2nd T20I: Motie Replaces Forde As WI Elect To Bowl In Ranchi
JSCA International Stadium Complex: The West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the second T20I of the series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday. West Indies captain Shai Hope said his side opted to bowl first, taking into account the wet conditions and the possibility of them worsening as the evening progresses. He acknowledged the quick turnaround between matches and said the team was keen to learn from its mistakes and come back stronger. Hope also confirmed one change to the West Indies playing XI with Gudakesh Motie coming in for Matthew Forde. We are going to bowl first, this time around. We gotta look at the conditions; it's wet and will get worse in the evening. Quick turnaround, trying to learn from the mistakes. Just come back stronger. It's already a bit wet, so it's going to get even worse as the evening goes on. We're just going to try to put them under pressure with the ball and then chase them down. It's about trying to learn from the mistakes we made in the first game. Especially against a quality side like India, you can't really give them too many chances. We've got to make sure we put that game behind us quickly and come back stronger today. One change. Matthew Forde is out, and Gudakesh Motie is in. Everyone's probably going to get a go on this tour, said Hope after the toss. India captain Shreyas Iyer said his team would have preferred to bowl first as well, but stressed the need to adapt quickly to the conditions. He said the focus was on maintaining high standards throughout the 40 overs and challenging themselves to improve, adding that India would field an unchanged playing XI. We were looking to bowl first as well; we will have to adapt quickly. We have talked about maintaining standards for 40 overs. We want to challenge ourselves to get better. We are going with the same team, said Iyer. Playing XIs: India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav Playing XIs: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Scream Actor CW Morgan Dead; Cause Still A Big Question Mark
Actor C.W. Morgan, best known for playing Hank Loomis in the original 1996 horror film Scream, has died at the age of 72. According to TMZ, medical examiner records show that Morgan died on August 30 in Los Angeles County, with reports indicating that his body was found in a bathroom. Police reportedly suspect natural causes, but his official cause and manner of death remain undetermined. Morgan also appeared in Scream 3, leaving his mark on the iconic horror franchise. Heres what we know about the reported death investigation and the actors memorable role in the Scream series.
West Indies elect to bowl first in second T20I against India in Ranchi
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India vs West Indies 2nd T20I: West Indies Win Toss, Elect to Bowl in Ranchi
West Indies captain Shai Hope wins the toss and elects to field first against India in the 2nd T20I at Ranchi, citing dew. India go unchanged seeking a 2-0 series lead. The post India vs West Indies 2nd T20I: West Indies Win Toss, Elect to Bowl in Ranchi appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing in India's 2nd T20I vs West Indies in Ranchi?
India have once again benched Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the second T20I against West Indies at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The 15-year-old proved his mettle in the series against Zimbabwe earlier in the...
India defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the opening of the five-match T20I series in Lucknow. Captain Shreyas Iyer led by example, scoring an unbeaten century, while Ishan Kishan played the perfect role of a second fiddle. They will now look to strengthen their hold on the T20I series in the second match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on October 9.
De Beers to open 100 Forevermark stores in India by 2030
Currently, the company has 10 Forevermark brand stores in India, six of which are company-owned and the remaining four are on a franchise model
IND vs WI, 2nd T20I: Samson's form and India's pace attack in focus in Ranchi
India vs West Indies 2nd T20I Live: India eye more dominance in Ranchi
India vs West Indies 2nd T20I Live: India eye more dominance in Ranchi
Hazaribag civic body plans three-wheelers with fogging machines for narrow lanes
BJP delegation seeks swift compensation for wildlife damage in Palamu
Ishan fever grips Ranchi ahead of T20I
Marvel teases mysterious 'Zodiac' series with clues hidden in its title design
Highlights Marvel Television has announced Zodiac , a new spy thriller coming to Disney+ in 2028. Brad Winderbaum hinted that the series' title design contains clues about its direction. Filming is scheduled to begin in London in spring 2027, with casting expected to start soon. Marvel Television has announced a new spy thriller, Zodiac , for Disney+, but the studio is keeping details of the upcoming series under wraps. The project was revealed during Marvel Television and Marvel Animation's panel at New York Comic Con 2026 on Thursday, 8 October. Brad Winderbaum, head of Marvel Television, Animation, Comics and Franchise, introduced the series and hinted that its title design contains clues about what viewers can expect. It's a spy thriller, Winderbaum told the audience. He added that fans familiar with Marvel's comics might spot clues about the show's direction by looking closely at the title design. However, Marvel has yet to reveal the storyline, characters or cast, leaving plenty of questions about the new project. When will Marvel's Zodiac begin filming? Production on Zodiac is scheduled to begin in London in spring 2027, with the series set to premiere on Disney+ in 2028. Winderbaum confirmed that casting is expected to begin within a couple of weeks of the announcement. He also made it clear that further details would remain secret for now. And no, I can't tell you anything else about it yet because it's a secret! he said. What is Zodiac about? Marvel has confirmed that Zodiac will be a spy thriller, but it has not disclosed further plot details or explained the significance of the title. The reference to hidden clues in the title design could offer comic book fans an early indication of the direction the series might take. However, Marvel has not confirmed which characters or storylines from its comics will feature in the show. The announcement came during New York Comic Con 2026, which runs from 8 to 11 October. More information about Zodiac is expected as the project moves towards production.
Jharkhand CM orders probe into alleged police assault on tribal woman
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 9 (IANS) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has taken cognisance of allegations that a tribal woman was assaulted and tortured by police personnel in Latehar district. He has directed Latehars Superintendent of Police to immediately investigate the matter, take appropriate action, and submit a report. The matter came to the Chief Ministers notice following a post on X. Responding to it, Soren issued instructions to the Latehar SP, saying that such a situation was unacceptable. The alleged incident took place in the Bariyatu police station area of Latehar district. According to the woman and local villagers, Punia Devi had taken goats to graze on the afternoon of October 5 when she got into an altercation with police personnel who were allegedly in plain clothes. It has been alleged that Bariyatu police station in-charge Prabhat Kumar Das and three other police personnel subsequently took her with them. The woman alleged that she was assaulted on the way, subjected to misbehaviour and abused with casteist slurs. Villagers further alleged that she was assaulted at the police station, where she was purportedly tied by her hands, hung upside down, and beaten with sticks. The woman also levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against the police personnel. The complaint further alleged that the police accused the woman of cultivating poppy and forcibly took Rs 80,000 that had been kept at her home for a wedding. She was reportedly released from the police station the following night. The allegations have not been independently verified. Protesting against the alleged incident, villagers approached the office of the Latehar Superintendent of Police and submitted a written complaint demanding action against the police personnel concerned. After the matter came to light, the Chief Minister directed the police administration to investigate. The Latehar police administration has constituted an inquiry team headed by the Balumath Sub-Divisional Police Officer and a woman police officer. Jharkhands local tribal organisations have demanded the suspension of the accused police personnel and registration of an FIR under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The allegations are currently under investigation.
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Fadnavis criticises Congress on SIR; releases parliamentary footage of Kapil Sibal defending process
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday delivered a scathing rebuttal to the Congress party as high-octane protests led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process brought central Delhi to a standstill. Taking to social media, CM Fadnavis released archival parliamentary footage of former Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal speaking in official support of the SIR framework during the Congress-led UPA tenure. The clipwhich has rapidly gone viraldirectly counters the Oppositions current claims that the voter roll revision is a conspiracy or an unconstitutional procedure. The Opposition parties have alleged that over 13 crore names have allegedly been left out in the draft poll rolls and has been protesting against it. In his direct hit at the Congress leadership, CM Fadnavis highlighted the stark contrast between the party's historic stance and its current street demonstrations. Congress is busy shouting against SIR from every possible stage, only to have its own former Law Minister Kapil Sibal's words come back to expose the drama. The Parliament record doesnt change with political convenience. Perhaps Congress should first check their own history before manufacturing new conspiracy theories. Sometimes, the best rebuttal comes from your own partys past! CM Fadnavis captioned the video as 'Congress' double standards', urging citizens to listen to official parliamentary proceedings from the UPA era and judge who is telling the truth. The video shared by the Chief Minister shows then-Law Minister Kapil Sibal explaining the three precise categories under which the SIR process removes or updates names on the voter list. Deletion of duplicate entries take place when a voter shifts from one constituency to another, followed by seamless re-registration at the new address. Also during updating old electoral rolls during boundary reorganisations. There will be routine deletion of names of deceased individuals upon verification, said the former law minister in the video. In the footage, Sibal emphasised that no legitimate voter could be barred by registration officers, noting that millions of citizens routinely applied for inclusion under established statutory provisions. The video comes at a sensitive moment as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lead sustained street demonstrations demanding the halting of the SIR process and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over what they claim is the disenfranchisement of 13 crore people during the recent SIR process. The protests near Jantar Mantar and Election Commission headquarters have seen tense scuffles with law enforcement, leading to police complaints and political trade-offs. BJP leaders have rallied around CM Fadnavis's statement, asserting that the Opposition is attempting to manufacture a non-existent controversy over a standard voter roll hygiene drive that their own government previously endorsed and defended on the floor of Parliament. The CM's comments come a day after the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Maharashtra, in a major push to ensure maximum voter participation and clean electoral rolls, has launched targeted registration drives and door-to-door verification campaigns across the state. Operating under the guidelines of the ECI, election authorities have committed to ensuring that no eligible citizen is left off the electoral roll and no ineligible entries remain. The extensive outreach forms a crucial leg of the ongoing SIR process. Special voter registration camps have been conducted across all colleges and universities in Maharashtra from October 5 to October 9. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are deployed at campus sites to assist eligible students with completing application forms and to resolve queries regarding the SIR workflow, said the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Maharashtra release. BLOs are conducting home visits to identify eligible citizens missing from the Draft Electoral Roll and collect Form 6 following verification. For residents unavailable during home visits, special voter registration camps will be held at all designated polling stations on October 10 and October 11, 2026. Citizens whose names appear on the list of absent or migrated voters (compiled during house-to-house enumeration) can apply for re-enrolment or correction. The official list of absent/shifted voters has been published online at ceoelection.maharashtra.gov.in for public verification.
India vs West Indies, 2nd T20I Pitch Report, how will surface in Ranchi play?
The stage is set for the 2nd T20I of the ongoing series between India and the West Indies. The two sides are slated to take on each other at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi...
