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Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast. As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series. Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday. “It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.” The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time. Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death. “We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.” As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games. The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend. “Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.” Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why. “We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.” Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series. Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began. “I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #Avalanche

Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche
Deadspin | Kings head home in need of turnaround against Avalanche Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast. As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series. Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday. “It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.” The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time. Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death. “We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.” As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games. The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend. “Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.” Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why. “We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.” Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series. Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began. “I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #AvalancheApr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.

As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.

Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.

“It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”

The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.

Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.

“We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”


As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.

The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.

“Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”

Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.

“We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.

Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.

“I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kings #home #turnaround #Avalanche

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Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) controls the puck ahead of goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings are hanging tough with the Presidents’ Trophy-wielding Colorado Avalanche, yet they trail 2-0 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series as it shifts to the West Coast.

As the Kings prepare to host the Avalanche for Game 3 Thursday, they need to find a way to get over the hump against the regular-season champions to draw back into the best-of-seven series.

Both games were 2-1 finals, with the latest requiring Colorado to work overtime to win Tuesday.

“It’s tough, the way it ended, both games,” Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg said. “We’re right in there, playing well. We’re fighting, we’re fighting hard. Just got to stick with it and turn this around.”

The second loss stung on another level. Artemi Panarin’s power-play goal — his second in as many outings — opened the scoring with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog tied the game with 3:35 left to set up Nicolas Roy’s winner 7:44 into extra time.

Los Angeles boasts a stout defensive game, but needs more offense from players not named Panarin. The Kings certainly had their chances in Game 2. Not only was Quinton Byfield denied on a second-period penalty shot, the Kings had opportunities in sudden-death.

“We had the momentum in overtime,” interim coach D.J. Smith said. “We were out-chancing them at that point and then maybe a bad bounce or a turnover, whatever, it ends up in your net. To a man, this team’s playing hard and we have to find a way to win, though.”

As for the Avalanche, they know having the upper hand at this point only means so much, especially if the Kings regroup and find a way to win their first two home games.

The Kings have been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in four consecutive years, so they’re giving everything they have to end that trend.

“Playoffs are going to be hard. It’s a really good team over there,” Colorado forward Nathan MacKinnon said. “They’re playing hard. We’re playing hard. It’s low scoring, but it’s fun hockey. … Need to find a way to steal Game 3.”

Saying his team must “steal” a game sounds over the top considering how the Avalanche have been all season. They led the NHL during the regular season with 3.68 goals per game, so clearly they have yet to show their top offensive form — though the Kings (and Forsberg) deserve credit. Then again, Colorado was the league’s stingiest defensive team in the regular season, too, and coach Jared Bednar’s team has been showing why.

“We’ve been talking all year (about) the importance of the defending, and I’m happy with the commitment that we’re getting from our guys,” Bednar said. “I still think we got another step in our game that we can ramp up to. So we just got to go out and try to better our performances at home now on the road.”

Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood has shown his top-tier game. His save of Byfield’s penalty shot was highlight-reel worthy and he has stopped 48 of the 50 shots he has faced in this series.

Not bad for a 33-year-old who had zero Stanley Cup playoff victories — and zero postseason starts — on his resume until this series began.

“I think mentally, over my career, I’ve kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league,” Wedgewood said. “So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I’ve been putting the pressure on myself for to get here. It’s honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what’s at stake.”

–Field Level Media

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Indian U-20 players provide mixed reactions on inclusion of overseas talent in youth teams <div id="content-body-70904457" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Three weeks ago, India lost 3-4 on penalties to Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-20 Championship 2026 final in the Maldives, a result which raised questions on the country’s youth system and how it’s run.</p><p>On the other side of the border, the topic of discussion was the presence of the Sullivan brothers — Ronnie and Declan, teenagers from the USA who have Bangladeshi roots through their grandmother — in the squad. The movement to incorporate overseas players amongst the ranks of the Bangladesh national teams gained momentum last year when Premier League-experienced Hamza Choudhary made his debut for the Bengal Tigers.</p><p>For the Blue Tigers, Australia-born Ryan Williams became the first overseas player to represent India after attaining citizenship since Arata Izumi. Williams recently made his debut during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong.</p><p>In this context, two of the Indian U-20 players — Vishal Yadav and Omang Dodum — were asked whether they would want a similar strategy deployed regarding the youth teams of the country to improve the quality. And they had mixed reactions.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/india-selected-for-fifa-womens-development-programme-countries-details-when/article70892944.ece" target="_blank">India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme</a></b></p><p>“I think, at the youth level, we are much better. Technically, we are good. It is so because when we are younger, we have that hunger. As we grow up, we tend to become comfortable and have the ‘It’s okay’ attitude. For the youth teams, we don’t need them [overseas players],” opines Vishal, who bagged two goals at the SAFF tournament.</p><p>His teammate Omang, though, saw both the good and bad aspects of the prospect of overseas players.</p><p>“Honestly, it would be better if we get Indian-origin players from other countries. They might bring changes in our youth development. But not having OCI players means the India-based players, which is also a good thing,” Omang, who finished joint top-scorer with three goals at SAFF, weighed in.</p><p><b>Future ambitions</b></p><p>While their beginnings in the sport were drastically different, their career trajectories have brought Vishal and Omang to the Punjab FC Academy. Their most recent exploits with the Cubs were at the 2026 edition of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), where Punjab finished third after beating Kerala Blasters 6-0 in the third-place playoff.</p><p>Vishal banged in 15 goals, the most in this RFDL season. His tryst with the sport began when he was entering his teenage years in Varanasi when he would just kick the ball around at the nearest ground. His father runs a small dairy, while his mother manages the household.</p><p>The UP boy was also part of the Punjab FC team which beat Everton U-18 in the 2024 Next Generation Cup in England. Moreover, Vishal also became the third-youngest debutant in the Indian Super League last season when he made an appearance against FC Goa.</p><p>“I want to play in the ISL more regularly,” he said, a clear goal in his mind.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/2dignf/article70904455.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Omang%20Dodum" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/2dignf/article70904455.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Omang%20Dodum" alt="Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development." title="Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Itanagar-native Omang Dodum thinks inclusion of overseas talent would be better as it might bring changes in the country’s youth development. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p></div><p>Omang, who netted eight goals in the RFDL, said “he got it from his father”, a former footballer. He would be a ball boy during friendly matches his father, Kage Dodum, would play with his friends on Sundays.</p><p>The Itanagar local also got the special chance to play for the national team in front of his family when India played in the SAFF U-19 Championships last year in Arunachal Pradesh.</p><p>When asked about his future ambitions, he had an interesting answer.</p><p>“I want to change this narrative here in India that shorter players can’t be a good No. 9,” the diminutive forward said.</p><p>“A lot of people have told me to change my position.”</p><p>A certain Sunil Chhetri wasn’t the most towering marksman when he found the net 95 times in India’s colours, so Omang does have the perfect person to emulate as he attempts to flip the script.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Indian #U20 #players #provide #mixed #reactions #inclusion #overseas #talent #youth #teams

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Kylian Mbappe suffers hamstring issue during Real Madrid’s draw at Betis <div id="content-body-70904497" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told <i>AFP</i> on Friday.</p><p>Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.</p><p>The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.</p><p><b>READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/la-liga/real-madrid-draw-betis-bellerin-goal-la-liga-barcelona-title-race-update/article70904342.ece" target="_blank">Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title</a></b></p><p>“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.</p><p>On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis

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S. Sreesanth has claimed that he has cut all ties with former India teammate Harbhajan Singh after the latter made money from an ad on the infamous slapgate controversy.

In the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, Harbhajan – skipper of Mumbai Indians – had slapped Kings XI Punjab pacer Sreesanth at the end of a game in Mohali. The off-spinner was banned for the rest of the season and five ODIs.

While the complete video of the incident was released last year by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, the two players seemed to have made peace. However, Sreesanth’s latest remarks indicate that the saga is far from over.

In an interview with Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam news outlet, Sreesanth said, “I have never spoken about Bhajji (Harbhajan) in an interview like this before. Recently, he even made an ad about it (the slapgate incident) and earned money, something like 80 lakhs or one crore rupees.”

“Then he called me and told me, ‘Dude, you should put it as Instagram story.’ I said, ‘Forgive, but don’t forget.’”

“If someone does something wrong against us, we can forgive them but we shouldn’t forget. If we forget, the same person will do the same mistake to us again. He is the biggest example of that.”

Sreesanth also revealed that he is not in touch with Harbhajan anymore. “I have no connection with him. I used to always say he was like a brother. But after he did an ad about a month or two ago, I even blocked him on Instagram,” he said.

“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don’t have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin (Ravichandran Ashwin), he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me, from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it’s all an act.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Sreesanth #Harbhajan #earned #crore #IPL #slapgate #incident #blocked #Instagram">Sreesanth: Harbhajan earned Rs 1 crore from an ad on IPL slapgate incident, have blocked him on Instagram S. Sreesanth has claimed that he has cut all ties with former India teammate Harbhajan Singh after the latter made money from an ad on the infamous slapgate controversy.In the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, Harbhajan – skipper of Mumbai Indians – had slapped Kings XI Punjab pacer Sreesanth at the end of a game in Mohali. The off-spinner was banned for the rest of the season and five ODIs.While the complete video of the incident was released last year by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, the two players seemed to have made peace. However, Sreesanth’s latest remarks indicate that the saga is far from over.In an interview with Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam news outlet, Sreesanth said, “I have never spoken about Bhajji (Harbhajan) in an interview like this before. Recently, he even made an ad about it (the slapgate incident) and earned money, something like 80 lakhs or one crore rupees.”“Then he called me and told me, ‘Dude, you should put it as Instagram story.’ I said, ‘Forgive, but don’t forget.’”“If someone does something wrong against us, we can forgive them but we shouldn’t forget. If we forget, the same person will do the same mistake to us again. He is the biggest example of that.”Sreesanth also revealed that he is not in touch with Harbhajan anymore. “I have no connection with him. I used to always say he was like a brother. But after he did an ad about a month or two ago, I even blocked him on Instagram,” he said.“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don’t have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin (Ravichandran Ashwin), he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me, from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it’s all an act.”Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Sreesanth #Harbhajan #earned #crore #IPL #slapgate #incident #blocked #Instagram

