Dhruv Jurel Hoping To Meet MS Dhoni During Ranchi Test

by Hemanta Pande

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Ahead of the fourth Test between India and England at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, starting on February 23, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel said he hopes to get a chance to meet the legendary MS Dhoni during his time in the city for the match.

Ranchi, Feb 21: Ahead of the fourth Test between India and England at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, starting on February 23, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel said he hopes to get a chance to meet the legendary MS Dhoni during his time in the city for the match.

India are currently leading England 2-1 in the five-match Test series. Jurel is coming off a Test debut at Rajkot, where India won by 434 runs. In that game, he made a confident 46 while pulling off a stunning run-out of Ben Duckett – collecting, running and dislodging the stumps in a single motion - in the second innings, thus showing that he’s adept at both skills in the longer format.

"My dream is to meet Mahi bhai especially after the match, that too after an international game, in the Indian jersey. Whenever I have talked to him, I have always learnt something new from him and that has been very helpful in my cricket. So, I will hope that I get a chance to meet him during the fourth Test at Ranchi," he said in a video posted by BCCI on ‘X’.

Jurel is the fourth wicketkeeper for India in Tests after Rishabh Pant’s accident in December 2022 meant he is on the long road to recovery. India had previously tried KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul in the wicketkeeper-batter slot in Tests, but none of them fit the bill.

Jurel’s good show on Test debut earned him plaudits for his glovework and batting temperament. He also recalled his first meeting with Dhoni in IPL 2023, which was also his first season with Rajasthan Royals.

"I was just watching him and then, I stood up and started thinking ‘Is this MS Dhoni standing in front of me?’. My first interaction with him was in IPL 2023 which was my first season. At that time, I was pinching myself to see whether it is a dream or not.

"When I got to him, I said, ‘Sir, bhaiya’ and from inside, I was thinking ‘How should I be addressing him?’ I then asked him, ‘Can I have a picture with you?’ and then the click was taken. He gave me just one advice: just go out and watch the ball and play." (IANS)

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Foreign Portfolio Investments Drop To Rs 2,916 Cr On Back Of High Valuations, Capital Gain Tax Hike

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

New Delhi, July 27: Net investments by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the Indian equity market declined to Rs 2,916 crore for the week ending July 26, due to investor selling amid budget uncertainty.

As per data from the National Securities Depository Limited, last week foreign investors injected Rs 15,420 crore into Indian markets, but their buying declined significantly for the week July 22-26.

So far in July, the net investment by FPIs in the equity market stands at Rs 33,688 crore. This year's total investment by foreign investors has now surged to Rs 1,39,010 crore.

"The Budget 2024-25 has not sparked any significant excitement in the market, while it was both populist and prudent. The increase in short- and long-term capital gains taxes added to the volatility on budget day. Although the government's emphasis on fiscal discipline and growth is appealing, FIIs are cautious due to current high valuations and muted expectations for Q1FY25 results" said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

He further added, "Meanwhile, DIIs continue to employ a 'buy on dips' strategy, which contributed to market gains on the week's last trading day, particularly in the pharma, auto, metal, IT, and FMCG sectors."

The volatility of FPI flows extends beyond India, affecting other markets as well. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and South Korea have witnessed FPI inflows this week while the markets in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam have experienced outflows.

"Market focus has swiftly moved on from the Union Budget, unveiled in the week, to the ongoing Q1FY25 earnings season. The FY2025 Union Budget delivered a judicious balance between capital expenditure, fiscal prudence, and welfarism. FPI flows are expected to remain volatile" said Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

This year's trend in foreign investment has been erratic. Foreign investors were net sellers in January, April, and May, cumulatively selling equities worth around Rs 60,000 crore. However, they turned into net buyers in February, March, and June, with cumulative purchases amounting to Rs 63,200 crore.

(ANI)

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Raj & DK To Bring Action Fantasy Drama 'Rakt Bramhand'; Call It 'Uncharted Territory'

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Mumbai, July 27: Filmmaker duo Raj & DK are gearing up to bring their first action-fantasy series, 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom', which they describe as 'uncharted territory', making it all the more thrilling for them.

The makers took to social media and shared the announcement, dropping an intriguing poster featuring a massive bejeweled throne with blood spots.

The post was captioned: "We've got BIGGGGG news that'll stir your blood! We're pumped to announce our first ever action-fantasy series... now filming."

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom, complete with bloody action and spectacular visuals.

For this project, Raj & DK have partnered with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R. Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

In a statement, Raj & DK said: "This is uncharted territory, which makes it all the more thrilling for us. Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood."

"We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent, and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand," they added.

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, added: "After the outstanding success of the genre-bending 'Guns & Gulaabs', we're thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom' will be Netflix India’s first-ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline."