×
Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson  Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.  With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.  But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.  “It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.   Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.  “This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”  Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.  The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.   “This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”  The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.  “I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.   “… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”  Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.  The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson
Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson  Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.  With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.  But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.  “It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.   Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.  “This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”  Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.  The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.   “This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”  The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.  “I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.   “… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”  Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.  The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #EmersonApr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.

With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.

But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.

“It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.

Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.

“This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”

Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.


The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.

“This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”

The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.

“I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.

“… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”

Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.

The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.

With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.

But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.

“It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson.

Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.

“This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”

Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.

The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.

“This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”

The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.

“I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on.

“… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”

Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.

The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.

-Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

Previous post

History says Nelly Korda will win the Chevron Championship <div><div class="g6j1tz1 g6j1tz2"><div class="_1nfb3k4n _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="GOLF: APR 05 LPGA Aramco Championship" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=480 480w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=540 540w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=640 640w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=750 750w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=828 828w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1080 1080w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1200 1200w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1440 1440w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1920 1920w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2048 2048w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400"/></div><div class="_1nfb3k4m _1nfb3k4x"><img alt="GOLF: APR 05 LPGA Aramco Championship" data-chromatic="ignore" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-nimg="fill" class="w91vxg0" style="position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='/%3E%3C/svg%3E")" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 700px" srcset="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=376 376w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=384 384w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=415 415w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=480 480w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=540 540w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=640 640w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=750 750w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=828 828w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1080 1080w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1200 1200w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1440 1440w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=1920 1920w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2048 2048w, https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400 2400w" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2269421725.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C14.633534136546%2C100%2C70.732931726908&w=2400"/></div></div><p><figcaption class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl5a">LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 05: From left to right LPGA golfer Nelly Korda lines up her putt on the 9th hole during the final round of the Aramco Championship on April 5, 2026, at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)</figcaption> <cite class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ls9zuh2 rzoxl55">Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite></p></div> #History #Nelly #Korda #win #Chevron #Championship

Next post

Sinner wants to use Madrid Masters to boost career Grand Slam chances ahead of French Open <div id="content-body-70889877" itemprop="articleBody"><p>World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.</p><p>The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.</p><p>Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.</p><p>“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.</p><p>“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/carlos-alcaraz-injury-update-availability-for-french-open-2026-roland-garros-latest/article70887072.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback</a></b></p><p>Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.</p><p>“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.</p><p>Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.</p><p>But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.</p><p>“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”</p><p>Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open

Update: Kimi Antonelli has taken pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Just two races remain ahead of Formula 1’s August shutdown, this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix next week.

Who will take pole position at historic Spa-Francorchamps?

Max Verstappen topped the timing sheets in the first hour of practice on Friday, ahead of the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. But Drivers’ Championship leader Kimi Antonelli struck back in the second hour of practice, leading the way with a lap time of 1:45.944, ahead of Lando Norris and Verstappen. Hamilton and Isack Hadjar rounded out the top five in FP2.

But later today, following the third hour of practice, the lap times will count for real. Follow along with us here at SB Nation as we track qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. The session begins at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, so check back early and often. And you can also join the conversation at the brand new F1 Feed, here at SB Nation.

Belgian Grand Prix provisional grid

Here is the provisional starting grid for the 2026 F1 Belgian Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the session. It is worth noting that Norris will take a ten-place grid penalty as McLaren has fitted his MCL40 with a new power electronics unit, the fourth of the season and one more than the three allowed under the rules. Hadjar is also going to start at the back of the grid as Red Bull installed several new components over the season allowance, adding up to a 30-place penalty and a back-of-the-grid start.

Update: So although Norris qualified 3rd, he will start 13th.

Row

Position

Driver

Team

Position

Driver

Team

Row 11Kimi AntonelliMercedes2Max VerstappenRed Bull
Row 23Lando NorrisMcLaren4George RussellMercedes
Row 35Charles LeclercFerrari6Lewis HamiltonFerrari
Row 47Oscar PiastriMcLaren8Arvid LindbladVCARB
Row 59Gabriel BortoletoAudi10Isack HadjarRed Bull
Row 611Liam LawsonVCARB12Pierre GaslyAlpine
Row 713Franco ColapintoAlpine14Nico HülkenbergAudi
Row 815Carlos SainzWilliams16Oliver BearmanHaas
Row 917Alexander AlbonWilliams18Esteban OconHaas
Row 1019Valtteri BottasCadillac20Sergio PérezCadillac
Row 1121Fernando AlonsoAston Martin22Lance StrollAston Martin

What happened in qualifying?

Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.

11:11: It’s Antonelli, as he nips Verstappen for pole. Norris bailed out of his final effort.

11:04: Red flag at Spa to clear gravel off the track, ahead of the final runs. But Norris tops the timing sheet after the opening efforts.

Look for Hadjar to give Verstappen a tow again, as he did on the first attempt.

10:51: Q3 is underway with 13 minutes on the clock. Pit lane roars to life with Lindblad leading a group of cars out that includes both McLarens and both Red Bulls.

10:44: Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the ten drivers in the hunt for pole position, and advanced to Q3 in that order. Remember, however, that Norris and Hadjar are facing grid penalties, so the best Norris can start is P11. Hadjar’s penalty is sending him to the back of the grid.

10:42: Lawson, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are out in Q2.

10:34: The Ferraris are next, and Leclerc slots in second, with Hamilton fourth.

Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the top ten right now. Lawson, Gasly, Hülkenberg, Colapinto, Sainz, and Bearman are in the drop zone.

10:32: Verstappen jumps to second, with Lindblad third and Piastri fourth, all of which shuffles Russell down to P5.

Russell then drops to P6 when Norris jumps to P2.

10:31: Antonelli sets the early benchmark with a 1:45.142, followed by Russell more than a half-second behind him.

10:26: Q2 is underway, but the track is quiet for now.

10:20: Norris, Verstappen, Hadjar, Hamilton, Russell, Lindblad, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lawson, Bortoleto, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are the drivers moving on to Q2, in that order.

10:19: Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Pérez, Alonso, and Stroll are the six drivers out in Q1.

10:14: Four minutes are left, and the drivers are rolling out for their final push laps.

10:11: Seven minutes remain in Q1. Norris is at the top of the board, followed by Verstappen, Hadjar, Lindblad, and Antonelli.

Colapinto, Ocon, Pérez, Bottas, Alonso, and Stroll are the six in the drop zone. Hülkenberg sits 15th, and Albon in 16th.

10:05: Hamilton is on the track, as the Ferrari mechanics got the job done.

10:04: The clock hits 15 minutes and the rest of the grid roars to life.

10:01: Green light at Spa, and 18 minutes to lose the six slowest drivers. Stroll, Bottas, and Pérez are the three drivers on the grid. Stroll and Alonso each face a ten-place grid penalty, but they were more than a second behind the Cadillacs during practice.

9:57: Qualifying is set to begin in just a few minutes.

The final hour of practice was more of the same at Spa.

Antonelli topped the timing sheets ahead of Norris, finishing more than one-tenth ahead of the McLaren driver. But the biggest story might have been the shunt from Hamilton, as the Ferrari driver found the barrier at Turn 13, in a crash similar to the one Pierre Gasly suffered during FP2:

The mechanics at Ferrari now face a race against the clock to get his car ready for qualifying.

Here are the full results from FP3 at the Belgian Grand Prix:

