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Using his time away from competitive cricket to fine-tune his skills and bowling action, the left-arm quick aims to bounce back in 2022

Deivarayan Muthu07-Feb-2022India left-arm seamer T Natarajan, who missed a substantial chunk of playing time in 2021 because of injury and Covid, aims to bounce back in 2022 as the “Natarajan of the old”. Part of that process, Natarajan told ESPNcricinfo recently, involves him working on swinging the white ball more in his opening spells in T20 cricket.As far as return to competitive cricket is concerned, Natarajan is likely to feature in the second round of the Ranji Trophy where he will turn up for Tamil Nadu later this month. However, before that, Natarajan’s first test will come during the 2022 IPL auction, which will take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. Natarajan is part of set no. 5 comprising specialist fast bowlers.That Natarajan remains confident he will get a good deal can be gauged from his base price, which the 30-year-old has listed at INR 1 crore. In 2018, at the last IPL mega auction, Natarajan was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 40 lakhs when he was working his way back from an elbow injury. That was a year after Kings XI Punjab, prompted by their then mentor Virender Sehwag, had shelled out INR 3 crore to snap up the then uncapped Natarajan. Since then Natarajan has taken big strides, including playing for India in all three formats on India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21.Related

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Natarajan is not fussed about his IPL price as long as he gets back to the field. “I’m not thinking too much about it [the auction],” Natarajan said. “IPL, another T20 World Cup – there are talks about 2022 being a big year – but I just want to focus on my strengths and keep working hard. If I do that, the rest of the things will fall in place. I’m coming back after a long break, so [nervousness will be there]. I’ll be lying if I say I’m not nervous.”I’ve done well in the IPL and for India before, so people will expect strong performances from me. Once I play one or two matches, I will hit my rhythm and will be more clear with my plans. I’m feeling refreshed now and just want to keep doing whatever has worked for me in the past – focusing on my yorkers and cutters. I want to come back as the old Natarajan.”Since his fairy-tale tour of Australia, Natarajan has spent more time on the sidelines than on the field. His knee injury flared up during the first leg of the IPL 2021, cutting his stint short, and then when he was ready to return to action for the UAE leg, he tested positive for Covid-19.More recently, Natarajan was part of the Tamil Nadu side that successfully defended the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title, but his body struggled to cope with the match-intensity following those bouts of knee issues and Covid-19. As a result, he missed the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy in December.Natarajan underwent rehab for around five months at the NCA in Bengaluru and later trained in Chennai and his hometown Chinnappampatti, near Salem, where he is currently setting up a new cricket ground. He recalls that the rehab was monotonous but he learnt to embrace it.”It was boring to start with,” Natarajan said. “You will have to keep doing the same things again and again, but you need to do it properly to become fit again. I was in Bangalore for around five months at the NCA. During the weekends, I used to go back home to Salem and spend time with the family.”Apart from talking to my mentor Jayaprakash (brother), I used to call up Washy (Washington Sundar), Rajinikanth (trainer) and Shyam Sundar (Sunrisers Hyderabad physio) during the recovery phase. I had the confidence and motivation from my Jayaprakash. He always frees up my mind. Motivational words have always inspired me from childhood. The major learning was that cricket – and life – has both ups and downs and you’ll have to learn to accept it.”‘Looking to swing the white ball more’
Natarajan used his time away from competitive cricket to fine-tune his skills and bowling action, with help from Sreenath Aravind, the former Karnataka seamer who is now part of the state team’s coaching staff.T Natarajan made his debut in all three formats during India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21•Getty Images”I’m looking to swing the new ball more in white-ball cricket; sometimes in the past I haven’t got much swing under pressure in big matches,” Natarajan said. “I’m looking to have more control over the legcutter and have been in touch with Sreenath Aravind. He’s a superb red-ball bowler, through [R] Prasanna (Tamil Nadu assistant coach) I have spoken to him previously too.”During the last Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, I wasn’t in a good rhythm. I realised something was wrong and I passed my videos to him. He spotted that I was falling over in my action – the loading and landing was unstable – and I have rectified it since. His inputs have been very helpful for me.”Natarajan’s protegees part of accelerated auction
That Natarajan will keenly follow this IPL auction is also because two of his protegees G Periyaswamy and V Gowtham will be up for bidding. Periyaswamy, a right-arm seamer with a sling-arm action, has been among the highest wicket-takers in the last two TNPL seasons and was a net bowler for Sunrisers in the second leg of IPL 2021 in the UAE. Gowtham, a left-arm seamer, made his TNPL debut last year and has also bowled at the Chennai Super Kings nets. Gowtham attended trials at Mumbai Indians last month and Periyaswamy at Punjab Kings.”My dream was always to start an academy in my village, nurture talent and encourage them to play on the big stage,” Natarajan said. “I’m very proud and pleased to see their progress. I’ve opened the bowling with Periyaswamy for Tamil Nadu and he has been very impressive at the TNPL. Gowtham often reminds me of myself. He has a good yorker and will definitely go to the next level in the next couple of years. You never know, they could become my opponents in the IPL in the future .”

