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Deadspin | Braves ring up sixth straight win with big inning vs. Nationals Apr 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) and right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) celebrate after scoring runs against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images Matt Olson hit a two-run home run, Bryce Elder pitched into the seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the host Washington Nationals 9-4 Monday night for their sixth straight win. Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice for Atlanta. Elder (3-1) pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits. He struck out six. Daylen Lile homered for the Nationals, who were held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home. Jake Irvin (1-3) allowed four runs (three earned) in five-plus innings. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by an Irvin pitch for the second time. X-rays on Acuna’s left hand came back negative and the Braves said he is day-to-day. The Nationals took a 2-0 lead in the first thanks to some patient at-bats. With two outs, Brady House singled and CJ Abrams and Lile worked walks to load the bases. Jacob Young lined a single to right, driving in House and Abrams. Atlanta tied it in the fourth. Acuna was hit by a pitch leading off but was picked off first base. Baldwin singled and Olson homered to center to tie it. Lile homered leading off the bottom half to make it 3-2. The Braves took control with a five-run sixth. Mike Yastrzemski reached on a throwing error by Nasim Nunez. Acuna took his second HBP, and Irvin was lifted in favor of PJ Poulin. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and scored when Baldwin doubled to left. Austin Riley walked with one out and Brad Lord replaced Poulin. Ozzie Albies singled home Baldwin to make it 5-3, and Michael Harris II singled home Riley. Dominic Smith grounded back to the mound, but the Nationals could not turn two and another run scored to make it 7-3. The Nationals got one back in their half when Abrams was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored when Young reached on third baseman Riley’s throwing error. The Braves added two in the ninth on an RBI bunt single by Eli White and a sacrifice fly by Olson. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #ring #sixth #straight #win #big #inning #Nationals

Deadspin | Braves ring up sixth straight win with big inning vs. Nationals
Deadspin | Braves ring up sixth straight win with big inning vs. Nationals Apr 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) and right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) celebrate after scoring runs against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images Matt Olson hit a two-run home run, Bryce Elder pitched into the seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the host Washington Nationals 9-4 Monday night for their sixth straight win. Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice for Atlanta. Elder (3-1) pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits. He struck out six. Daylen Lile homered for the Nationals, who were held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home. Jake Irvin (1-3) allowed four runs (three earned) in five-plus innings. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by an Irvin pitch for the second time. X-rays on Acuna’s left hand came back negative and the Braves said he is day-to-day. The Nationals took a 2-0 lead in the first thanks to some patient at-bats. With two outs, Brady House singled and CJ Abrams and Lile worked walks to load the bases. Jacob Young lined a single to right, driving in House and Abrams. Atlanta tied it in the fourth. Acuna was hit by a pitch leading off but was picked off first base. Baldwin singled and Olson homered to center to tie it. Lile homered leading off the bottom half to make it 3-2. The Braves took control with a five-run sixth. Mike Yastrzemski reached on a throwing error by Nasim Nunez. Acuna took his second HBP, and Irvin was lifted in favor of PJ Poulin. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and scored when Baldwin doubled to left. Austin Riley walked with one out and Brad Lord replaced Poulin. Ozzie Albies singled home Baldwin to make it 5-3, and Michael Harris II singled home Riley. Dominic Smith grounded back to the mound, but the Nationals could not turn two and another run scored to make it 7-3. The Nationals got one back in their half when Abrams was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored when Young reached on third baseman Riley’s throwing error. The Braves added two in the ninth on an RBI bunt single by Eli White and a sacrifice fly by Olson. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #ring #sixth #straight #win #big #inning #NationalsApr 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) and right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) celebrate after scoring runs against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Matt Olson hit a two-run home run, Bryce Elder pitched into the seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the host Washington Nationals 9-4 Monday night for their sixth straight win.

Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice for Atlanta.

Elder (3-1) pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits. He struck out six.

Daylen Lile homered for the Nationals, who were held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home.

Jake Irvin (1-3) allowed four runs (three earned) in five-plus innings.

Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by an Irvin pitch for the second time. X-rays on Acuna’s left hand came back negative and the Braves said he is day-to-day.


