No Minnesota Vikings fan knows for sure how Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft will shake down; that’s what happens when a franchise has no official general manager and the roster holes are arguably plentiful.
These are the clearest paths to Pick No. 18.
But here’s a look at the leading candidates to join the Vikings in 10 days. Minnesota has the 18th overall pick.
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8 Prospects Emerging as Minnesota’s Most Realistic 1st-Rounders
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely Round 1 draft picks), this is the field for Minnesota.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) celebrates with teammates after a key defensive stop against New Mexico State during NCAA action, Nov 15, 2025, as the Volunteers defense swarms following a momentum-shifting play in front of a home crowd at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
8. Colton Hood | CB, Tennessee
Hood just turned 21, and the Vikings haven’t connected on a rookie cornerback in about 10 years. For now, he lives at No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, but he’s included on this list because in 2025, Donovan Jackson ranked No. 39, and Minnesota picked him anyway.
It’s also worth noting that Hood is an outside corner, which the Vikings could put to immediate use.
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7. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon
T.J. Hockenson reworked his contract last month, now scheduled to hit free agency in March 2027. If Minnesota believes Sadiq is the best player available at No. 18, there is absolutely no reason not to draft him and prepare for life after Hockenson.
Sadiq is a pass-catcher and a blocker; he’s the total package. He’s considered a physical freak and just turned 21.
6. Kayden McDonald | NT, Ohio State
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If the Vikings desire a “safe” draft selection after perhaps trading down 5-12 spots, McDonald is perfect. He’s a run-stopping nose tackle, and Minnesota hasn’t employed a genuine version of one of those since Linval Joseph and Dalvin Tomlinson.
McDonald is the No. 31 rookie on the Consensus Big Board. Minnesota, for example, could trade with the Miami Dolphins at No. 30, add two 3rd-Rounders, and draft McDonald.
5. Jermod McCoy | CB, Tennessee
McCoy would be higher on this list, but his recent draft momentum suggests he’ll be gone by the time Minnesota is called to the podium. He’s considered CB2 behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who will be picked somewhere in the Top 15 — probably Top 12.
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McCoy is 20 years old and recovering from a torn ACL that cancels his 2025 season at Tennessee. Like Hood, McCoy usually plays on the outside.
NFL Draft Buzzon McCoy: “McCoy belongs in the conversation as one of the most complete corners in this class, and the Pro Day removed the last real caveat attached to his evaluation. The 4.37 forty and 38-inch vertical, turned in on a surgically repaired knee, confirm the closing burst and recovery speed that his 2024 tape suggested but never got to prove against NFL-caliber testing.”
4. Keldric Faulk | EDGE, Auburn
Pretend the Jonathan Greenard trade rumors come true; the Vikings trade him to an EDGE-needy team for a 2nd-Rounder. Well, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski can somewhat easily draft Faulk minutes later.
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Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) participates in position drills during the program’s pro day at the Woltosz Performance Center, Mar 24, 2026, as NFL scouts and team personnel evaluate his athleticism, movement skills, and readiness for the next level. Mandatory Credit: Jake Crandall-Imagn Images
Faulk is almost a forgotten man behind rookie EDGEs David Bailey, Arvel Reese, Rueben Bain, and Akheem Mesidor. But his current draft slot aligns with the Vikings’ long-term OLB need if they trade Greenard.
The best way for Minnesota to get McNeil-Warren is probably a trade down a handful of spots, adding a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick and still filling the safety void that will be evident if Harrison Smith retires.
McNeil-Warren has the prototypical safety size, he’s rangy, and he forces turnovers. Drafting safeties in Round 1 may not be totally ideal, but the Toledo product might just be worth it.
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2. Peter Woods | DT, Clemson
One month ago, the Vikings ended the one-year stays of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They don’t work here anymore. Combined, those two played over 1,300 defensive snaps at DT for the 2025 Vikings.
One might think that a rookie defensive tackle is on the way; Allen and Hargrave leaving is sufficient evidence.
If Minnesota sticks-and-picks at No. 18 and wants a young defensive tackle, Woods is the pick.
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1. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
If you’re reading an article like this, you’ve probably scanned at least 10+ NFL mock drafts by now. There’s a decent chance that Thieneman landed with the Vikings in 90% of them.
