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IPL Final toss verdict: Does choosing to bowl first really work? What history says after RCB’s big call | Cricket News

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IPL Final toss verdict: Does choosing to bowl first really work? What history says after RCB's big call
RCB captain Rajat Patidar and GT skipper Shubman Gil (Pic credit: IPL)

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final on Sunday, backing his bowlers to make early inroads on what he described as a good batting surface.The decision immediately sparked the familiar debate that accompanies every IPL final: does batting or bowling first offer the better route to the title?A look at IPL history suggests there is no overwhelming advantage either way, though teams setting a target have enjoyed a slight edge in the tournament’s biggest match.Batting first holds a narrow edgeIn the 18 IPL finals played before Sunday’s title clash, teams batting first have lifted the trophy 10 times, while chasing sides have emerged victorious on eight occasions.The numbers indicate that scoreboard pressure has often played a crucial role in finals, where nerves and high stakes can make chasing difficult even on batting-friendly surfaces.However, toss decisions tell a more nuanced story.Captains have elected to field first in eight previous IPL finals. Of those eight occasions, only four resulted in title-winning performances for the side that chose to chase.The first such success came in the inaugural 2008 final when Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings after opting to bowl. Kolkata Knight Riders repeated the feat in 2014 against Punjab, while Chennai Super Kings successfully chased against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. CSK repeated the feat in 2023, when they beat GT in the final after choosing to chase.Mixed record for teams choosing to chaseSeveral captains who opted to field first in finals have ended up on the losing side. RCB themselves experienced that heartbreak in 2009 when they chose to chase against Deccan Chargers and fell short.More recently, Kolkata lost to Chennai in the 2021 final after electing to bowl, while Punjab Kings suffered a similar fate against RCB in the 2025 summit clash.Patidar, however, appeared unfazed by historical trends. The RCB skipper said the surface was unlikely to change significantly across 40 overs and stressed the importance of staying focused on the present rather than dwelling on past results.Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill revealed that his side would have preferred to bat first anyway, believing there could be assistance for fast bowlers in the opening overs.With history offering only a slight advantage to teams batting first, Sunday’s final is unlikely to be decided by the toss alone. Execution under pressure, rather than statistics, may ultimately determine who lifts the IPL 2026 trophy.

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2026 RBC Canadian Open Saturday tee times: Round 3 groupings

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The 2026 RBC Canadian Open continues on Saturday with the third round at TPC Toronto. You can find full RBC Canadian Open tee times for Saturday’s third round at the bottom of this post.

RBC Canadian Open tee times: What to know

After firing a second-round 63, American Ben James leads the charge at the Canadian Open’s halfway point with a 36-hole score of 10 under par.

The 23-year-old just completed his senior season at the University of Virginia and is riding some incredible momentum. The RBC Canadian Open marks James’ pro debut after earning his Tour card by finishing first in the PGA Tour University Ranking, and he’s leading the tournament by one shot after also qualifying for his third U.S. Open on Monday this week.

“I wasn’t really thinking about really results at all this week,” James said after his round. “Just worried about getting comfortable, making new friends and having fun, and just seeing where everything kind of falls. Just seeing where my game stacks up. Obviously I have some stuff to work on, just trying to see where everything goes. Because this is just the baseline, it’s my first professional debut. Obviously had a great two days, but just trying to get better.”

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It won’t be an easy task to earn a W in his first-ever event as a pro — especially considering the number of players within close proximity. There are 17 players within three shots of his lead, including Sam Burns (-9), Brooks Koepka (-8) and Sahith Theegala (-7).

James will tee off in the third round at 1:45 p.m. ET alongside Sam Burns.

You can watch Saturday’s third round of the 2026 RBC Canadian Open from 1-3 p.m. ET on Golf Channel followed by the CBS broadcast from 3-6 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage starting on Saturday at 7:45 a.m. ET, in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage.

Check out the complete Round 3 tee times and groupings for the RBC Canadian Open below.

