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Oman FTA rollout may be delayed amid Middle East crisis

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Oman FTA rollout may be delayed amid Middle East crisis


Oman FTA rollout may be delayed amid Middle East crisis

NEW DELHI: The conflict in West Asia may delay the roll out of the India-Oman free trade agreement, which was expected to kick in from April 1, while the UK is on course to implement the trade treaty with India around May 1, top govt officials said Thursday.EU has indicated that it is on course to get approvals for the trade agreement with India around Nov. The pact with the trade bloc is seen to be the most crucial of the lot that India has finalised, including the one with New Zealand. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman was signed last Dec and was to be ratified by Muscat, but the war, which has also seen Iran attack its neighbour on other side of the Gulf may delay the treaty benefits from kicking in at the start April.


Dhurandhar 2 actor who played Bade Saab recalls asking ‘who's Dawood’, doing ‘lot of psychological preparation’ for role

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Dhurandhar 2 actor who played Bade Saab recalls asking ‘who's Dawood’, doing ‘lot of psychological preparation’ for role


MAJOR DHURANDHAR 2 SPOILERS AHEAD!

Dhurandhar The Revenge, which released in theatres on Thursday, featured actor Danish Iqbal playing Bade Saab (Dawood Ibrahim). Now speaking with Variety India, he opened up on how he prepared for the role. He also spoke about asking casting director Mukesh Chhabra “who’s Dawood?”

Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazari in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2.
Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazari in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2.

Danish Iqbal talks about starring as Bade Saab aka Dawood Ibrahim in Dhurandhar 2

Danish talked about the “detailing” that went into the character he played, apart from his performance. “As actors, we put all our hard work, blood and soul into every work we do. But there are a few characters which create some magic on screen. So, if the character of Bade Saab or Dawood Ibrahim is getting appreciation, it’s because of the kind of detailing that went into it, apart from my performance. I’m really grateful to the audience for the love they are showering on me,” he said.

He spoke about his preparation for the role. “When Mukesh (Chhabra) asked me to play Dawood, I asked, ‘Who’s Dawood?’ Because Dawood can be anyone’s name, right? After he revealed the character, I asked him, ‘Are you sure?’ Because I don’t look like Dawood, and sometimes we actors doubt ourselves, especially when you are offered such an important character, in such a big film. But Mukesh and Aditya Dhar showed confidence in me. And then eventually, I started believing in myself, and I started working on the character and the scenes. I did a lot of psychological preparation.”

HT review of Dhurandhar: The Revenge

The HT review of the film read, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a film of two very different halves. For its ambition, it doesn’t quite recreate the immersive world-building that made the first part stand out. The writing feels looser at places, and the detailing, which once felt like its biggest strength, isn’t as consistent this time. And yet, just when it begins to feel like the film is slipping, it regains control. The second half delivers with far more confidence, and the climax ensures you walk out after an ovation. Add to that Ranveer Singh’s committed performance, and the makers have a winner. It may not be as memorable and cool as Dhurandhar 1, but it does enough to justify why this story was stretched into a two-part saga.”

About the film

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, a spy action thriller, has been directed by Aditya Dhar. It is the sequel to Dhurandhar. The cast includes Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor and Gaurav Gera, among others. It follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who continues to infiltrate Karachi’s criminal network and Pakistani politics.

Danish has featured in The Hunt, Faraaz, Maharani Season 3 and Sankalp.


Kamaruddin: Accused in Delhi’s Peeragadhi triple murder case and a Tantrik victim of fear and greed.

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Kamaruddin: Accused in Delhi’s Peeragadhi triple murder case and a Tantrik victim of fear and greed.


When police found a white Tata hatchback parked on the service lane of Delhi’s Peeragarhi flyover on February 8, a routine check led to a shocking discovery – there were three bodies inside, with no immediate connection between the victims. Investigators soon found themselves in the middle of one of the most interesting multi-state investigations ever, centered on a 72-year-old former bangle trader, who they discovered was the alleged mastermind of a clandestine racket mixing superstition and psychology, and a suspect in multiple deaths over four decades.

