Chennai Super Kings have so far played six matches in the IPL 2026, losing four of them. Former skipper MS Dhoni has been conspicuous by his absence in these matches. A calf strain ruled him out of the first two weeks of action. Though he recently travelled with the team to Hyderabad, Dhoni was nowhere to be seen in the stadium. However, on Tuesday, CSK uploaded a video showing Dhoni wicketkeeping. CSK’s next match is against Mumbai Indians on Thursday, and the video has given rise to speculation over whether Dhoni is ready for that match.

Rule No. 1: Don’t step out when Thala’s behind the stumps

Rule No. 2: Read Rule No. 1 again 😂💪#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/mPYUIb3yuW

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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026

On Sunday, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey expressed optimism about MS Dhoni’s comeback during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The former Indian cricketer is yet to feature in IPL 2026 as he has been recovering from a calf strain. While the right-hand batter has been taking part in net sessions, it is unclear when he will return to CSK’s playing XI.

After CSK suffered a 10-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, Hussey, speaking at the post-match press conference, said Dhoni is progressing well with his rehabilitation and expressed satisfaction with his batting.

“He’s progressing nicely with his rehab. And look, I’m a batting coach, and I’m happy with how he’s batting,” Hussey said.

Hussey added that Dhoni is batting well and that he is satisfied with his form. He explained that Dhoni’s main focus during recovery has been improving his running fitness and speed, particularly for quick runs between the wickets during the latter stages of an innings. Hussey said he is unsure about the exact return date but hopes Dhoni will be back soon.

“As you saw yesterday at training, he’s batting well. He was very happy with where his batting is at. He’s just about progressing with his running, because if he’s going to bat towards the back end of the innings, he’s going to have to scurry back for those twos and things like that. He just needs to get confidence in his running and build that speed up. I don’t know when he’ll play, but I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later, like all the fans are,” the CSK batting coach said.

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IPL 2026 News | RCB Outplay CSK For 2nd Win On Trot, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co Suffer 3rd Loss

SRH batting-first XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora (wk), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivang Kumar, Harsh Dubey, Sakib Hussain, Eshan Malinga

SRH bench: R Smaran, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone, Dilshan Madushanka, Harshal Patel

DC bowling-first XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (capt), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Nitish Rana, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar

DC bench: Tripurana Vijay, Ashutosh Sharma, Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Auqib Nabi.

The NCAA cabinet is considering a rule that would create a blanket 5-year eligibility window with very few exceptions.

An even more exciting idea is flying around to start College Football sooner.

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I’m joined by ‘Locked On Utes’ host JT Wistrcill to discuss the top questions for first-time HC Morgan Scalley.

Does his roster look like one that will compete in the Big 12 for a Playoff spot?

Tennessee’s QB battle is one of the most interesting, with 5-star freshman Faizon Brandon competing against former blue-chip prospect George MacIntyre.

What are the Vols’ biggest questions outside of that position room?

00:00 Proposed college football calendar change
03:40 Adjusting the transfer portal timing
06:21 Revising college football schedule
12:26 Utah’s offensive line transition
13:07 Offensive line depth analysis
17:25 Discussing Devon Dampier’s potential
22:50 Evaluating Tennessee’s defensive improvements
24:59 Tennessee football player updates
30:33 Analyzing Tennessee’s quarterback options

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Peter Siddle and Samit Patel (GettyImages)

Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer’s T20 Blast after falling foul of ECB regulations linked to their participation in an unsanctioned tournament earlier this year, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Both players featured in the World Legends Pro T20 League held in Goa during January and February, a competition deemed “disapproved cricket” as it did not have the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Under ECB rules, any cricketer who has taken part in such events within 12 months of the domestic season is barred from county competitions. Siddle, 41, had been lined up as an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the Blast, but the deal has now been scrapped. The club confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing his “personal circumstances”. Director of cricket Mick Newell admitted the decision was a setback, saying Nottinghamshire were “naturally disappointed” and would now seek a replacement. The county had already bolstered their squad with additions like Benny Howell and George Munsey. However, they could also be without another overseas recruit, George Linde, at the start of the tournament. Linde is currently tied up with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and may miss the opening matches if the franchise progresses to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Patel’s situation is more definitive. The 41-year-old all-rounder, who has been without a county contract since leaving Derbyshire County Cricket Club after last season, confirmed that he has accepted the ECB’s directive and abandoned hopes of playing in this year’s Blast. Patel’s absence marks the end of a remarkable streak. Alongside Ravi Bopara, he is one of only two players to have appeared in every edition of the T20 Blast since its inception in 2003. Neither will feature this season, with Bopara having already stepped away from county cricket last month to focus on coaching and media commitments.

Carlos Alcaraz has been named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, following a standout 2025 season.