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2026 RBC Canadian Open tee times for Saturday: Round 3 (ET)

Tee No. 1

7:15 a.m. – Calen Sanderson
7:20 a.m. – Matthieu Pavon, Joey Savoie
7:30 a.m. – Denny McCarthy, Lanto Griffin
7:40 a.m. – Tony Finau, Joe Highsmith
7:50 a.m. – Jeremy Paul, Sam Ryder
8:00 a.m. – Neal Shipley, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
8:10 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Ben Kohles
8:25 a.m. – Vince Whaley, Nick Taylor
8:35 a.m. – Kensei Hirata, A.J. Ewart
8:45 a.m. – Adam Svensson, Beau Hossler
8:55 a.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Taylor Moore
9:05 a.m. – Takumi Kanaya, Viktor Hovland
9:15 a.m. – Paul Peterson, Ben Silverman
9:25 a.m. – Keita Nakajima, Justin Matthews (a)
9:40 a.m. – Adam Hadwin, Michael Thorbjornsen
9:50 a.m. – David Skinns, Christiaan Bezuidenhout
10:00 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Ricky Castillo
10:10 a.m. – Dylan Wu, Davis Thompson
10:20 a.m. – Wyndham Clark, Tom Kim
10:30 a.m. – Luke Clanton, Erik van Rooyen
10:45 a.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
10:55 a.m. – Alejandro Tosti, Collin Morikawa
11:05 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Chandler Blanchet
11:15 a.m. – Max Homa, Alex Fitzpatrick
11:25 a.m. – William Mouw, Chandler Phillips
11:35 a.m. – Kevin Roy, Max McGreevy
11:50 a.m. – Doug Ghim, Patrick Fishburn
12:00 p.m. – Johnny Keefer, Austin Eckroat
12:10 p.m. – Robert MacIntyre, Shane Lowry
12:20 p.m. – Sahith Theegala, Taylor Pendrith
12:30 p.m. – Harry Hall, Matthew Anderson
12:40 p.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Aldrich Potgieter
12:55 p.m. – Brice Garnett, Jimmy Stanger
1:05 p.m. – Tommy Fleetwood, Bud Cauley
1:15 p.m. – Ryan Fox, Brooks Koepka
1:25 p.m. – Jesper Svensson, Keith Mitchell
1:35 p.m. – Jackson Suber, Haotong Li
1:45 p.m. – Ben James, Sam Burns

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When will Ronaldo and Messi play their first FIFA World Cup 2026 matches? | FIFA World Cup 2026

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For nearly two decades, world football has revolved around two names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

 


The 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark the final chapter of that iconic rivalry on football’s biggest stage. While the tournament features 48 teams and hundreds of emerging stars, much of the global attention remains fixed on two veterans who have defined an era.

 

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At 39 and 41 respectively, Messi and Ronaldo enter what is widely expected to be their final World Cup campaigns, each carrying the hopes of a footballing nation and the dreams of millions of supporters.

 

Messi begins title defence with Argentina 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Argentina schedule

Fixture

Date

Venue

Argentina vs. Algeria

Tuesday, June 16

Arrowhead Stadium

Argentina vs. Austria

Monday, June 22

AT&T Stadium

Jordan vs. Argentina

Saturday, June 27

AT&T Stadium

 

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Defending champions Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 at Kansas City Stadium.

 


The Albiceleste enter the tournament with a unique piece of history within reach. Having lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022, Messi now has the opportunity to become the first captain ever to lead a nation to consecutive World Cup titles.

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Argentina’s group-stage schedule sees them face Austria on June 22 before concluding their Group campaign against Jordan on June 28 in Dallas.

 


While Argentina possess one of the deepest squads in the competition, Messi remains the emotional and tactical heartbeat of the team. Even at this stage of his career, his vision, creativity and ability to influence decisive moments continue to make him indispensable.

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Argentina Arrive in Strong Form

 


The World Cup holders appear to be peaking at the right time.

