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Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, will once again team up with Rahul Dravid as he joins the support staff at Rajasthan Royals in a similar capacity. Dravid was named the RR head coach earlier this month.Rathour’s association comes on the back of a five-year stint with the Indian team, where he worked alongside Ravi Shastri and later Dravid. In June, Rathour’s contract ended soon after India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.”Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals,” Dravid said in a statement.Related

• Sairaj Bahutule appointed Rajasthan Royals' spin-bowling coach for IPL 2025

• Herath, Rathour join NZ Test team for short-term roles

• Dravid to return to Rajasthan Royals as head coach

“Together, we’ve built a strong rapport, guiding India to key successes, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him. His ability to nurture young talent and elevate players’ potential will be invaluable as we aim to further strengthen our squad and continue building a world-class team here at Rajasthan Royals.”This will be Rathour’s second IPL stint, having earlier been part of the coaching set up at Punjab Kings. He has also been the director of cricket at Himachal Pradesh previously.Earlier this month, Rathour was part of New Zealand’s coaching set-up as batting consultant in Greater Noida, as part of their preparation for six Tests they were to play in Asia.”The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is hugely exciting,” Rathour said. “I look forward to contributing to the team’s vision and working toward our goal of developing top-class players for the Royals and for India which can help in winning championships.”Back in the day, Rathour was a prolific scorer for Punjab, scoring a majority of his 11,473 first-class runs for them. His international career was very brief; he played six Tests and seven ODIs between 1996 and 1997.

Aston Villa have now burst into the race for a “special” player who is expected to cost over £60m, according to a report.

Villa locked in transfer battles with Newcastle

With Villa and Newcastle both set to compete in Europe next season, it is no surprise the two clubs are shopping in similar talent pools, and they are battling it out for the signature of FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who is protected by a £85m release clause.

The Villans’ pursuit of a new striker comes amid doubts over Ollie Watkins’ future, with Sky Sports recently revealing that Manchester United are now exploring the conditions of a potential deal for the England international.

However, striker is not the only position in which Unai Emery is looking to strengthen, with the manager also setting his sights on a new winger, according to a report from talkSPORT.

The report states that Aston Villa have now burst into the race for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, with the Sweden international also being targeted by Newcastle, and widespread recent reports have suggested the Magpies are in advanced talks.

Villa are now set to compete for Elanga’s signature, however, having conducted checks on the Forest star, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side, with their Premier League rivals set to hold out for a fee in excess of £60m.

Forest have no desire to sell one of their key players, having already knocked back a £45m bid from Newcastle, which means Emery’s side will need to be willing to spend big to get a deal over the line.

"Special" Elanga could excel at Villa Park

The former Manchester United man has gone from strength-to-strength since leaving Old Trafford, playing a key role in Forest securing survival in the 2023-24 campaign, before going on to feature in every Premier League game last season.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2023-24

36

5

9

2024-25

38

6

11

As such, the 23-year-old clearly has the talent to excel at Villa Park, but there are doubts over whether NSWE would be able to justify an outlay of over £60m+ outlay, considering they are currently looking to sell the women’s team to avoid a PSR breach.

Related The next Tielemans: Aston Villa submit bid to sign "incredible" £34m star

Aston Villa fans would love to welcome in this new signing who could be Unai Emery’s next Youri Tielemans.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 1, 2025

Should Watkins complete a move to Man United, Villa should have money to spend, but the number one priority at that point would surely be to bring in a new striker, having also lost Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.

Consequently, even though Elanga has been lauded as “special” by Forest boss Nuno, there are doubts over whether the right-winger would be a necessary signing for the Villans, and a move to St. James’ Park may be more attractive, as Champions League football is on offer.

