DUNEDIN, Fla. – The atmosphere at Hiram Bithorn Stadium during Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic games is special, so when José Berríos was denied insurance for pool play, the decision hit the Toronto Blue Jays right-hander “really, really hard.”
A chance to pitch for the national team, at home, in front of children Valentina, Sebastian and Diego Jose, would have meant so much to the family, and a similar opportunity may not come up again.
“That’s the tough part,” Berríos said. “But I guess I understand what the situation is, dealing with the process. The beginning was frustrating, but my kids still had a chance to go to the games in Puerto Rico for that first round. They enjoyed every game. They were so pumped up. They learned. So, that’s great.
“Being there and pitching in front of them, that’s something I’m going to miss. But there’s nothing I can do.”
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The same applies to the even bigger shock Berríos received when he was denied insurance a second time, ahead of the WBC quarterfinals, when an MRI revealed the stress fracture in his right elbow, causing him to open a season on the injured list for the first time.
The 31-year-old had made three spring starts to that point, his velocity increasing each time out, and had no idea the injury was there.
Berríos was progressing so well this spring, the Puerto Rican team built him into their plans for the quarterfinals, with manager Yadier Molina revealing that he’d piggyback behind Seth Lugo before word of the insurance denial dropped hours later.
If not for the preceding physical, Berríos would have continued to pitch unaware of the stress fracture.
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“It was weird, knowing I’ve been throwing the ball pretty well, felt strong, healthy,” Berríos said of his initial reaction to the news. “Then I saw the picture, I saw what I got there, but how I’m feeling is still weird, because I feel great. They stopped me from pitching. They wanted to make sure I feel great, and nothing is going to get worse, so that’s why I stopped.”
He and the Blue Jays charted a path forward during a visit to specialist Dr. Keith Meister last week, when “I asked him multiple times, like four or five times, ‘Do I need surgery?’” Berríos relayed. “He said no each time. He told me that I can throw the ball, just keep building back up and feeling healthy and great.”
Berríos is doing precisely that now, playing catch, building up his arm strength while the stress fracture heals. A bullpen is slated for next Friday, when the Blue Jays open the season at home against the Athletics. His hope is to miss no more than a month.
A year ago, Berríos received the opening-day assignment to begin an uneven season that saw him post a 3.83 ERA through his first 22 starts, but a 5.31 mark through his final nine outings ahead of his first injured-list stint in 10 big-league seasons. Elbow inflammation kept him on the sidelines throughout the post-season and he controversially left the team before the World Series in what he described this spring as “a bad decision” that he apologized for this spring.
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The injuries may simply be the toll of a decade of durability catching up with him – he made 30 starts in each of the seven previous full seasons plus the maximum of 12 outings during the pandemic summer of 2020 – although he doesn’t necessarily think that’s the case.
“I mean, some players avoid that, so hopefully I can keep avoiding that, too,” he said. “Nothing’s been major, no surgery. But to be out there, playing every game is a great stress, not just for the pitchers but the position players, too. We are like a champion, trying to keep ourselves and our bodies healthy out there every day.”
Berríos is working back to that goal, confident that what he felt were gains with his fastball and his command will be there again once he’s ready to get back up on a mound.
“My breaking ball and changeup were there, too,” he said. “I’ve been feeling pretty well, ready to compete and I was so close. So, just waiting for the lights to turn on.”
The debate is raging – at least on social media – about the status of North Carolina men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis. It’s a complex situation facing decision makers, who presumably consider the program at a crossroads concerning Davis’ future.
Thursday night’s unceremonious exit from the NCAA Tournament’s first round with an 82-78 overtime loss to VCU after leading by 19 points in the second half heightened the speculation. North Carolina’s administration – chancellor Lee Roberts, athletics director Bubba Cunningham and AD-in-waiting Steve Newmark – have been put on the spot.
