Jasprit Bumrah Shines in Border-Gavaskar Series
Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar series stood out, despite India’s overall disappointing campaign. With 32 wickets in five matches, including three five-wicket hauls, he claimed the Player of the Series award. This marked the highest wickets taken by an Indian bowler in Australia and an all-time best for an Indian seamer in a Test series.

However, Bumrah’s heroic efforts came at a cost. He missed the final innings of the Sydney Test due to a back injury. Having bowled 151.2 overs across the series, including 53.2 overs in one match, concerns about his workload surfaced. Discussions followed regarding whether India’s team management could have handled Bumrah better.

Balwinder Sandhu Criticizes Workload Concerns
Former Indian pacer Balwinder Sandhu dismissed the workload management theory, calling it unnecessary. He argued that bowling 15 to 20 overs per innings should not be an issue for professional cricketers.

“Bumrah bowled an average of 16 overs per innings. That’s not a big deal,” Sandhu told Times of India. “Workload management is an Australian concept. Cricketers need to listen to their bodies, not external theories.”

Sandhu questioned whether Bumrah is fit for Test cricket if he cannot consistently bowl 20 overs in an innings. “If you can’t bowl 20 overs, focus on T20s, where four overs are enough. Representing India in Tests requires physical strength and stamina,” he added.

The debate underscores the growing divide in modern cricket regarding balancing player fitness with team needs. For Bumrah, his outstanding series may be remembered for both its brilliance and the challenges it posed.

Actor Allu Arjun visited KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad’s Begumpet on Tuesday to meet Sri Teja, the child injured during the Sandhya Theatre stampede. The tragic incident occurred during the premiere of Arjun’s latest film, Pushpa 2: The Rule. The boy, seriously injured in the stampede, is receiving constant medical care.

Several videos showed Arjun arriving at the hospital in a green sweater and black pants. Telangana State Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju accompanied him. Enhanced security measures were implemented to ensure public safety during the visit.

Arjun had initially planned to visit the hospital on January 5 but postponed the trip due to police advisories. The Ramgopalpet Police Station issued a notice advising him to maintain confidentiality to avoid disruptions at the hospital.

The actor expressed deep concern for the injured boy and wished him a swift recovery. Earlier, he stated he had been eager to meet the child but delayed the visit due to ongoing legal proceedings.

As of December 24, 2024, positive signs of recovery were reported. Sri Teja responded after being unresponsive for 20 days. His father, Bhaskar, expressed gratitude for Arjun’s and the Telangana government’s support.

The stampede at Sandhya Theatre occurred on December 4 when fans gathered for the Pushpa 2 premiere. The tragedy claimed the life of a woman named Revathi and left her son severely injured. A case was filed against Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management.

Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13 but was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court on December 14. He received regular bail on January 3. He is listed as Accused No. 11 in the ongoing investigation.

Salman Khan’s upcoming action entertainer, Sikandar, has fans eagerly waiting since its announcement in April 2024. Moreover, the heart-pounding teaser featuring Salman as Sikandar only increased the anticipation. As the film gears up for its Eid 2025 release, reports suggest that Salman Khan will kick off the final leg of shooting on January 10, 2025, in Mumbai.

According to Mid-Day, Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna will return to the set to complete their parts. While the film is scheduled for release in March 2025, sources are confident that the team will finish the shooting and post-production in time. Director AR Murugadoss is reportedly overseeing both shooting and post-production simultaneously to ensure a smooth release.

The action-packed film promises more than just high-octane sequences. In fact, it will feature music by Pritam, enhancing the emotional depth of the visuals. The music is expected to have a vibrant and celebratory tone, complementing the intense action scenes.

The teaser, released on December 28, 2024, showcased Salman entering a room armed with weapons, surrounded by samurai-clad individuals. In his iconic baritone voice, he says, “Suna hai ki bohot saare log mere peeche pade hain. Bas, meri mudne ki der hai.” Fans were thrilled by the stylish combat sequences, intense gun battles, and energetic background score.

Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar also stars Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prateik Babbar in significant roles. This film marks a reunion between Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, nearly a decade after Kick. Backed by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sikandar will hit theaters on Eid 2025.