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PBKS vs RR | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals , IPL 2026 | IPL 2026 Highlights: Donovan Ferreira, Yashasvi Jaiswal Shine As RR End PBKS’ Unbeaten Run

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Donovan Ferreira’s audacious stroke-play handed Punjab Kings the bitter pill of defeat for the first time in this edition of IPL as Rajasthan Royals cantered home by six wicket. 

Chasing a target of 223, Rajasthan Royals needed 71 off the last six overs when Ferreira smashed his way to an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls in company of an unheralded Shubham Dubey (31 not out off 12 balls) to clinch the victory with four balls to spare. Ferreira was brilliant while picking his areas as PBKS troika of Arshdeep Singh (1/68 in 4 overs), Lockie Ferguson (0/57 in 4 overs) and Marco Jansen (0/41 in 3.2 overs) would like to forget this day in a hurry. 

Between Ferreira and Dubey, they hit nine fours and five sixes as they undid all the good work done by Yuzvendra Chahal (3/36 in 4 overs). The manner in which Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (43 off 16 balls) started with a deluge of sixes — five — including a couple of flicked maximums off Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson, it seemed RR would make a meal of the chase.

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Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich retiring June 1

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NCAA Football: Bethune Cookman at MiamiSep 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; University of Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich walks on the field prior to the game against Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

University of Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective June 1.

Radakovich, 67, has guided the Hurricanes’ athletic department since 2021 after previously working as the AD at Clemson (2012-21), Georgia Tech (2006-12) and American (2000-01).

“Dan came to us with an outstanding track record. I’ve enjoyed working with him as we’ve rebuilt and advanced Miami Athletics during an incredibly transformative time,” Miami president Joe Echevarria said. “Dan is a person of high character and has been an invaluable thought partner. I will continue to seek his advice and counsel going forward and wish him and his family all the best in what comes next.”

Radakovich was the senior associate AD at LSU from 2001-06. He began his career as an athletic business manager at Miami from 1983-85.

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“Serving the University of Miami again has been an absolute privilege,” Radakovich said. “This place means everything to me, and I’m proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and staff have accomplished together. The program is in a great place, and it’s the right time for fresh leadership to shape what comes next.”

Highlights from his tenure in Coral Gables, Fla., include the football team’s run to the CFP championship game last season, the men’s basketball team’s first-ever Final Four in 2023 and the women’s basketball team’s first Elite Eight the same year.

The Miami athletic department matched a school record this past year with a graduation rate of 94%.

A national search for a successor is already underway. Deputy athletic directors Brian Baptiste and Rachelle Paul will serve as co-leaders of the department during the transition.

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–Field Level Media

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PSG edge Bayern in nine-goal Champions League semi-final thriller

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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele scored twice each as Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in an epic first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, an extraordinary encounter becoming the highest-scoring match ever at this stage of the competition.

The first half alone was crazy, with Harry Kane giving Bayern the lead from a penalty only for Kvaratskhelia to equalise before Joao Neves headed the hosts in front at an enthralled Parc des Princes.

Michael Olise made it 2-2, but a Dembele penalty in first-half stoppage time had the reigning champions back ahead at the interval.

Kvaratskhelia, surely the standout player in this season’s Champions League, and Dembele both then scored again to have PSG seemingly out of sight, only for Dayot Upamecano to pull one back before Luis Diaz made it 5-4.

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An unforgettable game – perhaps better even than last season’s semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona – leaves the tie between the continent’s two best teams of the moment wonderfully poised for next Wednesday’s return at the Allianz Arena, with a place in the final in Budapest on May 30 on the line.

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Luis Enrique’s Parisians will be returning to Munich – scene of their 5-0 win over Inter in last year’s final – with the advantage, but Bayern will be confident they can overturn the narrow deficit at home.

The French champions are seeking to become just the second side in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy, while the German champions are hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2020, when they defeated PSG to lift the trophy for the sixth time.

Instant classic

Vincent Kompany’s team arrived in Paris having scored 167 goals this season, led by the remarkable Kane who had netted 53 times in 45 appearances.

This tie had a lot to live up to, after Bayern’s spectacular win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, but it was an instant classic as both teams showcased their devastating firepower.