Jarren Duran is one of the best players on the Red Sox, but that doesn’t mean they won’t trade him.

For the past two seasons, the All-Star outfielder’s name has come up repeatedly in trade talks. Given Boston’s young core and glut of outfielders, something has to give. Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu appear to be the future of the team. Duran looks to be the odd man out.

The 29-year-old blew up in 2024, slashing .285/.342/.492, with a wRC+ of 131, 21 home runs, and 34 stolen bases, while leading MLB in doubles (48) and triples (21), and producing 6.8 fWAR. He fell off a bit in 2025, slashing .256/.332/.442, with a wRC+ of 111 and 3.9 fWAR. Still, he had 16 home runs, 41 doubles, 13 triples and stole 24 bases. He has the kind of extra-base pop and speed every team values.

Duran would not be a rental. He’s under team control through 2028, which makes him even more attractive. What follows is a look at his four best fits as a trade target this winter.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies could potentially lose Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto on top of already needing to add multiple bats. Their biggest hole comes in the outfield, where Brandon Marsh is the only useful returning player. Nick Castellanos is awful in the field and posted an fWAR of -0.6 in 2025. Harrison Bader is a free agent Philadelphia could look to bring back, but the team will need to look outside the org to find a starting caliber corner outfielder.

Duran works really well here. His lefty bat near the top of the lineup with his extra base pop and outstanding speed would be a perfect fit for the Phillies. He’s exactly what they’re missing in the outfield.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

This may seem crazy, but the Dodgers are a mess in the outfield. Andy Pages had a breakout season in center but collapsed in the playoffs. Teoscar Hernández signed a big contract, then posted the worst full-season OPS of his career (.738). We won’t even talk about the disaster that was the Michael Conforto signing. There’s a reason L.A. is the favorite to land Kyle Tucker in free agency. But if that doesn’t happen, Duran would be a nice consolation prize.

The Dodgers would have an unfair lineup with some combination of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Duran at the top. L.A. has the prospects to win a bidding war with pretty much anyone on the trade market. It could add him and barely blink.

3. Kansas City Royals

The Royals desperately need outfield help. As a group, the team’s outfielders ranked last in MLB in fWAR (-1.4), wRC+ (70), on-base percentage (.283), and slugging (.334), while finishing 29th in batting average (.219) during the 2025 season. Those are some horrific numbers. Jac Caglianone should round into form with experience, but no one else on the roster profiles as even a replacement-level bat in the outfield.

Duran would represent a huge upgrade in Kansas City’s outfield, and the team has the rotation depth to entice a Red Sox team desperate for arms. Additionally, catching prospect Blake Mitchell could help sweeten a deal.

4. Baltimore Orioles

While Kansas City was awful in the outfield, the Orioles weren’t far off. Their outfielders collectively combined to rank 25th in fWAR (2.6), 22nd in wRC+ (94), 25th in OBP (.296), 20th in slugging, and 28th in batting average (.222). Tyler O’Neill will be back after opting in to his contract, as will Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers. All three struggled in 2025.

