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Saini replaces Siraj in India B while Gaurav Yadav comes in for Malik in India C

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Aug-2024

Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik have been ruled out of the first round of the Duleep Trophy because of illness. Navdeep Saini has replaced Siraj in the India B squad, while Gaurav Yadav has come in for Malik in the India C squad.Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, has also been released from the India B squad, though no reason has been provided for the update. No replacement has been named for him either.Gaurav, a 32-year-old fast bowler originally from Madhya Pradesh, switched to Puducherry before the last domestic season. He made headlines when he picked up 41 wickets in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, second on the overall list, in just 11 bowling innings at an average of 14.58, with five five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket match haul to stun Delhi in the opening round.Before that, too, he was a consistent wicket-taker with the red ball, with a tally of 24 in 2022-23, 23 in 2021-22, and 23 in 2019-20. Overall, he has played 37 first-class matches for 141 wickets since making his debut in the format in November 2012.Related

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The injury-prone Saini, who played two Tests on India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21, has been given a chance to come back on the selectors’ radar ahead of the Test season. He was part of two India A four-day games last season – one against England Lions at home and one in South Africa in December – but he failed to pick up more than one wicket in any of the four innings he bowled in.Nitish Kumar Reddy’s participation will continue to be subject to fitness, a BCCI statement said, as he continues to recover after a sports hernia surgery.The first round of the Duleep Trophy will be played simultaneously in Anantapur and Bengaluru from September 5.Originally a zonal competition featuring teams from five (and later six) zones, the format of the Duleep Trophy has changed often in the past few seasons, and will be a four-team contest this time. Since the second round will clash with the home Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19, the players who are picked for the Tests will be replaced.Revised squads for Duleep Trophy first roundIndia A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.India B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)India C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Gaurav Yadav, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep WarrierIndia D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar

There has been a lot to be negative about for Arsenal fans this season.

From their never-ending slew of injuries to bizarre suspensions and the fact that they once again failed to win a trophy.

However, while we certainly wouldn’t disagree that this year has been a disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side, there have also been a few genuine positives.

For example, a number of players have stepped up throughout the year and improved their standing in the team, including one who’s looked at entirely differently by the fans but shouldn’t be at the club at the start of next season.

The Arsenal stars who stepped up

So, before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over a few of the other stars who did themselves proud in an otherwise underwhelming season, such as Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the Hale Ender was out of action for just over three months with a hamstring injury, but when he was on the pitch, he’s only further proven to people that he is well and truly world-class.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, the 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games or every 100.73 minutes.

Saka’s 24/25

Appearances

37

Minutes

2619

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

The Englishman also stepped up against Real Madrid, just like another of the team’s leaders from this season, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain started the season somewhat slowly, but after Christmas, he looked back to his very best, and if he wasn’t breaking up opposition attacks in the middle of the park, he was starting them himself.

Moreover, the fact that he scored not one but two utterly superb free-kicks against Real in the Champions League cannot be overlooked – not that it is, mind.

Someone who doesn’t receive quite as much attention but should is Jurrien Timber, who, off the back of his ACL injury in the 23/24 season, managed to cover for the injured Ben White brilliantly this season, making 48 appearances across all competitions, 42 of which were starts.

Interestingly, the former Ajax star wasn’t the only defender to seriously improve his standing in the team this season.

The Arsenal star who should never play for the team again

So, it’s probably not too difficult to work out that the defender we are talking about is, of course, Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish international, who joined the club for £20m in January 2023, played something of a bit part for most of the campaign, right up until Gabriel Magalhaes saw his campaign end with a hamstring injury against Fulham on April 1st.

Following on from that game, the former Spezia star started every Premier League and Champions League game, including both legs against Real, in which, aside from a small mistake in the first leg, he was near enough perfect.

It was a totally unexpected run of genuinely impressive form from the 25-year-old, who only in December was branded as “shocking,” as having “no outstanding physical qualities”, and simply not “good enough” by Arsenal podcaster Phil Costa.

So, you may be asking yourself, why are we saying the “exceptional” international, as dubbed by Arteta, should never play for the club again?

Well, simply put, now is the best time to sell him and earn a tidy profit, with reports from last week claiming that he now has a price tag of £60m on his head, which works out to a 200% increase on the fee paid by the Gunners.