Delhi Police has arrested Kamruddin alias Baba in the case of bodies of three people found in a car on Peeragarhi flyover. (ANI video grab)

was the prime suspect in the case Identified as KamruddinA native of Firozabad, who is now accused of running a huge clandestine network. Despite having previously been accused of at least two murders, he managed to continue his so-called “practice” and is suspected of having murdered more people than he has been formally charged with.

Peeragadhi deaths

On February 8, the bodies of Jahangirpuri resident Randhir Singh, 76, property dealer Shiv Naresh, 47, and Lakshmi, 40, were found inside a car around 4 pm, after which passing motorists informed the police.

Although it was not immediately clear how they all knew each other, investigators drew up a timeline through CCTV footage and call detail records. At around 9.52 am Randhir met Shiv at his house. They reached Haiderpur at 10.40 am, picked up Lakshmi, crossed Khajuri Khas at 11.10 am and reached Loni residence of Kamaruddin at around 11.44 am. Ten minutes later, he was seen returning with two bags on CCTV.

The next time the car was seen was around 1 pm in Peeragadhi – about 30 km away – where at 1.13 pm Kamruddin was seen inside the car holding a packet in his hand, which investigators believe contained a packet of laddus. The car remained parked at Peeragarhi flyover for about 45 minutes.

Also read: The triple murder of Tantrik caught in Delhi was linked to similar crimes in UP, Rajasthan.

Forensic analysis revealed what investigators described as a lethal mixture of sulfas (aluminum phosphide) and sleeping pills in high concentrations. “Sulfases have a distinctive odor that can be masked if the person has consumed alcohol,” one investigator said, adding that this combination could cause rapid death. Liquor bottle recovered from the car.

Investigators said the victims had arrived a day earlier but were turned back because they did not bring “cool stuff” needed for the ceremony. An officer said, “He had insisted that Dhanvarsha should happen at a place of his choosing. We suspect that he decided to kill them because he had chosen the place and had less control. Had it been his place, he could have made an excuse for Dhanvarsha not happening.”

By 3 pm the victims’ car was found near Peeragarhi flyover. Everyone was dead. “They were promised ₹Rs 3 crore against ₹2 lakh. They were trying everything possible to earn money and died in the process,” said an officer who is closely investigating the case.

Kamruddin is currently in judicial custody In Tihar Jail.

History of similar deaths

This was not the first time that serious allegations were made against Kamruddin. HT saw the charge sheets and spoke to investigators and found that this was a pattern dating back at least a decade.

In February 2014, in Rajkheda, Rajasthan, he was accused of murdering a woman along with her husband, allegedly after infertility had provoked a man to murder his wife. He was arrested and spent 390 days in jail before being released on bail.

According to the charge sheet, 30-year-old Anita married school teacher Narayan Singh in 2004, but was unable to have children. In 2013, she and her husband visited Kamruddin in Firozabad. Anita went missing on 25 February; Two days later, his body was found about 300 meters away from his home.

Before marriage, Anita was in love with a man named Udayveer. In 2014, they reunited, leading to marital discord. Concurrently, both Anita and her husband regularly consulted Kamaruddin, believing that his secret practices would help them conceive.

According to the charge sheet, Anita had met Kamruddin on February 23 in the absence of her husband and spoke to him seven times on February 24. “On February 26, Kamruddin was in Rajkheda, but despite being in the area, he did not talk to Anita or Narayan Singh, which raises suspicion. The postmortem revealed that he was murdered on February 26, 24 hours before his body was found,” the document said.

Investigators believe that Narayan Singh, along with Kamruddin, conspired to kill Anita because of her alleged affair and infertility. His postmortem revealed death due to poison.

Kamaruddin was arrested on charges of murder and kidnapping. However, after 390 days in jail, he was released in 2015. A Rajasthan police officer said there was a lack of direct evidence in the case, “The court granted bail on the grounds that the evidence was circumstantial. They could not be directly linked to the murder. Anita’s husband was the main accused.”

