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Deadspin | Shea Langeliers, Jacob Wilson homer as A’s hold on to defeat Rangers  Apr 15, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images   Shea Langeliers smashed a tiebreaking two-run homer in the sixth inning and Jacob Wilson hit a two-run shot one inning later to help the Athletics post a 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night at West Sacramento, Calif.  Tyler Soderstrom had an RBI double while reaching base three times and Denzel Clarke added a run-scoring single as the Athletics won for the seventh time in the past eight games. Langeliers and Wilson each had two hits.  Joel Kuhnel retired four straight hitters to register his third save of the season for the A’s.  Jake Burger hit a three-run blast and Kyle Seager hit a two-run homer for Texas, which lost for the second straight night after winning the opener of a four-game series that concludes Thursday. Wyatt Langford had two hits for the Rangers.  Lawrence Butler singled off Jalen Beeks (1-1) to start the sixth inning before the left-hander retired the next two batters.  Righty Cole Winn was called on to face Langeliers, who drilled a 2-1 sinker a whopping 467 feet to left center to give the Athletics a 4-2 lead. It was his first blast since April 1.  One inning later, Soderstrom walked to start the inning and Wilson followed with a two-run shot to left off Winn, who hadn’t allowed a run in eight appearances entering the contest.  The Rangers got back into the game in the eighth against Mark Leiter Jr. Seager walked with one out and Langford singled. Burger then jumped on a first-pitch curveball and slugged a three-run homer to left to bring Texas within 6-5.   The homer was Burger’s third of the series to go with eight RBIs.  Kumar Rocker allowed two runs and four hits over 4 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out six and walked four.  The Athletics’ T.J. Ginn gave up two runs and two hits over 5 1/3 innings. He walked four and struck out three.  Hogan Harris (1-0) retired two straight batters to complete the sixth inning.  Texas trailed 2-0 entering the third inning when Brandon Nimmo drew a one-out walk and Seager followed by sending a 1-0 cutter over the fence in right center to knot the score.  The Athletics scored in the first when Carlos Cortes drew a two-out walk and scored on Soderstrom’s double to deep left.  The A’s made it 2-0 in the second when Max Muncy was hit by a pitch with one out, stole second, moved to third on Butler’s groundout and scored on Clarke’s ground single to left.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Shea #Langeliers #Jacob #Wilson #homer #hold #defeat #Rangers

Deadspin | Shea Langeliers, Jacob Wilson homer as A’s hold on to defeat Rangers
Deadspin | Shea Langeliers, Jacob Wilson homer as A’s hold on to defeat Rangers  Apr 15, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images   Shea Langeliers smashed a tiebreaking two-run homer in the sixth inning and Jacob Wilson hit a two-run shot one inning later to help the Athletics post a 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night at West Sacramento, Calif.  Tyler Soderstrom had an RBI double while reaching base three times and Denzel Clarke added a run-scoring single as the Athletics won for the seventh time in the past eight games. Langeliers and Wilson each had two hits.  Joel Kuhnel retired four straight hitters to register his third save of the season for the A’s.  Jake Burger hit a three-run blast and Kyle Seager hit a two-run homer for Texas, which lost for the second straight night after winning the opener of a four-game series that concludes Thursday. Wyatt Langford had two hits for the Rangers.  Lawrence Butler singled off Jalen Beeks (1-1) to start the sixth inning before the left-hander retired the next two batters.  Righty Cole Winn was called on to face Langeliers, who drilled a 2-1 sinker a whopping 467 feet to left center to give the Athletics a 4-2 lead. It was his first blast since April 1.  One inning later, Soderstrom walked to start the inning and Wilson followed with a two-run shot to left off Winn, who hadn’t allowed a run in eight appearances entering the contest.  The Rangers got back into the game in the eighth against Mark Leiter Jr. Seager walked with one out and Langford singled. Burger then jumped on a first-pitch curveball and slugged a three-run homer to left to bring Texas within 6-5.   The homer was Burger’s third of the series to go with eight RBIs.  Kumar Rocker allowed two runs and four hits over 4 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out six and walked four.  The Athletics’ T.J. Ginn gave up two runs and two hits over 5 1/3 innings. He walked four and struck out three.  Hogan Harris (1-0) retired two straight batters to complete the sixth inning.  Texas trailed 2-0 entering the third inning when Brandon Nimmo drew a one-out walk and Seager followed by sending a 1-0 cutter over the fence in right center to knot the score.  The Athletics scored in the first when Carlos Cortes drew a two-out walk and scored on Soderstrom’s double to deep left.  The A’s made it 2-0 in the second when Max Muncy was hit by a pitch with one out, stole second, moved to third on Butler’s groundout and scored on Clarke’s ground single to left.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Shea #Langeliers #Jacob #Wilson #homer #hold #defeat #RangersApr 15, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Shea Langeliers smashed a tiebreaking two-run homer in the sixth inning and Jacob Wilson hit a two-run shot one inning later to help the Athletics post a 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night at West Sacramento, Calif.

