VIDEO | India’s mistakes exposed at right time before T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur

VIDEO | India’s mistakes exposed at right time before T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur
Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.
The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.
Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.
ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership
“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.
“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.
“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.
With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.
While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.
In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.
“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.
“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.
“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.
After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).
“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur

Sports news can India women bounce back in T20 World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur 66 runs WT20I, Harmanpreet Kaur captain statement, Harmanpreet Kaur India captain reaction, Harmanpreet Kaur reaction after India defeat, India lose T20I series 0-3 South Africa, India vs South Africa women T20 series result, India women batting vs South Africa, India women bowling struggles T20I, India women cricket team performance, India women vs South Africa T20I series 2026, India women weaknesses before T20 World Cup, Shafali Verma 64 runs South Africa match, South Africa chase 192 vs India women, South Africa vs India women match analysis 2026, South Africa women batting performance, South Africa women cricket team win, third WT20I match India vs South Africa, why India women lost to South Africa T20 series 2026, Women in Blue T20 series defeat April 23, 2026

Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.

The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.

Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.

ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership

“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.

“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.

“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.

With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.

While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.

In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.

“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.

“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.

“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.

After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).

“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

Source link
#VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur

Tag can India women bounce back in T20 World Cup Harmanpreet Kaur 66 runs WT20I Harmanpreet Kaur captain statement Harmanpreet Kaur India captain reaction Harmanpreet Kaur reaction after India defeat India lose T20I series 0-3 South Africa India vs South Africa women T20 series result India women batting vs South Africa India women bowling struggles T20I India women cricket team performance India women vs South Africa T20I series 2026 India women weaknesses before T20 World Cup Shafali Verma 64 runs South Africa match South Africa chase 192 vs India women South Africa vs India women match analysis 2026 South Africa women batting performance South Africa women cricket team win third WT20I match India vs South Africa why India women lost to South Africa T20 series 2026 Women in Blue T20 series defeat

Deadspin | With Francisco Lindor in question and long skid over, Mets take on Twins <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-900/28786991.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28786991.jpg" alt="MLB: Minnesota Twins at New York Mets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after his RBI infield single against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The New York Mets spent most of the last three weeks learning they didn’t like life without Juan Soto.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Now the team hopes it won’t find out about life without Francisco Lindor. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>With their 12-game losing streak finally over, the Mets likely will learn Lindor’s status on Thursday before they host the Minnesota Twins in the finale of a three-game interleague series. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Christian Scott is expected to make his season debut for the Mets against fellow right-hander Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.29 ERA).</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Mets snapped their long skid Wednesday night after Mark Vientos delivered a tie-breaking bloop RBI single in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>But the win may have been costly for New York, which lost Lindor due to left calf tightness in the fourth inning.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>He did not appear to be running at full speed as he circled the bases and scored on Francisco Alvarez’s double. The 32-year-old Lindor grimaced while rounding third and remained on the ground for a few seconds after sliding in ahead of Victor Caratini’s tag to give the Mets a 2-1 lead.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Lindor injury was similar to the one sustained by Soto, who returned Wednesday after missing the last 15 games with a strained right calf. Soto suffered his injury while running from first to third on Bo Bichette’s single on April 3.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Soto went 1-for-3 with a walk Wednesday but was picked off first base following his single in the eighth inning.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>Lindor is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday. He has missed just 15 games during the last four full seasons.</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>“We lost Soto and we had a hard time,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday night. “Now we potentially (could) be dealing with losing another really good player. We’ve got to figure it out. We’ve got to find a way.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>On the positive side, Luke Weaver (2-0) recorded the final four outs Wednesday as the Mets won for the first time since April 7 and ended their longest losing streak since 2002. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“It’s a sigh of relief,” Weaver said. “There’s a lot more games to play. Today was a great step in the right direction, and it was gonna take a game like that to get us going.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The loss was the fifth in the last six games for the Twins, whose bullpen struggled to throw strikes after left-hander Connor Prielipp gave up two runs over four innings in his big-league debut.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Kendry Rojas, who also made his big-league debut, relieved Prielipp and walked three in two scoreless innings. Eric Orze threw a perfect seventh inning before losing pitcher Taylor Rogers and Justin Topa issued two-out walks to Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez following Soto’s pickoff. Vientos followed with his go-ahead hit to score Baty.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“We gave away free passes late,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday night. “We can’t walk guys, and the walks ended up turning into runs that scored late in the game.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Scott was 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Syracuse, where he collected 17 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 21, 2024. He went on the injured list with a sprained UCL in his right elbow two days later and underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Ryan took the loss Friday in his most recent start, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings as the Twins fell 2-1 to the Cincinnati Reds. He didn’t factor into the decision in his lone previous appearance against the Mets on April 14, 2025, when he gave up one run over five innings in New York’s 5-1 victory.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Scott has never opposed the Twins. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-20"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Francisco #Lindor #question #long #skid #Mets #Twins