Arrested for double murder in 2025

A decade later, in May 2025, Kamruddin was arrested again – this time in connection with two deaths allegedly linked to offerings mixed with poison during similar rituals.

According to the FIR of Makhanpur police station in Firozabad, complainant Ram Singh alleged that his brother Ramnath and relative Puran died due to poisoning by Kamaruddin. Singh alleged that Kamruddin had promised them to recover “hidden treasure” through Tantric practices, took money for the rituals and refused to return it.

On May 8, Kamruddin called both of them to his house on the pretext of a ritual. The next morning their bodies were found near a glass factory, with glasses, laddus, lemons and other religious items kept nearby.

Initially recorded as abetment of suicide, the case was converted to murder after forensic reports showed traces of “organophosphorus pesticide” in the victims’ bodies. Chaman Kumar Sharma, investigating officer of the case, said, “Investigation of laddu, glass, lemon and viscera report confirmed that Kamruddin had mixed poison in the laddu and bhabhuti (ash) given to him. Kamruddin has confessed this in his disclosure.”

Despite this, Qamaruddin got bail from Allahabad High Court on September 9, 2025. His lawyer successfully argued that the FIR was lodged four days after the bodies were discovered, that there was “no direct or indirect evidence” and that “organophosphorus pesticide cannot be administered forcefully as it has a pungent odour.” Importantly, the lawyer claimed that Kamruddin had no criminal history – a claim the police failed to challenge, as they had not investigated the 2014 Rajasthan case.

A Delhi Police officer said, “Kamaruddin’s willingness to kill for financial greed and his diminishing fear of the law is evident from the fact that he poisoned three people to death in Delhi despite getting bail just five months ago.” The murder case is currently on trial, with Kamaruddin reportedly failing to appear in court despite bail conditions.

racket

Raids on Qamaruddin’s premises in Loni and Firozabad revealed hundreds of photographs of women and men with addresses on the backs that investigators believe were used for “money laundering”. Victims reportedly paid amounts ranging from ₹from 1,800 ₹2.75 lakh for rituals claiming to locate hidden treasure, cure infertility or ensure wealth.

Speaking to HT, Neha Devi, 35, from Wazirpur, who visited Kamruddin twice in February 2025, said her husband’s colleague had referred her when he complained of a chronic illness. After explaining her problem, Kamruddin gave her eight laddus to eat at home – which her husband threw away. Upon meeting him a second time, Kamruddin performed what he called an “operation”, placing a white cloth over his stomach, chanting phrases and producing a blood-stained black cloth with knots, and claiming to have found the source of his illness. She remains unwell, she told HT.

Investigators said Kamaruddin relied heavily on word-of-mouth propaganda and fearmongering. An officer said, “People are scared and do not want to come forward to give statements against him. He would identify weaknesses – infertility, financial crisis, marital problems – and then prescribe escalating rituals.”

Police are also probing links to other cases related to Tantra-Mantra, including a 2023 case in Ghaziabad, where a headless body was found, the skull of which was allegedly meant for Tantra-Mantra. Although Kamaruddin’s role was investigated, he was never arrested.

“Over the years, he has been picked up by the police several times, but was always let off due to lack of evidence. The man has murdered many people. The provisions of the law have enabled him to stay out of jail,” the officer said.


‘Very grateful’: Ireland’s Paul Stirling quits T20 captaincy after poor World Cup | Cricket News

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‘Very grateful’: Ireland’s Paul Stirling quits T20 captaincy after poor World Cup | Cricket News


'Very grateful': Ireland’s Paul Stirling quits T20 captaincy after poor World Cup
Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling (Photo by AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

NEW DELHI: Ireland’s T20 cricket team is set for a leadership change as experienced batter Paul Stirling has decided to step down as T20I captain. This move is part of a bigger plan to prepare the team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. While he will no longer lead in the shortest format, Stirling will continue as ODI captain and remain an important player in the T20 side.Ireland’s recent outing at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 didn’t go as hoped. The team finished fourth in their group, managing just one win along with a no-result and two losses.

