“I simply don’t understand, what is the criteria of dropping him and keeping the others who failed?”

Shashank Kishore25-Jun-20232:22

Has Cheteshwar Pujara played his last Test?

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Cheteshwar Pujara has been made a “scapegoat” for India’s batting failures, most-recently at the World Test Championship final which they lost to Australia by 209 runs.Pujara is the only batter to be left out for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, from the core group that featured in that match. With the new WTC cycle beginning with the the two-Test tour of the Caribbean in July, the selection panel, led for now by SS Das, have picked uncapped Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the 17-member squad. This means India will potentially have a debutant at No. 3, unless Shubman Gill drops down one position.Related

• Pujara – back to the grind, back to grinding bowlers down

• What more can Sarfaraz Khan do to get selected for India?

• Suryakumar and Pujara in West Zone squad for Duleep Trophy

• Jaiswal a far cry from Dravid and Pujara, but can make No. 3 his own

• Shastri wants two left-handers in India's top six for the ODI World Cup

“Why has he been dropped? Why has he been made the scapegoat for our batting failures? He has been a loyal servant of Indian cricket,” Gavaskar told . “But because he does not have millions of followers on platforms who will make a noise in case he gets dropped, so you drop him. That is something beyond my understanding. What is the criteria of dropping him and keeping the others who failed? I do not know because nowadays, there is no media interaction with the selection committee chairman, where you could ask these questions.”Pujara managed scores of 14 and 27 at The Oval. Overall, in the 2021-23 WTC cycle, he was India’s second-highest scorer with 928 runs in 32 innings at an average of 32 with one century and six half-centuries. Virat Kohli is at the top but he was only marginally better – 932 runs in 30 innings was 32.13, with one century and three half-centuries.Gavaskar believes Pujara can still offer a couple of years to Indian cricket, but the road back to the team could be very tough, especially if India’s injured regulars Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer return. For now, Ajinkya Rahane, their top-scorer in the WTC final, has been named vice-captain to Rohit Sharma.Gavaskar – “Apart from Rahane, the batting completely failed. Why Pujara has been made the fall guy is something the selectors need to explain”•AFP/Getty Images

“He has been playing county cricket. So, he has played a lot of red-ball cricket, so he knows what it is about,” Gavaskar said when asked if Pujara can make a comeback. “Today, people can play till they are 39-40. There’s nothing wrong, they’re all very fit; as long as you are producing runs and taking wickets, I do not think age should be a factor. Clearly only one man has been singled out, while the others who have failed…to me, the batting failed. Apart from (Ajinkya) Rahane, the batting completely failed. Why Pujara has been made the fall guy is something the selectors need to explain.”Gavaskar also questioned the value of the Ranji Trophy especially in the wake of Sarfaraz Khan’s exclusion. The 25-year-old has stacked up mountains of runs over the past three seasons, His first-class average (79.65) is second only to Sir Don Bradman, among batters who’ve played at least 50 innings. However, Sarfaraz had a modest IPL in 2023 and wasn’t a regular starter for the Delhi Capitals, leading Gavaskar to wonder if the IPL had been a hindrance to his selection.”You do well in the IPL and you get to be picked even in Test cricket. That seems to be the situation,” Gavaskar said. “Even if you look at the selection of the team, you have four opening batters for two Test matches. It’s not the old fast West Indies attack where you needed six opening batters.”Sarfaraz Khan has been scoring at an average of 100 in all past three seasons. What does he have to do to be picked in the [Test] squad? He might not be in the XI, but you pick him in the team. Tell him that his performances are being recognised. Otherwise, stop playing Ranji Trophy. Say, it’s of no use, you just play IPL and think you are good enough for the red-ball game as well.”

The record-breaking feat of Pranav Dhanawade has left most of us in awe. Would you imagine scoring that much? We asked fans on social media to complete the sentence “I could score a 1009 if… “

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-2016If tweets were runs, you surely could.

. @ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I spent as much time playing cricket as I spend on twitter…. #1009tales

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) January 5, 2016

If only the authorities recognised it as an official form of cricket.

@ESPNcricinfo "I could score a 1009 if… I was playing book-cricket" #1009tales

— Soudeep Deb (@soudeepdeb) January 5, 2016

And others of its kind.