The Nationals took a 2-0 lead in the first thanks to some patient at-bats. With two outs, Brady House singled and CJ Abrams and Lile worked walks to load the bases. Jacob Young lined a single to right, driving in House and Abrams.

Atlanta tied it in the fourth. Acuna was hit by a pitch leading off but was picked off first base. Baldwin singled and Olson homered to center to tie it.

Lile homered leading off the bottom half to make it 3-2.

The Braves took control with a five-run sixth. Mike Yastrzemski reached on a throwing error by Nasim Nunez. Acuna took his second HBP, and Irvin was lifted in favor of PJ Poulin. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and scored when Baldwin doubled to left.

Austin Riley walked with one out and Brad Lord replaced Poulin. Ozzie Albies singled home Baldwin to make it 5-3, and Michael Harris II singled home Riley. Dominic Smith grounded back to the mound, but the Nationals could not turn two and another run scored to make it 7-3.

The Nationals got one back in their half when Abrams was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored when Young reached on third baseman Riley’s throwing error.

The Braves added two in the ninth on an RBI bunt single by Eli White and a sacrifice fly by Olson.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #ring #sixth #straight #win #big #inning #Nationals

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Apr 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) and right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) celebrate after scoring runs against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Matt Olson hit a two-run home run, Bryce Elder pitched into the seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the host Washington Nationals 9-4 Monday night for their sixth straight win.

Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice for Atlanta.

Elder (3-1) pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits. He struck out six.

Daylen Lile homered for the Nationals, who were held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home.

Jake Irvin (1-3) allowed four runs (three earned) in five-plus innings.

Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by an Irvin pitch for the second time. X-rays on Acuna’s left hand came back negative and the Braves said he is day-to-day.

The Nationals took a 2-0 lead in the first thanks to some patient at-bats. With two outs, Brady House singled and CJ Abrams and Lile worked walks to load the bases. Jacob Young lined a single to right, driving in House and Abrams.

Atlanta tied it in the fourth. Acuna was hit by a pitch leading off but was picked off first base. Baldwin singled and Olson homered to center to tie it.

Lile homered leading off the bottom half to make it 3-2.

The Braves took control with a five-run sixth. Mike Yastrzemski reached on a throwing error by Nasim Nunez. Acuna took his second HBP, and Irvin was lifted in favor of PJ Poulin. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and scored when Baldwin doubled to left.

Austin Riley walked with one out and Brad Lord replaced Poulin. Ozzie Albies singled home Baldwin to make it 5-3, and Michael Harris II singled home Riley. Dominic Smith grounded back to the mound, but the Nationals could not turn two and another run scored to make it 7-3.

The Nationals got one back in their half when Abrams was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored when Young reached on third baseman Riley’s throwing error.

The Braves added two in the ninth on an RBI bunt single by Eli White and a sacrifice fly by Olson.

–Field Level Media

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World Para Athletics Championships 2027 to be held in Tashkent <div id="content-body-70888174" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, has been confirmed as the host of the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships, marking the first time the prestigious event will be staged in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. </p><p>The announcement was made by World Para Athletics (WPA), confirming that the world’s largest single Para sport event will take place at the Olympic City Main Stadium in June 2027. </p><p>Tashkent 2027 will be the 13th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships and the fifth time the event is hosted in Asia, following Doha 2015, Dubai 2019, Kobe 2024 and New Delhi 2025. </p><p>With an expected participation of around 1,300 athletes from more than 100 nations, the championships are set to become the largest international Para sport event ever hosted in the country. </p><p>While the final number of events is yet to be confirmed, the programme will include at least 164 events, aligned with the Paralympic Games programme, with the possibility of additional events. </p><p><b>RELATED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/kenya-runner-john-korir-wins-boston-marathon-new-race-timing-record-latest-updates/article70885778.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Boston Marathon: Kenya’s Korir defends crown, sets new course record</a></b></p><p>Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of the event for both the nation and the region. </p><p>“We are delighted to announce that the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This will be the largest international para sport event ever to take place in the nation, opening doors for massive opportunities to grow our sport, our fan base, and to impact society’s perception of persons with disabilities in Central Asia,” he said. </p><p>The most recent edition of the World Para Athletics Championships was held in New Delhi, India, where more than 1,000 athletes from over 100 nations competed in 186 medal events. </p><p>Brazil topped the medals table, while Uzbekistan finished inside the top 15 with five gold medals.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #World #Para #Athletics #Championships #held #Tashkent