Watch

Shashi Tharoor & Samson’s Redemption Story: From Setbacks to Glory

Stirling’s own tournament was also cut short after he suffered a knee ligament injury during a match against Australia national cricket team, limiting him to only two games.With Stirling sidelined, wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker stepped in to captain the team for the remaining matches. The experience highlighted the need to start building a new leadership group for the future.

Stirling’s message and what’s next

Even though he’s stepping down, Stirling made it clear how much leading Ireland meant to him. He said, “It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do.” He added, “Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I’m very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role.”He also thanked everyone around the team, saying, “I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone involved with Cricket Ireland for their continued backing, as well as the fans who have supported us throughout.”Ireland will now look to appoint a new T20I captain soon as they begin preparing for the next World Cup cycle.

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'Ustaad Bhagat Singh': Pawan Kalyan film leaked online

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'Ustaad Bhagat Singh': Pawan Kalyan film leaked online


'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' leaked online: Pawan Kalyan film faces piracy blow despite court protection
Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ faces piracy just hours after its March 19, 2026 release, despite legal protection. The action-comedy has garnered mixed reviews, with praise for Kalyan’s screen presence but criticism for its outdated narrative. While some mass moments and humor landed, the film’s overall reception remains divided.

The newly released action flick ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ starring Pawan Kalyan has reportedly fallen prey to piracy within hours of its theatrical release. The action-comedy entertainer directed by Harish Shankar hit theatres on March 19, 2026, as a festive Ugadi release.

Piracy setback and court protection against trolls

Filmibeat reports say that ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ surfaced on multiple piracy platforms shortly after release. The piracy issue comes even as the film reportedly obtained legal protection ahead of its release. As reported by The Statesman, a court issued an ex-parte temporary injunction to safeguard ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ from harmful online content.The order which is backed by a ‘John Doe’ clause restricts anonymous individuals and platforms from spreading defamatory or misleading material. The producers had approached the court and cited concerns that such content could damage the film’s reputation and business prospects.

Mixed reviews flood social media

Alongside the piracy controversy ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ has been receiving mixed reactions from audiences.One review read, “#UstaadBhagatSingh A Completely Outdated Commercial Entertainer! A commercial film like this doesn’t necessarily need out of the box writing, but it atleast needs some freshness. This one feels outdated to the core from the start to end. A few elevation blocks work, but the film lacks flow, feeling like a stitched together compilation of commercial scenes. Harish Shankar falters on both comedy and commercial writing. Thaman tries to elevate with his BGM but has little scope. PK tries in parts, but this one misses his trademark energy. Boring! Rating: 2/5.”Another viewer wrote, “#Ustaadbhagatsingh My rating 2/5 Below average movie.”

Praise for Pawan Kalyan’s screen presence

Despite criticism, several viewers praised Pawan Kalyan for his screen presence and performance.One tweet noted, “#UstaadBhagatSingh – PK’s look, Screen presence & Dialogues r the positives in this Routine, Outdated Drama. Parthiban Naidu as weak villain. Sreeleela ok. Raashi Khanna has no scope. Thaman does a Anirudh work in BGM. One melody track nice. Narration is a Patience Tester. BORE!.”Another review added, “#UstaadBhagatSingh Pawankalyan’s childhood portions were very well written Entry worked out well Dialouges are too good. 1st half is going very well Sorry @harish2you thakuva anchana vesinamduku.”

Humour and mass moments get divided response

The film’s humour and mass appeal sequences have also drawn mixed reactions.One viewer wrote, “Humor that plays on Pawan Kalyan’s limited dancing abilities lands effectively. Pawan Kalyan performing popular songs in his own style was absolutely hilarious.” Another highlighted a key scene, stating, “Police station sequence started off second half with a bang PK’s aggression.”On the other hand, Sacnilk website’s early reports say that the Pawan Kalyan starrer has opened with more than Rs 9 crores at the box office.


