Following Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) second defeat in IPL 2025, franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen in an intense on-field conversation with team captain Rishabh Pant. The interaction, which came after the loss to Punjab Kings, drew parallels to a similar situation last season involving KL Rahul, further fueling discussions on social media.

Pant under scrutiny after slow start to IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant, who was acquired by LSG for ₹27 crore, has faced mounting criticism from fans for underwhelming performances with the bat and questionable decisions as captain. In the first three games, Pant has struggled to find form, prompting fans to label him a “Rs 27 crore flop” on social platforms.

The latest defeat saw Goenka once again stepping onto the field to speak with the team captain—reminiscent of his previous public exchange with KL Rahul. During the conversation, Goenka was even seen pointing fingers at Pant, although the exchange also included a few smiles, indicating a complex mix of frustration and encouragement.

This is not the first time this season that Goenka has had such a chat with Pant. A similar interaction took place after LSG’s opening game defeat to Delhi Capitals. While the team bounced back with a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, the loss against Punjab Kings reignited tensions.

Pant admits team fell short with the bat

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pant acknowledged that LSG’s batting effort fell short. “It (the total) wasn’t enough, we were 20-25 runs short, but that’s part and parcel of the game. Still assessing the conditions at our home ground,” he said.

Pant noted that early wickets and a slow pitch contributed to the team’s batting struggles. “It’s always going to be difficult to get a big total when you lose early wickets… We got to learn from this game and move forward. There are a lot of positives,” he added.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Pant—not just for his individual performances, but also for how he handles leadership pressure amidst the high expectations and visible oversight from the franchise’s top brass.

Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor are gearing up to mesmerize audiences with their forthcoming romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal, which is set to hit theaters on May 9. The teaser, recently unveiled, offers a glimpse into the story set against the charming backdrop of London. It narrates the tale of two individuals, each dealing with their own heartbreak, who serendipitously cross paths and embark on a journey of healing, ultimately discovering love in one another.

Khan, who recently returned to the screen with Barzakh, has expressed his sincere appreciation for the support and patience shown by his Indian fans during his time away from the limelight.

Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, known for her work in Chalti Rahe Zindagi, Abir Gulaal is produced by Indian Stories in collaboration with A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. The film’s production team includes several notable industry figures, such as Vivek B. Agrawal, who has previously worked on acclaimed films like Queen and Udta Punjab, alongside Avantika Hari and Rakesh Sippy.

The journey of Fawad Khan in the Indian film industry has been marked by various challenges. In 2016, he found himself at the center of a controversy when the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association enforced a ban on Pakistani artists following the Uri attacks. Tensions escalated when the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena threatened to obstruct the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, leading to a public ultimatum for Pakistani artists to leave India.

Despite the tumultuous situation, the film ultimately received a clearance for release from the Central Board of Film Certification. In a recent development in October 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition that sought to prohibit Pakistani performers in India.

Throughout his career, Khan has also starred in projects such as Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016). He has expanded his portfolio with international roles, including appearances in Ms. Marvel (2022) and The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022), which became Pakistan’s highest-grossing film.

Vaani Kapoor, recognized for her role in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), is also set to feature in Netflix’s upcoming Mandala Murders and the new Bollywood film Badtameez Gill. Abir Gulaal is poised to make its worldwide debut on May 9, and it promises to be an enchanting cinematic experience.

On Tuesday, Reliance Jio made a significant announcement by extending its popular unlimited plan priced at ₹299 and above until April 15. This extension is designed to cater to both new customers and existing subscribers, providing a wealth of entertainment options during the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The unlimited plan, which was initially introduced on March 17, comes packed with a variety of benefits. Subscribers will enjoy a complimentary 90-day subscription to JioHotstar, which allows streaming on a single device. In addition to this, the plan includes a generous 50-day free trial of JioFiber or AirFiber, granting customers high-speed internet access right in their homes.

One of the standout features of Jio’s unlimited pack is the extensive content it offers. Subscribers will have access to over 800 TV channels, ensuring that they can watch their favorite shows, movies, and live events. Furthermore, the plan grants access to more than 11 over-the-top (OTT) streaming applications, providing an array of entertainment choices that cater to various viewer preferences. Customers can also benefit from unlimited Wi-Fi data, making it easier than ever to stay connected and stream content without worrying about data limits.

This strategic extension of the unlimited plan is a calculated effort by Reliance Jio to capture a larger share of the market as cricket fans around the nation tune in for IPL matches. By offering enticing incentives, Jio aims to attract new subscribers while retaining their existing customer base.

To take advantage of these benefits, current Jio users can choose to recharge with the ₹299 plan or a higher-tier plan that starts at a value of ₹299 and includes 1.5GB of data per day or more. Prospective subscribers can also enroll in the same plan and enjoy the associated perks. Those who recharged prior to March 17 can still benefit from the JioHotstar offering by adding a ₹100 pack to their account.

By enhancing their service offerings, Reliance Jio continues to solidify its position in the competitive telecom industry, delivering exceptional value to its customers during an exciting time for sports and entertainment enthusiasts.