EXCLUSIVE — ISL 2025-26: Ashley Westwood, the wizard of Bengaluru FC, eyes similar magic at Kerala Blasters Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview. Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football: Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters Total matches: 89 Wins: 46 Losses: 26 Draws: 17 Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15) But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers? Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”Winds of change at Kerala BlastersThere have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once. Kerala Blasters’ remai Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14 Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18 Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23 Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10 Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23 Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters

EXCLUSIVE — ISL 2025-26: Ashley Westwood, the wizard of Bengaluru FC, eyes similar magic at Kerala Blasters
Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.
He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.
Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).
“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.
Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:
Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters
Total matches: 89
Wins: 46
Losses: 26
Draws: 17
Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)
But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.
The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.
“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.
“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”
Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.
“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.
The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?
Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.
In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.
So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?
“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.
“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”
It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.
“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”
Winds of change at Kerala Blasters
There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.
“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.
But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.
Kerala Blasters’ remai
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14
Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18
Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23
Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10
Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23
Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.
“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.
Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.
Published on Apr 14, 2026
#EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters

Sports news ashley westwood, Bengaluru FC, Blue Tigers, football India, Franchu Kerala Blasters, Igor Stimac, India football team, indian football, Indian football coaches, indian super league, ISL 2026, ISL analysis, ISL fixtures, isl news, kerala blasters, Kerala Blasters coach, Kerala Blasters matches, manolo márquez, Westwood Bengaluru success, Westwood interview April 14, 2026

Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.

He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.

Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).

“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

lightbox-info

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:

Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters

Total matches: 89

Wins: 46

Losses: 26

Draws: 17

Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)

But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.

The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.

“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.

“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”

Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.

“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.

The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

lightbox-info

There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.

In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.

So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?

“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.

“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”

It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.

“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”

Winds of change at Kerala Blasters

There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.

“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.

But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.

Kerala Blasters’ remai

Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14

Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18

Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23

Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10

Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23

Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.

“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.

Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

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#EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters

Tag ashley westwood Bengaluru FC Blue Tigers football India Franchu Kerala Blasters Igor Stimac India football team indian football Indian football coaches indian super league ISL 2026 ISL analysis ISL fixtures isl news kerala blasters Kerala Blasters coach Kerala Blasters matches manolo márquez Westwood Bengaluru success Westwood interview

Deadspin | Flyers nip ‘Canes in shootout, clinch first playoff berth in 6 years <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28722493.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28722493.jpg" alt="NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 13, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) controls the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Tyson Foerster scored the only goal of a four-round shootout, giving host Philadelphia a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday and sending the Flyers to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras scored in regulation for Philadelphia (42-27-12, 96 points), which wrapped up third place in the Metropolitan Division. Dan Vladar stopped 24 shots and wasn’t beaten on any of Carolina’s shootout attempts as the Flyers won for the fifth time in six games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Flyers will open the postseason with a series against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and an assist and Bradly Nadeau also tallied for the Hurricanes (52-22-7, 111 points), who clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference with the point despite the loss. Brandon Bussi made 21 saves as Carolina fell to 6-1-1 in the past eight games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The contest was the penultimate game of the regular season for both teams.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Carolina’s Jackson Blake hit the goalpost while cutting across the slot about 1:15 into the five-minute overtime period.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Philadelphia scored twice in the second period to tie the game 2-2.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Michkov put the Flyers on the board 7:57 into the period when he scored from the left circle skating toward the net after taking a cross-ice pass from Denver Barkey.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>A power-play goal with 9:29 left in the middle period tied it. Zegras took a pass below the right circle, had the time to take a couple of strides to his left and put a shot past Bussi. Porter Martone assisted on the goal to stretch his point streak to five games (three goals, four assists).</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Nadeau scored 8:41 into the game. He connected on a one-timer from the slot, converting Ehlers’ pass from behind the net. Ehlers’ power-play goal with 4:30 left in the opening period made it 2-0. The shot from below the right circle and along the goal line caromed in off of Vladar.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Ehlers’ 25th goal came 25 seconds after Christian Dvorak went off for holding.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The win by Philadelphia eliminated the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets from the playoff contention. Those two teams battle in Columbus in a meaningless game on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Hurricanes rested Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, captain Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov and defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere in anticipation of the upcoming playoffs.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Flyers #nip #Canes #shootout #clinch #playoff #berth #years

IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans eyes hat-trick of wins as winless Kolkata Knight Riders visits Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric riseWith the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority. Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT.
| Photo Credit:
R RAGU

Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT.
| Photo Credit:
R RAGU
Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits — Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

#IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits">

mwasimuddin125 0

Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.
Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.
With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.
ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise
With the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.
If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.
The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority.
Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU
Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU
Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.
For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.
Published on Apr 16, 2026

#IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits">IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans eyes hat-trick of wins as winless Kolkata Knight Riders visits

Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.

Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.

With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.

ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

With the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.

If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.

The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority.

Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.

For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits

Deadspin | Rangers end last-place campaign with upset of Lightning Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season. Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1. Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24. The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road. Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves. Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers). In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match. Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove. Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark. Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist. Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later. Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning">

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Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24.

The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road.

Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves.

Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers).

In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match.

Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove.

Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark.

Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist.

Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later.

Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning">Deadspin | Rangers end last-place campaign with upset of Lightning

Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24.

The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road.

Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves.

Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers).

In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match.

Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove.

Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark.

Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist.

Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later.

Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

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