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In their final warm-up fixture, Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iceland. Valentin Barco opened the scoring before Messi converted from the penalty spot to double the lead. Thiago Almada completed the win as Lionel Scaloni’s side extended their winning streak in friendly matches to eight games.

 


The performance highlighted a familiar trend. Argentina may no longer depend entirely on Messi, but when the pressure rises, they still look towards their captain for inspiration.

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With a settled squad, winning momentum and the confidence of defending champions, Argentina will once again be viewed as one of the favourites for the title.

 

Ronaldo’s Last Shot at World Cup Glory 
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Portugal schedule

Fixture

Date

Venue

Portugal vs DR Congo

Wednesday, June 17

NRG Stadium

Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Tuesday, June 23

NRG Stadium

Colombia vs Portugal

Saturday, June 27

Hard Rock Stadium

 


If Messi enters the tournament chasing history, Ronaldo arrives seeking redemption.

 


Portugal’s captain will participate in his sixth FIFA World Cup, extending a record few players are likely to match anytime soon. Yet despite an extraordinary collection of individual and team honours throughout his career, the World Cup trophy remains the one major prize missing from his cabinet.

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Portugal will open their campaign against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston before facing Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 27.

 

This tournament may represent Ronaldo’s final opportunity to complete football’s most elusive achievement. 
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Portugal Building Momentum

 


Portugal head into the tournament with confidence after defeating Nigeria in their final pre-World Cup friendly.

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Although Ronaldo did not get on the scoresheet, Portugal continued their impressive form, securing a fourth consecutive victory. Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição found the net in a performance that showcased the depth surrounding their legendary captain.

 


The squad appears balanced between experienced leaders and emerging stars, giving Portugal realistic ambitions of making a deep run into the knockout rounds.

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For Ronaldo, however, the focus will inevitably remain on whether he can finally leave his mark during the latter stages of a World Cup. Despite his incredible scoring record, knockout-stage goals have remained frustratingly elusive throughout his tournament career.

 


Why Messi and Ronaldo Still Matter?

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Age may have reduced some of their physical explosiveness, but neither Messi nor Ronaldo has lost the qualities that made them global icons.

 


Messi remains one of football’s most intelligent playmakers, capable of unlocking defenses with a single pass or moment of brilliance. His leadership was instrumental during Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, and his influence extends far beyond goals and assists.

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Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to provide Portugal with a ruthless goalscoring presence, unmatched experience and a winning mentality forged over two decades at the highest level.

 


Their roles may have evolved from carrying teams single-handedly to guiding talented supporting casts, but both remain central figures for their nations.

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Could the World Cup Deliver One Final Messi vs Ronaldo Showdown?

 


One of the most fascinating possibilities at the tournament is a long-awaited World Cup meeting between football’s greatest rivals.

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Remarkably, Messi and Ronaldo have never faced each other at a FIFA World Cup.

 


Depending on how the knockout bracket unfolds, Argentina and Portugal could finally meet during the latter stages of the competition. Such a clash would instantly become one of the most anticipated matches in World Cup history.

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Whether that meeting happens or not, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a celebration of two extraordinary careers.

 


For football fans around the world, every touch, goal and appearance could be part of the final World Cup chapter for two players who transformed the sport forever.

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World Cup 2026: USMNT’s Christian Pulisic subbed at halftime of historic win over Paraguay

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The United States men’s national team got off to a blazing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in a record-breaking performance. Never have we seen the USMNT score four goals in a World Cup match, and they did it on home soil.

The squad recorded three goals in the first half, with forward Christian Pulisic delivering an assist on goal by Folarin Balogun.

But at halftime, head coach Mauricio Pochettino subbed out Pulisic at halftime for Sebastian Berhalter in a move that immediately left the stadium buzzing with questions and speculation about his exit. Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft said on the broadcast that she saw Pulisic communicate to someone in the friends-and-family section, “I’m good,” when he came out for the second half. 

