IPL 2025: Kohli nearly throws water bottle after Digvesh Rathi’s ‘mankad’ attempt on Jitesh Sharma
Bengaluru: A dramatic moment unfolded during the high-octane IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as rising LSG leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi attempted a controversial 'Mankad' dismissal on stand-in RCB skipper Jitesh Sharma. The attempt triggered an emotional outburst from senior RCB pro Virat Kohli, who was caught on camera nearly throwing a water bottle in the dressing room in visible frustration.
The incident occurred in the 17th over of RCB's innings when Rathi, mid-delivery, paused and turned toward the stumps at the non-striker's end in an attempt to run Jitesh out. Although eventually Jitesh was declared not out by the third umpire, the move did not sit well with Kohli, who was watching from the dugout.
Interestingly, Rathi had nearly dismissed Jitesh earlier in the same over when the batter reverse swept the ball straight to Ayush Badoni at point. Rathi began celebrating, but the joy was short-lived as the umpire signaled a rare backfoot no-ball, rendering the delivery invalid. This turn of events seemed to rattle Rathi, who ended the night wicketless despite a promising season overall.
Jitesh Sharma responded to the drama in style, playing a captain’s knock of 85 off just 33 balls, peppered with 8 boundaries and 6 sixes, at an incredible strike rate of 257.58. Partnering with Mayank Agarwal (41 off 23), Jitesh stitched a 107-run stand for the fifth wicket, helping RCB chase down a daunting 228-run target with eight balls remaining.
Earlier, Rishabh Pant lit up the evening with a masterful 118 off 61 deliveries for LSG, guiding his team to 227/3. The knock included innovative strokeplay and a celebration flip that captured fans' attention, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as RCB stormed to victory and secured a place in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.
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BJP vows to return to power in 2028 in Karnataka, attacks Cong at executive committee meet
Bengaluru (PTI): BJP leaders on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Karnataka and exuded confidence that the party would return to power in the 2028 Assembly elections.
The opposition party in Karnataka also passed four resolutions at its state executive committee meeting at the Palace Grounds here. It includes rampant corruption in the state, misuse of government funds, growing drug menace, agrarian problem and the garbage crisis in Bengaluru.
The party also hailed the Centre for introducing Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The executive committee welcomed the Centre's decision to give respect to 'Vande Mataram' song.
Addressing the meeting, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra alleged there was "zero development" in the state and claimed discontent within the ruling party.
"Let us work day and night to restore the BJP’s past glory in Karnataka," Vijayendra said, adding, "A situation has arisen where even MLAs of the ruling party may revolt against the government."
He alleged that law and order had completely deteriorated under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state and referred to murders in Surathkal and Yellapur, claiming no compensation had been provided to the families of a Dalit woman in Yellapur and a Dalit man in Koppal.
He further alleged that Mysuru had become a narcotics hub and recalled the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl during Dasara in the Chief Minister’s home district.
Vijayendra urged party workers to gear up for a series of upcoming elections, including local body polls, GBA elections and Assembly bypolls, and called for grassroots mobilisation to highlight the failures of the Congress government.
Inaugurating the meeting, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "This is not merely an organisational meeting but a meeting for introspection."
He described it as a gathering to strengthen the organisation and resolve to remove the corrupt government from power.
Expressing confidence about the party’s prospects, he said the BJP would form the government in Karnataka in 2028 with an overwhelming majority.
He criticised the Congress for the Emergency and alleged that the state had become "corrupt and financially bankrupt", referring to scandals, including MUDA. He also claimed there had been infighting over the Chief Minister’s post from the beginning and that public debt had risen sharply.
BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal said the party's victory in the 2028 Assembly elections was certain and objected to alleged attempts to curb RSS activities in the state.
He accused the government of favouring minorities over Scheduled Castes and termed it a "corrupt government".
Former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who was felicitated for completing 50 years in active politics, called upon party workers to resolve to bring the BJP back to power "on our own strength" and to "uproot the corrupt Congress government".
Former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said it was Yediyurappa who had brought the BJP to power in Karnataka for the first time in South India and praised his role in strengthening the party.
Several senior leaders, including Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, Shobha Karandlaje and V Somanna, and other state leaders were present at the meeting.
