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Star Sports builds #NayaCaptainRohit narrative ahead of India-West Indies series
Mumbai: The India-West Indies series including three one-day internationals and as many T20 internationals will begin on 6 February on the Star Sports network.
Under coach Rahul Dravid, the new captain Rohit Sharma will lead team India against West Indies. The ODIs will be played at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad behind closed doors.
Star Sports has released a new promo #NayaCaptainRohit in continuation of its #BelieveInBlueNarrative.
“Through the aperture of this series, we want to build a larger context to galvanise support for the Indian team as the team prepares for ICC events,” said a Star Sports spokesperson. “#BelieveInBlue provides a perspective to have a continuing narrative that strings multiple tournaments of Team India. This is an important juncture for the Indian team as they return home to play their 1000th ODI under a new Captain. We wanted to bring forward the high emotions and support of fans across the country and the world who rally behind their captain and team and stand by them in this new era.”
The series will see the return of wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has been out of competitive cricket for the last six months. On the batting front, Rajasthan’s Deepak Hooda has received a maiden ODI call-up. For the T20I series, 21-year-old wrong ‘un specialist Ravi Bishnoi earned his maiden call-up. Bishnoi, bought recently by IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, has 24 wickets from 23 matches in the IPL with an average of 25.25 and economy rate of 6.96.
Meanwhile, West Indies pacer Kemar Roach received an ODI recall after being out of the side for almost two-and-a-half years. Roach is among six additions to the squad that went down 2-1 at home to Ireland earlier this month. Fabian Allen makes his comeback to the 15-man squad, with Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo and Brandon King adding muscle to the batting department. Hayden Walsh Jr adds the extra spin option. The selectors will announce the T20I squad following the completion of the England series.
The dawn of a new era for #TeamIndia led by #NayaCaptainRohit; gear up to #BelieveInBlue for the Paytm ODI Trophy #INDvWI!
Get set for the action:
1st ODI | Feb 6, Broadcast starts: 12:30 PM, Match starts: 1:30 PM | Star Sports 1/1HD/1 Hindi/1HD Hindi & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/wo9lJNopJ3
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 1, 2022
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