Deadspin | Giants turn to Logan Webb in bid for sweep of Dodgers Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb (62) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images San Francisco will look for a reconfigured rotation to continue its magic Thursday afternoon when the Giants vie for a three-game sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers. In the series finale, the Giants hope right-hander Logan Webb (2-2, 5.40 ERA) can duplicate the efforts of Landen Roupp and Tyler Mahle. The two-time defending champion Dodgers are expected to counter with right-hander Tyler Glasnow (2-0, 3.24) on Thursday. Looking to get his team off on a winning note to a six-game homestand, first-year Giants manager Tony Vitello elected to push struggling Tyler Mahle back a day and give Roupp the ball for Tuesday’s start. Not only did Roupp come through, allowing one run on one hit in five innings of a 3-1 win, but Mahle responded with his best effort as a member of the Giants. He scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory. That set the stage for staff ace Webb, who last week got bumped up a day, moving ahead of Adrian Hauser. Webb came through last Friday in Washington, helping the Giants win the second game of what has become five victories in their last six games. The 29-year-old will make his 21st career start against the Dodgers, having gone 6-8 with a 4.47 ERA in the first 20. Webb will pitch for a team that, according to Vitello, celebrated Wednesday’s win like no other this season. Struggling catcher Patrick Bailey played the hero with a three-run homer that produced the game’s only runs. “He’s had big moments late in games here against some pretty good arms,” Vitello told reporters when asked if he considered pinch-hitting for his catcher with two runners in scoring position in a scoreless game in the seventh inning. “That’s probably the loudest cheer I’ve heard out of that locker room. They knew it was coming for him.” Led by Roupp and Mahle, Giants pitchers have served up just seven hits to the Dodgers in the first 18 innings of the series. Teoscar Hernandez stroked Los Angeles’ only extra-base hit of the two losses, a double in Tuesday’s defeat. Hoping for better support will be Glasnow, who has started four straight Dodgers wins, allowing a total of nine runs in 25 innings with 29 strikeouts. His last outing was his best of the young campaign, allowing the Colorado Rockies just one run and two hits over seven innings on Friday in a 7-1 win at Coors Field. The 32-year-old California native has never lost in San Francisco, going 3-0 with a 2.91 ERA in four career starts. Overall, he’s seen the Giants eight times, seven times in starts, with a 5-1 record and a 3.63 ERA. While the Giants haven’t lit up the Oracle Park scoreboard in the series, they did just enough to grab a lead over Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday, then outlasted Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday when the dual threat reached his limit of six innings on the mound. He left a 0-0 tie. Ohtani told reporters he understands the conservative approach and assures he’s on the same page with team management. “Just because I want to try to win the Cy Young and throw more innings,” he said, “that’s not necessarily the priority over winning a championship.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #turn #Logan #Webb #bid #sweep #Dodgers

#Deadspin #Giants #turn #Logan #Webb #bid #sweep #Dodgers">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb (62) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

San Francisco will look for a reconfigured rotation to continue its magic Thursday afternoon when the Giants vie for a three-game sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the series finale, the Giants hope right-hander Logan Webb (2-2, 5.40 ERA) can duplicate the efforts of Landen Roupp and Tyler Mahle.

The two-time defending champion Dodgers are expected to counter with right-hander Tyler Glasnow (2-0, 3.24) on Thursday.

Looking to get his team off on a winning note to a six-game homestand, first-year Giants manager Tony Vitello elected to push struggling Tyler Mahle back a day and give Roupp the ball for Tuesday’s start.