Dhurandhar 2: Does post-credit scene hint at Dhurandhar 3?

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Dhurandhar 2: Does post-credit scene hint at Dhurandhar 3?



Dhurandhar 2: Does post-credit scene hint at Dhurandhar 3?

Amid much anticipation, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has finally hit the screens. After months of buzz and theories, the fans finally have answers to the questions left by the first part. While rumours of a potential part 3 had been prevalent for a long time, Aditya Dhar`s post a day ahead of release further intensified the possibility as the director asked fans not to leave their seats. Now, with the Ranveer Singh-starrer having arrived, what does the ending say about Dhurandhar 3?

Does Dhurandhar 2 hint at Dhurandhar 3?

After the climax scene, the title slate shows up. However, after that, there are two end-credits scenes. One is a montage that runs along with the credits that shows Jaskirat Singh Rangi`s training to become a spy after he was rescued from the gallows by Ajit Sanyal (R Madhavan) and his team. The credits start rolling after this.

The film also has a second post-credits scene wherein General Shahnawaz (Raj Zutshi), the Pakistani general who is arm-twisted by Sanyal to release Hamza, loses it in front of his men. It is a brief 30-second scene that seems to have been added as a fun throwaway; however, it adds little or nothing to the story.

Neither of the two post-credit scenes hints at the possibility of Dhurandhar 3.

Aditya Dhar`s post ahead of Dhurandhar 2

The filmmaker began his note by thanking viewers, “5th December 2025, Dhurandhar released in cinemas worldwide. And since then, you didn’t just watch our film. You loved it. You lived it. You appreciated every quiet detail, debated every moment, rewatched it, and noticed things I never even thought anyone would,” he wrote.

He added, “Somewhere in that beautiful, unpredictable journey, our film became yours. Then the nation’s. And then the world’s. That is the most humbling, most moving gift a filmmaker can ever receive. So when we sat down to make Dhurandhar: The Revenge, we knew one thing with absolute certainty — we had to surprise you. We had to make you feel emotions you weren’t prepared for. Deeply. Honestly. That is never easy. But for you, we tried our very hardest.”

“We’ve put our hearts into Dhurandhar: The Revenge so you can experience every twist and emotion exactly the way it’s meant to be felt — in a theatre, in the dark, surrounded by friends, family, and even strangers, everyone feeling the same emotions. That’s how films should be experienced. Not on someone’s phone in a blurry image,” Dhar shared.

Talking of spoilers, Aditya urged, “Let every single fan walk in clueless but curious and walk out with their own deeply personal version of what they felt. You made Dhurandhar what it is. Now I’m trusting you to protect what this becomes.”

Finally, in the caption of the post, he further hinted at a post-credit scene, writing, “Oh, and one more thing. Don’t leave your seats until the credits have stopped rolling.”


IPL: Like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson cannot be replaced, says Riyan Parag

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IPL: Like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson cannot be replaced, says Riyan Parag


Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has opened up on the absence of Sanju Samson ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Samson, who led the side over the last five years, was traded to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL auction last season. RR, in return, secured the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Speaking about the void Samson leaves behind, Parag said replacing him is as difficult as replacing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian team.

“If you talk about Sanju bhaiya, we never think about replacing the kind of player he is,” Parag told reporters at a pre-season press conference in Jaipur.

“We can perhaps look for someone with a similar skill set or have someone bat in his position. It’s like there is no replacement for Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. In the same way, there is no replacement for Sanju bhaiya because he is such a good player,” Parag said, referring to the two superstars who now play only the ODI format.

Having represented the franchise for 11 years across two stints, Sanju remains RR’s most successful captain and leading run-scorer, having guided them to the IPL 2022 final and the playoffs in 2024.

His stature has only grown after a stellar T20 World Cup campaign, where he struck three successive match-defining knocks to power India to a historic title defence, earning the Player of the Tournament award.