Duran would provide a veteran presence to the outfield and another good bat for a lineup that really needs it after a disappointing 2025 season. Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, and Duran would be an outstanding nice group to build around.

It's July 2, 2025, and as he has been for the last half-decade, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is the most feared hitter in baseball.

He is famously the kind of player to whom no numbers can do justice—but on Tuesday, he added yet another statistical milestone to his storied resume.

A home run against the Chicago White Sox in his team's 6–1 win gave him 30 on the year to go with 10 stolen bases and five triples. According to OptaSTATS, Ohtani is the first player ever to do that in five consecutive seasons.

Only four players, in fact, have accomplished that feat in consecutive seasons—Milwaukee Braves outfielder Hank Aaron (1960 to '62), Milwaukee Brewers third baseman and left fielder Ryan Braun (2007 to '09), New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays (1955 to '57), and Dodgers outfielder Raul Mondesi (1997 to '99). Mays and New York Yankees outfielder Babe Ruth are the only other players to accomplish that feat in five seasons .

He has a long way to go at just 30, but it seems almost certain that Cooperstown, N.Y. awaits Ohtani.

The Baltimore Orioles were forced to make an early defensive change in Sunday's game against the New York Yankees, bringing in Gary Sanchez to replace catcher Maverick Handley who sustained an injury after a hard collision on the base paths.

During the bottom of the second inning, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was attempting to score a run after rounding third base. He lost a cleat while heading towards home plate, when an errant throw from left fielder Colton Cowser forced Handley to move up the base path. While trying to play the ball, Handley was run over by Chisholm on his way to the plate, in what was an absolutely brutal collision.

Have a look at the chaotic play:

Chisholm appeared to attempt to avoid making contact with Handley, but it was too late and he ran right through Baltimore's backstop before scoring the Yankees' first run.

Handley was examined by the Orioles' medical staff and removed from the game. He was replaced by Sanchez after the collision, who took over behind the plate.

يستقبل فريق مانشستر سيتي خصمه ليدز يونايتد في مباراتهما، مساء السبت، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي لذلك الموسم، على ملعب “الاتحاد” معقل مانشستر سيتي.

ويمتلك مانشستر سيتي 22 نقطة حيث يحتل المركز الثالث في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي في الوقت الحالي، بينما يحتل ليدز يونايتد المركز الثامن عشر برصيد 11 نقطة فقط.

ويأمل النجم المصري عمر مرموش المشاركة في التشكيل الأساسي لمباراة مانشستر سيتي اليوم بعدما لعب أساسيًا ضد باير ليفركوزن في دوري أبطال أوروبا، الثلاثاء الماضي، قبل استبداله بزميله إيرلينج هالاند في الدقيقة 65. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي المتوقع أمام ليدز يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: ماتيوس نونيز، روبن دياز، جفارديول، نيكو أوريلي.

خط الوسط: برناردو سيلفا، نيكو جونزاليس.

خط الوسط الهجومي: ريان شرقي، فيل فودين، جيريمي دوكو.

خط الهجوم: إيرلينج هالاند. 

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

Daniel Farke’s reputation as a ropey Premier League manager is back under the spotlight at Leeds United.

The under-fire German has now lost a colossal 40 matches at the intimidating level from the 59 games he’s taken charge of, as the Whites worryingly looked like relegation fodder last time out in a 3-0 loss at Brighton and Hove Albion.

It’s not quite as bad as his Norwich City end days just yet, with Farke’s Canaries falling to an embarrassing 7-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea all the way back in 2021.

But, his dismal record in the division just doesn’t make for pretty reading, as he now attempts to guide Leeds up the table.

Games

59

Wins

9

Draws

10

Losses

40

Goals scored

40

Goals conceded

118

Points accumulated

37

He could have to think outside of the box, soon, if he feels he’s being let down consistently by his senior personnel, as a whole host of exciting U21 talents are coming through currently in West Yorkshire…

The biggest stars in Leeds' academy

Throughout his time in the Elland dug-out to date, Farke has often chucked young talents into the first team mix when he’s deemed them to be ready, having once kick-started Archie Gray’s ascent to stardom.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin misfiring as of late, he might well be tempted to look at another Gray and launch Harry Gray into the senior side, with the 17-year-old already up to 15 goals for the U18s and U21s, despite recent injury setbacks.

