Royal Challengers Bangalore may have clinched the big prize from Hyderabad on Friday night, but the way they chased down the target of 256 against Sunrisers Hyderabad has now sparked an entirely different debate among fans online.

After losing by 55 runs at Rajiv Gandhi International StadiumRCB still managed to finish in IPL 2026 secured their place in Qualifier 1 thanks to top two finishes and net run rate. In the context of the tournament, this is huge as finishing in the top two gives teams two opportunities to reach the IPL final.

SRH vs RCB, IPL 2026: Achievement: | highlighted

But while the qualification maths worked out perfectly for RCB, many fans were disappointed to see the defending champions focus only on protecting their qualification scenario instead of winning the match.

And social media immediately divided into two sides.

A section raised questions as to why RCB seemed to step back from chasing the target after a brilliant start, especially on a batting surface where SRH themselves had comfortably crossed the 250-mark. The other side argued that once Virat Kohli was out and the danger of a batting collapse loomed, saving Qualifier 1 became a better cricketing decision.

How RCB reached 255 chase vs SRH

Venkatesh Iyer came out aggressively and scored 44 runs in just 19 balls, while Virat Kohli looked positive in the beginning. RCB scored 75 runs in the powerplay despite losing two wickets and SRH were forced to think defensively for a brief period.

But the momentum changed rapidly after the powerplay.

Kohli was out after scoring 15 runs and suddenly the run flow slowed down completely. Chasing a target of 256, RCB surprisingly took until the 13th over to reach the 120-run mark, and from then on, the innings looked more focused on securing qualification than actually threatening SRH’s total.

That slow motion became the biggest talking point online.

Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya together added 84 runs in 57 balls, which is not a bad partnership. But in the context of chasing such a huge target, it never put scoreboard pressure on SRH.

Patidar completed another half-century and finished the innings with 53 runs from 37 balls, but it was one of those innings that the RCB skipper might not have looked back on despite the milestone. A strike rate of 143.24 while chasing a target of over 250 felt unusually low for a man who has built his entire season around fearless intent and pace-changing batting.

The delayed arrival of hitters like Tim David and Jitesh Sharma further fueled the debate online.

Many RCB supporters defended the approach by pointing to the bigger picture. His logic was simple: RCB began the chase in earnest, but once Kohli was out, the batting order was in danger of collapsing completely under scoreboard pressure.

And with Qualifier 1 at stake, taking unnecessary risks probably won’t be worth it.

The thinking on the part of the fanbase was that this might seem timid or defensive, but it was a sensible decision rather than an emotional one.

Especially because being in the top two gives a big advantage in the playoffs.

A loss in Qualifier 1 still leaves another route to the final through Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator winner. If RCB had collapsed badly while chasing the target and slipped below SRH on net run rate, they would have lost the security cover completely.

Why did fans not like RCB’s approach?

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan was among those who questioned some of the tactical decisions during the chase, especially the batting order decisions.

“Jitesh Sharma should have come out to bat…RCB finished the league stage at number one despite injury issues with their trophy-winning combination last year,” Pathan posted on Twitter.

The late arrival of big hitters like Jitesh Sharma and Tim David also became a major talking point among the fans. Chasing the target of 256, many felt that RCB should have fully committed to the attack rather than balancing aggression with merit calculations.

But RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s post-match comments made it clear what the team’s overall assessment of the game was.

Patidar said after the match, “The top priority was to be on top, but I think a lot of runs were scored in the first innings. I think 255 is a good score on this wicket. And I think, as I said earlier, their five bowlers executed the slow bouncers and yorkers very well.”

The irony is that SRH themselves understand the importance of finishing in the top two perhaps better than anyone.

Ishan Kishan, who played a brilliant inning of 79 off 44 balls and won the Player of the Match award, admitted after the game that finishing in the top-two this season has always been a major objective for teams.

“From day one, when I was leading the team, we still had it in our mind that we wanted to finish in the top two because that gives the team an easy chance to reach the finals,” Kishan said.

Even if RCB could not win the match in Hyderabad.

But in their minds, they probably walked away believing they had achieved something much more valuable.