'I could score a 1009 if I'm playing Stick cricket with extra wickets' #1009Tales

— Rohit Mandholia (@RohitMandholia) January 5, 2016

Brutal modesty.

@ESPNcricinfo if I was bowling #1009tales

— Eddie O'Grady (@eddieog83) January 5, 2016

We won’t volunteer in the hunt for this bowler.

I could score a 1009 if I got 169 consecutive free hits. #1009tales @ESPNcricinfo

— Fakhruuu… (@BajwaKehtaHai) January 5, 2016

John Maynard Keynes would have approved. In the long run, we shall score the runs.

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I was allowed to compile it over a number of innings :p #1009tales

— Apoorv Jain (@apoorvjain_1988) January 5, 2016

@ESPNcricinfo #1009tales I can score 1009 runs if we're talking about total runs in a year.

— Hemanth Kumar (@hemanth_75) January 5, 2016

@espncricinfo "I could score a 1009 if I'm allowed to bat at least 200times in an innings after getting out." #1009tales

— FRANK (@FranklinnMJ) January 5, 2016

I could score a 1009 if you add up total runs in my career #1009tales https://t.co/o3EPlo4INg

— Hyderabadi Potta (@karrauday) January 5, 2016

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I bat as many innings as in Wilfred Rhodes' career. #1009tales

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kausthub_g) January 6, 2016

When faced with a uphill task, who better than moms and grand-moms to the rescue?

@ESPNcricinfo i could score a 1009 if my mom umpires in a match as she would never give me out. Haha! #1009tales

— Sharad Brahmbhatt (@sharad_mb) January 5, 2016

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I was Geoffrey's Grandmother. #1009tales

— Satyajeet Jadhav (@satya_j20) January 5, 2016

Or that favourite kid cousin of yours.

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I was playing in my backyard with my cousin who is 2 years old #1009tales

— Saad (@SaadRashid312) January 5, 2016

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if my 7 year cousin bowled to me in our backyard..of course without any fielder. #1009tales

— Faisal (@FaisalSeh) January 5, 2016

Would 1009 still be the record?

@ESPNcricinfo if my every breath counted as a run #1009tales

— Vassan (@vaSSanH) January 5, 2016

Wait, how does that add up? You still can’t score exactly 1009.

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if every time I hit the ball it counted as 100 runs! #1009tales

— Richard Greenhorn (@richard_d_g) January 5, 2016

Only if administrators had come up with an over-the-top reaction to Bodyline.

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if i'd been given no fielder on the On side and a part time bowler #1009tales

— Count de قاضی (@KaziWrites) January 5, 2016

A superhero. And such an obvious one too.

"I could score a 1009 if I was Batman" #1009tales

— अविनाश (@mufcabinas) January 5, 2016

Is there a better combination to get a huge score?

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I was Brian Lara on Brian Lara Cricket #1009tales

— Oliver Jones (@oliverjones1988) January 5, 2016

Among the evil plans of batsmen to take over the game.

@ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 If I was a batsman cum umpire. #1009tales

— Prajwal Kapatkar (@PrajwalKapatkar) January 5, 2016

A choice of flat deck and a selection of Indian bowlers. These guys would love it.

I could score a 1009 if i have Indian bowlers bowling at me #1009tales 😛

— Khushal (@Khushal) January 5, 2016

I could score a 1009 runs if I have to face Indian bowlers. #1009tales
– Tariq Asif

That’s a lot of work for us, like scoring 1009.

I could score 1009 if you get me a PlayStation 1 and a copy of Brian Lara cricket. Actually once made 1246 with Greg Blewett… #1009tales

— Rob Lancaster (@RobLancs79) January 5, 2016

Leave those kids alone.

I could score a 1009 if I was given 5th grade kids to play against. #1009tales

— husnain shahid (@husnainxshahid) January 5, 2016

Somewhere in the world, a complex supercomputer is tracking to crack this one.

I could score a 1009 if the boundary was before the crease #1009tales

— Pablo (@quantumkid_lara) January 5, 2016

May the Force be with you.

I could score a 1009 if Obi-wan Kenobi were my coach #1009tales
– Sachin Menon

Collusion or utter incompetence?

I could score a 1009 if Sander Helberg were bowling. #1009tales
– Jasper Helberg

Reality check.

