Luke Wright highlights Essex shortcomings as Sussex claim third consecutive win

Skipper slams 75 from 44 to help make short work of small chase

ECB Reporters' Network15-Jun-2021

Luke Wright teed off in Sussex’s chase•Getty Images

Luke Wright entered the 2021 Vitality Blast with a stunning 75 off 44 balls as Sussex Sharks made it three wins from three with a seven-wicket victory over Essex Eagles.The Blast’s all-time leading run-scorer missed the opening two rounds after splitting the webbing in his hand while practising fielding on the eve of the competition. But he made up for lost time by bringing up his fifty in 33 deliveries as Sussex chased down Essex’s below-par 128 for eight with 36 balls to spare.Wright looked at home right from the start, with boundaries from his second and third deliveries – two of eight fours.Opening partner Phil Salt earned a life when he bludgeoned a full toss to mid-on, only to earn a reprieve for the umpire to judge the ball to have been above waist-height, much to Simon Harmer’s chagrin. Salt was run out for 13, after putting on 54 with Wright before Travis Head added 60 together with the skipper.Wright continued to his 26th Blast half-century, going past 8000 T20 career runs, with a pair of straight sixes and another over cow corner. He departed with six still needed but Delray Rawlins clattered the winning runs over long-off soon after.Wright’s day had started perfectly as he won the toss and stuck the hosts in – although Will Buttleman struck successive sixes in the fourth over. On a used hybrid pitch, scoring proved difficult for Essex with only Buttleman, Michael Pepper and Jimmy Neesham’s strike rates topping 100, for those who reached double figures.The strain on scoring was exemplified by the last over of the Powerplay, which saw just one run, as Paul Walter struggled to lay a bat on Chris Jordan – the run rate throughout the innings hovering just below seven an over.To add to the Eagles’ woes, wickets were a regular occurrence. Tom Westley and Buttleman fell in the Powerplay – the former picking out deep midwicket off George Garton and the latter slapping a Tymal Mills slower ball to cover.Walter was stumped, Ryan ten Doeschate clubbed old pal Ravi Bopara to long off, Pepper – having scored 38 off 25 balls – drilled to extra cover, Harmer miscued to midwicket, Jack Plom skied to mid-off and Neesham was comprehensively bowled.Garton ended up with 3 for 31, with Mills, Jordan and Bopara all going at under a run-a-ball.

Leicester could land dream first Potter signing with "unpredictable" star

da premier bet: Leicester City are currently on the lookout for a new head coach after Enzo Maresca moved on from the King Power to join Chelsea earlier this summer.

da bet vitoria: The Telegraph recently reported that English boss Graham Potter has emerged as the leading candidate to take the job, after talks with the club.

Last in charge of Chelsea, the 49-year-old tactician will hold more discussions with the Foxes as they attempt to convince him to lead them into the Premier League next season.

Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

If Leicester can persuade the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager to make his way to the King Power this summer then they could land a dream first signing for him as they are reportedly keen on an exciting talent from the Serie A.

Leicester's interest in Serie A star

According to TuttoSport, the Foxes are one of the clubs eyeing up a swoop for Juventus youngster Matias Soule during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Leicester and West Ham United have already met with the player's representatives for meetings in London ahead of a possible move to the Premier League for the 21-year-old wizard.

Aston Villa transfer target Matias Soule in action for Frosinone.

It states that the Italian giants would close a deal quickly if either of the interested clubs are willing to put down an offer of €40m (£34m) for his services.

The Old Lady are willing to cash in for that price so that they can use the funds to make signings of their own, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Foxes are prepared to pay it.

This may now be an interesting transfer saga to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, and the appointment of Potter could help to speed things up if he decides that Soule is a player he would want in his team.

Why he could be a dream first signing

The Argentine winger could be a dream first signing for the English boss as he can play as one of the two inside forwards in the manager's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Soule spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Frosinone in the Serie A and showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third, whilst primarily playing as the right sided number ten behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1, which makes him a perfect option for Potter.

23/24 Serie A

Matias Soule

Appearances

36

xG

10.46

Goals

11

Big chances created

8

xA

5.34

Assists

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the young talent, who was hailed as "unpredictable" by analyst Ben Mattinson, caught the eye with ten goals and eight 'big chances' created in the Italian top-flight.

At the age of 21, Soule also has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, which means that he could be an investment by Leicester, as well as someone who could hit the ground running.