In an interview with Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam news outlet, Sreesanth said, “I have never spoken about Bhajji (Harbhajan) in an interview like this before. Recently, he even made an ad about it (the slapgate incident) and earned money, something like 80 lakhs or one crore rupees.”

“Then he called me and told me, ‘Dude, you should put it as Instagram story.’ I said, ‘Forgive, but don’t forget.’”

“If someone does something wrong against us, we can forgive them but we shouldn’t forget. If we forget, the same person will do the same mistake to us again. He is the biggest example of that.”

Sreesanth also revealed that he is not in touch with Harbhajan anymore. “I have no connection with him. I used to always say he was like a brother. But after he did an ad about a month or two ago, I even blocked him on Instagram,” he said.

“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don’t have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin (Ravichandran Ashwin), he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me, from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it’s all an act.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Sreesanth #Harbhajan #earned #crore #IPL #slapgate #incident #blocked #Instagram">Sreesanth: Harbhajan earned Rs 1 crore from an ad on IPL slapgate incident, have blocked him on Instagram

S. Sreesanth has claimed that he has cut all ties with former India teammate Harbhajan Singh after the latter made money from an ad on the infamous slapgate controversy.

In the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, Harbhajan – skipper of Mumbai Indians – had slapped Kings XI Punjab pacer Sreesanth at the end of a game in Mohali. The off-spinner was banned for the rest of the season and five ODIs.

While the complete video of the incident was released last year by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, the two players seemed to have made peace. However, Sreesanth’s latest remarks indicate that the saga is far from over.

In an interview with Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam news outlet, Sreesanth said, “I have never spoken about Bhajji (Harbhajan) in an interview like this before. Recently, he even made an ad about it (the slapgate incident) and earned money, something like 80 lakhs or one crore rupees.”

“Then he called me and told me, ‘Dude, you should put it as Instagram story.’ I said, ‘Forgive, but don’t forget.’”

“If someone does something wrong against us, we can forgive them but we shouldn’t forget. If we forget, the same person will do the same mistake to us again. He is the biggest example of that.”

Sreesanth also revealed that he is not in touch with Harbhajan anymore. “I have no connection with him. I used to always say he was like a brother. But after he did an ad about a month or two ago, I even blocked him on Instagram,” he said.

“My parents have taught me to forgive but never forget. I don’t have any complaints against him, nor do I need him. May God bless him and his family. In many interviews, even with Ashwin (Ravichandran Ashwin), he talked about my daughter. People will think oh what a great person he is. He might be a great person. But for me, from my time playing for India to now, in my opinion, it’s all an act.”

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Sreesanth #Harbhajan #earned #crore #IPL #slapgate #incident #blocked #Instagram
Deadspin | Dansby Swanson homer keys Cubs rally past Dodgers Apr 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images Dansby Swanson hit the go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth as the visiting Chicago Cubs rallied for a 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game series on Friday. The Cubs won their 10th straight game as they came back from a 4-0 deficit, scoring all their runs over the final three innings. Swanson was 2-for-3 with two runs, a triple, homer and four RBIs. Alex Bregman was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and Moises Ballesteros had two hits and a run. Pete Crow-Armstrong led off the ninth with a single and was plated on Swanson’s homer off Tanner Scott (0-1). Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan kept the Cubs at bay as he yielded one run on four hits over 6 1/3 innings with 10 strikeouts. But his night was over after a one-out single by Ballesteros in the seventh. The Cubs roughed up reliever Alex Vesia, who induced a Carson Kelly pop out, but later walked Crow-Armstrong. Swanson’s triple scored Ballesteros and Crow-Armstrong and cut the Dodgers lead to 4-2. Moments later, Nico Hoerner’s RBI single knocked in Swanson and Chicago pulled within 4-3. Bregman homered on Blake Treinen’s 1-0 pitch to even the score at 4-4 in the eighth. The Dodgers got going in the third when Will Smith’s opposite-field, three-run home run gave them a 3-0 lead. One batter later, Seiya Suzuki reached over the wall in right field to steal a home run from Kyle Tucker. In the fourth, the Dodgers extended their lead to 4-0 when Hyeseong Kim looped an RBI single to shallow left field, scoring Max Muncy. Kim had two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base. Jameson Taillon allowed four runs on four hits, walked three and struck out four over five innings. The Cubs’ bullpen threw four scoreless innings with Ryan Rolison (1-0) taking the win and Corbin Martin the save after a 1-2-3 ninth. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dansby #Swanson #homer #keys #Cubs #rally #DodgersApr 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

Dansby Swanson hit the go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth as the visiting Chicago Cubs rallied for a 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

The Cubs won their 10th straight game as they came back from a 4-0 deficit, scoring all their runs over the final three innings.

Swanson was 2-for-3 with two runs, a triple, homer and four RBIs. Alex Bregman was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and Moises Ballesteros had two hits and a run.

Pete Crow-Armstrong led off the ninth with a single and was plated on Swanson’s homer off Tanner Scott (0-1).

Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan kept the Cubs at bay as he yielded one run on four hits over 6 1/3 innings with 10 strikeouts.

But his night was over after a one-out single by Ballesteros in the seventh. The Cubs roughed up reliever Alex Vesia, who induced a Carson Kelly pop out, but later walked Crow-Armstrong.


Swanson’s triple scored Ballesteros and Crow-Armstrong and cut the Dodgers lead to 4-2. Moments later, Nico Hoerner’s RBI single knocked in Swanson and Chicago pulled within 4-3.

Bregman homered on Blake Treinen’s 1-0 pitch to even the score at 4-4 in the eighth.

The Dodgers got going in the third when Will Smith’s opposite-field, three-run home run gave them a 3-0 lead.

One batter later, Seiya Suzuki reached over the wall in right field to steal a home run from Kyle Tucker.

In the fourth, the Dodgers extended their lead to 4-0 when Hyeseong Kim looped an RBI single to shallow left field, scoring Max Muncy. Kim had two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base.

Jameson Taillon allowed four runs on four hits, walked three and struck out four over five innings. The Cubs’ bullpen threw four scoreless innings with Ryan Rolison (1-0) taking the win and Corbin Martin the save after a 1-2-3 ninth.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dansby #Swanson #homer #keys #Cubs #rally #Dodgers">Deadspin | Dansby Swanson homer keys Cubs rally past Dodgers Apr 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images Dansby Swanson hit the go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth as the visiting Chicago Cubs rallied for a 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game series on Friday. The Cubs won their 10th straight game as they came back from a 4-0 deficit, scoring all their runs over the final three innings. Swanson was 2-for-3 with two runs, a triple, homer and four RBIs. Alex Bregman was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and Moises Ballesteros had two hits and a run. Pete Crow-Armstrong led off the ninth with a single and was plated on Swanson’s homer off Tanner Scott (0-1). Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan kept the Cubs at bay as he yielded one run on four hits over 6 1/3 innings with 10 strikeouts. But his night was over after a one-out single by Ballesteros in the seventh. The Cubs roughed up reliever Alex Vesia, who induced a Carson Kelly pop out, but later walked Crow-Armstrong. Swanson’s triple scored Ballesteros and Crow-Armstrong and cut the Dodgers lead to 4-2. Moments later, Nico Hoerner’s RBI single knocked in Swanson and Chicago pulled within 4-3. Bregman homered on Blake Treinen’s 1-0 pitch to even the score at 4-4 in the eighth. The Dodgers got going in the third when Will Smith’s opposite-field, three-run home run gave them a 3-0 lead. One batter later, Seiya Suzuki reached over the wall in right field to steal a home run from Kyle Tucker. In the fourth, the Dodgers extended their lead to 4-0 when Hyeseong Kim looped an RBI single to shallow left field, scoring Max Muncy. Kim had two hits, a run, an RBI and a stolen base. Jameson Taillon allowed four runs on four hits, walked three and struck out four over five innings. The Cubs’ bullpen threw four scoreless innings with Ryan Rolison (1-0) taking the win and Corbin Martin the save after a 1-2-3 ninth. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dansby #Swanson #homer #keys #Cubs #rally #Dodgers

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told AFP on Friday.

Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.

The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.

READ | Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis">Kylian Mbappe suffers hamstring issue during Real Madrid’s draw at Betis Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told AFP on Friday.Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.READ | Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis

Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis">Kylian Mbappe suffers hamstring issue during Real Madrid’s draw at Betis

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told AFP on Friday.

Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game which left his side eight points behind league leader Barcelona.

The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the World Cup this summer.

READ | Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the World Cup for Spain.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Kylian #Mbappe #suffers #hamstring #issue #Real #Madrids #draw #Betis

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