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Gautam’s gambit! India has a tailor-made team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups | Cricket News

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Gautam's gambit! India has a tailor-made team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, center, with head coach Gautam Gambhir, left, and batting coach Sithanshu Kotak (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

NEW DELHI: In the last year, coach Gautam Gambhir has been under immense pressure after India lost two home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa. Without any doubt, he is under the pump when it comes to the game’s longest format. But when it comes to T20Is, credit where it is due, Gambhir has built a team that other sides have reason to fear.One can argue that Gambhir took over the reins with India already being world champions, but the Suryakumar Yadav-led team looks like a more well-oiled machine, with fewer holes, than Rohit Sharma’s side that ended India’s 11-year-long ICC title drought in 2024.

T20 World Cup: Bangladesh took a stand; Pakistan’s move reeks of desperation

The trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is after the World Cup triumph. Rishabh Pant failed to improve his T20I game and is no longer in contention.Under Gambhir, India have reshaped their T20 blueprint.Abhishek Sharma still has a long way to go to match the greatness of Rohit Sharma. But since making his debut in Harare in 2024, the Amritsar mauler has set the world on fire. In 38 matches, Abhishek has scored two centuries and is striking close to 200, at 194.74. His explosive batting goes beyond numbers. It is the psychological impact he creates in the opposition dressing room that gives India a decisive edge.Since his debut, Abhishek has had two opening partners. He scored a duck on debut with his childhood friend Shubman Gill at the other end, before forging a dangerous partnership with Sanju Samson. After Gambhir took charge, Samson moved up the order and matched Abhishek with his own swashbuckling batting, scoring three hundreds in five matches.

IND vs NZ: 5th T20I

Thiruvananthapuram: India’s Sanju Samson, left, and Abhishek Sharma arrive to bat (PTI Photo/R SenthilKumar)

Before the Asia Cup, fresh from his heroics as Test skipper in England, Gill was brought in as vice-captain. The Gill-Abhishek experiment lasted 15 games before the Test and ODI skipper was axed, citing combination issues. Sanju returned to the top but his poor outings against New Zealand, where he managed only 52 runs in five games, might force him to sit out for Ishan Kishan, who is in devastating form.Kishan entered the Indian team as a second-choice option and played only due to Tilak Varma’s absence. Now, with 215 runs in four matches, Sanju’s rough patch has given the Jharkhand captain a massive edge. With Varma, India’s Asia Cup hero and designated No. 3, back to full fitness, Abhishek could have his third opening partner on February 7 in the tournament opener against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.The biggest concern for the Gambhir-coached side was captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form. In the 25 matches preceding the New Zealand series, he had managed only 244 runs at an average of 12.84 and a strike rate of 117.87. Against New Zealand, he was dismissed inside 20 balls just once. His strike rate against fuller deliveries from fast bowlers surged to 217.95. Surya struck three half-centuries, with a highest score of 82 not out, finished as the series’ leading run-getter, and amassed 242 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 196.74.

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IND vs NZ: 5th T20I

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav after winning the T20 International cricket match series against New Zealand (PTI Photo/R SenthilKumar)

In Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, India have two six-hitting machines in the middle order. There was never any doubt over Hardik’s batting talent, but he has taken it a notch higher.Dube’s inclusion over Rinku Singh in the last T20 World Cup raised eyebrows, but he has reinvented himself and is arguably the most improved cricketer of the Gambhir era. R Ashwin has repeatedly said on his YouTube channel that Dube is a specialist at taking spinners to the cleaners. However, the burly all-rounder has also shown his hitting prowess against pacers. The 32-year-old had the second-best strike rate in the New Zealand series at 248.93, behind Abhishek Sharma’s 249.30. He also made useful contributions with the ball.Then there is Axar Patel, who often flies under the radar. Axar played a pivotal role in India’s triumph two years ago and will again be a key cog in Gambhir’s gambit. In Rinku, India have a specialist finisher who made it to the World Cup squad only after the selectors decided to shelve the Shubman Gill experiment. He, too, proved his worth with the bat in the New Zealand series.If the batters send shivers through opposition camps, India’s bowling unit looks even more menacing. In Arshdeep, Bumrah and Hardik, India have three bowlers with 100 T20I wickets each. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are closing in, with 94 and 86 scalps, respectively.

IND vs SA: 2nd T20I match

India’s Varun Chakravarthy (PTI Photo/Shiva Sharma)

Then there is the X-factor Varun Chakravarthy. The 34-year-old has picked up 57 wickets between the last two World Cups at an economy rate of 7.42 and strikes every 11.2 balls. This is not Varun’s first World Cup, but after a largely forgettable outing in 2021, he will have a point to prove.Never before has a T20 World Cup had such overwhelming favourites, nor a side so well equipped to rewrite history. India have the luxury of unmatched depth and adaptability. This squad is a refined version of the team that won two years ago.ALSO READ: Rashid Latif on Pakistan boycotting India match: ‘In 24 hours, anything is possible’Gambhir’s men just run in, hurl the ball, swing the bat, and harass the opposition with smiles on their faces. If the T20 World Cup is waiting for a team to defy its own history, Gautam Gambhir’s India appear ready to be that exception.

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Dave Allen makes ‘early knockout’ prediction for Wilder vs Chisora

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Dave Allen is anticipating an early finish when former world champion Deontay Wilder collides with heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora on April 4.

It was announced last week that the pair will headline a Misfits Pro and Queensberry card in London, with both of them entering their 50th professional outing.

Not so long ago, it appeared as though Wilder was set to face bona fide heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, but ‘The Bronze Bomber’ must now prepare himself for a vastly different matchup altogether.

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The 40-year-old comes off a relatively uninspiring seventh round finish over Tyrrell Herndon in June, which followed his back-to-back defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

Against Parker, the American failed to unleash his trademark power, and that was again outlined during Zhang’s fifth-round stoppage victory.

One man who certainly seems to think Wilder’s power may be gone is British heavyweight Allen, who, having previously sparred with Chisora, believes that Wilder is likely to find himself on the receiving end of an early stoppage.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Allen put forward the opinion that, despite being two years older, Chisora is the more serviceable customer at this stage of their careers.

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“Wilder, I just don’t think he has anything left. You would think, for a guy that can punch, Chisora’s a good match, because Chisora will walk on to you and he’s there to be hit.

“But Wilder, I just don’t think he can pull the trigger no more. Of course he can still punch… But [Chisora’s] not that easy to hit because you have to worry about him hitting you back.

“I think seven or eight years ago, Wilder would’ve had the speed and the want to really hit Derek, and I think he would’ve stopped him.

“But even at 42 [years old], I think [Chisora] has got a lot more left than Wilder. I think he’ll get to him early.”

Chisora comes off three straight points victories over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin, all of them following his 10th-round stoppage defeat to Tyson Fury in 2022.

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Unsold in IPL, Australia great joins new PSL team for debut campaign in Pakistan Super League | Cricket News

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Unsold in IPL, Australia great joins new PSL team for debut campaign in Pakistan Super League

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Steve Smith has signed with new Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Sialkot Stallionz for the 2026 season, which will make his first-ever appearance in the PSL. The franchise confirmed the signing on Tuesday, bringing Smith in through a direct signing option allowed under league rules for overseas players who did not play in the previous season.

Former captain Rashid Latif on Pakistan boycotting India T20 World Cup match

Sialkot Stallionz were recently announced as one of the PSL’s two new teams, and Smith is expected to be a central figure in their debut campaign. With his experience and leadership background, he could also be considered for the captain’s role.Smith, who went unsold during the IPL mini auction in December last year, last played competitive cricket in the Big Bash League with Sydney Sixers, where he made an immediate impact despite joining midway through the season. He scored 299 runs in just six matches at an impressive average of 59.80, including one century and two half-centuries. Smith, playing alongside Babar Azam, finished as the Sixers’ top scorer and helped them reach the final, where they lost to Perth Scorchers.Although Smith went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his value in franchise cricket remains high. Across 272 T20 matches, he has scored 6,242 runs at an average of 32.68 and a strike rate of 131.38, including five centuries and 30 half-centuries.Sialkot Stallionz have also strengthened their setup off the field by appointing former Australia captain Tim Paine as head coach. Paine brings coaching experience from stints with Adelaide Strikers and Australia A teams.The PSL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, with Sialkot Stallionz set to make their much-anticipated debut.

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Usyk wants to face former heavyweight champion again: “It doesn’t matter where”

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Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he wants to face a familiar foe one more time and is hoping to return to action sooner than expected.

The bona fide heavyweight king was in negotiations for a clash against former world champion Deontay Wilder, only for their matchup to ultimately get abandoned.

This is because Wilder has instead inked a deal to face British veteran Derek Chisora on April 4, headlining a Misfits Pro and Queensberry card at the O2 Arena, London.

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As a result, Usyk has seemingly been left to search for an alternative opponent, hoping to defend his WBC, IBF and WBA titles before long.

The Ukrainian became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in July, orchestrating an emphatic fifth-round finish against Daniel Dubois, and has since claimed that he wishes to enter at least two more fights.

Prior to his stoppage of Dubois, Usyk scored back-to-back points victories over Tyson Fury in 2024, cementing himself as the greatest heavyweight of his era.

And while Fury announced his retirement shortly after their rematch, it was confirmed recently, following a year-long layoff, ‘The Gypsy King’ will return to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.

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With his old foe announcing his comeback fight, Usyk has told Seconds Out that he would welcome a trilogy clash with the 37-year-old while, at the same time, suggesting that he could return to the ring as early as March.

“Maybe March, I’m back in the ring.

I want [trilogy] fight with Tyson Fury, no problem. UK, Saudi Arabia, USA – doesn’t matter [where it takes place].”

Whether Usyk will, in fact, compete in March, it remains to be seen, but the 39-year-old nonetheless seems intrigued by a possible third encounter with Fury.

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Rapids trade M Cole Bassett to Timbers in deal worth up to $3.6M

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MLS: Leagues Cup-Santos Laguna at Colorado RapidsJul 31, 2025; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett (23) reacts in the first half against Santos Laguna at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rapids traded midfielder Cole Bassett to the Portland Timbers FC, getting $2.65 million in return.

If Bassett, 24, meets certain performance metrics, the Rapids could receive as much as $950,000 more. Colorado also would receive a percentage of a future trade or transfer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cole Bassett to the Portland Timbers. Cole has been an impactful player in MLS for a number of years, and his ambitions align with ours as he takes this next step in his career,” Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said.

“He immediately makes our midfield more dynamic with his ability to join attacks and provide an end product. We look forward to his arrival, and he will be an important player for us moving forward.”

A native of Littleton, Colo., Bassett came through the Rapids’ academy and is the club’s all-time leader among homegrown players in MLS regular season appearances (155), starts (128), minutes (11,286), goals (31) and assists (22). He was the youngest player in club history to play a complete match (17 years, 77 days) and the youngest to contribute to a goal (17 years, 252 days).

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Among all Rapids players, Bassett ranks tied for fifth in appearances, tied for sixth in goals and total goal contributions, and ninth in assists and minutes played in club history.

“Cole has been an important part of this club for a long time, not only for what he contributed on the field but for the way he represented the Rapids off it as well,” said Padraig Smith, the team president, in a statement on Monday.

“As a Homegrown player, he set a strong example within our locker room, in our community, and for the next generation coming through our Academy. We’re grateful for everything he’s given the club and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”

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Bassett was named to the MLS 22 under 22 list three times from 2019-21.

–Field Level Media

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Reports: Giants to add Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator

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NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo BillsNov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy looks on during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The New York Giants plan to hire Matt Nagy as their offensive coordinator, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Nagy’s primary order of business will be to continue the development of prized quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Nagy, 47, spent the past three seasons in the same post with the Kansas City Chiefs, who welcomed back Eric Bieniemy to replace him as offensive coordinator. Nagy also was the OC in Kansas City in 2017 before serving as the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2018-21, where he had a 34-31 record.

Nagy was unsuccessful in his bid to nab one of the vacant head coaching positions this offseason and now will join new head coach John Harbaugh with the Giants.

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New York reportedly was interested in Todd Monken — Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator the last three seasons in Baltimore — to fill its OC position. Monken, however, was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

The Giants finished fifth in rushing and 13th in total offense this past season. Dart, a first-round selection from the 2025 draft, totaled 24 touchdowns (15 passing, nine rushing) and five interceptions in 14 games (12 starts).

–Field Level Media

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2026 NFL Super Bowl picks, AI-generated score prediction for Patriots vs. Seahawks

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Familiar Super Bowl foes meet when the Seattle Seahawks battle the New England Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8. Seattle advanced with a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, while New England outlasted the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game. The Seahawks (14-3), who have won nine in a row, are making their fourth Super Bowl appearance. The Patriots (14-3), who have won six consecutive games, are making their 12th Super Bowl appearance, extending their own record as no other franchise has more than eight appearances.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Seattle enters Super Bowl 60 as a 4.5-point (-115) favorite, and the over/under at 45.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Seattle is -238 (risk $238 to win $100) on the money line. Before making any 2026 Super Bowl LX picks or NFL score predictions, you need to see the NFL against the spread, over/under and money line predictions powered by the self-learning SportsLine AI.

Built using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques by SportsLine’s Data Science team, AI Predictions and AI Ratings are generated for each game. The AI predictions are determined by statistically learning from each team’s historical data and then quantitatively evaluating the strength of the opponent’s defense by assigning a numeric value out of 100 called a matchup score. It continuously refreshes on the most recent available data and can help you spot the biggest discrepancies in the lines. SportsLine’s AI PickBot has hit more than 2,000 4.5- and 5-star prop picks since the start of the 2023 season. 

