1 hr. ago
Collin **** ton has the opportunity to make a sizable impact on the Los Angeles Lakers this season. The 6-foot-3 guard, who signed a two-year, $19 million contract with them this summer, is a scoring threat who can handle the ball, facilitate and speed up the pace of the game.
Sexton is also a very energetic, high-motor player who always gives 100% on both ends of the floor. During his first media availability as a member of the Lakers, he was asked about the vision that coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka have for the team and how he can fit into that vision.
"Just toughness," **** ton said. "I would say the toughness. They wanna be able to compete in all aspects on the defensive side, but also the offensive side and just being able to change the pace of the game whenever it's needed. I feel like sometimes walking the ball up and letting the other team set up their defense is tough, sometimes you gotta be able to change the flow. We talked and it was a really good conversation and they believe in me. I just feel like at the end of the day, whenever a coach believes in you, and like you said, he's gonna be hard on me and yell at scream at me, so I like that. I think that's what gets the best from me."
Last season, Los Angeles was 20th in defensive rating, 16th in fast-break points and 22nd in pace. One would expect the team's pace and transition opportunities to increase at least somewhat thanks to the addition of players such as **** ton who can attack off the dribble in the open court. The acquisition of men such as **** ton and forwards Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, all of whom are adept at coming up with steals, should also help L.A.'s transition game.
Sexton averaged 15.4 points and 3.3 **** ists in 23.7 minutes a game while shooting 48.5% overall and 40.1% from 3-point range last season. The Lakers would occasionally get blown out in games and seem to almost mail it in this past season, but with a better bench, more youth and more athleticism, they may not happen as much this coming season.
#Lakers
Sexton is also a very energetic, high-motor player who always gives 100% on both ends of the floor. During his first media availability as a member of the Lakers, he was asked about the vision that coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka have for the team and how he can fit into that vision.
"Just toughness," **** ton said. "I would say the toughness. They wanna be able to compete in all aspects on the defensive side, but also the offensive side and just being able to change the pace of the game whenever it's needed. I feel like sometimes walking the ball up and letting the other team set up their defense is tough, sometimes you gotta be able to change the flow. We talked and it was a really good conversation and they believe in me. I just feel like at the end of the day, whenever a coach believes in you, and like you said, he's gonna be hard on me and yell at scream at me, so I like that. I think that's what gets the best from me."
Last season, Los Angeles was 20th in defensive rating, 16th in fast-break points and 22nd in pace. One would expect the team's pace and transition opportunities to increase at least somewhat thanks to the addition of players such as **** ton who can attack off the dribble in the open court. The acquisition of men such as **** ton and forwards Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, all of whom are adept at coming up with steals, should also help L.A.'s transition game.
Sexton averaged 15.4 points and 3.3 **** ists in 23.7 minutes a game while shooting 48.5% overall and 40.1% from 3-point range last season. The Lakers would occasionally get blown out in games and seem to almost mail it in this past season, but with a better bench, more youth and more athleticism, they may not happen as much this coming season.
#Lakers
11 hours ago
Following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket, England have turned to a familiar face to lead their Test side once again. While there had been widespread speculation that Harry Brook could take over the captaincy, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has instead entrusted the role to Joe Root, who is set to begin his second stint as Test captain.
Root, who stepped down from the role in 2022 after a five-year tenure, admitted he is relishing the opportunity to lead England again, believing his previous experience has better prepared him for the challenges ahead.
"Very much the same, to be honest. I don't think that will ever change. Whenever you get the opportunity to lead your country, it's all of those things. I guess, the unique and nice position that I find myself in this time is I've got a wealth of experience in terms of knowing what it takes, knowing what it looks like, having seen success with it and seeing some hard times as well,'' said Root in a video on the official ECB website.
"I've got a lot to fall back on and look at and help me and the team moving forward into this next little while. So, I don't think many captains get that opportunity and certainly not with the amount of games that I have behind me and the experiences that I've had in between now and that period there. So, I'm very much looking forward to it, very excited by the challenge that lies ahead and all the great cricket that we have coming up," Root added.
Root captained England in 65 Test matches, registering 27 victories, the most by any England Test captain. Although he stepped down in 2022 after a difficult phase for the team, he has continued to be one of England's most dependable batters.
The 35-year-old will officially begin his second stint as Test captain when England host Pakistan in the first Test of the series, starting August 19, as he looks to lead the side into a new chapter alongside new Test head coach Stephen Fleming.
#test #i 've #captain
Root, who stepped down from the role in 2022 after a five-year tenure, admitted he is relishing the opportunity to lead England again, believing his previous experience has better prepared him for the challenges ahead.
"Very much the same, to be honest. I don't think that will ever change. Whenever you get the opportunity to lead your country, it's all of those things. I guess, the unique and nice position that I find myself in this time is I've got a wealth of experience in terms of knowing what it takes, knowing what it looks like, having seen success with it and seeing some hard times as well,'' said Root in a video on the official ECB website.
"I've got a lot to fall back on and look at and help me and the team moving forward into this next little while. So, I don't think many captains get that opportunity and certainly not with the amount of games that I have behind me and the experiences that I've had in between now and that period there. So, I'm very much looking forward to it, very excited by the challenge that lies ahead and all the great cricket that we have coming up," Root added.
Root captained England in 65 Test matches, registering 27 victories, the most by any England Test captain. Although he stepped down in 2022 after a difficult phase for the team, he has continued to be one of England's most dependable batters.
The 35-year-old will officially begin his second stint as Test captain when England host Pakistan in the first Test of the series, starting August 19, as he looks to lead the side into a new chapter alongside new Test head coach Stephen Fleming.
#test #i 've #captain
2 days ago
One of the most long-awaited baseball cards, Shohei Ohtani's Gold Logoman autograph card, surfaced and was ***** ed up immediately for massive money.
Shohei Ohtani has become a huge name in baseball, with many fans ready to call him the greatest player of all time. As a hitter and pitcher, he has shattered long-held beliefs about what players can do.
As such, whenever his 1-of-1 Dual Gold Logoman card emerged, it was always going to be extremely valuable to collectors.
And this has come to pass in Boca Raton, Florida, with the valuable item turning up at the Boca Cards Store and immediately making millions for the collector that found it.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
#card #immediately
Shohei Ohtani has become a huge name in baseball, with many fans ready to call him the greatest player of all time. As a hitter and pitcher, he has shattered long-held beliefs about what players can do.
As such, whenever his 1-of-1 Dual Gold Logoman card emerged, it was always going to be extremely valuable to collectors.
And this has come to pass in Boca Raton, Florida, with the valuable item turning up at the Boca Cards Store and immediately making millions for the collector that found it.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
#card #immediately
2 days ago
Milan legend Paolo Maldini pays tribute to Franco Baresi: 'You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult. You were the greatest footballer I have ever had the honour of playing alongside.'
World football mourns the death of legendary Milan and Italy defender Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.
Among those paying tribute to Baresi was ex-Milan defender Maldini, a former teammate of Baresi with the Rossoneri and Italy national team.
"Hi Franco. Today I feel the same way I did whenever, for any reason, you couldn't take the field alongside us. How will we go on without you, Captain?" Maldini wrote on Instagram.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: (L-R) Stefano Eranio, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Demetrio Albertini attend 'Attaccante Nato' Book Launch held at Sala Buzzati on April 21, 2010 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
#Milan #franco
World football mourns the death of legendary Milan and Italy defender Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.
Among those paying tribute to Baresi was ex-Milan defender Maldini, a former teammate of Baresi with the Rossoneri and Italy national team.
"Hi Franco. Today I feel the same way I did whenever, for any reason, you couldn't take the field alongside us. How will we go on without you, Captain?" Maldini wrote on Instagram.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: (L-R) Stefano Eranio, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Demetrio Albertini attend 'Attaccante Nato' Book Launch held at Sala Buzzati on April 21, 2010 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
#Milan #franco
2 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Tropicana Field on July 26, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of a 3-0 win over the Rangers on Wednesday evening, Ryan Vilade said he did not want to face Bryan Baker. The Rays' infielder/outfielder shares a clubhouse with the righthanded closer, so stepping into the batter's box against Baker is not a concern. For Rays' opponents, facing Baker has been a nightmare in 2026.
"To see 'Big Bake' running in from the bullpen with the lights (flashing on and off) and (music) playing, it gets everyone fired up," said Vilade, whose exceptional work (9 HR, 35 RBI, .804 OPS) in a part-time role has often aided the Rays in getting to their closer. "I'm glad he's on our team and whenever we get to the ninth with him on the ***** p, we feel pretty good."