After Oscar entry, Hombale Films brings acclaimed Marathi film Gondhal to global audiences
After national acclaim and its selection as Indias official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, Hombale Films expands its global footprint by bringing the Marathi drama Gondhal to international cinema screens. Written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, Gondhal is a Marathi folk-thriller starring an ensemble cast, including Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, and Nishad Bhoir, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Based on a traditional overnight devotional ritual in rural Maharashtra, the film tells a story of faith, human passion, power, and betrayal that aims to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Ever since its release, Gondhal has won critical acclaim, winning top honors at major film festivals, including the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), and earning love from movie lovers for its storytelling, cultural backdrop, and visual depth. Adding another feather to its cap, the film was recently selected as Indias official entry for the Oscars 2027 (99th Academy Awards) in the Best International Feature Film category. Pan-India banner Hombale Films has now officially backed the film to handle its overseas theatrical distribution, ensuring that this project reaches moviegoers worldwide. Taking to their social media handles, Hombale Films made the announcement along with a poster, writing: From an award-winning Marathi film to Indias official entry for the Oscars 2027, #Gondhal. We are proud to bring this powerful story to audiences across the globe. Overseas Release by @hombalefilms. SOON IN CINEMAS. The production house is behind blockbuster franchises and films such as the KGF, Kantara and Salaar franchise, and Mahavatar Narsimha, while also having internationally distributed Hanuman Ansh. Looking ahead, the production house has an interesting line-up of films, including Salaar: Part 2 Shouryaanga Parvam, Mahavatar Parshuram, Suriya 48, Yeto Ka Naay, and an upcoming collaboration with Hrithik Roshan. Also Read: Mrunal Thakur celebrates Marathi Film Gondhal as Indias official Oscar entry for 2027; says, What a moment of pride
Shriya Saran has credited the directors and writers she has worked with for shaping the roles that audiences have appreciated, admitting that luck has played a part in her career. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the actor spoke about how the people who believed in her and imagined her in particular characters helped shape her journey in films. Shriya, who plays Nandini Salgaonkar, the wife of Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn), in the Hindi Drishyam franchise, acknowledged that making decisions is not her strongest suit. She also expressed gratitude towards the filmmakers who trusted her with their projects and wrote roles with her in mind. I am not very good at making decisions. I suck at them, so I think its all luck, Shriya said. The actor went on to acknowledge the writers and directors who offered her opportunities and believed she could bring their characters to life. She said the roles that audiences have liked are a result of the creative teams who envisioned her in them. There are some lovely people who have written good parts and trusted me, believed in me, and given me those films. Whatever parts or roles Ive done that people have liked, I give all the credit to my directors and writers for believing in me, writing those roles for me, and imagining me in them, she added. Shriya Sarans association with the Drishyam franchise Shriya plays Nandini Salgaonkar in the Hindi Drishyam films, starring alongside Ajay Devgn, who portrays Vijay Salgaonkar, a cable operator and film enthusiast who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his family. The franchise follows Vijay as he uses his knowledge of films and careful planning to stay ahead of the police. The third instalment of the Hindi franchise was scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, bringing the story of the Salgaonkar family into its final chapter. Also Read:EXCLUSIVE: Shriya Saran reveals she continued shooting for Drishyam The Conclusion on the day her father was undergoing spine surgery; says, He could not really walk
Arunachal: Fish Ranching Drive Boosts Bichom Reservoir With 3 Lakh Fingerlings
In a major push for sustainable aquaculture in Arunachal Pradesh, the Department of Fisheries, West Kameng, stocked the Bichom Reservoir with nearly three lakh fingerlings. The stocking was carried out under a Fish Ranching Programme as part of the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to tap the states vast aquatic... The post Arunachal: Fish Ranching Drive Boosts Bichom Reservoir With 3 Lakh Fingerlings first appeared on Northeast Today .
2025 ODI WC Win Is Harmanpreet's Biggest Legacy As Indias Captain: Anjum Chopra
ODI World Cup: Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Harmanpreet Kaur's biggest legacy as the sides skipper will be the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup triumph on home soil, adding that she has left the team as a far stronger, more experienced and more confident side than the one she inherited. Harmanpreet stepped down as India captain across formats this week after nearly a decade in charge, and Smriti Mandhana has been named her successor. Harmanpreet captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is and signed off from her tenure by leading India to their second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in Nisshin, Japan last month. The biggest legacy Harmanpreet will always have to her credit as a leader is winning the ODI World Cup in 2025. Look at how her batting shaped up in that tournament - in the league games, the semifinal, and the final, and how the team evolved to get there through everyone's contribution. It wasn't just Harman. With every player contributing, Harman was able to lift that crown and India was able to win. Harman has grown in stature alongside this team, especially over the last three and a half years since taking over the ODI captaincy. Earlier, we played T20s far and few between with more one-day games on the schedule. In recent years, that shifted to where almost every bilateral tour includes T20s, sometimes even more than ODIs. I've seen her grow into that leadership role, and her legacy will always be measured by where she took the reins to where she leaves them. In the one-day format, the Indian team are world champions. They are a far stronger, more energised, skillful, and experienced unit than when she took over. That will be her legacy, alongside the aggression and confidence she brought into that dressing room over the years. If those qualities are carried forward, this Indian team is on the right path and the process is well set, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Friday. Anjum, who has known Harmanpreet since meeting in a training camp in 2008, felt the persona behind the former captain has stayed the same through years of drastic changes in the women's game. I've thought through this question so many times in the last 48 hours. What is that one memory? It will not be just one memory. Yes, I've seen her from the closest proximity of being a part of the Indian team, even before she became a member in the 2008 training camp, from there to playing her first World Cup match against Pakistan in 2009 till date. I've seen Harmanpreet grow as a player, and I've seen Harmanpreet grow as a captain. You only get wiser with every passing day, so she has also grown in stature and age. It has been a very balanced approach from what I've seen. I say this without bias: having seen Harmanpreet from close quarters to what I see today, whether in the last T20 World Cup or whenever our last conversation happened, I don't think the person Harmanpreet Kaur has changed, even though things around her have changed dramatically for the women's game. I have never seen an impulsive side in her. From those days, I've always seen a calm demeanour in Harmanpreet Kaur. As a captain, if somebody makes an ordinary effort in the field - like failing to stop a ball, not throwing it back quickly, or conceding an extra run - she will give that person a go right on the ground, whether the cameras catch it or not. But the moment that same person makes a good stop, takes a wicket, or takes a catch, she will be the first person to run across and compliment them. Ive seen both sides of skipper Harman over the years. Harmanpreet as an individual hasn't changed, and that's the beauty of it. That reflects in the team, in her persona, and in every aspect of a leader. Probably that's also the biggest highlight of Harmanpreets tenure at the helm as captain of the Indian team, she elaborated. Asked on when the side became unmistakably hers, as India evolved from being underdogs to serious contenders for winning global events, Anjum said, Its changed because weve started seeing results in a positive way. Im not saying that earlier captains didnt give results, but when Harman took over, even in the 2018 World Cup in Guyana, I remember very clearly the first match against New Zealand where she scored a hundred - it was the first hundred for an Indian in a T20I. You could see it in the approach, body language, and its not just with Harman - that goes for any leader in this mould. Weve had leaders in the past and we will have leaders in the future. Its also about an individuals persona and character. How they are and how they play the sport got reflected in the Indian team as well. When she took over, the team had a few senior players playing alongside, but they were constantly changing. But this team has grown and Harman has grown with this team. That's why those near misses always hurt - she was always in the thick of things as a leader and captain. If you read and observe it, I'll say from the time she took over all-format captain - that was in 2022 (after Mithali Raj retired). It was very evident that this is Harmanpreet Kaur's team and she is the one who is holding the fort. I won't say calling the shots. I'll say holding the fort. To me, it was very much visible that it was Harmanpreet Kaur's team. India's journey to winning the 2025 ODI World Cup title came after a string of near misses at global events, and Anjum felt a captain can only take a team at a pace it is able to follow. It's about making sure the team believes in that as well - it's not just one person. I saw how India let go of the World Cup in 2017 at Lord's. In 2020, they were still getting their act together in T20 cricket. 2023 was a near miss against Australia in that semifinal game, and in 2024, they were underprepared when they played in the UAE. After all these journeys, Smriti has been around for such a long time and played so many World Cups. Deepti has been around for a long time, and Jemimah has been part of World Cups since 2018. That experience has been there, but as the simple saying goes: the speed of the leader is the speed of the team. The leader has to be right in front, and only at that speed will the team follow. You can't be a quick leader if the team isn't following. The moment you take up a role, you have to understand what you want, but before that, you have to understand what pace you can run at and what pace the team can run at. It has to be that balancing act. She also rejected the argument that India's early exits from the last two T20 World Cups, in 2024 and 2026, led to Harmanpreet stepping down as captain. I'll be brutally honest here. Captaincy can change things because it's leadership, but in Indian cricket, and largely in Indian sports, a captain's tenure is never clearly defined. It can be long, or it can be short. We've even seen someone captain on debut. If I have to answer this question about the exits in the two T20 World Cups, I don't think the team was equipped to handle the opposition. Whether it was in the UAE or in England, we have the same set of players playing both 50-over and T20 cricket, using the same template. Look at the matches closely in the UAE and in England - I'm not saying only Harman, Smriti, or Deepti were scoring, but look at the template and style of cricket. A captain does not decide that style of cricket; individual players decide that style by how they go out and play. Nobody tells you to settle for 150, 160, or 170. For the last two to two-and-a-half years, 200 in a T20 game has become a standard par score, even in women's cricket. When you get to a World Cup, you expect a minimum score of 180 or 190, sometimes even more. If these same Indian players are scoring 200 or chasing down 220 in franchise cricket, why does that template not get replicated at a T20 World Cup? It has to be replicated. If it's not, that means either the preparation is incomplete, the confidence isn't there, or you're unable to execute it for some reason. You can't be chasing 200-plus in a WPL match and then struggle to reach 150 or 160 convincingly on the international stage. So it isn't a captaincy issue. I could understand blaming captaincy if tactical decisions were incorrect or if there was favouritism. I've constantly said, even before the start of the 2025 World Cup, that India is short of bowling reserves. Shafali had to be brought in to take those two wickets to secure a victory. I'm very happy we won that World Cup, but we were still short on bowling depth. Even today, we play with one fast bowler like Kranti Gaud, and Nandini Sharma has just walked in. If changing captaincy guarantees ICC trophies, then change it every tournament - no harm in that. Nobody would complain - not me, not my seniors, nor the current Indian team. If it meant winning an ICC trophy, we could have a new captain every tournament. But the template has to be set by the players, not the captain. It is set individually by the batters, bowlers, and wicketkeepers and that is where the Indian team faltered, both in 2024 and in 2026. On why Harmanpreet has spoken often of sacrifice in her Instagram post while announcing her resignation, Anjum offered a deep explanation into it. The biggest sacrifice you make is setting aside your own desire and will to play a certain way. Sometimes you want to bat at number three, but the team requires you to bat at four or open, so you take up that difficult role. You have to put the team's interest ahead of your own. You might want to bowl or not want to bowl, or the team might need you stationed on the boundary line - those are small things. But largely, sacrifice comes from understanding that the team's interest comes first. The common interest is that the team has to win, but how? Either the team walks through the door first, or you as an individual walk through first. That is how small and large decisions are made - decisions made very frequently in squad selection, playing eleven selection, and determining who bats where and when. How much time do you feel a player needs versus what the management feels? You might want a certain setup that isn't agreeable to everyone else. How do you understand a younger player's role when team dynamics make it hard to balance? All those areas are sacrifices because you wake up first and go to sleep last. Even in your dreams, you're thinking about how everyone else is doing. What more can I do as a player and leader so everyone walks onto the park with a smile? These things aren't easy and they take a lot out of you. That's why you see a captain age quicker in their first couple of years. Even if you're winning, captaincy is time-consuming and energy-draining. It's a responsibility, and until you are in that decision-making role, you don't fully understand it. You can never truly prepare for it - you can only wish to be there, but once you are, you are surrounded by so many things. You might want a certain setup that isn't agreeable to everyone else. How do you understand a younger player's role when team dynamics make it hard to balance? All those areas are sacrifices because you wake up first and go to sleep last. Even in your dreams, you're thinking about how everyone else is doing. What more can I do as a player and leader so everyone walks onto the park with a smile? These things aren't easy and they take a lot out of you. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Smriti need not fill Harmanpreet's shoes, she can chart her own territory: Anjum Chopra