Cunningham is transitioning to another role, and Newmark will be in charge of the athletics department well before the next tip-off for the Tar Heels. The tide has turned quickly on Davis, who by the end of his first season in the spring of 2022 had gained what might have been considered lifetime privileges. He directed the Tar Heels past Duke in Mike Krzyzrewski’s final game as coach at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Four weeks later, he endeared himself again to Carolina fans when his team knocked off Duke in the Final Four, sending Coach K into retirement.
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But there have been far fewer notable highlights since then – and even that 2021-22 team had underachieved and tumbled out of the Top 25 until the March success. The 2023 team didn’t make the NCAA Tournament field. But the following season, an Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship – dented with an ACC tournament championship-game loss to what had been a struggling North Carolina State team – and trip to the Sweet 16 restored confidence.
Troubles brewed last year, when the Tar Heels barely made the tournament – some will say because of Cummingham’s presence as chair of the NCAA selection committee. A First Four victory was followed by exit in the first round with a loss to Ole Miss. So that means in five seasons, the Tar Heels have reached the NCAA Tournament’s second round just twice – first with a team that Williams had largely put together and the other when, according to the seeds, they were bounced prematurely. North Carolina has reached the 20-win level each season under Davis. This season’s 24-9 mark represents his third-largest win total.
Former players have chimed in regarding the condition of the program, mostly expressing concern without indicting Davis so far. That group has included Tyler Hansbrough, who also had been member of the team’s rotating radio broadcast crew, and Joel Berry, an analyst with the ACC Network.
The 2026-27 season will come without the Tar Heels’ three most productive players from this season unless freshman sensation Caleb Wilson pulls a surprising move and stays for another season. Henri Veesaar and Seth Trimble have used up eligibility. Wilson’s personality and high-flying talents made him a fan favorite. Trimble played his entire college career for the Tar Heels and was already popular, a status that rose to special heights after his game-winning shot in early February against Duke. Since that night in the Smith Center, North Carolina went 5-5 – probably in part because Wilson played in only part of one game the rest of the way because of a couple of injuries.
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A winter commitment from heralded recruit Dylan Mingo is reason for encouragement regarding the next roster. If there’s a coaching change, the pressing question becomes who’s next? And from there, it’s complicated if the school goes outside of the Carolina family. Dean Smith passed the torch to longtime assistant coach Bill Guthridge. His retirement led to former Tar Heels player Matt Doherty taking the job. When that didn’t work out, alum and former assistant Roy Williams was summoned back from Kansas. Davis was selected off Williams’ staff to replace the retiring Hall of Famer.
The other choice – at least in conventional circles – was then-UNC Greensboro coach Wes Miller.
Since then, Miller took the Cincinnati job and was dismissed when the Bearcats’ season ended this month. So that path might not be reasonably open for Miller, a former player on a Tar Heels national championship team, to assume the position. Cunningham predictably attended Friday’s women’s regional on the Chapel Hill campus, but he could have been huddled with other school officials during other parts of the day.
With the university’s spring break winding down this weekend, other activities on campus are only diversions to the most pressing question.
Time was when Tasmania was better known for caricatures than courses. Mention of it conjured thoughts of a cartoon devil on a far-flung island with a penal colony past.
That perception began shifting in 2004 with the opening of Barnbougle Dunes, a Tom Doak design that soon gained a sibling in Lost Farm by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. With that one-two punch, Australia’s smallest state became the antipode’s answer to Bandon, Ore., a remote-golf must.
Now there’s even more reason to make the trip.
The added incentive is 7 Mile Beach, a rumpled layout along a crescent-shaped shoreline of the same name, 20 minutes from Tasmania’s capital, Hobart. Decades in the making, the project is the brainchild of Tasmanian native and former Tour pro Mat Goggin, who brought in Mike Clayton and Mike DeVries to route holes through wild coastal dunes.