Moreover, it would also be in his own best interest, as when Gabriel is back, his game time will dramatically decrease and then decrease some more if Riccardo Calafiori can sort out his fitness over the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal should say their thanks to Kiwior and move him on this summer, while his valuation is justifiably high as it is.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2025

When it comes to world-class players, Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share in the Premier League era.

For example, while they never managed to get over the final hurdle, the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Mousa Dembélé were unreal under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, go back just that little bit further, and you get to Gareth Bale, who for quite some time was arguably one of the best wingers in world football.

So, fans should be ecstatic about recent reports that have linked the club with another sensational wideman who could be their best winger since the Welshman.

Tottenham transfer news

With just how terribly this season has gone for Tottenham, it’s unsurprising to see the club linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, such as Marcus Rashford.

The Englishman could be available for around £40m in the summer, which might prove to be a reasonable price for the Manchester United product, as across his time with the Red Devils and Aston Villa this term, he’s produced 20 goal involvements in 41 appearances.

A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

The Southampton gem has been one of the few bright sparks for the Saints this season, could be available for about £35m and would fit in with the club’s current crop of young talents.

However, as promising as the Exeter-born prospect is, he’s not going to come in and make an instant impact, unlike Jarrod Bowen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen to land the West Ham United star from their London rivals this summer.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, and while the Hammers do not want to sell, the two parties could make an offer of up to €60m for the 28-year-old, which is about £51m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Bowen’s immense ability, it’d be one worth fighting for.

Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger

So, should Spurs get their way and leapfrog Liverpool to sign Bowen this summer, why would he instantly become their best winger in a long time?

Well, there are a couple of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, in just 32 appearances this term, he’s scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.

In contrast, Son has scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.86 games.

Brennan Johnson has scored 16 goals and produced seven assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

And finally, Wilson Odobert has scored just three goals in 17 appearances this season, which comes out at one every 5.66 games.

On top of the number of goals and assists he produces, the Irons’ “game-changer,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, has also proven that he can handle the most significant occasions, as he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Conference League Final.

Last but not least, while he thrives out on the right, the Englishman is incredibly versatile and can play up top and as a second striker as well as off the left at times, which would allow whoever’s in the Lilywhites’ dugout far more tactical flexibility.

Ultimately, while he might not reach the same levels as peak Bale did, Bowen has the ability and application to be Spurs’ best winger since the Welshman left.

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By
Dominic Lund

Apr 28, 2025

Despite the phenomenal effort by Bruno Fernandes in 2024/25, Manchester United simply haven’t been good enough in attacking areas, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly league standing.

The Portuguese international has notched a staggering 33 combined goals and assists in all competitions, but has been alone in his attempts to transform their fortunes in recent months.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have both shared the responsibility of leading the line for Ruben Amorim, but have both been massively disappointing and struggled to provide the goods.

The aforementioned pair have only netted six Premier League goals between them this campaign, leading to huge rumours over new additions this summer.

One player in particular has emerged as a key target, with the club wasting no time in identifying players to make amends for the dismal season this time around.

The latest on Matheus Cunha’s move to United

Over the last week, huge rumours have emerged linking Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha with a move to join United this summer, as the hierarchy looks to back Amorim in the market.

The Brazilian, who’s registered 18 combined goals and assists in the league this season, currently has a £62.5m release clause within his current contract – something which the club could look to exploit.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s latest update, the 25-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with the hierarchy willing to trigger his release clause and being confident of completing a deal.

However, they could turn their attention to another summer target in the form of Villarreal star Alex Baena, who’s emerged as an alternative to Cunha for the upcoming window.

According to Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos, United have already entered talks with the Spanish side over a deal for the 23-year-old, who has a £50m release clause.

Why Baena would be a better signing than Cunha

There’s no denying that Cunha is a fantastic talent, as seen by his tally of goals and assists this season, but the only major concern is his attitude issues that have prevented him from starring further in 2024/25.

He received a two-match ban for an incident after the clash with Ipswich Town, whilst also receiving a separate four-game suspension for headbutting Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

If he is to move to Old Trafford this summer, there’s hope that Amorim will be able to separate that side of his game, allowing him to become a key member of the side.

However, it’s a huge amount of money to spend with a risk lingering over his head, potentially opening the door for a move for Spanish star Baena in the coming months.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the LaLiga ace has managed to outperform the Brazilian star in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be to Amorim’s squad.