Potter could find his next Dunk by reviving Leicester's £50k-p/w gem

Graham Potter could get even more out of this defender if appointed as Leicester City boss.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 12, 2024

Therefore, the Juventus youngster could be a dream first signing for Potter, should the club appoint him, due to his perfect suitability to the Englishman's formation, his proven ability to score and create chances in a major European league, and his age profile.

أحمد حسن: لاعب الأهلي "جعان أهداف".. والفوز على غزل المحلة مستحق

أكد أحمد حسن قائد منتخب مصر السابق، أن النادي الأهلي استحق الفوز على غزل المحلة، في المباراة التي جرت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء.

الأهلي تفوق على غزل المحلة، بهدف دون رد، ذلك ضمن مواجهات الجولة 13 من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، وسجل الهدف إمام عاشور.

وقال حسن خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورت: “الأهلي تحسن في الشوط الثاني، التغييرات التي أجراها كولر كانت دفاعية، والشوط الأول للنسيان”.

وأضاف: “غزل المحلة لا بد أن نوجه له التحية، قدم مباراة ممتازة وأحرج الأهلي في بعض أوقات المباراة”.

طالع | مدة غياب مصطفى العش عن الأهلي بعد الطرد أمام غزل المحلة

وتابع: “الفريق البطل هو الذي يفوز حتى وهو ليس في حالته، الأهلي يعرف كيف يفعل ذلك، ومحمد الشناوي يستحق جائزة رجل المباراة”.

وأكمل: “إمام عاشور يصنع الفارق عندما يكون في حالته، وهو ما حدث اليوم، وما يُميزه إنه يُكمل في منقطة الـ 18، هو بلغة الكرة (جعان أهداف)”.

وأتم: “في بعض الأوقات عندما تكون في حالتك، الطمع يكون مطلوبًا، لكن لو كان من الأفضل أن يُمرر الكرة لزملائه فبالتأكيد سيكون ذلك أفضل”. هدف فوز الأهلي على غزل المحلة.. إمام عاشور

Palmeiras renova com Luan Silva, mas atacante não seguirá no clube

MatériaMais Notícias

da realbet: O Palmeiras acertou, nesta terça-feira (21), a renovação contratual do atacante Luan Silva, que está emprestado pelo Vitória. O jogador estendeu seu vínculo por mais dois meses, mas, mesmo assim, não permanecerá no Maior Campeão Nacional na próxima temporada.

Segundo apurou o NOSSO PALESTRA, a ação tem relação direta com a saída do jogador da equipe. Com o vínculo maior, o Verdão emprestará o atleta para outra equipe, dado que ele não terá espaço no elenco bicampeão da Libertadores.

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da leao: Luan Silva chegou ao Palmeiras em 2019, se recuperando de uma lesão no joelho, mas, em dois anos de clube, não conseguiu ter sequência. Tido como uma grande promessa, sofreu com questões físicas e, em 2020, se machucou novamente.

No total, o atleta soma apenas uma partida, contra a Ferroviária, na primeira fase do Paulistão da temporada passada.

Day four washed out without a ball bowled

India and New Zealand now have a maximum of 196 overs – including the reserve day – to identify an outright winner

Sidharth Monga21-Jun-20212:36

Is a result still possible in the WTC final?

Persistent rain allowed no play on day four of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, leaving India and New Zealand a maximum of 196 overs – including the reserve day – to identify an outright winner. In case of a draw, the inaugural WTC will have joint winners who will share the award money and the trophy.The draw has become a more favoured result with the first innings of both sides yet to be completed, with only 141.2 overs possible on the first four days. However, the degree of difficulty of batting on this pitch still leaves the teams a chance to claim the win.As it stands, New Zealand are 116 behind India’s first-innings score of 217 with eight wickets in hand after putting India in on day two, after the whole first day had been washed out. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are at the wicket with the only half-centurion of the match, Devon Conway, falling minutes before the third day’s play was cut short by bad light.All eyes are now on the forecast for the last two days of the Test. BBC has predicted nothing more than a gentle early-morning shower on Tuesday and a clear sunny day on Wednesday. Accuweather has forecast a cloudy day with the odd shower on Tuesday and a “sunny to partly cloudy” Wednesday.As is the practice with last days of Tests in England, the ICC will cut down the prices for the tickets on the reserve day. PTI reported that the highest-priced category – priced at GBP 150 – will be available for GBP 100 for the sixth day. The prices for the other two categories will go down from GBP 100 and GBP 75 to GBP 75 and GBP 50. Fans who had tickets for days one and four – the complete washouts, which stand to be refunded – will have first go at the tickets, and the remainder will be open to fans who missed out overall in the ticket ballot for the Test.The reserve day had become available the moment more than 150 minutes of play were lost on day one, but looking at how difficult the conditions were on days two and three, there had been a good chance it might not be needed. The rain on day four has all but made sure the final will go into day six. In such a case, the umpires will formally announce the sixth day 60 minutes before the close on day five.