. @ESPNcricinfo I could score a 1009 if I had the talent, power, cricket bat and a suitably shocking team to play against #1009tales

— Paul Lewis (@gingerliberal) January 5, 2016

P.S. A lot of those cricket lovers who are also avid video/computer gamers could not be accommodated. For others who want to get featured, tweet or post on Facebook using the #1009tales.

da aviator aposta： Chelsea will swoop for a marquee England star if they sense a dramatic late opportunity to prise him away from his current club, with the Premier League big-hitters expected to be busy in the final days of this January window.

Enzo Maresca sets his sights on two signings for Chelsea

da pinnacle： According to credible reporter Simon Phillips, manager Enzo Maresca has personally set his sights on both a new midfielder and a striker – making his transfer desires known in a recent meeting with Stamford Bridge officials behind-the-scenes.

Related Chelsea approve late January exit for "special" player after U-turn

The west Londoners are changing their plans.

Posts 3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 29, 2025

There was potential for the west Londoners to reignite a move for Jhon Duran, given Aston Villa’s pursuits of both defender Axel Disasi and forward João Félix (Simon Phillips), but the Colombia starlet is now set to join Al-Nassr in a head-turning January deal with his Saudi medical booked for today.

However, the striker position remains a key area of the squad they’re looking to reinforce.

“With Chelsea, all along, it’s been kind of the messages I’ve been receiving: if there’s a deal available for the right price, then we might think about doing it,” said The Athletic’s Simon Johnson to GiveMeSport.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

West Ham (home)

February 3rd

Brighton (away)

February 14th

Aston Villa (away)

February 22nd

Southampton (home)

February 25th

Leicester City (home)

March 9th

“And striker is a position that, not just this window, but for the summer, is one of the key positions they’re looking at.”

In terms of a new midfielder, Man United star Kobbie Mainoo remains a top target, even if a deal for the Red Devils sensation will be very difficult to pull off.

Mainoo has been in reliably reported talks over a new deal at Old Trafford, as he seeks an upgrade on his £20,000-per-week wages, but Chelsea apparently remain in the background – ready to tempt the 19-year-old with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will not hesitate to make a late move for Kobbie Mainoo

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Maresca’s side are set to be one of the busiest clubs over the last few days of this winter window.

They’re indeed eyeing up late midfield options, ideally one who can play both centrally and pivot as a number six. With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka still likely to leave, Chelsea “will not hesitate” to make a late move for Mainoo, should a golden chance present itself.

United certainly won’t make it easy, though, and are set to demand around £70 million for the player’s services. While a transfer looks increasingly more difficult, Ruben Amorim’s side apparently aren’t completely ruling out selling some of their big-name stars.

The “brave” midfielder is technically gifted, with only Amad Diallo averaging more successful take-ons per 90 in United’s squad this season (WhoScored), and he’d be quite the capture for Maresca.

Virgil van Dijk's huge new salary has been revealed after signing a two-year contract extension at Liverpool.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Salah signs new Liverpool deal
• Van Dijk also signs two-year extension
• Dutchman's huge salary revealed

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Van Dijk put pen to paper on a new two-year Liverpool deal until 2027 on Thursday, ending months of speculation about his future. Now, The Athletic states his salary is believed to be in the region of £400,000 per week, allowing him to maintain his status as Europe's best-paid defender.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Although Van Dijk turns 34 this summer, the Dutchman is still arguably one of the best centre-backs in the world. Liverpool looked set to lose him on a free transfer this summer, along with Mohamed Salah, but both have now committed their futures to the Reds in a huge boost for Arne Slot's side.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds that Van Dijk's deal has no break or release clauses and the Netherlands international will not be taking a pay cut. He received offers from other teams but the ex-Southampton man is staying at Anfield.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Van Dijk will lead Liverpool when they travel to relegation-threatened Leicester City on Sunday as they try to claim the Premier League title.

Leeds United are currently top of the Championship table and know that a win over Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday night will ensure that they remain there.

The Whites are aiming to secure promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking after they fell short in the play-offs after finishing third in the division in the 2023/24 campaign.

Daniel Farke’s side will want to avoid going through the lottery of the play-offs and they moved one step closer to automatic promotion with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in West Yorkshire last time out.

Goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, and Ao Tanaka secured all three points for the Whites in their clash with the Owls on Sunday.