After the match, Pochettino said Pulisic got a kick to the back of his leg and was taken off as a precaution at halftime. “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days,” Pulisic told reporters after the match.

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The 27-year-old was a key piece in setting the tone during the team’s first half by controlling the ball, connecting with teammates, and taking on the defenders one-v-one. Without him to start the second half, the USMNT struggled to regain rhythm, conceding a goal to Paraguay’s Mauricio in the 73rd minute, before ending the match with an exclamation mark — a Gio Reyna laser in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time.

The Americans go to Seattle to face Australia on June 19, with the opportunity to go six points out of six to start their group-stage campaign.

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India’s Sports Passport: What it’ll mean for football, Olympics and beyond | Other Sports News

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A proposal currently under consideration by the Government of India could potentially transform the country’s sporting landscape over the next decade.

 


The Sports Ministry has reportedly submitted a proposal seeking the introduction of a Sports Passport framework that would allow eligible Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) athletes to represent India in international competitions.

 

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While discussions around overseas-origin athletes have existed for years, particularly in football, this is perhaps the first time the idea has been explored as part of a wider national sports strategy rather than a sport-specific debate.

 


So what exactly is a Sports Passport, how does it work, and why has it become such an important topic in Indian sport?

 
 

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What is a sports passport?

 


A Sports Passport is a special eligibility framework that enables athletes with a connection to a country, through ancestry, heritage, residency or national interest, to represent that nation in international sport.

 

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Different countries implement the concept differently.

 


Some nations provide accelerated citizenship to elite athletes. Others create sporting eligibility pathways that allow athletes to compete for the country without going through the traditional immigration process.

 

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The core objective remains the same: strengthen national teams and improve competitiveness on the international stage.

 


For countries seeking rapid sporting progress, it can become a valuable tool to access a wider talent pool.

 

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Why is India considering it now?

 


The timing is significant. India is preparing a bid for the 2036 Olympic Games and simultaneously attempting to improve performances across multiple sports.

 

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In football, the gap between India and Asia’s leading nations remains considerable. The men’s national team recently failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup, while the country remains absent from FIFA World Cup competition.

 


At the same time, several footballers of Indian origin are representing other nations at major international tournaments.

 

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Supporters of the Sports Passport proposal argue that India already possesses a large global diaspora, and tapping into that resource could strengthen teams across multiple sports.

 


The conversation is no longer limited to football. Basketball, tennis, athletics, rugby and several Olympic disciplines could also benefit.

 

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How could It work in India?

 


India currently does not allow dual citizenship.

 

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Under existing rules, an athlete must hold an Indian passport to represent the country internationally in most sports governed by international federations.

 


That means players wishing to switch allegiance generally need to renounce their previous citizenship and acquire Indian nationality.

 

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A Sports Passport framework could potentially create a more structured pathway for athletes of Indian origin who have strong ancestral ties to India.

 


The final model, if approved, would depend on decisions by the Government of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant sports authorities.

 

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The Ryan Williams Example

 


The challenges of the current system can be understood through the case of footballer Ryan Williams.

 

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The Bengaluru FC forward became eligible to represent India only after giving up his Australian citizenship and obtaining an Indian passport.

 


He subsequently made his debut for the national team and scored for the Blue Tigers.

 

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While successful, the process required significant personal and professional commitment, something not every athlete may be willing to undertake.

 


A Sports Passport mechanism could potentially simplify such pathways in the future.

 

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Why Many Countries Have Adopted Similar Systems

 


India would not be entering unfamiliar territory.

 

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Several nations already use sports naturalisation policies to improve sporting competitiveness.

 


Qatar is perhaps the most prominent example. The country has used sports eligibility pathways across football, athletics and handball, helping it win the AFC Asian Cup and compete at the FIFA World Cup.

 

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Bahrain has strengthened its athletics programme through naturalised runners, while countries such as Turkey, Spain, Hungary and Austria have used special citizenship provisions to attract elite athletes in selected sports.

 

These systems are often viewed as strategic investments in sporting success. 