Moreover, Alfie Cresswell could soon fancy his own chances, having captained the U21s this season from defensive midfield, with the 18-year-old – who can also play in defence – also collecting three goals for his troubles.

But, it could be down the right wing where Farke is looking to bring in some youthful reinforcements, having had to rely on a hot-and-cold Brenden Aaronson in his spot on the pitch for most of the season so far.

That has resulted in the versatile American only collecting one meagre goal for his efforts, with Farke having to persist with the up-and-down 25-year-old, owing to both Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto being unfortunate with injuries.

Yet, there could be an in-house replacement now staring Farke in the face. Like Cresswell and Gray, he’s a hotly-tipped teenage sensation.

Leeds' surprise Aaronson replacement

All the young starlets over the years who have been generously handed a first-team opportunity at Leeds must dream that they can become the next homegrown ace to make it.

Only a select few do, unfortunately, but Connor Douglas will back himself that he can be a success story in the senior ranks down the line, having already been branded as a “joy to watch” by PureFootball Trent Gaffney for his previous heroics on the youth pitches in West Yorkshire.

Games played

66

Minutes played

4,519

Goals scored

12

Assists

9

Yet, despite receiving such glowing praise and collecting an impressive 12 goals and nine assists from 66 appearances in youth circles to date, the 20-year-old is still without a Leeds first-team chance.

That could soon change, however, particularly if Farke wants to look more left-field for an Aaronson replacement, with the adaptable number 52 collecting ten of his 21 goal contributions for the U21s from the right wing spot, an area of the pitch that isn’t best suited to the ex-Union Berlin man.

With Douglas’ senior contract also only in play until next summer, it does feel as if it’s make-or-break time for the young Englishman, if he wants to make an impression in the senior game.

Even lining up as a right-back and as a striker on occasion for the U21s, it’s clear that Douglas is a jack of all trades.

But, in the here and now, with a goal and an assist next to his name in the Premier League 2 this season when playing predominantly down the right flank, he could be a shock replacement for Aaronson.

Leeds have a "wrecking ball" out on loan who can put DCL on borrowed time

Leeds United have an impressive star out on loan who can put Dominic Calvert-Lewin on borrowed time already at Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 3, 2025

Manchester United have bounced back from their 3-1 defeat away to Brentford last Saturday by beating newly promoted Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim needed those three points to alleviate the pressure that has been continuing to build over the last week.

The Red Devils took a lead early on, thanks to a sublime effort by Mason Mount. United’s number seven took his chance well, with a great first touch before firing into the back of the net to put his side ahead.

Just after the 30-minute mark, United doubled their advantage. This time, it was Benjamin Sesko who found the back of the net, getting onto the end of a flick on from a long throw. It means he’s now scored two goals in as many games for his new side.

United’s win also saw goalkeeper Senne Lammens, starting his first game since a deadline-day move, pull off several excellent saves. He kept Granit Xhaka out in the first half and made a late save with his feet to keep United’s clean sheet intact.

It was certainly a better day at the office for the Red Devils, with two of the standouts being Mount and Sesko.

Mount and Sesko’s stats vs. Sunderland

Since truly getting over his injury issues, Mount has been a key player under Amoirm. This term, he’s started the majority of games in the Premier League, with his performance against Sunderland showing exactly why United’s manager likes him so much.

His goal was very well-taken, with his perfect first touch controlling Bryan Mbeumo’s pass at knee height, before swivelling and firing past Robin Roefs.

It was an excellent team move for United, which consisted of 18 passes before Mount put the ball in the back of the net.

Sesko’s performance also stood out. His goal was simple, but encouraging for United fans. He occupied the six-yard box well and reacted quickly enough to turn the ball in. The two goals in as many games that he’s now scored will surely do wonders for his confidence.

Well, David McDonnell, chief Manchester United writer for The Manchester Evening News, seemed to think highly of Sesko’s efforts. He gave the Slovenian star a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work, describing his finish as a ‘classic poacher’s goal’.

