Latest news with #Navdeep
India Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Navdeep Saini targets IPL return, silences Gautam Gambhir's critics
With the fire to make an India comeback burning bright in his belly, fast bowler Navdeep Saini is giving his all in the ongoing Delhi Premier League 2025 (DPL 2025) to get back into the reckoning for both the IPL (Indian Premier League) and national team selection. Having last played for India in 2021, Navdeep had slipped into make matters worse, injuries and some inconsistent performances also meant that the speedster failed to earn an IPL contract for the 2025 season. However, nothing could deter Navdeep, who is striving hard for East Delhi Riders in DPL 2025 and taking one step at a time towards donning the blue jersey once struggling to find his rhythm in the first few matches of the ongoing season, Navdeep returned to his best in the last two games, registering figures of 1/21 and 2/22 against West Delhi Lions and Purani Dilli 6, respectively. Speaking about the sudden shift in his performance, Navdeep revealed that he struggled to get into rhythm, having not played competitive cricket for a long time, but corrected his mistakes after initial setbacks. A special moment for Navdeep Saini # ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2021 "Yes, in the beginning - especially since I hadn't played much competitive cricket for a while - the start wasn't great. One or two matches went okay, not exactly bad, but also not up to my own expectations. From my point of view, I felt I needed to do better. So after the first couple of matches, I started paying more attention - analyzing what was going on in the game and how I could improve. Whatever errors there were, I corrected them. After that, the results speak for themselves - the bowling has been good, and everything's going better now," Navdeep told India is helping me earn my spark back: NavdeepThe ongoing DPL season marks the return of Navdeep Saini to white-ball cricket after a really long time, as he mostly featured in first-class games in the previous domestic season. A stellar show in the Duleep Trophy (14 wickets from 3 matches) and the Ranji Trophy helped Navdeep earn a place in the India A squad for the Australia tour in November the lack of white-ball cricket couldn't raise his stocks in the eyes of IPL franchise owners, resulting in him going unsold at the auction on the IPL setback, Navdeep acknowledged that the lack of white-ball appearances, coupled with injury, exacerbated things for him, raising doubts about his T20I prowess. However, the speedster is slowly earning his spark back and feels that he's on the right track to make his way back into the T20 extravaganza."Yes, last time I wasn't in the IPL, and I was coming back from injury. So I'm sure people had their doubts about how my performance would be or how I was bowling. I had played red-ball cricket before that - like the Duleep Trophy - where I bowled really well. But I hadn't done much in white-ball cricket. Now with this DPL going on, the way I'm bowling, I think it's clear to everyone that Navdeep is back on track - bowling the way I used to, with the same spark as before," said to play for RCB againadvertisementNavdeep has played 32 matches in his IPL career so far for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite last playing for RCB in 2021, his heart still bleeds red and gold, and he aspires to don their jersey once again to help them with their title defence in the next three seasons spent in the RCB camp, Navdeep has witnessed constant heartbreaks and the endless wait for the elusive trophy from close quarters. Hence, when the Bengaluru-based franchise finally ended their 18-year drought in 2025, the speedster was overjoyed to see Virat Kohli collect the only prize missing from his glittering trophy cabinet."Honestly, I'd love to play for RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) because I've spent a lot of time with them. The vibe and atmosphere of that team is really good. So I've always had that desire to play for RCB. Yes, I felt really good that RCB won. I was with the team for several years, and I saw how much preparation went into every season. Despite putting in all that hard work, we couldn't win the final. So we always used to wonder: why aren't we winning?" said the former RCB fast this time, when they finally did it, it felt amazing - especially for Virat bhai (Virat Kohli), because he played his first and now this winning season with RCB. It really felt like he deserved it. I was genuinely happy for him. Playing for one franchise for so many years with the same dedication and energy - that's something special," he away from the Indian team for four years, Navdeep still doesn't miss any opportunity to support the national side, as he was recently cheering his heart out for Mohammed Siraj during India's victory in the fifth Test against England at The Oval. The fast bowler was effusive in his praise for Siraj's lion-hearted effort (9/190), which sealed a narrow 6-run win for India to help them draw level 2-2 in the five-match series."Yes, of course I was watching - no matter what, I had to see it. And Siraj bowled really well. I've been watching him from the very start, for so many years. He's a champion bowler, and in this series also he bowled like a true champion. His mindset, his attitude - it's all top-level. The way he puts his heart into every ball, with that kind of courage, that's what makes him different," said slams Gambhir's criticsThe England series was also a tough test for India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had been criticised