Manoj Bhandage, the young all-rounder from Karnataka, was brought in as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) impact player during their IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 18. However, the highly anticipated appearance ended on a disappointing note as he was dismissed cheaply after RCB’s batting order collapsed in a shortened innings.

RCB reels after rain-hit start

The encounter at Bengaluru was disrupted by heavy rainfall, leading to a significant delay. Once play resumed at 9:45 PM, the fixture was reduced to 14 overs per side. RCB, who were put in to bat first, struggled heavily as wickets fell in quick succession, leaving them reeling at 41/6 within the first eight overs.

In a bid to salvage their innings, the team turned to Manoj Bhandage, deploying him as their designated impact player.

Profile: Who is Manoj Bhandage?

Manoj Bhandage, born on October 5, 1998, in Karnataka, was acquired by RCB for ₹30 lakh during the IPL 2025 mega auction. A left-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer, Bhandage is known for his aggressive style and versatility with both bat and ball.

He made his T20 debut for Karnataka in 2019 and later featured in List A cricket starting 2022. In 14 List A matches, Bhandage has accumulated 235 runs at a strike rate of 100.42 and has taken 10 wickets at an economy rate of 4.80. His T20 record includes 186 runs and 13 wickets from 24 appearances.

Bhandage has been recognized for his ability to contribute in the lower-middle order while offering useful overs with the ball, which prompted RCB to test his potential under pressure.

Short stay at the crease

Unfortunately for the debutant, his contribution was limited. Facing Marco Jansen, Bhandage attempted to flick a length delivery but misjudged its line. The ball struck his pad with his front leg airborne. Although he opted for a review, technology confirmed no bat contact, and the ball-tracking data indicated a marginal clip of the leg stump. The umpire’s original decision of out was upheld, and Bhandage had to walk back after scoring just one run from four balls.

His brief outing added to RCB’s woes on a night where their top and middle order offered little resistance, leaving fans and management with unanswered questions about their depth under pressure.

Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has firmly denied recent reports suggesting a rift between skipper Sanju Samson and the franchise. Addressing the media ahead of their upcoming IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants, Dravid labelled the rumours as “baseless” and stressed the team’s unity and shared focus on playoff qualification.

The controversy was sparked by a video that showed Samson missing from a team huddle involving Dravid and other members of the support staff. Speculations quickly followed about a possible internal conflict and even questions about Samson’s captaincy future.

“I don’t know where these reports are coming from. Sanju and I are on the same page,” Dravid stated during the press conference.

He further added, “He’s a very integral part of our team. He’s involved in each and every decision and discussion. Sometimes, when you lose games and things don’t go right, you face criticism and we can take it on our performances, but we can’t do anything about this baseless stuff.”

Dravid praised the team’s effort and unity, highlighting that criticism often overlooks how deeply players are affected when they don’t perform well. “The spirit of the team is really good, I’m impressed with how hard these guys work. One of the things people don’t understand is how hurt the players feel when they don’t perform,” he noted.

Sanju Samson’s fitness in question ahead of key match

Adding to the team’s concerns, Sanju Samson’s availability for the crucial Saturday fixture remains uncertain. The RR captain had to retire hurt during the previous match against Delhi Capitals after scoring 31 off 19 balls, following a possible side strain.

He was seen in visible discomfort after playing a cut shot against Vipraj Nigam and was subsequently assessed by the physio for pain in the left ribcage area. Although he continued briefly, Samson had to leave the field soon after. The match ended in a tie and RR eventually lost in the Super Over.

“Sanju experienced a bit of pain in the abdominal area. So we have gone for scans. He has done some scans today so we are waiting the results… and then once we get a bit more clarity… we’ll take a decision,” Dravid said on Friday.

As Rajasthan Royals await the scan results, all eyes are on Samson’s condition ahead of what could be a pivotal match in their campaign.

Akshay Kumar’s highly anticipated film, Kesari 2, has burst onto the big screen with an impressive start, attracting Rs 3 crore in advance bookings. Premiering today, April 18th, the film has already grossed over Rs 1.5 crore on its opening day in India, signalling its strong reception.

Set against the backdrop of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, this courtroom drama places Akshay Kumar at the heart of a gripping narrative that intertwines history with powerful storytelling. The film has quickly captured the hearts of audiences, political leaders, and the Bollywood fraternity, all of whom have praised its performances, storyline, and screenplay.

Fans of Kesari and Akshay Kumar have taken to social media to share their excitement and appreciation. Videos showcasing standing ovations from viewers at special screenings have gone viral, highlighting the film’s emotional resonance. Akshay Kumar, along with co-star Ananya Panday, participated in various promotional events, contributing to the film’s growing buzz.

One enthusiastic viewer shared their thoughts online, exclaiming, “The second half is absolutely electrifying! The monologue by Ananya and Akshay is heart-wrenching and compels us to confront the brutal realities of the British Raj, especially the extent to which they went to justify the atrocities of events like Jallianwala Bagh.” They even posed an intriguing question: “Will the Crown ever apologise to India?” This reflection illustrates how the film resonates with audiences, encouraging them to engage with the historical narrative.

Moreover, the film honours the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. One viewer remarked on X, “Before the teaser for Kesari 2, I had no idea who C. Sankaran Nair was. This film has truly opened my eyes!”

Leading up to the release, Union Minister Hardeep Singh showered praise on the film’s impactful dialogue after a screening, with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta echoing similar sentiments.

Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty also expressed his admiration on social media, stating, “When courage commands the screen, history speaks boldly.”

Adding to the wave of praise, renowned South Indian star Rana Daggubati shared his thoughts post-screening, calling it “a powerful and essential film that resonates with every Indian.”

Overall, Kesari 2 is more than just entertaining cinema; it serves as a poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in Indian history, urging audiences to reflect on the past while celebrating the bravery of those who fought valiantly for freedom. The film’s narrative not only aims to educate but also to inspire a sense of pride and awareness about the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.