Brandon Mavuta and Wessly Madhevere return to the side after completing their suspensions for drug use

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2024

Antum Naqvi: from Belgium to Zimbabwe, via Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket

Batter Antum Naqvi has received his maiden call-up for Zimbabwe for the five-match T20I series against India in Harare. His inclusion, however, is subject to confirmation of his citizenship status.Zimbabwe recalled allrounders Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta for the series after they completed their suspension for drug use. Experienced fast bowler Tendai Chatara, who last played the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, also found a spot after being left out of the series against Ireland and Bangladesh.Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered for selection*, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie and Ainsley Ndlovu were dropped. The five players were part of Zimbabwe’s most recent T20I assignment – an away series in Bangladesh which they lost 4-1.Related

Justin Sammons appointed Zimbabwe head coach

With an eye on 2026 T20 World Cup, Raza wants youngsters to rebuild Zimbabwe's future

Antum Naqvi breaks Zimbabwe cricket records with unbeaten 300

Naqvi, 25, rose to prominence at the start of the year, when he became the first to score a triple-century for any Zimbabwe team in representative cricket. He scored an unbeaten 300 for Mid West Rhinos in the Logan Cup, and also captained them in just his second year in domestic cricket in Zimbabwe.A top-order batter, Naqvi boasts of a strike rate of 146.80 in seven T20 matches. Of Indian and Pakistani descent, he was born in Brussels, Belgium and moved to Australia when he was four, where he earned a commercial airline pilot’s license. He put his aviation career on hold, as per BBC Sport, to pursue cricket.Zimbabwe failed to make the cut for the just-concluded T20 World Cup 2024, and are aiming to re-build under new head coach Justin Sammons. The intention is reflected in the average age of the squad to face India – 27.Captain Sikandar Raza, 38, is the most experienced player in the squad with 86 T20Is, and allrounder Luke Jongwe is the second with 63 T20I appearances.Zimbabwe squad for T20I series against IndiaSikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba

Everton are stepping into a new era at Bramley-Moore Moore-dock, and David Moyes will be delighted with his team’s progress since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout.

Moyes saved a sinking ship, sealing a comfortable 13th-place Premier League finish despite the Toffees’ relegation fears when he joined in January.

Change is afoot. The Blues are ready to bring in a raft of additions as they step into a new home, but outgoings are also to be expected; Charly Alcaraz is in the process of becoming a permanent member of Moyes’ squad, but the rest of the loanees will depart next month.

The futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman are uncertain at this time, with the veterans, who combine to earn £235k per week, all just one month away from free agency.

Incomings are expected. While Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is the most exciting name on The Friedkin Group’s radar right now, he’s not the only one on the list, with an audacious deal for Liverpool prospect Ben Doak also being explored.

Everton looking at two Liverpool players this summer

The Times have revealed that while Everton have pitched their project to Delap, who is set to leave the relegated Tractor Boys this summer, internal talks have also been held regarding a move for Scotland international Doak, who Liverpool value at £30m.

This, it goes without saying, would be a tricky one to navigate. Liverpool and Everton are fierce local rivals, the last direct transfer between the two clubs dating back to January 2002, when Abel Xavier left Goodison Park to join Liverpool in a deal south of £1m.

Doak, heading the other direction, would mark a bigger move indeed, with former Scotland manager Craig Levein even saying, “this kid could be a world-class player.”

Doak has been out injured with a hamstring issue sustained in February but made his mark beforehand, notching ten goal involvements from 24 Championship fixtures. With Jack Harrison set for release, he could prove a huge upgrade.

Though it’s difficult to compare Championship metrics with those in the top division, peering at Doak’s campaign when lined against Harrison’s, you begin to understand the electric upgrade Moyes would score, with the Scottish teenager also sharpening a skill set that could produce prolific results at the highest level in the future.

Matches (starts)

34 (24)

24 (21)

Goals

1

3

Assists

1

7

Shots (on target)*

0.9 (0.2)

1.1 (0.6)

Pass completion

73%

84%

Key passes*

1.0

1.9

Dribbles*

0.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

2.1

2.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

1.3

Duels won*

2.6

3.8

And Doak isn’t even the only Reds talent on Moyes’ radar, with another Liverpool up-and-comer being considered.

According to Caught Offside, Everton are one of five clubs who are keen on signing Reds defender Jarell Quansah this summer.

They have now learned what they will need to pay if they are to sign the centre-back in the coming months, with Liverpool placing a £29m price tag on the central defender.

A host of Premier League clubs are interested in the 22-year-old, while Borussia Dortmund and, in particular, Bayer Leverkusen are also keen.