As well as Mount and Sesko performed against Sunderland, there was someone who was arguably even better.

The standout United player vs. Sunderland

Aside from the two United goalscorers, there was a player who really stood out. Of course, Lammens made some decisive saves on debut, but even he was overshadowed by his Red Devils teammate.

It was a big day for former Sunderland loanee Amad, and he certainly delivered against the club where he truly made a name for himself a couple of seasons ago. Operating at right wing-back, the Ivorian star was a huge threat going forward.

The stats from the game certainly show how dangerous he was. Amad created three chances, more than both Mount and Sesko.

He also completed 100% of his passes and won eight ground duels with a 57% win rate. In contrast, United’s number seven won one out of five and their new striker just five out of 12.

Amad stats vs. Sunderland
Stat	Number
Pass accuracy	100%
Passes completed	38/38
Touches	62
Touches in the opposition box	5
Ground duels won	8/14
Ball recoveries	6
Chances created	3
Stats from Fotmob

Indeed, McDonnell was hugely impressed with Amad’s contribution against the Black Cats. He gave the attacker a 7/10 rating, the same as Sesko, and said he was a ‘constant threat down the right side’ for United against his former club.

It was a fantastic performance from the 23-year-old. He shone at right wing-back last season, and whilst it has been a slow start to this campaign, that performance against his former club will surely do him the world of good.

Now, Amorim will be hoping Amad can build on that performance after the international break, when United face arch-rivals Liverpool.

Not just Hojlund: Man Utd must rue selling a CF who's outperforming Mbeumo

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one former player to depart Old Trafford.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 3, 2025

Losing Cole Palmer to injury had the potential to completely derail Chelsea so early into the new Premier League season.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues did lose 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion in what was their first game without their star man at the start of September, but since then, the West Londoners have picked up five straight wins in all competitions to flex the quality oozing throughout their squad, even with Palmer missing.

Thankfully for the Italian, many a new star has been unearthed in his absence, with Chelsea youngster Tyrique George – in particular – making his presence known last time out as the Blues humbled Ajax 5-1 on their own patch in the Champions League.

Why George is pushing for a Chelsea start

Rumours had begun to surface recently that one of Chelsea’s own in George was looking for a move away, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both ahead of him in the Stamford Bridge pecking order in the striker department.

But, with Pedro suspended and Delap still out injured for the mid-week clash with the Amsterdam giants, the 19-year-old seriously impressed as a second-half substitute in the main striker position, as a first-ever goal on Europe’s grandest stage fell into his lap.

Just a matter of minutes after being introduced into the contest, George would power home this fine effort past a hapless Remko Pasveer, with the night very much belonging to Chelsea’s rising stars, as both Marc Guiu and Jamie Gittens also got in on the act with goals and assists.

This emphatic display mid-week could well mean Maresca is wracked with some selection headaches heading back into Premier League action later today versus Sunderland, with George no doubt pushing for a start ahead of the aforementioned Guiu, even if Pedro is now back, too, from sitting out the clash against Ajax.

George isn’t the only starlet who will be demanding first-team minutes against the Black Cats, however, as this fellow Stamford Bridge prodigy has an even more compelling case to remain in the Italian’s starting XI for the test of Regis Le Bris’ visitors.

Maresca must start teen who's "similar to Cole Palmer"

If Chelsea can keep up this sterling run of form moving forward, Maresca and Co. could well be viewed as outside challengers for the Premier League title, especially when Palmer is also reintroduced into the first team fray.

Until then, however, the Blues do arguably possess another Palmer-like talent in Brazilian superstar Estevao, with Maresca himself even declaring that the 18-year-old is “similar to Cole Palmer” in terms of potentially becoming a future number ten option in time, away from being an out-and-out winger, which is extremely high praise, indeed.

Games played

11

Minutes played

443

Goals scored

2

Assists

1

Such outlandish praise is unlikely to backfire, too, with the South American teenager very much used to such latherings of praise by now, having been branded as “world-class” when still on the books of Palmeiras by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

He has slotted in nicely at Chelsea, too, much like Palmer managed when leaving Manchester City behind, with two goals and one assist already coming his way in England, despite being afforded just 443 minutes of action.