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Deadspin | Struggling Astros beat Guardians with big night from bats Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) hits an RBI double during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Isaac Paredes hit his first two home runs of the season to help the Houston Astros run away with a 9-2 win over the host Cleveland Guardians on Monday evening. Paredes’ first homer opened a four-run fourth inning which broke a 2-2 deadlock. He then tacked on an insurance run on another solo shot in the ninth. Christian Walker opened the scoring with his fifth homer, a two-run shot in the first inning. Walker, Parades and Carlos Correa each finished with three hits and two RBIs for the Astros, who had lost four straight and 12 of 14. Walker also scored three runs. Brayan Rocchio was 3-for-3 with a double and Jose Ramirez recorded both RBIs for the Guardians, who had won three of four. Houston was all over Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi (0-3) from the onset of the game starting with Walker’s 391-foot homer on a first-pitch fastball. Cecconi lasted five innings but surrendered seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits, walking two and striking out two. Cleveland got a run back in the home first on Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single, scoring Ramirez after he started a two-out rally with a walk. The Guardians then tied the game in the third when Ramirez delivered a leadoff double and came around to score on George Valera’s two-out single. But otherwise, the Astros’ pitching staff navigated traffic to silence the Guardians’ bats. Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Cleveland had a baserunner in every inning, but was 2-for-12 with runners on base and stranded 12 runners. Paredes’ homer sparked the big fourth inning for Houston which saw five of the first six batters of the inning notch hits. Brice Matthews extended the lead to 4-2 with an RBI double, and Correa doubled the lead with a two-run single. Houston added a run in the fifth on Yainer Diaz’s sacrifice fly and another in the seventh on a Cam Smith sac fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Astros #beat #Guardians #big #night #batsApr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) hits an RBI double during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Isaac Paredes hit his first two home runs of the season to help the Houston Astros run away with a 9-2 win over the host Cleveland Guardians on Monday evening.

Paredes’ first homer opened a four-run fourth inning which broke a 2-2 deadlock. He then tacked on an insurance run on another solo shot in the ninth.

Christian Walker opened the scoring with his fifth homer, a two-run shot in the first inning. Walker, Parades and Carlos Correa each finished with three hits and two RBIs for the Astros, who had lost four straight and 12 of 14. Walker also scored three runs.

Brayan Rocchio was 3-for-3 with a double and Jose Ramirez recorded both RBIs for the Guardians, who had won three of four.

Houston was all over Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi (0-3) from the onset of the game starting with Walker’s 391-foot homer on a first-pitch fastball. Cecconi lasted five innings but surrendered seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits, walking two and striking out two.


Cleveland got a run back in the home first on Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single, scoring Ramirez after he started a two-out rally with a walk.

The Guardians then tied the game in the third when Ramirez delivered a leadoff double and came around to score on George Valera’s two-out single.

But otherwise, the Astros’ pitching staff navigated traffic to silence the Guardians’ bats. Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking four and striking out three.

Cleveland had a baserunner in every inning, but was 2-for-12 with runners on base and stranded 12 runners.

Paredes’ homer sparked the big fourth inning for Houston which saw five of the first six batters of the inning notch hits. Brice Matthews extended the lead to 4-2 with an RBI double, and Correa doubled the lead with a two-run single.