Baena, who’s been labelled a “creative machine” by one analyst, has managed more progressive passes per 90, along with a higher tally of passes into the final third, highlighting his ability to find his teammates in attacking areas.

The 23-year-old is best suited in a role behind the striker, but that hasn’t stopped him from achieving a higher goal per shot on target rate and more shot-creating actions than the Wolves star.

Games played

27

28

Goals & assists

13

18

Progressive passes

6.7

4.7

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Passes into final third

3.5

3.2

Shot-creating actions

6.1

4.2

Aerials won

46%

27%

He’s also won more of the aerial battles he’s entered, offering Amorim a dangerous all-round option alongside Fernandes in the number 10 role at Old Trafford.

It’s unclear whether Cunha would be signed to play as the focal option or slightly deeper, but if it’s for the latter, there’s no denying that Baena would be a better option this summer.

Given his age, he has the ability to improve further in the years to come, playing a vital role in Amorim’s ambitions of taking the club back to the heights they’ve achieved in previous years.

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It isn’t just Matheus Cunha who could be on their way to Man Utd this summer

ByRobbie Walls Apr 23, 2025

Franchise cricket has proliferated over the last few years, but there are only a handful men taking charge of multiple teams across leagues

Matt Roller17-Sep-2024When Liverpool FC hired Arne Slot as their new manager, many of their supporters would have known very little about him. Some would have read newspaper articles explaining his background, others would have done the research themselves, using football’s vast statistical databases to learn more about him.Finding out where his last club, the Dutch side Feyenoord, finished in their league last season is straightforward enough, but it is not much harder to find out – using the free website Transfermarkt – that Slot averaged 2.15 points per game across his tenure; or that his average points per game across his career makes him the Dutch league’s fifth-most successful manager.There is a misconception that cricket is a sport saturated with statistics, but in practice, it rarely is. In the equivalent scenario – a T20 franchise hiring a new head coach, say – tracking down their career record is almost impossible. ESPNcricinfo does not keep records of coaches’ win percentages, and there is a scarcity of publicly accessible data.It is left to a few analysts to keep their own individual databases. These include CricViz’s Kieran Parmley, who has worked with Desert Vipers and Islamabad United. He has logged head coaches’ records across more than 2000 T20 matches spanning the ten major short-form leagues* over the past six years. Parmley kindly shared his data set for this article, and the details are intriguing.Franchise cricket has created a group of players who travel the world, jumping from one league to another at short notice. Alex Hales, for example, has represented 11 different short-form teams in the last year. For coaches, the demands of the job – and the need to commit to an entire tournament – mean the picture is a little different: there are only a dozen men who have spent at least one season as a head coach in three or more of Parmley’s top-ten leagues since the start of the 2018-19 season.Related

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T20’s inherent volatility and the mechanisms that most leagues have in place to ensure competitive balance – annual drafts or auctions, plus strict salary caps – mean that most of those 12 coaches have similar numbers of wins and losses. There is one outlier at either end of the scale: Andy Flower (W101, L68) and Trevor Bayliss (W49, L69).Flower only joined the franchise circuit in 2020 after 12 years at the ECB but has been involved in five major leagues – PSL, CPL, IPL, ILT20 and the Hundred – and has won titles in three of them (PSL, the Hundred and ILT20). He also has a remarkable record of taking his teams into the knockout stages, only failing to do so in two of the 15 seasons he has overseen in total.It invites an obvious question: what sets Flower apart from other T20 coaches? He has finally started to shake off the tag of being “intense” that he gained during his tenure with England from 2009 through 2014; now, the word that comes up most often in conversations about his coaching style is “thorough”.”Wherever he goes, there’s success,” Lewis Gregory, who has worked closely with Flower as Trent Rockets’ captain, says. “You can see why: he’s very diligent with the preparation and work that he puts in before a game, and he’s constantly testing guys in training to get better – whether that’s about small margins, working on new shots, or just simple things about their game plan.”It all starts in recruitment. Flower is renowned for extensive preparation ahead of drafts and auctions. His teams often feature multi-skilled players. “I have read that occasionally, about me going for a bank of allrounders,” Flower told me in 2022, when he led Trent Rockets to the Hundred title. “It’s not as black and white as that, because each recruitment situation is different.”