Thieneman reminds everyone of Harrison Smith, and Smith could retire at any time. Therefore, probably needing a safety as early as now, Thieneman has morphed into Minnesota’s mock-draft darling.
Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas Tech running back J’Koby Williams (20) is brought down by Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during second-half action of the Orange Bowl playoff quarterfinal, Jan 1, 2026, as both teams battle for field position in a high-stakes postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Thieneman: “With his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field, as well as the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do.”
“Although he doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes. He can clean up some things in the run game, too — he has a nose for the ball and doesn’t hesitate flying to the contact point.”
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Draft heads perceived him as a 2nd-Rounder two months ago, but he balled out at the Combine, and now the world believes he’ll be a Viking.
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Tim David left the umpire slightly annoyed with a playful act during their IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.The incident unfolded in the 18th over of the RCB innings when David smashed a towering six off Hardik Pandya over deep mid-wicket. The strike was so powerful that it altered the shape of the ball, which had also become wet, forcing the umpires to call for a replacement.As the box of used balls was brought out, David picked one up and began casually playing with it. Despite repeated requests from the umpire to hand it back, the Australian continued to toy with the ball for a few moments, leaving the official visibly miffed. After a brief delay, David finally returned the ball, bringing a smile back to the situation.Rohit Sharma also joined in, sharing a light-hearted moment with David as the incident drew laughter on the field.Earlier, RCB’s top order had dominated proceedings. Skipper Rajat Patidar, along with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, struck impressive half-centuries to power the defending champions to a massive 240/4 — the second-highest total of the season.Salt led the charge with a blistering 78 off 36 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes, while Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 38 deliveries. The pair added a fluent 120 runs for the opening wicket before Shardul Thakur provided the breakthrough.Patidar then carried forward the momentum with a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, as RCB stamped their authority with a commanding batting display.In reply, Mumbai Indians could manage 222/5. RCB won the match by 18 runs
NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthened their hold on third place in the IPL 2026 points table with an 18-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. With this victory, RCB now have three wins and one loss from four matches, taking their tally to six points with an impressive net run rate of +1.148.
Despite the defeat, Mumbai Indians continue to languish in eighth place. They have managed just one win in four outings, with three losses, and have a net run rate of -0.772.
At the top of the table, Rajasthan Royals remain unbeaten, winning all four of their matches to sit comfortably with eight points and a league-best net run rate of +2.055.
Punjab Kings follow in second place with three wins from four matches, accumulating seven points and a net run rate of +0.720.
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Behind RCB, Delhi Capitals occupy fourth position with two wins and two losses, earning four points and a net run rate of +0.322.
Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants are placed fifth and sixth respectively, both with identical records of two wins and two losses from four matches.
However, Gujarat Titans have a slightly better net run rate (-0.029) compared to Lucknow (-0.427).
Sunrisers Hyderabad sit seventh with just one win in four matches and a net run rate of -0.024.
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Below Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings are ninth with one win and three defeats, struggling with a net run rate of -1.532.
At the bottom of the table, Kolkata Knight Riders are yet to register a win, with three losses and one no-result, giving them just one point and a net run rate of -1.315.
Rohit Sharma, batting on 19 off 13 balls, walked off the pitch during Mumbai Indians’ chase of 241 against Royal Challengers Benglauru at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday during an IPL 2026 match. MI needed Rohit to stay for long to chase down the target, but an unbeaten Rohit walking off the pitch raised a massive concern. According to reports, Rohit Sharma was struggling with is hamstring and decided to walk off. However, by his facial expression, it did not look like it was a minor issue. If that was the case, it can be safely presumed that Rohit would not have left the field.
Even Virat Kohli faced an ankle issue and did not field for RCB. Ultimately, MI failed to chase down a 241-run target and lost the match by 18 runs.
Earlier, star India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli continued his love affair with Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Wankhede Stadium as he became the first-ever batter to hit 1,000 runs against the five-time champions on Sunday.
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During the high-octane match against MI, Virat held one end steady as Phil Salt and skipper Rajat Patidar fired massive sixes, scoring 50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six, at a strike rate of over 131.
Now against MI, Virat has scored 1,030 runs in 36 innings at an average of 32.18 and a strike rate of 129.23, with a best score of 92* and seven fifties.
In his four innings in this edition of the season so far, Virat has made 179 runs at an average of 59.66, with a strike rate of 162.72, including two fifties and a best score of 69*.