Despite the club’s excellent position in the Championship, Leeds may still look to utilise the January transfer window to bolster their squad before it slams shut at the start of next month.

In fact, the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly in the market to add another attacking player to their squad before the window officially closes.

Leeds eyeing deal for new striker

According to The Lower Tiers, an account dedicated to EFL content, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign St. Gallen centre-forward Willem Geubbels this month.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that the French striker has impressed for the Swiss side this season and has attracted interest from several clubs in England, who are now eyeing up moves for his services.

It states that Leeds, Sheffield United, and Burnley – three of the teams vying to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League – are all considering bids to sign the 23-year-old dynamo to bolster their respective attacks.

The report does not reveal how much St. Gallen would demand for their star striker, however, so it remains to be seen how much money the Whites would need to splash out to land his signature.

Geubbels is valued at around £4m by Transfermarkt, which may provide a rough idea as to his worth, but the Swiss outfit could demand more if they do not want to sell their main man midway through the season during the January transfer window.

Leeds should not be deterred by this, though, because the St. Gallen number nine could come in to improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, as an upgrade on current Whites striker Mateo Joseph, in particular.

Mateo Joseph's form this season

The Spain U21 international was used sparingly by the German head coach in the 2023/24 campaign during his first season of semi-regular first-team football.

Joseph made all 20 of his Championship appearances as a substitute and contributed with one goal, whilst being behind the likes of Georgino Rutter, Patrick Bamford, and Joel Piroe in the pecking order at Elland Road.

Rutter’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer and Bamford’s regression to being a back-up option in the squad has provided the academy graduate with an opportunity to stake a claim for his place in the starting XI this season.

The 21-year-old whiz has started 11 of his 27 appearances in the Championship so far this term but has been the second-choice behind Piroe for the most part, due to his struggles in front of goal in the second tier.

Mateo Joseph

4.86

2

-2.86

Patrick Bamford

1.91

0

-1.91

Wilfried Gnonto

5.45

4

-1.45

Pascal Struijk

3.98

3

-0.98

Ethan Ampadu

0.83

0

-0.83

As you can see in the table above, no other player in the Leeds squad has underperformed against their Expected Goals tally by more than Joseph, who has only scored twice from 4.86 xG worth of chances.

This shows that the team have created plenty of high-quality opportunities for the Spanish striker to find the back of the net, only to be let down by his wasteful finishing more often than not.

With this in mind, Leeds could find an upgrade on the misfiring youngster by swooping to sign Geubbels from St. Gallen before the end of the January transfer window to come in and compete with Piroe for a starting berth in the side in the second half of the season.

Why Leeds should sign Willem Geubbels

The 23-year-old star’s form in the Swiss Super League so far in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to come in and improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch.

RangersJournal writer and content creator Kai Watson described Geubbels as a “powerful” and “quick” attacker who can use his pace on the last line to get in behind and cause defenders problems, which could make him an ideal alternative to Piroe, who lacks the athleticism to stretch defences.

The former Monaco and Lyon whiz has backed his physical attributes up with technical quality in the final third in recent seasons, with a return of eight goals and nine ‘big chances’ created in 26 starts in the Swiss Super League last term.

Geubbels has followed that up with an impressive first half of the current league campaign with St. Gallen, as he has once again proven himself to be adept at scoring and creating goals from a centre-forward position.

Appearances

27

13

Goals

2

6

Big chances missed

6

2

Conversion rate

6%

21%

Big chances created

4

4

As you can see in the table above, the French dynamo has provided far more quality in the final third at league level in comparison to Joseph, with more goals and fewer ‘big chances’ created in 14 fewer appearances.

These statistics suggest that Geubbels is a better finisher than the Spanish forward, given his vastly superior conversion rate, and that could mean that he has a better chance of making the most of the quality opportunities that Leeds have been creating this season.

Leeds have hit gold with "explosive" star who's worth more than Louie Barry

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa forward Louie Barry this month.

2 ByDan Emery Jan 21, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should push to beat Burnley and Sheffield United to the 23-year-old star’s signature before the end of the January transfer window.