For good reason. The 6-foot-6 Baker nailed down his 30th save of the season Thursday afternoon in the series finale with Texas to tie with Cleveland's Cade Smith for the MLB lead. The 31-year-old heads into a weekend series versus the visiting White Sox having converted 19 straight save opportunities, a stretch that began May 17. During that span, which totals 24 appearances, Baker has allowed one run. That was a solo homer to Kansas City's Josh Rojas on June 24, an outing in which Baker shrugged it off to record his 20th save.
"I have been feeding off the catchers and going for what they see and what they've kind of seen the whole game and let the defenders work behind me," said Baker, when asked about the run he is on. "It's been a lot more (pitching to) contact lately, which as long as there's zeros are on board, I'm good."
#rays #ninth #work
In the aftermath of a 3-0 win over the Rangers on Wednesday evening, Ryan Vilade said he did not want to face Bryan Baker. The Rays' infielder/outfielder shares a clubhouse with the righthanded closer, so stepping into the batter's box against Baker is not a concern. For Rays' opponents, facing Baker has been a nightmare in 2026.
"To see 'Big Bake' running in from the bullpen with the lights (flashing on and off) and (music) playing, it gets everyone fired up," said Vilade, whose exceptional work (9 HR, 35 RBI, .804 OPS) in a part-time role has often aided the Rays in getting to their closer. "I'm glad he's on our team and whenever we get to the ninth with him on the ***** p, we feel pretty good."
For good reason. The 6-foot-6 Baker nailed down his 30th save of the season Thursday afternoon in the series finale with Texas to tie with Cleveland's Cade Smith for the MLB lead. The 31-year-old heads into a weekend series versus the visiting White Sox having converted 19 straight save opportunities, a stretch that began May 17. During that span, which totals 24 appearances, Baker has allowed one run. That was a solo homer to Kansas City's Josh Rojas on June 24, an outing in which Baker shrugged it off to record his 20th save.
"I have been feeding off the catchers and going for what they see and what they've kind of seen the whole game and let the defenders work behind me," said Baker, when asked about the run he is on. "It's been a lot more (pitching to) contact lately, which as long as there's zeros are on board, I'm good."
#rays #ninth #work
3 days ago
NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane never sought the spotlight. In an era dominated by classy stroke-makers and larger-than-life personalities, he quietly built a reputation as one of India's most dependable overseas batters and one of the country's most respected leaders.
On Thursday, the 38-year-old brought the curtain down on his international career, ending a journey that spanned more than a decade and produced some of Indian cricket's most memorable moments.
Having played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, Rahane finished with 8,414 international runs, 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. Yet, numbers only tell part of his story.
"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I always relied on timing in my batting, and I've always understood its important," Rahane said in his retirement video.
If there is one chapter that defines Rahane's legacy, it is India's remarkable 2020-21 Test series win in Australia.
After India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, few believed the injury-hit side could compete, let alone win.
Rahane stepped in as captain and led a depleted Indian team to a stunning 2-1 series victory, one of the greatest triumphs in Indian cricket history.
His century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne not only rescued India's campaign but also made him the only Indian to score a Boxing Day Test hundred against Australia both as a player and as captain.
Under his leadership, India never lost a Test match, making his captaincy record (6 matches with 4 wins and 2 draws) one of the finest in Indian cricket.
Rahane earned a reputation for producing his best performances away from home. He became the first Indian batter to score both his maiden Test and ODI centuries in SENA countries, proving his ability to thrive in the toughest conditions.
His 12 Test hundreds often came in pressure situations, and remarkably, India never lost a Test whenever Rahane scored a century. He was also the first Indian to score a century in the World Test Championship, adding another milestone to an already impressive career.
One of his finest individual performances came against South Africa when he became the only Indian batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test while batting at No. 5 or lower.
#test
On Thursday, the 38-year-old brought the curtain down on his international career, ending a journey that spanned more than a decade and produced some of Indian cricket's most memorable moments.
Having played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, Rahane finished with 8,414 international runs, 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. Yet, numbers only tell part of his story.
"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I always relied on timing in my batting, and I've always understood its important," Rahane said in his retirement video.
If there is one chapter that defines Rahane's legacy, it is India's remarkable 2020-21 Test series win in Australia.
After India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, few believed the injury-hit side could compete, let alone win.
Rahane stepped in as captain and led a depleted Indian team to a stunning 2-1 series victory, one of the greatest triumphs in Indian cricket history.
His century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne not only rescued India's campaign but also made him the only Indian to score a Boxing Day Test hundred against Australia both as a player and as captain.
Under his leadership, India never lost a Test match, making his captaincy record (6 matches with 4 wins and 2 draws) one of the finest in Indian cricket.
Rahane earned a reputation for producing his best performances away from home. He became the first Indian batter to score both his maiden Test and ODI centuries in SENA countries, proving his ability to thrive in the toughest conditions.
His 12 Test hundreds often came in pressure situations, and remarkably, India never lost a Test whenever Rahane scored a century. He was also the first Indian to score a century in the World Test Championship, adding another milestone to an already impressive career.
One of his finest individual performances came against South Africa when he became the only Indian batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test while batting at No. 5 or lower.
#test
3 days ago
Look at the edges she **** ed today!
Shea Couleé is RuPaul's Drag Race royalty as the crowned queen of All Stars 5. The iconic diva is one of the most well-rounded winners from the hit show and her world domination is only gaining momentum.
By walking in major fashion campaigns (including Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show), securing a guest spot on the hit ABC show Abbott Elementary, and becoming the first drag artist to land a major acting role in the MCU, Couleé has undoubtedly made a major impact beyond Drag Race fame.
Although her résumé certainly speaks for itself, there's still one iconic Drag Race moment that lives in her head rent free.
"I would probably have to say when I got to walk for Naomi Campbell and come face-to-face with her. It really takes a lot to make a bad **** like me cry. Y'all got me! It was so iconic. She's so beautiful, wonderful, and gorgeous. A true icon! Whenever it comes across my timeline, I never skip it. I always sit there and watch," Couleé tells Out.
#major #shea #stars
Shea Couleé is RuPaul's Drag Race royalty as the crowned queen of All Stars 5. The iconic diva is one of the most well-rounded winners from the hit show and her world domination is only gaining momentum.
By walking in major fashion campaigns (including Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show), securing a guest spot on the hit ABC show Abbott Elementary, and becoming the first drag artist to land a major acting role in the MCU, Couleé has undoubtedly made a major impact beyond Drag Race fame.
Although her résumé certainly speaks for itself, there's still one iconic Drag Race moment that lives in her head rent free.
"I would probably have to say when I got to walk for Naomi Campbell and come face-to-face with her. It really takes a lot to make a bad **** like me cry. Y'all got me! It was so iconic. She's so beautiful, wonderful, and gorgeous. A true icon! Whenever it comes across my timeline, I never skip it. I always sit there and watch," Couleé tells Out.
#major #shea #stars
4 days ago
Whenever anyone asked me what my dream job is, I always had the same answer: I want to create content that resonates with people. It is truly an honor and a privilege to step into the site producer position at Pinstripe Alley, and I cannot wait to build connections with fans of my favorite team across all professional sports.
The New York Yankees fandom was first introduced to me by my grandfather, who grew up in the Bronx after immigrating from Germany. Whenever my sister and I visited my grandparents' house, my grandmother would always show off her vast collection of glass animals and trinkets from her travels around the world while my grandfather sat in the same spot on his couch, always with a pipe in hand, and watched his Bronx Bombers perform their magic. As I watched him pay close attention to every pitch and carefully ****** yze every swing, I realized that it wasn't just a sport he was watching. It was a beautiful human expression of finesse, endurance, and patience.
I was quickly enthralled with the art of baseball, despite the games typically lasting over three hours. Whenever my parents took me to a game at one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, I was always asking questions and cheering for Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, or dancing to Derek Jeter's 2009 walk-up song (Empire State of Mind, for those who don't remember). After watching the Bombers win two World Series during my childhood, I knew I was locked in for life.
I continued to pursue an interest in sports throughout my education, and majored in journalism and mass communication at the University of Wisconsin. During my time as a Badger, I also earned a certificate in sports communication, which was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in sports media. Instead of relaxing under the sun, my summers were spent writing articles as an intern at the New York Post sports department under fluorescent lights, or at the Yankees clubhouse until 1 a.m.
Since graduation, pursuing my passion for sports media has taken me to many amazing new places. Learning more about the nuances of baseball, however, has been the most rewarding. It has allowed me to develop professionally and form new connections, colleagues, and friends that I'm sure will last a lifetime.
#sports #whenever #always
The New York Yankees fandom was first introduced to me by my grandfather, who grew up in the Bronx after immigrating from Germany. Whenever my sister and I visited my grandparents' house, my grandmother would always show off her vast collection of glass animals and trinkets from her travels around the world while my grandfather sat in the same spot on his couch, always with a pipe in hand, and watched his Bronx Bombers perform their magic. As I watched him pay close attention to every pitch and carefully ****** yze every swing, I realized that it wasn't just a sport he was watching. It was a beautiful human expression of finesse, endurance, and patience.
I was quickly enthralled with the art of baseball, despite the games typically lasting over three hours. Whenever my parents took me to a game at one of the most iconic stadiums in the country, I was always asking questions and cheering for Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, or dancing to Derek Jeter's 2009 walk-up song (Empire State of Mind, for those who don't remember). After watching the Bombers win two World Series during my childhood, I knew I was locked in for life.
I continued to pursue an interest in sports throughout my education, and majored in journalism and mass communication at the University of Wisconsin. During my time as a Badger, I also earned a certificate in sports communication, which was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in sports media. Instead of relaxing under the sun, my summers were spent writing articles as an intern at the New York Post sports department under fluorescent lights, or at the Yankees clubhouse until 1 a.m.
Since graduation, pursuing my passion for sports media has taken me to many amazing new places. Learning more about the nuances of baseball, however, has been the most rewarding. It has allowed me to develop professionally and form new connections, colleagues, and friends that I'm sure will last a lifetime.
#sports #whenever #always
4 days ago
A commercial shake-up at the top of world football could reshape what attending and watching future World Cups actually looks like for supporters.
Gianni Infantino seems ready to treat the World Cup less like a football tournament and more like a private equity play. The idea is to spin off FIFA's biggest events into a new entity, selling stakes and bringing in big names to fund the whole thing.
Once private cash starts calling the shots, don't be shocked if the World Cup bloats to 64 teams or gets shuffled into desert winters whenever profit targets demand it.
And Infantino's reward for orchestrating it all? Stepping sideways into a chief commissioner role with an NFL-level $64 million annual payday.
We should have seen this coming after the interference from Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup, with his administration being approached over the matter.
#Football #cups
Gianni Infantino seems ready to treat the World Cup less like a football tournament and more like a private equity play. The idea is to spin off FIFA's biggest events into a new entity, selling stakes and bringing in big names to fund the whole thing.
Once private cash starts calling the shots, don't be shocked if the World Cup bloats to 64 teams or gets shuffled into desert winters whenever profit targets demand it.
And Infantino's reward for orchestrating it all? Stepping sideways into a chief commissioner role with an NFL-level $64 million annual payday.
We should have seen this coming after the interference from Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup, with his administration being approached over the matter.
#Football #cups
5 days ago
Former ******* nal star Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently training with Crystal Palace as he plots a Premier League return, according to The Athletic. The ******* anese left the Gunners in July 2025 after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement at the North London club. Tomiyasu was a key player for ******* nal manager Mikel Arteta whenever he was fit, making 84 appearances for the Emirates Stadium club during his four seasons at the club. The Palace target joined Ajax last December on a six-month deal, leaving at the end of last season.
He is currently a free agent and a move to the Selhurst Park club could be on the cards. The former Gunners star could make an appearance for the Eagles in a friendly later this week. He has been training with the South London club as part of their pre-season preparations. The high-level training environment Palace is providing has come in handy for Tomiyasu as he looks to maintain and improve his fitness.
Tomiyasu made three appearances at the World Cup with ******* an and will fancy his chances of impressing in the Premier League again after overcoming his injury woes.
The Eagles are not the only ones keen on the full-back, with clubs in the Championship and other European leagues also looking to recruit his services.
He will not be short of suitors even if a move to Palace falls through, but a return to the English top-flight appeals to him.
#premier
He is currently a free agent and a move to the Selhurst Park club could be on the cards. The former Gunners star could make an appearance for the Eagles in a friendly later this week. He has been training with the South London club as part of their pre-season preparations. The high-level training environment Palace is providing has come in handy for Tomiyasu as he looks to maintain and improve his fitness.
Tomiyasu made three appearances at the World Cup with ******* an and will fancy his chances of impressing in the Premier League again after overcoming his injury woes.
The Eagles are not the only ones keen on the full-back, with clubs in the Championship and other European leagues also looking to recruit his services.
He will not be short of suitors even if a move to Palace falls through, but a return to the English top-flight appeals to him.
#premier
5 days ago
The debate surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI future refuses to die down despite both continuing to deliver for India. While neither head coach Gautam Gambhir nor chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has publicly committed to their participation in the 2027 World Cup, keeping the speculation around their future alive.
India's recent 1-2 ODI series defeat against England only added fuel to the conversation. Rohit silenced critics with a match-winning century in the series finale, registering his 34th ODI hundred amid speculation that the Lord's fixture could be his final international appearance. Kohli, meanwhile, chipped in with two half-centuries during the series after both senior batters struggled in the opening match.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes there is no need to question Rohit and Kohli's places in the side, but stressed that both must make an immediate impact whenever a series begins instead of taking time to settle.
"That has to be a conversation with everyone, not just them (Kohli and Rohit), that they have to start the series well and hit the ground running. That is a challenge. You can't take one or two games to get into the groove. But that's where the support staff comes in and has conversations with the players by creating an environment to get the best out of everyone," Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Dasgupta insisted that the standards applied to the two stalwarts should remain unchanged despite the increasing scrutiny around their careers.
"There is no conversation needed with them about their places in the team. Four years back, it wasn't like they had to be reminded before every series that they would be in the team. They knew they would be in the team based on their performances. So how does that change now? It does not and should not change," he added.
Questions over the future of Rohit and Kohli have surfaced repeatedly since both retired from Test cricket last year, leaving ODIs as their only international format. Before the Lord's ODI against England, reports suggested that the selection committee was considering moving on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 World Cup to create an opening for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
However, the BCCI leadership dismissed reports that the Lord's encounter would be Rohit's final international appearance.
Dasgupta believes the constant speculation is largely because the pair now feature in only one international format, making every ODI performance subject to greater scrutiny.
132677492
"This discussion about their future is getting exaggerated because they play only one format. When you play multiple formats, if you fail in one but score in the other, the failure is forgotten. So that's a challenge for these two that can't be denied. People will remember what they last did in this format because they play only one format. But the conversation with them should be the same as it was three years ago," he added.
#dasgupta #intern
India's recent 1-2 ODI series defeat against England only added fuel to the conversation. Rohit silenced critics with a match-winning century in the series finale, registering his 34th ODI hundred amid speculation that the Lord's fixture could be his final international appearance. Kohli, meanwhile, chipped in with two half-centuries during the series after both senior batters struggled in the opening match.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes there is no need to question Rohit and Kohli's places in the side, but stressed that both must make an immediate impact whenever a series begins instead of taking time to settle.
"That has to be a conversation with everyone, not just them (Kohli and Rohit), that they have to start the series well and hit the ground running. That is a challenge. You can't take one or two games to get into the groove. But that's where the support staff comes in and has conversations with the players by creating an environment to get the best out of everyone," Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Dasgupta insisted that the standards applied to the two stalwarts should remain unchanged despite the increasing scrutiny around their careers.
"There is no conversation needed with them about their places in the team. Four years back, it wasn't like they had to be reminded before every series that they would be in the team. They knew they would be in the team based on their performances. So how does that change now? It does not and should not change," he added.
Questions over the future of Rohit and Kohli have surfaced repeatedly since both retired from Test cricket last year, leaving ODIs as their only international format. Before the Lord's ODI against England, reports suggested that the selection committee was considering moving on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 World Cup to create an opening for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
However, the BCCI leadership dismissed reports that the Lord's encounter would be Rohit's final international appearance.
Dasgupta believes the constant speculation is largely because the pair now feature in only one international format, making every ODI performance subject to greater scrutiny.