In 23 matches and innings at Wankhede Stadium, Virat has made 888 runs at an average of 55.5, with a strike rate of 148.49, with nine fifties and a best score of 92*.
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Virat also had a century partnership with Phil Salt, registering his 47th century partnership in T20s, the most by a batter in T20s, outdoing Chris Gayle, who was involved in 46 such stands.
A 120-run stand between Salt (78 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Virat and a 65-run stand between Virat (50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Patidar (53 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and later some brutal hitting from David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed RCB to a massive score of 240/4 in 20 overs.
With agency inputs
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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
Back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy was delighted to have his parents at Augusta National to witness his triumph after they missed out a year ago.
Mum Rosie and dad Gerry were back home in Northern Ireland when he completed the career grand slam 12 months ago and he admitted they had doubts about flying over for his defence.
Tondela and Gil Vicente bring round 29 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga to an end when they square off at the Estadio Joao Cardoso on Monday. Both sides head into the game off the back of contrasting results, with the Gilistas claiming a comfortable home victory over AVS.
Tondela dropped three more points at the wrong end of the Primeira Liga standings last time out when they suffered a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Vitoria de Guimaraes.
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With that result, Goncalo Feio’s men have failed to win 10 of their most recent 11 matches, losing five and picking up five draws since kicking off the year with a 3-1 victory over Arouca on January 3.
Having gained promotion from the second tier last season to end a three-year absence from the top flight, Tondela find themselves in the fight to avoid relegation, as they sit 17th in the Primeira Liga table with just 20 points from 27 games, five points away from safety.
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Meanwhile, Gil Vicente cruised to a 3-0 victory over bottom-dwellers AVS at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos last time out to rekindle hopes of securing European qualification.
The Gilistas had failed to win their previous five matches, losing three and picking up two draws while conceding 10 goals and scoring six across the five matches.
Gil Vicente have picked up 45 points from their 28 Primeira Liga matches so far to sit sixth in the standings, seven points behind fourth-placed Braga in the UEFA Conference League qualifying spot heading into the final six games.
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Tondela vs Gil Vicente Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
Gil Vicente hold the upper hand in the history of this fixture, having won five of the last nine meetings between the two teams.
Tondela have picked up two wins in that time, while the spoils have been shared on two occasions.
Gil Vicente have won just one of their most recent nine away matches, while losing three and claiming five draws since the start of November.
Tondela are on a run of six consecutive home games without a win, losing twice and claiming four draws since January’s 3-1 victory over Arouca.
Tondela vs Gil Vicente Prediction
Buoyed by their win over AVS, Gil Vicente will look to put together solid late-season form as they eye the Conference League ticket.
The Gilistas are up against a floundering Tondela side who have struggled to impose themselves in the big leagues, and we are backing them to come away with all three points.
Prediction: Tondela 0-2 Gil Vicente
Tondela vs Gil Vicente Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Gil Vicente to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in five of the last seven meetings between the two teams)
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Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards – No (There have also been fewer than five cards issued in five of their last six clashes)
After 36 years at ESPN, announcer Mark Jones took the mic on Sunday for his final broadcast with the network, calling a season-finale matchup between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.
Before tipoff, Jones was the subject of multiple tributes.
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Jones joined the “Inside the NBA” pregame show, where he received a standing ovation from hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
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“I have a very full and a very heavy heart today as I say goodbye to the only place that I’ve really worked in network television,” Jones said in response. “I’m just thankful for all the friends that I’ve made along the journey.
“They talk about it being not about the destination but the journey. And my journey’s been outstanding.”
When the broadcast shifted to TD Garden for game coverage, Jones’ announcing partner, Doris Burke, paid tribute.
“After spending more than half your life calling games for this network, tonight is it,” Burke said. “I just want you to know, everybody involved, in the truck, here courtside, we are honored to be here with you.”
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Jones, choked up, responded:
“I love you Doris,” he said. “We’re gonna have some fun and document the game and do it the way it’s gotta be done. Brought some seasoning with me tonight, folks.”
Jones’ decision to leave ESPN
Jones, 64, has worked at ESPN since 1990, calling NBA and college football games. He announced on Instagram Friday that Sunday’s game would be his last with the Network.
