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IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals  It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per        Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals  It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per        Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

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#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

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Deadspin | Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team close in on PGL Wallachia 8 final <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/11882973.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/11882973.jpg" alt="Syndication: Westchester" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018. E Sports<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The weekend schedule:</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Saturday</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner</p> </section> <section id="section-15"> <p>Sunday</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>1. $300,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>2. $175,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>3. $120,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>4. $80,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>5-6. $60,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports</p> </section><br/><section id="section-28"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #final

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Deadspin | Three teams post Round 1 sweeps at CDL Stage 3 Minor <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/15180850.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/15180850.jpg" alt="Syndication: The Courier-Journal" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">A custom gaming keyboard backlit with red LED lights waits for tactile input before Manual took on Boone County in a Rocket League match, which was streamed on YouTube on Thursday, March 5, 2020.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Miami Heretics, G2 Minnesota and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps while the Riyadh Falcons also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League Stage 3 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward $20,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following Major 2. All matches are best-of-five.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Taking on the Boston Breach, the Heretics rolled to victory with wins on Colossus Hardpoint (250-199), Raid Search and Destroy (6-0) and Exposure Overload (4-3).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Minnesota made quick work of Cloud9 New York, posting consecutive victories on Scar Hardpoint (250-93), Scar Search and Destroy (6-1) and Exposure Overload (6-5).</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Facing the Carolina Royal Ravens, Toronto opened with a 250-249 win on Scar Hardpoint, then followed up with a 6-4 victory on Raid Search and Destroy before closing out the sweep 4-1 on Scar Overload.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Vancouver Surge posted a match-opening 250-246 win over Riyadh on Den Hardpoint, but the Falcons bounced back with three straight wins — 6-2 on Plaza Search and Destroy, 4-3 on Scar Overload and 250-174 on Sake Hardpoint.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals):</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>–OpTic Texas vs. Toronto KOI</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>–FaZe Vegas vs. Riyadh Falcons</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Miami Heretics</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Call of Duty League’s Stage 3 Minor prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>1. $20,000, 30 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>2. no money, 20 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>3-4. no money, 10 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>5-8. no money, no CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>9-12. no money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Vancouver Surge, Boston Breach</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #teams #post #sweeps #CDL #Stage #Minor

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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