Why Quansah would be a "monster" for Moyes

The English talent is highly rated but has struggled for minutes under Arne Slot’s wing this season, and while a rogue shout, Everton could provide him with a star role without the need to relocate.

However, Quansah has certainly made his name known over the past few years, having now earned 58 senior appearances for the Reds, winning the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

Though the 6 foot 5 talent’s displays this term have left something to be desired, his potential is incontrovertible. In fact, if Quansah were to move to Everton, develop his defensive principles through Moyes’ coaching while working on his impressive technical ability, he may well find himself rivalling Jarrad Branthwaite for the crown as Everton’s star centre-back.

In 2023/24, Branthwaite took to life as a Premier League regular seamlessly, leading Manchester United to consider a £75m bid for Everton’s colossus and prompting talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail him as an “absolute monster.”

Well, Kulig also described Quansah as a “monster” of a centre-back for his emergence in Jurgen Klopp’s system that same term, with his metrics underscoring his value as a prototypical modern centre-half.

As per FBref, Quansah ranked among the top 3% of Premier League defenders in 2023/24 for goals, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for aerial duels won and the top 4% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his roundedness.

Branthwaite, conversely, has struggled to showcase the scope of his ball-playing skills, hemmed in as he is in a counter-attacking system. This is partly why he has reportedly considered leaving Everton in recent months, for he has been overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel once again.

Would Quansah entertain a controversial move to the blue half of Merseyside? Only time will tell. But Everton could do with such a player, bringing a complete skill set into the defensive fold, crucial as Michael Keane supposedly gears up to depart.

After more than two decades without any direct business between the two Merseyside giants, it seems unlikely that Liverpool would entertain the sales of two of their biggest prospects in the same transfer window.

But then, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer spending spree, and Everton could boldly take advantage, securing two talented stars who could shape Moyes’ project over the coming years.

He's been better than Branthwaite: Moyes hit gold on Everton’s "revelation"

Moyes wants to make a wealth of summer signings at Everton, but he’s already found a gem or two.

ByAngus Sinclair May 24, 2025

Everton have improved since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm, but recent results have underscored the need for new attacking quality.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, while Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja’s loan deals all conclude in two months.

However, while The Friedkin Group are going to sign forwards of various shapes and sizes, Moyes is also keen to strengthen his midfield, already focusing on a specific profile.

The target in question has plied under the Scotsman’s leadership for several years, and could prove an astute piece of business.

Everton transfer news

Despite the transfer window not yet open for business, the Toffees have already started putting plans into motion with the likes of Monaco’s striking sensation, Mika Biereth, linked with a move to Goodison Park.

Also on their radar is Liverpool’s Ben Doak, yet on this occasion, it looks as though Moyes is targeting experience.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, as per Football Insider, Moyes is targeting a reunion with West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, having fielded the 30-year-old 207 times during his time at the Irons helm, more than any other player.

Though newly-promoted Leeds United are also chasing a deal for Soucek, who is valued at £10m, it’s understood that Everton have the lead in the race given the Czech international’s relationship with Moyes.

Why Tomas Soucek would be perfect for Everton

Soucek has been at West Ham for half a decade, signing on an initial loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020 before completing a £19m deal that summer.

The 6 foot 3 ace would bring physicality to the Everton midfield and might prove to be the perfect replacement for Amadou Onana, who was sold to Aston Villa for £50m last summer.

Described as a “midfield powerhouse” by journalist Antonio Mango, Onana’s presence has been missed on Merseyside, but Soucek could bring his own take on the role next year, working hard in the duel while making darting runs into the danger area to complement the frontline.

Matches (starts)

31 (26)

22 (17)

Goals

8

3

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.6

40.2

Pass completion

75%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Dribble success

55%

79%

Ball recoveries*

1.7

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

3.2

Duels (won)*

5.2 (54%)

4.8 (60%)

As you can see, Onana might be more rounded than Soucek, but the latter man has a killer instinct in the final third, which scant few Toffees players have showcased with regularity this year.

West Ham have only created 50 big chances in the Premier League this season, with just the relegated trio making fewer. This actually shines a positive light on Soucek, whose skill at finding space and striking true has seen him score eight times.

