Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Faf du Plessis to succeed Kohli as Bangalore skipper

Faf du Plessis to succeed Kohli as Bangalore skipper

SOUTH AFRICAN Faf du Plessis will succeed Virat Kohli as Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper, the Indian Premier League team has announced as it gears up to chase an elusive maiden tournament title.

The former Test captain is a league veteran, making his debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2012 and a star of the side's most recent national Twenty20 championship last year.


He was subject to a fierce bidding war in last month's player auction and eventually signed to Bangalore for more than $900,000.

"Faf was among our top priority at the IPL auctions," said team chairman Prathmesh Mishra in a statement announcing the 37-year-old's captaincy.

"Not only does he bring his great leadership skills to the team but (he) is... a proven campaigner in the IPL."

The batsman is a veteran of all three formats and comes fresh from a stint with Bangladesh Premier League winners Comilla Victorians.

virat Virat Kohli walks back after being dismissed during RCB's IPL game against KKR. (Sportzpics for IPL/PTI Photo)

He retired from Test cricket in February 2021 to concentrate on preparations for that year's T20 World Cup but was not selected.

Days before South Africa's ill-fated campaign in that tournament began, he made 86 off 59 balls to play a key role in Chennai's fourth IPL win.

Du Plessis said he was "glad to accept" his new role at Bangalore, which have been tournament runners-up three times but have yet to win a championship.

"The work is just going to begin as we try to build off the success the team has enjoyed in previous years," he said.

"I will do my best to ensure a successful season this time."

His predecessor Kohli -- Bangalore's longest-serving captain, who since September has relinquished the India helm for all three formats -- will stay with the side for the coming season, which begins on March 26.

"I couldn't be happier to pass on the baton to a good friend, someone I've known over the years," Kohli said.

"He's one of the few guys I've gotten to know a little bit more apart from the cricket. My partnership with Faf is going to be exciting."

(AFP)

More For You

WPP CEO Mark Read to Exit as AI Reshapes Advertising Landscape

The challenges WPP faces extend beyond leadership changes

Getty Images

AI taking over advertising: Mark Read to step down as WPP chief

Mark Read, the chief executive of WPP, has announced he will step down later this year, as the advertising agency faces growing pressure from artificial intelligence and declining share prices. Once the largest advertising group globally, WPP is struggling to keep up with the fast-moving AI technologies that are reshaping the industry.

Read, who has been at WPP for more than 30 years and held the top job since 2018, will remain in the role until the end of 2025 while the company searches for his successor.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rooh dance tribute

Rooh: Within Her – A Dance Tribute Honouring the Soul of Womanhood

Getty images

Rooh: Silent Strength in Dance

In a world that often measures heroism through dramatic acts and monumental moments, Rooh: Within Her presents a strikingly different narrative — one that celebrates quiet resilience, enduring strength, and the understated courage found in the everyday lives of women. Set to take place on Friday, 20 June at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, this solo dance performance by acclaimed Kathak artist and choreographer Urja Desai Thakore promises an evocative and thought-provoking exploration of womanhood across time. Rooted in the classical Indian dance tradition yet deeply contemporary in its vision, the show captures the spirit of women who have shaped history in ways both visible and invisible.

The performance is an immersive journey through stories that span over two millennia, drawing inspiration from mythology, oral traditions, personal histories, and lived experiences. Rather than focusing on famous names or well-known figures, Thakore deliberately turns her attention to unsung heroines — women whose courage lies in persistence, nurturing, survival, and the ability to carry on in the face of adversity. From ancient civilisations to modern-day realities, Rooh: Within Her presents a dance tapestry woven with emotion, grace, and narrative depth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Imran Khan

Imran Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Imran Khan may secure bail on 11 June, says party leader

FORMER prime minister Imran Khan, 72, is expected to seek bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) hears petitions on 11 June to suspend the sentences handed to him and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. PTI chief Gohar Ali Khan told ARY News that “June 11 is going to be an important day for both Khan and his wife,” but he gave no further reason. The IHC had earlier adjourned the matter after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked for more time to prepare its arguments.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati to Celebrate 25 Years of Monastic Life on June 11

Sadhviji, a renowned spiritual teacher and author

Parmarth Niketan

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati to celebrate 25 years of monastic life on June 11

Parmarth Niketan will mark the 25th sanyas anniversary of Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji on 11 June, honouring her quarter-century of spiritual service and dedication since she took monastic vows in 2000.

The ceremony will be held on the sacred Shri Rama Katha stage at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and will feature blessings from several prominent spiritual leaders. Among those attending are Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Swami Ramdevji, mahamandaleshwars Rajendra Dasji, Ravindra Puriji and Harichetnanandji, as well as Pujya Sadhvi Ritambharaji, Pujya Acharya Balkrishanji, Dr Chinmaya Pandyaji and others.

Keep ReadingShow less
India’s Active Covid-19 Cases Exceed 6,000 as Infections Spike

Some states continue to report relatively low numbers

iStock

India’s active Covid-19 cases cross 6,000 mark as fresh infections rise

India’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has risen above 6,000, with health authorities reporting 358 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). While there were no Covid related deaths during this period, the increase in cases is prompting state-level monitoring and precautionary measures.

Current case load and recoveries

As of 8:00 a.m. on June 9, 2025, India has 6,491 active Covid-19 cases. The central health ministry confirmed that 358 fresh cases were detected in the last 24 hours, with no fatalities reported in the same timeframe.

Keep ReadingShow less