The rivalry between the India and Pakistan women’s teams may not grab as much of the limelight as the men’s game but there’s just as much at stake for the two teams when they meet in Delhi

Vithushan Ehantharajah18-Mar-2016If the marquee clash of the men’s World T20 is taking place in Kolkata, then Delhi is where the up-and-comers face up on the undercard. On Saturday, cricket’s fiercest rivals will face-off for only the seventh time in a women’s Twenty20 international.The head-to-head results tell the story: India Women have won five of the previous six T20I matches against Pakistan Women. They are also undefeated in eight ODI encounters. India got off the mark in this tournament with a 72-run win over Bangladesh. Pakistan, hamstrung by the political knockabout above their heads, fell valiantly to West Indies, having prepared with just one net session.While another India win looks a formality, it’s worth noting that Pakistan’s sole victory came when the two teams met in the 2012 Women’s World T20. Even the Pakistan men’s team have not bested India in either a World Cup or a World T20.Much has changed since that one-run thriller in Galle. For starters, India exacted revenge in 2014 by six runs. Also, Saturday’s game will be the first India-Pakistan women’s match where players on both sides are in possession of central contracts.This year marked the start of the professional era in Indian women’s cricket. Given the financial clout of the BCCI, “better late than never” doesn’t quite fly. Still, 11 cricketers are being paid between Rs 10-15 lakh (approx. $15,000 and $22,500) – much better than nothing for a crop of players from humble backgrounds.The PCB was quicker on the draw, taking the plunge on central contracts in 2011, spurred on by a gold in the 2010 Asian Games and rewarded 19 players with deals. This year, 22 were given deals, split into four different categories.Pakistan’s results in that period have been sketchy at best. Their overall T20I record stands at 27 wins from 66 matches. But the development of players such as Anam Amin and Javeria Khan (sadly ruled out of the tournament after breaking her thumb in the opener against West Indies) are good signs of progression. All captain Sana Mir wants now is patience.”Women’s cricket is growing. We’ve made wonderful progress as a team, which is a great sign for cricketers and organisers. We have a great combination in our team where the roles of seniors are well-defined and for juniors as well. If we are patient, the hype will come in the following years.”For India captain Mithali Raj, her long-term focus is slightly different. The BCCI is a board whose ambitions fall short of those of its female players. They were notable absentees at this season’s Women’s Big Bash League, which showcased the best of the rest of the world. The players admired enviously from afar. They know they need to be flawless on the field if they are to be heard by their own board and the Indian public. Especially against Pakistan. Especially on television.”We cannot be complacent tomorrow,” says Raj, “because people have not really seen the women play. This is probably the first time they’ll see us live on television.”The way ahead is only when the next series is televised as well. If you don’t televise a series after the World T20, then people will lose interest. Because the more you have [the] interest of people, the more curious people will be to follow women’s cricket, and that’s how we can garner attention and market the sport.”Both captains expect a tense game. Mir doesn’t think it’ll be as feisty as the first time these sides met, though she wants her players hold their nerve in front of what she hopes will be a sizeable crowd. She declined to state if Pakistan will go with 17 overs of spin again. Raj wants her charges to pick up where they left off and focus on clearing the ropes as they did against Bangladesh. Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy will focus on bringing the fireworks.And both captains agree on another point: this is a game that Asian women’s cricket needs to be proud of. One that, in the near future, will be given the focus of a true marquee fixture. For now, the historic rivalry almost plays second fiddle.

Mandhana’s side are eliminated, while Harmanpreet’s team will want to make final tweaks before knockouts