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The result is a true links, with fast-running fescue fairways, wispy grasses and water views from every hole. The wind is no cartoon. It’s real, often frisky and central to a course with a vivid sense of place.
Plan your dream golf trip with 8AM Travel. Contact discovery@8amtravel.com today.
Max Verstappen‘s mother, Sophie Kumpen, congratulated her son on his victory at the NLS2 at the Nurburgring on Instagram. Before the Dutchman was stripped of the win after being disqualified for a tire infringement.
Verstappen took part in the NLS2 as part of his preparations for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in May, which he on Saturday will be taking part in. The F1 star won the race on track, driving the #3 Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, operated by Winward Racing. He shared the driving duties with Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon for the event.
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After the race, Max Verstappen’s mother and former racing driver herself, Sophie Kumpen, congratulated the driver and his team via her Instagram on Saturday. She reshared a photograph of the three-man team, as she wrote:
“Congrats, simply lovely”
Screen grab of Sophie Kumpen’s Instagram story [via Instagram/@sophiekumpen]
However, after the race, it was announced that the #3 entry, featuring Max Verstappen, had been disqualified from the race due to a technical infringement, meaning they lost the race result. This reason was a tire infringement, as the team used seven sets of tires on race day as opposed to the legal six.
However, the purpose of taking part in the event for Verstappen and his team was always to get familiar with the track and car ahead of the 24-hour event. The same team, car, and driver lineup, with the addition of Lucas Auer, will be taking part in the endurance race in May.
Verstappen also admitted after the race that he could potentially return for one more event at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife in April since the F1 calendar is now vacant in the month of April, due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
Mercedes Motorsport release statement after NLS2 disqualification for Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix – Source: Getty
Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, Stefan Wendl, released a statement after Max Verstappen and Co. were stripped of their NLS2 win on Saturday. Wendl explained that the tire infringement that lead to the disqualification occured during qualifying, rather than the main race.
Explaining the situation, Wendl said that the team had “mixed feelings” after NLS2, as he added:
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“During routine checks by the technical commission, it was found that the team used seven sets of tires instead of the permitted six. The error occurred during qualifying, when multiple driver and tire changes were practiced.”
Wendl also added that everyone involved was disappointed as a internal team mistake cost the #3 outfit the race win in the end. He concluded the statement by saying that everyone involved has begun analyzing how the issue happened, as they begin to prepare for the 24h at the Nurburgring, which is scheduled from May 15 to May 17. For Max Verstappen, the F1 Japanese GP is up next, which is scheduled from March 27 to March 29.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) mishandles a punt during first-half action on Oct 9, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, as the Buffalo Bills close in on the loose ball during a special teams sequence that shifts field position in a tightly contested matchup. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports.
All things considered, the Minnesota Vikings have operated in the shadows during free agency, making the Kyler Murray signing the only true splash. The franchise is evidently resetting its salary cap troubles, with hopes of having a clean slate in the 2027 offseason. Along the way, though, Minnesota has added a handful of newcomers; these are those men.
Minnesota’s new-look roster is coming into focus after free agency.
From the draft and undrafted free agency, the Vikings will add about 30 new rookies. Here’s a peek at the veterans, listed in alphabetical order.
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Several Fresh Vikings Faces Will Compete for Roles This Summer
The new faces you will see in Eagan when the summer rolls around.
Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker (6) celebrates with visible emotion after a successful sequence against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec 23, 2018, at State Farm Stadium, reacting to a strong special teams performance as Los Angeles controlled field position in a late-season divisional matchup. Hekker and the Rams would win a Super Bowl a few years later. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Johnny Hekker (P)
Hekker earned Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017, and he received Second-Team All-Pro recognition in 2014 and 2018.
Last year, however, his production dipped, placing him near the middle of the pack. He ranked 24th in net yards per punt and 17th in punts inside the 20, with seven touchbacks, a performance that hovered around average, if not slightly below. Minnesota will be counting on him to rebound.