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Bayern went ahead in the 17th minute as Willian Pacho chopped down Diaz and Kane made no mistake with the resulting penalty to make it 54 for the campaign.

The visitors won 2-1 here in November in the league phase thanks to a Diaz double and they were the better team early on this time.

But their front-foot approach made them vulnerable to the counter-attack, and Dembele should have equalised before the leveller came just after the midway point in the first half.

Kvaratskhelia’s genius on the wing has regularly been the difference for PSG recently, and he broke clear of Josip Stanisic down the left before cutting inside and firing into the far corner.

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A classic Kvaratskhelia goal was followed by Neves heading in Dembele’s corner on 33 minutes.

Read more‘Nobody is better than us’: PSG prepare for Champions League showdown against Bayern

The action was only just getting started, however, as French international Olise drove towards the PSG box before smashing in for 2-2 with his 20th of the season.

PSG then won a penalty at the end of the first half, when a Dembele cross struck the arm of Alphonso Davies, the Canadian making his first start in the Champions League this season after injury.

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It was given by the Swiss referee after a VAR check, and Dembele beat Manuel Neuer to make it 3-2 at the interval – a lead which PSG added to after the restart, leaving Bayern stunned.

Achraf Hakimi’s assist was swept in by Kvaratskhelia for 4-2 on 56 minutes, the Georgian getting his seventh goal in seven games in the knockout phase.

Bayern had not been able to reset before Dembele surprised Neuer with a low shot in off the near post to make it 5-2 with his second of the night.

But Bayern were not done, as Upamecano headed in Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick for 5-3, taking Kompany’s side to 170 for their season tally.

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Diaz, who was sent off in the November meeting, was then played in over the top and dribbled past Marquinhos before slotting in for the night’s final goal.

Kompany, watching from the stands due to suspension, would have been delighted with his team’s response – even if they were relieved to see Senny Mayulu’s late strike for PSG come back off Neuer’s crossbar.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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Football gossip: Rashford, Gordon, Iraola, Osimhen, Mourinho, Diomande, Beukema, Ake, Araujo, Ueda, Ramazani

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Spurs want Marcus Rashford if they stay up, Anthony Gordon is ‘likely’ to leave Newcastle and Arsenal are closely monitoring Victor Osimhen’s situation.

Tottenham have shown a “genuine interest” in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 28, if they avoid relegation amid reports Barcelona have doubt about making the England international’s loan permanent. (Sport – in Spanish), external

It is “increasingly likely” 25-year-old England winger Anthony Gordon will leave Newcastle in the summer. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Chelsea have made “initial contact” with departing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola over their managerial vacancy. (Football London), external

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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta was in Istanbul on Sunday to watch Galatasaray amid speculation the Gunners want their 27-year-old Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. (AS – in Spanish), external

Jose Mourinho could start a second stint as Real Madrid head coach in the summer, with the Benfica manager the preferred candidate of president Florentino Perez. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Liverpool hope their strong relationship with RB Leipzig will help them land 19-year-old Ivorian attacker Yan Diomande early in the summer transfer window. (Football Insider), external

Liverpool are also monitoring Napoli’s Sam Beukema, 27, with the Dutch defender a long-term favourite of manager Arne Slot. (Teamtalk), external

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Everton are set to target Manchester City‘s Nathan Ake, 31, in the summer as the Dutch defender seeks more game time. (Football Insider), external

Newcastle and Aston Villa are interested in signing Maxi Araujo, 26, from Sporting, with the Uruguay international able to play left-back and on the left wing. (Sport Witness), external

Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, 27, has been added to the shortlist of attacking players wanted by Everton this summer, with Leeds, Tottenham and Brighton also showing interest in the Japan international. (Teamtalk), external

Valencia are keen for Belgian winger Largie Ramazani to make a permanent move from Leeds after the 25-year-old impressed on his loan spell in La Liga. (ElDesmarque – in Spanish) , external

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Canelo reflects on the reason behind ‘depressing’ Floyd Mayweather defeat

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Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez suffered the first defeat of his career thirteen years ago, falling short against the great Floyd Mayweather.

The pair clashed on September 14, 2013 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in a fight billed as ‘The One.’ Mayweather entered as the unbeaten pound-for-pound number one and the sport’s biggest draw, while Canelo, just 23 at the time, brought an undefeated record and unified super-welterweight titles. It was contested at a catchweight of 152lbs, and generated huge commercial interest as a clash between the established king and boxing’s fastest rising star.

Mayweather delivered a complete performance, using his trademark defence, footwork and timing to control the distance throughout and repeatedly beat Canelo to the punch with sharp counters and accurate combinations. Alvarez struggled to cut off the ring or land cleanly.

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The American won by majority decision – judge C.J. Ross’ draw being widely criticised – but the performance itself was clear-cut and reinforced his status as the best fighter in the world.

Some feel it was shrewd matchmaking, with Mayweather adding a great name to his record before he reached his peak. Others disagree, believing Floyd would always have the beating of Alvarez.

In an interview with Oso Trava, Alvarez said that he believes that experience, not skill, was the defining factor that night in Las Vegas. The Mexican icon also revealed that suffering his first defeated ‘hurt’ him, but he was able to refocus by putting it into perspective.

“I got extremely frustrated, right? Because I felt capable – I felt capable of beating the best in the world at 23 years old. And I was capable, I just didn’t have the right experience, and I realised that afterward.

“It hurt me a lot because, however you want to call it, it hits your ego as a fighter – what you wanted to be, what you visualised that didn’t happen. And yeah, it hurt a lot, it hit me really hard, and maybe I went through some level of depression. I don’t know if there are levels of depression, but yeah, maybe I did.

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“But then, thinking alone at home – because I like having my time alone – thinking, I said, ‘Alright, let me get myself together, ground myself, and think: I didn’t lose to just anyone, I lost to the best in the world. I’m 23 years old, and he practically didn’t do anything to me.’

“I told myself that’s not going to stop me from being the best in the world one day.”

Asked what he lacked at 23 that he later gained, Canelo said confidence.

“Confidence. I think confidence more than anything as a fighter = not mentally, because mentally I was fine – but confidence. More fights in those kinds of scenarios, because it’s different. That would have helped me win.”

In 2026, Canelo must bounce back from defeat once again. He is set to return to the ring in September for the first time since losing his undisputed super-middleweight titles to Terence Crawford.

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Former Vikings Pro Bowler Could Lose His Job

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Chicago Bears fans in stands during preseason game against Buffalo Bills
Chicago Bears fans fill the stands, watching the action and reacting throughout the game as their team faces the Buffalo Bills during preseason play on Aug 26, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The crowd brings energy and anticipation while following each moment of the late-summer matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports.

On March 11th, the New England Patriots traded former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for a 5th-Round pick. Six weeks later, Chicago drafted a rookie center who will probably steal Bradbury’s job.

Chicago added Bradbury for stability, but Jones gives the Bears a younger center option right away.

The Bears aren’t goofing around at center this offseason; they now have Bradbury and Iowa rookie Logan Jones.

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Jones Creates a New Center Battle in Chicago

It’s an interior offensive line mystery in the Windy City.

Garrett Bradbury lines up during a Vikings playoff game against the Rams at State Farm Stadium. Garrett Bradbury Bears
Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium, with Jan. 13, 2025 capturing the playoff setting as Minnesota battles in Arizona. Bradbury anchors the offensive line during high-stakes postseason action against a familiar NFC opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Jones over Bradbury?

The Bears used a 2nd-Round pick on Friday night to get Jones. Second-round centers play; that’s actually quite early to draft a man from the position.

SI.com‘s Jerry Markarian wrote Sunday, “Virtually everyone expected the Chicago Bears to be in the market for a developmental center in the 2026 NFL Draft. Veteran trade acquisition Garrett Bradbury, whom they shipped a fifth-round pick for shortly after Drew Dalman’s abrupt retirement, only has one year remaining on his contract, after all. With that said, very few expected them to prioritize the position in the second round.”

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“They felt the value of Iowa center Logan Jones, who was widely considered the best center in this year’s class, was too good to pass up at pick 57. They completely changed the shape of the center room in the process. Unlike some of the other options that would’ve come into play later in the draft, he has a legitimate shot to start from day one.”

And just like that, there’s a center camp battle on the horizon.

The Jones Scouting Report

Because the Vikings will eventually see Jones twice annually, it’s vital to know what he’s made of.

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The rookie lineman’s age, 24, might’ve made him less appealing to some teams, as front offices typically prefer more time to develop prospects. Jones’s accelerated timeline means he’ll be expected to contribute early and consistently from Day One. Teams simply won’t draft an older rookie center to stash him for development; his value hinges entirely on his immediate readiness to play. That’s why Bradbury should be concerned.

This need for immediate impact aligns well with his playing style. Having started 50 games in college, Jones was very comfortable in a zone-based system, which effectively highlights his movement skills. He demonstrates the ability to execute reach blocks, get to the second level, and handle himself effectively in open space — all traits that seamlessly fit offenses running frequent outside zone schemes. If Bears skipper Ben Johnson wanted Jones in Round 2, he’s probably the right guy. Johnson isn’t known for poor offensive thinking.

Despite his overall frame, Jones’s 300-pound weight is considered on the lighter side for a center. Some evaluators have even compared him to a lighter version of Tyler Linderbaum.

Logan Jones stands on the sideline before an Iowa game at Kinnick Stadium. Garrett Bradbury Bears
Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) looks on from the sideline before kickoff at Kinnick Stadium, with Sep. 13, 2025 marking the pregame moment against the Massachusetts Minutemen. Jones surveys the field while preparing for action, offering a glimpse of his presence ahead of another start on Iowa’s offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Jones: “Jones is an undersized, sawed-off blocker with aggressive technique and athletic ability, although his sustain struggles might be tough to overcome. A center-only prospect, he is a mid-round version of Linderbaum. He gave up only one sack over his junior and senior seasons and had a prolific 2025 season, taking home the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center.”

“He was a significant factor in the Hawkeyes winning the 2025 Joe Moore Award as college football’s best offensive line. Jones is lightning quick in his snap-to-step process and has an instinctive feel for leverage and blocking angles. With his vise-grip hands, he can latch, drive his feet and torque defenders to create running room.”

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Most expected Jones to be drafted in Round 3, but the Bears pushed the envelope a round early.

Brugler added, “Though he has terrific range and recovery quickness, his lack of length stands out on reach blocks and when attempting to combat powerful defensive tackles in a phone booth. His competitive temperament and toughness are unquestioned — he taught himself to snap with his left hand while managing a right-hand injury in 2024.”

Dalman’s Retirement

Why are the Bears in this situation? Simple — their 2025 keynote free-agent acquisition retired. At age 27, Dalman called it quits out of nowhere in early March. Chicago responded by trading for Bradbury, a decent deal for a 5th-Round pick.

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Dalman was actually a Vikings free-agent target in March 2025, according to some popular consensus, but the Bears won the sweepstakes, and Minnesota pivoted to Ryan Kelly, who also retired in March.

Without Dalman and his fancy 77.5 grade last season from Pro Football Focus, Chicago needed a replacement center. Now, it has Bradbury and Jones.

Bradbury as a Sideways Trade Option for MIN?

Bradbury doesn’t have 100% support in Minnesota because of his suspect pass protection, but there is a world where the Bears nominate Jones as their Week 1 starter in August or September and trade Bradbury. While Bradbury isn’t elite, he should start on one of the NFL’s 32 teams.

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Garrett Bradbury walks to the practice field during Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Garrett Bradbury Bears
New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) heads toward the practice fields during training camp at Gillette Stadium, with Jul. 28, 2025 capturing the early preparation period in Foxborough. Bradbury walks with purpose as the Patriots begin installing schemes and evaluating personnel ahead of the upcoming season. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images.

The Vikings, meanwhile, tentatively have Blake Brandel lined up as the starting center for 2026, with a side dish of youngsters Michael Jurgens and rookie Gavin Gerhardt. Chicago and Minnesota rarely do trade business, but there’s a remote chance that interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could trade a 6th-Rounder or so to the Bears for Bradbury if the Vikings coaching staff determines Brandel, Jurgens, or Gerhardt aren’t best for the 2026 roster.

Bradbury will turn 31 in June.


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Beaton disappointed with Smart As Smart’s draw in 2026 Voodoo Ranger Handicap

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The Gold Coast-based Renita Beaton sees Wednesday’s Voodoo Ranger Handicap at Ipswich as a prime third-up spot for Smart As Smart, heightening her frustration with the wide gate drawn.

For the 1710m benchmark 70 affair, the Smart Missile gelding got barrier 12 in a field of 12 with one reserve.

She is prepared to proceed with the six-year-old Ipswich double winner only in the event of multiple scratchings.

“We’ve had to run him from terrible draws in the past and he’s just been one of the most unlucky horses and I just don’t want to do that to his owners again,” Beaton said.

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“Look, we might draw bad again next time and you have to go around, but if I can protect him for one more run I will.

“We’ll wait until tomorrow to see if there are any scratchings and if there is we may run him.”

Jace McMurray will handle the ride on Smart As Smart if he goes, claiming 2kg for a 59kg impost.

His return saw a Class 5 triumph at 1350m on Doomben on April 1, succeeded by a luckless second over 1640m in the same level two weeks later.

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Having sourced the horse from Ron Quinton a shade over two years prior, Beaton is optimistic about his third-up prospects, citing peak condition regardless of location.

“He’s in really good order, he’s always been such a consistent horse for me,” Beaton said.

“Every time I take him to the races he seems to show up and he’s very honest.

“He’s in very good order, he’s racing very well and consistently and there’s no reason why he won’t go and do that again.”

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Find racing odds for the Voodoo Ranger Handicap via leading betting sites.

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IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi back on top, overtakes Abhishek Sharma in Orange Cap race | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi back on top, overtakes Abhishek Sharma in Orange Cap race
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reclaimed the top spot in the Orange Cap race, becoming the first player to reach 400 runs in IPL 2026, underlining his sensational form this season.Rajasthan Royals secured a thrilling six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, powered by an unbeaten 77-run stand off 32 balls between Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey, who chased down the target in 19.2 overs and handed PBKS their first defeat. RR’s chase was set up by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (43 off 16) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 27), before Yuzvendra Chahal’s three wickets briefly swung momentum back to PBKS. However, Ferreira and Dubey finished strongly under pressure. Earlier, PBKS had posted 222/4, led by Marcus Stoinis’ 62 off 22* and Prabhsimran Singh’s 59, but their bowlers couldn’t defend the total in the death overs.

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Axar Patel shares big update on Mitchell Starc

With this performance, Sooryavanshi now leads the Orange Cap standings with 400 runs in nine matches at a staggering strike rate of 238.09, further cementing his status as one of the breakout stars of the season.Abhishek Sharma is now 2nd spot in Orange Cap holder in IPL 2026 after his match-winning fifty against Rajasthan Royals. In eight matches, he has amassed 380 runs at an average of 54.29 and an explosive strike rate of 212.29. KL Rahul sits at number 3 with 358 runs in eight games at an strike rate of 185.49. Kohli now sits at number four with 351 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 162.50. Heinrich Klaasen is placed fifth with 349 runs at an average of 49.86 and a strike rate of 149.79.Here are the top 10 leading run scorers of IPL 2026:

Rank Player Team Runs Matches (M) Innings (Inn) Strike Rate (SR) Average (Avg)
1 Vaibhav Sooryavanshi RR 400 9 9 238.09 44.44
2 Abhishek Sharma SRH 380 8 8 212.00 54.29
3 KL Rahul DC 358 8 8 185.00 51.14
4 Virat Kohli RCB 351 8 8 163.00 58.50
5 Heinrich Klaasen SRH 349 8 8 150.00 49.86
6 Prabhsimran Singh PBKS 346 8 7 179.00 57.67
7 Shubman Gill GT 330 7 7 149.00 47.14
8 Sai Sudharsan GT 322 8 8 163.00 40.25
9 Ishan Kishan SRH 312 8 8 199.00 39.00
10 Shreyas Iyer PBKS 309 8 7 175.00 61.80

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Report: Jerome Tang to return to Baylor coaching staff

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NCAA Basketball: Cincinnati at Kansas StateFeb 11, 2026; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang looks on during the first half against he Cincinnati Bearcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang is returning to Baylor as the associate head coach, ESPN reported on Tuesday.

Tang reportedly was working with the university to finalize a multi-year contract to rejoin longtime coach Scott Drew’s staff.

Tang, 59, spent nearly two decades on the Bears’ coaching staff, including when Baylor won the national championship in 2021. He was an assistant coach from 2003-17 and associate head coach from 2017-22.