Sruthi Ravindranath20-Mar-2023Big PictureA week ago, Royal Challengers Bangalore were languishing at the bottom of the table with zero wins. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, were riding high on top of the table with a perfect five. Mumbai had sealed their top-three spot while Royal Challengers’ chances were hanging by a thread. Earlier in the tournament, Mumbai had inflicted a heavy defeat on Royal Challengers the last time these teams had met.Royal Challengers have roared back in some style since then. After a win against UP Warriorz, they went on to thrash Gujarat Giants by eight wickets in a high-scorer. Mumbai, meanwhile, were handed their first defeat of the tournament by Warriorz.But following Warriorz’s win against Giants on Monday, Royal Challengers have been eliminated from the competition*. Mumbai will have to turn up in less than 24 hours for this encounter, so Royal Challengers will want to make use of this chance to finish the tournament on a high.Meanwhile, Mumbai, for their part, will want to hold on to the top spot which would give them a direct entry into the final. If Delhi Capitals beat them on Monday and go on to win their last league game against Warriorz, then there’s a chance Mumbai might not finish first.The teams’ respective captains – two Indian stalwarts – have had contrasting fortunes. Harmanpreet Kaur has 205 runs with three fifties while Smriti Mandhana has crossed 30 just twice. Can Mandhana outdo her opposite number this time around?Players to WatchHaving impressed enough with her bowling, Issy Wong showcased her batting skills in the match against Warriorz with a 19-ball 32 to resurrect Mumbai’s innings. She has bowled superbly in the three games Mumbai have played at the DY Patil Sports Academy so far, making the most of the early swing on offer and finishing with figures of 1 for 7, 3 for 10 and 1 for 24 respectively. Her economy of 5.78 in the tournament is the second-best among players who’ve bowled a minimum of 15 overs.Sophie Devine delivered a banging performance against Giants, smashing eight sixes and nine fours on her way to a 36-ball 99. In Royal Challengers’ last two games, she’s been effective with the new ball as well – removing Warriorz’s openers in the first over and sending Giants’ Sophia Dunkley back in the third over.Possible XIsMumbai Indians: 1 Hayley Matthews, 2 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5 Amelia Kerr, 6 Issy Wong, 7 Humaira Kazi, 8 Dhara Gujjar, 9 Amanjot Kaur, 10 Jintimani Kalita, 11 Saika IshaqueRoyal Challengers: 1 Sophie Devine, 2 Smriti Mandhana (capt.), 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Heather Knight, 5 Kanika Ahuja, 6 Richa Ghosh (wk), 7 Shreyanka Patil, 8 Disha Kasat, 9 Sobhana Asha, 10 Megan Schutt, 11 Preeti Bose.Stats and TriviaSaika Ishaque’s economy rate is 5.63, the best economy in the tournament so far (minimum 10 overs)Devine’s batting strike rate against spinners during her 99 off 36 balls was 336.36. She scored 74 runs off 22 balls against spin on the dayMumbai’s bowlers have taken the most wickets (16) in the powerplay while Royal Challengers bowlers have taken the least (8)Quotes”I’m so used to hearing chants for [Ellyse] Perry and [Smriti] Mandhana, and was feeling a bit left out. To hear your name and experience this atmosphere, it will stay with me for a very long time.”
Sophie Devine after her match-winning knock against Giants*1.30pm GMT – The story was updated after UP Warriorz’s match against Gujarat Giants to say Royal Challengers Bangalore have been eliminated from the tournament

Once on the verge of giving up legspin bowling for batting, 18-year-old Shadab Khan is now making headlines in the PSL with his all-round show