One of those efforts did come about during the rampant display against Ajax, with the breakout number 41 backing up his last-gasp goal against Liverpool by confidently dispatching this spot-kick with ease.

Pedro Neto does have a strong argument to hand to return to the XI against Sunderland on Estevao’s right-hand side, however, with a goal and assist tallied up last time out, enough to push Ange Postecoglou off his precarious Nottingham Forest tight-rope.

Subsequently, this showdown with the Wearside titans could be the perfect opportunity for Maresca to experiment with Estevao as a number ten option, to try to begin his journey to become the next iteration of Palmer, with both Andrey Santos and the aforementioned Guiu failing to do much from this role at the City Ground.

Maresca will, of course, feel more secure with Palmer back in his lineup when he’s finally rid of his injury troubles.

Yet, the future looks extremely bright at Stamford Bridge, away from Palmer, with Estevao leading the way as the brightest light of Chelsea’s next generation.

Enzo Maresca given big injury update with Chelsea star now "very close" to returning

The Blues are already revitalised after their previously worrying form.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 23, 2025

Big picture: Can GT cope without Buttler?

Before the start of IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) seemed to have a hole in their batting line-up. They had an excellent top three and a bunch of finishers but the middle order looked thin. GT, though, finished third in the league stage and will now face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on Friday. The winner moves on to Qualifier 2, one step closer to the final; the loser is eliminated.GT relied heavily on their top three during their run to the playoffs. In most games, at least one of Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler batted so deep that the middle order was barely required. On the rare occasion when they fell relatively early, Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan proved that the perceived hole in the middle order wasn’t so deep.The interruption to the season, however, interrupted GT’s momentum. They were on course for a top-two finish but lost their last two league games and dropped to No. 3. Now Buttler has left for the England duty and GT’s first match without him is the Eliminator. His replacement Kusal Mendis is a fine batter but he is not in the same league. Moreover, he has never played the IPL and his last innings in a competitive game was more than a month ago.Related

• MI's turnaround decoded: death overs tamed, middle overs mastered

GT were perhaps the only franchise to have constructed their squad around their bowling. But with Mohammed Siraj’s form tapering off and Rashid Khan’s never really picking up, their strongest department does not look as strong. In the last three games, they conceded 199, 235 and 230.MI, on the other hand, are a galaxy of stars. But not everyone has been shining as brightly. Suryakumar Yadav is their leading run-getter with 640, but the next best, Ryan Rickelton, is 252 behind. And he is not available for the playoffs. The next on the list is Rohit Sharma with 329.Unlike Mendis for GT, MI’s replacement for Rickelton is an IPL veteran: Jonny Bairstow. Last fortnight, he smashed twin fifties for Yorkshire, albeit in a red-ball game. Will Jacks, who has also left MI for England duty, does not leave behind that big a hole. On current form, their bowling attack also seems stronger than GT’s.GT, though, will draw confidence from having beaten MI in both league games. In fact, MI are yet to beat any of the three other teams in the playoffs. They did have a six-match winning streak in the middle, but after two losses in their last three league games, they no longer appear invincible.3:00

Aaron: Bairstow is one of the replacements of the IPL

Form guide

Gujarat Titans LLWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
Mumbai Indians LWLWW

In the spotlight: Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah

Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah have been T20 cricket’s best spinner and best fast bowler for years now. But they have had contrasting fortunes in IPL 2025. Rashid is having his worst IPL season. In 14 games, he has picked up just nine wickets at an average of 53.66 and an economy of 9.47. The 31 sixes he has been hit for are the joint most for any bowler in an IPL season alongside Siraj in 2022.Bumrah missed the first four matches as he was recovering from a back injury. Despite that, he is joint sixth on the list of highest wicket-takers this season. He has taken 17 at an average of 14.64 and economy of 6.33, both a personal best for him in an IPL season.Jasprit Bumrah is having his best IPL season•Getty Images

