Sports
How Rishabh Pant’s Rs 27 crore LSG move turned into an IPL disaster in just two seasons
Rishabh Pant’s two-year stint as Lucknow Super Giants captain has come under an abrupt cloud after the wicketkeeper-batter stepped down from the leadership role following another disastrous IPL season for the franchise. Bought for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore ahead of IPL 2025, Pant arrived in Lucknow as the face of a new era. However, the move has so far turned into one of the most underwhelming chapters in recent IPL history.
LSG confirmed on Friday that Pant had requested to be relieved of captaincy duties, and the franchise accepted the decision with immediate effect. The announcement came after Lucknow finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, extending their playoff drought to two consecutive seasons under Pant’s leadership.
When LSG broke the bank for Pant at the IPL mega auction, the expectations were enormous. The franchise made him the most expensive player in IPL auction history and immediately handed him the captaincy role, hoping he would lead the team into a new era. However, neither the results nor Pant’s own performances matched the hype surrounding the signing.
In IPL 2025, LSG finished seventh on the points table and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Pant endured a poor season with the bat, scoring just 269 runs at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.17. His unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow’s final league game saved his numbers from looking even worse and remained the only standout moment in an otherwise forgettable campaign.
Things did not improve much in IPL 2026 either. Lucknow managed to win only four matches all season and finished last in the standings. Pant’s struggles with form continued despite constant changes in his batting role. Over the course of the season, he batted as an opener, at No. 3 and even at No. 4, highlighting the uncertainty around both his position and confidence.
Pant eventually finished IPL 2026 with 312 runs in 14 matches. While those numbers were slightly better than the previous season, they still fell far short of expectations for a player carrying a Rs 27 crore price tag. He averaged 33.61 with a strike rate of 146.79 and managed only one fifty-plus score throughout the campaign.
Beyond the IPL, Pant’s position in India’s white-ball setup has also weakened significantly over the last year. KL Rahul has firmly cemented his spot in India’s ODI side, while Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have surged ahead in the T20 pecking order. Samson, in particular, strengthened his claim after a sensational T20 World Cup campaign where he scored 321 runs and won the Player of the Tournament award. Kishan, meanwhile, has returned to India’s ODI squad, further pushing Pant down the queue.
The selectors have also removed Pant from the role of India’s Test vice-captain, with KL Rahul now taking over the responsibility. The decision was widely seen as another indication that Pant’s standing within the national setup is no longer as secure as it once appeared.
With Pant now stepping away from captaincy at LSG, the franchise is expected to begin a fresh rebuild. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh have emerged as the leading contenders to replace him as skipper heading into the next IPL season.
OKLAHOMA CITY — As the only unseeded team in the Women’s College World Series, Mississippi State softball is hoping to gain some extra luck from broccoli.
The vegetable has become the Bulldogs’ rally prop after a fan named Broccoli Guy started dancing while holding it at the Eugene Regional. Mississippi State embraced the fun trend and has brought broccoli to hold in the dugout for its games, beginning with the regional final.
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“We saw his energy, and I think he helped loosen the team up at the regional,” MSU coach Samantha Ricketts said of Broccoli Guy. “… I think he really represents the way that we go about our business. It’s just being true to ourselves and having fun.”
Mississippi State (43-20) is playing in its first Women’s College World Series and lost its opener against Texas Tech 8-0 in a five-inning run-rule game.
The Bulldogs will take on No. 2 seed Texas (47-12) on May 29 (6 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Devon Park in an elimination game.
NCAA makes exception, allows broccoli at WCWS
Throughout the NCAA Softball Tournament, Mississippi State’s use of broccoli has been limited to the players in the dugout.
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However, that changed at the Women’s College World Series. Although outside food is on the list of prohibited items at Devon Park, the NCAA is making an exception for fans bringing in broccoli.
Who is Broccoli Guy?
Broccoli Guy’s real name is Jim Stewart Allen. He’s a sports fan from Washington who brings broccoli to games and dances in the stands. He’s been spotted at games for the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Storm, Seattle Kraken, Seattle Sea Wolves and the Washington Huskies.
Why is Broccoli Guy a Mississippi State softball fan?
Broccoli Guy started cheering for Mississippi State during the Eugene Regional of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs brought broccoli to use as a good luck charm for their regional final game against Saint Mary’s. The Bulldogs won 5-0 and advanced to the super regionals for just the second time.
