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Come up with something new: Suryakumar on ‘silence the crowd’ jab ahead of T20 World Cup final

Come up with something new: Suryakumar on ‘silence the crowd’ jab ahead of T20 World Cup final

A Suryakumar Yadav press conference can feel a lot like watching him bat. Just when you think the line of questioning is predictable, he pulls out something unexpected. A quip here, a smirk there; it is 360-degree box office.

So, when asked for a reaction to New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s ‘the goal is to silence the crowd’ remark on the eve of the T20 World Cup final, Suryakumar went: “Why does everyone keep copy-pasting the same line? They need to come up with something new.”

Of course, he was referring to Pat Cummins, the charismatic Australian skipper, who had kept his word back in 2023; his side crushing Indian spirits in the final of the ODI World Cup.

Now, a new-look squad has taken up the challenge to flip the script during Sunday’s showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium here. Even as the battle lines are firmly drawn in a completely different format, Suryakumar plays it cool.

Dew or no dew? That’s the question!

If matchday minus two were to be any indication, dew may set in during the second innings of the T20 World Cup final. While the toss becomes crucial in such circumstances, Suryakumar shrugged the concerns off. “If there’s a difficult situation, you’ve got to act. If you’re batting (second), there’s an advantage. But we’ve been playing a lot of franchise and international cricket amid heavy dew.”

“The camp is very relaxed. It’s a special feeling to lead such a wonderful side at home, and that too at such a wonderful stadium,” he said.

Somewhere deep inside, he knows there are concerns. Especially those surrounding the forms of his prized World No. 1s—Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy.

ALSO READ | T20 World Cup Final Preview: India looks to exorcise Ahmedabad ghosts against bogey team New Zealand

While Abhishek’s NPA (non-performing asset) status has wrecked India’s run-bank—the southpaw has managed to score only 89 in seven games at an average of 12.71—Varun has been struggling since the start of the Super Eights. The spinner’s economy rate shot up to 11.6 in the last four games; it was a miserly 5.2 earlier.

Vice-captain missing in action!

Captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed all-rounder Axar Patel wasn’t particularly happy after being dropped from the playing eleven against South Africa. He said: “It’s not an individual decision. We (Gambhir and himself) look at how the team’s set to benefit. Like we looked at favourable matchups and dropped Axar. It was a clear conversation. He wasn’t happy (laughs). These are experienced professionals; they understand.”

However, if you were to take Suryakumar’s word for it, he isn’t worried. “We won the match (against England) eventually, and that happens when everyone is putting in collective effort. If we are winning games, we don’t worry about such things. Everyone goes through ups and downs. It is not possible for all 11 players to have a good day at the office. Varun is well aware of how he can step up.”

A major talking point through India’s campaign has been the chatter surrounding its left-handed batters and their underwhelming stats against off-spin. The said matchup has seen 11 dismissals.

Suryakumar says, “We never discussed it. If we played at a strike rate of 120 (113.69, to be accurate) and are still playing the final, I don’t mind. It is important to bat according to the situation and requirement.”

Published on Mar 07, 2026

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Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star

Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) gets a handshake from a crew member after his run Sunday, May 17, 2026, during qualifying for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Bob Goshert/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

#Indy #qualifying #results">Indy 500 2026 qualifying results  Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin (3) gets a handshake from a crew member after his run Sunday, May 17, 2026, during qualifying for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Bob Goshert/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images  #Indy #qualifying #results

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan had so far been one-way traffic in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ten matches, nine wins, a draw for Bagan – its fans dominated the cheers and led the narrative. But the stakes remained starkly different this time.

The top two teams in the ISL went neck-to-neck in the contest, and late fireworks by Edmund Lalrindika and Jason Cummings ensured the rivals shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.

The draw ensured East Bengal stayed on the top of the standings, owing to its higher goal difference, and forced the title-winning round to the final matchday on May 21.

AS IT HAPPENED | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Highlights

Bagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.

On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.

The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.

Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.

For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.

After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch.

Mohun Bagan holds East Bengal to draw, stays alive in ISL title race  East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan had so far been one-way traffic in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ten matches, nine wins, a draw for Bagan – its fans dominated the cheers and led the narrative. But the stakes remained starkly different this time.The top two teams in the ISL went neck-to-neck in the contest, and late fireworks by Edmund Lalrindika and Jason Cummings ensured the rivals shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.The draw ensured East Bengal stayed on the top of the standings, owing to its higher goal difference, and forced the title-winning round to the final matchday on May 21.AS IT HAPPENED | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal HighlightsBagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch. Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.However, Bagan did not go down meekly.Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.Published on May 17, 2026  #Mohun #Bagan #holds #East #Bengal #draw #stays #alive #ISL #title #race

Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief. | Photo Credit: PTI

With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.

However, Bagan did not go down meekly.

Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.

Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.

A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.

While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.

A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.

Published on May 17, 2026

#Mohun #Bagan #holds #East #Bengal #draw #stays #alive #ISL #title #race">Mohun Bagan holds East Bengal to draw, stays alive in ISL title race  East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan had so far been one-way traffic in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ten matches, nine wins, a draw for Bagan – its fans dominated the cheers and led the narrative. But the stakes remained starkly different this time.The top two teams in the ISL went neck-to-neck in the contest, and late fireworks by Edmund Lalrindika and Jason Cummings ensured the rivals shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.The draw ensured East Bengal stayed on the top of the standings, owing to its higher goal difference, and forced the title-winning round to the final matchday on May 21.AS IT HAPPENED | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal HighlightsBagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch. Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.However, Bagan did not go down meekly.Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.Published on May 17, 2026  #Mohun #Bagan #holds #East #Bengal #draw #stays #alive #ISL #title #race

Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Highlights

Bagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.