Tyler Soderstrom had an RBI double while reaching base three times and Denzel Clarke added a run-scoring single as the Athletics won for the seventh time in the past eight games. Langeliers and Wilson each had two hits.

Joel Kuhnel retired four straight hitters to register his third save of the season for the A’s.

Jake Burger hit a three-run blast and Kyle Seager hit a two-run homer for Texas, which lost for the second straight night after winning the opener of a four-game series that concludes Thursday. Wyatt Langford had two hits for the Rangers.

Lawrence Butler singled off Jalen Beeks (1-1) to start the sixth inning before the left-hander retired the next two batters.

Righty Cole Winn was called on to face Langeliers, who drilled a 2-1 sinker a whopping 467 feet to left center to give the Athletics a 4-2 lead. It was his first blast since April 1.

One inning later, Soderstrom walked to start the inning and Wilson followed with a two-run shot to left off Winn, who hadn’t allowed a run in eight appearances entering the contest.


The Rangers got back into the game in the eighth against Mark Leiter Jr. Seager walked with one out and Langford singled. Burger then jumped on a first-pitch curveball and slugged a three-run homer to left to bring Texas within 6-5.

The homer was Burger’s third of the series to go with eight RBIs.

Kumar Rocker allowed two runs and four hits over 4 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out six and walked four.

The Athletics’ T.J. Ginn gave up two runs and two hits over 5 1/3 innings. He walked four and struck out three.

Hogan Harris (1-0) retired two straight batters to complete the sixth inning.

Texas trailed 2-0 entering the third inning when Brandon Nimmo drew a one-out walk and Seager followed by sending a 1-0 cutter over the fence in right center to knot the score.

The Athletics scored in the first when Carlos Cortes drew a two-out walk and scored on Soderstrom’s double to deep left.

The A’s made it 2-0 in the second when Max Muncy was hit by a pitch with one out, stole second, moved to third on Butler’s groundout and scored on Clarke’s ground single to left.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shea #Langeliers #Jacob #Wilson #homer #hold #defeat #Rangers

Apr 15, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Shea Langeliers smashed a tiebreaking two-run homer in the sixth inning and Jacob Wilson hit a two-run shot one inning later to help the Athletics post a 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night at West Sacramento, Calif.

Tyler Soderstrom had an RBI double while reaching base three times and Denzel Clarke added a run-scoring single as the Athletics won for the seventh time in the past eight games. Langeliers and Wilson each had two hits.

Joel Kuhnel retired four straight hitters to register his third save of the season for the A’s.

Jake Burger hit a three-run blast and Kyle Seager hit a two-run homer for Texas, which lost for the second straight night after winning the opener of a four-game series that concludes Thursday. Wyatt Langford had two hits for the Rangers.

Lawrence Butler singled off Jalen Beeks (1-1) to start the sixth inning before the left-hander retired the next two batters.