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“It’s been a memorable journey these decades with the ABC/ESPN family, but I have decided that it’s time to move on,” Jones wrote. … “As I move on to my next chapter, I believe my best work is yet to come. I’ll be out there cookin’ hotter than fish grease!”
Jones also declined elaborate on his “next chapter” in his statement. He’s worked for years as the local play-by-play voice of the Sacramento Kings on NBC Sports California and confirmed to the Sacramento Bee on Friday that he’ll continue in that role.
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“My plan is to be here for a long, long time,” Jones told the Bee. “I love it here, and I’ve been warmly received by the Kings.”
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ESPN released a statement thanking Jones for his contributions to the network following his announcement.
“Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage and across nearly all of our platforms,” ESPN said. “We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions and we wish him continued success.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet in the Monte Carlo final.
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 10-6 and has won their last three meetings on clay, while Sinner took their most recent clash at the ATP Finals.
Both players come into the match in strong form.
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Sinner is on a 21-match winning streak in Masters 1000 events, while Alcaraz is on a 17-match winning run on clay.
Speaking ahead of the final, Alcaraz said:
“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone. I’m fighting for my 2nd Monte Carlo title. He’s fighting for his first one. It’s gonna be a really special one.”
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“The number 1 is on the line. That makes tomorrow even more special.”
“I’m just really happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin. He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now. Playing in his hometown, it was really tough to deal with.”
“For me I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik this year, first final. Let’s see how it’s gonna be tomorrow. I’m excited about it.”
The Premier League could boast seven clubs in next season’s Champions League if all the right pieces fall into place – but now we know five will be guaranteed.
The extra place was sealed after Arsenal emerged 1-0 victors at Sporting in their quarter-final first leg, with Kai Havertz snatching a late winner in Lisbon.
It is the second consecutive year that the Premier League has earned an additional spot, with the English top flight at the pinnacle of the European Performance Standings.
Last term saw an unprecedented six English clubs qualify for Europe’s premier competition; five by their league position, while Tottenham earned their place in the league phase after winning the Europa League.
Yet that inflated contingent could grow even more this year, with the Premier League appearing as one of the more prominent beneficiaries to the competition’s expansion to 36 teams that came into effect at the beginning of 2024/25.
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As with every season, thetop four clubs in the Premier League table are guaranteed a spot in the 2026/27 edition – but like last year, England have earned an additional place.
That elusive fifth spot is earned by being one of the best-performing two nations in each season’s European club competitions. English teams performed particularly well in the Champions League league phase, which boosted their points tally in Uefa’s standings, and while last-16 exits of Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham threatened their ranking, Arsenal’s success has eased any fears of the Premier League being limited to four berths next term.
Chelsea secured Champions League qualification on the final day last term (Getty Images)
The Premier League will therefore definitely have a quintet of Champions League teams by the end of the campaign. Spots six and seven, however, require some optimistic hypothetical thinking to come true.
The Premier League will earn an extra spot at Europe’s top table if an English club outside the top five wins this season’s tournament.
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The winner of the Champions League would guarantee themselves a spot in the next campaign, as is always the case – but if that club has already qualified for the following edition via league position, that country will not get an extra spot.
That means Liverpool – who need to perform a comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in their quarter-final second leg on Tuesday – would need to win the Champions League but drop out of the top five for the Premier League to gain an additional place, as Arsenal will finish in the top five. Liverpool are currently fifth in the league, four points above Chelsea.
One of the Premier League’s underperformers would need to win the Champions League to add another spot (Reuters)
On top of that, the winner of the Europa League is also awarded a place in the Champions League, which assuming all of the above takes shape would bring the Premier League’s tally of qualified teams to the magic seven.
Aston Villa, who finished second in the league phase, are currently favourites to lift the title and will continue their European charge in the second leg of their quarter-final tie with Bologna, which they lead 3-1.
Aston Villa are among the favourites to win the Europa League (AFP via Getty Images)
However, Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League so would need Europa League glory to come at the expense of their top-five finish to the deliver a seventh qualification spot to England.
But the burden is not just on the Villans.
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Nottingham Forest, who are languishing at the other end of the Premier League table, also find themselves in the last-eight and face Porto in their return leg at the City Ground on Thursday, with their tie finely poised at 1-1.
Should Forest win the Europa League, they would ensure that English teams take another one of the 36 spots in next season’s Champions League.
Plan B turned into a golden opportunity for Cherry Bomshell’s owners and team, as the filly dominated the Group 2 $1 million Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick this Saturday.