It’s no surprise he’s been called a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark, adding intensity and initiative to his fold.

In fact, the £90k-per-week talent ranks among the top 2% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, further illustrating his combativeness and indeed goalscoring strength.

Everton fans have tasted first-hand the midfielder’s goalscoring ability and must now forge ahead to make a shrewd signing which might just pay dividends, adding an Onana-esque presence at Bramley Moore.

Soucek may not be the fluid ball player that Graham Potter wants at the heart of his West Ham system, but Moyes enforces a different type of brand, one which the veteran midfielder would dovetail right into if Everton make their move in the coming months.

He was worse than Harrison: 5/10 Everton dud proved that TFG need to spend

Everton have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025

Manchester United are in the market for some statement arrivals this summer and could take a step closer to landing one of their primary targets, per reports.

Man Utd look to tool up for next season

The Red Devils’ prospects this season hang in the balance as the curtain starts to come down on a disappointing Premier League campaign. However, they could still make a forgettable year a memorable one by winning the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim has endured a baptism of fire since entering the dugout at Old Trafford and will need time to piece together a squad worthy of challenging for domestic honours.

Improving a forward line that has failed to yield enough goals is a priority. Manchester United have made contact over a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to try and solve that problem.

Villarreal’s Alex Baena has a £50 million release clause that the Red Devils could look to take advantage of during the summer window, though he is more likely to take up a berth behind the main striker at Old Trafford.

One thing is clear: United need reinforcements, and a sea change is expected in the off-season to prevent another below-par Premier League campaign in 2025/26.

Related Man Utd and Amorim want to sign 30 y/o compared to Matic in £34m transfer

Man United and Ruben Amorim have their eye on a player who will improve their midfield.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Apr 27, 2025

INEOS will hope that winning the Europa League can strengthen returns to reinvest in prospective targets. That remains to be determined, but plenty of work is already ongoing in the infancy of their latest recruitment drive.

Stepping up their pursuit of fresh blood, Manchester United have now put forward a significant proposal to a talented striker who is on their radar.

Man Utd offer five-year contract to Matheus Cunha

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have now submitted a five-year contract to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha as they look to get a deal over the line for the Brazil international.

Despite some ends needing to be ironed out regarding his salary structure, a new meeting has been scheduled between his entourage and the Red Devils to smooth over the fine details.

Matheus Cunha’s impressive Premier League campaign for Wolves

Appearances

29

Goals

15

Assists

6

Shots on target

40

Chances created

52

Successful dribbles

57

Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause could be paid by Manchester United, though they would prefer the fee to be spread across three or four years to avoid conflict with PSR regulations. There is a feeling of confidence from all sides that a deal can be agreed, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to be made available should a deal come to fruition.

Labelled “absolutely sensational” by Micah Richards, Cunha is exactly the type of inventive presence Manchester United need in the final third to unlock defences under Amorim next season.

Now, it remains to be seen whether a transfer can be pushed over the line or whether any complications present themselves in negotiations.

Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez is very keen for Diego Simeone to bring in one Chelsea star this summer, and has privately urged his club to do so, according to reports this week.

Enzo Maresca attracting criticism at Chelsea

Having led the club to just five wins from their last 16 Premier League games, it’s been a tough time for manager Enzo Maresca as of late, and this run of form has attracted criticism.

Chelsea now prepared to make "hefty" £68m offer for Malo Gusto alternative

The Frenchman has attracted criticism.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

While Maresca is believed to retain the backing of Chelsea’s board for now (The Mail), sections of supporters are starting to question the Italian’s leadership, with boos ringing around Stamford Bridge after their 2-1 defeat to Polish minnows Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea are in the Conference League semi-finals regardless, and remain firmly in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but the manner of their recent performances are drawing some concern.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after their loss to Legia on Thursday, Maresca suggested he is fully aware of the dissatisfaction right now.

“No, for sure in terms of setback, for sure it’s a setback tonight for us, no doubt, first of all because we lost the game,” said Maresca.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

“But I said yesterday, I think probably the other clubs, as you said, in this moment they can feel more confidence around them, not only Aston Villa, Newcastle, all the clubs around us, but this is football and can change very quickly, so it depends a lot on us. As I said, Sunday for us is one of the finals, and winning that game can give us a final boost to reach our target.