Righty Cole Winn was called on to face Langeliers, who drilled a 2-1 sinker a whopping 467 feet to left center to give the Athletics a 4-2 lead. It was his first blast since April 1.

One inning later, Soderstrom walked to start the inning and Wilson followed with a two-run shot to left off Winn, who hadn’t allowed a run in eight appearances entering the contest.

The Rangers got back into the game in the eighth against Mark Leiter Jr. Seager walked with one out and Langford singled. Burger then jumped on a first-pitch curveball and slugged a three-run homer to left to bring Texas within 6-5.

The homer was Burger’s third of the series to go with eight RBIs.

Kumar Rocker allowed two runs and four hits over 4 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out six and walked four.

The Athletics’ T.J. Ginn gave up two runs and two hits over 5 1/3 innings. He walked four and struck out three.

Hogan Harris (1-0) retired two straight batters to complete the sixth inning.

Texas trailed 2-0 entering the third inning when Brandon Nimmo drew a one-out walk and Seager followed by sending a 1-0 cutter over the fence in right center to knot the score.

The Athletics scored in the first when Carlos Cortes drew a two-out walk and scored on Soderstrom’s double to deep left.

The A’s made it 2-0 in the second when Max Muncy was hit by a pitch with one out, stole second, moved to third on Butler’s groundout and scored on Clarke’s ground single to left.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Shea #Langeliers #Jacob #Wilson #homer #hold #defeat #Rangers

