Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin led the team in three World Cups - 1992, 1996, 1999 - but couldn't lift the trophy even once and that remains the biggest unfullfilled dream of his cricketing career, the stylish Hyderabadi batsman revealed at India Today Mind Rocks 2019.
"A lot of my dreams I haven't been able to fullfill. I captained the team in three World Cups but couldn't win one so that is one dream I regret not fulfilling," Azhar said.
But the 55-year-old si confident that Virat Kohli's team can win the World Cup 2019 if they play to their full potential and perform as unit in England.
"We can keep dreaming of the World Cup from now but those dreams can only be turned into reality when the Indian team goes to England and performs well. It is good to dream about such things but it will be even better when the team turns them into reality. I hope the team wins the World Cup because we are No. 1 in Tests, and excellent in ODIs and T20Is, I don't think we can send a better side to England," Azhar said.
The India Today-CVoter 'Mood of the Nation' poll, a comprehensive survey with a sample size of over 90,000 participants, indicates and highlights the public's perception of economic management, where 54% of respondents prefer Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the economy compared to 36% for former PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
In this exclusive interaction, India's Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran discusses the priorities outlined in the latest Economic Survey and the trajectory of the country's 'reform yatra'. Addressing concerns over global instability, Nageswaran stated, 'The answer is we are prepared and that's it,' emphasizing that the government is investing in domestic capabilities to counter persistent volatility in the global landscape. He highlighted the success of deregulation at both union and state levels, noting that India has exceeded job creation targets by generating 15 million jobs in the last two years. The discussion also covered the landmark trade deal with the European Union, which Nageswaran believes will significantly benefit labor-intensive sectors like textiles and gems. On the subject of Foreign Direct Investment, he noted that resolving tariff uncertainties and maintaining policy predictability remain key to attracting global value chains. Nageswaran remains optimistic about India's 'Goldilocks phase', asserting that the current economic momentum is a result of cumulative efforts over the past decade.
Pinky Mali, 29, a dedicated cabin crew member, left for work that morning and never returned.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, discusses the findings of the 'Mood of the Nation' poll regarding India's foreign policy. Sawant notes that the India-US relationship is 'steadily going downhill', with 54% of respondents believing ties have worsened during Donald Trump's second term. The discussion highlights that 45% of the public supports reciprocal tariffs against the US. The panel, including Rajdeep Sardesai and Geeta Mohan, examines the 'trilemma' of foreign policy: managing a 'rampaging' Trump, the China issue, and deteriorating relations with neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh. While the government receives praise for its robust stance and the India-EU free trade agreement, the poll reveals a divided public on whether Prime Minister Modi has adequately countered Trump's claims regarding 'Operation Sindoor'. The programme explores the shift from personal chemistry to economic friction in global diplomacy.
