Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to drive cricket conversation around the world. The improbability of a 15-year-old dominating top bowlers like Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins, and the actual culmination of it makes Sooryavanshi’s case special. Sooryavanshi announced his arrival with a 35-ball century in the IPL 2025 and is on a spree in the IPL 2026. Currently, he has 404 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 237.65. He is fifth in the list of top run-getters. His exploits ensured that a group of former England cricketers talked on the topic, “How good is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?”

“This kid, right? So, Chris Gayle‘s got the fastest IPL hundred – right, 30 balls. This kid has already hit a 100 off 35 balls and a 100 in 36 balls. The most sixes by any Indian batter in a single edition is 42 by Abhishek Sharma in 2024. This kid is on 37 now. Is he the best six-hitter in the world right now?” Michael Vaughan asked.

“Yes. But what did he go for? What did they sign him for as a 14-year-old? Will that not be the best value for money ever? I thought he signed a two-year deal. How much is he going to go for next year at the auction? How are they going to keep him? What if he says he wants to go back to the auction?” Alastair Cook responded.

Vaughan, the former England captain, has been extremely vocal about Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in India’s national team and wants to see the youngster tour England in July. However, he did not agree with Cook on the auction point, believing the Rajasthan Royals would not let him off the hook that easily.

“He’ll be burnt out by 21!”

Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi one of the best right now? 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/7XVY4o9ZrQ

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) May 6, 2026

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“I think he will come on that tour to Ireland. He should be in the Indian party in the summer. I don’t think they will throw him back in [the auction]. It will be a private deal done for him,” he added.

Phil Tufnell joked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be exhausted by 21, going by his breakneck speed of progress. “He could be burnt out by 21,” he said.

“He’ll have enough cash by then. Might retire,” Vaughan added.

“He can’t be burnt out; he plays just 30 balls!” Cook commented

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IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season

Precious Zaragosa closes with a 68 to forge sudden death. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Just a week removed from folding up when it mattered, Precious Zaragosa on Thursday rallied from five shots down to rule the girls’ 15-18 division of the ICTSI Junior PGT Pueblo de Oro Championship in a playoff over the same player that caused her that heartbreak.

Zaragosa closed our regulation with a four-under-par 68 to catch Zero Plete at the top at 224, before dropping a four-foot putt for par on the first hole of sudden death to win for the first time in the Visayas-Mindanao circuit in two years and exorcise the ghost of Del Monte in Bukidnon last week.

“I believed I still had a chance (at the start of the day) and kept telling myself to stay focused and give my best no matter what happens,” said the 15-year-old Zaragosa. “This victory really boosts my confidence after Del Monte.

“I’m so happy to finally get my first win in the VisMin series after failing to win last year,” she added.

After signing for a 73 to drop into that 54-hole tie, Plete three-putted the first playoff hole and failed to score a follow-up to a stirring one-shot win in Bukidnon last week when she took advantage of all of Zaragosa’s miscues. Lois Laine Go placed third with a 238 after a 77.

Alexis Nailga, meanwhile, coasted to a three-shot win in the boys’ division over Martin Lun even after submitting a birdie-less 78 for a 54-hole 229 total.

The hometown bet Lu and Bukidnon standout Clement Ordeneza were unable to capitalize as both unraveled on the frontside in a punishing stretch that paved the way for Nailga’s victory, his third in the regional series.

Lu signed for his version of a 78, while Ordaneza struggled to shoot an 80.

Senior India pacer Umesh Yadav says Jasprit Bumrah has been trying too many things and that is the reason for his inconsistent run this IPL, while experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has succeeded because of his clear planning and ability to deliver in both the Powerplay and death overs. Bhuvneshwar is so far the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL with 17 wickets from nine games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while, on the other hand, Mumbai Indians’ Bumrah has struggled this season, picking up just three scalps from 10 games.

“Bhuvi’s and his team’s planning is clear. He bowls in the Powerplay and death overs, and his game plan is set. He is able to swing it both ways,” Umesh, a JioHotstar expert, said.

“Bhuvi is consistent with his line and length and variations, and Bumrah is trying a lot of things, which is creating problems for him.

