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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Veteran Tamil film producer Rajan dies after jumping into Adyar River
Chennai (PTI): Veteran Tamil film producer K Rajan died after jumping into the Adyar River in the city on Sunday, police said.
Police said it appears to be a case of suicide, though the reason for his extreme step was not immediately known.
The 85-year-old film personality asked his driver to stop the car while crossing the Adyar bridge and suddenly got out and jumped into the river, police sources said.
The driver immediately alerted Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.
Rajan entered the Tamil film industry as a producer in the early 1980s. Apart from producing films, he also directed a few movies.
He also served as president of a film distributors’ association.
Top leaders of political parties, including the two Dravidian majors—the DMK and AIADMK—expressed shock and grief over his death and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin said Rajan had always boldly raised his voice for the welfare of small film producers and the overall development of the film industry.
“He had always urged that Tamil films be titled in Tamil,” Stalin said in a statement, adding that Rajan consistently fought for the rights of ordinary workers in the film industry.
AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said Rajan’s voice was important in securing recognition for small-budget films in the Tamil film industry.
Among others who condoled his death was PMK founder S Ramadoss. Leaders from various parties also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
“This is terrible news. Deeply shocked to hear about the demise of our beloved member of the film fraternity, producer K Rajan sir,” actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar said in a post on social media platform X.
“He was a very respectful person and someone who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. This is very upsetting. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
