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IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan beats Gokulam Kerala 1-0; Dempo gets first win of season  Naoba Meitei’s dramatic stoppage-time strike helped Rajasthan United FC edge Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.After a goalless contest for over 100 minutes, Meitei broke the deadlock deep into injury time to secure three points for the host, which moved up to second in the table with 14 points, while Gokulam Kerala FC remained seventh with eight points. Meitei was adjudged Man of the Match.The visitor started brightly, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan captain and keeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on, while Gokulam controlled possession in the opening exchanges without creating clear-cut chances.The Desert Warriors came closest to scoring just before half-time with a flurry of chances in added time. Soukouna struck the crossbar, Thomyo L. Shimray’s header was saved, and Fernandes’ acrobatic effort was also denied by an alert Shibinraj, as the first half ended goalless.With the match heading towards a draw, Rajasthan finally found the winner in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard to seal a dramatic victory.Despite Gokulam pushing forward in the closing moments, Rajasthan held firm to secure a hard-fought win in an intense encounter.Dempo prevails over Shillong Lajong to get first win of seasonGoals from Marcus Joseph, Kapil Hoble and Richmond Kwasi Owusu helped Dempo SC register its first win of the Indian Football League season, a comfortable 3-0 triumph against Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Tuesday.Shillong Lajong enjoyed majority of possession throughout the game but struggled to convert it into clear chances, as Dempo maintained a disciplined defensive shape. The result marked Dempo SC’s first win of the season, taking them to six points, while Birendra Thapa’s side remained fourth with 11 points.Published on Apr 07, 2026  #IFL #Rajasthan #beats #Gokulam #Kerala #Dempo #win #season

IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan beats Gokulam Kerala 1-0; Dempo gets first win of season

Naoba Meitei’s dramatic stoppage-time strike helped Rajasthan United FC edge Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.

After a goalless contest for over 100 minutes, Meitei broke the deadlock deep into injury time to secure three points for the host, which moved up to second in the table with 14 points, while Gokulam Kerala FC remained seventh with eight points. Meitei was adjudged Man of the Match.

The visitor started brightly, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan captain and keeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on, while Gokulam controlled possession in the opening exchanges without creating clear-cut chances.

The Desert Warriors came closest to scoring just before half-time with a flurry of chances in added time. Soukouna struck the crossbar, Thomyo L. Shimray’s header was saved, and Fernandes’ acrobatic effort was also denied by an alert Shibinraj, as the first half ended goalless.

With the match heading towards a draw, Rajasthan finally found the winner in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard to seal a dramatic victory.

Despite Gokulam pushing forward in the closing moments, Rajasthan held firm to secure a hard-fought win in an intense encounter.

Dempo prevails over Shillong Lajong to get first win of season

Goals from Marcus Joseph, Kapil Hoble and Richmond Kwasi Owusu helped Dempo SC register its first win of the Indian Football League season, a comfortable 3-0 triumph against Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Tuesday.

Shillong Lajong enjoyed majority of possession throughout the game but struggled to convert it into clear chances, as Dempo maintained a disciplined defensive shape. The result marked Dempo SC’s first win of the season, taking them to six points, while Birendra Thapa’s side remained fourth with 11 points.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #beats #Gokulam #Kerala #Dempo #win #season

Naoba Meitei’s dramatic stoppage-time strike helped Rajasthan United FC edge Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.

After a goalless contest for over 100 minutes, Meitei broke the deadlock deep into injury time to secure three points for the host, which moved up to second in the table with 14 points, while Gokulam Kerala FC remained seventh with eight points. Meitei was adjudged Man of the Match.

The visitor started brightly, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan captain and keeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on, while Gokulam controlled possession in the opening exchanges without creating clear-cut chances.

The Desert Warriors came closest to scoring just before half-time with a flurry of chances in added time. Soukouna struck the crossbar, Thomyo L. Shimray’s header was saved, and Fernandes’ acrobatic effort was also denied by an alert Shibinraj, as the first half ended goalless.

With the match heading towards a draw, Rajasthan finally found the winner in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard to seal a dramatic victory.

