The BJP on Tuesday seized the moment by sharing a viral clip of the viral girl from the CSK vs RR match, using it to mock the Congress-led Karnataka government. The jibe comes in response to the state’s recent decision to increase prices for Nandini milk, BMTC bus fares, and Namma Metro tickets, sparking widespread criticism.

Sharing the viral clip on X (formerly Twitter), the Karnataka BJP captioned, “That too, right after hikes in BMTC, Metro, and Milk prices!”

During the Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match, a female fan’s reaction to Dhoni’s departure captured attention online. Her expression, as Hetmyer caught a ball that Dhoni had hit, quickly became popular meme material across the internet.

Bengaluru residents are grappling with a wave of price hikes that have swept across essential services over the past year, from public transportation to household staples. The escalating costs of metro fares, bus tickets, milk, and electricity are placing a growing burden on daily commuters, families, and small businesses alike.

One of the steepest increases has come from the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), which rolled out a fare revision in February. The maximum fare for a metro ride jumped from ₹60 to ₹90, while the minimum balance required on smart cards doubled from ₹50 to ₹90. This adjustment translates to a 50-90% fare hike, a significant blow for the thousands of daily passengers who depend on the Namma Metro as an affordable lifeline. For a city known for its traffic woes, the metro’s rising costs are forcing many to rethink their budgets.

The pain at the ticket counter doesn’t stop with the metro. In January, the Karnataka government greenlit a 15% fare increase for state-run transport corporations, directly impacting the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). As a result, bus commuters—many of whom rely on BMTC services to navigate the city—are facing higher prices. An ordinary daily pass now costs ₹80, up from ₹70, while a weekly pass has risen from ₹300 to ₹350. Monthly pass holders, including students and regular travelers, are shelling out ₹1,200, compared to ₹1,050 previously. The fare surge is yet another hurdle for those already stretched thin by rising living costs.

For households, the sting of inflation is also evident at the breakfast table. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has raised the price of its popular Nandini milk by ₹4 per litre, effective April 1. This marks the third hike in less than a year, following increases of ₹3 per litre in July 2023 and ₹2 per litre in June 2024. A litre of Nandini toned milk, which retailed for ₹40 last year, now carries a ₹46 price tag. While KMF insists its rates remain competitive with brands like Amul and Heritage, the steady upward trend has left consumers frustrated and budgets tighter than ever.

Adding to the financial squeeze, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved higher fixed charges for electricity consumers over the next three years. The new rates, set to appear in bills starting May, will impact households and businesses across the state. However, there’s a silver lining for some: beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provides free electricity, will be shielded from these increases. For everyone else, the rising cost of power is yet another expense to juggle.

India’s cricket star Virat Kohli has made his intentions clear for the future: he aims to bring the next ODI World Cup to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027. Following India’s victory in the Champions Trophy in Dubai under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, discussions about Kohli’s future have been rampant. However, he has reassured his supporters that he has no plans to retire anytime soon, emphasizing his desire to secure another ICC title before ending his career.

Recently, at an event in Mumbai, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter was asked about his potential “next big step.” Kohli responded, “The next big step. I don’t know, but maybe try to win the next World Cup,” which elicited applause and cheers from the audience.

Kohli excelled as the leading run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup, although his efforts fell short as India lost to Australia in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India’s last ODI World Cup victory came in 2011 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Since then, the team has faced disappointments, losing in the semi-finals of the 2015 and 2019 tournaments and, most recently, in the 2023 final.

The former India captain retired from T20 Internationals after winning the T20 World Cup last year, and speculation about his cricketing future has been heightened, particularly following a less-than-stellar tour of Australia, where he aggregated just 190 runs in nine innings. Nevertheless, Kohli showcased his talents in the Champions Trophy, scoring a century against Pakistan and a crucial 84 runs against Australia in the semi-final.

Reflecting on his disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Kohli expressed his frustration at a recent event. He noted, “If you ask me the intensity of how disappointed I’ve been… the most recent Australia tour would be the one that’s most fresh, which makes it feel the most intense. But I can’t look at it that way. I might not have another Australia tour in four years’ time, so I have to make peace with whatever has happened.”

As for his current form, Kohli has made a strong start in the 18th edition of IPL 2025, having scored 90 runs in two matches, including a half-century against the defending champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ashwani Kumar is a player generating significant excitement as he prepares to debut for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 season. This 23-year-old left-arm seamer has made a name for himself through a remarkable journey in domestic cricket, characterized by his exceptional bowling skills and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Ashwani is particularly known for his diverse bowling techniques, including effective variations like cutters, slow bouncers, wide yorkers, and well-disguised full tosses. These skills make him an excellent fit for the fast-paced T20 format. His ability to deliver unanticipated deliveries, especially in the crucial death overs, makes him a valuable asset for any team. Notably, his reputation for handling intense scenarios has grown, marking him as a bowler who can perform when the stakes are high.

Initially, Ashwani’s talent remained somewhat under the radar until the launch of the Sher E Punjab T20 Trophy, where he had his breakthrough moment. A defining match in 2023, where he defended eight runs in the final over against Agri King’s Knights, showcased his nerves of steel. He managed to limit the runs and take a vital wicket, ultimately leading his team to a nail-biting three-run victory.

His impressive performances continued throughout the 2023 season, where he captured eight wickets in ten matches, often being the decisive factor in closely contested games. His standout ability caught the attention of selectors, earning him a place in the Agri King’s Knights for the 2024 season. During that tournament, he further strengthened his reputation by successfully defending 25 runs in a critical over against solid opposition.

Ashwani’s bowling skill set and mental toughness make him an exciting prospect for the Mumbai Indians. As he steps onto the field at Wankhede Stadium against the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders, all eyes will be on how he tackles the IPL’s challenges. His debut could potentially mark a significant chapter in his career, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his performance in this high-stakes environment.