Tang replaced Bruce Weber as head coach at Kansas State in 2022, forging a 71-57 record in three-plus years at the helm. Tang directed the Wildcats to a No. 3 seed and an Elite Eight appearance in his first season, but he followed that with three straight sub-.500 records in Big 12 play.

He was fired with cause by Kansas State on Feb. 16, four days after going on a postgame rant after the Wildcats suffered a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati in front of a home crowd listed at 7,274 at the 13,500-seat Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan., that included several students wearing paper bags over their heads.

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“This was embarrassing. These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year,” Tang said after the game in which the Wildcats never led. “Like, I am embarrassed for the university. I am embarrassed for our fans, our student section. You know, it is just ridiculous.”

In announcing the firing days later, Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said, “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. … Basically, his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from sources, both nationally and locally, is where it kind of felt like I needed to make the decision.”

Tang issued a statement at the time disagreeing with how the university characterized his firing.

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“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang said in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach. … I remain proud of what we built together and confident that I have always acted in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.”

Drew and Baylor experienced their own struggles last season, finishing 6-12 in the Big 12 and missing the NCAA Tournament despite having at least two players expected to be picked in June’s NBA Draft.

The longest-tenured coach in the conference, Drew expressed empathy for Tang after his firing when Baylor lost 90-74 to Kansas State on Feb. 17.

“Nineteen years together, he’s family,” Drew said. “We won championships together. It’s been emotional for me, our staff and our program, because everyone can relate. If you’ve got a brother or a friend and they go through hardship, you feel it.”

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–Field Level Media

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World Championship 2026: Neil Robertson establishes quarter-final lead over John Higgins

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Neil Robertson established a narrow 5-3 lead over John Higgins in a fiercely- contested opening to their World Championship quarter-final.

Higgins compiled breaks of 61 and 56 to take the first frame and the fourth to draw level at 2-2.

However, the emotional and physical toll of defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan 13-12 in an all-time Crucible classic on Monday appeared to weigh on the Scot at times.

The four-time champion made six unforced errors before reaching the mid-session interval and was far from his best in a scrappy affair.

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Australia’s Robertson, who won the world title in 2010, also failed to hit the heights despite enjoying runs of 77 and 70 and at one point he even had to have his chair repaired, adding to the protracted nature of their contest.

While he took the final two frames of the session, his pragmatic approach and an unfortunate run of the balls contributed to a drawn-out eighth frame that lasted almost 52 minutes and delayed the start of the evening sesssion.

Robertson and Higgins resume on Wednesday at 10:00 BST.

In contrast, Hossein Vafaei and Wu Yize are level at 4-4 after an entertaining start to their best-of-25 encounter.

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With both players seemingly focussed on attacking snooker, Iran’s Vafaei knocked in a break of 66 to lead 2-1 before Wu underlined his status as one of the game’s burgeoning talents with runs of 90, 56 and 56 to pull 4-2 ahead.

Vafaei, who had to win two qualifiers before advancing past Si Jiahui and world number one Judd Trump in a thriller, responded with a break of 71.

And he restored parity when Wu failed to knock in a presentable long black to the top left corner, clearing the table up to and including to pink.

They return for the second session of their best-of-25 encounter on Wednesday at 14:30 BST.

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Vikings Pull Down Trashy Draft Class Ranking

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Vikings fan watching game during 2014 season opener against Rams
A Minnesota Vikings fan watches the game unfold from the stands, reacting to the action as Minnesota controls the matchup during second-half play on Sep 7, 2014, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The season opener marked the start of Mike Zimmer’s head coaching tenure with a commanding victory. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports.

Were you impressed and excited by the Minnesota Vikings’ draft haul? If so, some portions of national media didn’t share the enthusiasm. The Athletic ranked all the NFL’s draft classes on Monday, and sadly, Minnesota checked in at No. 29 — also known as fourth worst.

Minnesota made a calculated bet on upside, and the final verdict needs real football.

When it comes to the draft, the Vikings just can’t seem to win.

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Banks Can Become the Saving Grade

It’s another lousy draft verdict for you-know-who.