Leeds now prioritising £35m move to sign South American defender ahead of Juventus

da bwin: Leeds United are now reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a South American defender ahead of Italian giants Juventus in the January transfer window.

Leeds still plotting Farke replacement despite Chelsea win

da fazobetai: The Premier League is a harsh world, isn’t it? The pressure was increasing on Daniel Farke ahead of the Chelsea game, but you wouldn’t have known it after his side swept past Chelsea in a stunning 3-1 victory.

Reports in the build-up to the game claimed the German had to avoid defeat against the Blues and Liverpool this weekend to ensure that his job remains safe. It seemed an impossible task. Chelsea had just pushed Premier League leaders Arsenal all the way with 10 men and Liverpool, even in a difficult moment, remain the champions.

Come Wednesday night, however, there were no complaints from Farke. Instead, there was tactical genius. His 5-3-2 sytem physically outmatched Chelsea and Leeds, against the odds, secured a stunning 3-1 victory at Elland Road.

It would now be easy to assume that Farke’s job is safe. Yet, according to the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, those at Elland Road are still preparing for the worst-case scenario.

The reporter revealed: “Sources have told BBC Sport that the process of identifying potential candidates to replace Farke has begun. It is not unusual practice for clubs to plot a succession plan for their managerial position regardless of the incumbent’s job security.

“But Leeds’ poor form, which left them in the relegation zone before Wednesday’s win, has placed significant pressure on Farke – serving to amplify the club’s movement towards pinpointing possible successors to the German.”

It would be a ruthless decision by the 49ers, but that may not be the only change on the way. With the January transfer window approaching, Leeds have already set their sights on Real Betis star Natan.

Leeds prioritising Natan deal

According to reports in Spain, Leeds are now prioritising a deal to sign Natan from Real Betis in the January transfer window. The Brazilian defender is valued at around €40m (£35m) by the Spanish club and has also attracted the interest of Serie A giants Juventus.

Leeds star was looking "bang average" this season, now he's undroppable

This Leeds star has shone in their last two games

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 5, 2025

It’s clear to see why both Leeds and Juventus have set their sights on the 24-year-old. He’s enjoyed an impressive start to the current campaign and could now secure a move, be it in the new year or next summer.

League stats 25/26

Joe Rodon

Natan

Minutes

1,260

1,260

Ball Recoveries

41

50

Tackles Won

10

3

Successful Aerial Duels

41

42

Statistically speaking, Natan would have no trouble getting into Farke’s best side. Compared to Joe Rodon, the South American has thrived out of possession and particularly impressed in the air.

The big question that remains is whether Leeds will be willing to splash out £35m for his signature. Their record signing still sits at £35.5m for Georginio Rutter and it would take some doing to break that as early as the January transfer window.

Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds star is one of "the best" players in PL

São Paulo x Juventude; prováveis escalações, desfalques e onde assistir

MatériaMais Notícias

da gbg bet: Em jogo válido pela 37ª e penúltima rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, São Paulo e Juventude se enfrentam nesta segunda-feira, às 19h, no Morumbi, em um duelo direto entre dois times que ainda lutam para afastar o risco de rebaixamento à Série B. O Tricolor é o atual 14º colocado da competição, com 45 pontos, e a equipe gaúcha vem um pouco atrás, em 16º lugar, com 43.

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da marjack bet: > Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

Em seu último jogo no ano em seu estádio, o time são-paulino tenta dar uma resposta aos seus torcedores depois da decepcionante atuação que teve na derrota por 3 a 0 para o Grêmio, na última quinta-feira, em Porto Alegre. O Juventude, por sua vez, foi batido pelo Fortaleza por 1 a 0, na sexta-feira, no Castelão, mas na terça obteve uma importante vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Red Bull Bragantino, que melhorou a situação da equipe na luta contra o descenso.

Sem jogadores suspensos, o São Paulo de Rogério Ceni pode ter novidades no seu banco de reservas, já que neste domingo os atacantes Luciano (recuperado de uma cirurgia no punho) e Pablo (que superou uma entorse no tornozelo) treinaram sem restrições no CT da Barra Funda. O clube, entretanto, não divulga listas de jogadores relacionados para os seus confrontos no Brasileirão.