Houston added a run in the fifth on Yainer Diaz’s sacrifice fly and another in the seventh on a Cam Smith sac fly.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Astros #beat #Guardians #big #night #bats">Deadspin | Struggling Astros beat Guardians with big night from bats Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) hits an RBI double during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Isaac Paredes hit his first two home runs of the season to help the Houston Astros run away with a 9-2 win over the host Cleveland Guardians on Monday evening. Paredes’ first homer opened a four-run fourth inning which broke a 2-2 deadlock. He then tacked on an insurance run on another solo shot in the ninth. Christian Walker opened the scoring with his fifth homer, a two-run shot in the first inning. Walker, Parades and Carlos Correa each finished with three hits and two RBIs for the Astros, who had lost four straight and 12 of 14. Walker also scored three runs. Brayan Rocchio was 3-for-3 with a double and Jose Ramirez recorded both RBIs for the Guardians, who had won three of four. Houston was all over Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi (0-3) from the onset of the game starting with Walker’s 391-foot homer on a first-pitch fastball. Cecconi lasted five innings but surrendered seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits, walking two and striking out two. Cleveland got a run back in the home first on Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single, scoring Ramirez after he started a two-out rally with a walk. The Guardians then tied the game in the third when Ramirez delivered a leadoff double and came around to score on George Valera’s two-out single. But otherwise, the Astros’ pitching staff navigated traffic to silence the Guardians’ bats. Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking four and striking out three. Cleveland had a baserunner in every inning, but was 2-for-12 with runners on base and stranded 12 runners. Paredes’ homer sparked the big fourth inning for Houston which saw five of the first six batters of the inning notch hits. Brice Matthews extended the lead to 4-2 with an RBI double, and Correa doubled the lead with a two-run single. Houston added a run in the fifth on Yainer Diaz’s sacrifice fly and another in the seventh on a Cam Smith sac fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Astros #beat #Guardians #big #night #bats

Portland Trail Blazers v San Antonio Spurs - Game One
Portland Trail Blazers v San Antonio Spurs - Game One

SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 19: De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBAE via Getty Images

#Spurs #Trail #Blazers #Game #odds #NBA #Playoffs #watch">Spurs vs. Trail Blazers Game 2 odds for NBA Playoffs, and how to watch SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 19: De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images #Spurs #Trail #Blazers #Game #odds #NBA #Playoffs #watch

He couldn’t find a place in Mumbai’s XI for the first three games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Lucknow last November. But when Suryakumar Yadav finally told Sarfaraz Khan after the turn of the month he would play against Assam, the latter had a request.

“Let me bat at No. 3, please,” Sarfaraz is understood to have said — a spot Suryakumar himself preferred in Mumbai colours. Sensing both desperation and conviction in his close friend’s voice, the captain obliged. Sarfaraz responded with an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls.

That knock altered his T20 trajectory. Sarfaraz finished as Mumbai’s highest run-getter — 329 runs from seven innings at a strike rate north of 200 — and forced his way back into the IPL conversation, earning a contract with Chennai Super Kings after going unsold at the previous auction.

As he returns to familiar surroundings at the Wankhede Stadium — this time in CSK yellow — the narrative has flipped. Sarfaraz has quietly built momentum, scoring 147 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 171.

ALSO READ | IPL: A familiar middle-order rut hurts Gujarat Titans yet again

Suryakumar, meanwhile, finds himself in an unfamiliar space. With 121 runs from six outings at a strike rate of 151, the numbers aren’t dramatically different. But T20s are as much about expectation as output, and Suryakumar’s prolonged lean patch has invited scrutiny — even against the backdrop of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, true to his promise of taking “tough calls” after a fourth consecutive defeat, rang in four changes against Gujarat Titans. While most revolved around the bowling unit, the spotlight has inevitably lingered on Suryakumar’s returns.

For Sarfaraz, the journey has been about seizing moments. For Suryakumar, it is about rediscovering rhythm.