132677492
"This discussion about their future is getting exaggerated because they play only one format. When you play multiple formats, if you fail in one but score in the other, the failure is forgotten. So that's a challenge for these two that can't be denied. People will remember what they last did in this format because they play only one format. But the conversation with them should be the same as it was three years ago," he added.
#dasgupta #intern
8 days ago
Zendaya and Tom Holland are making the most of married life as they travel the world promoting their latest projects, and a source exclusively tells In Touch that the newlyweds are turning the press tour into an extended honeymoon.
According to the source, the couple has been squeezing in romantic dinners and sightseeing between stops for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey.
"They've been all over the world together the last month, and they still have more stops to go," the source says. "Everywhere they go, it's the absolute best of the best, it would cost them hundreds of thousands to do this sort of trip on their own dime."
While the source says that work "does take priority" for Zendaya, 29, and Holland, 30, whenever they get a free moment, "they're out enjoying the best restaurants and going incognito to enjoy the sights."
The source continues, "They're completely wrapped up in each other and still very much in that honeymoon phase, so everything they do right now feels extra special."
#best #zendaya #they 're #World
According to the source, the couple has been squeezing in romantic dinners and sightseeing between stops for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey.
"They've been all over the world together the last month, and they still have more stops to go," the source says. "Everywhere they go, it's the absolute best of the best, it would cost them hundreds of thousands to do this sort of trip on their own dime."
While the source says that work "does take priority" for Zendaya, 29, and Holland, 30, whenever they get a free moment, "they're out enjoying the best restaurants and going incognito to enjoy the sights."
The source continues, "They're completely wrapped up in each other and still very much in that honeymoon phase, so everything they do right now feels extra special."
#best #zendaya #they 're #World
8 days ago
Shreyas Iyer finally ended his wait for a victory as India's T20I captain after leading the side to a convincing seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the three-game series in Harare on Thursday.
The result marked Shreyas' first win since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav earlier this year. India had endured a difficult run under his leadership, beginning with a shock 2-0 series defeat to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 drubbing against England in a five-match T20I series.
Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh said the celebrations following the Zimbabwe win were understandable given the team's recent struggles, insisting the victory would come as a major relief for the skipper.
"Many are saying India shouldn't be so excited for just a win over Zimbabwe. Yet, when you are starving for a victory for so long in T20Is, even leftover food will taste like a wedding meal. Shreyas Iyer will be relieved, considering India's fall under his captaincy. He would have reached a point where a win over anyone would have been enough for him," Ramesh said in a video uploaded on Instagram.
Ramesh also reserved praise for VVS Laxman, who is serving as India's interim head coach for the Zimbabwe tour. He credited the former India batter for consistently delivering positive results whenever he takes charge of the national side.
"VVS Laxman also deserves high praise. India perform well every time he's the head coach. Under him, India seem to always whitewash the opponents, even at a time the other teams are constantly whitewashing India otherwise. It got to the point where India just needed a win of any kind and hence their elation after beating even Zimbabwe," he added.
India's victory was further highlighted by a historic knock from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international half-century in just 18 ****** , becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Sooryavanshi reached the milestone at the age of 15 years and 118 days, eclipsing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The batting great was 16 years and 213 days old when he registered his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in a Test at Faisalabad in 1989.
#shreyas #victory #series
The result marked Shreyas' first win since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav earlier this year. India had endured a difficult run under his leadership, beginning with a shock 2-0 series defeat to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 drubbing against England in a five-match T20I series.
Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh said the celebrations following the Zimbabwe win were understandable given the team's recent struggles, insisting the victory would come as a major relief for the skipper.
"Many are saying India shouldn't be so excited for just a win over Zimbabwe. Yet, when you are starving for a victory for so long in T20Is, even leftover food will taste like a wedding meal. Shreyas Iyer will be relieved, considering India's fall under his captaincy. He would have reached a point where a win over anyone would have been enough for him," Ramesh said in a video uploaded on Instagram.
Ramesh also reserved praise for VVS Laxman, who is serving as India's interim head coach for the Zimbabwe tour. He credited the former India batter for consistently delivering positive results whenever he takes charge of the national side.
"VVS Laxman also deserves high praise. India perform well every time he's the head coach. Under him, India seem to always whitewash the opponents, even at a time the other teams are constantly whitewashing India otherwise. It got to the point where India just needed a win of any kind and hence their elation after beating even Zimbabwe," he added.
India's victory was further highlighted by a historic knock from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international half-century in just 18 ****** , becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Sooryavanshi reached the milestone at the age of 15 years and 118 days, eclipsing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The batting great was 16 years and 213 days old when he registered his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in a Test at Faisalabad in 1989.
#shreyas #victory #series
8 days ago
One prominent Liverpool reporter has dismissed the prospect of Stefan Bajcetic being considered as a makeshift right-back for the Reds in the upcoming campaign.
The Spanish midfielder made his long-awaited comeback to team training this week, having not played for the club since May 2024 and not made it onto the pitch at all last season due to persistent injury troubles.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Arne Slot frequently played midfielders at right-back in 2025/26 whenever Conor Bradley and/or Jeremie Frimpong were ruled out injured, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo all deployed in that unfamiliar role.
However, in response to a reader's question for the Liverpool Echo as to whether Andoni Iraola might do the same with Bajcetic, Ian Doyle opined that such a scenario would be highly unlikely and that the 21-year-old could plausibly depart on loan again.
#Liverpool #back #spanish
The Spanish midfielder made his long-awaited comeback to team training this week, having not played for the club since May 2024 and not made it onto the pitch at all last season due to persistent injury troubles.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Arne Slot frequently played midfielders at right-back in 2025/26 whenever Conor Bradley and/or Jeremie Frimpong were ruled out injured, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo all deployed in that unfamiliar role.
However, in response to a reader's question for the Liverpool Echo as to whether Andoni Iraola might do the same with Bajcetic, Ian Doyle opined that such a scenario would be highly unlikely and that the 21-year-old could plausibly depart on loan again.
#Liverpool #back #spanish
8 days ago
"I've heard so many things," he said on the Monday, July 20, episode. "'Why is Giannis with his wife? He could be with a model. Not one model but 10!' But I am with my wife because she tells me the truth. She loves me, she will tell me whenever I do anything wrong. She will tell my kids the truth. I know that she will kill for my kids and she would even kill me for them. I know that she won't let my kids get a big head, and that's the most important thing for me." He added, "I am in love. I am in love with her. As a woman and as a mother."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I've heard so many things," he said on the Monday, …
#Monday #heard #tell
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I've heard so many things," he said on the Monday, …
#Monday #heard #tell
8 days ago
NEW DELHI: India's stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi has urged everyone to keep the spotlight firmly on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting, lavishing praise on the teenage sensation after his record-breaking knock in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe while revealing that the youngster's bowling will be developed gradually at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Sooryavanshi lit up the Harare Sports Club with a breathtaking 18-ball half-century, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I fifty. His whirlwind innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, turned India's chase of 126 into a one-sided affair as the reigning T20 World Cup champions sealed victory with 40 ****** to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ahead of the second T20I, Joshi said the teenager's explosive batting should remain the primary focus.
"I think the first thing is, let's focus on his batting. He's been sensational and I'm glad that he has done well. This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here. He had a good performance yesterday as well," Joshi told reporters.
The former India spinner also disclosed that Sooryavanshi's bowling is part of the long-term plan.
"Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time in his bowling, I'll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we see him bowling well, we'll definitely and quickly focus on that," he said.
Joshi also called for patience with emerging seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, who has drawn comparisons with established stars such as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
The stand-in bowling coach insisted every player has their own journey and warned against making premature comparisons.
"Look, we shouldn't compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team. Hardik has made his place. Shivam has also made his place. So, he's a rising talent. We have to persist with him. He's working on good things and good areas. That's what we want in the T20 format," he said.
Joshi also highlighted the bowling depth available in India's squad, pointing to top-order batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who can also contribute with the ball.
"I think all three are good bowlers and all-rounders, although Abhishek Sharma has improved a lot. The coaches always want him to improve every time for the better. We also have Tilak Varma with us. He's another optional bowler. We have conversations with him about not giving too many runs, bowling more dot ****** , and focusing on the basics," he further added.
Joshi also praised leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, revealing that a minor adjustment to his run-up helped him bounce back after a difficult outing against England earlier this month.
Bishnoi endured a forgettable spell of 0/60 in Manchester, where England batter Jacob Bethell smashed 29 runs in a single over. However, the leg-spinner responded impressively in Harare with figures of 1/24 from four overs.
