“Join my channel” Ravish Kumar appeals viewers as he scales 8M subscribers on YouTube
Kumar's channel reached 8 million subscribers in one year's span since he joined YT
New Delhi: Ravish Kumar, the former Executive Editor of NDTV and renowned Indian journalist, has achieved a milestone with his YouTube channel crossing 8 million subscribers. The accomplishment comes just over a year after Kumar officially launched his channel in October 2022. Notably, he commenced publishing videos on the platform after announcing his resignation from NDTV on December 1, 2022, through a video post.
In a recent video expressing gratitude to his viewers, Kumar thanked them for their unwavering support. He encouraged more people to subscribe to his channel and emphasized the importance of viewers "Joining" the channel on YouTube, a feature that allows users to support creators through paid memberships.
Known for his incisive commentary and independent perspective, Kumar's YouTube channel has become immensely popular, attracting millions of views for most of his videos. The veteran journalist, based in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India, had dedicated 27 years to NDTV, where he held the position of senior executive editor and anchored several flagship shows.
The decision to resign and venture into the digital media came amid a challenging period for Kumar. Apart from personal challenges, including his mother's illness in Bihar, he faced death threats on his personal phone from supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to his political coverage. Additionally, NDTV was grappling with a hostile takeover by Adani Group, known for its close association with the prime minister.
Choosing his YouTube channel as the platform to announce his departure, Kumar maintained his composure, expressing gratitude to viewers for their decades-long support. In his resignation speech, he likened the situation to a bird losing its nest to external forces. Kumar also issued a warning about authoritarian forces dividing the country and lamented the state of journalism in India, describing it as the "dark age of journalism."
Ravish Kumar is leading a growing trend among Indian journalists who have departed mainstream media organizations in recent years, opting to establish a presence on YouTube and other social media platforms. This shift is seen as a response to the challenges faced by noncompliant media organizations in the current political climate in India.
“As the country approaches the general election anticipated in April or May 2024, where Prime Minister Modi seeks a third term, social media platforms like YouTube are increasingly becoming vital spaces for journalists to share unbiased news and maintain their journalistic endeavors,” a report of “Rest of World” mentioned earlier this week.
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Keshav Maharaj replaces injured Mitchell Santner in Mumbai Indians’ squad
Mumbai (PTI): South African spin-bowling all-rounder Keshav Maharaj on Monday replaced New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner in the Mumbai Indians’ squad for the remainder of the Indian Premier League.
Santner has been ruled out owing to a shoulder injury which he sustained during the team’s last match here at the Wankhede Stadium against Chennai Super Kings.
“Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for Mitchell Santner, who has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 owing to a left shoulder injury,” the IPL said in a statement.
“Santner sustained the injury during MI’s last home game against Chennai Super Kings while attempting a catch near the boundary.”
“Maharaj, an experienced left-arm spinner, recently featured in the T20I series against New Zealand. He has featured in two IPL matches, representing Rajasthan Royals in 2024. He joins MI for a fee of INR 75 lakh,” it added.
Santner took a fine diving catch to dismiss CSK’s Kartik Sharma off Jasprit Bumrah but in the process hit his shoulder and head on the ground. He was later replaced by Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute in the game.
MI head coach Jayawardene had informed that Santner was taken for scans after he felt of not being "stable”.
“I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back, he felt dizziness so he was lying down. Yes, the ice (pack) was there for the shoulder. But he felt that he wasn't stable so we took him for a scan in that situation,” Jayawardene told reporters after the match.
MI will next be in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.