“So in this moment, you win games, you see yourself and you are very happy. If you don’t win, no-one is thinking that you can finish in the right way, but for me it’s just how we manage the emotion.”

Despite an electric start to the campaign, when many viewed Chelsea as potential title contenders, Maresca’s side remain very much a work in progress.

They’ll need their star players to step up and take a leading role during this transition phase, but one of them already is.

Julian Alvarez urges Atlético Madrid to sign Enzo Fernández from Chelsea

Club-record signing Enzo Fernandez is well and truly justifying his price tag right now, becoming an indisputable member of Maresca’s team with some outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.

Maresca has entrusted the captain’s armband to him this term, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel praising Fernandez and stating he’s “becoming” a true leader at Cobham.

Some members of the media have even called the Argentine’s contribution “underrated”, but his quality isn’t lost on international teammate Alvarez, who is desperate for Atlético to strike a deal for the midfielder this summer.

That is according to reports out of Spain, which state that Alvarez has privately urged Atlético to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, amid claims the west Londoners will demand a minimum of £69 million to let him go.

However, it is believed that even this figure is beyond Atletico’s capabilities right now, so a transfer is unlikely, even if Maresca’s side entertained the notion of parting company.

After a tough start to life in west London, the player has now fully found his feet, with Fernandez even attracting praise from Lionel Messi during his time at Chelsea.

It’s a format where you need a slice of luck to be able to showcase your skill, which Abhishek did, and how!

Karthik Krishnaswamy13-Apr-20251:54

Jaffer: Abhishek has given SRH a new lease of life

“He was a bit lucky as well, even though he played an exceptional knock which was out of this world, to be honest.”This was Shreyas Iyer, interviewed immediately after his team, Punjab Kings (PBKS), had suffered an extraordinary defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who had chased down 246 with nine balls to spare courtesy a 55-ball 141 from Abhishek Sharma.If you hadn’t watched the match, Iyer’s words may have come across as a little churlish, a losing captain’s immediate reaction to losing a match from a position of immense strength.As a description of this innings, though, it was spot-on. Abhishek played an exceptional, out-of-this-world knock. He was also lucky. More than a bit.Related

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• Abhishek Sharma's whirlwind 141 leads SRH to second-highest IPL chase

We’ll come to the luck, but first, a recap of Abhishek’s form coming into this game. His last four innings had brought him scores of 6, 1, 2 and 18. Abhishek’s top-order colleagues had also experienced lean runs over these four games, and SRH had lost all of them. At the start of IPL 2025, much of the talk surrounding SRH revolved around whether they could break the 300 barrier. Five games into the season, they had just one win and had lost more powerplay wickets (12) than anyone else. The approach of their top order, which had driven them to so many stratospheric totals, was now coming into question.Even SRH’s head coach seemed to be feeling the heat. He wasn’t yet asking his batters to tone down their aggression, but he was asking them to “respect conditions”, and “respect how well other teams are bowling”.As things turned out, those options weren’t exactly open to SRH when they began their innings on Saturday. They had just been asked to pull off the second-biggest chase in IPL history.This was the kind of chase that called for frantic boundary-hitting. It also called for a bit of luck.And luck smiled on SRH from the start. Both their openers got off the mark with boundaries that went in unintended directions, Abhishek’s via a slice to the deep-third boundary. And Abhishek hit his next ball in the air, over the fielder at short cover, where the leaping Marcus Stoinis only managed to get his fingertips to the ball.How good do you have to be for an opposition quick to give you a warm hug?•Getty ImagesLuck. It has four letters, but cricket discourse tends to treat it like a four-letter word, something to be spoken of in whispers, if spoken of at all. It has a significant influence on the fortunes (a revealing word in itself) of players and teams, but to talk about luck is to risk being accused of downplaying skill and effort.Let’s talk about luck, then, but let’s talk about both kinds of luck. Go back to Abhishek’s four previous innings before this one: 6, 1, 2, 18. A lot of things went into those scores: the bowlers and conditions he faced, the oppositions’ plans and how they were executed, and so forth, and also luck. Over those four innings, he only played seven false shots, and they brought about three dismissals. That’s outrageously bad luck by itself, before you factor in how his other dismissal came about: a mix-up when he was at the non-striker’s end.Abhishek was due a bit of luck when he began his innings against PBKS. And so were his top-order colleagues. Travis Head had been dismissed four times off 15 false shots, and the desperately unlucky Ishan Kishan four times off eight false shots.It’s unusual for every member of a top three to endure this sort of wretched luck at the same time. Perhaps SRH’s issues coming into this game didn’t stem from their approach, or not respecting conditions and their opponents’ plans. Perhaps they had just been plain unlucky.SRH were due a bit of luck, then, and they found it on Saturday. Abhishek was the biggest recipient, surviving seven false shots within the powerplay alone, including that chance to Stoinis and a catch at the backward-point boundary in the fourth over when Yash Thakur overstepped. The luck extended beyond the powerplay too, with mishits falling into no-man’s land multiple times, and a high, swirling chance that Yuzvendra Chahal couldn’t quite hold on to after aborting his follow-through and running towards the mid-on region.2:44