According to Joshi, t
Sooryavanshi lit up the Harare Sports Club with a breathtaking 18-ball half-century, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I fifty. His whirlwind innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, turned India's chase of 126 into a one-sided affair as the reigning T20 World Cup champions sealed victory with 40 ****** to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ahead of the second T20I, Joshi said the teenager's explosive batting should remain the primary focus.
"I think the first thing is, let's focus on his batting. He's been sensational and I'm glad that he has done well. This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here. He had a good performance yesterday as well," Joshi told reporters.
The former India spinner also disclosed that Sooryavanshi's bowling is part of the long-term plan.
"Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time in his bowling, I'll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we see him bowling well, we'll definitely and quickly focus on that," he said.
Joshi also called for patience with emerging seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, who has drawn comparisons with established stars such as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
The stand-in bowling coach insisted every player has their own journey and warned against making premature comparisons.
"Look, we shouldn't compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team. Hardik has made his place. Shivam has also made his place. So, he's a rising talent. We have to persist with him. He's working on good things and good areas. That's what we want in the T20 format," he said.
Joshi also highlighted the bowling depth available in India's squad, pointing to top-order batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who can also contribute with the ball.
"I think all three are good bowlers and all-rounders, although Abhishek Sharma has improved a lot. The coaches always want him to improve every time for the better. We also have Tilak Varma with us. He's another optional bowler. We have conversations with him about not giving too many runs, bowling more dot ****** , and focusing on the basics," he further added.
Joshi also praised leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, revealing that a minor adjustment to his run-up helped him bounce back after a difficult outing against England earlier this month.
Bishnoi endured a forgettable spell of 0/60 in Manchester, where England batter Jacob Bethell smashed 29 runs in a single over. However, the leg-spinner responded impressively in Harare with figures of 1/24 from four overs.
According to Joshi, t
9 days ago
New York Liberty star guard Sabrina Ionescu clarified on July 22 that she never officially received an invitation to defend her ******* le in this year’s WNBA 3-point Contest and was surprised by reports that it was her choice not to participate.
In a press conference ahead of WNBA All-Star weekend, Ionescu said she was blindsided by media headlines suggesting she had declined an offer to participate. She emphasized her eagerness to compete whenever given the opportunity, but reiterated that she could not turn down an invitation she never received.
“I can’t decline an offer that I officially didn’t get invited to,” Ionescu said. “So I was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited. Whether it's against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try to beat my record every single time I step onto the court. I take pride in competing at the highest level, and I love representing the Liberty and the league in these contests. I just wanted to set the record straight – that rumor was simply false.”
Though she isn’t taking part in this year’s contest, Ionescu said she was excited to watch the event and to see who will become the new champion.
To Ionescu’s claim that she never received an invite, the WNBA responded with a statement saying, “Our general process is to reach out to agents to determine a player's interest, and some accept and some decline."
#year
In a press conference ahead of WNBA All-Star weekend, Ionescu said she was blindsided by media headlines suggesting she had declined an offer to participate. She emphasized her eagerness to compete whenever given the opportunity, but reiterated that she could not turn down an invitation she never received.
“I can’t decline an offer that I officially didn’t get invited to,” Ionescu said. “So I was pretty surprised to see that. Never got invited. Whether it's against Steph Curry or in the W, I always go out and try to beat my record every single time I step onto the court. I take pride in competing at the highest level, and I love representing the Liberty and the league in these contests. I just wanted to set the record straight – that rumor was simply false.”
Though she isn’t taking part in this year’s contest, Ionescu said she was excited to watch the event and to see who will become the new champion.
To Ionescu’s claim that she never received an invite, the WNBA responded with a statement saying, “Our general process is to reach out to agents to determine a player's interest, and some accept and some decline."
#year
9 days ago
German football needs a fresh start — Jürgen Klopp made that clear right from the beginning. Every player will now get the chance to prove himself, the door is closed to no one, but the new national coach also made one very clear expectation known.
"I looked at 57 outfield players. We had a lot of good players at the World Cup who didn’t play particularly well. It’s far from bad, but it definitely needs improvement," Klopp said.
That is why he will also call up new names: "There will be players getting opportunities who aren’t even expecting it yet. Because I want to be brave. I always have been, and I always will be. I want to work with lads who play the kind of football everyone enjoys. That doesn’t always bring immediate success, but I want people to go home after the game and say: 'wow!'"
Everyone should make an effort to draw attention to themselves. At the same time, Klopp is also convinced that there is enough talent available to put together a good team: "I went through the names and came away with an extremely positive view of the squad. We have an incredible amount of talent. We became world and European champions at U17 level. They should be 20 now. Now, with driver’s licenses, we can use them."
The expectation of the players is simply that a call-up to the DFB team should be seen as a highlight. That should not only be said, but above all shown. Whenever a player puts on the national team shirt, he should become that little bit better. With that, Klopp made his high standards very clear, but also showed that he wants to ignite a new fire in the national team players.
#team #made #always #World
"I looked at 57 outfield players. We had a lot of good players at the World Cup who didn’t play particularly well. It’s far from bad, but it definitely needs improvement," Klopp said.
That is why he will also call up new names: "There will be players getting opportunities who aren’t even expecting it yet. Because I want to be brave. I always have been, and I always will be. I want to work with lads who play the kind of football everyone enjoys. That doesn’t always bring immediate success, but I want people to go home after the game and say: 'wow!'"
Everyone should make an effort to draw attention to themselves. At the same time, Klopp is also convinced that there is enough talent available to put together a good team: "I went through the names and came away with an extremely positive view of the squad. We have an incredible amount of talent. We became world and European champions at U17 level. They should be 20 now. Now, with driver’s licenses, we can use them."
The expectation of the players is simply that a call-up to the DFB team should be seen as a highlight. That should not only be said, but above all shown. Whenever a player puts on the national team shirt, he should become that little bit better. With that, Klopp made his high standards very clear, but also showed that he wants to ignite a new fire in the national team players.
#team #made #always #World
9 days ago
We're only days away from the start of the New Orleans Saints' 2026 training camp, but some players are working their way back from injuries that derailed their 2025 seasons. Here's a look at each of the Saints players who returned after ending last season on injured reserve.
Means was dealt a bad hand with a bad ankle injury in the preseason, which put him out of action for the rest of the season. He's been active in workouts with Tyler Shough during the spring and offers a height-weight-speed combination not many other guys on the roster can boast at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds with 4.4 speed. But he's facing a ton of competition to make the squad in September.
Polk was acquired in a preseason trade with the New England Patriots, but he spent the 2025 season recovering from a shoulder injury suffered at Patriots training camp. He's worked hard to recover and build a rapport with his new quarterback Tyler Shough, and it's notable that he was one of several wideouts participating in the Drew Brees-led workouts in San Diego. Maybe a fresh start is just what he needed.
While he didn't technically play for the Saints last year, Emerson did miss the 2025 season recovering from Achilles surgery after going down early in Cleveland Browns training camp. And now he's healthy and taking reps whenever the Saints have been on the field. He could push Quincy Riley for snaps in the starting lineup across from Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Blackmon started at safety in Week 1 last year and stayed on the field for all 66 defensive snaps, plus three reps on special teams, but he noticed some discomfort after the game and was diagnosed with a torn labrum. He's dealt with labrum injuries before but this one required season-ending surgery. He's back in the starting lineup now that he's healthy.
#camp #last #Patriots #start
Means was dealt a bad hand with a bad ankle injury in the preseason, which put him out of action for the rest of the season. He's been active in workouts with Tyler Shough during the spring and offers a height-weight-speed combination not many other guys on the roster can boast at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds with 4.4 speed. But he's facing a ton of competition to make the squad in September.
Polk was acquired in a preseason trade with the New England Patriots, but he spent the 2025 season recovering from a shoulder injury suffered at Patriots training camp. He's worked hard to recover and build a rapport with his new quarterback Tyler Shough, and it's notable that he was one of several wideouts participating in the Drew Brees-led workouts in San Diego. Maybe a fresh start is just what he needed.
While he didn't technically play for the Saints last year, Emerson did miss the 2025 season recovering from Achilles surgery after going down early in Cleveland Browns training camp. And now he's healthy and taking reps whenever the Saints have been on the field. He could push Quincy Riley for snaps in the starting lineup across from Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Blackmon started at safety in Week 1 last year and stayed on the field for all 66 defensive snaps, plus three reps on special teams, but he noticed some discomfort after the game and was diagnosed with a torn labrum. He's dealt with labrum injuries before but this one required season-ending surgery. He's back in the starting lineup now that he's healthy.