Umar Farooq22-Feb-2017Shadab Khan had an encounter with his idol Steven Smith in the lift of a five star hotel in Dubai during the Pakistan Super League. There was no talk, no request for a selfie, no autograph, nothing. Shadab was too shy to even look at Smith directly.”I didn’t know what to talk to him as I was lost in his coolness,” Shadab told ESPNcricinfo. “By the time I could realise, the lift ride was over and he walked away, and that’s it. But I want him to recognise me one day.”Shadab, an 18-year-old allrounder, is already a celebrated cricketer among Pakistani fans in the UAE thanks to the PSL. With only four first-class games behind him, he has already become a highly-rated player in domestic cricket. He was born in Mianwali but grew up in Rawalpindi playing for Sadiq Akbar Cricket Club and rose through the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh last year, being Pakistan’s joint highest wicket-taker with a tally of 11 at an average of 19. He had made it to the World Cup squad after taking four five-fors to become the best bowler of the inter-regional Under-19 one-day tournament with 34 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.38. He has an unorthodox legspin bowling action and possesses a deceptive googly. His action may look somewhat like an offspinner’s but his control and the coordination between the wrist and fingers makes him an impressive legspinner.Sometimes it takes just one impactful performance to stamp your utility. His match-winning and unbeaten 33 off 29 balls and a wicket, on List A debut, for Islamabad against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Pakistan Cup last year brought him in the limelight. After they were 153 for 6 while chasing 201 in 43 overs, his 25-run stand with Misbah-ul-Haq won him some praise from his captain. His all-round value was bolstered by his outstanding fielding abilities as he collected seven run-outs in the tournament.”I think that was the turning point for me when Misbah bhai recognised my talent and then I didn’t stop,” Shadab said. “After my World Cup campaign, I was selected for Pakistan’s A tours of England and Zimbabwe, and I did enough to make a mark. My career was actually nurtured in the shadow of Sabhi Azhar (Rawalpindi regional head coach) who actually taught me how to bowl otherwise I was more tempted towards batting.”I actually started as a bowler but I didn’t have enough confidence initially because at club level when you get punished you don’t get much bowling. So I got disheartened and chose batting for some time until I was scolded by Sabhi Azhar to pick up the ball again. He probably had a belief in me that I could do something and it helped me a lot. Later I went to NCA where Mushtaq Ahmed noticed me and then I had all the relevant eyes on me. As a cricketer you need support and all of them were gracious enough to stand behind me. They trusted me and I am trying hard to never let them down.”Shadab grew up watching Shane Warne as an inspiring figure and followed the progress of Smith later on. He then shared dressing rooms with other Australians – Brad Haddin and Shane Watson – enhancing the confidence level within him. He believed that the presence of Wasim Akram, Dean Jones and the backing of Misbah, pushed his career. “I had never thought of sharing the dressing room with big players like them and it makes me really nervous sometimes. But each one of them encourages me. I don’t talk much with them but I observe their work ethics and what they do in their routines to become great.”When i played my first match, Wasim bhai told me to relax. He knew that I might, at some stage, would be tested under pressure but he told me to breath easy and to keep calm. Whatever I have earned so far is because I worked very hard for it and it’s paying me back. I have 80% control on my bowling and I know I have a lot to learn and have to work very hard. My googly is natural and I don’t want to change that, I am working hard on my flipper as legspin bowling is a difficult art in cricket and I need to work hard to stay relevant.”Azhar, his mentor from the grassroots level, recalled Shadab’s upbringing by saying the allrounder could be a “complete package” to become the next big thing in Pakistan. “I have coached many players and I can tell you that he is not domestic material but an international material,” Azhar said. “He is the kind of bowler who can spin the ball sharply and that is rare if you compare the top legspinners in our circuit. He is a complete package with bowling, batting and fielding. I have overseen his career and planned it from Under-16 level onwards. For sometime he tried to turn into a batsman but I convinced him to pick up his legspin. There is huge competition in batting while among legspinners there are few contenders to compete with so he got my proposition and he started focusing on his bowling again.”

Chelsea have been hunting for a striker for what feels like years at this point, with Enzo Maresca yet to land a player who can lead the side forward at the top end of the pitch.

Various names were linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but no deals were completed, leaving the Italian to operate with the options already at his disposal after arriving.

However, the January window has presented another opportunity for the 44-year-old to strengthen his attack, looking to build on their start to the Premier League campaign which sees them sit in the top four.

With 16 games to go, added attacking reinforcements will undoubtedly be welcomed for the Blues, offering that added firepower which could prove vital in those close affairs.

As a result, numerous names have been mentioned, including one who’s also on the radar of another English side ahead of the deadline in just over ten days time.

Chelsea eye move for £65m talisman this month

According to journalist Matt Law, Chelsea are monitoring the progress of Benjamin Sesko this month ahead of a potential deal for the Slovenian.

However, the Blues aren’t the only side in the hunt, with Arsenal seemingly ahead in the race after holding talks with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.

Their interest in the 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker is understandable given his form in 2024/25, scoring 14 times in 26 appearances, including four in just seven Champions League appearances.

It’s also been touted that a deal for Sesko would set the club back £67m, which could prove to be an important investment in a player who will provide an immediate impact along with the potential to improve down the line.

He would also provide an excellent alternative to another target, whilst also being an upgrade on a player who currently plies his trade under Maresca at the Bridge.

Why Sesko would be an upgrade on Jackson for Chelsea

Liam Delap has also previously been touted as a potential signing for Chelsea in recent months after his breakthrough season with newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

The 21-year-old has scored eight times in the Premier League, impressing with increased game time, but it’s unclear if he will be able to sustain his form or whether it’s just a purple patch in front of goal.

As for current talisman Nicolas Jackson, he’s rarely been challenged for the starting position as of late, with Christopher Nkunku recently linked with his own move away from West London in the coming weeks.

The Senegalese joined the club in the summer of 2023 and has since scored 26 times in 66 appearances, including nine in the Premier League throughout 2024/25 – offering a fairly consistent source of goals.