Team news and likely XIIs

Mendis replacing Buttler could be the only change for GT.Gujarat Titans (probable): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 M Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Gerald Coetzee, 9 Arshad Khan, 10 R Sai Kishore, 11 Mohammed Siraj, 12 Prasidh KrishnaBairstow coming in for Rickelton is a straight swap. Choosing between Charith Asalanka and Bevon Jacobs for Jacks could be trickier, but Asalanka’s offspin could tilt the decision in his favour.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Charith Asalanka/Bevon Jacobs, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit Bumrah, 12 Karn Sharma

The big question

Pitch and conditions

New Chandigarh has not dished out consistent pitches this season. In the four games played there before the playoffs, a team lost after making 201 and a team won after scoring 111. In Qualifier 1, Punjab Kings (PBKS) were all out for 101 on a surface that helped both seamers and spinners, but it will be a fresh pitch for the Eliminator. The weather forecast for Friday is likely to be cloudy, but there is no indication of rain.

Key stats

• In the IPL, Hardik Pandya has dismissed Gill four times in 23 balls while giving away only 19 runs.
• Mendis has struggled against Mitchell Santner in T20 cricket – four dismissals in 39 balls for just 34 runs.
• Across all T20s, Suryakumar has taken Rashid for 117 runs in 77 balls without a dismissal. Rashid has dominated his match-up against Hardik, though: 32 runs in 44 balls, two dismissals.
• Tilak Varma has faced seven balls from Prasidh Krishna in the IPL. He’s been dismissed twice and hasn’t scored a run.

Daniel Levy made a few high-profile mistakes during his time as Tottenham chairman, but one is now seriously coming back to haunt him.

Daniel Levy leaves behind mixed Tottenham legacy

Levy’s resignation after 24 years as head of the Lilywhites boardroom sent shockwaves throughout the world of football.

He was regularly the target of criticism and even protests towards the end of his tenure, following a perceived lack of on-field ambition when compared to Spurs’ big-spending Premier League rivals.

Levy oversaw just two major trophy wins — the Carling Cup in 2008 and Europa League this year — but helped to transform Tottenham into a financial powerhouse off the pitch.

The 63-year-old helped to instigate Spurs’ transformative move to their brand-new state-of-the-art stadium and training facilities, which have made them one of the highest-potential clubs in Europe for success.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

via Deloitte Money League

Nearly three weeks ago, the news of his departure is still attracting plenty of debate, following reports that Levy was pushed to resign from Tottenham by the Lewis family and found out just hours before it was made official (The Times).

The chief made some pretty questionable calls as chair, not least the appointments of highly unsuitable managers which turned out to be disasters.

In terms of the transfer market, while there are plenty of success stories, one decision that’s now coming back to bite him is the refusal to strike a deal for PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele.

The Frenchman has resurrected his once-faltering career under Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes, and fresh off the back of a stellar 24/25, he was crowned this year’s Ballon d’Or winner on Monday evening.

Dembele’s staggering 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions last season, including an heroic Champions League final display against Inter Milan, gifted PSG a long-awaited treble whilst etching his name into the club’s history.

His winner away to Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals also turned out to be crucial, with the £317,000-per-week attacker starring in multiple positions as both a centre-foward and wide player across 24/25.

Tottenham refused chance to sign Ousmane Dembélé in 2022

Looking back to three years ago, it is now very interesting to note that Tottenham were actually offered the chance to sign Dembele

That is according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, who reported at the time that it was a ‘polite no’ to the opportunity of negotiating a deal for this year’s European player of the year.

This blunt response to Barcelona’s offering of Dembélé is made all the more humbling for Levy, considering how the 28-year-old has set France alight since his move to PSG just one year after Tottenham were approached.

The ex-Barca flop’s rise back to the pinnacle of footballing stardom has been a wonder to behold after injuries largely dampened his time at the Camp Nou, with Enrique explaining that Dembele’s “impeccable” attitude was perhaps a key factor.

Now, it is highly unlikely Spurs will get such a chance to sign him again, and it further highlights just how quickly things can change in football.