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Smriti Mandhana does not have to measure herself in stepping up to succeed Harmanpreet Kaur as the sides new captain and should instead carve out her own leadership path after being handed the charge across formats. Smriti was named as India's all-format captain on the same day Harmanpreet stepped down after nearly a decade at the helm. Her first full-time assignment as Indias captain is the home series against Zimbabwe, which opens with three T20Is in Raipur from October 16. Her appointment came after a review meeting was in Guwahati on Monday, featuring her, Harmanpreet, head coach Amol Muzumdar and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Smriti, the left-handed opener, was also part of the selection meeting alongside the Amita Sharma-led selection panel to pick two squads for the Zimbabwe series. Smriti does not need to step into Harman's shoes at all. She has experience leading India - Guwahati games against England in 2019 was the first time she captained the team and fortunately, she has had more time in a leadership role prior to becoming full-time captain than Harman or anyone else had. Smriti can chart her own territory. The challenges the Indian team currently faces are well known, and I am sure Smriti is aware of them. Her biggest challenge will be addressing those gaps, whether in T20s or ODIs, and building on where the team has reached. All these players - Deepti, Smriti, Jemimah - reached this pedestal together. Now it's about taking it to the next level. It's like passing a baton in a relay: Smriti collected it cleanly while already on the run, so she has a head start. How that head start gets converted is how she will be measured in the present and future. How she uses her captaincy experience and her familiarity with this group, as well as the players coming in, to be the leader everyone looks up to for answers is what she will be judged on, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Friday. She also said that she doesnt expect Smriti to replicate all of her predecessor's approach. If you weren't looking for a change, why did the change happen? I don't expect Smriti to be a clone of Harman, and nobody should be a clone. You take the best parts of every leader, bring them forward, and make them your own. Smriti has been around the Indian team for a long time now. She doesn't need to clone Harman; she needs to build on everything she has learned playing for India over the last 12 to 13 years. She has captaincy experience, high skill levels, and world travel under her belt - she knows the conditions and the oppositions across the globe. The next step for her is deciding what takeaways to imbibe into her own decision-making and how to push the team forward. If every captain is identical and uses the same template, there is no need for change. No captain should be the same. They need to elevate the team beyond where it was when they received the baton, ensuring that by the time the next person takes over, the team has reached greater heights. That is how the sport progresses, and that is how players grow individually, she elaborated. On how the squad will cope with the transition at the helm, Anjum felt it will be a gentle start considering Zimbabwe are going to play a bilateral series against India for the first time. It's not going to be simple for any player to adapt to that change. The good thing is the Indian team will have a little time to settle in, and I assume there will be a camp before the series starts. This series isn't against a world-number-one side where high tension is running around, so the players will have space and time to adjust. People in that change room will quickly realize they have to look in a different direction for instructions and guidance. Nobody needs to play the elder sister; everyone knows each other well enough, and the players will adapt as they always do. While you have different setups across formats, the captain remains the same for the T20 and ODI sides. How everyone shapes up moving toward the ICC Champions Trophy in India will be closely measured. Everyone has to start defining their own pathway. While the captain makes the ultimate decisions, every player in this team must understand their individual role before they step onto that path collectively. Smriti, India's most prolific all-format batter, previously led India in four ODIs and 18 T20Is, besides captaining Maharashtra in domestic cricket. She guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the Women's Premier League (WPL) title earlier this year, after leading the franchise to its maiden crown in 2024. In September, she went past Mithali Raj to become the highest run-getter in women's international cricket across formats. Her 18 international hundreds are the most by any womens batter, and she also is the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats. When you become a full-time leader and start captaining the Indian team, it's the experiences you dwell upon. Smriti has built up a good amount of experience over the years. The WPL is a prime example - when you lead a franchise team in your own country and win titles, you learn a lot about yourself. She has had a very good grooming to become a leader. That's why those statements came out saying she's ready for the captaincy - someone without that background wouldn't say that; they'd simply say, 'I'm looking forward to the challenge.' The language and preparation change when you're ready. How she comes out as the leader of the Indian team is something we will all see. Whatever happened in the past is done. Now the job is clearly defined: you are the captain of the Indian team. What you make of it - the decisions, the preparation, the process - will be what we start analyzing and measuring from here, concluded Anjum.
Panorama Studios may not be a name that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of Bollywoods most successful production houses. However, the banner, run by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, has quietly achieved an incredible feat delivering five hits back-to-back, a streak that very few production houses can boast of. The dream run began with Drishyam 2 (2022), which emerged as a blockbuster. Shaitaan (2024), meanwhile, was a super-hit, while Raid 2 (2025) and Dhamaal 4 (2026) emerged as hits. The recently released Drishyam The Conclusion opened with a bang and is now all set to become one of the biggest blockbusters of Hindi cinema. Trade experts are all praise for Panorama Studios for its remarkable and consistent run of successes. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh marvelled, 5 hits in a row is a huge achievement in an industry where its so difficult to have a string of successes. He added, I feel that Kumar Mangat Pathak and the entire team of Panorama believe in bas apna kaam karo! They are not into hogging the limelight. If you notice, any other director in Abhishek Pathaks place would have gone all out, that too since the release of Drishyam 2. In fact, even after the success of Drishyam The Conclusion, he has been maintaining a very low profile. Thats very good, as they let their work do the talking. Trade analyst Atul Mohan agreed, Despite so many successes, they have maintained a low profile. They are not tom-tomming about it and shaanti se, they are working and delivering hit after hit. He added, Also, they have made the right collaborations. With Shaitaan, they collaborated with Jio. For Dhamaal 4 and Raid 2, they joined hands with T-Series, while for Drishyam, they collaborated with Viacom18. So, collaborating with the right people for the right film is also important. Abhishek Pathak is also the director of Drishyam The Conclusion. On this, Atul Mohan opined, He didnt follow the Malayalam Drishyam 3 and remake it. He chose his own path and decided to take the story forward in his own style. Not many would do that, as most would prefer to follow the template since its easier. But he chose the difficult route, and the rest is history. Also Read: Drishyam The Conclusion REWRITES Ajay Devgns box office history; Tanhaji record set to fall after 6 years; trade says, The combination of Ajay Devgn and a good franchise makes for a good commercial cinema!
Nishant Singh had limited screen time in Drishyam 2 and Drishyam The Conclusion, but he made a mark with his performance and well-etched character. He plays Shiv, while Neha Joshi essays the role of his wife, Jenny. The two pretend to be friendly neighbours of Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn). Unknown to Vijay and his family, they are actually undercover cops tasked with finding that one clue which could prove that the Salgaonkars killed Meera Deshmukhs (Tabu) son, Sam. The two characters appear in Drishyam The Conclusion as well, and their recordings play an important role in the proceedings. Moreover, when advocate Indrajit Shetty (Prakash Raj) refers to them as Changu Mangu, audiences erupt with laughter, making their characters even more memorable. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nishant Singh spoke about his role in the franchise, the secrecy surrounding the climax and a lot more. How has the response been to your role in Drishyam The Conclusion? It has been great. The response has been quite surprising. We didnt expect the film to be loved so much. We knew that since its a popular franchise, people would obviously flock to cinemas. However, the audience turning up in such huge numbers was unexpected (smiles). The whole team is happy and the audience is loving the film as well. Its a win-win situation. Our parts are limited, but they have strong recall value. While watching this film, audiences were able to recall what happened in Drishyam 2. In fact, I am getting more calls and messages for this film than I did for Drishyam 2 (smiles). Indrajit Shetty addresses you and Jenny as Changu Mangu. How did that come about? (Laughs) Its thanks to Aamil Keeyan Khan, who wrote the dialogues. He told me that Abhishek Pathak sir calls him and another writer of the film Changu Mangu! Thats how Aamil got the idea and incorporated it into the film. It fit perfectly. Moreover, the way Prakash Raj sir delivered the dialogue made it even more entertaining. In one of your interviews, you revealed that 90% of the unit didnt know the films ending Yes. Vijay Salgaonkar jo Meera Deshmukh aur Goa ki public ke saath kar rahe the, wohi Abhishek sir hamare saath kar rahe the (laughs)! Since the unit members didnt know the entire story, there were a lot of speculations and rumours ki shayad aisa hoga ya waisa hoga. Only the core team knew the climax. The rest of us were kept in the dark. During Drishyam 2, we were given the full script. But with the third part, the makers decided to maintain secrecy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nishant Singh (@thenishantsingh) Were you given the script minus the climax, or were you provided with just your scenes? I was given only my scenes. Interestingly, our scenes are in the pre-climax. When Rajveer Singh Tomar (Jaideep Ahlawat) and Indrajit Shetty are talking, Shiv and Jenny are also present in the room. Hence, we got an idea of what happens in the climax. But we played along and even joined in the rumours and speculations about what the ending could possibly be (laughs)! In Drishyam 2, you had a crucial scene where you get drunk and insult Vijay Salgaonkar. Your performance was quite impressive, especially the way you got the Marathi pronunciation right I come from Sitamarhi, Bihar. So, I am not a Maharashtrian, while my character is one who can speak Marathi fluently. Thankfully, I pursued a two-year master's course at the Academy of Theatre Arts, University of Mumbai. Almost everyone around me, including those with whom I shared a room in the hostel, was Marathi-speaking. Thanks to them, I learned to speak chaste Marathi, and that helped me immensely in this role. How was your experience of working with Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran? All of them are down-to-earth and calm. They dont talk much. Jitni zaroorat hai, utni hi baat karte hain. They work very patiently. During the drunk scene in Drishyam 2, I was quite hesitant about charging at Ajay sir. We did a rehearsal, after which I blurted out, Sir, meri fatt rahi hai! He held my hand and told me, Tu aa na mere upar. Koi dikkat nahin hai. That made me comfortable, and I was able to nail the scene. How was it working with Prakash Raj? Hes very funny. He loves cracking jokes and is quite cool as well. Its sad that there wont be a fourth part and that the series ends here You never know! It all depends on the audience. If the audience demands a fourth part, even the makers might decide to go for it. Also Read: Ajay Devgn returns with Drishyam The Conclusion, set to release on October 2, 2026, poster out
Drishyam The Conclusion has rewritten Ajay Devgn's box office record books, emerging as the actor's highest opening-week grosser with collections of Rs. 240 crore in its first seven days. The Abhishek Pathak directorial has surpassed the previous record held by Singham Again, underlining the extraordinary response to the concluding chapter of the popular thriller franchise. The film opened in cinemas on October 2 and took full advantage of the Gandhi Jayanti holiday and the extended weekend. It collected Rs. 62 crore on Friday, followed by Rs. 52 crore on Saturday and Rs. 60 crore on Sunday, taking its opening weekend total to Rs. 174 crore. The film maintained its momentum on weekdays, earning Rs. 19 crore each on Monday and Tuesday, followed by Rs. 15.50 crore on Wednesday. With its updated opening-week business now at Rs. 240 crore, the film has delivered an impressive first seven days at the box office. The achievement becomes even more significant when compared with Devgn's previous releases. Singham Again, which had held the top position, collected Rs. 186.60 crore in its opening week. Drishyam The Conclusion has surpassed that figure by Rs. 53.40 crore, registering a growth of approximately 28.6% over the previous record-holder. The difference is equally striking when compared with the actor's other major openers. Golmaal Again collected Rs. 136.07 crore in its first week, while Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior earned Rs. 118.91 crore. Singham Returns had collected Rs. 112.59 crore, and Drishyam 2 brought in Rs. 104.66 crore during its opening week. Devgn's other notable opening-week performers include Raid 2 with Rs. 98.89 crore, Total Dhamaal with Rs. 94.55 crore, Dhamaal 4 with Rs. 94.45 crore and Son Of Sardaar with Rs. 83.25 crore. For Devgn, Drishyam The Conclusion marks a significant shift in his box office benchmarks. The film has not merely topped his opening-week chart but has done so by a substantial margin, with its first seven days delivering more than the opening-week collections of any of his previous releases. With the first-week milestone now in the bag, the focus shifts to how much further the film can travel during its second week and where it will eventually rank among the actor's biggest commercial successes. Ajay Devgn's Top 10 Highest Opening Week Grossers Drishyam The Conclusion - Rs. 240 cr Singham Again - Rs. 186.60 cr Golmaal Again - rs. 136.07 cr Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior - Rs. 118.91 cr Singham Returns - Rs. 112.59 cr Drishyam 2 - Rs. 104.66 cr Raid 2 - Rs. 98.89 cr Total Dhamaal Rs. 94.55 cr Dhamaal 4 - Rs. 94.45 cr Son of Sardaar - Rs. 83.25 cr
West Champions owner Ajay Sethi hosts Dwayne Bravo
West Champions owner Ajay Sethi hosted a post-birthday celebration for former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo at his residence in Dubai, attended by several prominent West Indies cricketers and former players. Bravo, who celebrated his birthday on October 7, was joined by a host of Caribbean cricket stars, including Chris Gayle, Carlos Brathwaite, Lendl Simmons, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Chadwick Walton, Jermaine Blackwood, Raymon Reifer, Rayad Emrit, Nikita Miller and Suleiman Benn. The gathering brought together several familiar faces from West Indies cricket, with players joining the celebration hosted by Sethi in honour of Bravo. Bravo, one of the most recognisable names in T20 cricket, has enjoyed a distinguished career across international cricket and franchise leagues around the world. The all-rounder, renowned for his flair and skill with both bat and ball, will be remembered as one of the pioneers of T20 cricket. He featured in seven T20 World Cups, winning two tit...