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A clenched fist, a quiet revolution — The idea of East Bengal under Oscar Bruzon <div id="content-body-70867822" itemprop="articleBody"><p>At full-time in Chennai, Oscar Bruzon barely showed any expression of joy. He clenched his fist, glanced at his watch and took a deep breath of relief. His team, Emami East Bengal, had just beaten two-time ISL champion Chennaiyin FC 3-1.</p><p>In 2024, when he took charge, East Bengal had six wins in its previous 20 games. After this victory, that number stands at 12. The Red-and-Gold Brigade, which had never finished in the top half of the Indian Super League, is now fourth on the table.</p><p>The man driving this transformation is Bruzon, a serious-looking figure who keeps his tactics close to his chest and bristles when the press probes too deeply into the dressing room.</p><p>“This is what my family, my father, especially asked me many times. When we win, I am relieved. When we lose, I’m already looking for the next game to come as soon as possible to rectify our problems,” Bruzon tells Sportstar after the game.</p><p>“In football, you need to control your emotions. Every five to seven days, you have a game. So, there is no time for being happy.”</p><p><b>From player to tactician</b></p><p>Bruzon’s caution stems from his formative years. The Spaniard began as a winger, marauding along the flanks and contributing in the final third before an injury pushed him deeper into midfield.</p><p>The flair of offence gave way to a quieter, more authoritative role in front of the backline as a defensive midfielder.</p><p>It was here that Bruzon, the manager, took shape, much like several defensive midfielders-turned-managers such as Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone.</p><p>“You are always watching the game from the back; you need leadership and energy. I can give you the example of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. He is not the best playmaker, not the fastest player, not the strongest, not the best in duels, but he’s the best at reading the situation,” Bruzon says.</p><p>Handling situations, and at times turning the tide, has been the central challenge wherever Bruzon has coached.</p><p>In the Maldives, he helped New Radiant win the domestic treble after three years and then turned Bashundhara Kings into a serial champion in Bangladesh, breaking the long-standing dominance of Abahani Dhaka.</p><p>East Bengal proved no different.</p><p>“When I came here, probably, the team was a bit imbalanced. We had injuries at the start of the season, and the confidence level of players was very low,” Bruzon says.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/football/indian-football/5vwuiu/article70867829.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/CFC%20vs%20EBFC%2011.04.26%20ISL%20122.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/football/indian-football/5vwuiu/article70867829.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/CFC%20vs%20EBFC%2011.04.26%20ISL%20122.jpg" alt="East Bengal is fourth in the ISL table, with four wins and one loss from seven games." title="East Bengal is fourth in the ISL table, with four wins and one loss from seven games." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> East Bengal is fourth in the ISL table, with four wins and one loss from seven games. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> East Bengal is fourth in the ISL table, with four wins and one loss from seven games. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media </p></div><p>Bruzon’s first game as East Bengal coach saw him arrive the night before the Kolkata derby and watch his side lose to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. A defeat to Odisha followed.</p><p>“It’s not easy for a coach to be accepted when they were kind of supporting the former coach, a high-profile manager who did very good things in India. Even all the coaching staff were on his side. Many of the players were chosen by him. So for me, it was not easy,” he adds.</p><p><b>Building belief through chemistry</b></p><p>His first foothold came in the AFC Challenge League, a 2-2 draw against FC Paro of Bhutan that he describes as “the first big moment of help”.</p><p>East Bengal then lost just once in its next 10 matches.</p><p>“The team started to understand that there was a way forward. We got a good result there, and from there, things got easier,” he says.</p><p>For Bruzon, football extends beyond structure to relationships.</p><p>“In India, people like to talk a lot about formations and systems; it seems that without them, you can’t win games. I’m radically against this idea because a formation or system is only a reference for players to know where they need to be, to adjust,” he says.</p><p>“My approach to football is about relationships between players rather than systems. In one game, we can use five or six different setups, and that depends on the players on the pitch.</p><p>“Depending on their chemistry, their movement and what we need to do in that particular moment, we use one shape or another. Our defensive organisation is not the same as our attacking one,” he adds.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/roqqmh/article70867882.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/WhatsApp%20Image%202026-03-22%20at%2019.39.40%201.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/roqqmh/article70867882.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/WhatsApp%20Image%202026-03-22%20at%2019.39.40%201.jpeg" alt="Oscar Bruzon during one of the practice sessions of East Bengal during the Indian Super League." title="Oscar Bruzon during one of the practice sessions of East Bengal during the Indian Super League." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Oscar Bruzon during one of the practice sessions of East Bengal during the Indian Super League. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Oscar Bruzon during one of the practice sessions of East Bengal during the Indian Super League. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media </p></div><p>That cohesion is evident in the way the team dines, jokes and stays connected off the pitch. Bruzon, whose stern presence is visible on the touchline, moves between tables more like a father than a coach after matches.</p><p>“A coach, at times, has to be a psychologist. We have four players who were out with suspensions or injuries (for the match against Chennaiyin). I don’t want to mention the names, but when players do badly, they need love and confidence,” he says.</p><p>“We put a lot of effort into making our players feel like a team. Many people say, ‘We are a family.’ But it’s not a word, it’s an attitude. One of the things that we do is make a lot of rotations, giving a chance to everybody. When you have a full squad connected to the game, you can get the best from everyone.”</p><p><b>What is Bruzon ball?</b></p><p>Football, at its core, demands a philosophy. And for Bruzon, that was evident at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday: fluid structures, one-touch passing and clinical finishing.</p><p>“Possession-based football is a consequence of hard work, team chemistry and players understanding that we want to dominate matches. Last year, I could not implement this kind of idea,” Bruzon explains.</p><p>“We were using the system 4-4-2, only three lines, waiting more in the centre of the park with a mid-block, trying to win the ball and launch quicker counterattacks. This year, we wanted to be dominant and build from the back, and we have excellent players (for that), Anwar (Ali), Jeakson (Singh) and Kevin (Sibille), players who understand build-ups.”</p><p>In midfield, there is a balance between physical presence, like (Mohammad) Rashid, and Saúl (Crespo), who operates as a playmaker. Up front, the side has the flexibility to link play and form quick connections in tight spaces.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/football/indian-football/a01pag/article70867841.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/WhatsApp%20Image%202026-03-23%20at%2020.30.21.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/football/indian-football/a01pag/article70867841.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/WhatsApp%20Image%202026-03-23%20at%2020.30.21.jpeg" alt="East Bengal heads into the BFC clash high on confidence after a 3-1 away win over Chennaiyin FC." title="East Bengal heads into the BFC clash high on confidence after a 3-1 away win over Chennaiyin FC." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> East Bengal heads into the BFC clash high on confidence after a 3-1 away win over Chennaiyin FC. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> East Bengal heads into the BFC clash high on confidence after a 3-1 away win over Chennaiyin FC. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media </p></div><p>The result: East Bengal has scored the most goals in the league so far, including a 7-0 rout of Mohammedan Sporting, and has not lost a Kolkata derby in regulation time this season.</p><p>“East Bengal has a rich history of challenging for titles. So, we needed to step back from the previous seasons where things were not working. Today, fans of East Bengal are proud, at least, of the model that we are trying to use,” Bruzon adds.</p><p>But the Spaniard is careful not to get ahead of himself.</p><p>“I would like to be in the top six. Things are going well. Maybe we need to be more ambitious, and I understand that our fans don’t like to hear that this is not the title fight,” Bruzon says.</p><p>“I am not going to talk about that because I know where we have come from. We are just in the middle of the process. There is room for improvement.”</p><div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">East Bengal FC put 7⃣ past Mohammedan SC to equal the biggest win in ISL history. 🔥</p><p>A night to remember for the Red and Gold Brigade at the VYBK. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISL12?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISL12</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EBFCMSC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EBFCMSC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoyEastBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JoyEastBengal</a><a href="https://t.co/xqiYCWL6r2">pic.twitter.com/xqiYCWL6r2</a></p>— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/2036111067823440064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote></div><p>The Red-and-Gold Brigade returns home to host Bengaluru FC on Thursday, a team it failed to beat in both meetings in the ISL last season. But Bruzon believes his side has the momentum to continue its run.</p><p>“We are going to compete with every club in India, trying to finish in the top positions. Let’s say that we are on the way to bring back those golden days of East Bengal,” Bruzon says with a smile.</p><p>He rolls his closed fist to look at his watch once more, this time at the team hotel, before heading off to rest, prepare and perhaps give East Bengal fans another reason to celebrate.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> #clenched #fist #quiet #revolution #idea #East #Bengal #Oscar #Bruzon