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Although some expected the Vikings to draft a rookie punter next month, Hekker appears to be the plan for 2026, at least for now.
When Ryan Wright signed with New Orleans on a four-year, $14 million deal, most fans weren’t overly concerned about replacing him, as the punter position is often considered replaceable. However, Wright had developed a strong rapport with Will Reichard, who was coming off an elite season and All-Pro honors.
If Minnesota relies on Hekker, the holding duties should be secure. He handled those responsibilities during the Rams’ Super Bowl run and brings significant experience to the role, which should provide Matt Daniels’s special teams group with some stability.
With the regular season still about five and a half months away, Reichard and Hekker have ample time to develop timing and consistency.
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Kyler Murray (QB)
Murray is 28, and with the Vikings’ relationship, he has a chance to latch on to Minnesota’s quarterback for the next 5-10 years. In a utopia, he’d become the Vikings’ version of Drew Brees when Brees left the San Diego Chargers for the New Orleans Saints in 2006.
Across a 17-game sample — Murray usually misses about a quarter of all games to injury — he posted Pro Bowl numbers, including approximately 4,000 passing yards, 30 all-purpose touchdowns, and around 600 rushing yards. He’s basically Lamar Jackson when healthy by the volume stats.
Now, the question becomes whether he meshes with Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Some fans have concerns about that. Stay tuned.
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No matter what, Murray becoming a Viking for $1.3 million is a legendary economic deal.
James Pierre (CB)
Fans instantly approved of Pierre because of his unholy good 86.8 Pro Football Focus grade from last year. He played about 40% of the time in Mike Tomlin’s seasons, connected to Tomlin’s roster since the start of 2020. In that vein, think of him as the Steelers’ version of Josh Metellus.
He’s a temporary solution, however, at age 29. The Vikings can still draft a cornerback in April.
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Pierre took over as a starter for Darius Slay in 2025, which is quite the feat. Still Curtain‘s Thomas Jaggi wrote about the veteran corner before the start of free agency, “While Pierre will soon be free to sign with another team when free agency kicks off, the Steelers should focus on getting him back. Just as impressive was Pierre’s lack of production allowed to opposing receivers in coverage.”
“PFF credited Pierre for allowing just 16 receptions for 163 yards on the season, while allowing one touchdown to go with one interception. Quarterbacks had a 57.2 passer rating when throwing in his direction. Pierre will turn 30 years old at the start of the 2026 season, and top-end speed has never been on his side.”
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) exchange jerseys following an AFC wild card matchup, Jan 11, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium, sharing a moment of sportsmanship after a hard-fought playoff game between division rivals. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
Pierre will hold the job that Jeff Okudah and Fabian Moreau filled in Minnesota last season.
Jaggi added, “Though his career got off to a late start, it’s possible that he only has another year or two of his prime before his performance starts to decline. Regardless, James Pierre is coming off an excellent season, and the price is right to keep him around — perhaps on a two-year contract.”
“As long as another team doesn’t come along and drive up the pricetag in free agency, this should be an easy call for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
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Ryan Van Demark (OT)
Van Demark is the new Justin Skule or David Quessenberry, an OT3 in case Christian Darrisaw or Brian O’Neill get hurt. He logged a remarkable season by his standards last year and is just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (74) lines up during postseason action against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jan 21, 2024, at Highmark Stadium, battling in the trenches as Buffalo worked through offensive possessions in a tightly contested AFC divisional round game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
A peek at his brief PFF scorecard:
2025: 74.4 (312 snaps)
2024: 53.3 (199 snaps)
2023: 60.2 (47 snaps)
Like the Skule signing at this time last year, Van Demark, 27, profiles as a player who can start in a pinch, perhaps as a diamond in the rough.
Bryson DeChambeau broke down in tears after he won back-to-back LIV Golf titles with a play-off victory at the inaugural South African event.