#Belgian #Grand #Prix #takes #pole #position #Spa">Belgian Grand Prix: Who takes pole position at Spa?  Update: Kimi Antonelli has taken pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix.Just two races remain ahead of Formula 1’s August shutdown, this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix next week.Who will take pole position at historic Spa-Francorchamps?Max Verstappen topped the timing sheets in the first hour of practice on Friday, ahead of the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. But Drivers’ Championship leader Kimi Antonelli struck back in the second hour of practice, leading the way with a lap time of 1:45.944, ahead of Lando Norris and Verstappen. Hamilton and Isack Hadjar rounded out the top five in FP2.But later today, following the third hour of practice, the lap times will count for real. Follow along with us here at SB Nation as we track qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. The session begins at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, so check back early and often. And you can also join the conversation at the brand new F1 Feed, here at SB Nation.Belgian Grand Prix provisional gridHere is the provisional starting grid for the 2026 F1 Belgian Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the session. It is worth noting that Norris will take a ten-place grid penalty as McLaren has fitted his MCL40 with a new power electronics unit, the fourth of the season and one more than the three allowed under the rules. Hadjar is also going to start at the back of the grid as Red Bull installed several new components over the season allowance, adding up to a 30-place penalty and a back-of-the-grid start.Update: So although Norris qualified 3rd, he will start 13th.RowPositionDriverTeamPositionDriverTeamRow 11Kimi AntonelliMercedes2Max VerstappenRed BullRow 23Lando NorrisMcLaren4George RussellMercedesRow 35Charles LeclercFerrari6Lewis HamiltonFerrariRow 47Oscar PiastriMcLaren8Arvid LindbladVCARBRow 59Gabriel BortoletoAudi10Isack HadjarRed BullRow 611Liam LawsonVCARB12Pierre GaslyAlpineRow 713Franco ColapintoAlpine14Nico HülkenbergAudiRow 815Carlos SainzWilliams16Oliver BearmanHaasRow 917Alexander AlbonWilliams18Esteban OconHaasRow 1019Valtteri BottasCadillac20Sergio PérezCadillacRow 1121Fernando AlonsoAston Martin22Lance StrollAston MartinWhat happened in qualifying?Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.11:11: It’s Antonelli, as he nips Verstappen for pole. Norris bailed out of his final effort.11:04: Red flag at Spa to clear gravel off the track, ahead of the final runs. But Norris tops the timing sheet after the opening efforts.Look for Hadjar to give Verstappen a tow again, as he did on the first attempt.10:51: Q3 is underway with 13 minutes on the clock. Pit lane roars to life with Lindblad leading a group of cars out that includes both McLarens and both Red Bulls.10:44: Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the ten drivers in the hunt for pole position, and advanced to Q3 in that order. Remember, however, that Norris and Hadjar are facing grid penalties, so the best Norris can start is P11. Hadjar’s penalty is sending him to the back of the grid.10:42: Lawson, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are out in Q2.10:34: The Ferraris are next, and Leclerc slots in second, with Hamilton fourth.Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the top ten right now. Lawson, Gasly, Hülkenberg, Colapinto, Sainz, and Bearman are in the drop zone.10:32: Verstappen jumps to second, with Lindblad third and Piastri fourth, all of which shuffles Russell down to P5.Russell then drops to P6 when Norris jumps to P2.10:31: Antonelli sets the early benchmark with a 1:45.142, followed by Russell more than a half-second behind him.10:26: Q2 is underway, but the track is quiet for now.10:20: Norris, Verstappen, Hadjar, Hamilton, Russell, Lindblad, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lawson, Bortoleto, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are the drivers moving on to Q2, in that order.10:19: Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Pérez, Alonso, and Stroll are the six drivers out in Q1.10:14: Four minutes are left, and the drivers are rolling out for their final push laps.10:11: Seven minutes remain in Q1. Norris is at the top of the board, followed by Verstappen, Hadjar, Lindblad, and Antonelli.Colapinto, Ocon, Pérez, Bottas, Alonso, and Stroll are the six in the drop zone. Hülkenberg sits 15th, and Albon in 16th.10:05: Hamilton is on the track, as the Ferrari mechanics got the job done.10:04: The clock hits 15 minutes and the rest of the grid roars to life.10:01: Green light at Spa, and 18 minutes to lose the six slowest drivers. Stroll, Bottas, and Pérez are the three drivers on the grid. Stroll and Alonso each face a ten-place grid penalty, but they were more than a second behind the Cadillacs during practice.9:57: Qualifying is set to begin in just a few minutes.The final hour of practice was more of the same at Spa.Antonelli topped the timing sheets ahead of Norris, finishing more than one-tenth ahead of the McLaren driver. But the biggest story might have been the shunt from Hamilton, as the Ferrari driver found the barrier at Turn 13, in a crash similar to the one Pierre Gasly suffered during FP2:The mechanics at Ferrari now face a race against the clock to get his car ready for qualifying.Here are the full results from FP3 at the Belgian Grand Prix:  #Belgian #Grand #Prix #takes #pole #position #Spa

brand new F1 Feed, here at SB Nation.

Belgian Grand Prix provisional grid

Here is the provisional starting grid for the 2026 F1 Belgian Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the session. It is worth noting that Norris will take a ten-place grid penalty as McLaren has fitted his MCL40 with a new power electronics unit, the fourth of the season and one more than the three allowed under the rules. Hadjar is also going to start at the back of the grid as Red Bull installed several new components over the season allowance, adding up to a 30-place penalty and a back-of-the-grid start.

Update: So although Norris qualified 3rd, he will start 13th.