FOCUS ON FINISHING GAMES BETTER

The Rajasthan captain said the focus this season will be on finishing matches better. Last year, RR lost several games in the final couple of overs from winning positions, something Parag admitted the team has worked on addressing.

“This year, the focus is to plan better and finish games, which we couldn’t do in the previous edition,” he said.

“We need to plan well. Last year, there were about five or six games which we lost in the last over or even on the last ball. Had we been able to convert those, or had we calculated better, this question would not have been asked because we would have qualified for the knockouts by winning those matches,” he explained.

“I think that in every T20 game, there are three or four decisions that you have to make which change the course of the game. If we take those small decisions with better strategy and planning, this year will be different,” Parag added.

With a new captain at the helm and a reshaped core, Rajasthan Royals will be hoping that those marginal gains translate into results, as they look to move past last season’s near misses and re-establish themselves as serious contenders in IPL 2026.

– Ends

Published By:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published On:

Mar 19, 2026 19:01 IST




Bachelorette's new season pulled after Taylor Frankie Paul abuse allegations

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Bachelorette's new season pulled after Taylor Frankie Paul abuse allegations



The decision comes after footage emerged appearing to show the reality star in an altercation with her ex-partner.


Dhurandhar 2 ending explained: Does the post-credits scene set up Dhurandhar 3? How a wild plot twist seals Hamza's fate

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Dhurandhar 2 ending explained: Does the post-credits scene set up Dhurandhar 3? How a wild plot twist seals Hamza's fate


Dhurandhar The Revenge has released in theatres. The film followed months of build-up and fan theories about what the sequel could show, and also whether there is a planned part 3. Now, with the Aditya Dhar film having arrived, all the rumours have been put to rest. Let’s take a deep dive into the conclusion of the Dhurandhar saga and see what that ending meant for Ranveer Singh’s Hamza, aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi.

Dhurandhar 2 ending explained: Ranveer Singh in a still from the film.
Dhurandhar 2 ending explained: Ranveer Singh in a still from the film.

Also read: Dhurandhar 2 review, release live updates: Ranveer Singh film shatters records with premieres

MAJOR DHURANDHAR 2 SPOILERS AHEAD!

Dhurandhar 2 ending explained

The climax of Dhurandhar 2 sees Ranveer Singh’s character travel to Muridke to face off against Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal). After he dismantles the LeT camp with the help of Baloch fighters, Hamza is arrested and tortured by Pakistani forces who realise he is an Indian agent. However, Ajay Sanyal (R Madhavan) manages to get him out through the coercion of a senior Pakistani Army official. At this point, it is revealed that Jameel Jamali (Rakesh Bedi), a senior Pakistani politician, is also an Indian agent who has been in Pakistan for almost 50 years. Jamali helps Hamza, aka Jaskirat, return to India. This plot twist saved Hamza from a certain death on the other side of the border. In the end, Ranveer’s character returns to India, meets Sanyal, and eventually goes back to his village in Punjab, where he sees his family. However, the scene ends on an open note, leaving the audience unsure whether he will reunite with them or return to his new life as a spy.

Dhurandhar 2 post-credits scene

But the film does not end there. There are two end-credits scenes. One is a montage during the credits that shows how Jaskirat trained to become a spy after being rescued from the gallows by Sanyal and his team. The training shows him becoming a master of combat, espionage, and even poisons.

There is a second post-credits scene that shows General Shahnawaz (Raj Zutshi), the Pakistani general who was arm-twisted by Sanyal to let Hamza go, losing it in front of his men. The 30-second scene seems to have been added as a fun throwaway, as it adds little to the story. Contrary to popular belief, neither of the post-credits scenes hints at a part 3.

All about Dhurandhar 2

The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Danish Pandor in major roles. Dhurandhar: The Revenge is poised for a record-breaking box-office start, having already earned acclaim from critics.