Pelo lado do Juventude, a tendência é a de que o técnico Jair Ventura repita a mesma escalação do jogo contra o Fortaleza, pois não tem desfalques por lesões ou suspensões. A única possível novidade seria uma mudança no meio-campo, com a entrada de Chico no lugar deWescley, que não exibiu boas atuações nas últimas partidas da equipe gaúcha na competição nacional.

No primeiro turno deste Brasileirão, Juventude e São Paulo empataram por 1 a 0, no estádio Alfredo Jaconi, em Caxias do Sul, onde Reinaldo abriu o placar para os visitantes aos 39 minutos do segundo tempo, cobrando um pênalti, mas os anfitriões buscaram a igualdade aos 45, com um gol de Ricardo Bueno.

Veja todas as informações sobre a partida:

SÃO PAULO X JUVENTUDE
Local:estádio do Morumbi, em São Paulo (SP)
Data/Horário: 06/12/2021, às 19h
Árbitro: Braulio da Silva Machado (Fifa-SC)
Assistentes: Éder Alexandre (SC) e Thiaggo Americano Labes (SC)
VAR: Rodrigo Dalonso Ferreira (Fifa-SC)
Onde acompanhar:Premiere e Tempo Real na parceria LANCE!/Voz do Esporte

SÃO PAULO
Tiago Volpi; Igor Vinicius, Arboleda, Miranda e Reinaldo; Rodrigo Nestor, Igor Gomes, Gabriel Sara e Vitor Bueno (Marquinhos); Rigoni e Calleri. Técnico: Rogério Ceni.

Desfalques: Luan, William, Walce e Galeano (lesionados)
Suspensos: –
Pendurados:Benítez, Liziero, Arboleda, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Luan, Luciano e Reinaldo
Voltam de suspensão: –

JUVENTUDE
Douglas; Michel Macedo, Vitor Mendes, Rafael Forster e William Matheus; Dawhan, Jadson, Guilherme Castilho e Wescley (Chico); Sorriso e Ricardo Bueno. Técnico: Jair Ventura.

Desfalques:-
Suspensos: –
Pendurados:-
Volta de suspensão: –

Fewer touches than Perri & only 5 passes: Leeds flop must now be dropped

da realbet: Leeds United secured a superb 3-3 comeback against Liverpool at Elland Road last night to make it four points in the space of a week against big six opposition.

da heads bet: Daniel Farke’s men fell two goals behind just minutes after the break after a Hugo Ekitiké double, but it only seemed to spur the side on to get back into the Premier League clash.

Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach restored parity before Dominic Szoboszlai’s 80th-minute effort looked to have finally handed the visitors three points.

However, it wasn’t meant to be, with the Whites’ never-say-die attitude rewarding them a point, after Ao Tanaka beautifully volleyed home from a corner in the 96th minute.

Despite the impressive fightback against the Reds in Yorkshire, numerous players struggled to impress throughout the clash, which could put their starting roles at huge risk.

Leeds’ poor performers against Liverpool

Jayden Bogle has been Leeds’ number one right-back so far this campaign, but his showing against the Reds was arguably one of his worst of the season to date.

The Englishman was withdrawn with just a minute left in the clash, after giving possession away 11 times, with two occasions coming when trying to take on an opponent.

He also failed to win any tackles against Cody Gakpo, whilst only coming out on top in 25% of the ground and aerial duels he entered against the defending champions.

Bogle wasn’t alone in struggling within the back five, with centre-back Joe Rodon having an uncharacteristically poor performance in the Premier League.

The Welsh international’s misplaced pass handed the ball on a plate for Ekitike to fire home and help the visitors establish their two-goal cushion early in the second half.

He also only managed to win 50% of the aerial battles he entered in the defensive third, but thankfully, he was bailed out by Tanaka for his struggles in stoppage time.

The Leeds star who needs to be dropped after Liverpool

If Leeds are to stay up in the Premier League this season, their ability to get themselves off the canvas on a regular basis could play a massive role in any successful survival attempt.

Few sides in the league would be able to get themselves back within striking distance of sides who possess the quality of Liverpool, with Farke deserving huge credit after such a result.

The German wasn’t afraid of making key changes at crucial parts of the game, with his triple change in the 65th minute seeing Tanaka score, whilst Wilfried Gnonto won the penalty for Calvert-Lewin’s strike.