Row

Position

Driver

Team

Position

Driver

Team

Row 11Kimi AntonelliMercedes2Max VerstappenRed Bull
Row 23Lando NorrisMcLaren4George RussellMercedes
Row 35Charles LeclercFerrari6Lewis HamiltonFerrari
Row 47Oscar PiastriMcLaren8Arvid LindbladVCARB
Row 59Gabriel BortoletoAudi10Isack HadjarRed Bull
Row 611Liam LawsonVCARB12Pierre GaslyAlpine
Row 713Franco ColapintoAlpine14Nico HülkenbergAudi
Row 815Carlos SainzWilliams16Oliver BearmanHaas
Row 917Alexander AlbonWilliams18Esteban OconHaas
Row 1019Valtteri BottasCadillac20Sergio PérezCadillac
Row 1121Fernando AlonsoAston Martin22Lance StrollAston Martin

What happened in qualifying?

Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.

11:11: It’s Antonelli, as he nips Verstappen for pole. Norris bailed out of his final effort.

11:04: Red flag at Spa to clear gravel off the track, ahead of the final runs. But Norris tops the timing sheet after the opening efforts.

Look for Hadjar to give Verstappen a tow again, as he did on the first attempt.

10:51: Q3 is underway with 13 minutes on the clock. Pit lane roars to life with Lindblad leading a group of cars out that includes both McLarens and both Red Bulls.

10:44: Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the ten drivers in the hunt for pole position, and advanced to Q3 in that order. Remember, however, that Norris and Hadjar are facing grid penalties, so the best Norris can start is P11. Hadjar’s penalty is sending him to the back of the grid.

10:42: Lawson, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are out in Q2.

10:34: The Ferraris are next, and Leclerc slots in second, with Hamilton fourth.

Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the top ten right now. Lawson, Gasly, Hülkenberg, Colapinto, Sainz, and Bearman are in the drop zone.

10:32: Verstappen jumps to second, with Lindblad third and Piastri fourth, all of which shuffles Russell down to P5.

Russell then drops to P6 when Norris jumps to P2.

10:31: Antonelli sets the early benchmark with a 1:45.142, followed by Russell more than a half-second behind him.

10:26: Q2 is underway, but the track is quiet for now.

10:20: Norris, Verstappen, Hadjar, Hamilton, Russell, Lindblad, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lawson, Bortoleto, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are the drivers moving on to Q2, in that order.

10:19: Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Pérez, Alonso, and Stroll are the six drivers out in Q1.

10:14: Four minutes are left, and the drivers are rolling out for their final push laps.

10:11: Seven minutes remain in Q1. Norris is at the top of the board, followed by Verstappen, Hadjar, Lindblad, and Antonelli.

Colapinto, Ocon, Pérez, Bottas, Alonso, and Stroll are the six in the drop zone. Hülkenberg sits 15th, and Albon in 16th.

10:05: Hamilton is on the track, as the Ferrari mechanics got the job done.

10:04: The clock hits 15 minutes and the rest of the grid roars to life.

10:01: Green light at Spa, and 18 minutes to lose the six slowest drivers. Stroll, Bottas, and Pérez are the three drivers on the grid. Stroll and Alonso each face a ten-place grid penalty, but they were more than a second behind the Cadillacs during practice.

9:57: Qualifying is set to begin in just a few minutes.

The final hour of practice was more of the same at Spa.

Antonelli topped the timing sheets ahead of Norris, finishing more than one-tenth ahead of the McLaren driver. But the biggest story might have been the shunt from Hamilton, as the Ferrari driver found the barrier at Turn 13, in a crash similar to the one Pierre Gasly suffered during FP2:

The mechanics at Ferrari now face a race against the clock to get his car ready for qualifying.

Here are the full results from FP3 at the Belgian Grand Prix:

#Belgian #Grand #Prix #takes #pole #position #Spa">Belgian Grand Prix: Who takes pole position at Spa?

Update: Kimi Antonelli has taken pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Just two races remain ahead of Formula 1’s August shutdown, this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix next week.

Who will take pole position at historic Spa-Francorchamps?

Max Verstappen topped the timing sheets in the first hour of practice on Friday, ahead of the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. But Drivers’ Championship leader Kimi Antonelli struck back in the second hour of practice, leading the way with a lap time of 1:45.944, ahead of Lando Norris and Verstappen. Hamilton and Isack Hadjar rounded out the top five in FP2.

But later today, following the third hour of practice, the lap times will count for real. Follow along with us here at SB Nation as we track qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. The session begins at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, so check back early and often. And you can also join the conversation at the brand new F1 Feed, here at SB Nation.

