NBA Coaching Carousel Shaken Up by Michael Malone’s Surprise UNC Move | Deadspin.com Oct 14, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone reacts after he is called for a foul during the first half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images It was a rough season to be a bad team in the NBA.All season long, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has talked about punishments for teams that are tanking. With less than a week remaining in the NBA’s regular season, two teams have already lost 60 games, the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. It’s possible that the league could have eight additional teams with at least 50 losses by the end of the season.The competition to land the No. 1 overall pick to draft AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson seems stiff. Yet still, plenty of NBA teams will be firing their head coach and begin searching for a replacement.And after the North Carolina Tar Heels formally announce former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new basketball coach, this offseason’s NBA coaching cycle is going to get even weirder.Malone has over 500 career wins in the NBA and a championship ring on his finger from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s championship together. As life in the NBA works, the Nuggets fired Malone shortly after that championship, and he’s done some television work before landing this mega opportunity at UNC.But for rebuilding teams that are about to fire their head coach after this season? Malone was expected to be the top veteran candidate. Other retread options include former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. But neither of those candidates felt as enticing as Malone, who will now be busy running his own program in the college ranks.Of course, it’s possible that bad teams will scoop up top assistants. Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant got some attention last cycle for his reputation working with star players. Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn is also highly regarded for player development.Let’s take a look at a few NBA teams that could’ve used Malone, and now might have to settle on a lesser candidate.Milwaukee Bucks (if they fire Doc Rivers) Mar 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images As it turns out, the decision to replace Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers was a massive mistake for Milwaukee.The Bucks are under NBA investigation for their handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. Following so much drama, it feels like the Bucks and Antetokounmpo could be heading for a major split this offseason.But the Bucks have been awful and will likely have a decent draft pick plus a small haul of picks and promising, young players that they could get in return for Antetokounmpo.Orlando Magic (if they fire Jamahl Mosley) Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Magic underwhelmed.They traded a bunch of assets for Desmond Bane, who was thought to be the missing piece and perfect complement to Paolo Banchero as a three-point shooter. That just hasn’t been the case.Orlando has fallen to the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference and will be fighting for their playoff livelihoods in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Sure, there’s still time to go on a crazy run. But if they don’t? Mosley could be axed and there’d be no shortage of candidates interested in coaching Banchero.Chicago Bulls (if they fire Billy Donovan)It feels like Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is a dead man walking, especially after the team canned their top two executives before the conclusion of the regular season.Donovan was rumored to be a favorite for the UNC job, so the Bulls could’ve been planning replacements anyways.Currently 29-49, the Bulls feel like one of the most directionless organizations in the NBA right now. #NBA #Coaching #Carousel #Shaken #Michael #Malones #Surprise #UNC #Move #Deadspin.com

NBA Coaching Carousel Shaken Up by Michael Malone’s Surprise UNC Move | Deadspin.com
Oct 14, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone reacts after he is called for a foul during the first half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

It was a rough season to be a bad team in the NBA.
All season long, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has talked about punishments for teams that are tanking. With less than a week remaining in the NBA’s regular season, two teams have already lost 60 games, the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. It’s possible that the league could have eight additional teams with at least 50 losses by the end of the season.
The competition to land the No. 1 overall pick to draft AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson seems stiff. Yet still, plenty of NBA teams will be firing their head coach and begin searching for a replacement.
And after the North Carolina Tar Heels formally announce former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new basketball coach, this offseason’s NBA coaching cycle is going to get even weirder.
Malone has over 500 career wins in the NBA and a championship ring on his finger from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s championship together. As life in the NBA works, the Nuggets fired Malone shortly after that championship, and he’s done some television work before landing this mega opportunity at UNC.
But for rebuilding teams that are about to fire their head coach after this season? Malone was expected to be the top veteran candidate. Other retread options include former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. But neither of those candidates felt as enticing as Malone, who will now be busy running his own program in the college ranks.
Of course, it’s possible that bad teams will scoop up top assistants. Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant got some attention last cycle for his reputation working with star players. Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn is also highly regarded for player development.
Let’s take a look at a few NBA teams that could’ve used Malone, and now might have to settle on a lesser candidate.
Milwaukee Bucks (if they fire Doc Rivers)