Despite Gokulam pushing forward in the closing moments, Rajasthan held firm to secure a hard-fought win in an intense encounter.

Dempo prevails over Shillong Lajong to get first win of season

Goals from Marcus Joseph, Kapil Hoble and Richmond Kwasi Owusu helped Dempo SC register its first win of the Indian Football League season, a comfortable 3-0 triumph against Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Tuesday.

Shillong Lajong enjoyed majority of possession throughout the game but struggled to convert it into clear chances, as Dempo maintained a disciplined defensive shape. The result marked Dempo SC’s first win of the season, taking them to six points, while Birendra Thapa’s side remained fourth with 11 points.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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#IFL #Rajasthan #beats #Gokulam #Kerala #Dempo #win #season

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Masters Betting Picks 2026: Best Value Bets Beyond Scottie Scheffler | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775574212774" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1775574212774" alt="Apr 14, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Scottie Scheffler holds up his trophy at the green jacket ceremony after winning the Masters Tournament. credits: Adam Cairns, Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Scottie Scheffler holds up his trophy at the green jacket ceremony after winning the Masters Tournament. credits: Adam Cairns, Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Prior to some chalky finishes the last two years at the Master’s, it wasn’t too shocking to see some heavy underdogs walk away with a green jacket. In 2021, Hideki Mastuyama was +5000 to win the tournament, good for 24th best at the start of the week.</p><p>Unlike recent years, I don’t love how the golfers at the top of the odds list have been playing. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, is +500 to win, <a href="https://deadspin.com/scottie-scheffler-trying-to-regain-form-before-the-masters/" target="_blank">but hasn’t been as dominant in recent tournaments</a>, so I think that opens the board up to some shakeups at the top of the leaderboards. Of course, betting against Scottie the last few years hasn’t been the wisest strategy, but there are some guys with juiced odds to win.</p><p>Since leaving for and returning from LIV, Brooks Koepka has not been playing at an elite level; however, he has shown some signs of life over the last month. He’s had three top-20 finishes since the start of March, and will be looking to get one step closer to the career Grand Slam. Anytime you can get a five-time major winner who’s still only 35-years-old at +4000 to win, it’s very solid value.</p><p>It’s always great to bet on proven commodities, but another important factor to winning in Augusta is playing well going into the event. </p><p>Over the last decade, the Masters has been won seven times by a golfer who has won at least once that season leading up to the event. </p><p>Here are the eleven players who have won and will be attending the Masters this week.</p><p>Chris Gotterup (x2): +6000<br/>Scottie Scheffler: +500<br/>Justin Rose: +2700<br/>Colin Morikawa: +3500<br/>Jacob Bridgeman: +8000<br/>Nico Echavarría: +25000<br/>Akshay Bhatia: +6500<br/>Cameron Young: +2200<br/>Matt Fitzpatrick: +1800<br/>Gary Woodland: +10000<br/>J.J. Spaun: +7000</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> <section id="section-3"> <p>Cam Young and Matt Fitzpatrick are the trendy picks to win this week, and I don’t mind <a href="https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/betting-profile/2026/masters-tournament/matt-fitzpatrick-pga-tour-betting-stats-masters-tournament-2026" target="_blank">betting on Fitzpatrick</a>, but two other guys on this list really stand out to me.</p><p>Chris Gotterup and J.J. Spaun have been playing some great golf recently and are the 11th and 5th-highest-ranked golfers, respectively, in the World Golf Rankings. Spaun has had an up-and-down 2026, but will be entering this weekend coming off his first win of the season. He won the US Open last season, proving he can win under tough conditions, yet he only has the 29th-best odds to win this year? That feels like a solid value play.</p><p>Then with Gotterup, he’s been one of the best players in the world in 2026. </p><p>He has two wins on tour this year, and another top-10 finish to go along with those wins. He’s 5th in the FedEx point standings, and is probably my favorite bet to win this week at +6000. My only concern with Gotterup is that this is his first Master’s appearance, and no player has won their first appearance since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> </div> #Masters #Betting #Picks #Bets #Scottie #Scheffler #Deadspin.com

There’s a certain inevitability about Shardul Thakur. He may not play half the games in a season, concede 15 runs off his first over – like he did against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala – and yet, produce moments of brilliance that turn a game on its head. He’s called ‘Lord’ Thakur and he lives up to his reputation.

On Thursday, playing just his seventh game in IPL 2026, Shardul took four for 39 and brought a flourishing PBKS innings to a grinding halt, thus tilting the contest in Mumbai Indians’ favour.

“It feels good to be back. You know, it’s not easy to sit out. But yes, the nature of the tournament is such where you have 25 players in the squad, lots of options. So, sometimes you’ve got to take it in your stride,” Shardul said.

From his very first over, there was a spring in his step. The confidence of having captain and fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah standing at mid off might have helped. There were lengthy discussions and arms flailing, asking fielders to move and adjust their angles. “I think I have my comfort level with him. We had a lot of discussions; I don’t know much about the other bowlers. But of course, he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Shardul said.

READ | Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a thread

However, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.

“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.

But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.

By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.

Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.

“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.

“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.

From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.

“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.

PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.

“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.

Published on May 15, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala">PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: Shardul Thakur four-for catches Punjab Kings off guard in Dharamshala  There’s a certain inevitability about Shardul Thakur. He may not play half the games in a season, concede 15 runs off his first over – like he did against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala – and yet, produce moments of brilliance that turn a game on its head. He’s called ‘Lord’ Thakur and he lives up to his reputation.On Thursday, playing just his seventh game in IPL 2026, Shardul took four for 39 and brought a flourishing PBKS innings to a grinding halt, thus tilting the contest in Mumbai Indians’ favour.“It feels good to be back. You know, it’s not easy to sit out. But yes, the nature of the tournament is such where you have 25 players in the squad, lots of options. So, sometimes you’ve got to take it in your stride,” Shardul said.From his very first over, there was a spring in his step. The confidence of having captain and fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah standing at mid off might have helped. There were lengthy discussions and arms flailing, asking fielders to move and adjust their angles. “I think I have my comfort level with him. We had a lot of discussions; I don’t know much about the other bowlers. But of course, he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Shardul said.READ | Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a threadHowever, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.Published on May 15, 2026  #PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala

Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a thread

However, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.

“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.

But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.

By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.

Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.

“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.

“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.

From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.

“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.

PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.

“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.

Published on May 15, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala">PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: Shardul Thakur four-for catches Punjab Kings off guard in Dharamshala

There’s a certain inevitability about Shardul Thakur. He may not play half the games in a season, concede 15 runs off his first over – like he did against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala – and yet, produce moments of brilliance that turn a game on its head. He’s called ‘Lord’ Thakur and he lives up to his reputation.

On Thursday, playing just his seventh game in IPL 2026, Shardul took four for 39 and brought a flourishing PBKS innings to a grinding halt, thus tilting the contest in Mumbai Indians’ favour.

“It feels good to be back. You know, it’s not easy to sit out. But yes, the nature of the tournament is such where you have 25 players in the squad, lots of options. So, sometimes you’ve got to take it in your stride,” Shardul said.

From his very first over, there was a spring in his step. The confidence of having captain and fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah standing at mid off might have helped. There were lengthy discussions and arms flailing, asking fielders to move and adjust their angles. “I think I have my comfort level with him. We had a lot of discussions; I don’t know much about the other bowlers. But of course, he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Shardul said.

READ | Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a thread

However, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.

“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.

But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.

By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.

Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.

“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.

“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.

From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.

“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.

PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.

“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.

Published on May 15, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala

The Chicago Cubs have started the 2026 season as one of the hottest teams in baseball, despite dealing with countless injuries to their pitching staff. 10 pitchers have made trips to the IL this year, yet the Cubs still managed to lead a tightly contested NL Central with a 27-16 record.

Coming out of the gate, Edward Cabrera looked like he might be a steal for the Cubs. He only gave up 3 runs in his first three starts, but has cooled off with a less consistent May. Fortunately for Cabrera, his best ability has been availability.

Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins have all missed time this year, while Cabrera has been a massive innings eater at the very least for the Cubs, going at least 5 innings in every appearance this season.

Chicago is obviously still needing more out of Cabrera, but their offseason acquisition for him is currently looking like a steal. Cabrera was traded from the Marlins for a three-player deal, with the center piece being Owen Caissie. Infield prospects Christian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon were the other pieces in the deal, but they are many years away from reaching the big leagues, if they ever do.

Caissie was supposed to be an immediate-impact bat for the Marlins, but has been anything but that to start his tenure with the Marlins. He’s currently slashing .205/.259/.348 with three home runs. Not only that, but despite the obvious intangibles he can bring with his athleticism, they haven’t translated into production on defense, as he has been one of the worst position players in the sport.

He currently has -5 fielding run value, the worst in the sport, first percentile arm value, and 5th percentile range, all while playing one of the easiest defensive positions in the sport. The Marlins didn’t trade for his defense; they traded for the bat, and that has some massive concerns as well.

A high strikeout rate can be ignored if there’s enough production, but that isn’t the case. Caissie currently holds a 40.7 K%, which can be attributed to a whiff% in the 8th percentile. He also holds a nearly 40% ground ball rate, so even if he’s hitting it hard, it hasn’t been very productive.

Essentially, I think the Cubs sold high on a prospect and landed a guy in a position of need in Cabrera. Chicago seems to be in a position to contend this season, and they might need to swing for another front-line starter at the deadline. For now, they found a very solid middle of the rotation piece in Cabrera, and he has the potential to outperform that baseline as well.

#Chicago #Cubs #Mightve #Fleeced #Miami #Marlins #Edward #Cabrera #Trade #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Might’ve Fleeced Miami Marlins in Edward Cabrera Trade | Deadspin.com   The Chicago Cubs have started the 2026 season as one of the hottest teams in baseball, despite dealing with countless injuries to their pitching staff. 10 pitchers have made trips to the IL this year, yet the Cubs still managed to lead a tightly contested NL Central with a 27-16 record.Coming out of the gate, Edward Cabrera looked like he might be a steal for the Cubs. He only gave up 3 runs in his first three starts, but has cooled off with a less consistent May. Fortunately for Cabrera, his best ability has been availability.Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins have all missed time this year, while Cabrera has been a massive innings eater at the very least for the Cubs, going at least 5 innings in every appearance this season.Chicago is obviously still needing more out of Cabrera, but their offseason acquisition for him is currently looking like a steal. Cabrera was traded from the Marlins for a three-player deal, with the center piece being Owen Caissie. Infield prospects Christian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon were the other pieces in the deal, but they are many years away from reaching the big leagues, if they ever do.Caissie was supposed to be an immediate-impact bat for the Marlins, but has been anything but that to start his tenure with the Marlins. He’s currently slashing .205/.259/.348 with three home runs. Not only that, but despite the obvious intangibles he can bring with his athleticism, they haven’t translated into production on defense, as he has been one of the worst position players in the sport.He currently has -5 fielding run value, the worst in the sport, first percentile arm value, and 5th percentile range, all while playing one of the easiest defensive positions in the sport. The Marlins didn’t trade for his defense; they traded for the bat, and that has some massive concerns as well.A high strikeout rate can be ignored if there’s enough production, but that isn’t the case. Caissie currently holds a 40.7 K%, which can be attributed to a whiff% in the 8th percentile. He also holds a nearly 40% ground ball rate, so even if he’s hitting it hard, it hasn’t been very productive.Essentially, I think the Cubs sold high on a prospect and landed a guy in a position of need in Cabrera. Chicago seems to be in a position to contend this season, and they might need to swing for another front-line starter at the deadline. For now, they found a very solid middle of the rotation piece in Cabrera, and he has the potential to outperform that baseline as well.   #Chicago #Cubs #Mightve #Fleeced #Miami #Marlins #Edward #Cabrera #Trade #Deadspin.com

Coming out of the gate, Edward Cabrera looked like he might be a steal for the Cubs. He only gave up 3 runs in his first three starts, but has cooled off with a less consistent May. Fortunately for Cabrera, his best ability has been availability.

Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins have all missed time this year, while Cabrera has been a massive innings eater at the very least for the Cubs, going at least 5 innings in every appearance this season.

Chicago is obviously still needing more out of Cabrera, but their offseason acquisition for him is currently looking like a steal. Cabrera was traded from the Marlins for a three-player deal, with the center piece being Owen Caissie. Infield prospects Christian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon were the other pieces in the deal, but they are many years away from reaching the big leagues, if they ever do.

Caissie was supposed to be an immediate-impact bat for the Marlins, but has been anything but that to start his tenure with the Marlins. He’s currently slashing .205/.259/.348 with three home runs. Not only that, but despite the obvious intangibles he can bring with his athleticism, they haven’t translated into production on defense, as he has been one of the worst position players in the sport.

He currently has -5 fielding run value, the worst in the sport, first percentile arm value, and 5th percentile range, all while playing one of the easiest defensive positions in the sport. The Marlins didn’t trade for his defense; they traded for the bat, and that has some massive concerns as well.

A high strikeout rate can be ignored if there’s enough production, but that isn’t the case. Caissie currently holds a 40.7 K%, which can be attributed to a whiff% in the 8th percentile. He also holds a nearly 40% ground ball rate, so even if he’s hitting it hard, it hasn’t been very productive.

Essentially, I think the Cubs sold high on a prospect and landed a guy in a position of need in Cabrera. Chicago seems to be in a position to contend this season, and they might need to swing for another front-line starter at the deadline. For now, they found a very solid middle of the rotation piece in Cabrera, and he has the potential to outperform that baseline as well.

#Chicago #Cubs #Mightve #Fleeced #Miami #Marlins #Edward #Cabrera #Trade #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Might’ve Fleeced Miami Marlins in Edward Cabrera Trade | Deadspin.com

The Chicago Cubs have started the 2026 season as one of the hottest teams in baseball, despite dealing with countless injuries to their pitching staff. 10 pitchers have made trips to the IL this year, yet the Cubs still managed to lead a tightly contested NL Central with a 27-16 record.

Coming out of the gate, Edward Cabrera looked like he might be a steal for the Cubs. He only gave up 3 runs in his first three starts, but has cooled off with a less consistent May. Fortunately for Cabrera, his best ability has been availability.

Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins have all missed time this year, while Cabrera has been a massive innings eater at the very least for the Cubs, going at least 5 innings in every appearance this season.

Chicago is obviously still needing more out of Cabrera, but their offseason acquisition for him is currently looking like a steal. Cabrera was traded from the Marlins for a three-player deal, with the center piece being Owen Caissie. Infield prospects Christian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon were the other pieces in the deal, but they are many years away from reaching the big leagues, if they ever do.

Caissie was supposed to be an immediate-impact bat for the Marlins, but has been anything but that to start his tenure with the Marlins. He’s currently slashing .205/.259/.348 with three home runs. Not only that, but despite the obvious intangibles he can bring with his athleticism, they haven’t translated into production on defense, as he has been one of the worst position players in the sport.

He currently has -5 fielding run value, the worst in the sport, first percentile arm value, and 5th percentile range, all while playing one of the easiest defensive positions in the sport. The Marlins didn’t trade for his defense; they traded for the bat, and that has some massive concerns as well.

A high strikeout rate can be ignored if there’s enough production, but that isn’t the case. Caissie currently holds a 40.7 K%, which can be attributed to a whiff% in the 8th percentile. He also holds a nearly 40% ground ball rate, so even if he’s hitting it hard, it hasn’t been very productive.

Essentially, I think the Cubs sold high on a prospect and landed a guy in a position of need in Cabrera. Chicago seems to be in a position to contend this season, and they might need to swing for another front-line starter at the deadline. For now, they found a very solid middle of the rotation piece in Cabrera, and he has the potential to outperform that baseline as well.

#Chicago #Cubs #Mightve #Fleeced #Miami #Marlins #Edward #Cabrera #Trade #Deadspin.com

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