The 22-year-old won eight titles during the year, including Grand Slams at Roland Garros and the US Open. He also finished the season as world No. 1 after a close battle with Jannik Sinner.

Speaking after receiving the award, Alcaraz reflected on what it means to be recognised alongside some of the sport’s biggest names.

“Three years ago, I received the Laureus Breakthrough Award in Paris and met one of my heroes, Lionel Messi, who won the Laureus Sportsman Award. At the time, I dreamt that maybe one day I would join the great Messi on the Sportsman list, and today, I have.

“Messi, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Usain Bolt, and of course the great Rafael Nadal. I am following in the footsteps of giants. That makes this moment so special.”

He also acknowledged the role of his rivalry with Sinner.

“I truly understand why these Awards mean so much to the best athletes in the world… I especially would like to thank Jannik Sinner. If we hadn’t been across the net from each other, pushing the other one so hard, I don’t think either of us would have found the levels we did.”

Alcaraz becomes just the fourth ATP player to win the award, joining Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

Freddie Woodman found his enjoyment of the Merseyside derby abruptly interrupted by an unexpected Premier League debut for Liverpool, capping a remarkable 24 hours for his family.

The 29-year-old’s appearance in Sunday’s last-gasp 2-1 victory against Everton, followed a day of celebration for his family, as his father Andy’s team, Bromley, clinched promotion to League One on Saturday.

Woodman’s return to Premier League action, his first since four appearances for Newcastle in 2021, came under unforeseen circumstances.

His season with Preston had been prematurely ended by injury a year earlier, and he admitted to initial reservations about joining Liverpool, anticipating limited opportunities behind established keepers Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

However, with Alisson still recovering from a hamstring issue and Mamardashvili stretchered off after conceding the equaliser, Woodman was thrust into the spotlight.

“I was actually enjoying this Merseyside derby at the new (Hill Dickinson) stadium and then I was chucked into it at the deep end, so it was a good weekend for the family,” Woodman remarked, reflecting on his only previous Liverpool appearance in October’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

He confessed to the surprise of the moment: “Did I ever think I was going to be playing for Liverpool in the Premier League? Probably not but, you know, when I’m called upon I just wanted to do my best.”

Woodman acknowledged the pressure, adding, “it’s a little nerve-racking but I think the nerves sort of fuel you, to want to do well and not to let people down. You come on and you think about the eight months that have gone past where you’ve worked every day really for this one moment.”

After a career that included numerous loan spells at clubs such as Crawley, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Swansea, and Bournemouth, Woodman had found a long-term home at Deepdale, making nearly 140 appearances.

Despite finishing last season injured with his contract expiring, he harboured doubts about signing for Liverpool.

“It’s tough. I am new to this role. When the opportunity came along I was a bit unsure whether to do it and as a third choice I am still learning on the job,” he explained.

“I quickly realised my game time is going to be limited and I would probably be called upon for 10, 20 minutes, and when that time comes, I just wanted to be prepared.”

Woodman has embraced the often-overlooked importance of a third-choice goalkeeper.

“Being third choice is, from what I’ve seen, more important than what I thought coming in. You are trying to have a relationship with the lads, so like if Dom (Szoboszlai) wants to do extra free-kicks, I want to be there to help him.

“If Mo (Mohamed Salah) wants to do extra shooting, I want to be there to help him. So it’s just trying to find a different role within the team and realising how important it is.”

Given the nature of his role, Woodman could find himself back on the bench for Saturday’s visit of Crystal Palace, the club he joined as a 14-year-old, should Mamardashvili recover from his gashed knee.

“It would be unreal, incredible, to get another game in the Premier League and for Liverpool. I grew up supporting Palace, I was a ball boy and played against them in the Carabao Cup,” he said.

Despite the personal opportunity, Woodman maintains a professional outlook: “I want Giorgi to be fine and then Ali, the best goalkeeper in the world, I want him to come back fit. I will just go about my stuff this week and prepare as if I am playing.”

Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola believes the club is in “very good hands” following the confirmation that Marco Rose will succeed him as manager.

The Cherries announced last week in between impressive Premier League away victories at Arsenal and Newcastle that the Spaniard will leave at the end of the season, and confirmed on Monday that he would be replaced by former RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund manager Rose.

Iraola said: “I’ve said the club is in very good hands in the past week, and I think this is a great manager. You’ve already got that I did an interview some years ago where I praised him.

“I’ve always liked his teams and I hope he continues and does amazingly. He’s a very good manager with a lot of European experience and it looks exciting.

“They should be happy because he’s someone who can definitely improve the team. I’m sure the players are happy they know what’s happening.”

Iraola will hope to hand on a club looking forward to a first taste of European competition – they currently lie in eighth place, level on points with Chelsea in sixth, and are unbeaten in 13 league outings.

They face Leeds United on Wednesday evening in what will be his third-last home outing at the Vitality and is convinced his players will give him everything in his final five games in the quest to secure continental qualification.