On Thursday, friendship will take a back seat. One returns home in rival colours with renewed purpose; the other seeks a turnaround. And in that sub-plot lies a personal contest that could well shape the larger outcome.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sarfaraz #Suryakumar #battle #battle #Chennai #Super #Kings #visits #Mumbai #Indians">Sarfaraz vs Suryakumar: A battle within a battle as Chennai Super Kings visits Mumbai Indians He couldn’t find a place in Mumbai’s XI for the first three games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Lucknow last November. But when Suryakumar Yadav finally told Sarfaraz Khan after the turn of the month he would play against Assam, the latter had a request.“Let me bat at No. 3, please,” Sarfaraz is understood to have said — a spot Suryakumar himself preferred in Mumbai colours. Sensing both desperation and conviction in his close friend’s voice, the captain obliged. Sarfaraz responded with an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls.That knock altered his T20 trajectory. Sarfaraz finished as Mumbai’s highest run-getter — 329 runs from seven innings at a strike rate north of 200 — and forced his way back into the IPL conversation, earning a contract with Chennai Super Kings after going unsold at the previous auction.As he returns to familiar surroundings at the Wankhede Stadium — this time in CSK yellow — the narrative has flipped. Sarfaraz has quietly built momentum, scoring 147 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 171.ALSO READ | IPL: A familiar middle-order rut hurts Gujarat Titans yet againSuryakumar, meanwhile, finds himself in an unfamiliar space. With 121 runs from six outings at a strike rate of 151, the numbers aren’t dramatically different. But T20s are as much about expectation as output, and Suryakumar’s prolonged lean patch has invited scrutiny — even against the backdrop of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, true to his promise of taking “tough calls” after a fourth consecutive defeat, rang in four changes against Gujarat Titans. While most revolved around the bowling unit, the spotlight has inevitably lingered on Suryakumar’s returns.For Sarfaraz, the journey has been about seizing moments. For Suryakumar, it is about rediscovering rhythm.On Thursday, friendship will take a back seat. One returns home in rival colours with renewed purpose; the other seeks a turnaround. And in that sub-plot lies a personal contest that could well shape the larger outcome.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Sarfaraz #Suryakumar #battle #battle #Chennai #Super #Kings #visits #Mumbai #Indians

IPL: A familiar middle-order rut hurts Gujarat Titans yet again

Suryakumar, meanwhile, finds himself in an unfamiliar space. With 121 runs from six outings at a strike rate of 151, the numbers aren’t dramatically different. But T20s are as much about expectation as output, and Suryakumar’s prolonged lean patch has invited scrutiny — even against the backdrop of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, true to his promise of taking “tough calls” after a fourth consecutive defeat, rang in four changes against Gujarat Titans. While most revolved around the bowling unit, the spotlight has inevitably lingered on Suryakumar’s returns.

For Sarfaraz, the journey has been about seizing moments. For Suryakumar, it is about rediscovering rhythm.

On Thursday, friendship will take a back seat. One returns home in rival colours with renewed purpose; the other seeks a turnaround. And in that sub-plot lies a personal contest that could well shape the larger outcome.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sarfaraz #Suryakumar #battle #battle #Chennai #Super #Kings #visits #Mumbai #Indians">Sarfaraz vs Suryakumar: A battle within a battle as Chennai Super Kings visits Mumbai Indians

He couldn’t find a place in Mumbai’s XI for the first three games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Lucknow last November. But when Suryakumar Yadav finally told Sarfaraz Khan after the turn of the month he would play against Assam, the latter had a request.

“Let me bat at No. 3, please,” Sarfaraz is understood to have said — a spot Suryakumar himself preferred in Mumbai colours. Sensing both desperation and conviction in his close friend’s voice, the captain obliged. Sarfaraz responded with an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls.

That knock altered his T20 trajectory. Sarfaraz finished as Mumbai’s highest run-getter — 329 runs from seven innings at a strike rate north of 200 — and forced his way back into the IPL conversation, earning a contract with Chennai Super Kings after going unsold at the previous auction.

As he returns to familiar surroundings at the Wankhede Stadium — this time in CSK yellow — the narrative has flipped. Sarfaraz has quietly built momentum, scoring 147 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 171.

ALSO READ | IPL: A familiar middle-order rut hurts Gujarat Titans yet again

Suryakumar, meanwhile, finds himself in an unfamiliar space. With 121 runs from six outings at a strike rate of 151, the numbers aren’t dramatically different. But T20s are as much about expectation as output, and Suryakumar’s prolonged lean patch has invited scrutiny — even against the backdrop of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, true to his promise of taking “tough calls” after a fourth consecutive defeat, rang in four changes against Gujarat Titans. While most revolved around the bowling unit, the spotlight has inevitably lingered on Suryakumar’s returns.

For Sarfaraz, the journey has been about seizing moments. For Suryakumar, it is about rediscovering rhythm.

On Thursday, friendship will take a back seat. One returns home in rival colours with renewed purpose; the other seeks a turnaround. And in that sub-plot lies a personal contest that could well shape the larger outcome.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sarfaraz #Suryakumar #battle #battle #Chennai #Super #Kings #visits #Mumbai #Indians

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