With India playing their three Super Eight games at different venues in the span in five days, adjusting quickly to conditions will be crucial

Sidharth Monga19-Jun-20246:54

We’ve pushed the needle forward with our batting – Dravid

As this India leadership group starts its last two weeks at the helm, it is a good time to look back. Their biggest legacy will be dragging India towards modern limited-overs batting. Look at its biggest manifestation: Virat Kohli is a much better T20 batter while retaining qualities that made him an ODI great. In India, though, legacy is judged by ICC trophies. That unfortunately remains the yardstick for a team now used to staying among the best at other times.In what has been a bit of an irony, what seems like a last hurrah for Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma at helm and will eventually decide how fondly they are remembered by the wider public, their real legacy of pushing the aggression envelope has had to take a back seat. Two of their biggest hitters, their modern T20 batters, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, have had to play like they would in the middle overs of an ODI.”Like you rightly said, a lot of the impetus over the last few years – and I think we’ve done it in most parts – has been to push the needle forward,” Dravid said. “If you look at a lot of our stats and numbers, we have pushed the needle forward in terms of our batting.”There’s no question about it. Sometimes in certain conditions – you’ve just got to be mindful of conditions also. I think sometimes we just get carried away in T20 cricket and just talking about pushing the needle forward, pushing the needle forward. But then, it’s also, cricket is a very condition-specific game. It’s one of the only sports left where the surface makes such an impact on the actual skill levels, the actual performance levels, what is an acceptable performance level. It’s one sport that we play where the surface makes a huge difference and it has to be brought into consideration at all times.Related

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“I think we saw that in the US, and we saw that in New York, that had to be brought into consideration not only for us but for other teams as well. I think everyone had to do that. Actually, even in Australia [during the last T20 World Cup], there were times where you had to bring that into consideration. Not every wicket is Hyderabad or not every wicket can be the same. So, I think that’s something we pride ourselves in as well. I think we are trying to also get that ability to be smart in our decision making, to try and assess situations cleverly.”If India get the kind of pitches they had in New York, they are favourites. In the Super Eight, though, they, like most other teams, will have to deal with the unpredictability of new conditions in every match in the West Indies, and quickly decide how to approach their innings. In cricket’s other formats, batting is a reactive exercise: the bowlers start the action, and batters react to the merit of the delivery. In T20, the batters’ approach plays a bigger role. And it all depends on conditions.Rahul Dravid: Cricket is “one of the only sports left where the surface makes such an impact on the actual skill levels, the actual performance levels, what is an acceptable performance level.”•ICC/Getty Images

In a way, the previous two weeks of the T20 World Cup have been a bit of a lottery. You get put in, you take two extra overs to decide what a par score is, and you could be done for. That’s all it takes. That is likely what happened to Pakistan when they played USA. How do you mitigate the uncertainty, though? Dravid was asked exactly that a day before the start of India’s three Super Eight matches in five days in Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia.”We feel we’ve got the experience and the knowledge and also the ability to counteract different situations that may present themselves,” he said. “And then, of course, we are looking at things that the past games that have been played here, what have been the scores, what’s the level of swing that people are experiencing, amount of turn they’re getting, what’s the bounce. So, you look at all of these factors and you come up with some basic ideas.”But again, I think you’ve got to keep an open mind. I think that’s an important thing. You might have all the stats, you might have all the data, but on the day, sometimes conditions can be very different to what you think it is. Just because a particular ground has produced certain number of runs in the past or even 10 days prior, it can be very different because the preparation of a wicket, the weather, so much can change.”Even in the two or three days leading into a particular game, a lot can change that can force you to recalibrate and rethink. I think we will have to do that, be quick and smart and be able to do that and assess the conditions. I hope we will do that.”If New York was any indication, though, one change, though subtle, is clearly visible. India adjusted down instead of adjusting up. Err high rather than low. The top order, especially Kohli, showed enough faith in the batters to follow. It would have been easy for Kohli to play at a run a ball there but that is not his role. That seems to be the back-up option, and one for someone else to take. Nothing can guarantee success in T20 knockouts but that approach, provided they can manage to retain courage and indifference towards the end result, might just hold India in better stead than on previous attempts.

Celtic are said to have made an approach for a £2.5m-rated midfielder, as they look to beat a Premier League club to his signature, among others.

Rodgers pushing for "statement" Celtic signing

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t appear to be messing around this summer, during a transfer window in which he knows the importance of nailing his business.

In fact, the Celtic manager is even thought to be personally pushing to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to former scout Mick Brown, with the Republic of Ireland striker linked with either a loan or permanent move to Parkhead this summer.

“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age.

“He could go to Celtic as the main man up front, away from the pressure that comes with the Premier League, and prove what he can do. I think Brendan Rodgers will be pushing to get that done, he wants to be ambitious in the market. He expects to be backed and this would be a statement of intent, even if it’s on a loan deal.”

On the flip side, Celtic will be at risk of losing certain key players, with Nicolas Kuhn falling into that category and reportedly wanted by RB Leipzig, having been in their academy earlier in his career.

Celtic make approach for £2.5m midfielder

According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Celtic have made an approach for Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji, in what looks to be a competitive battle for his signature.

Fiorentina, Parma, Torino, Basel and Galatasaray are all mentioned in the report, but it is Sunderland who are in transfer talks ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, looking to get ahead of others in the race. He is expected to cost £2.5m.

Baradji will be something of an unknown to plenty of Celtic supporters, with all due respect to him, considering he is yet to play for a team in Europe’s top five leagues.

That’s not to say that he wouldn’t be a good signing for the Hoops, however, and the level of interest in him suggests that he could be an effective addition to Rodgers’ squad, with analyst Maxime Schar calling him a player who is “at ease under pressure”.

At 24, Baradji is at a perfect age, possessing enough experience to hit the ground running immediately, but also still having a healthy chunk of his career ahead of him.

While at his best as a box-to-box midfielder, the Frenchman is also adept of playing in a deeper role, too, and even as a right winger, if needed.

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It looks as though Sunderland are pushing particularly hard to sign Baradji this summer, but Celtic can offer him Champions League football, which will hopefully prove to be a huge lure for him.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is attempting to have his say on the club’s summer recruitment plans, and the Italian has his eyes on one player in particular to reinforce a key area of the squad.

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Maresca’s side want to strengthen a number of areas before their manager’s second full season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Over the last week, Chelsea have been holding talks with Borussia Dortmund officials over Jamie Gittens, and it is believed by some that a deal could soon be done.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Alongside Gittens, Chelsea are reported to still be in the market for another centre-back, which perhaps indicates that at least one of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Renato Veiga or Tosin Adarabioyo could be sold.

Even after their £30 million deal for Liam Delap, there are many suggestions that Chelsea could look to sign a second new striker as well, following widely reported talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for Hugo Ekitiké.

As well as this, Chelsea could still bring in another goalkeeper. As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are looking to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer, with a move for AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan not completely off the table despite failing to reach an agreement before the Club World Cup.

Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been linked in the past week too, so their hunt for a shot-stopper could still be one to keep an eye on.

Enzo Maresca asks Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa

According to journalist Christian Martin, speaking to DSports, £150,000-per-week Aston Villa number one Emiliano Martínez is now said to have major admirers at Chelsea, including Maresca.

Maresca is “asking” Chelsea to make a move for Martinez, and goalkeeping coach Willy Caballero has also given his seal of approval to the potential transfer.

“They want him as their starting goalkeeper,” said Martin.

“Enzo Maresca is asking for him, Willy Caballero, who is part of the coaching staff and trains the goalkeepers, has already given his approval. For now, Chelsea is a very reliable and precise option.”

The Argentine World Cup winner boasts both top-level quality and proven experience on the biggest stages. After becoming a leader at Villa, there is every reason to believe the 32-year-old could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football next season and becoming Chelsea’s new number one.

Unai Emery’s side are also under pressure from PSR to sell big-name players before the start of the next football financial year, which begins on July 1, so a deal could well be had here.

Chelsea are one of the busiest Premier League sides this transfer window, with just days remaining for Enzo Maresca and BlueCo to register new players in time for the Club World Cup.

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Work is happening behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea attempting to bring one or two more signings through the door before they kick off their CWC campaign on June 16 against Leon (Simon Phillips).

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is believed that the west Londoners are laying the groundwork on potential deals for wingers and attacking midfielders as one key item on their agenda. Chelsea held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last week, and informed the Spaniard’s camp that they’re prepared to pay his £50 million release clause.

As well as the 22-year-old, Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) are all reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist of wide-attacking targets.

Chelsea are expected to sign a centre-back too, amid links to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and they’re currently in talks with AC Milan over a deal for French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and this situation has alerted Chelsea to a potential upgrade on Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

However, there is still a major gap when it comes to price, so the west Londoners are prepared to walk away and stick with what they have if Milan don’t lower their demands.

That being said, even if the clubs are failing to find common ground right now, Chelsea do have the player’s approval.

Mike Maignan gives green-light to join Chelsea from AC Milan

According to Football Italia, Maignan has given his green-light to join Chelsea, with the Frenchman approving a switch to Cobham as he ponders life after the San Siro.

The outlet adds that a formal bid is expected to arrive from Chelsea “in the near future”, and if they can reach an agreement on Maignan’s final asking price, he could depart the Rossoneri “in the coming days”.

There is no doubt he would be a stellar addition between the sticks, with Liverpool star Alisson believing Maignan is in the “elite” bracket of keepers. Milan are also eyeing up Torino number one Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the event they do lose their star shot-stopper.

This saga definitely appears one to watch over the next week, and it could prompt BlueCo to undergo a major goalkeeping reshuffle considering Chelsea’s backlog of five keepers already on their books.

While admitting it was “inevitable” he would be remembered for Newlands 2018, he hoped “real cricket tragics” would see him as “someone who tried to change the game”

AAP18-Jun-2024David Warner is relieved that retiring from international cricket will mean silencing the constant “flak” he has copped since the Newlands ball-tampering saga.Cricket Australia’s review into the events of March 2018 painted Warner as the chief orchestrator of Sandpapergate, a scandal that cast a shadow over Australian cricket and led to wholesale changes within the national team’s culture and leadership.Related

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Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban from the sport for rubbing sandpaper on the ball in Cape Town, while Warner and Steven Smith were each suspended for a year and the latter also stripped of his captaincy.But Warner has been left to feel the longest-lasting effects of the scandal; the opening batter was banned from holding any formal leadership role in Australian cricket, the only lasting sanction from the incident.As Australia prepare to enter the Super Eight stage at the T20 World Cup, the end of Warner’s international career is in sight; the 37-year-old will retire from T20I cricket at the end of the tournament after bowing out of Tests and ODIs last summer.Warner reflected on his cricketing journey ahead of Australia’s clash against Bangladesh on Thursday (Friday AEST), claiming he had been left to fend for himself in the aftermath of the Newlands saga.”Coming back since 2018 I’ve probably … been the only one that’s ever copped a lot of flak,” Warner told and in Antigua. “Whether it’s people who don’t like the Australian cricket team or don’t like me, I’ve always been that person who has copped it.”It’s fine if they want to do that, but I always feel like I’ve taken a lot of pressure off a lot of guys as well and I think understandably I’ve been that person to be able to absorb that. But one can only absorb [so much]. For me, it’s great to go out knowing I’m not going to cop it anymore.”Warner is not naive to the fact his name will likely always be linked with the scandal. But the opener is hopeful that is not the only thing for which he will be remembered, as he eyes the chance to finish a 15-year international career as a reigning T20I World Cup, ODI World Cup and World Test champion.”I think it’s going to be inevitable that when people talk about me in 20 or 30 years’ time, there will always be that sandpaper scandal,” he said. “But for me, if they’re real cricket tragics and they love cricket, (as well as) my closest supporters, they will always see me as that cricketer – someone who tried to change the game.”Someone who tried to follow in the footsteps of the openers before me and try and score runs at a great tempo and change Test cricket in a way.”

As the summer transfer window rumbles on, one thing that is clear is that Manchester United are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana. And whilst Emiliano Martinez’s name has been mentioned aplenty, INEOS have now reportedly contacted an alternative option.

Monaco interested in Andre Onana

As Manchester United look to replace their struggling shot-stopper, it could be AS Monaco who hand Onana a much-needed lifeline this summer. The Ligue 1 club are reportedly interested in signing the former Inter Milan man and, in doing so, freeing up room for those at Old Trafford to sign a new No.1 this summer.

An exit for Onana is something that should suit all parties. The Cameroon international was supposed to bring forth a new era in between the sticks when he arrived to replace David de Gea in 2023. He was billed as the ultimate modern-day goalkeeper and even arrived fresh from a Champions League final with Inter Milan, albeit one he lost against Manchester City.

The ultimate modern-day goalkeeper is not what Manchester United got, however. Onana’s struggles in possession quickly became apparent and what made matters worse were his endless mistakes on the shot-stopping front to sum up a debut season to forget. And since then, things haven’t got much better.

Now, United are on the hunt for an upgrade and that hunt has taken them towards the Midlands. According to recent reports, Emiliano Martinez is keen on completing a move to Old Trafford this summer, whilst Premier League rivals Aston Villa could have no choice but to sell the World Cup winner amid PSR concerns.

The Argentina international isn’t the only name on the list, though, with fresh reports now suggesting that INEOS have made their first move to sign a younger alternative.

Man Utd make contact to sign Carnesecchi

According to Caught Offside, INEOS have now made contact with Marco Carnesecchi over a summer move to Manchester United. The Atalanta goalkeeper has impressed in Italy and has now caught the attention of those at Old Trafford, but it’s not a deal that will come cheap, with reports indicating that it will take a lucrative offer for Atalanta to sell their No.1 in the coming months.

Starts

34

34

37

Clean Sheets

13

9

8

Saves per 90

2.85

2.59

2.7

Save Percentage

75.2%

68.9%

69%

When compared with Martinez and Onana, it is Carnesecchi who stands out. The Atalanta man kept more clean sheets, made more saves per 90 and maintained a better save percentage than both of his counterparts. The more that he is looked at in detail, the more Man United should be tempted to make that lucrative offer.

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Dubbed a “young De Gea” for his shot-stopping by analyst DanieIscouting, Manchester United would be landing an impressive solution to their goalkeeper problems by signing Carnesecchi this summer.

Match abandoned without a ball bowled Sri Lanka vs NepalSri Lanka and Nepal came to Lauderhill searching for their first wins, hoping to put their T20 World Cup 2024 on track. However, incessant rain, heavy enough to trigger flash-flood alerts for local residents, left both teams splitting one point apiece. That means Sri Lanka are almost certainly out of Super Eight contention while Nepal’s chances of qualification also take a hit. South Africa, currently Group D toppers, were confirmed a place in the Super Eight.For Sri Lanka to now qualify, they first need the Bangladesh vs Netherlands fixture on June 13 in Kingstown to be a washout, then they need to defeat Netherlands in their last group game on June 16. They also need South Africa to beat Nepal by a big margin on June 14, and then for Nepal to beat Bangladesh by a small margin on June 16.