On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.

The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.

Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.

For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.

After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch.

Mohun Bagan holds East Bengal to draw, stays alive in ISL title race  East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan had so far been one-way traffic in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ten matches, nine wins, a draw for Bagan – its fans dominated the cheers and led the narrative. But the stakes remained starkly different this time.The top two teams in the ISL went neck-to-neck in the contest, and late fireworks by Edmund Lalrindika and Jason Cummings ensured the rivals shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.The draw ensured East Bengal stayed on the top of the standings, owing to its higher goal difference, and forced the title-winning round to the final matchday on May 21.AS IT HAPPENED | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal HighlightsBagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch. Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.However, Bagan did not go down meekly.Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.Published on May 17, 2026  #Mohun #Bagan #holds #East #Bengal #draw #stays #alive #ISL #title #race

Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief. | Photo Credit: PTI

With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.

However, Bagan did not go down meekly.

Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.

Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.

A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.

While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.

A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.

Published on May 17, 2026

#Mohun #Bagan #holds #East #Bengal #draw #stays #alive #ISL #title #race">Mohun Bagan holds East Bengal to draw, stays alive in ISL title race

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan had so far been one-way traffic in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ten matches, nine wins, a draw for Bagan – its fans dominated the cheers and led the narrative. But the stakes remained starkly different this time.

The top two teams in the ISL went neck-to-neck in the contest, and late fireworks by Edmund Lalrindika and Jason Cummings ensured the rivals shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.

The draw ensured East Bengal stayed on the top of the standings, owing to its higher goal difference, and forced the title-winning round to the final matchday on May 21.

AS IT HAPPENED | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Highlights

Bagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.

On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.

The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.

Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.

For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.

After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch.

Mohun Bagan holds East Bengal to draw, stays alive in ISL title race  East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan had so far been one-way traffic in the Indian Super League (ISL). Ten matches, nine wins, a draw for Bagan – its fans dominated the cheers and led the narrative. But the stakes remained starkly different this time.The top two teams in the ISL went neck-to-neck in the contest, and late fireworks by Edmund Lalrindika and Jason Cummings ensured the rivals shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.The draw ensured East Bengal stayed on the top of the standings, owing to its higher goal difference, and forced the title-winning round to the final matchday on May 21.AS IT HAPPENED | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal HighlightsBagan started the match aggressively, with its front four — Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren – hovering around the box as the club dominated possession in the first five minutes.On the other hand, East Bengal soaked in the press, with up to six players in defence when out of possession, and got results – denying three clear chances in the first 10 minutes. Bagan’s high line was exposed when Prabhsukhan Gill took an Alisson-esque kick, aiming for Vishnu.The southern and eastern ends of the stadium, comprising East Bengal fans, looked to have found a new life as the decibel scales shifted. But Vishnu’s delay in pulling the trigger saw Vishal Kaith put the chance to bed with the ball safely in his gloves.Kaith, however, was beaten seven minutes later when Anton Sojberg won the ball off Alberto Rodriguez and took a left-footed hit. Time stopped for East Bengal fans as the ball went past the Bagan goalie’s gloves, but their hands went to the back of their heads as the ball rattled the woodwork. The moment repeated itself eight minutes later, this time Bipin Singh delaying a pass to Sojberg. The frustrations in the stands only got louder.For Bagan, Anirudh Thapa almost scored in the 24th minute, shooting on target with a half-volley but Gill met it with equal quality to ensure the scoreboard did not tick.After a scoreless opening period, Bagan’s coach Sergio Lobera chose to go all guns blazing in the final quarter of the match, bringing on Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho and Dimitrios Petratos. That forced him to replace a foreign defender due to the league’s rules, which saw Mehtab Singh, one of Bagan’s weaklings at the back, take the pitch. Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.However, Bagan did not go down meekly.Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.Published on May 17, 2026  #Mohun #Bagan #holds #East #Bengal #draw #stays #alive #ISL #title #race

Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Celebration followed after Jason Cummings’ equaliser, this time at the Mariners’ end as the fans in red-and-gold stared in disbelief. | Photo Credit: PTI

With six minutes left, that change bit Bagan at the back as Edmund, getting a pass from Miguel Figueira, beat Mehtab and then Kaith to cause delirium in the East Bengal stands. Coach Oscar Bruzon punched the air, bumped up the fans like Jurgen Klopp, while the forward removed his shirt, put it on a corner flag and planted it on the hallowed turf as a sign of victory.

However, Bagan did not go down meekly.

Five minutes later, Cummings’ header from a corner rattled the net to spark celebrations at the other end, leaving the fans in red-and-gold staring in disbelief.

Maclaren could have sealed the match for Bagan in second-half stoppage time, but a crucial save by Gill ensured nothing could separate the two teams after 90-plus minutes of quality football.

A win here would have nearly sealed the title for East Bengal and their supporters. The draw meant they have to wait a round more.

While the derby rivals are level on points, East Bengal will win the title if it can win its final match against Inter Kashi since it boasts a +5 goal difference over Bagan. For Bagan, it will need a favour from Inter Kashi when it takes on East Bengal in the final match day or rack up the goals while beating Sporting Club Delhi to pip East Bengal to the title.

A draw for both teams could see Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC determine the title-winner.

Published on May 17, 2026

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