 58 cases of minor injuries. 

Among those injured is an Indian national.The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in a post on X, said: "The Embassy is aware of the injury to the Indian national and is in touch with the hospital authorities. The Indian national is out of danger. We are rendering all possible assistance."

UAE's Ministry of Defence has said its air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a large number of aerial threats.

In a statement shared on X, and subsequently reposted by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry confirmed that the military has "so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack."

The  UAE authorities have introduced a series of precautionary measures aimed at protecting residents, employees and tourists. These include temporary suspension of operations at major landmarks, recommendations for remote working within the private sector, and adjustments to operations in prominent business hubs.

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T20 World Cup Semi-Final Line-Up Dates, Venues, Timing: Full Details Here

Defending champions and co-hosts India on Sunday booked their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after beating West Indies in their last Super 8 encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Sanju Samson scored a match-winning 97 to help India overhaul West Indies' total of 195/4 with four balls to spare in what was effectively a virtual quarterfinal, since both sides needed a win to advance to the knockouts. Samson remained unbeaten on 97 off 50 balls.

India, who finished second in Group 1, will now take on Super 8 Group 2 table-toppers England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. The first semi-final will see South Africa squaring off against New Zealand in Kolkata on Wednesday.

T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Line-Up:

South Africa vs New Zealand, 1st Semi-Final, Wednesday, March 4, Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Time: 7 PM)

India vs England, 2nd Semi-Final, Thursday, March 5, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (Time: 7 PM)

More to follow...

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