#camp #last #Patriots #start
9 days ago
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Despite — or maybe because of — volatile markets and increasing consumer costs, the nation's largest banks continued to post strong profits in their second-quarter earnings, showing that the banking sector remains resilient even as concerns about the economy persist (1). But JPMorgan Chase, at least, is still preparing for a possible recession.
During JPMorgan's earnings call earlier this year, Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon declined to predict whether the U.S. was heading for a recession (2); however, he has repeatedly warned that whenever the next credit cycle arrives, losses on leveraged lending are likely to be "worse than people expect relative to the scenario."
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
JPMorgan still sees gold hitting $5,000/oz by Q4 — and savvy investors are protecting their wealth with a tax-advantaged Gold IRA. Learn more with a free guide from Priority Gold
#jpmorgan #recession #wealth
Despite — or maybe because of — volatile markets and increasing consumer costs, the nation's largest banks continued to post strong profits in their second-quarter earnings, showing that the banking sector remains resilient even as concerns about the economy persist (1). But JPMorgan Chase, at least, is still preparing for a possible recession.
During JPMorgan's earnings call earlier this year, Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon declined to predict whether the U.S. was heading for a recession (2); however, he has repeatedly warned that whenever the next credit cycle arrives, losses on leveraged lending are likely to be "worse than people expect relative to the scenario."
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
JPMorgan still sees gold hitting $5,000/oz by Q4 — and savvy investors are protecting their wealth with a tax-advantaged Gold IRA. Learn more with a free guide from Priority Gold
#jpmorgan #recession #wealth
10 days ago
Owing to their historical stature as one of the most celebrated and successful clubs in Europe, a lot of footballers dream of playing for Real Madrid at some point in their careers. This allure of the Merengue club turns out to be a crucial weapon whenever they want to get their desired players from the market.
However, if this does not turn out to be enough, Los Blancos have some other tools to attract their targets. One such tool is the presence of some of the biggest stars in their team, and these stars themselves are willing to do their part to convince others to join them.
This was quite visible in the way Vinicius Junior remained in contact with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to convince them to undertake a move to Real Madrid. Similarly, Bellingham then also convinced his countryman and friend Trent Alexander-Arnold to join the Merengue club last summer.
This year, Los Blancos are once again being linked with a big move, and one player who is most strongly **** ociated with them is the Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise. Conflicting reports about his links with Real Madrid have emerged in recent days. While some reports claim that the Merengues have closed their door to his signing, others continue to suggest that the player is ready to change clubs.
In this context, one recent report by l’Equipe claimed that Olise had already told his France national team teammates that he is ready to leave Bayern Munich to join the Spanish club. Other outlets like Sky Germany later confirmed this news, and now, as SPORT has noted, Bild has given its own version of the story, with another major protagonist.
#real #madrid #blancos #bellingham
However, if this does not turn out to be enough, Los Blancos have some other tools to attract their targets. One such tool is the presence of some of the biggest stars in their team, and these stars themselves are willing to do their part to convince others to join them.
This was quite visible in the way Vinicius Junior remained in contact with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to convince them to undertake a move to Real Madrid. Similarly, Bellingham then also convinced his countryman and friend Trent Alexander-Arnold to join the Merengue club last summer.
This year, Los Blancos are once again being linked with a big move, and one player who is most strongly **** ociated with them is the Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise. Conflicting reports about his links with Real Madrid have emerged in recent days. While some reports claim that the Merengues have closed their door to his signing, others continue to suggest that the player is ready to change clubs.
In this context, one recent report by l’Equipe claimed that Olise had already told his France national team teammates that he is ready to leave Bayern Munich to join the Spanish club. Other outlets like Sky Germany later confirmed this news, and now, as SPORT has noted, Bild has given its own version of the story, with another major protagonist.
#real #madrid #blancos #bellingham
10 days ago
(By Oil & Gas 360) – For decades, the United States measured energy security by asking whether America could produce enough oil.
The shale revolution largely answered that question. The United States became the world's largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, reducing import dependence and reshaping global energy markets. But production is only one part of the system. Crude still must be transported, processed, and converted into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals.
That raises another question:
Who owns America's refining advantage, and whose capital will determine its future?
The issue becomes more important whenever tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz. A disruption there can quickly lift crude prices, tanker rates, insurance costs, and refined product prices around the world.
#states #prices
The shale revolution largely answered that question. The United States became the world's largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, reducing import dependence and reshaping global energy markets. But production is only one part of the system. Crude still must be transported, processed, and converted into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals.
That raises another question:
Who owns America's refining advantage, and whose capital will determine its future?
The issue becomes more important whenever tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz. A disruption there can quickly lift crude prices, tanker rates, insurance costs, and refined product prices around the world.
#states #prices
10 days ago
Amal Clooney is a superwoman, what with her incredible career as a human rights lawyer, her role as a mother of twins Alexander and Ella and wife to George Clooney, and a certified fashionista. Fans have long wondered how she achieves her svelte figure, and how she finds the time to work out and maintain a healthy lifestyle amongst her other responsibilities.
The 48-year-old's favorite way to keep fit, as per Women's Health, is through a combination of Pilates, weightlifting, lengthy walks and tennis sessions. George previously revealed that Amal was a competitive player on the tennis court, and often bested him when they faced each other.
"Amal is a really good athlete. When I was younger, I won some tennis tournaments. I played a lot of sports – I still play a lot of sports, and I can actually play [well]. And Amal just beats the **** out of me," George told People.
Amal maintains her incredible figure by playing tennis (Corbis via Getty Images)
He added that whenever they versed each other in pickleball, Amal always came out on top. "She kills me – if we play six games, I'll win maybe two," he admitted.
#amal #incredible
The 48-year-old's favorite way to keep fit, as per Women's Health, is through a combination of Pilates, weightlifting, lengthy walks and tennis sessions. George previously revealed that Amal was a competitive player on the tennis court, and often bested him when they faced each other.
"Amal is a really good athlete. When I was younger, I won some tennis tournaments. I played a lot of sports – I still play a lot of sports, and I can actually play [well]. And Amal just beats the **** out of me," George told People.
Amal maintains her incredible figure by playing tennis (Corbis via Getty Images)
He added that whenever they versed each other in pickleball, Amal always came out on top. "She kills me – if we play six games, I'll win maybe two," he admitted.
#amal #incredible
10 days ago
Whenever a player who could've helped the Los Angeles Lakers ends up with another team, some fans simply ******* ume that the Lakers didn't go after him. But the team has been aggressive this summer in remodeling its roster after LeBron James left, and that aggression extends to players it struck out on.
On Sunday, Luguentz Dort, who was a key starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the last several years, was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade. Before that trade went down, the Lakers were reportedly one team that had interest in him, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
"Several teams expressed trade interest in acquiring Dort before he was traded to Atlanta, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat, league sources told HoopsHype."
Los Angeles has lacked defensive-minded wings, especially those who can also hit open 3-pointers, for a number of years. While Dort shot just 38.5% from the field and 34.4% from 3-point range last season, he could've served as a nice piece for L.A.
About a month ago, NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote that the team had called the Thunder about Dort. Instead, it eventually added two-way wing Quentin Grimes and forwards Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle in free agency. It is also hoping that 6-foot-5 rookie guard Cameron Carr will make it into its rotation and display some legitimate two-way ability.
#Lakers #dort
On Sunday, Luguentz Dort, who was a key starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the last several years, was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade. Before that trade went down, the Lakers were reportedly one team that had interest in him, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
"Several teams expressed trade interest in acquiring Dort before he was traded to Atlanta, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat, league sources told HoopsHype."
Los Angeles has lacked defensive-minded wings, especially those who can also hit open 3-pointers, for a number of years. While Dort shot just 38.5% from the field and 34.4% from 3-point range last season, he could've served as a nice piece for L.A.
About a month ago, NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote that the team had called the Thunder about Dort. Instead, it eventually added two-way wing Quentin Grimes and forwards Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle in free agency. It is also hoping that 6-foot-5 rookie guard Cameron Carr will make it into its rotation and display some legitimate two-way ability.
#Lakers #dort
10 days ago
The success of the 2026 World Cup in the United States wasn't defined only by the USMNT's performance on the pitch, but by the growth of the sport in the country where American football is king. The United States was a co-host of the tournament with Mexico and Canada.
Former USMNT stars Tim Howard and Landon Donovan were prepared to **** ist fans old and new with the nuances of the beautiful game through their "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast, which has 92,000 subscribers on YouTube and releases a new episode every Tuesday on major streaming platforms. The two National Soccer Hall of Famers were teammates for several years and played together at the 2010 World Cup, where Donovan famously had the stoppage time goal against Algeria to send the side to the round of 16. It was the last time the United States won their group before doing so again this summer.
This year, the USMNT was kicked out of the round of 16 via a 4-1 dismantling at the hands of Belgium, the team that the United States lost to in the 2014 tournament and Howard had his record 16 saves. The recent match had added tension around a rescinded red card to the United States' leading scorer Folarin Balogun. It had an audience of 30 million viewers on FOX, which made it the most-watched soccer telecast in United States history.
"I think this was a successful World Cup for our US men's national team on the field," Howard said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. "I do. They did some really good things, and of course, stumbling at that hurdle hurts. It was always going to hurt whenever whenever the team went out. But they could be proud of themselves, and they had a really good tournament."
The World Cup, which had an added round with the expanded field of 48 teams, broke the attendance record in group play and finished with 6.8 million fans watching a match in person. Spain won its first men's World Cup since 2010 and Kylian Mbappé was the first player to win the Golden Boot back-to-back. The French star broke the record for most World Cup goals all-time, which was first passed by Lionel Messi during the tournament.
#states #time
Former USMNT stars Tim Howard and Landon Donovan were prepared to **** ist fans old and new with the nuances of the beautiful game through their "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast, which has 92,000 subscribers on YouTube and releases a new episode every Tuesday on major streaming platforms. The two National Soccer Hall of Famers were teammates for several years and played together at the 2010 World Cup, where Donovan famously had the stoppage time goal against Algeria to send the side to the round of 16. It was the last time the United States won their group before doing so again this summer.
This year, the USMNT was kicked out of the round of 16 via a 4-1 dismantling at the hands of Belgium, the team that the United States lost to in the 2014 tournament and Howard had his record 16 saves. The recent match had added tension around a rescinded red card to the United States' leading scorer Folarin Balogun. It had an audience of 30 million viewers on FOX, which made it the most-watched soccer telecast in United States history.
"I think this was a successful World Cup for our US men's national team on the field," Howard said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. "I do. They did some really good things, and of course, stumbling at that hurdle hurts. It was always going to hurt whenever whenever the team went out. But they could be proud of themselves, and they had a really good tournament."
The World Cup, which had an added round with the expanded field of 48 teams, broke the attendance record in group play and finished with 6.8 million fans watching a match in person. Spain won its first men's World Cup since 2010 and Kylian Mbappé was the first player to win the Golden Boot back-to-back. The French star broke the record for most World Cup goals all-time, which was first passed by Lionel Messi during the tournament.
#states #time
10 days ago
Richard Gleeson, who was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as an injury replacement for Nuwan Thushara for INR 1.6 crore ahead of IPL 2026, made a sensational start to his The Hundred 2026 campaign with MI London, producing a match-winning spell against Sunrisers Leeds.
The 38-year-old England pacer was drafted into RCB's squad after Sri Lankan speedster Nuwan Thushara was unable to join the franchise, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refusing to grant him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
Now representing MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles), the defending champions of The Hundred, Gleeson showcased his class in the opening match of the 2026 season at The Kia Oval.
Leading MI London's pace attack, Gleeson ripped through the Sunrisers Leeds batting lineup, returning outstanding figures of 4/25. The veteran seamer struck at crucial moments whenever Sunrisers Leeds looked set to build a partnership. He also came within one delivery of a hat-trick after dismissing Zak Crawley and Benny Howell off successive ****** , putting the opposition under immense pressure.
His disciplined spell restricted Sunrisers Leeds to 143, laying the perfect platform for MI London's chase.
MI London's chase got off to the worst possible start as Brydon Carse produced a fiery opening spell, clocking speeds in excess of 90mph. The Sunrisers Leeds pacer removed Will Jacks and birthday boy Jason Roy cheaply, reducing the defending champions to 4/2. When Nathan Ellis bowled James Vince for 13, MI London found themselves in trouble at 51/3, with the momentum firmly in Sunrisers' favour.
However, the game turned completely after Nicholas Pooran walked to the crease. The West Indies star launched a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 58 off just 22 ****** *, including five fours and five sixes. He raced to his half-century in just 19 deliveries, registering the fastest fifty in MI London's history.
At the other end, captain Sam Curran played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 60 off 39 ****** . The duo stitched together an unbroken 93-run partnership off only 40 deliveries, guiding MI London to 144/3 in 84 ****** and sealing a commanding seven-wicket victory with 16 ****** to spare to begin their ****** le defence in style.
#spell #thushara #hundred
The 38-year-old England pacer was drafted into RCB's squad after Sri Lankan speedster Nuwan Thushara was unable to join the franchise, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refusing to grant him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
Now representing MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles), the defending champions of The Hundred, Gleeson showcased his class in the opening match of the 2026 season at The Kia Oval.
Leading MI London's pace attack, Gleeson ripped through the Sunrisers Leeds batting lineup, returning outstanding figures of 4/25. The veteran seamer struck at crucial moments whenever Sunrisers Leeds looked set to build a partnership. He also came within one delivery of a hat-trick after dismissing Zak Crawley and Benny Howell off successive ****** , putting the opposition under immense pressure.
His disciplined spell restricted Sunrisers Leeds to 143, laying the perfect platform for MI London's chase.
MI London's chase got off to the worst possible start as Brydon Carse produced a fiery opening spell, clocking speeds in excess of 90mph. The Sunrisers Leeds pacer removed Will Jacks and birthday boy Jason Roy cheaply, reducing the defending champions to 4/2. When Nathan Ellis bowled James Vince for 13, MI London found themselves in trouble at 51/3, with the momentum firmly in Sunrisers' favour.
However, the game turned completely after Nicholas Pooran walked to the crease. The West Indies star launched a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 58 off just 22 ****** *, including five fours and five sixes. He raced to his half-century in just 19 deliveries, registering the fastest fifty in MI London's history.
At the other end, captain Sam Curran played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 60 off 39 ****** . The duo stitched together an unbroken 93-run partnership off only 40 deliveries, guiding MI London to 144/3 in 84 ****** and sealing a commanding seven-wicket victory with 16 ****** to spare to begin their ****** le defence in style.
#spell #thushara #hundred
11 days ago
NEW DELHI: India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill expressed concern over his team’s fitness standards after the ODI series defeat in England. A string of players breaking down before or during series has repeatedly left the team hamstrung over the past year. Gill suggested that India might be missing a trick in managing players’ fitness.
His comments have brought into focus the breakdown of a system built on coordination between the Indian team management and the Centre of Excellence (CoE). Not long ago, India had all their key players fit and available for three ICC events in 2023, 2024 and 2025. TOI understands that some senior players are struggling to adapt to a new system following a change in personnel last year. The most worrying aspect has been the recurrence of hamstring injuries.
“The flurry of recent hamstring injuries suggests that the players may not have been absolutely fit before taking the field. There seems to be a gap in communication about a player’s fitness status and workload between the CoE and the team management,” a BCCI source said. The CoE has not appointed a head of medical staff since Nitin Patel left. “There has been no update to the SOPs drawn up in 2023. Data collection has become more robust, but acting on it has become slower,” the source added.
During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach, the BCCI medical team, the CoE and the team management had charted out year-long roadmaps for individual players around major ICC events. The objective was to get each player to the required fitness level in time for the next ICC tournament or marquee Test series.
The recurring injuries suffered by Harshit Rana and Nitish **** ar Reddy have not gone down well with the BCCI. Sources said Reddy was being pushed to bowl close to 140kmph to compensate for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya.
“Reddy worked with English bowling coach Stefan Jones to increase his pace. But that needs to be a gradual process when he is with the team leading up to a big event. Instead, he is pushing himself to bowl faster whenever he is with the team,” the source said.
“It’s a bit concerning how Harshit was cleared by the CoE at the insistence of the team management when he had not attained his pre-knee-injury weight. These things need more care,” the source added.