However, he’s often been guilty of squandering numerous clear-cut opportunities within the final third, with the hierarchy needing to invest in a new striker if they are to reach the next level under Maresca.

So, while Sesko, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, he has managed to achieve a higher goal per 90 rate in 2024/25 and his conversion rate and shot accuracy are considerably higher.

Games played

17

21

Goals & assists

10

13

Goals per 90

0.6

0.5

Successful dribbles

1.4

0.9

Dribble success

47%

40%

Aerials won

2.7

0.7

Aerial success rate

55%

32%

Furthermore, he’s also managed to win more aerials per 90, achieving a higher success rate in the air, a real key asset that the Blues have desperately been craving at the top end of the pitch.

His 6 foot 5 frame could make him the perfect option for Maresca’s system, handing the Italian an alternative who’s able to win aerial battles and bring others into play should they ever need to go direct.

The £67m fee may seem pricey, but given his current talent and experience and potential to improve further, it’s a risk worth taking, finally ending their pursuit of a new number nine.

Sesko is undoubtedly a better talent than Jackson, as seen by the stats produced to date, but also a more high-profile option than Delap, allowing him to play a huge role in leading the Blues back to the top of the Premier League.

Better than Mainoo: Chelsea make enquiry for "one of the best in the world"

Enzo Maresca appears to be wanting reinforcements all over the pitch this month.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 23, 2025

Since Ruben Amorim arrived, he has implemented an entirely new system, playing a 3-4-2-1, using three central defenders, and using wing-backs instead of natural full-backs and wingers.

However, with the current composition of Manchester United’s squad, the Portuguese coach has had to get experimental with his selection, starting more defensive full-back options as wingbacks, or even tasking natural wingers to take the extra defensive responsibility such as Amad Diallo.

But with the transfer window now open, many would expect the Red Devils to acquire a better-suited wingback option for their left side, someone who can fulfil the role to its maximum potential.

Man United keen on signing PSG star

According to reports from Pete Hall for the i paper, Manchester United are interested in PSG star, Nuno Mendes, and the Portuguese defender is also keen on being reunited with Amorim at Manchester United. The reports also suggest talks over a new deal at PSG recently broke down, which could make a deal more feasible.

However, it is likely United will have to make sales in order to bring players through the door, with big names such as Marcus Rashford potential players who could leave in the upcoming transfer window.

The 22-year-old full-back has made 16 appearances for PSG so far this season, scoring two goals, providing two assists and totalling 1,257 minutes played, displaying the attacking output Amorim is after from his wide defenders.

Nuno Mendes vs Diogo Dalot comparison

In the absence of Luke Shaw, Amorim has had few left wing-back solutions, the most common of which has been Diogo Dalot starting on his unnatural side. Another option has been Tyrell Malacia, who returned from a long-term injury which had kept him out for 499 days (missing 70 matches).

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With the common injuries to Shaw and Malacia, picking up Mendes from PSG, who has been described as “one of, if not, the best LB in the world” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, would see Amorim finally able to fully rely on his left wingback for the output required in all phases of play.

Mendes vs Dalot comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Mendes	Dalot
Goals	0.05	0.03
Assists	0.20	0.07
Progressive Carries	3.41	1.69
Progressive Passes	7.83	3.76
Shots Total	1.09	0.75
Key Passes	0.78	0.89
Shot-Creating Actions	3.64	2.32
Tackles	2.09	2.28
Interceptions	0.90	1.27
Stats taken from FBref

When you compare Mendes with Dalot, you can see the extra attacking quality he could add to the side, whilst not losing the defensive qualities that the latter brings. The PSG star averages more shots per 90, more progressive actions by far (both carries and passes), and averages more shot-creating actions per 90.

Not only are the underlying attacking metrics better, but his output of 0.05 goals per 90 and 0.20 assists per 90 is also better, and this is whilst playing in a back four, with slightly less attacking responsibility than he would have in Amorim’s United system.

Adding a direct wing-back who can provide width, and knows the role Amorim wants from him already, would see the overall quality increase within the system, as many can clearly see currently, the new boss is struggling to get a tune out of certain players in new roles.

He's like Haaland: Man Utd could sign "monster" Rashford & Zirkzee upgrade

Manchester United desperately need reinforcements within the final third in January.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 1, 2025