“But I’m sure the players are happy that they know what to expect, what’s happening. I’ve always said I’m very thankful to this group of players. They are the ones who have allowed me to be now in this position and I’m sure they will give everything in these five games.

“I don’t know if we will win (or) if we will lose, but I have no doubts about their willingness, about their attitude. I’m looking forward to these five games and more motivated than ever, probably.”

Additional reporting from PA

Mar 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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In two days, the Minnesota Vikings begin selecting for the 2026 draft class, the first such event without Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in charge in five years. And thanks to the team’s leaders, along with Justin Jefferson, the masses learned a little bit more about the Vikings on Monday.

The Vikings’ pre-draft press conference offered insight into QB plans, roster priorities, and the front office’s views on key veterans heading into the 2026 draft.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell, interim boss Rob Brzezinski, and Jefferson spoke to the media in Eagan and provided some insightful intel.

McCarthy, Greenard, and Murray Took Center Stage Monday

The draft is in Pittsburgh, and the Vikings have nine picks to start.

1. Harrison Smith’s Return Remains a True Mystery

Smith completed his 14th NFL season in 2025; the Vikings even have a retirement party for him during Week 18. But since that moment, the communication on Smith’s retirement or return has hit radio silence.

Reporters asked O’Connell about Smith, and he comically replied, “Now that you remind me, I’ll probably bug him today.”

“We’re trying to give Harrison as much space as possible,” O’Connell added while insinuating that Smith is more than welcome back for Year No. 15.

Meanwhile, Minnesota could draft Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman or Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at Smith’s position. In fact, the betting favorite for the Vikings’ first draft picks is — you guessed it — a safety.

Smith’s retirement-or-return situation still has no clarity.

2. J.J. McCarthy’s Back Is against the Wall

In a weird twist, the McCarthy comments came from his top playmaker, Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson said about his young quarterback, “And then for J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability, that type of talent, he’s got to step it up a little bit.”

“So it’s good for him to feel that type of pressure and to really lock in a little bit and say, ‘It’s either now or I’m going to take that back seat again.’ So it’s all a competitive mindset when it comes to these type of things. So it’s all about who’s ready for that moment and who’s ready to step up and take that initiative.”

“Taking that back seat again” caught some listeners off guard. Jefferson must’ve been referring to 2024 when McCarthy was sidelined by a torn meniscus and Sam Darnold took the reins of the offense.

Regardless, with Kyler Murray in the house, Jefferson point-blank told the public that McCarthy must show up to training camp this summer with his game face on. And while that’s common knowledge by now, Jefferson confirmed it.

3. Vikings Don’t Want to Trade Jonathan Greenard, but He Is Not Untouchable

Greenard trade rumor smoke has billowed since the start of March.

O’Connell said Monday, “I had a conversation with him last week. We’re trying to keep our conversations and dialogue going. I have such a good relationship with Jonathan. He’s been so impactful on me personally, one of our leaders. He knows exactly how I feel about him, how we feel about him as an organization.”

“I’ll continue to have that dialogue and ongoing dialogue as we move forward. But it’s been good, and I think Jonathan’s really respected at least the point of view that our dialogue brings and the clarity, and he knows that I’m always a phone call away.”

More importantly, Brzezinski added on Greenard, “I mean, JG’s a great player. I expect JG to be here. There’s been speculation. There’s conversations that take place with respect to players all the time on rosters.”

“And for some reason, sometimes some things get public and other times they don’t. But he’s a really good player and a special person and a leader. And we’re really happy he’s a part of our team.”

This is a textbook answer for a player on the trade block. The Vikings must decide if they can afford Greenard’s extension price, which may be upward of $35 million per season, especially after his former teammate, Will Anderson, just grabbed $50 million annually in Houston last weekend.

4. The Kyler Murray Excitement Is Palpable

Jefferson explained that the Vikings’ brass kept him abreast of the quarterback plan in March. He sounded pretty fired up about Murray.

“I’m definitely looking for those big, exciting plays from Murray. I’m definitely looking forward to his speed, his quickness, his arm strength that he’s shown countless times over the years,” Jefferson opined.

“It’s really good to get some good talent in the room to give a little spark in that room to see a competitive edge and from those guys to really lock in and to do what we’re expecting them to do, which is to come in and to be that guy. And we need that one guy for this team. So I’m definitely excited for that room, excited to see what those guys have in store for us in training camp.”

Down the stretch last season, Vikings fans were not fixated on a postseason chase because the club had been eliminated by mid-December. Instead, everyone counted Jefferson’s receiving yards, hoping he’d maintain his 1,000-yard streak.

Perhaps this year, with Murray in charge, the Vikings can cross Jefferson’s yardage off the to-do list in November and embed themselves in an honest-to-goodness postseason hunt. That’s the goal.