Kuldeep Yadav Eyes T20 Milestone as India Faces West Indies in Second Match
Kuldeep Yadav is just three wickets away from his 100th T20 wicket as India prepares to face West Indies in Ranchi. Kuldeep Yadav Eyes T20 Milestone as India Faces West Indies in Second Match
Crazy Rich Asians Returns With HBO Series After 8 Years! Constance Wu, Henry Golding
Eight years after Crazy Rich Asians took the global box office by storm, the hit romantic comedy franchise is officially returningthis time as a television series. HBO has greenlit an eight-episode drama series continuing the saga of Singapores elite families, adapting further storylines from author Kevin Kwans bestselling trilogy. The project brings back core cast [] The post Crazy Rich Asians Returns With HBO Series After 8 Years! Constance Wu, Henry Golding & Michelle Yeoh to Reunite appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Will Vaibhav Suryaanshi Get a Chance in Ranchi T20? Sanju Samsons Form Under Scrutiny
Sanju Samsons place in the Indian T20 squad is uncertain as he struggles with form ahead of the match against West Indies in Ranchi. Will Vaibhav Suryaanshi Get a Chance in Ranchi T20? Sanju Samsons Form Under Scrutiny
India gear up in Ranchi ahead of second T20I against West Indies
Indias squad gathered at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday for final preparations ahead of the second T20I against West Indies. The BCCI shared images of players going through match-day routines, with captain Shreyas Iyer among those seen adjusting gear under the stadium lights. The fixture forms part of a five-match T20I [] The post India gear up in Ranchi ahead of second T20I against West Indies appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Delhi-NCR likely to witness light rain, strong winds; AQI remains moderate to poor
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The plains of North India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, may experience light rain, overcast skies, and strong winds over the next few days as weather conditions change amid the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. Cyclonic activity associated with the retreating monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly across Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts for 14 states, warning of heavy showers in several regions. The effects of the retreating monsoon are likely to be felt across West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next three to four days. Meanwhile, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy rainfall between October 9 and 11. Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are likely to witness cloudy skies and light rain till October 14. Western and eastern Uttar Pradesh may receive rainfall from October 9 to 11. Light rain is expected in eastern Rajasthan on October 12, while Delhi-NCR may experience light showers accompanied by strong winds on October 10 and 11. Western Rajasthan is also likely to witness strong winds on October 11. According to the IMD, Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall till October 14, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may experience heavy showers on Friday and Saturday and again on October 13 and 14. In Uttarakhand, districts including Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Rudraprayag have been placed under a heavy rain alert. The department has advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, particularly those visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, to remain vigilant. In Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Manali and Shimla are likely to receive rainfall on October 13 and 14. Jammu and Kashmir may also witness significant weather changes, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast in areas including Doda, Pulwama, Anantnag, Poonch, Udhampur and Srinagar. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in some areas till October 11. Patna, Ranchi and Dhanbad are among the places where thunderstorms and lightning are possible. The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Bihar and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. Rainfall is expected to continue in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura until October 14. Eastern Madhya Pradesh may receive rain till October 11, while Chhattisgarh is likely to witness showers on October 14. Rewa, Satna and Shahdol in eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate to poor categories, with monitoring stations recording varying levels of pollution. Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, followed by R.K. Puram at 219, Punjabi Bagh at 211, Narela at 210, and Pusa and NSUT Jaffarpur at 203 each. Other stations, including Burari, Badarpur, Mandir Marg, Aya Nagar, CRRI Mathura Road, Chandni Chowk, JNU, Burari Crossing, Ashok Vihar, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Jahangirpuri and Rohini, recorded AQI readings ranging from 115 to 198.
On day 7, Drishyam 3: The Conclusion collected a net of 13 crore across 15,758 shows
Vaibhav Sooryavanshis presence puts Sanju Samson under pressure
Ishan Kishan is returning to his hometown of Ranchi, ready to take on the West Indies in the second T20I. This match offers a golden opportunity for Kishan to demonstrate his skill and confidence. The batting coach of India highlighted their unwavering fearless attitude towards the game. With selection decisions on bowlers and batting spots pending, players are eager to impress.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive net session raises big question: Will he play in Ranchi?
The young batter went on an attacking spree in the nets, repeatedly hitting the ball over the boundary and towards the stands. With every big hit, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showed why he has become one of the most talked-about young batters in the Indian squad.
IND vs WI, 2nd T20I: Ishan Kishan returns home with Ranchi ready for a spectacle
IND vs WI, 2nd T20I: Ishan Kishan returns home with Ranchi ready for a spectacle
Telangana CM Accuses BJP of Trying to Steal Votes from Opponents
Telanganas CM alleges BJP is attempting to disenfranchise the poor and marginalized amid political protests in New Delhi. Telangana CM Accuses BJP of Trying to Steal Votes from Opponents
IND vs WI: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of 2nd T20I, India vs West Indies series 2026
IND vs WI 2nd T20I , Approaching Milestones and Records :As expected, the first T20I ended with a one-sided result in favor of Team India. Shreyas Iyer and co. showed once again why they are the best in this format. Chasing the target of 172 runs, India spared 5.2 overs and recorded an 8-wicket win. Captain Shreyas Iyer finally showed his best version in this format. He slammed a record-breaking century, scoring 102* off 43 balls. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan also played good cameos. Naman Dhir was a surprise, who took 3/31 on his debut and played a key role in restricting West Indies to a chasable target. Team India have earned a 1-0 lead. The second T20I will be held at JSCA International Cricket Stadium on Friday, starting at 7 PM IST. West Indies need an improved bowling display. They will hope that the toss can end in their favor, because we might see another high-scoring clash on Friday. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the IND vs WI 2nd T20Iat JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi IND vs WI: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the IND vs WI 2nd T20I at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. 53 - Abhishek Sharma scored 21 off 10 runs in the first game and reached 1947 T20I runs. He needs 53 more runs to complete 2000 T20I runs. He will be the fourth fastest Indian to achieve that record. 2 - There are only a few players with 300 boundaries (fours and sixes) in T20Is. Rovman Powell can join the list with two more boundaries. 5 - Shai Hope needs five more runs to surpass Evin Lewis (1799) and become the fifth highest T20I scorer for West Indies. He needs six more sixes to complete 100 T20I sixes. 6 - Sanju Samson has been a little out of form. But on his day, he can smash any bowling unit. He needs six more sixes to complete 100 T20I sixes. 3 - Kuldeep Yadav is near a history. He needs three more wickets to be the only fifth Indian with 100 T20I wickets. If he can do it in the second game, he will be the joint-second-fastest bowler to do so and the fastest Indian. 5 - Akeal Hosein is just five wickets to reach 100 T20I wickets. 69 - Ishan Kishan needs 69 more runs to reach 7500 T20 runs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories 13 - Tilak Varma needs 13 runs to complete 4500 T20 runs.
Biggest disenfranchisement in world: Revanth targets BJP, EC over SIR
Dew could come into play as Kishan preps for homecoming
The second T20I between India and West Indies in Ranchi is expected to be heavily influenced by dew, making the toss crucial, while the pitch is set to favour batsmen. Local fans are also eagerly anticipating the performance of Jharkhand's own Ishan Kishan.
APL Season 2: Defending champions Rajputana Royals beat Prithviraaj Yodhas in Season 2 opener
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Rajputana Royals laid down the marker early on in the second edition of the Archery Premier League (APL) as they beat Prithviraaj Yodhas 5-3 in the opening match in Hyderabad on Wednesday. With compound archers Ojas Deotale and World No. 1 Ella Gibson leading the way with high-scoring arrows at the start, Royals also had Tokyo Olympic recurve champion Mete Gazoz to thank, as he repeatedly closed out the sets with the 120-second countdown winding down. The Abhishek Verma-led Yodhas bounced back from a slow start and could have taken the match into a hit-or-miss shootoff with the final arrow too, but Mexico's Mathias Grande shot a costly 8 in the end. Archery Premier League (APL), the world's first franchise-based archery league, is initiated by the Archery Association of India and comprises six teams and a total of 48 archers, with 36 Indians and 12 elite international stars. The league, taking place at People's Plaza in Hyderabad, will culminate on October 18 with the grand finale featuring the top four teams in the semifinal, followed by the title clash. The Royals won the first set 73-69, as Grande's 7 with his first arrow put Yodhas on the back foot and playing catch-up. Deotale, who was the source of the Royals' high energy just as he was last season, set the tone for the Royals along with Gibson, while India's Ankita Bhakat played able support to Gazoz. Verma started the second set with a 10 as it was a good start from all four archers, with the score tied 37-37 halfway through. Grande then bounced back with a sensational 10 off the final arrow with the clock winding down. Gazoz could have won the set for Royals with a 10, but his 9 meant both teams would have split points for the set. But one of the arrows was corrected after the end of the set, which saw the Yodhas bounce back into the match to make it 2-2. Before the third set, Yodhas made a change as Andrea Becerra came in to replace Raj Kaur. The compound stars of each team were on fire Deotale and Verma started with superb X-ring 10s, then Gibson and Becerra followed that up with 10s too, as the teams were locked in a tight battle. With their final arrows, Gazoz and Grande were both up against the clock but released the arrows in time. The Mexican had to hit a 10 to split the set, and he responded with just that for Yodhas. A really quality set was tied 77-77. Royals started the fourth set superbly with three 10s and opened up a 39-37 lead halfway through to stand on the cusp of a win. Gatha Anandrao Khadake, 16, had an up-and-down match but shot a 10 with her final arrow to give her side a chance to force a shootoff. While Gazoz managed a superb X with his final shot, Grande could manage only an 8. On the second day of action, the first match will feature Kakatiya Knights and Chola Chiefs. The defending champions Rajputana Royals resume their campaign against Chero Archers in the second match, and in the final encounter, Mighty Marathas take on Prithviraaj Yodhas.
Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College OPDs to shift to campus by Jan 2027
11-year-old Ranchi girl spins her way into Guinness World Records
Excited to work with Harmanpreet, admired her from afar, says MI head coach Williams
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 8 (IANS) Newly appointed Mumbai Indians head coach Luke Williams expressed his delight at getting an opportunity to be a part of the Womens Premier League (WPL) franchise, adding that he was excited to work with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, after having admired her from afar. Obviously, Ive had the pleasure of coaching against Harman in several leagues all over the world and have seen her fabulous talent and brilliant captaincy and leadership qualities and have been able to admire her from afar. So Im absolutely thrilled to be able to work with Harman and work together to really get the best out of the team for this season, said Williams in a video on the franchises YouTube channel on Thursday. He had coached Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a WPL 2024 triumph, and Williams said he was thrilled to get a chance to be a coach in the competition again. I was absolutely delighted when I found out that I was going to be offered the position. To be part of such a prestigious franchise is an absolute honour. Obviously, the WPL team has already achieved so much, having won the competition twice, and Im just so thrilled to be able to get started and meet the playing and support staff to get going. MI is playing an exciting brand of cricket. Quite intimidating as a team with a fantastic fan base as well as players who can take the game away from you very, very quickly. So again, thats the style of cricket that we want to play: to be able to put pressure on the opposition and to never give up. The MI side are going to play a relentless and aggressive style of cricket, and we will definitely continue that this year, which is one of the most exciting things about taking on this role, he added. Commenting on preparations for the upcoming season, with the auction happening in Kochi on October 28, Williams stated that he does not think there needs to be a complete overhaul of the squad considering the depth and balance that MI possess in all departments. Thats one of the most exciting things about being able to come into this particular team is that it has such a strong core. So I dont think that there needs to be a huge amount of changes necessarily. Obviously, were looking at the finer details and making sure that we get the balance right for different conditions that we might come up against. But at the moment I think the squad that we have got is a really good combination of players with the right mix of batting and bowling and seam and spin. Having been here before and also played in the WPL and seen the game grow, the passion of the fans is absolutely phenomenal. So its a really special time to be a part of Mumbai Indians, added Williams. He further pointed out that Indian womens cricket is going through an exciting phase and wants MI to be at the forefront of it all by continuing to play fearless and entertaining cricket. I think that the Indian team is playing some really special cricket at the moment and obviously have had so much success on the international stage. The future for both WPL and Indian cricket is incredibly bright. So we want Mumbai Indians to lead the way in terms of being fearless and taking the game on and playing a brand of cricket that is entertaining for the supporters and something that our fans can be really excited about and proud of, he said. Speaking about his own strengths as a coach, Williams credited his ability to communicate effectively with his players and staff as his main strength. I think obviously the ability to stay calm is always a good quality. As a coach, being able to communicate with different people, players, and staff. I probably take a bit of pride in my communication with people and making sure that they understand the demands clearly and that they feel empowered to do their jobs. So I think thats probably my strength as a coach, he said. Williams signed off by saying about the incredible support that MI gets from its fans and said that he looks forward to seeing them at the matches when WPL 2027 happens from January 14 to February 7. I cant wait to see you all at the games because, as you said, you are simply the heart and soul of the franchise. So it's really exciting to meet everyone and see that fantastic support and know that it plays such a big part in the teams success for the coming season and in the future ahead, said Williams.
Jharkhand HC reserves order on JSSC staff termination petitions
Ishan Kishans Maturity Praised by Indias Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak Ahead of T20 Match
Sitanshu Kotak commends Ishan Kishans growth as a player ahead of the T20 match against West Indies in Ranchi. Ishan Kishans Maturity Praised by Indias Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak Ahead of T20 Match
UP man held in Ranchi city for ATM card cloning fraud
2nd T20I: 'You can't beat experience' - Sitanshu Kotak decodes Bhuvneshwar Kumars T20I comeback
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) Highlighting that one can't beat experience in international cricket, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumars sustained form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and rich experience of playing in overseas conditions were potentially behind his being given a call-up for the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand. Bhuvneshwar earned his India T20I recall on the back of a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, where he spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful title defence with a 28-wicket haul. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 and missed the Purple Cap to Kagiso Rabada by just a solitary scalp. Bhuvneshwars last appearance in international cricket came during a T20I in New Zealand in November 2022. Across 87 T20Is for India, Bhuvneshwar has bagged 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.96. See, one thing obviously is selectors picked it, but still I can give you an answer on what I think because in England, I also personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and all the new bowlers - like young bowlers were playing, and we all know that you can't beat experience. You see, they also are good and performing well and getting selected. But at some stage you also need some experience. So, I am just thinking that might be one reason. Another thing is Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in IPL for the last two seasons. So, selectors must have thought that for New Zealand conditions and all, and obviously he has been doing well and we need some experience. They must have picked him. That's what I can think of unless you can think something different, Kotak said in a press conference on the eve of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi. Reiterating that the selection doors for the senior squad remain open for any player, including senior pacer Mohammed Shami, Kotak said, First of all, I am not a selector. So, it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing, and he is also doing well. If selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected. Commenting on the Centre of Excellence (CoE), head VVS Laxman, set to be a regular fixture in senior mens selection committee meetings, Kotak gave a sneak peek into the meticulous efforts of him stepping up for the senior team's requirements. See, I honestly don't know. I also came to know what you just said: that any injury-related update will be sent by Laxman sir. So, I believe that the decision taken by BCCI is done purposefully. I have worked with VVS Laxman in CoE for 3 years. He is so particular that whenever I was there, he used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, then our first duty is to do it. It's a different thing, but sometimes we used to take leave to go home. At such a time, if any Indian player is important and the Indian team wants him immediately, then he used to say, 'Kotak yaar, leave this week or for 1-2 weeks, as we have to get him ready. Leave after the player is ready.' So, this is how committed he is. So, whatever role he will be in, I am sure that he will think of the best for Indian cricket. Moreover, Kotak refuted any notion of disassociation between the senior team management and the development unit, saying that the head coach Gautam Gambhir and Laxman remain in constant touch. See, I personally have no idea. But I have this much idea that Gautam and Laxman always stay in touch. So, I have this much idea about them. Rest of the other things, I don't know. If there is any need, then Gautam speaks to Laxman. If anything is left from there, that is a normal procedure, which I have always seen. So, there is nothing new in that, he concluded.
BJP trying to take away votes of those who turned against it: Revanth Reddy
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was afraid of poor people who had turned against it and, therefore, wanted to deprive them of their right to vote. For a second consecutive day, the Chief Minister participated in the INDIA bloc's protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He alleged that the BJP had tried to divide Indians based on religion, caste, region and language. They have also misused Central agencies as a threat to weaken the Opposition and stifle institutions. Now that defeat is imminent, the country is being divided into two major camps: those who have the right to vote and those whose votes they want to steal, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) quoted him as saying. The BJP is afraid of the poor people who have turned against it, including Dalits, tribals, OBCs and minorities. Hence, they want to take away their votes, said Revanth Reddy, who joined Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Congress and INDIA bloc leaders in the sit-in protest at Raj Ghat. The Chief Minister stated that if the votes of 13 crore or more citizens were taken away, it would amount to the single largest disenfranchisement exercise on the planet. He said this figure was greater than the population of many countries. We are setting up a strange situation where, after the number of voters increased in every election in India since 1952, including the last three General Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, the total number of voters in India will decline in the next polls, he said. However, he asserted that the people of India would not allow this. He remarked that the issue was not a fight of the Congress alone or even the INDIA alliance, but one concerning the future of the country. CM Revanth Reddy alleged that PM Modi had always sought to capture power through divisive tactics drawn from what he described as the imperialist British playbook. Our party was formed to secure Independence for India, not to gain power. We ensured India became free and that every Indian got a vote. Today, if the government can illegally take away people's votes, tomorrow all their rights, including reservations and fundamental rights, will also be taken away, he said. India will stand for the right of every citizen to vote. No force on earth can stop that. Either the BJP removes CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reverses the SIR exercise and restores the vote of every citizen, or it will be consigned to the dustbin of Indian political history, Revanth Reddy added.
2nd T20: 'Now Much More Mature', Says Kotak As He Backs Kishan To Deliver On Home Turf In Ranchi
T20 World Cup: Having worked closely with Ishan Kishan for a long period, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak appreciated the local lad's growth as a much more mature and tactical match-winner ahead of India's second T20I against West Indies, set to happen at the JSCA Ground in Ranchi on Friday. Originally from Patna, Kishan plays domestic cricket for Jharkhand and is having a dream run in the shortest format leading the run-making charts by amassing 1042 runs in 30 innings and becoming a T20 World Cup winner. As a batting coach, whichever ground Ishan plays in, he considers it his home ground. Actually, when he came back after the World Cup, he has been doing really well for the Indian team in any situation. When he was young, I saw him when I worked in the IPL, where he was in the Gujarat Lions setup. But even then, he used to play aggressively. If anything, I would say that he is much more mature now. So, he plays according to the needs of the team and the situation of the team, and he has been doing really well. So, we just hope that he does well on his home ground, Kotak said in the pre-match press conference. Reiterating India's approach of an unrelenting and high-intensity version of playing the game, Kotak said that the pitch conditions in Ranchi will not impact the team's attacking approach. I think the way we are approaching with the fearless and team-first approach - that's the same way we'll go. No matter, it might be a different wicket also, but in T20s generally we get a good wicket. So, that'll be the same thing; the way we want to approach the T20s, we'll continue. I think it's a good batting wicket. So, it should be a high-scoring pitch. The team has not decided yet. So, I don't know. Chances are for everyone in 15 to be in the 11, he added. On managing the workload and rotation of stars such as Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested from the series, Kotak said that while it does impact results, overall the team's strong bench strength helps to ensure that a balanced squad is maintained at all times to prepare for multiple international events. Obviously, because, see, some games we are not playing, and Bumrah has been given a rest. In some games, some other senior players are also not playing. So, obviously any team in the world will require bench strength, and somewhere and somewhere you have to give them chances. So, sometimes results do suffer, but normally I think we have enough strong bench strength that our results also don't suffer as much, he added. Commenting on the issues raised regarding young pace bowler Mayank Yadav's performance in the first game, where his batting returns were expensive, Kotak felt he will bounce back strongly. See, Mayank also played here after playing in Zimbabwe. Any bowler will feel that it will take certain matches to get rhythm. Obviously, any bowler or bowling coach and team management will think about where they gave runs or where the runs go or in which particular bowls did the runs go and then think of how they can cut off, whether it is length or pace or change of pace. So, that is a non-stop work that is going on, he said. Expanding on the issue of balancing the need for victories with nurturing young talent, Kotak praised the healthy pool of competitive players available for selection across multiple squads. To tell you the truth, when you test players and if you win, then it continues. If you lose, there is a very thin line between keeping that balance. But obviously, we try to do that because of the promising players that we have, the way the BCCI and CoE run, our bench strength; if two or three of our teams go, it looks strong. Expanding on the issue of balancing the need for victories with nurturing young talent, Kotak praised the healthy pool of competitive players available for selection across multiple squads. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wows onlookers in Ranchi with explosive net session
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wows onlookers in Ranchi with explosive net session
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Ranchi girl spins her way into Guinness World Records with 80 nose hula-hoop rotations
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) What began as a playful childhood pastime four or five years ago has taken 11-year-old Aashvi Vashishtha of Ranchi into the Guinness World Records. The Class 6 student of DAV Kapildev School has achieved a Guinness World Record by completing 80 hula-hoop rotations around her nose in just one minute. The achievement became an especially memorable moment for her family when the record certificate and medal arrived at her home on Thursday. Aashvi accomplished the feat on May 3 this year with her record attempt filmed on the school premises. Maintaining the hula hoop's speed and rhythm while keeping it balanced around the nose makes the feat particularly challenging. Speaking to IANS, Aashvi said she started practising with a hula hoop about four or five years ago. Initially, it was simply something she enjoyed doing, and people at home and in her neighbourhood would often appreciate her speed and rhythm. Gradually, however, the pastime turned into dedicated practice. Around six months ago, Aashvi began thinking about attempting a hula-hoop record. Once she set the goal, she started training with greater focus, turning years of casual practice into preparation for a world-record attempt. And the Guinness achievement is not her only record. Aashvi has also found a place in the Asia Book of Records after completing 397 anti-clockwise hula-hoop rotations around her nose in 6 minutes and 40 seconds while wearing inline skates. She also holds an India Book of Records feat for completing 226 hula-hoop rotations in 3 minutes and 46 seconds while balancing on skates. Born on September 23, 2015, Aashvi is the daughter of Rahul Vashishtha and Kavita Vashishtha, residents of Ranchi's Upper Bazaar area. She credits her family for encouraging her throughout her journey and said her grandfather Ashok Sharma has always motivated her. For Aashvi, the record is more than a personal milestone. She has dedicated her Guinness World Record to her grandfather, mother, and father.
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India vs West Indies: A Look at Team Indias T20 Record in Ranchi Ahead of the Second Match
Team India aims to extend their lead in the T20 series against West Indies, with a strong record in Ranchi. India vs West Indies: A Look at Team Indias T20 Record in Ranchi Ahead of the Second Match
India vs West Indies second T20I: Men in Blue hope to extend winning run at Ranchi
Shreyas & Co. cant take things lightly against a power-packed West Indies battling line-up; the bowling, though, remains a big worry for the visiting side
Sooryavanshi, Kishan Set Chilly Ranchi Nets Alight
Ahead of the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, local player Ishan Kishan and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showcased their attacking batting in India's practice session. Kishan, returning to the national setup after a disciplinary issue, impressed assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak with his maturity. Sooryavanshi, a young talent, also drew significant attention with his powerful hitting. The team, having won the first T20I, plans to maintain its fearless approach for the upcoming match.
Graeme Smith Makes Bold Claim As SA20 Challenges Global T20 Giants
Graeme Smith, who is now the SA20 League Commissioner, declared on Thursday that the franchise league has gradually established itself as a primary choice for players during the January-February window
MI Legend Kieron Pollard Joins Super Kings In SA20, Graeme Smith Reacts
Kieron Pollard is now a Super Kings member. After years of representing the MI franchise in different T20 leagues such as the IPL, ILT20 and SA20, the West Indies superstar was roped in by Joburg Super Kings in the 2027 SA20 auction
IND vs WI 2nd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
IND vs WI 2nd T20I, Cricket Tips: Team India hammered West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series. Captain Shreyas Iyer slammed an unbeaten century and scored 102 off 43 balls to take his team home. India have been tremendous with the bat, and they will be looking to take a 2-0 lead going into the second game. The second ODI will start at 7 PM IST on Friday at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. West Indies have a strong batting unit, but they need contribution from their top order. Their bowling unit has been below-par, and they have struggled under pressure. Can they stop the Indian juggernaut? IND vs WI: Match Details Date : October 09, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7 PM IST Venue : JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi IND vs WI: Live Streaming Details Star Sports Networks will televise the live telecast of the second T20I in Ranchi. The live stream of the game will be streamed live on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs WI: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches: 32 India : 21 West Indies : 10 No-result: 1 IND vs WI: Ground Pitch Report JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi is an excellent venue for the batters. There is very little help here for the bowing side, and the dew will also make it difficult for the bowlers. Hence, the team that will bowl first will have an edge. IND vs WI: Possible XIs India : Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph IND vs WI: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Abhishek Sharma has been in tremendous form, and he can change the game within the first six overs. Shai Hope has scored two centuries and one fifty in the last three innings. He is in great form. Probable Best Bowler Arshdeep Singh and Akeal Hosein are two smart bowlers who have some good variations. Today Match Prediction: India are in great form and they are doing pretty well. Hence, we predict Team India to beat West Indies in the second game. IND vs WI Match 2nd T20I, Today Match IND vs WI, IND vs WI Prediction, IND vs WI Predicted XIs, Injury Update for India vs West Indies Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
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Highveld Conditions And Backup To Jansen Drove Our Fast-bowling Buys, Says SEC Head Coach Birrell
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Excelling in highveld conditions and securing quality backup for star all-rounder Marco Jansen were the primary drivers behind Sunrisers Eastern Capes fast-bowling buys at the SA20 season five auction, said head coach Adrian Birrell. In the auction, three-time champions and current trophy holders Sunrisers Eastern Cape bolstered their seam bowling by acquiring powerplay specialist Craig Overton and left-arm quick Nandre Burger. While Burger will make his debut for the franchise, Overton previously featured in six matches for SEC in previous editions of SA20. The duo joins an already lethal fast-bowling arsenal featuring Jansen, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, and Lutho Sipamla. We were always looking to bolster our bowling line-up to have backup for what we have. The success we've had every time, we've had three out of the top five fast bowlers from our team. So I really like those fast bowlers. I want them to bowl fast and swing it up front. We know we've had Craig Overton before, and he's very good in the highveld. He's also done very well in this last year for Somerset. They were always in contention to win the Blast in England, and we've got the captain, Lewis Gregory, in our squad as well as now Craig Overton. So I like sort of looking at winning teams and taking their best players. But Craig also gives us that batter who can bat at seven or eight. As that all-rounder, he's also backup for Jansen, who's played every single game for us. Marco has never got injured, and you hope that he never does get injured, but you always have to have backup in case. So we've got him. Then Nandre Berger is coming back from injury. He should be fit for the SA20, but he gives us another left-arm option. When he's fit, he bowls quick. So we wanted him as an option and also to get him on our books, Birrell told IANS in an interaction facilitated by the SA20 post-season five auction. The story of the auction, though, belonged to Joburg Super Kings as they went through a fierce bidding battle against MI Cape Town to secure 18-year-old all-rounder Jason Rowles for a staggering R 2.9 million, the highest buy of the day. Rowles was the leading run-getter for South Africa in this years Under-19 World Cup, amassing 280 runs in five innings at an excellent average of 70 and a strike rate of 112. JSK head coach Albie Morkel revealed that despite a higher-than-expected price tag, Rowles had been a long-term desire of the franchise's scouting network. Auctions are very funny things. Obviously, Robbie (Robin Peterson of MI Cape Town) and his crew saw the same talent that we saw in Jason. He is a local boy from Joburg that we've tracked for a long time. We had a talent scout camp a year ago, which he attended. So he was someone on our radar. Did I think he was going to go for that amount of money? No, definitely not. But he's someone that we really wanted. I think that initially the rookie and now the under-23 spot, every franchise is looking for that guy who's going to be the next Lhuan-dre or the next Brevis. Whether he will be that, time will tell. But he's a really talented guy. If you just follow his under-19 performances, the last year, they were great. Then he's got a very good management team around him. So I'm sure as a cricketer, with this money tag around his head now or over his head, they will manage it well. From our side, from a coaching and franchise point of view, we'll give him every opportunity to sort of grow into the player that we hope he will develop into, he explained. JSK also delivered one of the major surprises of the day by signing T20 batting giant Kieron Pollard, with the absence of a counter-bid from his long-time team MI Cape Town. Morkel was thrilled to add the explosive batter's leadership and firepower to the Super Kings setup. Obviously, I was really surprised to see him in the auction first up. From the information that we gathered, he was still very keen to play. It's not like we asked him to come out of retirement. He's really keen to play in the tournament and what it brings to our team: the leadership, that winning mentality, that hardness on the field, and that West Indian flair, if you want to call it that. I think that's something that we can really use. He makes our middle to lower batting order look really strong. So he was a no-brainer for us. I do understand the history behind the Mumbai and the Super Kings franchises very well. I've been a part of it. So obviously a lot of disappointed Mumbai fans, but I'm sure, with him joining Joburg Super Kings, he's going to have a big support base in Johannesburg. The switch from a rookie draft system to a structured Under-23 slot has had a huge impact on the franchise scouting departments. On the challenge of adding young blood to the fray without getting too deep into the under-23 talent pool, Pretoria Capitals assistant coach Shaun Pollock outlined the balance that needs to be struck in evaluating domestic prodigies compared to other global talent. Obviously, the different age groups, the scouting is formidable about how everyone goes and finds out and watches the different levels of cricket. I suppose it's trying to work out the balance and how high a standard the cricket is. So it's not just as easy as identifying someone and making sure that they get a chance. You don't want to stunt their growth by knocking their confidence. So there's a lot of balance in that. But I think everyone's very conscious. I think all the coaches would agree we're very conscious about trying to find some young talent. For example, I suppose Sooryavanshi has brought a different dimension to the way people think about the younger guys and whether they can do it. Obviously, the different age groups, the scouting is formidable about how everyone goes and finds out and watches the different levels of cricket. I suppose it's trying to work out the balance and how high a standard the cricket is. So it's not just as easy as identifying someone and making sure that they get a chance. You don't want to stunt their growth by knocking their confidence. So there's a lot of balance in that. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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PSL 2027 to clash with IPL for third straight year, set for March 18-May 2
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the third consecutive year, with its 12th edition scheduled to take place from March 18 to May 2, 2027, as per Cricinfo. The tournament was traditionally held in February and March from its inaugural edition in 2016 through 2024. However, the PSL was shifted to the April-May window from 2025 onwards due to clashes with ICC events, including the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. The PCB and the PSL franchises discussed the possibility of moving the 12th edition to the January-February window during a governing council meeting last month. The proposal came after Walee Technologies, which holds the league
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SIR: Civil society, youth groups rally in Bengaluru over voter roll revision
Civil society groups and activists protested in Bengaluru against the Special Intensive Revision on Thursday. They claimed that the ongoing verification process risks disenfranchising genuine voters ahead of future elections. Prominent figures, including YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor Prakash Raj, participated in the protest. Organizers conducted a People's Tribunal to share experiences of voter list removals. Protesters demanded transparency from the Election Commission of India regarding the revision process.
'Our vision is to get better every year': Graeme Smith on SA20s next five-year plan
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) With SA20 set to enter its fifth season, league commissioner Graeme Smith said his vision for the next five years of the tournament is centred on continuous improvement year after year, while the aim is for strengthening its standing in a busy global franchise T20 world. In a fast-paced mini-auction held on Wednesday, the six SA20 franchises fine-tuned their set-ups, with the highlight being the acquisition of ex-South Africa U19 players Jason Rowles by Joburg Super Kings for a staggering R 2.9 million, besides veteran Kieron Pollard, who has forever been a part of MI setups worldwide. A total of 789 players had registered for the recently concluded auction before the list was trimmed down to 156 players. The list comprised 95 South Africans and 61 overseas stars competing for just 19 available slots. I think, look, our vision is to get better and better every year. I think firstly you need to be a league of choice and I was really excited just for 19 slots to see how many players put their name on the auction list to be a part of it. So, that shows that players want to be here, want to play in the SA20. I think cricket will always be the number one core of our product. So that's exciting that the players want to be here, Smith told IANS in an interaction facilitated by SA20 post-season five auction. He also acknowledged that expansion talks of adding new leagues and window extensions were inevitable to discuss as the league grows. The league has been highly competitive. So, I just want to see it go from strength to strength. Obviously, as we grow, there will always be conversations around when do you add new franchises? How do you add new franchises? How long is the window going to be? But I think that you'll take it year by year. I think you'll see the developments of franchise cricket still progress over the next sort of year or two or three. Certainly with this new cycle of the four-year cycle of the FTP, I think there's going to be, you know, developments. I think for us, I still believe there'll be kind of four or five high-profile leagues every year. For us, we want to make sure that in the Southern Hemisphere, along with IPL and maybe the Hundred and so on, that we're up there with the top leagues in the world, which we've managed to do for the first five years, added Smith. Talking about how IPL-owned franchises have adapted to the local ecosystem, Smith said the teams management and scouting networks have got a more profound understanding of the South African system, especially of scouting players in the Under-23 category. I think if you look at the squads, there's balance throughout between investing in top international talent and youth. I think the difference is over the four and a half years, and with the coaches' inputs, certainly they've got a better understanding of the system, ability to scout behind the scenes in the South African talent pool system. So I think four or five years, the IPL franchises have learned a lot about South Africa, in business and cricket as well. So I think that really does help in terms of the investment into the U23 program. Obviously, the highlight of yesterday's story everyone's talking about is Jason Rowles. I think there's a few players in that U23 category that can prove to be exciting. Last year we had Nqobani Mokoena, who really came out of nowhere and had a superb season with the Paarl Royals. So I'm looking forward to see how that goes, to see the opportunities for young players now. I think the growth of franchise cricket is enormous. South Africa last year had the most international players at the IPL - it was over 21. So just seeing that South African talent and the opportunity that they've been given every year is super exciting. So, credit to the coaches and the franchises for the scouting behind the scenes. If he gets his opportunity, it will be great to see how he goes, he explained. Reflecting on the SA20's contribution to the overall revival of South Africa's cricket ecosystem, Smith felt the league had delivered on its mandate of improving standard of the domestic game, reviving interest across the country and bringing back fans to the stadiums, as well as providing greater competitive depth to the national team. Just before SA20 started, South African cricket was in a challenging space. I think the national team was struggling. There was a lot of administration issues. I think fans were getting disgruntled with the game. So I think, for us, besides lifting the standard of cricket, giving a high profile tournament that players could be a part of and seeing talent grow over the years and get competitive - that obviously benefits the national team's performance. But I think we really wanted to bring fans back to the game in South Africa and introduce new fans. Last year walking around the stadium, the amount of people that I've met in stadium that are coming to cricket for the first time and the growth of the fan base, and the support for our game certainly is one of the key goals that we wanted to achieve. I think over the first few years, we've achieved all those things. Now, it's about doubling down and making sure it goes from strength to strength, that in the next five years people are really still wanting to be a part of SA20 and seeing it grow from strength to strength, he concluded.
There Shouldn't Be Any Questions Around Samson Being Part Of The Playing Eleven, Says Pujara
New Delhi: Ahead of India's second T20I against West Indies, to be played in Ranchi, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has jumped to the aid of under-fire wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, saying that the team management should not doubt his place in the playing eleven after a couple of low scores. In the first T20I against the West Indies in Lucknow, Samson's lean patch continued as he was dismissed for just 11. The low score adds to a concerning string of single-digit outings for Samson, whose recent Asian Games campaign yielded scores of 9, 7, and 2, respectively. I hope that there is no pressure on him, because there shouldn't be. He has won a World Cup for the Indian team and performed exceptionally well there. He's a quality player. So there shouldn't be any questions around him being part of the playing XI, Pujara said to JioHotstar. Further speaking in Samsons favour, Pujara expressed confidence in him coming good in upcoming matches. Yes, you might have one or two bad games, and then if he has that, that's the time when the team management has to step in, to give him the right message that, 'You are an important part of this team and will be part of this playing XI, so just go out there, express yourself, play your natural game. And in a T20 format, there'll be some failures in between. But that's the time when you talk to a player, give him the right message. Yes, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is there, he will get his opportunity when the right time comes, but you don't make too many changes. If Sanju plays another two or three innings, I'm sure he will perform exceptionally well, he added. Talking about opener Abhishek Sharma's early dismissal against off-spinner Roston Chase in the first T20I, which India won by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-game series, Pujara opined that the youngster will be back on top of his game in no time after a miscalculated shot selection. Abhishek got off to a good start against seamers, but Shai Hope quickly realised that on that Lucknow pitch there was enough assistance for the spinners. Abhishek's record against off-spinners hasn't been great, though he's improved that number significantly. But at Lucknow again, it looked like he wasn't in the best frame of mind against spinners. His options, especially against Roston Chase, could have been slightly better. He wanted to hit that ball over covers, but eventually it ended up going to long-off. Abhishek got off to a good start against seamers, but Shai Hope quickly realised that on that Lucknow pitch there was enough assistance for the spinners. Abhishek's record against off-spinners hasn't been great, though he's improved that number significantly. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Highlights Kamal Haasan is set to return as the iconic freedom fighter Senapathy in Indian 3 S Shankar is returning to direct the next chapter of the long-running franchise The announcement follows the release of Indian 2 in 2024 The franchise began with the 1996 classic Indian , which introduced Senapathy to audiences The next film is expected to continue the story of the vigilante character Kamal Haasan is set to return as Senapathy in Indian 3 , giving audiences another chapter in one of Tamil cinema's most recognisable vigilante franchises. The announcement comes after Indian 2 , which reunited Haasan with director S Shankar nearly three decades after the original Indian . With Senapathy now returning once again, attention has turned to where the story could go next. How the Indian journey began Released in 1996, Indian introduced Haasan as Senapathy, a former freedom fighter who takes the law into his own hands while targeting corruption. The film became known for its socially relevant storyline, Shankar's ambitious direction and Haasan's performance in multiple roles. Senapathy's distinctive appearance and uncompromising approach to corruption helped make the character an enduring part of Tamil cinema. The film also earned Haasan the National Film Award for Best Actor. What happened in Indian 2 ? The 2024 sequel brought Senapathy back after a long gap, with Haasan reprising the character while Shankar returned to the director's chair. The story once again centred on corruption, with Senapathy returning to confront wrongdoing in a changing India. The sequel expanded the world established by the original while introducing a new generation of characters around Haasan's veteran vigilante. Indian 2 also set the stage for another chapter, leaving audiences with the expectation that Senapathy's journey was not yet over. What could Indian 3 explore? With Indian 3 now confirmed, the biggest question is what comes next for Senapathy. The announcement has renewed interest in the character's continuing battle against corruption and the direction Shankar will take the franchise. Details of the plot are still awaited, but Haasan's return suggests that Senapathy will remain at the centre of the story. For audiences who have followed the franchise since 1996, the third film also offers a chance to see how the character has evolved across different eras while retaining the qualities that made him so memorable. More details about the cast, storyline and release plans are expected as the project moves forward.
Bengaluru protests: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accuses PM Modi of 'murdering democracy, vote theft'
Abhijit Dipke, the founder of Cockroach Janta Party, expressed criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions. He accused the government of attempting to disenfranchise voters who oppose the BJP through voter deletions. Dipke stated that protests will persist until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns from his position. A civil society group and CJP organised the protests at Bengalurus Freedom Park to voice their concerns.
2nd T20I: India's winning formula faces stern test as Windies look to bounce back (Preview)
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) India will look to turn their early advantage into a 2-0 lead when they face West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Friday, but the focus before the five-match series moves to a couple of selection calls that could test an otherwise settled side. The hosts made a commanding start in Lucknow, chasing down West Indies 171 in just 14.4 overs after Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls. The result leaves India with room to experiment, but Sanju Samsons prolonged lack of runs and an expensive outing for Mayank Yadav could force the management to consider changes. Samson has made only 9, 7, 2 and 11 in his last four innings, increasing the attention on the opening combination. With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi already part of Indias T20I squad, the teenager is an obvious option if the team decides to alter the top order. The BCCIs squad for the series includes both Samson and Sooryavanshi, along with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Sooryavanshis appeal lies in the attacking style he brings to the powerplay. A change at the top would also give India an opportunity to assess another combination while retaining Abhishek Sharma, whose aggressive approach has been central to their T20 plans. For now, however, the management must decide whether one poor phase is enough to move away from Samson or whether the experienced wicketkeeper-batter gets another opportunity to turn things around. On the other end of the batting order, India have far fewer concerns. Iyer's first T20I century has provided the middle order with an important boost, while his unbeaten 102 in the opener ensured India were never under pressure in the chase. The bowling combination presents another decision. Mayank conceded 16 runs in his first over in Lucknow and had an expensive outing overall, although he eventually removed Sherfane Rutherford, who had top-scored for the West Indies with 56. Naman Dhir was Indias standout bowler with 3-31, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each. India could therefore look at an alternative pace-bowling combination, with Nitish Kumar Reddy among the players who can provide an additional option. But the management will also be aware that using him with the new ball has not always produced the desired results. Spin, meanwhile, gave India control in the opening game. Kuldeep and Axar operated in tandem and kept the West Indies batting line-up from building sustained momentum, while Dhir added another dimension with his off-spin. West Indies will need considerably more from their batting if they are to prevent India from extending their lead. Shai Hope and Rutherford both made half-centuries in Lucknow, but the visitors lost three wickets inside the powerplay before the pair helped rebuild the innings. The challenge becomes sharper in Ranchi, where the venue has historically rewarded teams chasing. Of the seven T20 matches played at the ground, four have been won by the side batting second and three by teams setting a target. The average first-innings score is 138, while the second-innings average is 111. The ground has nevertheless witnessed sizeable totals. Indias 196/6 against Sri Lanka remains the highest T20 score at the venue, while New Zealands 155/3 against India is the highest successful chase. The pitch is expected to offer a firm surface with an even covering of grass, potentially allowing the ball to come onto the bat while giving the new-ball bowlers some assistance early. For India, the broader picture remains encouraging. The squad was officially named with Iyer as captain and includes a mix of established T20 players and younger options such as Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav. But with a 1-0 lead already secured, Fridays contest could reveal just as much about Indias thinking for the rest of the series as it does about the immediate result. The decisions surrounding Samson and Mayank may provide the clearest indication of how much patience the team management is prepared to show as it builds towards the longer T20I season. When: October 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM Where: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Where to watch: The match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network channels and live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Squads: India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav. West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer
Nana Patekar Death | Nana Patekar's Journey Through His Cinema | Nana Patekar Movies
He was only 13 then. After school, he would walk eight kilometres to Chunabhatti (eastern Mumbai) to paint film posters, earning Rs 35 per month and getting one meal a day. One of their relatives betrayed his father and usurped their property. Life was tough. Nana Patekar didn't have to go to any acting school. He learnt acting through hardships in real life. I was in Class IX, but that humiliation and hunger taught me so much that I didn't need to go to any acting school, the actor told The Times of India in an interview in 2015. Nana Patekar was unpredictable as an actor. With films like Parinda (1989), Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991) and Krantiveer (1994) establishing him as a bankable star, Nana Patekar switched to comedies, such as the Welcome franchise, smoothly later in his life. Nana, who once said I don't have the fear of death from the beginning, died on Thursday morning (October 8) at his Goa home. According to hospital sources, doctors tried to revive him for almost 45 minutes after he was brought in, but there was no response.