Belgian Grand Prix provisional grid

Here is the provisional starting grid for the 2026 F1 Belgian Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the session. It is worth noting that Norris will take a ten-place grid penalty as McLaren has fitted his MCL40 with a new power electronics unit, the fourth of the season and one more than the three allowed under the rules. Hadjar is also going to start at the back of the grid as Red Bull installed several new components over the season allowance, adding up to a 30-place penalty and a back-of-the-grid start.

Update: So although Norris qualified 3rd, he will start 13th.

Row

Position

Driver

Team

Position

Driver

Team

Row 11Kimi AntonelliMercedes2Max VerstappenRed Bull
Row 23Lando NorrisMcLaren4George RussellMercedes
Row 35Charles LeclercFerrari6Lewis HamiltonFerrari
Row 47Oscar PiastriMcLaren8Arvid LindbladVCARB
Row 59Gabriel BortoletoAudi10Isack HadjarRed Bull
Row 611Liam LawsonVCARB12Pierre GaslyAlpine
Row 713Franco ColapintoAlpine14Nico HülkenbergAudi
Row 815Carlos SainzWilliams16Oliver BearmanHaas
Row 917Alexander AlbonWilliams18Esteban OconHaas
Row 1019Valtteri BottasCadillac20Sergio PérezCadillac
Row 1121Fernando AlonsoAston Martin22Lance StrollAston Martin

What happened in qualifying?

Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.

11:11: It’s Antonelli, as he nips Verstappen for pole. Norris bailed out of his final effort.

11:04: Red flag at Spa to clear gravel off the track, ahead of the final runs. But Norris tops the timing sheet after the opening efforts.

Look for Hadjar to give Verstappen a tow again, as he did on the first attempt.

10:51: Q3 is underway with 13 minutes on the clock. Pit lane roars to life with Lindblad leading a group of cars out that includes both McLarens and both Red Bulls.

10:44: Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the ten drivers in the hunt for pole position, and advanced to Q3 in that order. Remember, however, that Norris and Hadjar are facing grid penalties, so the best Norris can start is P11. Hadjar’s penalty is sending him to the back of the grid.

10:42: Lawson, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are out in Q2.

10:34: The Ferraris are next, and Leclerc slots in second, with Hamilton fourth.

Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lindblad, Piastri, Russell, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the top ten right now. Lawson, Gasly, Hülkenberg, Colapinto, Sainz, and Bearman are in the drop zone.

10:32: Verstappen jumps to second, with Lindblad third and Piastri fourth, all of which shuffles Russell down to P5.

Russell then drops to P6 when Norris jumps to P2.

10:31: Antonelli sets the early benchmark with a 1:45.142, followed by Russell more than a half-second behind him.

10:26: Q2 is underway, but the track is quiet for now.

10:20: Norris, Verstappen, Hadjar, Hamilton, Russell, Lindblad, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lawson, Bortoleto, Gasly, Colapinto, Hülkenberg, Sainz, and Bearman are the drivers moving on to Q2, in that order.

10:19: Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Pérez, Alonso, and Stroll are the six drivers out in Q1.

10:14: Four minutes are left, and the drivers are rolling out for their final push laps.

10:11: Seven minutes remain in Q1. Norris is at the top of the board, followed by Verstappen, Hadjar, Lindblad, and Antonelli.

Colapinto, Ocon, Pérez, Bottas, Alonso, and Stroll are the six in the drop zone. Hülkenberg sits 15th, and Albon in 16th.

10:05: Hamilton is on the track, as the Ferrari mechanics got the job done.

10:04: The clock hits 15 minutes and the rest of the grid roars to life.

10:01: Green light at Spa, and 18 minutes to lose the six slowest drivers. Stroll, Bottas, and Pérez are the three drivers on the grid. Stroll and Alonso each face a ten-place grid penalty, but they were more than a second behind the Cadillacs during practice.

9:57: Qualifying is set to begin in just a few minutes.

The final hour of practice was more of the same at Spa.

Antonelli topped the timing sheets ahead of Norris, finishing more than one-tenth ahead of the McLaren driver. But the biggest story might have been the shunt from Hamilton, as the Ferrari driver found the barrier at Turn 13, in a crash similar to the one Pierre Gasly suffered during FP2:

The mechanics at Ferrari now face a race against the clock to get his car ready for qualifying.

Here are the full results from FP3 at the Belgian Grand Prix:

#Belgian #Grand #Prix #takes #pole #position #Spa

Legendary Sir Garfield Sobers was a trend-setting revolutionary who altered cricketers’ mindset and approach to the sport, reckoned former India skipper Kapil Dev.

Sobers, 89, died at his home in Barbados on Friday. During an illustrious career, the West Indian had amassed 8032 runs in 93 Tests at an average of 57.78 with 26 hundreds along with 235 wickets.

“I think anybody who knows about cricket should know about Gary Sobers. One of the finest cricketers ever born on this earth,” Kapil Dev told PTI in an interview at the KDSG (Kapil Dev Sanjay Gupta) Hospital here on Saturday.

“The way he played cricket inspired people like us. Yeah, it’s a sad day. He’s no more, but he’s given us so much—so much cricket and his talent and ability which we follow throughout our lives,” Kapil added.

The 1983 World Cup winning skipper said Sobers’ sheer talent and love for the game made him such a great player.

“I think it’s the talent, the way he used to enjoy himself and the way he used to play. I think during that era, no doubt the West Indies team was one of the best, but he set records and shifted people’s mindset of how to play and enjoy,” he said.

Kapil then explained the impact of Sobers in traditional cricketing coaching methods.

“The biggest thing I remember is that he changed the method of MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) cricket coaching, what we used to call playing in ‘V’.

“And I think the first thing I came to know is not playing V, how you can get runs. I think that was the biggest statement stuck in my mind when I was growing up,” he recalled.

The 67-year-old said Sobers was in a league of his own as an all-rounder.

“I think, well, we had all-rounders, but not on his scale. I don’t think anybody can come close to him, the way he played batting, bowling, fast bowling, spin bowling, fielding.

“Everything — he had the ability and the knack for entertaining. At the end of the day, many cricketers will emerge, but very few will be true entertainers,” he noted.

Kapil, himself a premier all-rounder in his playing days, said there was so much to learn from the Bajan.

“I think he was a brilliant cricketer, we lost him, but one can learn from the way he played cricket. Hats off to him, as he just enjoyed his life.

“In the evening, he used to sit and talk and we were just good listeners. He talked, but he used to talk more about other things in life rather than cricket,” he remembered.

Published on Jul 18, 2026

#Kapil #Dev #cricketers #emerge #entertain #Garry #Sobers">Kapil Dev: Many cricketers will emerge, few will entertain like Garry Sobers  Legendary Sir Garfield Sobers was a trend-setting revolutionary who altered cricketers’ mindset and approach to the sport, reckoned former India skipper Kapil Dev.Sobers, 89, died at his home in Barbados on Friday. During an illustrious career, the West Indian had amassed 8032 runs in 93 Tests at an average of 57.78 with 26 hundreds along with 235 wickets.“I think anybody who knows about cricket should know about Gary Sobers. One of the finest cricketers ever born on this earth,” Kapil Dev told        PTI in an interview at the KDSG (Kapil Dev Sanjay Gupta) Hospital here on Saturday.“The way he played cricket inspired people like us. Yeah, it’s a sad day. He’s no more, but he’s given us so much—so much cricket and his talent and ability which we follow throughout our lives,” Kapil added.The 1983 World Cup winning skipper said Sobers’ sheer talent and love for the game made him such a great player.“I think it’s the talent, the way he used to enjoy himself and the way he used to play. I think during that era, no doubt the West Indies team was one of the best, but he set records and shifted people’s mindset of how to play and enjoy,” he said.Kapil then explained the impact of Sobers in traditional cricketing coaching methods.“The biggest thing I remember is that he changed the method of MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) cricket coaching, what we used to call playing in ‘V’.“And I think the first thing I came to know is not playing V, how you can get runs. I think that was the biggest statement stuck in my mind when I was growing up,” he recalled.The 67-year-old said Sobers was in a league of his own as an all-rounder.“I think, well, we had all-rounders, but not on his scale. I don’t think anybody can come close to him, the way he played batting, bowling, fast bowling, spin bowling, fielding.“Everything — he had the ability and the knack for entertaining. At the end of the day, many cricketers will emerge, but very few will be true entertainers,” he noted.Kapil, himself a premier all-rounder in his playing days, said there was so much to learn from the Bajan.“I think he was a brilliant cricketer, we lost him, but one can learn from the way he played cricket. Hats off to him, as he just enjoyed his life.“In the evening, he used to sit and talk and we were just good listeners. He talked, but he used to talk more about other things in life rather than cricket,” he remembered.Published on Jul 18, 2026  #Kapil #Dev #cricketers #emerge #entertain #Garry #Sobers

Post Comment