Mar 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

As it turns out, the decision to replace Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers was a massive mistake for Milwaukee.
The Bucks are under NBA investigation for their handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. Following so much drama, it feels like the Bucks and Antetokounmpo could be heading for a major split this offseason.
But the Bucks have been awful and will likely have a decent draft pick plus a small haul of picks and promising, young players that they could get in return for Antetokounmpo.
Orlando Magic (if they fire Jamahl Mosley)

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Magic underwhelmed.
They traded a bunch of assets for Desmond Bane, who was thought to be the missing piece and perfect complement to Paolo Banchero as a three-point shooter. That just hasn’t been the case.
Orlando has fallen to the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference and will be fighting for their playoff livelihoods in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Sure, there’s still time to go on a crazy run. But if they don’t? Mosley could be axed and there’d be no shortage of candidates interested in coaching Banchero.
Chicago Bulls (if they fire Billy Donovan)
It feels like Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is a dead man walking, especially after the team canned their top two executives before the conclusion of the regular season.
Donovan was rumored to be a favorite for the UNC job, so the Bulls could’ve been planning replacements anyways.
Currently 29-49, the Bulls feel like one of the most directionless organizations in the NBA right now.

#NBA #Coaching #Carousel #Shaken #Michael #Malones #Surprise #UNC #Move #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 7, 2026

Oct 14, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone reacts after he is called for a foul during the first half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

It was a rough season to be a bad team in the NBA.

All season long, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has talked about punishments for teams that are tanking. With less than a week remaining in the NBA’s regular season, two teams have already lost 60 games, the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. It’s possible that the league could have eight additional teams with at least 50 losses by the end of the season.

The competition to land the No. 1 overall pick to draft AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson seems stiff. Yet still, plenty of NBA teams will be firing their head coach and begin searching for a replacement.

And after the North Carolina Tar Heels formally announce former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new basketball coach, this offseason’s NBA coaching cycle is going to get even weirder.

Malone has over 500 career wins in the NBA and a championship ring on his finger from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s championship together. As life in the NBA works, the Nuggets fired Malone shortly after that championship, and he’s done some television work before landing this mega opportunity at UNC.

But for rebuilding teams that are about to fire their head coach after this season? Malone was expected to be the top veteran candidate. Other retread options include former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. But neither of those candidates felt as enticing as Malone, who will now be busy running his own program in the college ranks.

Of course, it’s possible that bad teams will scoop up top assistants. Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant got some attention last cycle for his reputation working with star players. Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn is also highly regarded for player development.

Let’s take a look at a few NBA teams that could’ve used Malone, and now might have to settle on a lesser candidate.

Milwaukee Bucks (if they fire Doc Rivers)

Mar 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

As it turns out, the decision to replace Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers was a massive mistake for Milwaukee.

The Bucks are under NBA investigation for their handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. Following so much drama, it feels like the Bucks and Antetokounmpo could be heading for a major split this offseason.

But the Bucks have been awful and will likely have a decent draft pick plus a small haul of picks and promising, young players that they could get in return for Antetokounmpo.

Orlando Magic (if they fire Jamahl Mosley)

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Magic underwhelmed.

They traded a bunch of assets for Desmond Bane, who was thought to be the missing piece and perfect complement to Paolo Banchero as a three-point shooter. That just hasn’t been the case.

Orlando has fallen to the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference and will be fighting for their playoff livelihoods in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Sure, there’s still time to go on a crazy run. But if they don’t? Mosley could be axed and there’d be no shortage of candidates interested in coaching Banchero.

Chicago Bulls (if they fire Billy Donovan)

It feels like Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is a dead man walking, especially after the team canned their top two executives before the conclusion of the regular season.

Donovan was rumored to be a favorite for the UNC job, so the Bulls could’ve been planning replacements anyways.

Currently 29-49, the Bulls feel like one of the most directionless organizations in the NBA right now.

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#NBA #Coaching #Carousel #Shaken #Michael #Malones #Surprise #UNC #Move #Deadspin.com

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League — Preview, team news, head-to-head, live streaming info <div id="content-body-70833528" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich visits Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League quarterfinals high on confidence and looking like Europe’s most complete side, bolstered by the likely return of superstar striker Harry Kane.</p><p>Record 15-time winner Madrid has endured a difficult season, plagued by inconsistency, but have made a habit of pulling off the unexpected in this competition.</p><p>Just as it seemed its well of Champions League magic was running dry, Madrid produced its best performance of the season to crush Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the last 16.</p><p>Despite Madrid’s prestige and troupe of attacking stars — Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham included, as well as City hat-trick hero Federico Valverde — Bayern is arguably the favourite to lift the trophy.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/128c9m/article70833551.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GN47886C_EN.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/128c9m/article70833551.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/GN47886C_EN.jpg" alt="" class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/></div><h4 class="sub_head">Real Madrid vs Bayern head-to-head:</h4><ul class="article-body article-bullet-list"><li> Total matches: 28 </li><li> Real Madrid: 13 </li><li> Bayern Munich: 11 </li><li> Draws: 4 </li></ul><h4 class="sub_head">When was the last time Real Madrid played Bayern Munich in the Champions League?</h4><p>Bayern Munich last played Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 semifinals. Madrid won that clash 4-3 on aggregate, winning the home leg 2-1.</p><h4 class="sub_head">When and where will Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich be played?</h4><p>Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinals will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.</p><p>The match is scheduled to kick off on April 7 at 9 pm local time (12:30 am IST, April 8).</p><h4 class="sub_head">How to watch Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League?</h4><p>Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League can be watched on the Sony Sports Network on TV in India. Moreover, it can also be live-streamed on Sony LIV.</p><p>In the UK, fans can watch the game on TNT Sports on TV. It can also be live-streamed on the HBO Max app and website, on a subscriber-only basis.</p><p>In the USA, Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich can be watched on Paramount+.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #Real #Madrid #Bayern #Munich #UEFA #Champions #League #Preview #team #news #headtohead #live #streaming #info

Deadspin | Phillies eager to end awful April on high note vs. Giants Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis García (53) walks off the field after lining out to San Francisco Giants left fielder Harrison Bader (9) in the to pot the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images April will go down as a month that manager Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies would prefer to forget. With 11 losses in their last 12 games and only nine victories on the season, the Phillies are desperate for a win Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set. Philadelphia enters the week with a 9-19 record, matching the New York Mets for the worst mark in baseball. The Phillies’ run differential (-54) is by far the worst in the sport, putting Thomson on the hot seat if things don’t turn around quickly. “Well, that’s natural, right?” Thomson said of his job security. “It’s normal. And I’ve never worried about that in my entire career. … I don’t have time to think about it.” The Phillies snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday with an 8-5 extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves. But the momentum didn’t last long, as they fell behind early in Sunday’s 6-2 series-finale loss. Aaron Nola allowed three runs in the first inning and three more in the second, and the Phillies’ bats managed only one hit (a single) in six innings against Chris Sale. “It’s not like the record is going to change overnight,” said designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose two-run homer in the eighth accounted for the Phillies’ offense on the day. “It’s going to be a continuous grind, and we’re ready for that. We know that there’s a long road ahead.” The Phillies’ attempted path to recovery will begin Tuesday with Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander has labored through the first month of the season, although he was able to limit the damage in his most recent outing. Despite allowing five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday, Luzardo gave up just one run in an eventual 7-4 defeat. Still, he expects more of himself after signing a five-year, 5 million contract extension in the offseason. “It’s very frustrating,” Luzardo said. “As a whole, we don’t feel like we’re doing the job that we need to do. … I think there’s been times that a lot of us think that we can pick up the slack, me included.” Luzardo, who is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco, will be facing a team that has turned things around following a slow start of its own. The Giants have won seven of their last 10 games after beginning the season 6-12. They have won three series in a row — against the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. In Sunday’s 6-3 triumph over Miami, San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt hit a go-ahead home run for the second straight game. “That’s what we’re here for: to drive in runs and be productive,” said Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who walked and scored in the decisive seventh inning. “But we are a team, and Casey’s hot right now.” Landen Roupp allowed just two hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings — a performance that Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26) would love to copy in Tuesday’s contest. Mahle is coming off a sparkling effort in last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers, as he gave up just three hits and two walks over seven innings. In four lifetime starts against Philadelphia, Mahle is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA. He held the Phillies to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings April 8 in San Francisco, helping the Giants take two of three in that series. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants

#Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis García (53) walks off the field after lining out to San Francisco Giants left fielder Harrison Bader (9) in the to pot the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

April will go down as a month that manager Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies would prefer to forget.

With 11 losses in their last 12 games and only nine victories on the season, the Phillies are desperate for a win Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set.

Philadelphia enters the week with a 9-19 record, matching the New York Mets for the worst mark in baseball. The Phillies’ run differential (-54) is by far the worst in the sport, putting Thomson on the hot seat if things don’t turn around quickly.

“Well, that’s natural, right?” Thomson said of his job security. “It’s normal. And I’ve never worried about that in my entire career. … I don’t have time to think about it.”

The Phillies snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday with an 8-5 extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves. But the momentum didn’t last long, as they fell behind early in Sunday’s 6-2 series-finale loss.

Aaron Nola allowed three runs in the first inning and three more in the second, and the Phillies’ bats managed only one hit (a single) in six innings against Chris Sale.

“It’s not like the record is going to change overnight,” said designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose two-run homer in the eighth accounted for the Phillies’ offense on the day. “It’s going to be a continuous grind, and we’re ready for that. We know that there’s a long road ahead.”

The Phillies’ attempted path to recovery will begin Tuesday with Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander has labored through the first month of the season, although he was able to limit the damage in his most recent outing.

Despite allowing five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday, Luzardo gave up just one run in an eventual 7-4 defeat. Still, he expects more of himself after signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in the offseason.

“It’s very frustrating,” Luzardo said. “As a whole, we don’t feel like we’re doing the job that we need to do. … I think there’s been times that a lot of us think that we can pick up the slack, me included.”

Luzardo, who is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco, will be facing a team that has turned things around following a slow start of its own.

The Giants have won seven of their last 10 games after beginning the season 6-12. They have won three series in a row — against the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

In Sunday’s 6-3 triumph over Miami, San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt hit a go-ahead home run for the second straight game.

“That’s what we’re here for: to drive in runs and be productive,” said Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who walked and scored in the decisive seventh inning. “But we are a team, and Casey’s hot right now.”

Landen Roupp allowed just two hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings — a performance that Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26) would love to copy in Tuesday’s contest.

Mahle is coming off a sparkling effort in last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers, as he gave up just three hits and two walks over seven innings.

In four lifetime starts against Philadelphia, Mahle is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA. He held the Phillies to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings April 8 in San Francisco, helping the Giants take two of three in that series.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants">Deadspin | Phillies eager to end awful April on high note vs. Giants

Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis García (53) walks off the field after lining out to San Francisco Giants left fielder Harrison Bader (9) in the to pot the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

April will go down as a month that manager Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies would prefer to forget.

With 11 losses in their last 12 games and only nine victories on the season, the Phillies are desperate for a win Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set.

Philadelphia enters the week with a 9-19 record, matching the New York Mets for the worst mark in baseball. The Phillies’ run differential (-54) is by far the worst in the sport, putting Thomson on the hot seat if things don’t turn around quickly.

“Well, that’s natural, right?” Thomson said of his job security. “It’s normal. And I’ve never worried about that in my entire career. … I don’t have time to think about it.”

The Phillies snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday with an 8-5 extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves. But the momentum didn’t last long, as they fell behind early in Sunday’s 6-2 series-finale loss.

Aaron Nola allowed three runs in the first inning and three more in the second, and the Phillies’ bats managed only one hit (a single) in six innings against Chris Sale.

“It’s not like the record is going to change overnight,” said designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose two-run homer in the eighth accounted for the Phillies’ offense on the day. “It’s going to be a continuous grind, and we’re ready for that. We know that there’s a long road ahead.”

The Phillies’ attempted path to recovery will begin Tuesday with Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander has labored through the first month of the season, although he was able to limit the damage in his most recent outing.

Despite allowing five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday, Luzardo gave up just one run in an eventual 7-4 defeat. Still, he expects more of himself after signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in the offseason.

“It’s very frustrating,” Luzardo said. “As a whole, we don’t feel like we’re doing the job that we need to do. … I think there’s been times that a lot of us think that we can pick up the slack, me included.”

Luzardo, who is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco, will be facing a team that has turned things around following a slow start of its own.

The Giants have won seven of their last 10 games after beginning the season 6-12. They have won three series in a row — against the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

In Sunday’s 6-3 triumph over Miami, San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt hit a go-ahead home run for the second straight game.

“That’s what we’re here for: to drive in runs and be productive,” said Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who walked and scored in the decisive seventh inning. “But we are a team, and Casey’s hot right now.”

Landen Roupp allowed just two hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings — a performance that Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26) would love to copy in Tuesday’s contest.

Mahle is coming off a sparkling effort in last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers, as he gave up just three hits and two walks over seven innings.

In four lifetime starts against Philadelphia, Mahle is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA. He held the Phillies to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings April 8 in San Francisco, helping the Giants take two of three in that series.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants

Being an Indian Premier League (IPL) captain is a tough job, and Riyan Parag has done a terrific job in his first year as Rajasthan Royals skipper to cope with the pressure, fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said on Monday ahead of a clash against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

“For a first-time captain, it’s a tough role, and he’s doing a very good job,” Sandeep said.

The experienced fast bowler also noted that Parag doesn’t have the luxury of leaning on senior pros like Sanju Samson did with Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin when they were at Rajasthan Royals.

“Riyan doesn’t have that same level of experience around him, but that can actually help him grow faster. He’ll learn a lot this season and come back as a much-improved captain in the future,” Sandeep said.

This year’s IPL has seen massive scores, often pushing bowlers out of the game, but Sandeep remains optimistic. “Hitting ability has improved massively over the last four or five years, especially with younger players coming in with a different range. I think the next lot of bowlers will also bring something new, and experienced bowlers will have to keep evolving. Even today, if you execute your plans well – whether it’s yorkers, slower balls or targeting a batter’s weakness – you can succeed,” he added.

Room for improvement

According to Punjab’s assistant coach Brad Haddin, the bowler’s role is to find ways to slow the scoring even as modern batters continue to push the limits.

“From a coach’s point of view, you’re constantly trying to find ways to slow the game down – whether that’s through wickets or forcing batters into areas you want them to hit. Sometimes, you execute a perfect ball, and it still ends up in the stands. That’s just the power of the modern-day batter,” Haddin said.

At the halfway mark, Punjab is the only unbeaten team, with six wins and one no result. Asked how the side is avoiding complacency, Haddin said the focus remains on improvement.

“We’re lucky with this group. You watch them train: they all turn up, they know their roles, and they’re always trying to get better. That’s what we’ve enjoyed most as coaches – their appetite to improve,” he said.