“Bumrah is not consistent this season for Mumbai. Sometimes he is asked to bowl in the Powerplay, and sometimes he comes on to bowl in situations that are not under pressure. That is affecting him. MI needs to create chances for Bumrah to attack and give him opportunities to take wickets.”

Umesh also said that Rishabh Pant‘s form cost Lucknow Super Giants dearly. Apart from that, they failed to field the right combination.

“It’s his (Pant’s) decision, he has got responsibility and he needs to take decisions. In the last two years, his and the team’s performance has been down. This year, the batting is up and down, unlike last year.”

“The combination is not settling. Pant’s form is not good, Nicholas Pooran has only scored in the last match. Everything is not working for them. Batting is an issue this year. Everyone needs to contribute together in T20,” he said.

“Their batting order is not consistent. You are just searching; you need to believe a bit and not change the order in every match. For that, you need to sit and talk with the batters,” he added.

Asked about his predictions for the play-offs, Umesh said: “Punjab, RCB, Rajasthan and SRH are likely contenders for the top four.”

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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans

NASCAR’s decision to move Watkins Glen to the spring will not last, as the historic road course confirmed plans to move the Cup date to the fall in 2027.

WGI will be part of the Chase for the Championship, and unless there is a dramatic change to the schedule, it will likely be the only road course in the Chase. This year, there are no road courses in the ten-race Chase after the Charlotte Roval’s late removal from the schedule.

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Why May date was questionable

This is a remarkably quick announcement for next year’s schedule, and comes after controversy surrounding the decision to move the race into early May for 2026 — the earliest in the year NASCAR has ever raced at Watkins Glen. Not only is the weather far more volatile (making for muddy conditions in the campground that fans are already battling), but it’s an odd time for CNY and the Finger Lakes region.

Many local residents keep their campers in storage until Memorial Day Weekend, and the main Gorge trail at the popular Watkins Glen State Park is not even open yet as it’s one of the slowest times of year in the region for tourism. Various local tracks (like Oswego) don’t even begin their racing season until the end of the month.

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Watkins Glen is also one of the more visually stunning tracks on the schedule, but many trees are still barren in early May as they just begin to grow spring leaves.

No official date has been set for The Glen’s 2027 date, but the confirmation for September means that it will be in the first-half of the Chase. Watkins Glen was part of the Chase in 2024, taking place on September 15 as the 28th round of the season.

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How to watch NASCAR at Watkins Glen: Weekend schedule, weather, start time, TV

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Manchester United have few problems heading into their Premier League match versus Sunderland as Michael Carrick considers his starting lineup to finish the season well

Michael Carrick looks to have a short injury list heading into this weekend’s match against Sunderland. Manchester United have already qualified for the Champions League but still have three Premier League matches remaining to end the season.

The clash with Sunderland marks the first of those as Carrick awaits a decision on his future at the club. His audition continues against the Black Cats, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

The former Middlesbrough boss has been without defender Matthijs de Ligt for the duration of his time in charge. The Dutchman has been out of action since November 30 and appears unlikely to return just yet, despite being spotted training on the grass last week.

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The other injury worry on Carrick’s hands is Benjamin Sesko. The striker was replaced at half-time of United’s win over Liverpool at the weekend after picking up an issue when he was pushed off of the pitch by Ibrahim Konate when protecting the ball.

Following that game, Carrick said: “He got a bang on his shin when he fell down the side of the pitch. It’s something that he’s been carrying for a little bit as well, so we’ve had to manage him a bit but he’s certainly had a bang right on the same spot.”

No update has been forthcoming on Sesko’s progress, and it appears likely he will continue to be managed by Carrick.

In better news, Carrick will be able to choose Lisandro Martinez if he chooses. The Argentina international has served his three-match suspension after being sent off in defeat to Leeds United.

Despite a relatively clean bill of health, Carrick has suggested he will make changes in the coming matches. The 44-year-old has admitted he is ‘aware’ he has kept a consistent team heading into the final games of the season.

“I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say,” he said. “Some have played a lot more than others and I understand from a professional and a playing point of view it can be difficult.