Brenden Aaronson was also on hand to provide the goods, with the American registering the assist for Stach’s strike – which restored parity for the first time in the meeting.

However, Noah Okafor was just one of the players sacrificed for the aforementioned trio, with the attacker potentially now fearing for his starting role in Yorkshire.

The Swiss international lasted just over an hour before being replaced, but his stats from his time on the pitch showcase how lacklustre his showing at Elland Road was.

He was only able to complete a total of five passes in his 65-minute showing – an average of one every 13 minutes – with his small frame unsuited to the counter-attacking nature in the first half.

Noah Okafor – stats against Liverpool

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

65

Touches

14

Passes completed

5

Dribbles completed

1

Aerials won

0

Shots on target

0

Possession lost

4x

Fouls committed

1

Stats via FotMob

The 25-year-old tried his best to make an impact on the transition, but largely struggled against the Reds’ backline – as seen by his tally of just one dribble completed.

Okafor also failed to win any of his aerial battles, something which is hardly a surprise given his stature – but also coming up against the likes of Virgil van Dijk.

To top off his disappointing display, he only registered a total of 14 touches during the draw, with goalkeeper Lucas Perri making nearly three times more with his tally of 43.

After such a performance, Farke will be left with no choice but to drop the Swiss international, with the trio off the bench certainly deserving of a start after their impact in the second half.

It’s certainly not a bad call for the manager to make, especially with the recent form creating competition for places – something that will be vital if they are to secure survival.

Leeds now make contact over signing "powerful" star who's been likened to Odegaard

He’s a wanted man.

ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

أنشيلوتي: لا أريد الحديث عن التحكيم.. وسيميوني حر في رأيه

تحدث مدرب ريال مدريد، كارلو أنشيلوتي، بعد تعادل فريقه أمام أتلتيكو مدريد في الديربي بمنافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وانتهت المباراة بهدف لمثله لكل فريق، وأحرز كيليان مبابي هدف ريال مدريد، وسجل جوليان ألفاريز هدف أتلتيكو مدريد من ضربة جزاء، وعلّق أنشيلوتي على الأمر.

رفض أنشيلوتي في البداية الحديث عن ضربة جزاء أتلتيكو مدريد، ثم قال: “لا أريد التحدث عن التحكيم”.

وتابع: “في الشوط الثاني كان لدينا السيطرة التامة، وصلنا إلى المرمى عدة مرات، الشوط الأول كان مختلفًا، أبطأ بكثير، لكننا خرجنا من المباراة بانطباعات إيجابية”.

وأضاف: “لقد أثرت حالة ركلة الجزاء على الفريق، قبلها كان اللعب بطيئًا جدًا، لكن في الشوط الثاني لعبنا بشكل أكثر اتساعًا، وفينيسيوس ورودريجو خلقا الكثير من الخطورة”.

وتابع بشأن ركلة الجزاء: “احتسبت تقنية الفيديو ركلة الجزاء، وكان الحكم قريبًا من الوضع ورأى جيدًا ما حدث، لقد رأيت ركلة جزاء أخرى في مباراة أتلتيك بلباو ضد جيرونا، الناس في كرة القدم لا يفهمون هذا”.

وأصر مدرب ريال مدريد: “لا أريد الدخول في الجدل، أفضّل التحدث عن المباراة، غادرنا المباراة بالتعادل، نشعر بالتفاؤل، الفريق كان جيدًا، خاصة في الشوط الثاني”.

وأستطرد: “الفريق كان جيدًا، الجميع ضحى واستعاد الكرة في مباراة كانت معقدة، كان أتلتيكو يدافع ويقوم بهجمات مرتدة، وكانوا جيدين جدًا في الدفاع، تشواميني وأسينسيو قدما مباراة رائعة وكنا قريبين من الفوز”.

وأسترسل: “الشوط الثاني كان جيدًا، الفريق محبط لأنه يعتقد أنه كان يستحق الفوز، كنا قريبين، لكن يجب أن نكون راضين، ما زلنا في الصدارة، بعد أسبوع مكثف والآن لدينا أسبوع أكثر هدوءًا حتى يوم الثلاثاء”.

وعن داني سيبايوس، أفاد أنشيلوتي: “لعب سيبايوس بشكل جيد كما هو معتاد، وكان المدافعون أيضًا جيدين جدًا، بالنسبة لمباراة الثلاثاء (أمام مانشستر سيتي)، يجب أن نرى كيف سيستعيد الفريق لياقته، اللاعبون الذين شاركوا اليوم لديهم أفضلية (للمشاركة أمام السيتي)”.