 

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Potential Benefits for India 


Access to a Larger Talent Pool

 


India has one of the world’s largest diasporas spread across North America, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

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A Sports Passport framework would allow the country to engage with talented athletes who may have Indian roots but currently represent other nations or remain ineligible for India.

 


Immediate Competitive Improvement

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Certain sports could witness an instant rise in quality.

 


Football, basketball and tennis are often cited as areas where overseas-developed athletes could provide immediate depth and experience.

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Knowledge Transfer

 


Athletes raised in advanced sporting systems bring more than talent.

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They often arrive with exposure to elite coaching, sports science, nutrition and professional environments, potentially benefiting teammates and domestic structures.

 


Stronger Olympic Ambitions

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With India targeting greater success at future Olympic Games, expanding the athlete pool could increase competitiveness across multiple disciplines.

 


The Concerns and Criticisms

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Not everyone supports the idea.

 


Critics argue that national teams should primarily represent athletes developed within domestic systems.

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Some believe sports naturalisation can become a shortcut that masks deeper structural problems such as inadequate grassroots development and coaching infrastructure.

 


Others worry that opportunities for locally developed athletes could diminish if overseas-born players receive preference.

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The challenge for policymakers would be balancing immediate performance gains with long-term domestic development.

 


Why this debate Is bigger than football?

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For years, discussions around PIO and OCI athletes largely revolved around football.

 


However, the Sports Passport proposal signals a broader shift.

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If implemented, the framework could influence multiple sports and become part of India’s wider sporting strategy ahead of major events such as the Olympics, Asian Games and future World Cups.

 


The proposal also reflects a growing recognition that modern sport is increasingly global, with many successful nations drawing talent from diaspora communities spread across the world.

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A Potential Turning Point for Indian sport

 


Whether the proposal is ultimately approved remains uncertain.

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Any decision will require careful consideration from multiple government departments and sports bodies.

 


However, the significance of the discussion itself cannot be ignored.

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For the first time, India is actively examining whether its vast global diaspora can play a direct role in improving national sporting performance.

 


If adopted, a Sports Passport framework could become one of the most significant policy changes in Indian sport in recent decades—one that has the potential to reshape how the country identifies, develops and represents athletic talent on the world stage.

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Astros’ Yordan Alvarez hits 2-run homer, slam in first inning

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Jun 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesJun 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez enjoyed a huge night on Friday at Kansas City — in the first inning alone.

Alvarez hit a two-run homer two batters into the game, then added a grand slam to cap Houston’s nine-run inning against the Royals.

Alvarez became the first player with a two-homer inning since the Detroit Tigers’ Riley Greene accomplished the feat on May 2, 2025, against the Los Angeles Angels.

The only other Houston players with a multi-homer inning are Lee May (April 29, 1974, vs. the Chicago Cubs) and Jeff Bagwell (June 24, 1994, vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers).

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The last player to homer twice in the first inning of a game was David Ortiz for the Boston Red Sox against the Texas Rangers on Aug. 12, 2008.

With his 23rd and 24th homers of the season, Alvarez pulled even with the Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber for the major league lead.

–Field Level Media

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IND vs AFG ODIs: Spotlight on Rohit Sharma as World Cup auditions begin for 2027 | Cricket News

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IND vs AFG ODIs: Spotlight on Rohit Sharma as World Cup auditions begin for 2027
Rohit Sharma faces an audition for his ODI future, needing to prove his fitness and form ahead of the next World Cup.(Photo/PTI)