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bobby deol Recently reflecting on the massive success of Animal and how the film completely changed the perception of his career. Speaking to Shekhar Suman on his chat show, the actor opened up about his comeback journey, his struggles and his emotional bond with his father. Dharmendra.During the conversation, Bobby revealed that Dharmendra was initially unsure about what impact his role in Animal would have.Bobby recalled with a smile, “Papa used to ask me, ‘You are a villain? What is your role?’However, after the release of the film and the overwhelming response it received online and in theatres, Dharmendra became very proud of his son’s success.Bobby shared, “When he saw that people were getting so much love, he was very happy.”The actor further recalled how Dharmendra, who loves scrolling through Instagram and reading fans’ reactions, had reacted after seeing the craze for his performance.“Papa told me, ‘People have gone crazy about you.’ I am very happy that he saw that phase in my life,” Bobby said.

‘My parents were very happy after Animal’

Bobby admitted that seeing his parents happy after years of struggle was one of the most emotional moments of his return journey.The actor said that the love he received after Animal felt special because it came after a long period of self-doubt and career setbacks.Remembering his father, Bobby became emotional and said, “For me, my father was a person who was loved so much by the whole world. Papa was special. No one can be like him.”

Sandeep Reddy Vanga Bobby was cast after seeing the photo

Bobby also credited director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for giving him the opportunity in Animal.According to the actor, Vanga cast him after seeing a picture of him from Celebrity Cricket League.“He told me he liked my expression in that picture and he wanted me,” Bobby revealed.The actor further revealed that he never expected such a strong response to his role in the film.At the end of the conversation, Bobby reflected on how differently he views success now after experiencing the setbacks and comebacks during his journey.“There is one thing in my mind… even if I am gone for a while… no problem… will come back because I don’t give up,” he concluded.

The Chuddbuilder may soon be released from jail after a surprise development in his ongoing legal case. A judge has revealed that a third party has stepped forward to pay his $1 million bond, which could allow him to get out of custody while the trial continues. The news spread quickly online, especially because of who is reportedly included in the offer. The case, which was already high-profile because of the serious allegations surrounding the courthouse shooting in Tennessee, has now gained even more attention.According to initial reports, the party interested in covering the bonds is a crypto gambling platform called Duel. This unexpected connection has made the legal update a major talking point on the internet. Many are now questioning why a gambling company would step up to finance the release of someone facing serious criminal charges. The situation has sparked debate over whether it is a marketing move, charity, or a publicity stunt. The court has not yet confirmed final approval of the bond payment.

ChudTheBuilder’s $1M bond offer tied to crypto casino “Duel” sparks online debate

The judge in the case said someone has come forward to cover the $1 million bond set for Chuddbuilder. Bond is not a punishment, but rather a financial guarantee that allows the defendant to be released while awaiting trial, as long as court rules are followed. Earlier reports suggested the bond amount could be even higher before being adjusted to $1 million.What makes this case unusual is the alleged involvement of Duel, a crypto casino site. Online users have reacted strongly, with many surprised that a gambling-related company could be linked to a criminal legal process. Some see this as a promotional stunt, while others believe it may simply be a third-party financial offer.Chuddbuilder, whose real name is Dalton Eatherly, is already facing serious charges related to the shooting incident outside a Tennessee courthouse. Due to the nature of the case, his bond amount was set very high.At this time, the court has not confirmed if the bond payment will be accepted in full or when a potential release could occur. The situation is evolving as more details emerge.In simple terms, this means that a crypto gambling company can pay out the money so that the fuckbuilder can get out of jail while waiting for his case to be over. Many people online are shocked and talking about it because it is so unusual.

Did Kylian Mbappe really gift his girlfriend Ester Exposito a $1.2 million diamond necklace for her appearance in Cannes? (Image via Getty Images)

French striker and Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappe’s romance with popular Spanish actress Ester Expósito has been in the news for the past few weeks.While both are in awe of how madly in love they are with each other, Spanish actress Ester Expósito’s recent appearance at the famous Cannes Film Festival caused a stir when she was seen wearing a diamond choker worth $1.2 million as rumors swirled that Kylian Mbappé had gifted it to her on the special occasion.

Has Kylian Mbappe gifted his girlfriend, Ester Exposito, an expensive necklace as she heads to the Cannes Film Festival?

No, there is no report confirming whether Real Madrid star player Kylian Mbappe actually gifted the expensive necklace to his girlfriend.In contrast, Kylian Mbappé’s girlfriend Ester Expósito reportedly wore jewelery from established brand, Messika Jewellery, according to French outlet Gala, and it is being noted that the brand may have lent her the necklace for her appearance on the steps of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.However, neither Ester Expósito nor French striker Kylian Mbappe have confirmed any speculations as they have remained private about their relationship.Interestingly, many expected Kylian Mbappe to attend the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with his girlfriend Ester Expósito, but it seems he is focusing on preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Is Kylian Mbappe fit to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid his brutality? hamstring injury?