DeChambeau and Spain’s Jon Rahm had both finished on 26 under par over 72 holes at Steyn City in Johannesburg.
The American, 32, birded the first extra hole in the play-off to edge out Rahm which clinched consecutive titles following his victory in Singapore last weekend, also via a play-off.
“I wish I could tell you why I am so emotional,” DeChambeau said afterwards.
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“A lot had happened in my life in the last week, I am so grateful for my team and everybody supporting me.
“Golf is a fickle game, you work so hard at it your whole life and then you realise golf is just golf.”
Last weekend, Canada’s Richard T Lee missed a short putt to hand two-time major winner DeChambeau victory.
But on this occasion a superb second shot in the play-off from DeChambeau at the par-five 18th set up the win.
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After a tee shot landed in grass muddied by torrential rain, DeChambeau slammed the ball into the heart of the green with a wood.
Rahm failed to take advantage of his tee shot on to the fairway as his second found a greenside bunker.
After he reached the green in three, Rahm watched his birdie putt slide right, which left DeChambeau needing two putts for victory and a £3m ($4m) first prize.
His eagle putt stopped just short before he tapped in for a triumph that triggered an emotional reaction.
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After tournaments this season in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa, the sixth LIV Golf event will be in Mexico from 16 April.
Manchester United were forced to settle for a point against Bournemouth but a VAR controversy has overshadowed the result
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was left “amazed” that Manchester United were not awarded a penalty for a foul on Amad.
The Ivorian was hauled over in the penalty area with United leading 1-0 during Friday’s draw with Bournemouth. However, the referee wasn’t interested in the incident, later awarding the Cherries a spot-kick after Evanilson was brought down by Harry Maguire, resulting in a red card.
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United twice led but were pegged back as they dropped points in the hunt for the Champions League. Saturday’s results meant that their rivals didn’t make up any ground as Liverpool and Chelsea both lost away from home.
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However, the decision not to award a penalty on Amad overshadowed the draw with Ryan Christie and Junior Kroupi hitting back for the Cherries.
Hackett said that it was the right decision to award the penalties in the game but was left stunned that United were denied a spot-kick.
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He told Football Insider: “These are nailed on penalty kicks, and Maguire made no attempt to play the ball and is rightly sent off for DOGSO.
“Amazed that the first one was not awarded. These two incidents are clear holding offences. VAR should have intervened on the first one and awarded Man Utd a penalty kick.”
Fernandes converted from 12 yards after Alex Jimenez dragged down Matheus Cunha. United restored their lead in the second half when the Portuguese’s corner was diverted into his own net by James Hill.
Bournemouth’s first leveller came just moments after Adrien Truffert brought Amad down and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled that “the contact was not sufficient for a foul.”
United interim manager Michael Carrick pulled no punches after referee Stuart Attwell dismissed the penalty claims. He said: “We should have had another penalty. It’s pretty much identical for me, two-hand grab.
“Either way, [the ref] got one wrong, but to give one and not give the other, I can’t get my head around it. I think it’s crazy. It’s a bit baffling, really.
“Because of that, they score and then it’s chaos after that, really. We should have had another penalty and the game would have been totally different.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Villanova men’s basketball head coach Kevin Willard’s in-game joke did not land the way he may have hoped, but he didn’t apologize for it after the Wildcats’ loss to Utah State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Willard was interviewed by CBS Sports’ Lauren Shehadi during a timeout, and he ripped into his coaching staff as the Wildcats were struggling against the Aggies.
“I’m going to fire my staff,” Willard said in a now-viral moment. “Because we’ve given up eight points on underneath, out-of-bounds defense. The only thing I’m going do is fire them and get a new staff.”
Head coach Kevin Willard of the Villanova Wildcats looks on during the second half of the 2026 Big East Men’s Tournament – Quarterfinal game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2026 in New York City.(Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Willard may have been joking, but his deadpan delivery had others thinking he was serious about it at the moment.
After the 86-76 loss to end the season, Willard sat for a post-game interview where he was asked about his in-game comments regarding his staff.
Again, he may have been joking, but he doubled down.
“We gave up a big three-pointer late,” Willard told the pool of reporters, per CBS Sports. “I’m probably going to have to make some changes to my staff because of how bad we were.”
As he was getting another question about his staff, Willard stepped back in.
“It’s a joke,” he said. “God bless it. …I don’t care. Welcome to my life. It’s a joke.”
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Head coach Kevin Willard of the Villanova Wildcats gestures during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.(Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Willard wasn’t pleased with his team’s performance either way. While the in-bound plays were an issue, the Wildcats also blew a 10-point lead in the second half, which he credited to the Aggies’ relentless pressure.
“You know, we got up by 10, and then we gave up three offensive rebounds. Give them credit. They’re a veteran team, older guards. They did a great job of getting in late, but we had our opportunities,” he said. “Then, we were up 73-71, and we missed two layups that kind of really hurt us. Give them credit. They capitalized on it.”
Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun noted, “We did not like our seed,” after his No. 10 squad took down No. 7 Villanova. But they will have to prove it with another upset against top-seeded Arizona on Sunday at 7:50 p.m. ET.
“We won 28 games. We won the regular season title, we won the tournament title,” Calhoun said, per CBS Sports. “So when this team has an edge, and they play with a little bit of swagger and a little bit of toughness and resilience, we can cause a lot of problems.”
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Villanova Wildcats head coach Kevin Willard at press conference ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Willard was head coach of the Maryland Terrapins last season, where he was able to take his squad to the second round of the NCAA Tournament thanks to a clutch game-winning bucket by Derik Queen to beat Colorado State.
The Phoenix Suns will lock horns with the Toronto Raptors at Mortgage Matchup Center on Sunday for their 72nd regular-season game. The game will tip off at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be the last meeting between the two teams this season. The Raptors had secured a 122-115 win over the Suns in their last matchup on March 13.
The Suns are on a five-game losing streak. They are in seventh place in the Western Conference standings with a 39-32 record. Meanwhile, the Raptors are in fifth place in the East with a 39-30 record.
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Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors Preview, Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction
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Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Tips and Odds
Moneyline: Suns (+128), Raptors (-152)
Spread: Suns +2.5 (-110), Raptors -2.5 (-110)
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Total over/under o/u: Suns u219.5 (-110), Raptors o219.5 (-110)
Note: Odds listed are subject to change close to tip-off
Beting Tips
Devin Booker is expected to score over 25.5 points
Jalen Green is expected to score under 21,5 points
Scottie Barnes is expected to dish out over 4.5 assists
Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors Preview
The Suns suffered a 108-105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Their defense has struggled in the absence of Dillon Brooks, who is out with a fractured left hand. Devin Booker was off his game against the Bucks as he finished with 14 points on 4 of 17 shooting.
Jalen Green stepped up his game in a failed attempt to save a sinking ship. He finished with 24 points. The Suns will have to find a way to get back their groove without Brooks on the floor.
The Raptors, on the other hand, faced a 121-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets. They dominated the Nuggets in the first and the third quarter, but their inconsistency got the best of them. They will need to work on getting their offense and defense consistent in all quarters.
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Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors Starting Lineups Tonight
PG: Immanuel Quickley, SG: Brandon Ingram, SF: RJ Barrett, PF: Scottie Barnes, C: Jakob Poeltl
Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors Prediction
The Suns are still figuring out chemistry late in the season. Jalen Green’s return from injury and Dillon Brooks’ absence have put them in a bind. The Raptors have a better chance of walking away with a win. The game will be close, but expect the Raptors to win by a five-point margin.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the Punjab Kings are finally “moving in the right direction” after making smart and bold decisions at the auction table, raising hopes of ending their long wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
Speaking on IPL Today Live, Pathan highlighted how the franchise has shown renewed clarity in both leadership and squad-building. Punjab Kings finished as runners-up last season, narrowly losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Clear Leadership Driving Punjab’s Turnaround
“Leadership has played a huge role in Punjab’s turnaround. You win half the IPL at the auction table. Big purses don’t necessarily mean you will always get what you want, but they did, and they reached the final,” he said.