DHARAMSHALA: It’s not often Rohit Sharma cuts a quiet figure in a team setting. On Friday evening, he ambled around the centre square, casually joining fielding drills while others went through a far more intense routine before nets. Rohit has never been the most agile, but his presence has always carried weight. This time, even the familiar banter was missing.The ODI World Cup in South Africa is still 15 months away, but the three-match series against Afghanistan, starting Saturday, feels like the start of an audition. Rohit, now 39, sits on 282 ODIs, 33 centuries and 11,577 runs. Yet, he is having to justify his place again and, more importantly, convince the management he can physically endure the demands of elite cricket.Head coach Gautam Gambhir, meanwhile, spent a long time in captain Shubman Gill’s ear after the latter’s batting stint. Rohit quietly slipped into the nets for a second session. Even after the rest wrapped up, he stayed back, practising slip catches with fielding coach T Dilip before Ishan Kishan joined in for wicketkeeping drills.For Gill, this is hardly straightforward either. Ahead of the last World Cup, Rohit had backed Gill’s youthful promise over the experience of Shikhar Dhawan. Now, Gill must decide whether to persist with Rohit or look ahead, potentially pairing himself with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top.On Friday, Gill did walk across for a brief chat with Rohit after inspecting the pitch before leaving for the team hotel.Team to rotate optionsWith Virat Kohli ruled out due to a hamstring injury, the series offers an opportunity to test combinations. The management is keen to rotate between KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.Harshit likely to join team before 3rd ODIThe Indian team management and selectors have asked Harshit Rana to join the team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai. “The team management wanted Harshit to join the team earlier in the series but it was decided that he needed more practice at CoE. He has been bowling 9-10 overs every day and he has been able to hold his intensity. He is also working very hard on his batting. He will most likely be officially cleared by CoE on June 17 and he will travel to Chennai immediately,” BCCI sources told TOI.

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Christian Pulisic sparks injury scare for USA after coming off following superb World Cup performance

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Christian Pulisic has sparked concern over an injury problem for the USA after his superb first-half display in the Group D World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay.

The Milan winger shone at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, and played a major part in two goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side stormed into a 3-0 lead.

But the USA coach removed his talisman at the break, with a lack of clarity as to why, with some suggesting Pochettino was keen to rest the No 10.

Fox co-commentator Stu Holden took a pessimistic view of the decision to remove ‘Captain America’ though, which saw Sebastian Berhalter step into the game at the interval.

“That’s not a tactical substitution,” remarked Holden during co-commentary duties. “For your star player, something has to be up.”

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While Fox also reported that Pulisic had motioned to his family and friends in the crowd: “I’m good”.

USA confirmed that Pochettino will address the situation after the match in his post-match press conference.

Christian Pulisic of the U.S. in action with Paraguay's Diego Gomez
Christian Pulisic of the U.S. in action with Paraguay’s Diego Gomez (Reuters)

While the 27-year-old was seen on his feet throughout the second half and appeared to show no signs of serious discomfort.

Pulisic was excellent during the first half, operating from the left and surging past Paraguay defenders with Pochettino’s attack impressing throughout.

The former Chelsea star’s run led to the first goal, a Damian Bobadilla own-goal, before another impressive run and cut-back saw Folarin Balogun double the USA’s lead.

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Balogun would add a third before the break to complete a performance that Alexi Lalas suggested as one of the greatest first-half group stage performances in Fifa World Cup history.

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‘I am greater than death’: How Jaspal Rana gave life to Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Mrityunjay’ | More sports News

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'I am greater than death': How Jaspal Rana gave life to Rabindranath Tagore's 'Mrityunjay'
More than a decorated shooter and coach, Jaspal Rana’s enduring legacy lay in his generosity and unwavering commitment to nurturing Indian shooting. (Photo/Agency)

NEW DELHI: Have you ever visited the Instagram profile of late shooting legend Jaspal Rana? If you do, the first thing that catches the eye is the line in his bio. Written in Devanagari, it reads: “Jab mrityu nishchit ho, swayam ko acche kaaran ke liye samarpit karna sarvottam hai.