Not only did Roupp come through, allowing one run on one hit in five innings of a 3-1 win, but Mahle responded with his best effort as a member of the Giants. He scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory.

That set the stage for staff ace Webb, who last week got bumped up a day, moving ahead of Adrian Hauser.

Webb came through last Friday in Washington, helping the Giants win the second game of what has become five victories in their last six games.

The 29-year-old will make his 21st career start against the Dodgers, having gone 6-8 with a 4.47 ERA in the first 20.

Webb will pitch for a team that, according to Vitello, celebrated Wednesday’s win like no other this season. Struggling catcher Patrick Bailey played the hero with a three-run homer that produced the game’s only runs.

“He’s had big moments late in games here against some pretty good arms,” Vitello told reporters when asked if he considered pinch-hitting for his catcher with two runners in scoring position in a scoreless game in the seventh inning.

“That’s probably the loudest cheer I’ve heard out of that locker room. They knew it was coming for him.”

Led by Roupp and Mahle, Giants pitchers have served up just seven hits to the Dodgers in the first 18 innings of the series. Teoscar Hernandez stroked Los Angeles’ only extra-base hit of the two losses, a double in Tuesday’s defeat.

Hoping for better support will be Glasnow, who has started four straight Dodgers wins, allowing a total of nine runs in 25 innings with 29 strikeouts.

His last outing was his best of the young campaign, allowing the Colorado Rockies just one run and two hits over seven innings on Friday in a 7-1 win at Coors Field.

The 32-year-old California native has never lost in San Francisco, going 3-0 with a 2.91 ERA in four career starts. Overall, he’s seen the Giants eight times, seven times in starts, with a 5-1 record and a 3.63 ERA.

While the Giants haven’t lit up the Oracle Park scoreboard in the series, they did just enough to grab a lead over Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday, then outlasted Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday when the dual threat reached his limit of six innings on the mound. He left a 0-0 tie.

Ohtani told reporters he understands the conservative approach and assures he’s on the same page with team management.

“Just because I want to try to win the Cy Young and throw more innings,” he said, “that’s not necessarily the priority over winning a championship.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #turn #Logan #Webb #bid #sweep #Dodgers">Deadspin | Giants turn to Logan Webb in bid for sweep of Dodgers

Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb (62) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

San Francisco will look for a reconfigured rotation to continue its magic Thursday afternoon when the Giants vie for a three-game sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the series finale, the Giants hope right-hander Logan Webb (2-2, 5.40 ERA) can duplicate the efforts of Landen Roupp and Tyler Mahle.

The two-time defending champion Dodgers are expected to counter with right-hander Tyler Glasnow (2-0, 3.24) on Thursday.

Looking to get his team off on a winning note to a six-game homestand, first-year Giants manager Tony Vitello elected to push struggling Tyler Mahle back a day and give Roupp the ball for Tuesday’s start.

Not only did Roupp come through, allowing one run on one hit in five innings of a 3-1 win, but Mahle responded with his best effort as a member of the Giants. He scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory.

That set the stage for staff ace Webb, who last week got bumped up a day, moving ahead of Adrian Hauser.

Webb came through last Friday in Washington, helping the Giants win the second game of what has become five victories in their last six games.

The 29-year-old will make his 21st career start against the Dodgers, having gone 6-8 with a 4.47 ERA in the first 20.

Webb will pitch for a team that, according to Vitello, celebrated Wednesday’s win like no other this season. Struggling catcher Patrick Bailey played the hero with a three-run homer that produced the game’s only runs.

“He’s had big moments late in games here against some pretty good arms,” Vitello told reporters when asked if he considered pinch-hitting for his catcher with two runners in scoring position in a scoreless game in the seventh inning.

“That’s probably the loudest cheer I’ve heard out of that locker room. They knew it was coming for him.”

Led by Roupp and Mahle, Giants pitchers have served up just seven hits to the Dodgers in the first 18 innings of the series. Teoscar Hernandez stroked Los Angeles’ only extra-base hit of the two losses, a double in Tuesday’s defeat.

Hoping for better support will be Glasnow, who has started four straight Dodgers wins, allowing a total of nine runs in 25 innings with 29 strikeouts.