“But the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly each other, is great to see. It’s what we need within the group and that’s part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked.

“It’s the balance that we’ve made the most of really, so coming into these games it’s something we’re aware of, I think it’s really something we’re keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well, but it’s definitely something to be aware of.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Connacht Rugby are entering one of the most important summers in the province’s recent history, with a significant overhaul of the squad underway ahead of the 2026/27 season.

While several big names are moving on, there is also a real sense of renewal and opportunity around the Sportsground, with experienced internationals arriving, academy talent being trusted, and long-serving servants of the province leaving behind major legacies.

For supporters, this summer feels less like an ending and more like the beginning of a fresh cycle.

Confirmed Departures

• Jack Carty — retirement
• Matthew Devine — to Ulster Rugby
• Joe Joyce — to Gloucester Rugby
• Dennis Buckley — destination unknown

Club legend Jack Carty will retire from professional rugby, bringing an end to one of the great Connacht careers of the professional era. Carty has been central to so many of Connacht’s biggest moments and leaves as one of the province’s finest ever servants.

Expected / Likely Departures

• Jack Aungier — likely to Munster Rugby
• Temi Lasisi — destination unknown
• David Hawkshaw — destination unknown
• Peter Dooley — destination unknown
• James Nicholson — destination unknown
• Chay Mullins — destination unknown
• Oisín McCormack — destination unknown
• Oisín Dowling — destination unknown

Expected To Re-Sign

The expected re-signing of Shamus Hurley-Langton would be a massive boost. He has become one of the province’s most important forwards with his relentless physicality, leadership and consistency.

Incoming Signings

• Thomas Connolly — from Old Belvedere RFC
• Jerry Cahir — from Leinster Rugby
• Ciarán Frawley — from Leinster Rugby
• Will Connors — from Leinster Rugby
• Francois van Wyk — from Bath Rugby
• Fiachna Barrett — promoted from the Academy
• Seán Naughton — promoted from the Academy
• Matthew Victory — promoted from the Academy

The headline arrivals are undoubtedly Irish internationals Ciarán Frawley and Will Connors from Leinster Rugby.

Frawley’s versatility across out-half, centre and full-back could prove invaluable, while Connors brings huge work-rate and breakdown quality when fully fit.

Former Bath Rugby prop Francois van Wyk also looks like a smart acquisition, adding size and power to the front row.

There is excitement too around the younger additions, with academy promotions underlining Connacht’s continued commitment to developing talent internally.

And for those arriving, they walk into a club and a fanbase desperate to build something exciting again.

In September, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez looks to win back a world title following his loss to Terence Crawford last year, but he has warned that it will be far from an easy task.

Crawford moved up two divisions and delivered a disciplined, intelligent performance, outboxing Canelo over twelve rounds to become a three-weight undisputed champion and strengthen his case as one of the finest fighters of his era.

For Alvarez, the loss marked the end of a dominant run at 168lbs that had seen him collect all four major world titles and establish himself as the division’s leading force. Though he remained competitive throughout, Crawford’s timing, movement and adaptability consistently disrupted the Mexican star, who struggled to impose his usual pressure and combination punching.

Crawford’s subsequent retirement scattered the super-middleweight belts and left Canelo facing a fresh path back to the top. The Mexican icon has since confirmed that he plans to return on September 12 against reigning WBC champion Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia.

Mbilli had emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders before being crowned champion, and brings an unbeaten record, aggressive style and growing momentum into the clash. His promoter, Camille Estephan, calls it his ‘arrival’ at the top.

“Let me tell you how this goes down! A lot of claims that Mbilli is the perfect style for Canelo… Christian is coming in violent and relentless. This is not a showcase. This is the arrival!”

A win would not only elevate Mbilli’s profile overnight but also solidify his status as champion. He was upgraded from interim to full champion when Crawford was stripped of the WBC belt, having retained the interim strap via a draw against Lester Martinez on the undercard back in September.

For Canelo, it represents an immediate opportunity to reclaim a world title and prove that, even after a major setback, he remains a central figure in boxing’s elite. How the fight unfolds will play a major part in the closing chapter of his career.