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From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise <div id="content-body-70867956" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowlers have been among the most expensive in this Indian Premier League (IPL). Across their first four games, they have returned an economy of 10.42 and an average of 36.65, the third-highest in the competition, while their dot-ball percentage of 28.9 is the lowest in the tournament.</p><p>The PowerPlay has been even worse. SRH’s four wickets in this phase have come at an economy of 12.04 and an average of 72.25, with seven different bowlers used in the first six overs and only one taking more than a single wicket.</p><p>So, when Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain were handed their IPL debuts against a free-swinging Rajasthan Royals line-up, expectations were low.</p><p>Not, however, for M. Senthilnathan, head coach at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai.</p><p>“Praful’s strength was always the line and length; the length he had was always very solid,” Senthilnathan told  <i>Sportstar</i>. “When he keeps on hitting that length, there could always be some deviation in and out.”</p><p>Monday night delivered. Hinge, as well as Sakib, combined for eight for 58 in eight overs, removing RR’s top five inside the first three overs. Hinge set it up with four wickets in his first two overs, including three in the opening over — the first bowler to do so in an IPL match — before Sakib ensured there was no way back.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Built on repeatable lengths</h4><p>Hinge ripped through the RR top order with the new ball, first dismissing Vaibhav Suryavanshi with a delivery that climbed sharply on him, before splattering Dhruv Jurel’s stumps and having fellow debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius caught in the deep.</p><p>Senthilnathan, who worked with Hinge from 2023 to 2024, first met the 24-year-old during the foundation’s selection trials three years ago, where his potential was immediately apparent.</p><p>“Praful had some injury, so he didn’t bowl much, but from whatever he bowled, we could see that he’s got something. Then he went to rehab, and we got him ready in the off-season from March to August,” he said.</p><p>The recovery from a back injury dominated his 2023 stint, bringing its own physical and mental uncertainties.</p><p>“He had a lot of doubts, everybody goes through it, whether he would be able to play and bowl, those kinds of things will come to anyone,” the coach said. “So, he was doing his rehab, and mentally we were talking to him, just telling him that he would be OK.</p><p>“When he came to the bowling phase, we felt that if the L4 is fractured, then there must be something in his bowling that we need to get right,” Senthilnathan explained. “Nobody has such injuries without any technical fault; there will be something. He was falling off and trying to muscle the ball instead of going forward, so automatically the lateral refraction was happening.</p><p>“So, we started doing a lot of short runs and putting in his mind what we needed to do—go forward rather than twisting or curving his back. We worked on it, and then he went in August, September and played. They (Vidarbha) were also surprised that he was ready, and he had a very reasonable season.”</p><p>Hinge returned to MRF in 2024, this time focused on skill development.</p><p>“We couldn’t put him into hard training when we met in 2023 because of his injury, so in 2024, we really took on the challenge, and he took the challenge as well. He worked on his bowling areas and then worked on skills, looking for the right areas, moving them all from that length.”</p><p>Alongside the technical work came lessons in handling pressure from Aussie fast bowling great Glenn McGrath, who serves as Director at the MRF Pace Foundation.</p><p>“A lot of mental work was also put in by Glenn, about taking the pressure and how to handle pressure in a crunch situation, and at the same time, when there is success, how to handle it,” he noted.</p><p>“These are all very important points, only experience like Glenn McGrath’s would have been able to share.”</p><p>Hinge also went on an exchange programme in Australia, where he trained on the centre wicket at the Gabba alongside current Australian pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson.</p><div class="verticle article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/tmkxsn/article70867987.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Praful_MRF.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/tmkxsn/article70867987.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Praful_MRF.jpeg" alt="Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence." title="Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence. | 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"> Praful Hinge at the CA Centre of Excellence. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p></div><p>“That’s a great experience for these boys,” Senthilnathan said. “When they go there, the wickets are different, they’ll be bowling to different kinds of batters, and the wicket is helpful. When the wicket is helpful, you have to be patient and hitting the right areas is what you need to look at. The length also differs in Australia, so all these things they learn, along with professionalism, how to keep yourself fit, what to eat, how to hydrate, how to train, and taking initiative.”</p><p>That work was evident on Monday night. Hinge later said he had been “manifesting” his performance, but Senthilnathan had a more grounded explanation.</p><p>“You can’t do what Jasprit Bumrah is doing, or Prasidh [Krishna] is doing, but Praful is known for something, which has taken him there. You have got to keep on repeating the same thing, so that’s why he’s confident, because he knows that he can bowl those lengths.”</p><h4 class="sub_head">A peculiar action, and a slower ball</h4><p>While Hinge took the spotlight, Senthilnathan was equally impressed by Sakib.</p><p>“Sakib will bowl 140kmph, and he’s very slippery, somewhere close to Bumrah, everything (his action) is quite fast. He’s got good speed; people have not seen his slower one, which he can also execute easily because of his action, so picking it also will be difficult for the batsmen,” he said.</p><p>“I feel a lot of importance has gone to Praful, but this boy has not bowled any less; he’s given a lesser number of runs, and he’s also got four wickets.”</p><p>Sakib, originally from Bihar, was introduced to the Pace Foundation through fellow cricketers and quickly made an impression.</p><p>“Sakib comes from a very humble background, and everything was new for him when he first came here. Everything is taken care of, and they only have to worry about the training they have to do. That phase was good,” Senthilnathan said.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j891vb/article70867994.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Sakib_MRF.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j891vb/article70867994.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Sakib_MRF.jpeg" alt="Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation." title="Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation. | 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"> Sakib with McGrath and Senthilnathan at the MRF Pace Foundation. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT </p></div><p>He was later called up as a net bowler with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023, but an injury cut his stint short.</p><p>“He did go to CSK as a net bowler, and they were all impressed, but to his bad luck, he had a stiff back,” Senthilnathan explained. “Had he been able to bowl, CSK probably would not have left him, so he went off. Next year, he went to Kolkata Knight Riders, and they actually won that year.”</p><p>The match against RR showcased both sides of his skill set. He hurried an in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal into a catch at third man and later worked through the middle and lower order, including Donovan Ferreira, with a cleverly disguised slower ball after the batter had crossed fifty.</p><p>Senthilnathan believes there is more to come.</p><p>“I still think we have a lot to see of him at the death. Slower ones will come, and yorkers will come, so 140 kmph+ yorkers, if he handles them too, I think then it will be very good. Picking his action is a bit difficult; it’s not easy, not conventional. He sort of falls in front, so that means there’s no lateral reflection.”</p><h4 class="sub_head">A look to the future</h4><p>The immediate challenge for SRH’s new fast-bowling pair is to sustain this impact through the rest of the IPL.</p><p>For Senthilnathan, the message remains simple.</p><p>“IPL is like a lottery, I won’t say anything more than that, because you’re restricted to bowl only four overs. With four overs, you cannot have too many strategies, so basically, you have to bowl what you know to do. You should do what you know best, simple as that.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #MRF #Pace #Foundation #IPL #spotlightCharting #Praful #Hinge #Sakib #Hussains #meteoric #rise

Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday.

The 36-year-old right-arm pacer picked 193 international wickets across formats in a career spanning more than 12 years. He played 27 Tests, 104 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Bangladesh.

“We thank fast bowler Rubel Hossain for his service to Bangladesh cricket. Rubel Hossain, Bangladesh’s hero in some of the country’s most memorable victories, has announced his retirement from international cricket,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement on social media.

Rubel last represented Bangladesh in international cricket back in April 2021, during a T20I against New Zealand.

His 6/26 against New Zealand in 2013 are still the joint-best bowling figures for a Bangladeshi bowler in ODI cricket, and his 129 scalps in the format are the third-most for a pacer from his country.

Rubel had an impressive ODI debut, picking 4/33 against Sri Lanka in 2009—the fifth-best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi on one-day debut. His Test debut in 2009 was also memorable as it marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win against West Indies. Rubel nabbed three wickets in that historic triumph.

His last appearance in competitive cricket was in January 2025, during a Bangladesh Premier League match.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Bangladesh #fast #bowler #Rubel #Hossain #announces #retirement #international #cricket">Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain announces retirement from international cricket  Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday.The 36-year-old right-arm pacer picked 193 international wickets across formats in a career spanning more than 12 years. He played 27 Tests, 104 ODIs and 28 T20Is for Bangladesh.“We thank fast bowler Rubel Hossain for his service to Bangladesh cricket. Rubel Hossain, Bangladesh’s hero in some of the country’s most memorable victories, has announced his retirement from international cricket,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement on social media.Rubel last represented Bangladesh in international cricket back in April 2021, during a T20I against New Zealand.His 6/26 against New Zealand in 2013 are still the joint-best bowling figures for a Bangladeshi bowler in ODI cricket, and his 129 scalps in the format are the third-most for a pacer from his country.Rubel had an impressive ODI debut, picking 4/33 against Sri Lanka in 2009—the fifth-best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi on one-day debut. His Test debut in 2009 was also memorable as it marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win against West Indies. Rubel nabbed three wickets in that historic triumph.His last appearance in competitive cricket was in January 2025, during a Bangladesh Premier League match.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Bangladesh #fast #bowler #Rubel #Hossain #announces #retirement #international #cricket

Deadspin | David Beckham: Inter Miami not rushing to replace head coach  Apr 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF owner David Beckham looks on prior to the game against Austin FC at Nu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Co-owner David Beckham said Inter Miami have to “let things settle down” before hiring a head coach after the sudden, early-season departure of Javier Mascherano on Tuesday.  Mascherano stepped down due to what he called personal reasons in a statement, with ESPN reporting that he made the decision over the weekend after a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls.  Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos took over as interim manager for the Herons (3-1-3, 12 points), who return to action on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, Colo.  Beckham said on CBS Sports that losing Mascherano at this time was “a difficult one.” Mascherano, 41, was hired as the club’s coach on Nov. 26, 2024. He guided the Lionel Messi-led squad to an MLS Cup title in 2025.  “He came off the back of last season by winning our first championship,” Beckham said. “He’s an amazing person, a great coach, the players loved him, but obviously, these things happen in football clubs and we have to move on. We have to find a new coach at some point. But at the moment, we have to let things settle down. But, like I said, with owning a team, there are always challenges.”   Mascherano replaced Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Inter Miami also reached the Leagues Cup final and CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal last year.  This was the first club coaching job for Mascherano, who began coaching Argentina’s youth national teams in 2021. His squads reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  Inter Miami’s chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will assume sporting director duties for Hoyos.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #David #Beckham #Inter #Miami #rushing #replace #coachApr 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF owner David Beckham looks on prior to the game against Austin FC at Nu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Co-owner David Beckham said Inter Miami have to “let things settle down” before hiring a head coach after the sudden, early-season departure of Javier Mascherano on Tuesday.

Mascherano stepped down due to what he called personal reasons in a statement, with ESPN reporting that he made the decision over the weekend after a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls.

Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos took over as interim manager for the Herons (3-1-3, 12 points), who return to action on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, Colo.

Beckham said on CBS Sports that losing Mascherano at this time was “a difficult one.” Mascherano, 41, was hired as the club’s coach on Nov. 26, 2024. He guided the Lionel Messi-led squad to an MLS Cup title in 2025.


“He came off the back of last season by winning our first championship,” Beckham said. “He’s an amazing person, a great coach, the players loved him, but obviously, these things happen in football clubs and we have to move on. We have to find a new coach at some point. But at the moment, we have to let things settle down. But, like I said, with owning a team, there are always challenges.”

Mascherano replaced Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Inter Miami also reached the Leagues Cup final and CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal last year.

This was the first club coaching job for Mascherano, who began coaching Argentina’s youth national teams in 2021. His squads reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Inter Miami’s chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will assume sporting director duties for Hoyos.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #David #Beckham #Inter #Miami #rushing #replace #coach">Deadspin | David Beckham: Inter Miami not rushing to replace head coach  Apr 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF owner David Beckham looks on prior to the game against Austin FC at Nu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Co-owner David Beckham said Inter Miami have to “let things settle down” before hiring a head coach after the sudden, early-season departure of Javier Mascherano on Tuesday.  Mascherano stepped down due to what he called personal reasons in a statement, with ESPN reporting that he made the decision over the weekend after a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls.  Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos took over as interim manager for the Herons (3-1-3, 12 points), who return to action on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, Colo.  Beckham said on CBS Sports that losing Mascherano at this time was “a difficult one.” Mascherano, 41, was hired as the club’s coach on Nov. 26, 2024. He guided the Lionel Messi-led squad to an MLS Cup title in 2025.  “He came off the back of last season by winning our first championship,” Beckham said. “He’s an amazing person, a great coach, the players loved him, but obviously, these things happen in football clubs and we have to move on. We have to find a new coach at some point. But at the moment, we have to let things settle down. But, like I said, with owning a team, there are always challenges.”   Mascherano replaced Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Inter Miami also reached the Leagues Cup final and CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal last year.  This was the first club coaching job for Mascherano, who began coaching Argentina’s youth national teams in 2021. His squads reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  Inter Miami’s chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will assume sporting director duties for Hoyos.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #David #Beckham #Inter #Miami #rushing #replace #coach

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