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Allen showed up again to support Mississippi State at Oklahoma during the super regionals. Before Game 3 against the Sooners, the Bulldogs posted pictures and videos of broccoli on social media, hoping it would bring them more luck. MSU won 6-0 to qualify for the Women’s College World Series for the first time.
Broccoli Guy GoFundMe
Charles Ammon, the father of MSU pitcher Leila Ammon, started a GoFundMe to help cover and reimburse Allen’s travel expenses over the last two weeks. Several MSU players and their parents have donated. MSU coach Samantha Ricketts donated $500. As of May 27, the fundraiser had received 129 donations totaling $5,475, surpassing its goal of $5,000.
“We wanted to continue to make sure he knew he was a big part of this journey for us,” Ricketts said of the donations. “… He’s a special ed teacher back in the Pacific Northwest, and just knowing what he was investing and giving up to be here, we wanted to do our part to help continue the run and get him into Devon Park this weekend.”
2026 Women’s College World Series schedule
All times CT
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May 28
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Game 1: Texas Tech 8, Mississippi State 0
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Game 2: Tennessee 6, Texas 3
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Game 3: Alabama 6, UCLA 3
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Game 4: Nebraska 5, Arkansas 3
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May 29
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Game 5: Mississippi State vs Texas Tech (6 p.m., ESPN2)
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Game 6: UCLA vs Arkansas (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)
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May 30
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Game 7: Texas Tech vs Tennessee (2 p.m., ABC)
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Game 8: Alabama vs Nebraska (6 p.m., ESPN)
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May 31
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Game 9: Game 5 winner vs Game 8 loser (2 p.m., ABC)
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Game 10: Game 6 winner vs Game 7 loser (6 p.m., ESPN2)
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June 1
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Game 11: Game 7 winner vs Game 9 winner (11 a.m., ESPN)
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Game 12 (if necessary): Game 7 winner vs Game 9 winner (1:30 p.m., ESPN)
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Game 13: Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner (6 p.m., ESPN2)
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Game 14 (if necessary): Game 8 winner vs Game 10 winner (8:30 p.m., ESPN2)
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June 3
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Finals Game 1 (7 p.m., ESPN)
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June 4
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Finals Game 2 (7 p.m., ESPN)
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June 5
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If necessary, finals Game 3 (7 p.m., ESPN)
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Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why does Mississippi State softball have broccoli in dugout at WCWS?
Novak Djokovic’s latest quest for a record 25th Grand Slam ended with a defeat to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round of the French Open on Friday.
The 19-year-old Fonseca rallied from two sets down for the second straight match to stun Djokovic, winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 after four hours and 53 minutes.
Fonseca is through to the last 16 of a major for the first time. He will next play two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud or American 24th seed Tommy Paul.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)
David Benavidez has been linked with a major opportunity, which could materialise later this year if Turki Alalshikh convinces both sides to reach an agreement.
‘The Mexican Monster’ comes off a star-making performance, dethroning Gilberto Ramirez earlier this month to become a three-division world champion.
He did so via a sixth-round stoppage at 200lbs, where, despite it being his first assignment at the weight, he managed to claim the WBO and WBA titles.
Since then, Benavidez has doubled down on his desire to face Dmitry Bivol, who must first defeat IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on Saturday.
Should he emerge triumphant, as most expect him to, then Bivol would likely be open to an undisputed showdown with Benavidez, who still holds the WBC light-heavyweight title.
Alternatively, though, Benavidez could remain at cruiserweight and collide with Jai Opetaia, who comes off a dominant points victory over Brandon Glanton in March.
This happened to be the Australian’s first fight under Dana White’s promotional banner, which ultimately saw him claim the inaugural Zuffa belt after being stripped of his IBF world title.
Regardless of his championship status, however, Opetaia is widely considered the top dog at 200lbs, where it appears as though he is in talks for a Benavidez clash.
Taking to social media, the 30-year-old’s manager, Tasman Fighters, posted a picture of Opetaia and Alalshikh, including the headline: ‘Turki to make Opetaia vs Benavidez’.
Turki to unleash the #BEAST in 2026 👀 pic.twitter.com/FIoUnSgBk1
— Tasman Fighters (@tasmanfighters) May 25, 2026
In contrast, however, the father and trainer of ‘The Mexican Monster’ has suggested that Opetaia’s team is not returning his calls.
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Sean Sweeney is reportedly finalizing a deal to be the franchise’s next head coach, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Friday.
Sweeney, 41, takes over in Orlando after Jamahl Mosley was let go following the playoffs.
Manny Pacquiao has revealed who he deems to be his top five fighters of all time.
His ultimate favourite went to Roy Jones Jr, and on one hand, it is easy to see why ‘Pac Man’, like so many others, idolises a pound-for-pound legend who could turn on a sixpence like no other boxer.
Jones’ overall style, however, was vastly different to that of the Filipino, who is known more for his quick bursts than relying on razor-sharp reflexes.
In that sense, Pacquiao’s style could perhaps be likened to that of a typical Mexican, specifically when considering his aggression on the front foot.
It should not come as a surprise, then, that Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya happen to be two of his other favourite fighters.
Pacquiao did, of course, stop De La Hoya in round eight of their 2008 encounter, only this came at a time when the ‘Golden Boy’ was both weight drained and past his prime.
As for his other two favourite fighters, it may come as a surprise that he named Sugar Ray Leonard who, again, had tremendous speed but employed a drastically different style to that of Pacquiao.
Finally, the 47-year-old tells Vibe that former two-weight world champion Ricardo Lopez, who campaigned at minimum and light-flyweight, before retiring with an unbeaten record, is another of his all-time favourites.
“I liked Sugar Ray Leonard and Julio Cesar Chavez. Roy Jones Jr – that’s my favourite. Oscar De La Hoya. Those are fighters that I liked to watch. Also, there’s a small guy, a [lower-division champion] like [Ricardo] Lopez.”
Pacquiao’s list of legends – perhaps excluding Lopez – could quite easily be applied to almost any fighter who rattles off their selection of all-time favourites.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again excelled in the Indian Premier League with a brilliant 96 off 47 balls in the second qualifier on Friday.
On Wednesday, the 15-year-old smashed 97 from just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad to get Rajasthan Royals to this stage.
This time, with a place in Sunday’s final at stake, Sooryavanshi, again held his team together with a more measured knock that was equally as eye-catching.
Put in to bat, Royals slipped to 9-2 against the excellent Gujarat opening bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
Sooryavanshi struggled to time the ball, playing and missing a number of times, but he dug in and struck the first of seven sixes off his 14th delivery – a stunning straight six off Rabada.
Titans eventually resorted to short-pitched bowling and Rabada hit Sooryavanshi on the helmet when he was on 56 off 32.
From there, a switch seemed to flick and the left-hander struck 39 runs off his next 14 balls before being dismissed via a high catch at third from a mistimed slap.
By the time he had fallen, Royals had reached 176-6 with 16 balls to spare. They eventually posted 214-6, Donovan Ferreira striking 38 off 11.
However it was Sooryavanshi’s ability to stand up to some hostile fast bowling which caught the eye with former West Indies paceman Ian Bishop saying some teams are already “down to Plan Z” against him.
Sooryavanshi has been netting against teammate and England fast bowler Jofra Archer in practice sessions and despite being dismissed four times by the short ball this season, his strike-rate against it has risen to 307, with 23 sixes.
“He [Sooryavanshi] has talked about his battles in the nets with Jofra Archer,” said former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop.
“Both of them go head to head, full steam. I know a lot of batters who don’t like to face fast bowling in the nets at practice time but he has not backed down. Archer goes at him and he goes at Archer.”
More to follow.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Jaylen Johnson after Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines—Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine ended much like Game 4 did–with tempers flaring.
In the previous game, it was Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua and Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao exchanging heated words.
This time, emotions spilled over on the floor late in Ginebra’s 111-104 win on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For one, Caelan Tiongson stared down the officials’ table even after the final buzzer.
Then, as both teams headed back to their dugouts, players exchanged words, particularly Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and Ginebra’s Raymond Aguilar.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Jaylen Johnson and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Raymond Aguilar exchange some words during Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Justin Brownlee downplayed the heated ending to the game and said that’s just how a tightly-contested series goes.
“It’s just a part of the series,” said Brownlee. “These are two teams who just want to win. That’s just how it is in a series. Plus, we’re in the semis and everybody’s just out there fighting.”
“When you’re in a fight, not literally but in the game, you get emotional and sometimes, emotions get the best of you but I think we kept our composure even with emotions running high throughout the whole game.”
Johnson, meanwhile, chose not to elaborate on the exchanges after the game.
“I don’t know,” Johnson said.
Ginebra and Rain or Shine add another chapter to their heated rivalry on Sunday in Game 6 at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
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MANILA, Philippines — The FIVB has suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation with immediate effect, citing “serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations.”
The FIVB Board of Administration on Friday night made the shocking announcement, saying it was obliged to suspend the PNVF in accordance with Article 13.1.1 of the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations.
READ: Alas Pilipinas withdrawals, De Brito case rock PNVF
“Despite continued diplomatic efforts by the FIVB to find a sustainable path forward for Philippine volleyball, the suspension was deemed necessary to safeguard the sport, ensure athletes are prioritised, and uphold the long-term development commitments made for volleyball in the Philippines,” the word governing body wrote.
The FIVB said it wanted to safeguard the seven-year empowerment and development agreement with the PNVF, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
PNVF president Tony Boy Liao. –PVL PHOTO
During the suspension, a committee will be tasked to oversee PNVF affairs. A path for the local federation’s reinstatement has also been established, according to the FIVB.
The ad hoc committee will be composed of Hila Asanuma, Chair and FIVB Executive Committee member; Mathieu Mériaux, FIVB Asia Regional Officer and Empowerment Manager; Stephen Bock, FIVB Head of Legal and General Counsel; Hitesh Malhotra, FIVB Head of Empowerment and National Federation Relations; and Alexa Dabao, FIVB Legal Contractor in the Philippines.
READ: PNVF now open to talks over player welfare, unpaid dues
FIVB vows to continue supporting Philippine volleyball with several events scheduled for the next few months. Alas Pilipinas women will be competing in the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City from June 6 to 14, followed by the hosting of Volleyball Nations League (VNL) women’s division at Philsports Arena.
“Its immediate priorities will be to support the participation of Philippine national team athletes in upcoming international competitions, alongside guaranteeing the successful delivery of the upcoming Women’s VNL stop in the Philippines, in close coordination with local organisers and relevant stakeholders,” said the FIVB.
“The FIVB remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Philippine volleyball at all levels and supporting its sustainable long-term growth.”
The PNVF has yet to issue a statement following its suspension.
The AVC Board of Administration also reaffirmed its full confidence in AVC President Ramon Suzara and its “commitment to institutional stability and good governance.”
“Following its review of the communication submitted by the PNVF, the Board stated that there is no statutory basis for unilateral action against the office of the AVC President by a single National Federation,” the AVC wrote.
Former PNVF president Tats Suzara remained as the AVC president and FIVB Executive Vice President after losing the local elections to Tonyboy Liao last December.
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The Philippine Sports Commission also reportedly suspended its funding support and engagements involving the PNVF and PNVF-adjacent activities due to a breach of “contractual obligations” related to the recent Beach Pro Tour Nuvali and “continuing operational misalignment with the LOC and PSC in the handling and execution of events.”
The FIFA World Cup is coming to North Texas, and Dallas Express Sports Network is giving fans a first look at what Dallas-Fort Worth can expect when the world arrives.
Dallas Stadium in Arlington will host nine FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including a semifinal, according to FIFA. The local schedule includes group-stage matches featuring the Netherlands, Japan, England, Croatia, Argentina, Austria, Jordan, and Sweden, according to Visit Dallas.
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But the latest Dallas Express Sports Network special is not just about the schedule.
The episode brings together a lively mix of soccer insiders, local sports personalities, and international voices to preview the fan culture, food, photography, and passion that will come with the tournament.
The special features Michael Peticolas of Peticolas Brewing Company, Adam Hurrey of The Athletic, longtime DFW sports personality Mark Elfenbein, Brazilian sports photographer Marcelo Guelber Góes, and Greg Wilson, the superfan known as Wrecking Ball.
Together, the guests break down what makes World Cup culture different from a typical American sporting event. The conversation moves from England fans and Brazilian soccer history to Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, Billy Bob’s Texas, local watch parties, and why Dallas-Fort Worth could feel transformed once international fans begin arriving.
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Góes also shares the stories behind some of his soccer photography, including images of some of the sport’s biggest names, while Wrecking Ball explains why sports are about more than the final score.
The episode is part soccer preview, part Dallas travel guide, and part fan-culture conversation.
Watch the full Dallas Express Sports Network World Cup special below.
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