In just shy of 70 seconds, she banked $580,000 while elevating her broodmare potential to new heights commercially.
Trainers Rob and Annabel Archibald were bummed initially when Cherry Bomshell couldn’t secure a spot in the Golden Slipper from last month.
They pivoted to the Percy Sykes Stakes, and the decision proved masterstroke with Cherry Bomshell’s explosive closing effort securing the Group 2 prize.
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“Cherry Bomshell has always been so progressive and we actually half-hoped we’d get her into a (Golden) Slipper,” Annabel Archibad said.”But we weren’t going to chase, we would’ve had to go through the Magic Night so we left it alone and came here.
“We had a chat with the Australian Bloodstock crew and they were keen with that plan. It worked out well and I’m glad we decided to fly (jockey) Ben Thompson down.”
Cherry Bomshell built a winning streak with two Brisbane victories, insufficient however for Golden Slipper qualification on prizemoney.
Yet Cherry Bomshell, at $17 odds, showed peak freshness, storming home to win the Percy Sykes Stakes by a lengthening near-length verdict over Medicinal ($3.90 favourite) and Ciaron’s Star ($21), who nabbed third half a length away after a wide trip.
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“She had a tricky draw and ultimately we left it (tactics) up to Ben,” Archibald said.”We weren’t sure there was a whole lot of speed but we were just adamant we didn’t want her caught wide.
“So, Ben just bided his time and she’s just a beautiful, straight forward filly.
“She’s had a long time in between runs, it was her first time at the 1200m but she trialled very well and she’s now a very valuable Percy Stakes winner.”
Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murell and Jamie Lovett own Cherry Bomshell, who thrived in Brisbane under Thompson, a connection that paid dividends at Randwick.
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“She was a bit keen early, even going to the gates,” Thompson said.
“I had ridden her in both her wins and she was more casual, but I felt once we joined them at the course proper she was going as I wanted her to and it just panned out perfect.
“She’s a lovely filly. It’s so hard to line these horses up in the same state let alone crossing states. I just thought this was always her race.
“The Golden Slipper was a dream, well it became a dream after her second win at start three but it wasn’t to be.
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“Here was always the plan. She was coming here six weeks between runs, it was calculated and she nailed it.”
Cherry Bomshell’s achievement, per Rob Archibald, readies her for spring’s top three-year-old filly showdowns.
NEW DELHI: After a batting onslaught led by Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar lit up the Wankhede Stadium, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru piled up a daunting 240/4 against Mumbai Indians. With the target set, all eyes turned to Rohit Sharma, known for his ability to dismantle any bowling attack.
Rohit began cautiously in the steep chase before shifting gears, but his innings was cut short by injury. At the end of the fifth over, bowled by Krunal Pandya, Rohit appeared to be struggling with his hamstring. He signalled for the physio and received treatment on the field, but with the discomfort worsening, he eventually walked off retired hurt after scoring 19 off 13 balls. Cameras soon captured a dejected reaction from his wife Ritika Sajdeh in the stands.
Earlier, RCB’s top order had delivered a batting masterclass. Salt smashed 78 off 36 balls, stitching a 120-run opening stand with Kohli, who made 50 off 38 balls. Patidar then continued the carnage with a blistering 53 off just 20 deliveries, adding 65 runs with Kohli. A late cameo from Tim David (34* off 16) ensured RCB finished with a massive total.
After being put in to bat, Kohli set the tone early by taking down Trent Boult, while Salt soon joined the assault. The duo dominated both Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, racing to 71/0 in the powerplay.
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Salt was particularly severe on Mitchell Santner and Mayank Markande, reaching his fifty in just 25 balls. Kohli soon followed suit, bringing up RCB’s 100 in 8.4 overs.
The breakthrough came via Shardul Thakur, who ended the opening stand at 120. Patidar then took charge, launching a brutal counterattack, including three successive sixes off Markande. He raced to a 17-ball fifty before falling to Santner.
Despite wickets at intervals, RCB’s momentum never dipped. Contributions from Jitesh Sharma and the finishing flourish from Tim David pushed the total to 240/4.
For Mumbai Indians, Shardul, Hardik Pandya, Santner and Boult picked up a wicket each, but the bowlers were largely at the receiving end of a relentless RCB batting display.
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