Karnataka’s triumphant victory in the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Vidarbha is a testament to their collective skill and strategic prowess. The match, held on Saturday at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat, concluded with a decisive 36-run win for Karnataka, a victory celebrated by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar. He lauded the team’s coordinated performance, commending both the batting and bowling units, and specifically acknowledging captain Mayank Agarwal and the coaching staff for their instrumental roles in securing the title.

Vidarbha’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a strategic misstep. While Karnataka’s openers, Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal, provided a relatively modest start with a 23-run partnership, the middle order ignited the innings.

Smaran Ravichandran’s masterful century (101 runs from 92 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes) anchored a commanding total of 348/6. He was ably supported by Krishnan Shrijith (78 runs) and Abhinav Manohar (79 runs), whose explosive batting showcased their power-hitting capabilities.

Vidarbha’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught, with Darshan Nalkande and Nachiket Bhute each taking two wickets, while Yash Thakur and Yash Kadam managed one each.

Vidarbha’s chase began promisingly with Dhruv Shorey’s impressive century (110 runs), a valiant effort marked by 8 fours and 2 sixes. However, a lack of substantial support from the other batsmen hampered their progress.

Despite contributions from captain Karun Nair (27 runs) and Harsh Dubey’s explosive 63 runs (5 fours, 5 sixes), Vidarbha ultimately fell short, ending their innings at 312 runs. Karnataka’s disciplined bowling performance, spearheaded by Vasuki Koushik, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhilash Shetty, each taking three wickets, proved decisive in sealing the victory.

Smaran Ravichandran’s match-winning century earned him the “Player of the Match” award, while Vidarbha’s Karun Nair was recognized as the “Player of the Series,” highlighting the individual excellence displayed throughout the tournament. The victory underscores Karnataka’s dominance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a testament to the team’s dedication, talent, and strategic depth.

Peter Siddle, the veteran Victorian pace bowler, has executed a dramatic U-turn, signing a one-year contract extension with the Melbourne Stars for BBL|15. This surprising decision comes just weeks after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from all forms of cricket following the conclusion of the current summer. However, a compelling BBL|14 season, marked by strong performances and crucial leadership, proved too tempting to resist.

Siddle’s impact on the Stars this season has been undeniable. He leads the team in wickets with an impressive 11, showcasing his enduring skill and competitive spirit. Beyond the statistics, his influence extends far beyond the pitch. Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch praised Siddle’s unwavering dedication to fitness and his consistently high-level performance. “Peter is a credit to himself and a great example to all players in his preparation,” Crouch stated.

Crouch further highlighted Siddle’s invaluable contributions off the field. “He’s not only a great performer on the field but has been a wonderful support to both the coaching staff and leadership group, as well as a great mentor for our younger bowlers,” he added. This mentorship role has become increasingly significant for the Stars, benefiting their younger players immensely.

Siddle himself expressed his excitement about returning to the Stars. “It’s great to sign on for another year,” he said in a club statement. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in BBL|14, and whatever the result today, I feel like there’s a really strong platform to build on for sustained success. I can’t wait to play a few more games at the MCG next season.” The MCG, a familiar and beloved venue, will once again witness Siddle’s fierce bowling.

The Stars, after a shaky start losing their first five matches, have rallied, winning their last four and setting up a crucial must-win match against the Hobart Hurricanes to secure a finals berth. Siddle’s return breathes new life into their playoff hopes, adding an experienced hand and seasoned leadership to their campaign. His decision to delay retirement underscores not only his continued excellence but also his deep commitment to the Melbourne Stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Tamil film Viduthalai, titled Viduthalai Part 2, has finally arrived on the streaming platform Prime Video. Directed by the celebrated filmmaker Vetri Maaran, this action-packed drama, starring the immensely talented Vijay Sethupathi, continues the compelling narrative that captivated audiences in the first instalment.

Released in theatres on December 20, 2024, in both Tamil and Telugu, Viduthalai Part 2 quickly garnered significant attention and praise. The film’s gripping storyline, coupled with exceptional performances from its stellar cast, solidified its position as a must-watch cinematic experience.

The ensemble cast includes not only the charismatic Vijay Sethupathi but also a talented array of actors such as Manju Warrier, Soori, Gautam Vasudev, Rajiv Menon, and Anurag Kashyap, each adding their unique flair to the narrative. Their powerful portrayals contribute significantly to the film’s overall impact.

Upon its theatrical release, Viduthalai Part 2 was met with overwhelmingly positive responses from audiences and critics alike. The film’s raw intensity and captivating plot held viewers spellbound from beginning to end. Even renowned actor Dhanush took to X to express his admiration, describing the film as “raw, gripping, and engaging,” and commending Vetri Maaran’s masterful direction. Online reviews echoed these sentiments, with many praising the “banger screenplay” and hailing Vijay Sethupathi’s performance as a career highlight. One enthusiastic viewer went so far as to proclaim it a “VETRIMARAN’S CULT CLASSIC film.”

Viduthalai Part 2 is a captivating adaptation of Jeyamohan’s short story, Thunaivan, exploring the complex and intense conflict between a steadfast police constable and a determined separatist group leader. The film delves deep into the ideological clashes and the moral dilemmas faced by both sides, presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.

A particular aspect of the film that resonated with many viewers was its insightful exploration of communism. The director skillfully simplifies the complex ideology, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience. The film raises pertinent questions, encouraging viewers to contemplate the nature of justice and the complexities of societal conflicts.

Speaking on the film’s OTT release, Vijay Sethupathi expressed his hope that global audiences would experience the same emotional and ideological resonance that the filmmakers felt during its creation. He acknowledged that the film’s protagonist is not a conventional hero, but emphasized the importance of witnessing his perseverance and courage.

Before its digital release, Viduthalai Part 2 premiered at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam, where both parts of the film received a well-deserved standing ovation, further solidifying its reputation as a remarkable cinematic achievement. Now, audiences worldwide can experience the power and impact of Viduthalai Part 2 on Prime Video.