TOI also understands that Washington Sundar too may have been rushed to join the T20 World Cup squad in Feb this year. “Washington required a good 10 days to be fit to play a match after joining the squad. He was pushed by the team management to get ready during a tournament. It may have taken its toll. Team can ask for players but the medical team needs to present a clear picture,” the source claimed.
Jasprit **** rah, for instance, is a special case for BCCI. Even with his history, he is barely pushed to hit high speeds months away from a marquee **** ignment. His loads are gradually increased to reach the desired level when the **** ignment arrives.
Akash Deep, who
His comments have brought into focus the breakdown of a system built on coordination between the Indian team management and the Centre of Excellence (CoE). Not long ago, India had all their key players fit and available for three ICC events in 2023, 2024 and 2025. TOI understands that some senior players are struggling to adapt to a new system following a change in personnel last year. The most worrying aspect has been the recurrence of hamstring injuries.
“The flurry of recent hamstring injuries suggests that the players may not have been absolutely fit before taking the field. There seems to be a gap in communication about a player’s fitness status and workload between the CoE and the team management,” a BCCI source said. The CoE has not appointed a head of medical staff since Nitin Patel left. “There has been no update to the SOPs drawn up in 2023. Data collection has become more robust, but acting on it has become slower,” the source added.
During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach, the BCCI medical team, the CoE and the team management had charted out year-long roadmaps for individual players around major ICC events. The objective was to get each player to the required fitness level in time for the next ICC tournament or marquee Test series.
The recurring injuries suffered by Harshit Rana and Nitish **** ar Reddy have not gone down well with the BCCI. Sources said Reddy was being pushed to bowl close to 140kmph to compensate for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya.
“Reddy worked with English bowling coach Stefan Jones to increase his pace. But that needs to be a gradual process when he is with the team leading up to a big event. Instead, he is pushing himself to bowl faster whenever he is with the team,” the source said.
“It’s a bit concerning how Harshit was cleared by the CoE at the insistence of the team management when he had not attained his pre-knee-injury weight. These things need more care,” the source added.
TOI also understands that Washington Sundar too may have been rushed to join the T20 World Cup squad in Feb this year. “Washington required a good 10 days to be fit to play a match after joining the squad. He was pushed by the team management to get ready during a tournament. It may have taken its toll. Team can ask for players but the medical team needs to present a clear picture,” the source claimed.
Jasprit **** rah, for instance, is a special case for BCCI. Even with his history, he is barely pushed to hit high speeds months away from a marquee **** ignment. His loads are gradually increased to reach the desired level when the **** ignment arrives.
Akash Deep, who
11 days ago
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu believes new signing Harry Wilson can bring something "very special" to the team through his contributions in attacking areas.
Ampadu and Wilson are team-mates at international level for Wales and the midfielder was asked by BBC Radio Leeds about whether he helped convince the attacker to make the switch from Fulham to Elland Road.
"I don't think he needed my convincing to join," Ampadu said. "I think he knew what an amazing club this is, what a great time he can have here. I like to think my message or two might've aided him in that direction. I think whenever I've spoken to him in the past the Welsh lads on camp have spoken glowingly about Leeds.
"All the conversations he's had with the manager and club have gone in the right direction. Because I know him quite well and I know him on the pitch, I'm grateful that we've got him in.
"I think everyone saw more last year, I think maybe because he was coming to the end of his contract that gets people talking about you in a different way but his quality, his left foot, the way he works for the team, the way he works for himself, I think all Leeds fans are going to appreciate the hard work he does and the goals and ****** ists is very special and what helps results."
#leeds #ampadu #wilson #direction
Ampadu and Wilson are team-mates at international level for Wales and the midfielder was asked by BBC Radio Leeds about whether he helped convince the attacker to make the switch from Fulham to Elland Road.
"I don't think he needed my convincing to join," Ampadu said. "I think he knew what an amazing club this is, what a great time he can have here. I like to think my message or two might've aided him in that direction. I think whenever I've spoken to him in the past the Welsh lads on camp have spoken glowingly about Leeds.
"All the conversations he's had with the manager and club have gone in the right direction. Because I know him quite well and I know him on the pitch, I'm grateful that we've got him in.
"I think everyone saw more last year, I think maybe because he was coming to the end of his contract that gets people talking about you in a different way but his quality, his left foot, the way he works for the team, the way he works for himself, I think all Leeds fans are going to appreciate the hard work he does and the goals and ****** ists is very special and what helps results."
#leeds #ampadu #wilson #direction
11 days ago
Penrice was of course at last year’s Scottish Premiership ***** le challengers Heart of Midlothian at one time, before being sold to Greek outfit and Celtic’s former European foes AEK Athens, in what was a good £2 million deal at that time for the Edinburgh club.
The man who was formerly of Livingston had been thought to be on Celtic’s radar during that period, with the Bhoys looking for cover at left-back to help bolster an area that has been somewhat of a bug-bear of the supporters in recent times – stretching as far back as Brendan Rodgers’ first spell in charge at the football club, when Emilio Izaguirre was even drafted back in as temporary cover at one point.
With Kieran Tierney now the mainstay and obvious first-choice at the left-hand side of the Hoops defence, many thought Marcelo Saracchi would be the man to play deputy to the Scotland international, whenever he was needing rested or just refreshing of the starting line-up more generally for Martin O’Neill, going forward into this campaign.
That has obviously not transpired following bizarre negotiations and non-negotiations – depending on who you believe – and that means there is once again a major hole in the squad that needs filled, with only Liam Scales and Adam Montgomery able to deputise in Tierney’s absence now, with the former our centre-back presently and the latter well out of the picture for some time now.
Meanwhile, journalist Mark Hendry has confirmed that as it stands, the Bhoys have not gone beyond the dreaded “enquiry” stage for the Scottish defender, in what is fast-becoming the motif of our current summer recruitment drive. Taking to social media site X, the journalist summarised the situation as the following:
#time #celtic #former #club
The man who was formerly of Livingston had been thought to be on Celtic’s radar during that period, with the Bhoys looking for cover at left-back to help bolster an area that has been somewhat of a bug-bear of the supporters in recent times – stretching as far back as Brendan Rodgers’ first spell in charge at the football club, when Emilio Izaguirre was even drafted back in as temporary cover at one point.
With Kieran Tierney now the mainstay and obvious first-choice at the left-hand side of the Hoops defence, many thought Marcelo Saracchi would be the man to play deputy to the Scotland international, whenever he was needing rested or just refreshing of the starting line-up more generally for Martin O’Neill, going forward into this campaign.
That has obviously not transpired following bizarre negotiations and non-negotiations – depending on who you believe – and that means there is once again a major hole in the squad that needs filled, with only Liam Scales and Adam Montgomery able to deputise in Tierney’s absence now, with the former our centre-back presently and the latter well out of the picture for some time now.
Meanwhile, journalist Mark Hendry has confirmed that as it stands, the Bhoys have not gone beyond the dreaded “enquiry” stage for the Scottish defender, in what is fast-becoming the motif of our current summer recruitment drive. Taking to social media site X, the journalist summarised the situation as the following:
#time #celtic #former #club
11 days ago
It's a no-brainer that whenever Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry decides to hang it up for good, he'll be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
In case his career statistics and accolades didn't signal that, the Basketball Hall of Fame practically ensured it when they announced that the four-time NBA champion will have his own exhibit, marking the first time an active player was honored with a dedicated experience.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will introduce its newest exhibit on Friday, July 24, which will be dedicated to the 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time MVP, Olympic gold medalist, four-time NBA champion and the undisputed greatest shooter of all time.
This development is a part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame acclaimed gallery called "The Vault."
The exhibit is called "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" and it showcases Curry's prowess on and off the court. In a creative partnership with Curry's Thirty Ink business team, the exhibit will showcase Curry's legacy as a basketball icon, entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man.
#time #stephen #curry
In case his career statistics and accolades didn't signal that, the Basketball Hall of Fame practically ensured it when they announced that the four-time NBA champion will have his own exhibit, marking the first time an active player was honored with a dedicated experience.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will introduce its newest exhibit on Friday, July 24, which will be dedicated to the 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time MVP, Olympic gold medalist, four-time NBA champion and the undisputed greatest shooter of all time.
This development is a part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame acclaimed gallery called "The Vault."
The exhibit is called "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" and it showcases Curry's prowess on and off the court. In a creative partnership with Curry's Thirty Ink business team, the exhibit will showcase Curry's legacy as a basketball icon, entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man.
#time #stephen #curry