His last outing was his best of the young campaign, allowing the Colorado Rockies just one run and two hits over seven innings on Friday in a 7-1 win at Coors Field.

The 32-year-old California native has never lost in San Francisco, going 3-0 with a 2.91 ERA in four career starts. Overall, he’s seen the Giants eight times, seven times in starts, with a 5-1 record and a 3.63 ERA.

While the Giants haven’t lit up the Oracle Park scoreboard in the series, they did just enough to grab a lead over Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Tuesday, then outlasted Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday when the dual threat reached his limit of six innings on the mound. He left a 0-0 tie.

Ohtani told reporters he understands the conservative approach and assures he’s on the same page with team management.

“Just because I want to try to win the Cy Young and throw more innings,” he said, “that’s not necessarily the priority over winning a championship.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #turn #Logan #Webb #bid #sweep #Dodgers

Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.

“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a Jiostar Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”

The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.

Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.

“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”

Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.

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

“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”

Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.

“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.

“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”

He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.

“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”

Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.

“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace">

Cummins’ funda, family support, red-ball lessons: Into Praful Hinge’s rise as SRH’s pace ace Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a Jiostar Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”Published on Apr 23, 2026 #Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace

mwasimuddin125 0

Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.
“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a Jiostar Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”
The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.
Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.
“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”
Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.
ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise
“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”
Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.
“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.
“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”
He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.
“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”
Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.
“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”
Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace">Cummins’ funda, family support, red-ball lessons: Into Praful Hinge’s rise as SRH’s pace ace

The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.

Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.

“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”

Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.

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

“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”

Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.

Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.

“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace

Deadspin | As Pirates visit Rangers, it’s rookie vs. Cy Young winner on mound Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly wants rookie starting pitcher Bubba Chandler to be authentic when he takes the mound against the Texas Rangers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas. “I want Bubba to be Bubba and sometimes that means him showing emotion,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a fine line for him to learn what that is and how he can control that as he goes through a start.” After the Pirates rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday, highlighted by Oneil Cruz’s prodigious three-run home run off the top of the right field foul pole in the ninth inning, they’ll turn to Chandler in the rubber game of the three-game series. In his most recent start, Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) earned the 5-1 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays last Friday as he gave up one run on three hits and struck out three in six innings. Opponents are hitting .183 off Chandler in four starts this season. It will mark Chandler’s first career appearance against the Rangers. As the rookie right-hander works his way through his first full major-league season, Kelly said Chandler will learn how to make in-game adjustments. In Kelly’s nine-year career as a utility man, he made note of the things former teammate Justin Verlander did to get back on track during a game. “I look at pitchers in general,” Kelly said. “I played behind Verlander. When he would lose his fastball command, it was the curveball he would go to and re-establish his release point. That helped him get his fastball back in the zone. “I think sometimes throughout a start, if you are feeling off, there may be something you can do. Sometimes that’s with a pitch, sometimes that’s with a slide step to speed yourself up to get back in the zone and find a way to re-establish that release point. Bubba is an extreme athlete and is very competitive.” Texas is scheduled to start right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA). In nine career starts against the Pirates, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 69 strikeouts. In his most recent start, deGrom didn’t factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings. He racked up 88 pitches, gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three in the Rangers’ 5-0 road win over the Seattle Mariners last Friday. Josh Jung launched his third home run of the season on Wednesday. The third baseman has three hits, two runs and three RBIs in the series. Jung leads the Rangers in batting average (.303), doubles (eight), slugging percentage (.526) and OPS (.883). Consistency is what Jung said has allowed him to get into a groove on offense. “Coming in we create an approach and a plan and stick to it no matter what,” Jung said. “I think that’s what’s helping me right now. Everyday we come in and put a game plan together and execute no matter what.” The Rangers will be without Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 1 flexor strain. In 20 games this season, Langford has a .238 batting average, three doubles, two triples, one home run and four RBIs. –Field Level Media -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound

#Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly wants rookie starting pitcher Bubba Chandler to be authentic when he takes the mound against the Texas Rangers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas.

“I want Bubba to be Bubba and sometimes that means him showing emotion,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a fine line for him to learn what that is and how he can control that as he goes through a start.”

After the Pirates rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday, highlighted by Oneil Cruz’s prodigious three-run home run off the top of the right field foul pole in the ninth inning, they’ll turn to Chandler in the rubber game of the three-game series.