When everything comes together as it did on this surreal Saturday, Abhishek Sharma can make things look absurdly easy

Luck. It isn’t the opposite of skill, but as a batter, you sometimes need one to be able to showcase the other.Showcase was just what Abhishek did. Take the two balls either side of the Thakur no-ball, both hit for effortless sixes over the on side. Both balls were angled across Abhishek, one pitching on a good length and finishing around the top of off stump, and the other full enough to deny most batters elevation. He made light of the difficulty of working against the angle and slightly inconvenient lengths, putting both balls away with mere flicks of his wrist.Both these shots came within the first ten balls Abhishek faced. He’s made a habit of playing these types of shots early in his innings, and it perhaps takes a run of bad luck to truly appreciate how difficult it is to get off to starts like he does.His opening partner Head is blessed with this rare ability too, but even he wasn’t his usual self on Saturday; he went as far as leaving alone two of the first three balls he faced. It’s possible that the low scores and defeats leading up to this game had some effect on how he started.”Giving ourselves a chance,” Head said, when asked what he had discussed with Abhishek before SRH began their chase. “I was probably a little bit more patient in the first couple of overs in this game. They’ve got a quality couple of new-ball bowlers, I knew the sort of plans they were going to come [with]. Yeah, probably a little bit more quiet, and Abhi got off to a flier. So just trying to support him as much as I can.”You’ve got to be some player to make Travis Head, of all people, take on a supporting role.

“They had a pretty good plan for us, outside off [stump], but I just wanted to invent a few shots, which I think was very easy on this pitch because of the bounce and the size of one side”Abhishek Sharma

You’ve got to be some player to take a good-length ball from wide outside off stump and helicopter it 106m over midwicket. You’ve got to be some player to do this against a bowler as tall and bouncy as Marco Jansen. Abhishek played this shot because PBKS were trying to force him to hit to the longer square boundary on the off side, and he wasn’t going to let their plans constrain him.There were even two occasions – off Jansen and then Thakur – when he walked right across his stumps, exposed all three, and clipped yorker-length balls to the fine-leg boundary.”If you’ve seen me close enough, I never play anything behind the wicket, but still I was trying a few shots,” Abhishek said during his Player-of-the-Match interview. “They had a pretty good plan for us, outside off [stump], but I just wanted to invent a few shots, which I think was very easy on this pitch because of the bounce and the size of one side.”Yes, this was a beautiful pitch to bat on, and yes, Abhishek was hitting these shots to the smaller boundary. But no, they weren’t “very easy”. Not for most others.For Abhishek on this unreal day, though, anything seemed possible. SRH, chasing 246, became favourites nine overs into their innings, according to ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster. Six balls later, their win probability had climbed to 79.38%.Abhishek Sharma finished on 141 off 55 balls, the highest individual score for an Indian at the IPL•Getty ImagesBy this stage, Abhishek had already reached 87. Three overs later, he went from 98 to 100 with an utterly uncharacteristic pair of clipped singles to long-on. Despite that hint of slowing down as he neared the landmark, he had brought it up in just 40 balls.To get to a century at that rate demands sustained risk-taking, and pulling it off demands an extraordinary amount of skill – and, sometimes, a little bit of luck. This was Abhishek’s third T20 hundred in 40 or fewer balls; no one else has done it as many times, and only three other batters have even done it twice.For a batter to score big and quick and do it on multiple occasions requires an ability to hit boundaries from the get-go and sustain that momentum through an innings, against pace and spin, within the powerplay and outside it. Abhishek can do all of that. And he has the self-belief to keep backing his methods even when he’s gone through streaks of low scores and rotten luck.When everything comes together as it did on this surreal Saturday, Abhishek can make things look absurdly easy. Don’t ever let that fool you.