following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Gambhir was questioned for his team selections and for benching wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav throughout the series. However, after India managed to save the series, the head coach earned plaudits from fans and pundits also didn't miss the opportunity to defend Gambhir - the man who spotted his talent and fast-tracked him into the Delhi Ranji team. The fast bowler stated that the India head coach needed time to make the team gel after the retirement of senior players, and the results are now there for everyone to see."Even when I played under him in domestic cricket, his captaincy was different. And now, as a coach, even though some people doubted whether he would succeed - especially after losing one or two matches - the results are clear for everyone to see. When a new player enters the team, integrating them and helping them gel with the squad is very important. Even if one match goes off, that's part of the process. But under his coaching, you can see the kind of results we've achieved - they speak for themselves," Navdeep with three more league games remaining in the league stages for the East Delhi Riders in the ongoing DPL 2025, Navdeep has a golden chance to continue his form and get into the limelight as things start building up for the IPL 2026. However, the speedster is focused on the job at hand at the moment, with East Delhi Riders sitting comfortably in second spot on the points table.A strong show in the remaining games and the knockout stages could well turn out to be the impetus that Navdeep needs to revive his career. The speedster is determined to get back to the elite level where he belongs and will be seen giving every ounce of energy from his body to help East Delhi win their second successive crown.- EndsMust Watch
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bigg Boss 9 Telugu Agnipariksha OTT release date: When, where to stream the pre-show
Bigg Boss Telugu is just a few weeks away from its premiere on JioHotstar, and there is massive hype around the show as the makers promise never-before-seen entertainment for the ninth season. Bigg Boss 9 Telugu Agnipariksha This new season is going to be quite special as commoners will join the show along with celebrities. A special show titled Bigg Boss 9 Telugu Agnipariksha has been designed to select a few commoners who will take part in the main show. We had already reported that ex-Bigg Boss contestants Bindu Madhavi, Navdeep, and Abijeet will be judging this show, which will feature 15 commoners competing for a spot. The latest update is that this show will premiere on August 22, 2025, on JioHotstar and will also stream on OTTplay Premium. Noted anchor Sreemukhi will host the show, and the shoot has already kick-started at the prestigious Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. Among the commoners, three will be selected, and they will join the other celebrities in the main show. New rules in place for Bigg Boss 9 Telugu We have also learned from a team member that there will be two houses this season, one for commoners and the other for celebrities. Akkineni Nagarjuna will host the main show, and he has personally picked a few big names who will grace the season. Bigg Boss remains one of the most-watched game shows in the Telugu OTT space. If you enjoy such shows, you can also stream Unstoppable with NBK and Sarkaar on OTTplay. The grand premiere of Bigg Boss 9 Telugu is set for September 7, 2025, and expectations are sky-high as several top names from Telugu cinema and social media are lined up to enter the house. But before that, Agnipariksha is all set to create the first wave of drama and thrills.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bigg Boss 9 Telugu Agnipariksha: Navdeep, Bindu Mandhavi, and Abijeet to host the show
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 is all set to stream on JioHotstar from September 7, 2025. For the first time in Telugu Bigg Boss history, there will be a pre-show ahead of the grand opening. Titled Agnipariksha, this show will have 15 commoners taking part in a few tasks. Out of the 15, three will be finalized and will enter the house along with other participants selected by the judges. Bindu, Navdeep and Abijeet to host Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9's Agnipariksha The shooting of Bigg Boss 9 Telugu Agnipariksha has started in Annapurna Studios, and we have come to know that popular actors Navdeep, Bindu Madhavi, and Abijeet have been roped in to judge the show. All the three have graced the show as contestants in the past. Out of them, Abijeet and Bindu Madhavi have also been winners. They will choose the final three commoners, as the makers want to create hype for the main event even before the actual episodes start. Telugu social media influencers to be a part of Agnipariksha Some very popular social media influencers have been picked for the Bigg Boss Agnipariksha. We have also exclusively learned that Bigg Boss 9 Telugu will have two houses this season, one hosting commoners and the other housing celebs. The makers have planned things in such a way that commoners will take on the celebs to move ahead in the show. This concept of everyone getting an equal chance to take part in the reality show is quite interesting. Akkineni Nagarjuna will host the ninth season, and he has been paid big bucks for it. You can stream Bigg Boss 9 Telugu via OTTplay Premium. The entire shoot will happen in Annapurna Studios, and a special set is being erected for the same. If you like such masala-filled reality shows, stream Sarkaar 5, Indian Idol, and Chef Mantra on OTTplay Premium.