In his most recent start, Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) earned the 5-1 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays last Friday as he gave up one run on three hits and struck out three in six innings.

Opponents are hitting .183 off Chandler in four starts this season. It will mark Chandler’s first career appearance against the Rangers.

As the rookie right-hander works his way through his first full major-league season, Kelly said Chandler will learn how to make in-game adjustments. In Kelly’s nine-year career as a utility man, he made note of the things former teammate Justin Verlander did to get back on track during a game.

“I look at pitchers in general,” Kelly said. “I played behind Verlander. When he would lose his fastball command, it was the curveball he would go to and re-establish his release point. That helped him get his fastball back in the zone.

“I think sometimes throughout a start, if you are feeling off, there may be something you can do. Sometimes that’s with a pitch, sometimes that’s with a slide step to speed yourself up to get back in the zone and find a way to re-establish that release point. Bubba is an extreme athlete and is very competitive.”

Texas is scheduled to start right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA). In nine career starts against the Pirates, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 69 strikeouts.

In his most recent start, deGrom didn’t factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings. He racked up 88 pitches, gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three in the Rangers’ 5-0 road win over the Seattle Mariners last Friday.

Josh Jung launched his third home run of the season on Wednesday. The third baseman has three hits, two runs and three RBIs in the series. Jung leads the Rangers in batting average (.303), doubles (eight), slugging percentage (.526) and OPS (.883).

Consistency is what Jung said has allowed him to get into a groove on offense.

“Coming in we create an approach and a plan and stick to it no matter what,” Jung said. “I think that’s what’s helping me right now. Everyday we come in and put a game plan together and execute no matter what.”

The Rangers will be without Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 1 flexor strain. In 20 games this season, Langford has a .238 batting average, three doubles, two triples, one home run and four RBIs.

–Field Level Media

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound">Deadspin | As Pirates visit Rangers, it’s rookie vs. Cy Young winner on mound

Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly wants rookie starting pitcher Bubba Chandler to be authentic when he takes the mound against the Texas Rangers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas.

“I want Bubba to be Bubba and sometimes that means him showing emotion,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a fine line for him to learn what that is and how he can control that as he goes through a start.”

After the Pirates rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday, highlighted by Oneil Cruz’s prodigious three-run home run off the top of the right field foul pole in the ninth inning, they’ll turn to Chandler in the rubber game of the three-game series.

In his most recent start, Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) earned the 5-1 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays last Friday as he gave up one run on three hits and struck out three in six innings.

Opponents are hitting .183 off Chandler in four starts this season. It will mark Chandler’s first career appearance against the Rangers.

As the rookie right-hander works his way through his first full major-league season, Kelly said Chandler will learn how to make in-game adjustments. In Kelly’s nine-year career as a utility man, he made note of the things former teammate Justin Verlander did to get back on track during a game.

“I look at pitchers in general,” Kelly said. “I played behind Verlander. When he would lose his fastball command, it was the curveball he would go to and re-establish his release point. That helped him get his fastball back in the zone.

“I think sometimes throughout a start, if you are feeling off, there may be something you can do. Sometimes that’s with a pitch, sometimes that’s with a slide step to speed yourself up to get back in the zone and find a way to re-establish that release point. Bubba is an extreme athlete and is very competitive.”

Texas is scheduled to start right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA). In nine career starts against the Pirates, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 69 strikeouts.

In his most recent start, deGrom didn’t factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings. He racked up 88 pitches, gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three in the Rangers’ 5-0 road win over the Seattle Mariners last Friday.

Josh Jung launched his third home run of the season on Wednesday. The third baseman has three hits, two runs and three RBIs in the series. Jung leads the Rangers in batting average (.303), doubles (eight), slugging percentage (.526) and OPS (.883).

Consistency is what Jung said has allowed him to get into a groove on offense.

“Coming in we create an approach and a plan and stick to it no matter what,” Jung said. “I think that’s what’s helping me right now. Everyday we come in and put a game plan together and execute no matter what.”

The Rangers will be without Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 1 flexor strain. In 20 games this season, Langford has a .238 batting average, three doubles, two triples, one home run and four RBIs.

–Field Level Media

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply