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IPL 2026: Riyan Parag is the right person to lead Rajasthan Royals, says Sangakkara

IPL 2026: Riyan Parag is the right person to lead Rajasthan Royals, says Sangakkara

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Ahead of the IPL season opener, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara and Chennai Super Kings’ Stephen Fleming offered insights into team strategy, leadership decisions, and early challenges.

For Rajasthan, the spotlight is firmly on the appointment of Riyan Parag as captain following the departure of Sanju Samson. Sangakkara revealed that the decision followed an extensive and structured evaluation process.

“Yes, we had multiple candidates, including Sandeep Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. We had a very structured process with strict parameters. We spoke to each candidate multiple times—two, three, even four conversations. All of them were capable of captaining the side. But we felt Riyan was the best fit. He showed maturity, self-reflection, and clarity of thought. The conversations were tough, but he handled them really well. We’re confident he’s the right person to lead,” Sangakkara said.

He also addressed last season’s middle-order struggles. “We weren’t able to maintain tempo through the middle or finish as well as we wanted. We’ve had honest conversations, made some tough decisions, and the players have worked hard in the off-season. We feel more balanced now,” he noted, adding that the team’s focus is on immediate impact rather than long-term projection.

For Chennai, Fleming downplayed suggestions that the opening match signals a transition phase without M.S. Dhoni.

“It’s just a game without him. He’s still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong,” Fleming said, confirming Dhoni’s availability as he continues rehabilitation.

Fleming also confirmed that Dewald Brevis will miss out after sustaining a side strain in training. “Yes, Brevis is out and is currently rehabbing. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before he returns.”

Despite the setback, he expressed confidence in the squad, “We’ve invested in youth and Indian talent, and there’s real energy in the group. The first game is always a good barometer, and we’re focused on starting well.”

Published on Mar 29, 2026

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Deadspin | St. Bonaventure sees influx of transfers added to basketball roster Feb 28, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images Former Penn State forward Mason Blackwood became the latest transfer to commit to St. Bonaventure and to new head coach Mike MacDonald. ESPN broke that news Sunday morning, and Blackwood’s transfer caps an eventful week for the Bonnies. Per the 247 transfer portal and multiple reports, St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, N.Y., has added to its roster this week, along with Blackwood: –Akbar Waheed III, a 6-foot-6 guard who redshirted at Boston College last season. –Zach Philipkoski, a 6-4 guard, and 6-10 center Benjamin Bill, both of whom played for MacDonald at Division II Daemen. –Taj Au-Duke, a 6-3 point guard who started his college career at Pepperdine but transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, where he became a first-team JUCO All-American. –Ryan Kalambay, a 6-9 forward from Detroit Mercy. Returning to the Bonnies from the 2005-06 roster are Ilia Ermakov, a 6-6 guard from Russia; John Ikpotokin, a 6-7 center from Ireland; Jack DeRose, a 6-foot guard and local product from Olean High School; Achille Lonati, a 6-5 Italian guard; and Joe Grahovac, a 6-10 forward from Santa Ana, Calif. With Kalambay and Au-Duke from Canada, the Bonnies will have an international flair. The Bonnies are losing four seniors and seven players to the transfer portal. According to 247Sports’ portal tracker, none of them have selected a new school. Adding two players with experience in a power-conference program is a boost for St. Bonaventure. Blackwood, from nearby Rochester, N.Y., appeared in 26 games as a freshman (one start) and averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a building block for the revamped Bonnies. Waheed didn’t appear in any games at Boston College as a freshman. He will have four years of eligibility remaining. St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 in the 2025-26 season and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play. MacDonald was hired as head coach on March 31 to replace Mark Schmidt, who retired after 19 seasons on the job. A 1988 St. Bonaventure alum, he led Daemen to a 265-86 record over 12 seasons. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Division II East Regional championships in 2026 and 2021. He is the only coach to win 100 games with programs at the Division I (Canisius), II (Daemen) and III (Medaille) levels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bonaventure #sees #influx #transfers #added #basketball #rosterFeb 28, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Former Penn State forward Mason Blackwood became the latest transfer to commit to St. Bonaventure and to new head coach Mike MacDonald.

ESPN broke that news Sunday morning, and Blackwood’s transfer caps an eventful week for the Bonnies.

Per the 247 transfer portal and multiple reports, St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, N.Y., has added to its roster this week, along with Blackwood:

–Akbar Waheed III, a 6-foot-6 guard who redshirted at Boston College last season.

–Zach Philipkoski, a 6-4 guard, and 6-10 center Benjamin Bill, both of whom played for MacDonald at Division II Daemen.

–Taj Au-Duke, a 6-3 point guard who started his college career at Pepperdine but transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, where he became a first-team JUCO All-American.

–Ryan Kalambay, a 6-9 forward from Detroit Mercy.

Returning to the Bonnies from the 2005-06 roster are Ilia Ermakov, a 6-6 guard from Russia; John Ikpotokin, a 6-7 center from Ireland; Jack DeRose, a 6-foot guard and local product from Olean High School; Achille Lonati, a 6-5 Italian guard; and Joe Grahovac, a 6-10 forward from Santa Ana, Calif.


With Kalambay and Au-Duke from Canada, the Bonnies will have an international flair.

The Bonnies are losing four seniors and seven players to the transfer portal. According to 247Sports’ portal tracker, none of them have selected a new school.

Adding two players with experience in a power-conference program is a boost for St. Bonaventure.

Blackwood, from nearby Rochester, N.Y., appeared in 26 games as a freshman (one start) and averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a building block for the revamped Bonnies.

Waheed didn’t appear in any games at Boston College as a freshman. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 in the 2025-26 season and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play.

MacDonald was hired as head coach on March 31 to replace Mark Schmidt, who retired after 19 seasons on the job. A 1988 St. Bonaventure alum, he led Daemen to a 265-86 record over 12 seasons. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Division II East Regional championships in 2026 and 2021.

He is the only coach to win 100 games with programs at the Division I (Canisius), II (Daemen) and III (Medaille) levels.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bonaventure #sees #influx #transfers #added #basketball #roster">Deadspin | St. Bonaventure sees influx of transfers added to basketball roster Feb 28, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) drives the ball to the basket during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images Former Penn State forward Mason Blackwood became the latest transfer to commit to St. Bonaventure and to new head coach Mike MacDonald. ESPN broke that news Sunday morning, and Blackwood’s transfer caps an eventful week for the Bonnies. Per the 247 transfer portal and multiple reports, St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, N.Y., has added to its roster this week, along with Blackwood: –Akbar Waheed III, a 6-foot-6 guard who redshirted at Boston College last season. –Zach Philipkoski, a 6-4 guard, and 6-10 center Benjamin Bill, both of whom played for MacDonald at Division II Daemen. –Taj Au-Duke, a 6-3 point guard who started his college career at Pepperdine but transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, where he became a first-team JUCO All-American. –Ryan Kalambay, a 6-9 forward from Detroit Mercy. Returning to the Bonnies from the 2005-06 roster are Ilia Ermakov, a 6-6 guard from Russia; John Ikpotokin, a 6-7 center from Ireland; Jack DeRose, a 6-foot guard and local product from Olean High School; Achille Lonati, a 6-5 Italian guard; and Joe Grahovac, a 6-10 forward from Santa Ana, Calif. With Kalambay and Au-Duke from Canada, the Bonnies will have an international flair. The Bonnies are losing four seniors and seven players to the transfer portal. According to 247Sports’ portal tracker, none of them have selected a new school. Adding two players with experience in a power-conference program is a boost for St. Bonaventure. Blackwood, from nearby Rochester, N.Y., appeared in 26 games as a freshman (one start) and averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds over 12.2 minutes. The 6-7 forward is expected to be a building block for the revamped Bonnies. Waheed didn’t appear in any games at Boston College as a freshman. He will have four years of eligibility remaining. St. Bonaventure finished 17-17 in the 2025-26 season and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play. MacDonald was hired as head coach on March 31 to replace Mark Schmidt, who retired after 19 seasons on the job. A 1988 St. Bonaventure alum, he led Daemen to a 265-86 record over 12 seasons. He led the Wildcats to NCAA Division II East Regional championships in 2026 and 2021. He is the only coach to win 100 games with programs at the Division I (Canisius), II (Daemen) and III (Medaille) levels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bonaventure #sees #influx #transfers #added #basketball #roster

Deadspin | Marlins OF Kyle Stowers activated, to make season debut Aug 8, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Kyle Stowers (28) walks and tosses his bat against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Miami Marlins All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers was activated from the 10-day injured list to make his season debut against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. The Marlins optioned infielder Deyvison De Los Santos to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Stowers, who had been sidelined with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, finished a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville. “Everything from the rehab checked out,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. “He continued to check the necessary boxes. Certainly, there was a physical component with how he felt, how the hamstring was. He got back-to-back nine-inning games. I think he came out of that feeling like he’s in a really good spot physically, and also, I think mentally, now he feels like, ‘OK, I’m over this.'” Stowers, 28, made a massive leap in production in 2025. He entered the season with a .208 average, six home runs and 35 RBIs in 117 games spread across three major league campaigns, including 67 games with the Baltimore Orioles. In his first full season with the Marlins, after a 2024 trade, Stowers batted .288 with 25 homers and 73 RBIs in 117 games while earning a spot on the National League All-Star team. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #Kyle #Stowers #activated #season #debutAug 8, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Kyle Stowers (28) walks and tosses his bat against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

Miami Marlins All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers was activated from the 10-day injured list to make his season debut against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

The Marlins optioned infielder Deyvison De Los Santos to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move.

Stowers, who had been sidelined with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, finished a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville.


“Everything from the rehab checked out,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. “He continued to check the necessary boxes. Certainly, there was a physical component with how he felt, how the hamstring was. He got back-to-back nine-inning games. I think he came out of that feeling like he’s in a really good spot physically, and also, I think mentally, now he feels like, ‘OK, I’m over this.'”

Stowers, 28, made a massive leap in production in 2025. He entered the season with a .208 average, six home runs and 35 RBIs in 117 games spread across three major league campaigns, including 67 games with the Baltimore Orioles.

In his first full season with the Marlins, after a 2024 trade, Stowers batted .288 with 25 homers and 73 RBIs in 117 games while earning a spot on the National League All-Star team.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #Kyle #Stowers #activated #season #debut">Deadspin | Marlins OF Kyle Stowers activated, to make season debut Aug 8, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Kyle Stowers (28) walks and tosses his bat against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Miami Marlins All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers was activated from the 10-day injured list to make his season debut against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. The Marlins optioned infielder Deyvison De Los Santos to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Stowers, who had been sidelined with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, finished a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville. “Everything from the rehab checked out,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. “He continued to check the necessary boxes. Certainly, there was a physical component with how he felt, how the hamstring was. He got back-to-back nine-inning games. I think he came out of that feeling like he’s in a really good spot physically, and also, I think mentally, now he feels like, ‘OK, I’m over this.'” Stowers, 28, made a massive leap in production in 2025. He entered the season with a .208 average, six home runs and 35 RBIs in 117 games spread across three major league campaigns, including 67 games with the Baltimore Orioles. In his first full season with the Marlins, after a 2024 trade, Stowers batted .288 with 25 homers and 73 RBIs in 117 games while earning a spot on the National League All-Star team. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #Kyle #Stowers #activated #season #debut

Deadspin | Dodgers put 1B Freddie Freeman on paternity list, call up OF Ryan Ward Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list Sunday and called up outfielder Ryan Ward to the major leagues for the first time after seven minor league seasons. Freeman, 36, is batting .296 with three home runs and 14 RBIs over 20 games this season. He had two hits in each of the last three games and four times in the past five games to raise his early batting average nearly 40 points. Ward, 28, was drafted in the eighth round by the Dodgers in 2019 and is in his fourth season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He won the Pacific Coast League MVP last season when he hit 36 home runs with 122 RBIs in 143 games. Ward finally gets his first call to the major leagues after 154 home runs, 530 RBIs and a .266 batting average over 696 games in the Dodgers’ system, including 420 games at Triple-A. “You talk about performance and he’s performed as well as, if not better than, anyone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Ward in spring training, according to the Orange County Register. “So for him to not get a shot, I’m sure he’s frustrated and understandably so. But the message for him is to keep putting up numbers and knock the door down and hopefully the opportunity comes for him sometime this year.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #put #Freddie #Freeman #paternity #list #call #Ryan #WardApr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list Sunday and called up outfielder Ryan Ward to the major leagues for the first time after seven minor league seasons.

Freeman, 36, is batting .296 with three home runs and 14 RBIs over 20 games this season. He had two hits in each of the last three games and four times in the past five games to raise his early batting average nearly 40 points.


Ward, 28, was drafted in the eighth round by the Dodgers in 2019 and is in his fourth season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He won the Pacific Coast League MVP last season when he hit 36 home runs with 122 RBIs in 143 games.

Ward finally gets his first call to the major leagues after 154 home runs, 530 RBIs and a .266 batting average over 696 games in the Dodgers’ system, including 420 games at Triple-A.

“You talk about performance and he’s performed as well as, if not better than, anyone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Ward in spring training, according to the Orange County Register. “So for him to not get a shot, I’m sure he’s frustrated and understandably so. But the message for him is to keep putting up numbers and knock the door down and hopefully the opportunity comes for him sometime this year.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #put #Freddie #Freeman #paternity #list #call #Ryan #Ward">Deadspin | Dodgers put 1B Freddie Freeman on paternity list, call up OF Ryan Ward Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list Sunday and called up outfielder Ryan Ward to the major leagues for the first time after seven minor league seasons. Freeman, 36, is batting .296 with three home runs and 14 RBIs over 20 games this season. He had two hits in each of the last three games and four times in the past five games to raise his early batting average nearly 40 points. Ward, 28, was drafted in the eighth round by the Dodgers in 2019 and is in his fourth season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He won the Pacific Coast League MVP last season when he hit 36 home runs with 122 RBIs in 143 games. Ward finally gets his first call to the major leagues after 154 home runs, 530 RBIs and a .266 batting average over 696 games in the Dodgers’ system, including 420 games at Triple-A. “You talk about performance and he’s performed as well as, if not better than, anyone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Ward in spring training, according to the Orange County Register. “So for him to not get a shot, I’m sure he’s frustrated and understandably so. But the message for him is to keep putting up numbers and knock the door down and hopefully the opportunity comes for him sometime this year.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #put #Freddie #Freeman #paternity #list #call #Ryan #Ward

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