Last month, in a game against Real Betis, Kylian Mbappe suffered a serious hamstring injury, which ruled him out for a few matches.Real Madrid officially confirmed the news in a statement, which read, “Following tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg.”Even though many expected him to be out for the remainder of the season, Kylian Mbappé returned to the field in the match against Real Oviedo.It looks like the Real Madrid star is ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his serious injury.

Tulsi Gabbard (file photo/PTI)

US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday that she was stepping down from her post to support her husband, who was recently diagnosed with an “extremely rare form of bone disease.” cancer“He shared his resignation letter on X after Fox News first reported his decision to step down.Thanking Gabbard for her service, US President Donald Trump announced that Aaron Lucas will serve as interim Director of National Intelligence.“Unfortunately, after doing a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the administration on June 30. Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, appropriately, wants to be with him, nursing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together. I have no doubt that he will soon be better than before,” Trump wrote on his Truth social platform.Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the White House had “forced” Gabbard to step down.There was already speculation that Gabbard might step aside from the Trump administration following the president’s decision to attack Iran, a move that reportedly sparked divisions within the administration.In March, Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, also resigned, saying he could not “in good conscience” support the war.During a congressional hearing in March, Gabbard attracted attention with her carefully worded comments, which stopped short of fully supporting Trump’s decision to attack Iran.He repeatedly dodged questions about whether the White House was warned about the potential consequences of the conflict, including Tehran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz.In written remarks to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard said there had been no efforts by Iran to rebuild its nuclear capability after US strikes last year “destroyed” the country’s nuclear program.The statement appears to contradict the president, who has repeatedly argued that the strikes were necessary to stop an imminent threat from the Islamic Republic.

New Delhi: India and Cyprus upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, launching a roadmap for defense cooperation and signing an MoU to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted President Nicos Christodoulides for talks. Modi said relations with Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, were based on shared values ​​such as democracy and rule of law, while reiterating India’s support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the eastern Mediterranean country, which is not recognized by Turkey.Describing Cyprus as an important investment gateway between India and the whole of Europe, Modi said, “We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. India is and will remain fully committed to these principles.” He said Cyprus is one of the top 10 investors in India and taking advantage of the growing confidence and India-EU FTA, both sides aim to double this investment in the next five years.The PM said, “This strategic partnership between India and Cyprus will open up the capital for commerce by connecting the financial and service centers of both countries. It will provide new opportunities for Indian companies in Cyprus’ infrastructure, energy and agriculture sectors and will also bring new investment in India’s fast-growing shipping and maritime sectors.”The leaders also discussed the IMEC initiative and defense and security cooperation, with Modi calling it an important pillar of the relationship. The PM said, “We are very happy that military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries have increased over the years. Today we also decided to further strengthen cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.” Both sides also established cyber security dialogue.With many Indian students and professionals living in Cyprus, the two sides soon agreed to conclude a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership as well as a social security agreement.Prime Minister Modi in his media statement raised the issues of Ukraine and West Asia and said that both the countries will continue to support efforts for peace and early end to the conflict. The two leaders also agreed that reform of global institutions is necessary and important to address growing global challenges, with the President reiterating Cyprus’ support for India’s permanent membership of the reformed Security Council.The leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, while condemning cross-border terrorism and the Pahalgam terrorist attack, rejecting double standards, state-sponsored terrorism and any justification for such acts under any circumstances.“Cyprus expresses solidarity and unwavering support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism,” the joint statement said.The two leaders recognized the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. “They reiterated their shared commitment to promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East and stressed the importance of promoting corridors of deeper engagement and interconnectedness from India through the broader Middle East to Europe. “They discussed the establishment of a bilateral connectivity dialogue,” the statement said.

New Delhi: Congress is going to go without representation in Rajya Sabha from Gujarat for the first time as the Election Commission has announced elections for 24 seats of the House on June 18. BJP’s two minority faces in the government and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda are among those retiring from the Upper House.Given the current strength of the state assemblies, where Rajya Sabha elections will be held on June 18, the Congress is likely to gain at least one seat and if the BJP chooses to do so, there is a possibility of interesting contests in at least two states, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, with the ruling NDA taking all four seats in Andhra Pradesh.The 24 seats are spread across Andhra Pradesh (4), Gujarat (4), Karnataka (4), Madhya Pradesh (3), Rajasthan (3), Jharkhand (2) and one seat each is vacant in the four north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram.With the retirement of Shaktisinh Gohil, the lone Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, and his party not having enough numbers to retain the seat, the BJP stronghold will now have no member from the rival party in the Rajya Sabha.As against the 12 outgoing seats, the BJP is almost certain to retain 11 seats and may gain even more seats if an ally like TDP supports its candidate or some members of rival parties support its candidates, a political maneuver it has often done in the past.Union ministers Ravneet Singh ‘Bittu’ and George Kurien, the Sikh and Christian faces of the BJP from Punjab and Kerala respectively, will retire from the Rajya Sabha next month. Bittu was selected from Rajasthan and Kurien from Madhya Pradesh because the BJP lacked the requisite strength in the assemblies of their home states.JD(S) leader Deve Gowda, who is 93, has indicated that he will not return to the Rajya Sabha and the numbers in the Karnataka Assembly anyway suggest that the BJP-JD(S) alliance may win only one seat against the three it currently holds. Kharge (83) is also among the members retiring from the state.While the YSR Congress has three outgoing MPs, its defeat in the 2024 assembly elections means it may not win any seats. In Jharkhand, NDA is four MLAs short of the 28 MLAs required to win a seat. In Madhya Pradesh, where former CM Digvijay Singh is among the three MPs to retire, the Congress has 64 MLAs against the 58 required to win a seat. The BJP, which will have about 48 votes left after retaining its two seats, may force a contest.

Immigration lawyer Rahul Reddy explains what H-1B visa holders applying for a green card should do.

The new green card rule that applicants cannot wait for their green cards in the US and must return to their country of origin has come as a blow, as 1.2 million legal immigrants have been waiting years to become permanent residents. Experts are waiting for more clarity on how USCIS will implement it, while many said the new rule will be challenged in court because it is against the law.Indian-origin immigration lawyer Rahul Reddy said that the rules have not changed and the law will not change but the method of deciding on the green card application has changed.What does USCIS say in the new rule?USCIS said people come to the US on a temporary visa and then apply for a change of status to become permanent citizens. While waiting for this to happen, they continue to live in the US. USCIS said this must stop. A person who wants to become a permanent resident of the United States must return to his or her home country and then apply for an immigrant visa.what changesFor decades, visa holders who came to the US legally and maintained their legal status the entire time could apply for a green card through ‘adjustment of status’.“For decades, the deal was this: If you followed the rules, maintained your status, got your I-140 approved, and waited your turn, your green card was essentially a sure thing through adjustment of status after your priority date turned on. The officer reviewing your file mostly asked, “Is this person eligible?” If yes, approved,” Reddy explained.“That deal is now in question. The new memo reminds officials that approving green cards from inside the United States is a favor, not a right. The official term is “discretionary” — meaning the official can’t say no even if you’re eligible. The memo doesn’t just remind them that they have this power. It actively encourages them to use it,” Reddy said.“The most worrying thing is how the memo views people on work visas. If you came to the US on an H-1B, L-1, or O-1, the government’s expectation – according to this memo – is that you will eventually go home. Not stay. Staying in the US rather than going back to your home country and applying at the US Consulate there to get a green card is something that officials should view in a negative light. Yes, the memo acknowledges that The H-1B and L-1 are allowed “dual intent.”“But then it says the allowance alone is not enough to get you approved,” Reddy explained.What should H-1B visa holders who want a green card do?Reddy said those who have already filed a green card application should consult their attorney and strengthen their case before USCIS raises questions. For those who are considering filing, the choice is difficult because ultimately they will have to return to their home country and apply from there, which is a slower and riskier path.I-140 approved? Can you live in America?There are many unanswered questions on the new memo. Many experts interpreted the memo to mean that it only applies to the ‘adjustment of status’ portion of the green card process which occurs only when your priority date becomes current and you are ready to file Form I-485. For this, one may have to go back to their home country, but people who have just filed I-140, which is the petition for a green card, will not have to leave the US. The priority date for India and China takes years to become operational and so there will be no immediate impact on these two countries but the USCIS memo did not clarify these specifics.