Experienced Chahal wants to make the difference for PBKS

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Experienced Chahal wants to make the difference for PBKS


Chandigarh: There was a quiet assurance about Yuzvendra Chahal — a renewed spring in his step and a familiar sparkle in his eyes — as he took the stage at a Punjab Kings (PBKS) event ahead of the upcoming IPL season in Mohali. It wasn’t loud or demonstrative, but unmistakable.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) player Yuzvendra Chahal. (HT Photo)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) player Yuzvendra Chahal. (HT Photo)

For a cricketer who weathered both professional and personal storms over the past year, this was the look of someone who had found his centre again.

For the 35-year-old leg-spinner, the last IPL season was as testing as it was rewarding. Beneath the surface of his performances lay a phase marked by emotional upheaval, one that could have easily derailed his rhythm. Instead, Chahal leaned on the unwavering support of his family, teammates and head coach Ricky Ponting to steady himself.

The result was a quietly resilient campaign. Chahal picked up 16 wickets and played a key role in Punjab Kings’ impressive run to the final, where they fell agonisingly short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a thrilling contest. It was another near-miss for a bowler who has so often been on the cusp of IPL glory.

Now, as the senior-most spinner in the PBKS setup and still on the fringes of the national side since 2023, Chahal is focused on evolution — both physical and mental. There is a sense that this phase of his career is less about proving a point and more about refining his craft and maximising his impact.

“Every season brings its own challenges. Last year, I struggled initially to find rhythm and then injuries broke my momentum. This time, the goal is simple — stay 100% fit and use my experience to contribute in the best possible way,” Chahal said on the sidelines of an event.

Experience, after all, is Chahal’s greatest ally. With 221 wickets in 172 matches since his debut in 2013, he remains the most successful bowler in IPL history. Yet, the numbers tell only part of the story.

Despite being part of Mumbai Indians’ title-winning squad in 2013, he did not feature in the playing XI. Since then, he has endured heartbreak in three IPL finals — with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2016, Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and PBKS last season.

That lingering sense of unfinished business continues to fuel him.

The months following the IPL brought fresh challenges. After his last outing in November 2025, Chahal was sidelined by dengue and chikungunya, forcing him out of domestic cricket and interrupting his rhythm. For a bowler who thrives on confidence and continuity, the setback could not have come at a worse time.

Yet, it also became a turning point.

Chahal returned with a renewed commitment to his fitness and lifestyle. Small but significant changes — including giving up alcohol — have reshaped his preparation and sharpened his focus.

“I feel much better physically and mentally. I’ve worked on my fitness, recovery and discipline. I’ve also quit alcohol. These changes have been amazing and made me more focused. The idea is to keep improving and also guide younger players in the squad,” he said.

Within the PBKS setup, Chahal continues to be the primary wicket-taking option, backed by spin coach Sairaj Bahutule. But for the leg-spinner, success is no longer viewed through an individual lens.

“We have a solid spin group. Harpreet Brar has been a key player for Punjab, and Connelly adds experience. It’s about building pressure together — wickets are a result of partnerships, not individuals,” he noted.

That team-first mindset reflects a player who has grown not just in skill, but in perspective. Grounded by a strong support system, Chahal has emerged from a difficult phase with clarity and purpose. The target, however, remains unchanged.

“Winning the title is the ultimate goal. We’ve come close, and we understand what it takes. It’s about consistency, executing plans and giving everything to bring the trophy home,” he said.

PBKS will begin training under head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer from March 21 in Mullanpur, before opening their campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31. With continuity in the core group and a positive environment built during the camps, optimism runs high within the squad.

Chahal, too, is clear about what it will take to go one step further this time.

“You can’t rely on just one aspect. Batting, bowling and fielding — everything has to click. The positive is continuity in the core group and a very positive environment from the camps. The players are coming in with good rhythm, and we’re all looking forward to getting started,” he said.

Having also sharpened his skills in county cricket with Northamptonshire in recent months, Chahal now appears ready — not just to compete, but to finally script the ending that has eluded him for over a decade.

For PBKS and for Chahal, the new season is not just another campaign. It is a chance to turn persistence into payoff, and near-misses into something far more definitive.