Rob Brzezinski chats during a live interview at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Vikings draft class ranking
Minnesota Vikings Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski joins a discussion with KFAN’s Paul Allen and analyst Pete Bercich at the NFL Scouting Combine, with Feb 25, 2026 marking the Indianapolis setting as he outlines roster-building philosophy. The conversation highlights Minnesota’s offseason approach and front-office decision-making priorities. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

The Athletic: Vikings at No. 29 for Draft Haul

According to The Beast author Dane Brugler, only the Los Angeles Rams (No. 30), Denver Broncos (No. 31), and Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 32) produced worse draft classes than the Vikings.

But when Bruger explained the placement on his list, he had nothing bad to say about Minnesota: “Favorite pick: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati. This is true for most prospects, but Golday’s landing spot was going to be pivotal for his rookie-year success. Drop his rangy athleticism into a Brian Flores-led defense, and he’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact.”

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“Day 3 pick who could surprise: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin. Aside from Demmings always being a great quote, he leaves everything he has on the field. With his cover athleticism and mental toughness, Demmings was a worthy bet in the fifth round, and he landed with a team that needed cornerback depth.”

He just thought 28 teams drafted better players — evidently.

No Real Reasoning for the Poor Assessment

The strange part? In addition to Brugler provided no context for why he deemed the Vikings’ draft class a poor haul, the team didn’t have a reduced allotment of picks. For example, Minnesota left the 2025 NFL Draft with just five players due to the expensive Dallas Turner trade in 2024. Ranking near the bottom of draft-grade lists made sense.

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Kevin O’Connell talks to reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Vikings draft class ranking
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with reporters at the Indiana Convention Center during the NFL Scouting Combine, with Feb 25, 2025 capturing his media availability in Indianapolis. O’Connell addresses roster outlook, team direction, and offseason priorities as Minnesota evaluates talent ahead of the upcoming league year. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

This time, it does not. The Vikings brought home nine players and only notably missed out on a 4th-Rounder, which was offloaded during the Cam Robinson trade of 2024.

Therefore, Brugler apparently didn’t enjoy the Banks selection in Round 1 — or something like that.

Vikings Zagged when NFL World Thought They’d Zig

From late February to late April, the NFL masses thought for certain that Minnesota would draft Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Over 90% of mock drafts connected Thieneman to the Vikings, so much so that it felt like a foregone conclusion he would be the pick, although not a single soul within the Vikings organization or those close to it gave credence to the theory.

Then, when draft week arrived, momentum built for Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, but the New York Jets unexpectedly wiped him off the board before Minnesota could consider him at No. 18.

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Meanwhile, the NFL draft community had decided that Banks was a 2nd-Round pick after he broke a bone in his foot at the NFL Combine. He’s a big dude, and big dudes with broken bones in their feet are often non-starters for 1st-Round draft discussions.

Caleb Banks watches drills during Florida’s Pro Day at Sanders Practice Fields. Vikings draft class ranking
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) observes drills during Pro Day at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, with March 26, 2026 marking the showcase as NFL evaluators monitor his performance. Banks tracks the action closely while awaiting his turn, offering scouts a closer look at his movement and physical tools ahead of the draft. Mandatory Credit: Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The Vikings didn’t care. They drafted Banks at No. 18, rather than getting cute by trading down the board. Some intel later revealed that other teams picking immediately after Minnesota had their eyes on Banks, and that the media-driven draft big board misvalued Banks’s draft stock.

USA Today‘s Jacob Camenker and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz gave the Banks pick a ‘C’ grade and explained, “It’s easy to see the appeal of Banks, a 6-6, 327-pound interior force with unparalleled explosion off the ball. Yet Banks has been waylaid by multiple foot injuries in the last year, and staying healthy could be a considerable concern.”

“Banks also struggles to finish plays as a tackler once he gets in range of a ball carrier. There’s massive upside here for him to thrive in Brian Flores’ scheme, but this could also go awry if Banks can’t become a consistent performer.”

A Verdict in 3 Years or So

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The fun part about draft grades and draft rankings? They’re merely entertainment in the days after the draft. There’s just no way to grade a rookie haul right after the event, and in fact, one should usually wait until a few years down the road to gauge the trajectory of young players. For example, when Minnesota drafted Danielle Hunter in 2015, some of the powers that be of NFL draft coverage called the pick silly. Eleven years later, Hunter is a five-time Pro Bowler.

Draft grades for the 2026 draft class should be distributed during the 2029 offseason at the earliest.


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