For Super Bowl LX NFL betting, SportsLine AI has evaluated the NFL odds and provided NFL betting picks for the game. You can only see the AI predictions for the 2026 NFL Super Bowl LX game schedule here.

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Why the Seahawks can cover

Seattle is known for its defense, allowing 16 or fewer points in six of its past eight games. The Seahawks had the sixth-best defense in the NFL, giving up 285.6 yards per game and a league-low 17.2 points per game. Seattle has been dominant in the run game, giving up just 91.9 yards rushing, which is the third-best in the league. 

Offensively, the Seahawks had a top-10 offense as well. During the regular season, Seattle tied with San Francisco for the seventh-best offense, averaging 351.4 yards per game. The Seahawks averaged 28.4 points, which was third-best in the NFL. Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold was a big part of the Seattle offense, which had the eighth-best passing attack, averaging 228.1 passing yards per game. See who wins Super Bowl LX predictions and game picks at SportsLine.

Why the Patriots can cover

Like Seattle, New England has also had a solid defense in 2025-26. The Patriots ended the regular season with the eighth-best defense, allowing 295.2 yards per game. New England allowed the fourth-least amount of points at 18.8 points per game. The Patriots were among the best against the rush, finishing sixth overall, allowing 101.7 rushing yards per game. New England has allowed 16 or fewer points in each of the last five games.

Offensively, the Patriots put up the second-most points in the regular-season, averaging 28.8 points per game, behind second-year quarterback Drake Maye. They had the third-best offense at 379.4 yards per game, and were fourth in passing yards at 250.5. New England has scored 26 or more points in eight of its last 10 games. See who wins Super Bowl LX predictions and game picks at SportsLine.

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How to make 2026 Super Bowl LX picks

After analyzing Super Bowl LX, SportsLine AI says the Under 45.5 (-112) will hit in a tight, low-scoring matchup. SportsLine AI has also revealed its exact score projection, and a coveted A+ pick on one side that you can see to see now. Visit SportsLine to see the AI’s pick

Who wins and covers Super Bowl LX, and which A+ pick should you target now? Visit SportsLine now to see the top NFL picks against the spread, ove/-under and on the money line, all from the SportsLine AI that has nailed more than 2,000 highly-rated picks since the start of the 2023 season.

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Is Draymond Green Getting Traded From Warriors? 4x NBA Champ’s Future Crumbling After 13 Seasons With Steph Curry 

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Draymond Green‘s future with the Golden State Warriors is in jeopardy ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. The Warriors are among the teams looking to trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Given that Antetokounmpo has a massive contract, Golden State needs a player who could serve as a salary filler.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors have placed Green on the trade block on Tuesday. The team remains aggressive in trading for the Greek Freak. With the star forward, Golden State remains competitive in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.

“General manager Mike Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob have maintained a motivation to get a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo across the finish line and, as part of that, Green’s name has been involved in the framework of available offers to the Milwaukee Bucks,” Slater reported.

Additionally, Green and his camp have come to terms with the possibility of getting involved in an Antetokounmpo deal. Even if a trade hasn’t happened yet, the Warriors are willing to let go of one of their best players to stay competitive.

Green has been with the team for the past 13 seasons and helped the Warriors achieve success. The NBA veteran was key to the team’s dynasty and won four championships with the organization. If Golden State trades him away, Steph Curry will remain as the only player on the team from the championship years.

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With the Warriors, Draymond Green is a four-time champion, a four-time All-Star, a nine-time All-Defensive and a two-time All-NBA.

Draymond Green reacts to trade talk on Threads

NBA trade rumors are being posted everywhere on social media. One post on Threads said that ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported on Draymond Green being open to a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. That is, if it meant he could return to the Warriors in free agency. It was a post from courtsideheatnba.

Green saw the post and gave his reaction to the trade noise.

“🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣who’s the source?” Green replied.

Siegel was given credit in the post, but one crucial detail was omitted. Green is open to the Antetokounmpo deal, provided he can rejoin the Warriors, according to a statement made by an unidentified executive.

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“One rival executive who has dealt with the Warriors before in trade talks spoke with ClutchPoints on Sunday and brought up the interesting scenario where Green himself could be on board with such a maneuver, where he could be traded and return next season alongside Curry, Butler, and Antetokounmpo, since he owns a $27.6 million player option,” Siegel wrote.

Siegel reported that it was something said to him about Draymond Green’s situation in Golden State. However, he made it clear that Green, the Bucks, and the Warriors haven’t discussed it.