The Punjab batter had not played a single T20 game before this season, but has quickly become a mainstay for his IPL franchise

Daya Sagar10-May-20233:28

Moody: Wadhera ensuring the chase wasn’t entirely on Suryakumar was critical

Nehal Wadhera had not played a single T20 game before IPL 2023. A largely unknown entity coming into the tournament, Mumbai Indians made sure to back him, giving him a consistent run in the side, and he repaid the franchise’s faith with a 21-ball 40 against Gujarat Titans, followed by a 51-ball 64 against Chennai Super Kings.On Tuesday, with Mumbai chasing 200, Wadhera went a step further, scoring an unbeaten 34-ball 52 as he forged a 140-run stand off 66 balls with Suryakumar Yadav to take his side home. Coming in at the end of the fifth over, with Mumbai having lost both openers in the space of three balls, at no point did Wadhera seem out of his depth. Even with Suryakumar going berserk at one end, the 22-year-old kept his cool to stay till the end. But, who is Wadhera and how did he end up with Mumbai despite not having any prior T20 experience?Wadhera was called up for trials last year by Rajasthan Royals, but he could not make the cut. He went back to his home state of Punjab, where he took part in an U-23 tournament. Playing for Ludhiana, in one of the innings, he smashed 578 off just 414 balls, which included 42 fours and 37 sixes. The innings elevated him into the limelight and he was spotted by the Mumbai scouts who called him for trials.Related

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“When Nehal came to me, he was a very small and chubby kid,” says his childhood coach Charanjit Bhangu. “He was a very quick learner and used to apply whatever I used to say to his game. Whenever a player does that, he immediately draws attention. After finishing practice, he used to come to my room and ask me for inputs on how to improve his game. He used to carry his bat everywhere so that he could shadow practice.”Wadhera slowly moved up the ranks in Punjab age-group cricket. In 2018, he was selected in the India U-19 team and was also named captain of an India A U-19 side that played a Quadrangular series in 2019 which had India B, South Africa and Afghanistan taking part. He then found a place in the squad for the U-19 Asia Cup in September 2019 but was overlooked for the U-19 World Cup that took place in early 2020. That came as a blow to Wadhera.Nehal Wadhera scored back-to-back fifties, the second coming in a winning cause for Mumbai•BCCI”It was a very challenging time for Nehal, but he never doubted himself,” Wadhera’s father Kamal Wadhera says. “He is a very positive boy. Whenever there are any problems, he always tries to search for ways to get out of them and not overthink about it.”To be honest, we are a middle-class family and we don’t have any stories of struggles. Whatever he (Nehal) asked for, we provided him with that. But the good thing is that he never misused his time or money.”During Covid-19, he worked on his fitness, both mental and physical. He started to read a lot as well. He now has even more self-belief than before.”Despite putting in consistent performances in age-group cricket, Wadhera had to bide his time before the senior call-up came, and he made sure to capitalise as soon as he got one. He scored a century on his first-class debut against Gujarat in January this year, and soon after compiled a match-winning 214 against defending Ranji Trophy champions Madhya Pradesh to further his credentials.Wadhera is yet to play a T20 game outside of the IPL, but the way his 2023 is going, he could soon become an all-format middle-order asset for Punjab.

The left-arm seamer talks about his surprise inclusion on the Australia tour, his first IPL season, and perfecting his favourite weapon

Deivarayan Muthu07-Apr-2021 Before you had your breakout IPL last year, you warmed the bench for two successive seasons. How challenging was that phase?

I knew that I won’t get to play during my first season at SRH because there were many star bowlers like Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar], Siddarth Kaul and Khaleel Ahmed. I just looked to learn from Bhuvi, who is very calm, and I worked on my inswinger with [Muttiah] Muralitharan sir for two years in 2018 and 2019. I used to discuss about scenarios that you face in a match situation and try to learn from those.In my second year at SRH, I thought I may get a chance, but okay, I didn’t get it. Bhuvi kept telling me that my chance will come and advised me to stay calm and keep working on my game. The disappointment of not getting a game will be there for anyone, but I wanted to be prepared when the chance would come. If I was not ready and missed [making the most of] the chance when it came, then I wouldn’t have got another chance.Related

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What was your mindset like when you finally got the opportunity? Nervous?

I just wanted to focus on my fitness and be ready to give my 100% when the chance came last year. I might have felt the pressure if I had made my SRH debut in India – I’m not too sure. With no crowds in Dubai, I just focused on doing the best for SRH in that particular scenario.When playing your first match, you always feel nervous, right? It will definitely be there, but I shifted my focus to doing the job for my team.How did you deal with bowling yorkers to Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya in a small ground like Sharjah, where there is no margin for error?

I knew I would get hit if I erred with my length. Even if I miss it by inches, these batsmen are power-hitters who can hit it for a six. In a small ground like that, any batsman will be confident of hitting a six. Sometimes even if they mishit, the ball will go for six. I was just clear that I couldn’t miss my length.If I tried something else and did not stick to my strength and gave runs [with the variation] too, it would affect my confidence. I believed 100% that I could execute the yorker. I have always believed in my strength and even if I make an error, I back myself to come back with the yorker.Even in the last ODI against England, Sam Curran hit me for a straight six first ball [in the 44th over], but the next five balls were perfect yorkers. What was it like bowling to MS Dhoni in the IPL and dismissing him?

I pitched one in the slot and he hit me for a big six – 102 metres or something. The next ball I got his wicket [and didn’t celebrate] – I was just thinking about that previous ball. After coming back to the dressing room, though, I was happy. After finishing the match, I also had a chat with him. Speaking to somebody like Dhoni itself is a big thing. He spoke to me about fitness and encouraged me, saying that I will keep getting better with experience. He said, use slow bouncers, cutters, and variations like that. It has been useful for me.ESPNcricinfo Ltd The yorker you bowled to AB de Villiers was one of the balls of IPL 2020. Was it doubly special because it came on the day you became a new dad?

Definitely. On one side there was my girl and on the other side, I got that wicket in an important knockout game. [I was extremely happy], but I didn’t really tell the others [about the baby]. I thought I will tell everyone else after we win the game, but my captain [David] Warner spoke about it, I think, at the post-match [presentation].I bowled the yorker to de Villiers cross-seam. I bowled cross-seam yorkers against England too. When I try a yorker on the seam, there are some chances of missing my angle, so sometimes it comes out as a low full-toss. For me to bowl with the cross-seam grip is more comfortable.Around that point, you were growing a beard and preparing for the rituals at home following the birth of your daughter, right?

Haha, yes. I never thought I would be picked for the Australia tour. I was just ready to go back home after the IPL.After being upgraded from the reserves into the main squad, you put on the India jersey and celebrated it on a video call with your godfather, Jayaprakash, and your friends from your home town, Chinnappampatti [about 375km south-west of Chennai]. Tell us more about that.
I can’t describe it! [Happiness is just one word] and I don’t know how else to describe it. My people and my friends all motivated me so much to reach this place. Coming from a small village to being selected to play for India… they were also very happy. A lot of people now know about my village.More than anything else, I like the India logo on the jersey a lot. I also like the Tamil Nadu logo on the jersey, but after putting on the India jersey, it was a different feeling. I felt like my dream was fulfilled at that moment. I think I would have had bigger celebrations if I was with my people in Chinnappampatti, but I was alone and in quarantine at that time ().

That special feel of wearing this special jersey #TeamIndia #TrustInDreams pic.twitter.com/XWD3JAjHHy

— Natarajan (@Natarajan_91) November 25, 2020