News Broadcasting
NDTV exclusive with Rahul Dravid
NEW DELHI: In a candid interview with NDTV 24X7, Rahul Dravid, captain of the Indian cricket team, speaks to Dr Prannoy Roy about Saurav Ganguly’s grand come-back and how, in his opinion, Ganguly was the ‘best captain’ for the Indian cricket team. He also talks about his best World Cup team – Australia – and a lot more.
Watch Rahul Dravid speak to Dr Prannoy Roy in a free-wheeling conversation on ‘India Questions’, on Sunday, March 11 , 2007, at 7.00 pm.
Asked who he thinks has been the best captain of the Indian cricket team, Rahul Dravid maintained, “Yes, he (Saurav Ganguly) was, if you look at the numbers that were produced during the past five years and the games we played during his captaincy. In that sense he was the best captain and we had the best team….
“We are happy that he’s come back and that he is playing well…At the end of the day the team wants players who are playing well and performing well,” he adds.
When asked what his contribution to Sourav’s come-back has been, Dravid was categoric, “The credit for going through it and coming out of it goes to him…he’s worked hard…he’s leaner, meaner and fitter…he’s playing well. He’s been fielding well…and we hope he can repeat that performance in the World Cup…”
On Australia, Rahul Dravid says, “I think there will be eight teams that will be looking to be in that final…I think Australia will start as favourites but not by much…that gap is closing….It’s going to be a tough World Cup…”
Dravid is confident that India will win the World Cup this time and that India’s performance in the recent matches bears ample testimony to this fact.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