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Translated into English, it reveals his core philosophy. “When death is inevitable, dedicating oneself to a good cause is the highest course of action.”In the early hours of Friday, Rana, the winner of multiple gold medals across the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Championships, breathed his last just a fortnight before his 50th birthday, leaving behind a world with one less person who truly lived by that creed.Becoming an Arjuna Awardee at 18, Rana would soon transition into a coach and hone world-beaters like Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary, and Anish Bhanwala, among others. For his deeds, he was honoured with the Dronacharya Award in 2020, well before one of his proteges, in Bhaker, went on to make history by winning two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.Last year, he took charge as the Indian shooting team’s high-performance coach. And owing to that, he flew to Munich for the ISSF World Cup earlier this summer.Among the women’s 10m air pistol squad was 22-year-old Muskan from Bhiwani, Haryana. Surrounded by established names such as Manu Bhaker, Suruchi Singh, and Esha Singh, a rising shooter could easily have felt overwhelmed. But under Jaspal Rana’s watch, that was never the case.“Just recently, when our kids went to Germany, my daughter Muskan had gone, and Suruchi had gone too,” Suresh Singh, who runs the Guru Dronacharya Shooting Academy in Haryana and serves as Suruchi’s personal coach, told TimesofIndia. com. “So my daughter casually mentioned that, ‘Sir, I don’t have this.’ There was some item she needed, I can’t quite remember what it was. Jaspal sir immediately said, ‘What do you need, beta? I’ll bring it right now.‘ He himself went to a stall, bought it, and handed it to her. When she asked about the money, he said, ‘No, beta, no money. I brought it for you, take it.’ He was a very open-hearted person.”Despite his legendary status, Rana routinely went out of his way to validate and encourage grassroots coaches working outside the national setup.“Compared to him, I am a very small coach. Coming from the Army, I haven’t achieved anything close to what he did,” Suresh said. “But whenever we met somewhere, he’d say, ‘Brother, you’re a good coach. You’re preparing good kids. You’re producing talent for India. We’ll take these kids forward, you don’t worry at all.’ He was always very helpful. He would say, ‘If you ever need to ask anything for any child, you can always ask me.‘”To him, technical insight was not proprietary information meant only for his personal pupils. If a young shooter from a different academy asked for technical adjustments or a quick tip, he would stand behind them at the lane, patiently breaking down the mechanics of the shot.When the team landed back in India, Suresh was at the airport at 2:00 AM to receive the students returning from the Munich World Cup. It was there that he noticed Rana was in physical distress.“He had already been having some trouble since Germany itself,” Suresh recalled. “And when he got off the flight, he was sweating too much. He looked uncomfortable. It was 2 AM, but as soon as he left the airport, he went straight to the hospital.”When the news of his sudden passing shook the shooting fraternity, the national team was gathered for a camp in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, the mountain state where Rana was born. The entire ecosystem he helped shape was present in his birthplace, but he was nowhere to be seen.Few felt the void more acutely than Manu Bhaker.“Manu is extremely in tremendous pain today because he was her personal coach,” Suresh added. “The whole team is here. As soon as Manu got the news, she immediately left for Delhi.”Beyond winning the medals for the country and coaching some of its finest talents, perhaps his greatest legacy lay in the acts of generosity that made a young athlete feel seen, a fellow coach feel valued, and one of his students leave the national camp behind to pay her final tributes. We may never see Jaspal Rana pacing the shooting ranges again, but will he truly leave?By dedicating his life entirely to “acche kaaran” (good cause), Rana gave life to the closing lines of Rabindranath Tagore‘s famous poem, “Mrityunjay” (Conqueror of Death):“No matter how great you become, you are not greater than death. I will depart leaving behind these final words: I am greater than death.”

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Why Donald Trump chose not to attend USA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener? | FIFA World Cup 2026

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The United States officially launched its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on home soil as Mauricio Pochettino’s side faced Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium. The occasion represented a landmark moment for American soccer, with the World Cup returning to the country for the first time since the memorable 1994 tournament.

 


A packed stadium, elaborate entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere underlined the significance of the event as the United States completed the opening sequence of matches hosted across the three co-host nations.

 

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Yet amid the celebrations, one notable figure was missing: U.S. President Donald Trump.

