logo
Akshay Kumar's presence at Lord's sparks trolling; Cricket fans call actor ‘Panouti' after India loses to England

Akshay Kumar's presence at Lord's sparks trolling; Cricket fans call actor ‘Panouti' after India loses to England

Time of India2 days ago
Bollywood power couple
and
were seen enjoying Day 5 of the third Test match between India and England at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Monday. The duo was spotted in the stands alongside former India coach and veteran commentator
, sparking buzz both at the venue and across social media.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Dressed stylishly in shades of pink, Akshay sported in the VIP box, enjoying the match with wife, Twinkle by his side. Viral photos and videos captured the couple interacting with Shastri and reacting to the match, soon went viral online.
Bad Luck Charm?
However, after England beat India by 22 runs in the third Test, Akshay's presence at the match reignited the long-standing "panouti" claim. While fans were showering praise on the actor for his salt and pepper look, others brought up the infamous superstition that India never wins a cricket match when Akki is spotted in the stands.
One tweeted, Comments like 'India has lost the match whenever this Akshay Kumar came to support India' began flooding social media. Another said, "India didn't win a Single Cricket Match where Akshay Kumar is present at the Stadium…Panauti."
Biopic In The Works?
Others teased that the actor was present at the stadium to prep for his next biopic project. A tweet read, "If Jadeja wins this match for India, Akshay Kumar is set to play the lead role in his biopic."
Akki's fans quickly stepped in to swoon over his rugged new look. Some called him 'cool and handsome,' and some marvelled at his ageless appearance. 'He looks 40 at 57—age is truly just a number for Akshay Kumar,' read one comment.
The Khiladi star's presence at Lord's was especially noted as many Bollywood celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor,
, and Neena Gupta, were recently seen attending the Wimbledon Championships in London.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
On the work front, Akshay was last seen in Kannappa, an action-fantasy drama alongside Mohanlal, Vishnu Manchu, and Prabhas. He is set to star in Priyadarshan's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, co-starring Wamiqa Gabbi and Paresh Rawal. The actor is also gearing up for other highly anticipated projects including Jolly LLB 3, Hera Pheri 4, and Welcome to the Jungle.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Who was Kirron Kher's first husband? Her first marriage ended after six years due to…; Here's when Anupam Kher came close to her
Who was Kirron Kher's first husband? Her first marriage ended after six years due to…; Here's when Anupam Kher came close to her

India.com

time2 hours ago

  • India.com

Who was Kirron Kher's first husband? Her first marriage ended after six years due to…; Here's when Anupam Kher came close to her

The internet is abuzz with stories about Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher's marriage. The veteran actor, currently promoting his film Tanvi The Great, recently opened up about the realities of married life in today's fast-paced world. Interestingly, this is not the first marriage for either of them. Anupam Kher was previously married to actress Madhumalti Kapoor, known for films like De De Pyaar De and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, while Kirron Kher was earlier married to Gautam Berry. Who was Gautam Berry? Kirron Kher, who grew up in Chandigarh in a Punjabi family, met Gautam Berry during a play. They were both involved in the theatre scene in Chandigarh. The two fell in love and got married in 1979. Kirron and Gautam later moved to Mumbai, and she was then known as Kirron Berry. While Kirron began working in films, Gautam was a millionaire businessman with a keen interest in movies. He is also the father of Sikandar Kher. Things didn't work out well between them and they headed for divorce after six years of marriage in 1985. Gautam Berry was good friends with Amitabh Bachchan and in fact, had been Ajitabh Bachchan's roommate in Mumbai in 1969. Berry was also a partner in Big B's film company Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL). Therefore, Sikandar is best buddies with Abhishek Bachchan. Gautam Berry passed away in 2013 due to heart attack and Anupam Kher tweeted about him saying. 'He was a good man'. How did Kirron Kher meet Anupam Kher? When Kirron moved to Mumbai with Gautam, she met Anupam Kher. Both of them had a tough time at home as their partners didn't understand them. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishram, Anupam shared, 'I wasn't married; Kirron was married, and we were best friends for 12 years. She was my senior in college. She was a star—she was first in her class, the best actress, and an India-level badminton player.' Anupam once mentioned that their relationship started as a solid friendship, which later turned to love when both of them were in bad relationships. He said in an interview, 'When she was going through a tough time in her marriage, and I was going through a bad relationship—after the girl I was with had ditched me- Kirron and I fell in love and got married.'

From Wickets To Watercolors: Jack Russell Says He Earned More As A Painter Than Playing For England
From Wickets To Watercolors: Jack Russell Says He Earned More As A Painter Than Playing For England

India.com

time4 hours ago

  • India.com

From Wickets To Watercolors: Jack Russell Says He Earned More As A Painter Than Playing For England

In a posh corner of London, amidst the refined elegance of the Chris Beetles Gallery, Jack Russell—a name once synonymous with sharp reflexes behind the stumps—is now celebrated for his striking cricket-themed paintings. A mainstay in the England squad from 1988 to 1998, Russell played 54 Tests and 40 ODIs, facing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Anil Kumble. But in his own words, art—not cricket—has become his "addiction". Having painted for over three decades now, Russell quips, "I probably earned more money now painting than I did playing." A Brush With History: Cricket's Legacy Captured on Canvas Russell's deep bond with the game remains unshaken—only now, it's expressed through oil and canvas instead of leather and willow. His portraits often spotlight legendary figures from cricket's rich past. One of his recent masterpieces features Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to represent England. "Every year, I try to paint someone from cricket history. This year, it was Ranjitsinhji—the man was a trailblazer," Russell told PTI. His love for history and cricket beautifully collides in these works, creating timeless visual tributes to the sport. From Lord's to Local Markets: Russell's Love for India Russell fondly remembers his India tours—first in 1989 for the Nehru Cup and again during the 1996 World Cup. His fondness for the subcontinent goes beyond cricket. During off days, he wandered through bustling markets sketching locals, capturing life in its most candid form. "I used to sit in restaurants at night and paint people, musicians, local landscapes. I even painted on the streets wearing my England shirt—until the police asked me to move on!" he recalls with a chuckle. He cherishes his painting of Brabourne Stadium and considers his creative time in India and Pakistan among the most fulfilling of his life. 'I could spend the rest of my life there,' he admits. The Art Pays: "Probably Earned More Painting Than Playing" In the modern cricketing era of multimillion-dollar contracts, Russell's statement might surprise many. But his artworks, especially from the 2019 Ashes series, have fetched up to £25,000. Unlike today's stars, who can retire comfortably after a solid stint, Russell belonged to an era of modest paychecks. "We got paid decently back then, but nothing like what cricketers earn today," he says. "But I don't paint for the money—I paint because I love it." Keeper's Eye: Russell On Pant, Jamie Smith & The Art of Wicketkeeping Despite dedicating his days to painting, Russell remains an avid cricket watcher. He took time off his canvases to attend the third India vs England Test at Lord's and offered insights on two of the game's most exciting wicketkeepers—Rishabh Pant and Jamie Smith. "Pant's an entertainer. Whether he's batting or keeping, you can't take your eyes off him," he said. However, Russell does believe Pant still needs fine-tuning in his glovework, especially standing up to the stumps. As for Jamie Smith, Russell sees greatness. 'He's got the potential to be England's best ever batsman-wicketkeeper—maybe even in the Gilchrist league,' he opines. Off the Grid but Always Connected In true Jack Russell fashion, the 61-year-old defies the digital age—no phone, no WhatsApp. The only way to reach him is via email or a gallery visit. Yet, he maintains a dedicated fanbase across the cricketing world, especially in India, thanks to his social media presence focused on art. 'I just paint, paint, paint. It's what I do,' Russell says. That passion echoes through every brushstroke, just as it once did with every catch behind the stumps.

Fact Check: Did Jitesh Sharma Really Get Denied Entry at Lords During 3rd Test Against England?
Fact Check: Did Jitesh Sharma Really Get Denied Entry at Lords During 3rd Test Against England?

India.com

time4 hours ago

  • India.com

Fact Check: Did Jitesh Sharma Really Get Denied Entry at Lords During 3rd Test Against England?

A social media storm erupted during the third India vs England Test at Lord's when a viral video claimed that Indian cricketer Jitesh Sharma was denied entry at the historic venue. The footage suggested that security officials failed to recognize the 30-year-old, leaving him stranded outside despite his attempts to explain his identity. The scene turned chaotic as fans began gathering around, and Sharma allegedly yelled out to Dinesh Karthik, who was spotted nearby on a phone call. Lord's security guard didn't allow Jitesh Sharma to enter the stadium. This is so embarrassing — ` (@WorshipDhoni) July 16, 2025 The moment sparked outrage and amusement in equal measure online, prompting widespread speculation about the treatment of Indian players abroad—especially at an iconic stadium like Lord's Cricket Ground, synonymous with the prestige of Test cricket. Dinesh Karthik Breaks His Silence: Debunking the Narrative Veteran cricketer-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight. "These are some issues with social media that a lot face," Karthik posted, dismissing the claims as exaggerated and misleading. "I invited Jitesh to the comm box. He had come, and I came and met him down and took him to the comm box. He met everyone there. BTW, this is below the media center, not the entrance to the ground." Karthik's clarification not only shut down the rumour mill but also highlighted how a minor misunderstanding can go viral in today's digital age. Jitesh Sharma: The Rising Star Who's No Stranger to the Spotlight The incident came at a time when Jitesh Sharma is fast becoming a household name in Indian cricket. The Vidarbha-born wicketkeeper-batter played a vital role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) historic IPL 2025 win, contributing match-winning finishes and even stepping in as stand-in captain when Rajat Patidar was injured. Notably, Jitesh smashed an unbeaten 85 in a must-win clash against the Lucknow Super Giants, sealing RCB's top-two finish in the league stage. Despite playing just nine T20Is for India since his debut in 2023, his explosive lower-order hitting and cool head under pressure have made him a valuable asset in both domestic and franchise cricket. Now, in a major development, Jitesh is set to switch states from Vidarbha to Baroda for the upcoming 2025–26 domestic season. With strong ties to Krunal Pandya and a desire to make a deeper impact in red-ball cricket, Sharma is eyeing a fresh start after captaining Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. India Trail 1-2 in the England Test Series: Tensions Rise Amid the off-field drama, the Lord's Test itself ended in heartbreak for India, as the visitors suffered a narrow defeat to go 1-2 down in the five-match series. After bouncing back spectacularly at Edgbaston following a loss at Headingley, India had high hopes at Lord's—but faltered in key moments. The defeat was compounded by criticism aimed at Jasprit Bumrah, who was slammed by fans and former players for an apparent 'lack of intent' during the final hour of play. Meanwhile, England were docked two World Test Championship points for a slow over rate, dropping from second to third in the standings—a rare disciplinary blow under Article 16.11.2 of ICC WTC rules. What's Next? A Crucial Fourth Test at Old Trafford With the series now on the line, both teams will gear up for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23, before the finale at The Oval from July 31 to August 4. India will need to recalibrate their approach, with middle-order stability and bowling discipline under scrutiny. Jitesh Sharma may not be part of the playing XI, but his presence off the field—and in the headlines—continues to reflect his rising influence in Indian cricket circles.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store