Time of India
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Deepti: He taught me not to take life too seriously; Navdeep: She's been the Zen influence of my life
Deepti and Navdeep It's not every day you meet a brother-sister duo like Navdeep and Deepti, 39 and 43 respectively, both unmarried, living with their parents and four dogs, and happily charting life their own way. They don't fit the 'typical' brother-sister mould, but their bond is strong, honest and refreshingly unconventional. You won't find a typical sibling story here: no squabbles over the TV remote, no sharing the same school bus, not even growing up in the same city. This Rakhi , Navdeep and Deepti share their journey with Hyderabad Times, offering a glimpse into what makes their bond unlike any other. Deepti and Navdeep Summer holiday siblings Navdeep: We may be inseparable now, but we didn't actually grow up together. For most of our childhood, we lived in different cities and only met when school broke for the summer. We were like summer holiday siblings. I grew up with my parents in Hyderabad and Deepu was raised by my grandparents in Vijayawada. Though we grew up apart, we went on to be each other's rock. Deepti: Summer holidays were so much fun. We were 5 cousins, and all of us would gather at my grandparents' home. My first memory of Navdeep was of me and my cousin Divya putting him on the tricycle to teach him how to ride it. He'd look like an English boy, very light skinned and cat eyes, golden brown hair. He was the naughtiest among us all. But he was also the smartest of us all.' Navdeep and Deepti Partners in mischief Navdeep: She is definitely the more caring one among us. I remember this one time I had chicken pox. My sister would tell the whole village that my brother has chicken pox. She'd stay close and sleep beside me despite my condition. But when she got the chicken pox from me I was out playing around. And she was like 'what the hell!' Deepti: I remember he'd steal change from my grandfather and buy chocolates. There was this one time he stole money from my father and went to Ocean Park with our watchman's son. He got beatings from my dad for that. He got angry and decided to leave the house and become a lorry driver. That was his first career plan. Deepti and Navdeep Adulting together as teens in Hyderabad Navdeep: She moved to Hyderabad after completing her intermediate. We were both teenagers then and there was a phase when we'd fight a lot. But we actually got a lot closer to each other during that time. As we were living in the same home, she knew everything I was doing and vice versa. Our connection actually deepened during that phase. Deepti: Navdeep had already started acting when I moved to live with my parents. But we did a lot of things together. Whether it was our first trip to Goa or our first trek to Annapurna Base Camp, we kind of adulted together I guess. We're both kindred spirits in some sense. We both love travelling and being outdoors. Navdeep and Deepti Living life on their terms Navdeep: Our lives mirror each other's in the way we've both chosen to live on our own terms. It's not very common to see a 39-year-old boy and a 43-year-old girl, both unmarried, living with their parents and four dogs. We share the responsibility of caring for our parents. We've made our mistakes and had our ups and downs, but we never interfere in each other's choices, right or wrong. We stand by each other come what may and only later, in hindsight, tell each other, 'Maybe that was a mistake' or 'You could've done that differently. ' Deepti: He's the youngest but he's the rock for everyone in the family and among our friends as well. He's the light of any room he walks into. He's been there for me through thick and thin. When you are making unconventional choices, it is important to have friends and family who tell you to do what you want, it's ok. Whether it was quitting my high paying HR job to start a café, or when things were going down for me, he was always there to support me. Even if it's my mistake he'd always have my back. Navdeep and Deepti with thier father A balance of energies Navdeep: She's been the Zen influence of my life. She's into meditation and has a very Zen way of looking at things. In some sense she has had that kind of grounding influence on me. Deepti: Navdeep taught me to not take life very seriously and accept people and situations for what they are and let other people be. Even when he was dealing with the drug scandal, I remember how he was the one assuring everyone in the family that everything would be ok. I guess I'm the way I'm because of him.
Hans India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
New Music Academy Opens in Punjagutta to Inspire Young Talent
Actor Navdeep has emphasised the profound impact of music, stating that it "fills the mind with joy." He made the remarks at the inauguration of the Beat Code Music Academy in Punjagutta, an event attended by fellow actor Vamsi Chaganti and academy founders Deepak, Vishwajit, and Trilok Chander. During the launch, Navdeep highlighted music's therapeutic qualities, noting its ability to transform those grappling with depression and frustration into well-adjusted individuals. He pointed out the rise in music enthusiasts both domestically and internationally, leading to an increase in opportunities within the industry. The academy's organisers announced that they will offer specialised courses in both classical and Western music. Navdeep praised the desire of today's youth to excel in unique fields, stating that the music sector presents an excellent opportunity for such aspiring individuals. He reiterated that the academy is committed not only to teaching music but also to imparting the essential techniques behind it.