Smart auction moves key to Punjab’s rise
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Pathan pointed out that the franchise has not shied away from taking tough calls, including releasing underperforming players such as Glenn Maxwell, while also strengthening their bench.
“They took bold but important calls… and now you see all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis, along with a young Indian batting core. They also went all-out for Shreyas Iyer after deciding he would be the captain. There is clarity of thought, and I feel Punjab have started to move in the right direction,” he said.
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Punjab Kings in IPL 2025
The Punjab Kings enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in IPL 2025, emerging as one of the most consistent teams of the season. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, they topped the league stage and advanced to the final, marking their first title clash after 2014. The team displayed remarkable balance, with Iyer leading from the front with the bat where he finished 604 runs, while Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the bowling attack finishing with 21 wickets. Punjab’s journey included a memorable win in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians after failing in Qualifier 1 from RCB to secure a place in the final, but they ultimately fell short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in finals. Despite the loss, the 2025 season signaled a major turnaround for the franchise, establishing them as genuine contenders and laying a strong foundation for future success.
Mar 21, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins (90) and defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) celebrate the win over the Seattle Kraken after the game at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Thanks to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Islanders no longer are the most surprising team in the Metropolitan Division.
And thanks to the Blue Jackets and a spate of surging teams around them, the Islanders no longer are in a playoff spot, either.
New York (39-26-5, 83 points) will attempt to halt an untimely losing streak and climb back into a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference on Sunday vs. Columbus (37-21-11, 85 points) in Elmont, N.Y.
Both teams will complete a back-to-back set.
The Islanders completed a three-game Canadian swing Saturday night when they suffered their second straight loss, 7-3 to the Montreal Canadiens.
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The Blue Jackets remained hot a few hours earlier with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken for their fourth straight win.
The results gave Columbus sole possession of third place in the Metropolitan Division over New York, although the Blue Jackets have a game in hand.
The Islanders are 5-5-0 this month, but their 10 points are tied with the Red Wings (4-4-2 in March) for the fewest among the eight teams jockeying for the final Eastern Conference playoff spots.
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New York is just two points ahead of the Ottawa Senators (7-2-1 this month) and three points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers (7-2-1 in March). The Islanders also are three points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3-3 this month) in the race for second place in the Metropolitan.
The Bruins (6-2-3 in March) and Canadiens (5-4-1 this month) also have more points in March than the Islanders. Montreal, which scored four unanswered goals to end Saturday’s game, is in third place in the Atlantic Division with 86 points.
“Once we gave up that one to give them the lead again in the third, we just kind of broke down after that,” Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock said of Saturday’s game. “What’s important is a regroup in here. (Sunday is) huge, so that’s where our focus has to be.”
Nobody has been hotter in the East than the Blue Jackets, who are attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 bubble. Columbus has gone 8-0-3 (19 points) this month while extending its point streak to 12 games (8-0-4) — a streak that began with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders on Feb. 28.
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Columbus is 18-2-4 since Rick Bowness took over for Dean Evason as coach on Jan. 12. The Blue Jackets were in last place in the East with 45 points, seven points out of the second wild card and 10 points behind the Islanders, who were in second place in the Metropolitan.
The win Saturday was the fifth wire-to-wire victory of the month for the Blue Jackets, who have outscored the opposition 44-29 over the last 11 games.
“We know where we’re at,” said defenseman Damon Severson, who scored the Blue Jackets’ second goal Saturday. “We’ve battled this far to get in the position we’re in, to kind of battle back and put us in a good spot here moving forward.”
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