Actor Ankit Raizada, who is presently engaging his viewers in the lead role of Abhay in Star Plus‘ Advocate Anjali Awasthi, praises the National Security in this tough time amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. With the IPL 2025 getting suspended owing to the tension, there is certainly disappointment for cricket-loving fans, but it is certainly the Nation that comes first.
Ankit, on the suspension of IPL 2025, gives his thoughts, “Honestly, the suspension feels not just expected but necessary. When national security is at stake, cricket or any form of entertainment naturally takes a backseat. It is hard to cheer for sixes and wickets when soldiers are standing at the borders and the entire Nation is on edge.”
Right now, my thoughts are with the country more than the game. There’s pride, worry, and a deep hope that things don’t escalate further. Cricket unites us, but during such moments, it’s our unity as citizens that matters most. We’ll wait for peace—and then for the game to return, stronger than ever,” he avers further.
On the team he was supporting this year, Ankit says, “Honestly, been riding the RCB train — they are the underdog story everyone loves.”
On his dream wish when it came to the teams that he would love seeing in the Playoffs, Ankit states, “RCB, KKR, RR and MI were the wishlist team for me.”
On Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s not-so-good campaign this year, Ankit has this to say, “CSK felt like they were still finding their post-Dhoni rhythm, and their middle-order didn’t click when it mattered. SRH started strong but their inconsistency came back — over-reliance on top-order and poor death bowling.”
The players who Ankit enjoyed seeing this year were, “Kohli (timeless class), Riyan Parag (finally stepped up!), Narine (legend still bossing) and Bumrah (pure masterclass every game).”
The underwhelming players, according to him, were “Hardik Pandya (just not leading or batting like himself), Maxwell (hot and cold, more cold this time) and KL Rahul (plays long but doesn’t hurt teams enough).”
Ankit wished to see an “RCB V/s KKR” final!!
As for now, the cheers for cricket need to take a backseat, with the entire Nation standing as one to cheer for our country and soldiers.
