Sports
IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has ‘glimpses of Brian Lara’, says legendary cricketer | Cricket News
Former Australian captain Allan Border is currently in Mumbai as part of his India visit linked to the International Masters League, and the trip has also brought back memories of one of the defining milestones of his career. Border, who famously led Australia to the 1987 Cricket World Cup title, looked back at his journey but also turned his attention to a rising name in Indian cricket.Speaking in an interaction with Mid-day, Border was asked about Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who at just 14 has already made a strong impression with his fearless hitting and raw power.
“I think Vaibhav’s one hell of a player, a great talent. I have never seen any batter at the age of 14 or 15, hitting a cricket ball with so much of power,” said Allan Border.The emphasis in Border’s praise was clear. It wasn’t just about age or hype, but the extraordinary force with which Sooryavanshi is striking the ball. Coming from a former World Cup-winning captain, the remark highlights how unusual the teenager’s hitting ability appears even at this early stage.At the same time, Border avoided making long-term predictions about the youngster’s future.“Of course, I can’t predict at this moment if he will go on to become a very successful Test cricketer or not, but I can clearly see glimpses of Brian Lara in him. He has a long way to go, but he sure can hit that ball across all parts of the ground,” assessed Border.While the comparison to Lara will naturally attract attention, Border’s observation was more about batting traits than placing expectations. He pointed to Sooryavanshi’s range of shots and ability to access different parts of the ground, rather than drawing a direct parallel in stature.However, Border also made it clear where the youngster must improve next.“Vaibhav must now learn how to tighten his defence.”It was a short but significant assessment. While Sooryavanshi’s power-hitting has already set him apart, developing a stronger defensive game will be crucial if he is to build a long and adaptable career.So far, the numbers underline his explosive impact. Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41 and a blistering strike rate of 236.54, placing him among the top five run-getters in IPL 2026. He has also smashed 44 sixes since his IPL debut, more than any other player in that period.The early signs are electric, but as Border pointed out, the next step will be about balance and turning raw power into complete batting substance.
Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after less than four months in charge and on the back of losing five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring for the first time since 1912.
Rosenior arrived at Stamford Bridge in January, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal, but has won just 11 of his 23 games across all competitions.
After Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton, Rosenior said the performance was “indefensible” and “unacceptable” as he faced angry chants from the travelling supporters.
They subsequently slipped to seventh in the Premier League standings in a further blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” Chelsea said.
“This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.”
Day four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs certainly did not disappoint, with all four games coming down to the wire, and two requiring overtime. In the end, three teams found a way to even up their respective first-round series at 1-1 with clutch Game 2 victories, while the Presidents’ Trophy winners grabbed a 2-0 stranglehold.
In Blackhawks news, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonnette fired a shot at the Original Six franchise on social media following a monstrous performance from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel.
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Around the league, the Canucks have been linked to a former NHL general manager for their vacant position, Sunny Mehta’s poker face in New Jersey, and a reflection on Michael Misa’s rookie season in San Jose.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: While the Blackhawks might not have finished where they wanted in the standings once again this season, there was plenty of positivity shared about the future during the team’s exit interviews on Thursday. Head coach Jeff Blashill and GM Kyle Davidson were both excited by the growth shown from the young core and the camaraderie established in the locker room.
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More CHN: Players like Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and more reflected on the ups and downs from the season during their respective exit interviews, while also touching on some of their offseason plans for the summer. Here are all the notable takeaways from the Blackhawks’ final media session until next fall.
While watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from his hotel room, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonette fired two chirps at the Blackhawks via Twitter/X on Tuesday. Brandon Hagel, who the Blackhawks traded to Tampa Bay back in March 2022, recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick in Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens, and “Biz” let the Blackhawks hear about it.
Hagel has blossomed into one heck of a player for the Bolts, and some Blackhawks fans are still salty about the decision to trade him four years ago. But as a reminder, the Connor Bedard Sweepstakes in the 2022-23 campaign was likely not won by Chicago without trading players like Hagel, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat.
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As painful/frustrating as it may be for some to see what Hagel has become in Tampa Bay, the Blackhawks’ cornerstone piece of their rebuild wouldn’t be here without that decision. Plus, Oliver Moore and Sacha Boisvert, the players drafted by Davidson with the first-round picks retained in the Hagel deal, have the chance to be key pieces of the turnaround.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Could former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams already return to a front-office role? The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly requested to speak with Adams for their vacant GM position. Adams was fired by Buffalo and replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen after a 14-14-4 start to the season, when the team was tied for last place in the Eastern Conference.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens let an opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning slip out of their grasp in Game 2 on Tuesday. The Habs couldn’t hang on to a 2-1 lead in the third period and eventually fell 3-2 in overtime, with JJ Moser netting the game-winner for the Bolts.
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Boston Hockey Now: Going home tied. The Boston Bruins picked up a massive 4-2 road win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 2 to even the series at 1-1. Viktor Arvidsson scored twice, while Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha also found the back of the net, helping the Bruins jump out to a 4-0 advantage that the Sabres couldn’t overcome.
NHL.com: Just two days after scoring the first Stanley Cup Playoff goal in franchise history, Logan Cooley buried the game-winner in Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period, lifting the Utah Mammoth to a 3-2 victory. The first-round series between Utah and Vegas is now tied 1-1.
Colorado Hockey Now: Another low-scoring affair ensured in Game 2 between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings. Nicolas Roy, acquired at the trade deadline, was the overtime hero for the Avs, scoring the game-winner to put the Presidents’ Trophy winners ahead 2-0 in the series. For the second game in a row, Artemi Panarin was the lone goal scorer for the Kings.
New Jersey Hockey Now: There’s a new shot-caller for the New Jersey Devils. New GM Sunny Mehta was introduced on Tuesday, and here are three critical takeaways from his first press conference.
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San Jose Hockey Now: San Jose Sharks 2025 No. 2 overall pick Michael Misa showed plenty of promise during his rookie season, but he’s ready to show a lot more next year. Misa is excited to show “the real me” in the 2026-27 campaign.
For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page.
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The post Jack’s Daily: Bolts & Bruins Respond; Mammoth First Playoff Win; Canucks GM News appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.
The Capitals announced Wednesday that Rasmus Sandin had a surgical procedure to address an ACL tear in his right knee.
Sandin, 26, sustained the injury on April 11 in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals’ third last of the season.
The Swede posted five goals and 24 assists in 73 games in 2025-26.
According to the team, Sandin’s return-to-play timeline will depend on his progress, but the typical recovery time for the surgery is six to nine months.
Drafted 29th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018, Sandin has 145
points (25 goals and 120 assists) over 382 career NHL games with the Leafs and Capitals.
Need to know
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City take on Burnley in the Premier League as they set their sights on lifting the title
Man City visit Burnley in a crucial Premier League fixture(Image: Getty Images)
How to watch Burnley vs Man City live, stream and kick-off time
- Kick-off time and location: The Premier League fixture between Burnley and Manchester City is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 22. Kick-off is set for 8pm.
- UK television channel details: Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. The live television coverage for this fixture begins at 7pm, providing an hour of build-up before the action starts.
- Live stream: Viewers who prefer to watch online can stream the match through the Sky Go app on their mobile devices or tablets. Alternatively, the game is accessible via the Sky Sports website or through a NOW Sports Membership for those without a contract.
- Fans in the US: Viewers in the United States can follow the action live on the USA Network or stream it via the NBC Sports website and app. It will also be available to stream on Peacock Premium.
- Live UK radio coverage: Live national radio commentary will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live, which is accessible via DAB or the BBC Sounds app. Fans in the North West can listen to local perspectives and updates on BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Lancashire throughout the evening
- Team news and injuries: Burnley are expected to be without several key players including Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts, and Zeki Amdouni due to various injury concerns. Manchester City are monitoring the fitness of Rodri following a groin issue, while defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol remain doubtful for the trip to Turf Moor.
- Head-to-head record: Manchester City have a dominant record against the Clarets under Pep Guardiola, having won each of the last 14 meetings between the two sides in all competitions. Historically, City have managed 49 wins compared to 26 for Burnley, with 20 draws occurring since their first ever meeting. City won the home fixture earlier this season 5-1.
- Title repercussions and relegation picture: A victory for City would see them move to the top of the Premier League table on goals scored, leapfrogging Arsenal in a tight title race. For Burnley, a defeat in this fixture could officially confirm their relegation to the Championship depending on results elsewhere in the midweek schedule.
- READ MORE: Man City handed double blow after Gabriel avoids Arsenal red card
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior each scored as Real Madrid ended a four-game winless streak by defeating Alaves 2-1 on Tuesday to move closer to Spanish league leader Barcelona.
The victory at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium left Madrid six points behind Barcelona, which hosts sixth-placed Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
It was Madrid’s first game since it was eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Madrid lost 2-1 at home and 4-3 in Germany in the second leg. The team’s last two Spanish league matches had been a 1-1 home draw against Girona and a 2-1 loss at Mallorca.
“We have six games left,” Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said. “The goal is to win all of them, regardless of what happens. Every game counts.”
It was slow start for Madrid on Tuesday and the crowd at the Bernabeu looked anxious as Alaves had a few scoring chances early. Part of the fans jeered as the team struggled. There were some boos after the final whistle as well after Alaves scored late.
Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a shot that deflected on an Alaves defender and fooled goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. Mbappe, the league’s leading scorer with 24 goals, hadn’t found the net in a league game since February.
Vinicius added to Madrid’s lead with a long-range strike in the 50th. The Brazil forward hadn’t scored in his last six games between club and country. He was among the players jeered by some of the fans before and during the match. After scoring, he raised his hands in a gesture apparently apologizing to the fans, and there was some applause from the stands to the player.
“Vinicius puts in a tremendous effort, carrying the team on his shoulders,” Arbeloa said. “We can’t deny his attitude. He never hides. He feels a deep connection to the club, and I’m happy when the fans reward him with applause.”
Eduardo Camavinga, who earned his 150th win with Madrid, also was targeted by the Madrid fans before and during the game.
Alaves, sitting one point above the relegation zone, pulled one closer with a goal by Toni Martinez in second-half stoppage time.
Alaves has won only one of its last nine league matches. The lone triumph came at Celta Vigo in March.
Madrid and Brazil defender Eder Militao had to be replaced just before halftime with an injury that Madrid said did not appear to be serious.
Other results
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved a penalty kick and made a few other key stops to help ninth-place Athletic Bilbao hold on for a 1-0 win against midtable Osasuna at home.
Mallorca drew 1-1 with visiting Valencia.
Fifth-place Real Betis won 3-2 at 11th-place Girona, with Rodrigo Riquelme scoring an 80th-minute winner.
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Total Nonstop Action (TNA) brought pro wrestling fans a bevy of unique and interesting gimmick matches over the years.
Two that come to mind were the Ultimate X and King of the Mountain matches.
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Chris Sabin celebrates his win during SmackDown at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., on March 20, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
The Ultimate X match would have high-wire ropes above the ring with pillars on the sides. In order for a wrestler to win the match, they would have to climb the pillar, make their way across the rope and grab the prize that hung in the middle. The match would often feature the X-Division’s highflyers and provided some heart-stopping moments.
The King of the Mountain match was essentially a reverse ladder match that included a penalty box for those who were pinned – which is also featured in the Iron Survivor Challenge that takes place during WWE NXT events. Each wrestler begins as ineligible to win and the only way to be eligible is to score a pinfall or a submission.
The only way to win the match is to hang the title belt on the top, retrieving it from the official to do so. Jeff Jarrett won the match three times in TNA. The men’s match hasn’t been seen since 2016. A women’s match took place in 2022 for the Knockouts World Championship.
Alex Shelley enters the ring during SmackDown at Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, on Aug. 8, 2025. (Michael Marques/WWE)
WWE STAR DANHAUSEN REFLECTS ON FIRST MONTHS WITH COMPANY, GIVES UPDATE ON DANHAUSENETTES
WWE’s partnership with TNA could provide that opportunity for WWE to incorporate the match types into their own plans. Fox News Digital asked former TNA stars – current WWE wrestlers – Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley if they would like to see that happen one day.
“I guess the door is open with WWE and TNA working together,” Sabin said. “So, I guess it’s always possible.”
Shelley said a King of the Mountain match could be a “good idea.”
“Man, I’ve never thought about King of the Mountain,” he said. “I think that’s a good idea. I love King of the Mountain.”
Sabin added, however, he wouldn’t want to be a part of anymore Ultimate X matches.
“Myself, I would like to take my name of the hat for Ultimate X matches because I lost count of how many I’ve done – north of 20. So, I’ve done plenty of those,” he told Fox News Digital. “Had my fill of those matches.”
WWE has already produced some interesting matches of their own in recent years, including the aforementioned Iron Survivor Challenge and the Underground Match, which is its own take on the BloodSport style matches.
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin enter the arena during SmackDown at First Horizon Center in Savannah, Ga., on May 23, 2025. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
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It’s unclear if WWE would ever use TNA’s gimmick matches, but, like Sabin said, the door is open given the partnership between both companies.
Marc Cucurella may be in hot water after his barber appeared to leak Chelsea’s team news ahead of their dismal defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night.
An image of Cucurella getting his hair cut was posted on X prior to kick-off, accompanied by the caption: “[Cole] Palmer and Joao Pedro both injured tonight. There’s your exclusive.”
The post was then hastily removed and the account has since been deleted.
Both Palmer and Joao Pedro were absent from the clash at the Amex Stadium, which saw a spineless Chelsea side slump to a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Seagulls.
Liam Rosenior has already been forced to deal with team news leaks during his Chelsea reign, with details on his line-up being revealed to French media ahead of both his side’s Champions League last-16 legs with PSG.
At the time, Rosenior said the “mole” had been “dealt with” and that it had “not come from any place of malicious intent towards me or the team”.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened, it won’t be the last time,” he said.
“I’m not talking in terms of me, I’m talking about any team or any club. These things happen. It’s disappointing, but I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
Rosenior was left furious as his team were dismantled by Brighton, suffering their fifth straight loss in the Premier League without scoring goal – their worst run of form in 114 years.
“It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game,” Rosenior said. “Unacceptable in attitude. I keep coming out and defending the players but that’s indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels we lost, the lack of intensity in the team.
“Something needs to change drastically right now. We need to look in the mirror. I need to look in the mirror but I can’t keep coming out here defending some of the things we are seeing.
“We lost 80 per cent of duels. We didn’t win a header. Two of the goals came when we can head the ball, the basics of football, and we don’t. At any level, if you make those errors, you’re not going to win games of football.
“I haven’t criticised them up until now. I’ve defended them. They have deserved that. But I will tell the truth. I always come out here and tell the truth. And I blame myself as well. It’s not just blaming the players. I’m part of that process.”
The Chelsea manager’s future is now in doubt, with the club’s hierarchy holding a meeting on Wednesday over whether to end his time at the club just four months after his appointment.
The Minnesota Vikings have nine picks between now and Saturday evening, but everyone cares about the first one at the moment. Accordingly, we’re here to publish our 1st-Round prognostication for the Vikings, and in 2026, that’s defensive tackle Peter Woods, whether via trade or remaining at the No. 18 spot.
Woods gives Minnesota juice inside.
Interim general manager Rob Brzeznski could reasonably pick about 10 different players, and no one would be too befuddled, but for the official forecast, we say Woods.
Woods Fits the Vikings’ Long-Term Defensive Plan
The Clemson DT could marry “best player available” and roster need.
The Main Case for Woods
Brian Flores presumably has more control over the defensive personnel now that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no longer employed, and when he ran the Miami Dolphins, his very first draft pick seven years ago was Christian Wilkins, a defensive tackle.
Meanwhile, Minnesota tossed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to the curb in March, signing no replacements from free agency. If the Vikings’ season started tonight, they’d play Jalen Redmond, Levi Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the middle of the defensive line. It is unclear if that’s enough oomph and experience.
Too, Minnesota has drafted offensive players in Round 1 in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. It’s time for a defensive player.
Woods is gettable at pick No. 18 and possibly after a slight trade back. He’s also the top defensive tackle in the draft, per most pundits. So, we say Woods to Minnesota on Thursday night.
Dropping Allen and Hargrave Isn’t Nothing
During Adofo-Mensah’s final free agency, he added two starting defensive tackles: Allen and Hargrave. The excitement was palpable because, although not overly young, the two had plenty of experience and Hargrave had a Pro Bowl to his name. Then, the regular season played out, with each man playing decently but nowhere near the value of their contracts.
So, the Vikings kicked them out. Allen landed in Cincinnati and will play next to Sexy Dexter Lawrence. Hargrave picked the Green Bay Packers.
Combined, the pair played over 1,300 defensive snaps. It would just seem strange to hand those snaps to Rodriguez and Ingram-Dawkins. The Vikings would be gambling on “maybes.”
Therefore, the evidence points to a DT addition early in the draft. Remember: in 2023, Minnesota needed a wide receiver. It drafted Jordan Addison. In 2024, it needed a quarterback. J.J. McCarthy was the first pick. How about 2025? A guard was the most pressing need. Donovan Jackson joined the Vikings. If you don’t overcomplicate it, Woods to Minnesota make sense.
Time to End the Drought
The Vikings haven’t drafted an interior defensive lineman in the first three rounds of the draft since 2013. If you remember Sharfif Floyd, he was the last guy. Minnesota got away with this, mainly because Linval Joseph cooked for six seasons.
Generally speaking, the Vikings and all other teams should take a swing at a promising DT at least once every five or eight years or so. In that regard, the purple team is overdue.
Draft Woods. End the drought. Complement the Vikings’ fantastic outside linebackers from the inside out.
Get to Know Woods
At 6’2″ and 300 pounds, Woods possesses surprising agility for his size. His exceptional 4.75-second forty-yard dash, especially notable for a defensive tackle, demonstrates a quick first step and impressive leverage when engaging opponents. His signature swipe move is particularly effective on film, allowing him to penetrate the backfield rapidly. Over his last two seasons at Clemson, he amassed 5 sacks and consistently disrupted plays.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Woods: “He locates the ball quickly, violently sheds blocks as a run defender, and uses his quick hands and feet to make plays in the backfield. He’s on the lighter side (298 pounds) with shorter arms (31 1/4 inches), and the latter shows up on tape. He can win with his hands and still get stuck on the block as a pass rusher.”
“He doesn’t get enough separation to locate the ball at times as a run defender. He gets washed down the line of scrimmage and needs to do a better job of getting vertical when defending zone runs. And he’s an inconsistent tackler. He has upside as a pass rusher, but he did not take the next step as one in 2025.”
For context, defensive tackles often take a few years to hit their groove — longer than players at other positions — so Woods may not be a total stud as a rookie. Give him time.
McShay continued, “His hands are powerful, and he has an effective push-pull move. He can advance his rush while remaining engaged when he stays low. Woods compares well with New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who lacks ideal length and mass but wins with his hands and athletic ability.”
“He should compete for a starting role as a rookie. Woods compares well with New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who lacks ideal length and mass but wins with his hands and athletic ability. He should compete for a starting role as a rookie.”
McShay also mock-drafted Woods to Minnesota on Wednesday in his final set of predictions.
Woods turned 21 last month.
If the Woods prediction is wrong, the Vikings will likely draft Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), or Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) instead.
LPGA star Charley Hull resumes the quest for her first major title this week at the 2026 Chevron Championship. While Hull will be too busy playing to catch much action on TV, this week presents the type of golf she still enjoys watching.
However, the genre of golf male pros play most weeks on the PGA Tour is not the popular English pro’s cup of tea.
Hull revealed that she doesn’t “really watch golf” when she’s not competing and laid one specific reason she finds the modern pro game “boring” in her Chevron Championship press conference.
Charley Hull on modern golf: ‘It’s quite boring watching a birdiefest’
Hull, 30, has three LPGA wins in her career and is currently ranked No. 4 in the world. She turned pro way back in 2013, and in that time she’s seen pro golf change drastically.
Those changes hit the men’s game hardest, where increases in distance has turned every regular PGA Tour event into a “birdiefest,” as Hull described them on Tuesday.
The majors, on the other hand, have undergone less change. In both the men’s and women’s game, major courses typically feature treacherous setups meant to provide fierce challenges to the best players in the game.
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Hull is expecting this week’s Chevron Championship to follow that tradition, requiring players to hit long irons into many greens. That’s exactly how Hull thinks it should be at a major, and why she doesn’t usually watch non-major golf on TV.
To put it more simply, she prefers watching pros “when they’re struggling.”
“I much prefer that. I think that’s the way golf should be. It’s way more interesting,” Hull said on Tuesday at the Chevron. “I don’t really watch golf, but when I watch the men’s golf I watch the majors and I enjoy it a lot more when they’re struggling on the golf course. I think it’s a lot more fun.”
She then put a finer point on her issue with the golf played at most pro golf tournaments, which, in her view of the PGA Tour, has turned into a driver-wedge game.
“It’s quite boring watching a birdiefest. All you see is hitting a long drive, hitting a wedge on the green and holing a putt,” Hull said.
;)
Rory McIlroy, Charley Hull see golf losing something. It’s also their gift
Memorial Park is a perfect example for Hull’s argument. While she expects it to play tough this week for the LPGA’s first major of the year, it plays very differently at the PGA Tour’s annual Texas Children’s Houston Open. At this year’s Houston Open, Gary Woodland dominated Memorial Park with a winning score of 21 under.
Hull continued by saying she preferred the pro golf played decades ago, when it was more of an “art.”
Delhi Capitals conceded their highest total of IPL 2026, 242 runs, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma, who batted through the entire 20 overs. Following the defeat, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has criticised Axar Patel for bowling just two overs while allowing part-time Nitish Rana to complete his full quota during Delhi Capitals’ (DC) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong run with a commanding 47-run win, driven by Abhishek’s 68-ball masterclass, which included 10 fours and 10 sixes. He was well supported by Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13), helping SRH post a daunting 242/2.
In reply, Delhi Capitals showed early promise through a partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Nitish Rana (57), but lost momentum after their dismissals. Eshan Malinga starred with the ball, picking up 4/32, as DC were restricted to 195/9.
Finch was openly critical of the decision, saying, “We’ve been sitting there scratching our heads, haven’t we? Your two Indian premier spin bowlers, Axar Patel, the skipper, and Kuldeep Yadav, bowled four overs between them. A part-time offspinner in Nitish Rana has wheeled out four overs. To me, that makes no sense,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
He further questioned Axar’s reluctance to bowl to left-handers, even after dismissing Travis Head, suggesting it reflects an issue with mindset.
“It’s the responsibility of your captain, your senior player, your retained player, your best bowler, an Indian bowler, he’s one of your core bowlers in the Indian cricket team. That’s no small bit. He’s a double World Cup winner. So the fact that he doesn’t trust himself to execute under pressure and to defend himself against any left handers, as soon as a left hander walks to the crease, not for me today, thanks. To me, that says more about his attitude towards it than anything else,” he added.
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Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin also highlighted the overuse of part-time bowler Nitish Rana, while frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled just two overs each.
“In DC’s bowling attack, they have Axar Patel, Kuldeep, Lungi, Mukesh, and Natarajan. But the first player to complete his 4-over quota was Nitish Rana, and that’s where they lost the match. It has to be the biggest blunder so far,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.
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