James Hopes and Brad Haddin leave Punjab Kings coaching staff; Franchise yet to confirm
James Hopes and Brad Haddin have reportedly left their coaching positions at Punjab Kings for opportunities in Australia. Hopes has been appointed head coach of Queensland and Brisbane Heat, while Haddin has taken charge of New South Wales men's team. Their departures follow the exit of spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who joined the Indian men's team.
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 8 (IANS) The makers of ace director Shankar's 'Indian 3', the third Instalment in the popular 'Indian' franchise, featuring actor Kamal Haasan in the lead, on Thursday, released a poster from the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs, even as sources confirmed to IANS that post production work on the film was now going on at a brisk pace. Lyca Productions, which is producing the film, took to its social media timelines to share a new poster of the upcoming instalment and wrote, Senapathy is back with zero tolerance. The resurgence begins in #Indian3 War Mode. Sources confirmed to IANS that post production was now in full swing as a considerable portion of the third instalment had been shot during the making of the second instalment itself. For the unaware, the first instalment of the 'Indian' franchise, 'Indian', which featured Kamal Haasan, Manisha Koirala and Urmila Matondkar in the lead, was first released in the year 1996. It went on to emerge a huge blockbuster. Its success led to director Shankar and actor Kamal Haasan consider the possibility of making a sequel to the hit film. In 2017, they announced 'Indian 2', the sequel to the first part. However, 'Indian 2' faced several delays, with its makers managing to complete it only in 2024. In fact, work on the film came to a grinding halt after a mishap on the sets of the film left three people dead and over 10 injured. The accident left everybody involved rattled with Shankar, Lyca and Kamal Haasan announcing financial aid to the families of those killed in the mishap. When attempts to restart shooting were made, Covid struck and the project had to be put on the backburner. To add to this, there were disagreements between the director, actor and producers. After a lot of discussions, the disputes were resolved and shooting resumed, with popular production house Red Giant Movies stepping in to help with production. As the second instalment's duration was long, the makers decided to release the film as two parts -- 'Indian 2' and 'Indian 3', with actor Kamal Haasan making it evident that he was more excited about the third instalment of the franchise than the second. Now, two years after 'Indian 2' released, the makers have released a new poster from 'Indian 3', much to the joy of fans of the franchise.
Drishyam The Conclusion has crossed the Rs. 200 crores mark and is now certain to finish with a lifetime collection of more than Rs. 350 crores. In the process, it will break the six-and-a-half-year-old record held by Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior (2020) and emerge as Ajay Devgns highest-grossing film. The period entertainer had collected Rs. 279.55 crores at the box office. We spoke to trade experts about this remarkable feat. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, Yes, this will be his biggest hit. The best part is that it doesnt have songs and action. And yet, it is making those numbers, which is a very positive sign for the industry. It shows that the audience is open to all kinds of cinema, provided it connects with them. Trade analyst Atul Mohan made an important point, This is going to be the biggest solo hit of Ajay Devgn. Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal opined, I always believe that when an actors last film works, it benefits his next release. Ajay Devgns last film, Dhamaal 4, was a huge hit. With Drishyam The Conclusion, almost everyone expected an opening of Rs. 35-40 crores. I didnt meet a single person in the trade who predicted an opening of Rs. 50 crores. However, the film went on to do Rs. 62 crores on day 1. He added, I spoke to Ajay Devgn two weeks before release and I told him, This would be your careers biggest film. He was like, Kya baat kar raha hai tu?! I remember even during Tanhaji, I had made a similar prediction. I predicted it after watching Tanhaji. With Drishyam The Conclusion, I had not even seen it and yet, I could predict that itll be the biggest hit of his career. And thats whats going to happen. He also added, Thanks to Drishyam The Conclusion, hell surely get a big opening for Golmaal 5. Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, agreed, Its already his biggest opener, biggest weekend, biggest overseas grosser and now itll have the biggest lifetime of his career. This also goes to prove that the combination of Ajay Devgn and a good franchise makes for a good commercial cinema! He continued, His originals open around Rs. 8-15 crore mark depending on the genre and content. The same goes for Akshay Kumars original films as well. Their franchise films, meanwhile, can go anywhere. So, I think the future for both Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar is to monetize their existing franchises. Theyll be much better off if they come more with franchises. They should also do original movies but 2 franchises a year is ideal. They should also try and build more franchises. I believe Bhooth Bangla is a fantastic film which can be built into a franchise. He further said, Golmaal 5 has both Ajay and Akshay. So, you can imagine the kind of numbers that film will do now. If Drishyam The Conclusion can collect Rs. 62 crores, then Golmaal 5 can collect Rs. 70-80 crores on day 1. Vishek then said, This holds true for Hollywood also. Tom Cruises Digger opened at $8-10 million, which was no way close to the first-day numbers of Top Gun and Mission Impossible. Perhaps people want to see the older stars in the franchises. Also Read: Trade stunned by Drishyam The Conclusions Rs. 174 cr opening weekend; predict a lifetime of Rs. 400-450 cr: It doesnt have any of the commercial trappings like hit music, romance, comedy etc
The month of September proved to be a healthy one for the exhibition sector, while October began with a bang, thanks to the phenomenal performance of Drishyam The Conclusion. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited, spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about the strong box office performance, the success of Avengers Endgame: Encore, the innovative Drishyam Pav Bhaji offer, the excitement surrounding Ramayana, the expansion of IMAX screens and a lot more. How was the month of September and the first week of October for PVR INOX? September was very good, dominated by Hanuman Ansh, of course (smiles). No one expected it to become such a sleeper hit. It exploded at the box office and has done business of close to Rs. 400 crores. That's heartening for us, as it proves yet again that anything can happen in this business. Then, Mirzapur The Movie did very well, and towards the end of the month, The Vvaan also performed strongly in cinemas. These films gave us the desired footfalls and the results we were looking for. So, I am very happy with how September shaped up for us. October has started with a bang, thanks to Drishyam The Conclusion. It has already earned Rs. 162 crores over the weekend and is still going strong. What's amazing is that people have loved the film and are talking about it. This only means that it is going to sustain well and perform even better than we had expected. We also released the Japanese film Doraemon: Castle Of The Undersea Devil, which collected around Rs. 8 crores over the weekend. That was a pleasant surprise. Our weekend admissions stood at 30 lakhs, which is a huge number and among the highest we have ever recorded. Also, we have three more films coming up in October before Ramayana takes over in November Udta Teer, Prahaar and Nayyi Navelli. They belong to diverse genres and their trailers look promising. Hence, these films have the potential to add significantly to our admissions this month. PVR INOX came up with an interesting offer buy four tickets for Drishyam The Conclusion and get one Pav Bhaji free. The creative announcing the offer was widely shared on social media. How important is it to provide such incentives to moviegoers? We keep thinking of different offers, and this particular idea came from the producers, if I am not mistaken. It was quite different and innovative (laughs). We are not a passive brand that believes people will automatically flock to cinemas whenever a film releases. That's obviously not true. A lot goes into building and running cinemas. One of the things we actively focus on is promotions and marketing to make the moviegoing experience more attractive for our patrons. That's why we offer discounted ticket prices on Tuesdays and weekday mornings. We also have several offers in association with banks and credit card companies. Our marketing and promotions team constantly strives to come up with innovative offers that encourage people to visit our cinemas. The re-release of Avengers Endgame: Encore has also been very successful at the box office... That was another pleasant surprise. It was a re-release with some new footage, which enticed audiences to return to cinemas. It's also a great precursor to Avengers: Doomsday, which releases in December. The franchise has a massive following. Hollywood has been phenomenal this year. Spider-Man: Brand New Day did more than Rs. 400 crores, while The Odyssey collected around Rs. 200 crores. Obsession, a relatively small film that not many people had heard of, went on to do Rs. 100 crores. Films like The Devil Wears Prada 2, Michael and Project Hail Mary also attracted audiences to cinemas. This year, films across genres and languages have performed well at the box office. Our hypothesis is that people are getting bored of sitting at home and are increasingly enjoying the communal experience of watching a film together on the big screen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) What are your expectations from Ramayana? I hope, for everyone's sake and ours too, that the film turns out to be a huge grosser. It has all the ingredients needed to become a massive blockbuster. So, I am very hopeful and optimistic about its box office prospects. The IMAX format has become increasingly popular among moviegoers. Is PVR INOX planning to open any new IMAX screens this year? We have one more IMAX screen coming up at Pacific Mall in Jaipur. The mall opens this Sunday, October 11, and we hope to have the cinema operational before Ramayana releases. We also have another IMAX screen planned for this financial year in Chennai. Also Read: Why India doesnt have more IMAX screens: PVR INOXs Sanjeev Kumar Bijli reveals each auditorium costs a WHOPPING Rs. 10-11 cr; says Hindi, Tamil and Telugu content can drive expansion
The film industry and the audience at large woke up today with the terrible news of the passing away of veteran actor Nana Patekar due to a sudden heart attack. Apart from giving some memorable performances, the late artiste was also known for speaking his mind during interviews. During one such group interview in 2015 for Trade Guide magazine before the release of his film Ab Tak Chhappan 2, involving this writer, Patekar spoke on a lot of things openly. During the course of the interview, Patekar was asked if he interferes in the direction of his films. He calmly said, Yes, I interfere a lot (smiles). At times I also scold. In fact, when the actor was asked if he would ever direct a film, he honestly said, I do it a lot unofficially. Its just that my name doesnt appear in the credits (laughs). But I will officially direct the third film in the Ab Tak Chhappan franchise. It will be shot in France and Istanbul. They might announce about this immediately. During that time, Patekars Marathi film Natsamrat (2016) was in the making. Expressing how fulfilling that role is, he said, I think after this film if I dont act ever, it wont make any difference to me as an artist. The role is that great! He also pointed out that a lot of actors who previously played that character have passed away. Shreeram Lagoo, who played the original Natsamrat is still alive (Lagoo passed away four years later in 2019) but whoever played the character after him is not. Satish Dubhashi, Chandrakant Gokhale, Madhusudhan Kolhatkar, Raja Gosavi, to name a few. It is the most gratifying role, which, at the same time, also sucks your blood, he said. Later in the same interview, Patekar openly expressed his dislike for The Kapil Sharma Show when he was asked whether he would promote Ab Tak Chhappan 2 on that show. I will never go to Kapil Sharmas show to promote my film, he said. If my film is supposed to do well after going to that show, it is better that it doesnt do well. If my film is doing well because of that show, why should I go? I personally dont like that show. If you need to insult someone to make people laugh, I dont prefer that. Also Read: Nana Patekars funeral to be held with full state honours, confirms Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
India vs West Indies in Ranchi brings back an Ajit Agarkar memory
In 2023, when India played New Zealand in a T20I at the same venue, Ajit Agarkar did the pitch report before the match. As part of the broadcast coverage, Agarkar assessed the playing conditions and pointed out the dimensions of the ground, the grass cover and the possible impact of dew.
Eight teams, six-week window: PSL 12 set to run from March 18 to May 2
The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League will be held from March 18 to May 2 next year, with the tournament retaining its expanded eight-team format for a second successive season. The dates were finalised at the PSL Governing Council meeting in London on September 1, attended by owners and representatives of all eight franchises. The eight-team format was introduced in PSL 11, which also marked the league's first players' auction, replacing the draft system. The final at Gaddafi Stadium drew 32,461 spectators, with Peshawar Zalmi ending a nine-year wait for the title by beating Hyderabad Kingsmen in May. The announcement of the dates will now set the ball rolling for a series of key events, including direct signings, retention announcements, the trade window and the players' auction. PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of -- thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts. PSL 12 will raise the bar further, said Paki