وأردف: “تشكيل اليوم قد يكون صالحًا لمباراة الثلاثاء، أعتقد أنه نجح بشكل جيد، لا أتذكر أننا عانينا من فرص كبيرة سوى ركلة الجزاء”.

وإذا كان بيان ريال مدريد ضد التحكيم (بعد المباراة أمام إسبانيول) أثر على أداء الحكم في المباراة اليوم، علّق: “لا أعرف”.

وكان دييجو سيميوني مدرب أتلتيكو مدريد علّق أن أفضل فريق هو برشلونة، ورد أنشيلوتي: “كل شخص لديه رأيه، سيكون دوريًا تنافسيًا جدًا حتى النهاية، نحن سعيدون، رغم الصعوبات التي نواجهها”.

وأتم: “قبل المباراة، كان هناك مشهد، مع الأربعة، كارفاخال، ميليتاو، ألابا، وروديجر، وهم يحيون زملاءهم الذين يدخلون إلى الملعب، وهذا يعني أنه، رغم الصعوبات، نحن نؤدي بشكل جيد جدًا”.

Harbhajan Singh 'will do what is required to succeed' at the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders

Offspinner is set to play competitive cricket for the first time since May 2019

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2021

“Yes, I am not a 20-year-old anymore and won’t be training like I did then”•BCCI

Harbhajan Singh has not played competitive cricket in nearly two years and is entering his first bio-bubble environment since the Covid-19 pandemic began, but feels sure of “what needs to be done” as he prepares to represent his third IPL franchise – the Kolkata Knight Riders – in what will be his 13th IPL season.”These questions [about playing after a gap] are asked because I haven’t played a lot of cricket of late so teams are a bit defensive at auction and they don’t want to bid for me,” Singh, who was bought by the Knight Riders for INR 2 crore (US$ 273,000 approx.) in the 2021 auction, told PTI. “But let me remind all that when I did well for CSK in 2019 IPL, I hadn’t played any domestic cricket. I came to the camp, prepared and went into the match. At my level and experience, I know what needs to be done.”I don’t need to play domestic cricket for Punjab and stop a young talent from flourishing. That boy needs that chance more than me.”Singh, 40, had pulled out of last year’s IPL, when he was part of the Chennai Super Kings, because of “personal reasons” and had said “family takes precedence over sport”. He said he felt more confident now about being in a bubble because the IPL as back in India and people “have now got used to new normal”.”Last year, when IPL happened, Covid-19 in India was at its peak,” he said. “I was concerned about my family and also about hard quarantine in India after coming back. But this year, it’s happening in India and also we have now got used to new normal. Vaccines have come. Also it’s my family which pushed. My wife told me that I should go and play.”Singh had played 11 matches in the 2019 IPL for the Super Kings and picked up 16 wickets while conceding only 7.09 runs per over. Singh played eight of those 11 matches in Chennai and Delhi, where pitches are known to favour spinners more than fast bowlers. This time, he joins the Knight Riders’ spin attack of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, and the franchise has its 14 league games spread across four cities: Chennai (three), Mumbai (two), Ahmedabad (four) and Bengaluru (five).”We have a good team,” Singh said. “T20 is all about three players in a team, could be any three, clicking on that particular day. You see Mumbai Indians are a side which has all its bases covered but they are still beatable. It could be a Rahul Tripathi or a Nitish Rana can win it for us.”Singh has primarily been a T20 player for over three years now, having last played first-class cricket in November 2017, for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. Since then, he has featured in domestic T20s [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] twice and has mainly been playing the IPL since 2018, barring three games in the domestic circuit.”I have got nothing to prove to anyone. My intention is to play well, enjoy my stint out there in the middle and playing cricket still gives me that satisfaction. I have set a standard for myself and if I don’t meet that, I don’t need anyone else but I will blame myself. I need to ask myself, ‘did I put in the optimum effort that was required’,” he said. “Yes, I am not a 20-year-old anymore and won’t be training like I did then. But yes, as a 40-year-old, I know I am fit and will certainly do what is required to succeed at this level. The expectation is still going to be there and responsibilities that were there when I was playing for India remains.”Every season, I introspect if I have it in me to play or not. If I feel I am done, I will say, ‘thank you, very much’. If I feel I am doing alright, you will see me next year.”

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