 


A Historic Night for American Football

 
 

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The United States entered the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation eager to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.

 


Following opening ceremonies in Mexico City and Toronto earlier in the week, Los Angeles hosted its own pre-match spectacle before the Americans began their World Cup journey against Paraguay.

 

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Fans packed the stadium hours before kickoff, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the country’s previous experience as World Cup hosts more than three decades ago.

 


For many supporters, it was a symbolic moment marking the start of what organizers hope will be a transformative tournament for soccer in the United States.


Why Trump Was Not in Attendance?

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Despite the significance of the occasion, President Trump did not travel to California for the opening fixture.

 


According to officials connected to the White House’s World Cup coordination efforts, the President’s schedule prevented him from attending the match.

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Andrew Giuliani, who oversees the White House’s World Cup task force, indicated that multiple commitments in Washington made it difficult for the President to be present for the tournament opener.

 

“He remains closely involved with the World Cup preparations and will continue following the tournament throughout the summer,” Giuliani said while discussing the President’s plans. 
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Not the only host nation leader missing

 


Trump was not the only leader of a host nation absent from an opening World Cup fixture. Earlier in the tournament, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also chose not to attend Mexico’s opening match against South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

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Their absences highlighted the reality that even major sporting occasions can sometimes clash with national and governmental responsibilities.  Katy Perry headlines opening ceremony in USA 


Katy Perry headlined the opening ceremony in Los Angeles before the United States faced Paraguay in both teams’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Mexico and Canada staged their own opening celebrations earlier in the tournament, the spotlight shifted to the United States for the final host-nation ceremony.

 

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The star-studded show featured performances from K-pop sensation Lisa, Brazilian singer Anitta, South African artist Tyla and Nigerian star Rema, while rapper Future also took part in the festivities. The ceremony lasted approximately 13 minutes and served as a vibrant curtain-raiser before attention turned to the action on the pitch.

 


White House Commitments Take Priority

 

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One of the primary reasons behind Trump’s absence is a major event scheduled in Washington over the coming days.

 


The President is expected to remain in the capital ahead of a large-scale UFC Freedom 250 celebration planned at the White House.

 

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The event is set to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations and has become a key commitment on his schedule, making a cross-country trip to Los Angeles impractical.

 


Still Expected to Play a Role During the Tournament

 

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Although he missed the opening match, sources close to the World Cup organizing effort suggest Trump is expected to remain engaged with the tournament as it progresses.

 


With matches taking place across the United States over the next several weeks, there are likely to be future opportunities for presidential involvement, particularly if the host nation advances deep into the competition.

 

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For now, however, the spotlight remains firmly on the players as the United States begins its quest to make history on home soil.

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USMNT takes early lead vs Paraguay on Bobadilla own goal at World Cup

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The USMNT and Paraguay kicked off at 9 p.m. ET from Los Angeles Stadium. The USMNT, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, enters Friday at the No. 17 spot in the FIFA World Rankings.

The United States’ World Cup bid got off to a dream start when Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal in the sixth minute, giving the Americans an early lead in the highly anticipated group stage matchup.

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Christian Pulisic of the United State celebrates with teammates their first goal, an own goal scored by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla on June 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (:Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)

Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage.

Folarin Balogun doubled the United States’ lead in the 30th minute. The New York native celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates after scoring his first World Cup goal, a milestone moment in his international career.

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Balogun’s strike gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion in the 30th minute, the third-fastest the Americans have reached that mark in a World Cup match. The only time Team USA managed to put the ball in the net sooner was in 2002 against Portugal (29th minute) and in a 1930 meeting with Paraguay (15th minute).

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USMNT player competes for the ball against a player from the Paraguay national team

Folarin Balogun of USA and Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.  (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Balogun struck again just before halftime, extending the United States’ lead and sending the crowd in Inglewood into a frenzy. Balogun raced onto a pinpoint pass from teammate Malik Tillman before curling a shot into the top-left corner for a standout goal.

Team USA headed into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.

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