“The job’s not done. We’re halfway through the tournament, and it’s about playing your best cricket at the back end. There’s still a lot of room for improvement with bat, ball, and in the field. That’s what we’re most pleased with – yes, we’re playing good cricket, but there are still areas we can get better in,” Haddin added.

The Australian also confirmed that fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who joined the Punjab Kings squad late, will be available for selection against the Royals.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IPL #firsttime #captain #Riyan #Parag #good #job #RRs #Sandeep #Sharma">

IPL 2026: ‘For a first-time captain, Riyan Parag is doing a very good job,’ says RR’s Sandeep Sharma Being an Indian Premier League (IPL) captain is a tough job, and Riyan Parag has done a terrific job in his first year as Rajasthan Royals skipper to cope with the pressure, fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said on Monday ahead of a clash against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.“For a first-time captain, it’s a tough role, and he’s doing a very good job,” Sandeep said.The experienced fast bowler also noted that Parag doesn’t have the luxury of leaning on senior pros like Sanju Samson did with Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin when they were at Rajasthan Royals.“Riyan doesn’t have that same level of experience around him, but that can actually help him grow faster. He’ll learn a lot this season and come back as a much-improved captain in the future,” Sandeep said.This year’s IPL has seen massive scores, often pushing bowlers out of the game, but Sandeep remains optimistic. “Hitting ability has improved massively over the last four or five years, especially with younger players coming in with a different range. I think the next lot of bowlers will also bring something new, and experienced bowlers will have to keep evolving. Even today, if you execute your plans well – whether it’s yorkers, slower balls or targeting a batter’s weakness – you can succeed,” he added.Room for improvementAccording to Punjab’s assistant coach Brad Haddin, the bowler’s role is to find ways to slow the scoring even as modern batters continue to push the limits.“From a coach’s point of view, you’re constantly trying to find ways to slow the game down – whether that’s through wickets or forcing batters into areas you want them to hit. Sometimes, you execute a perfect ball, and it still ends up in the stands. That’s just the power of the modern-day batter,” Haddin said.At the halfway mark, Punjab is the only unbeaten team, with six wins and one no result. Asked how the side is avoiding complacency, Haddin said the focus remains on improvement.“We’re lucky with this group. You watch them train: they all turn up, they know their roles, and they’re always trying to get better. That’s what we’ve enjoyed most as coaches – their appetite to improve,” he said.“The job’s not done. We’re halfway through the tournament, and it’s about playing your best cricket at the back end. There’s still a lot of room for improvement with bat, ball, and in the field. That’s what we’re most pleased with – yes, we’re playing good cricket, but there are still areas we can get better in,” Haddin added.The Australian also confirmed that fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who joined the Punjab Kings squad late, will be available for selection against the Royals.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #IPL #firsttime #captain #Riyan #Parag #good #job #RRs #Sandeep #Sharma

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Being an Indian Premier League (IPL) captain is a tough job, and Riyan Parag has done a terrific job in his first year as Rajasthan Royals skipper to cope with the pressure, fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said on Monday ahead of a clash against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
“For a first-time captain, it’s a tough role, and he’s doing a very good job,” Sandeep said.
The experienced fast bowler also noted that Parag doesn’t have the luxury of leaning on senior pros like Sanju Samson did with Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin when they were at Rajasthan Royals.
“Riyan doesn’t have that same level of experience around him, but that can actually help him grow faster. He’ll learn a lot this season and come back as a much-improved captain in the future,” Sandeep said.
This year’s IPL has seen massive scores, often pushing bowlers out of the game, but Sandeep remains optimistic. “Hitting ability has improved massively over the last four or five years, especially with younger players coming in with a different range. I think the next lot of bowlers will also bring something new, and experienced bowlers will have to keep evolving. Even today, if you execute your plans well – whether it’s yorkers, slower balls or targeting a batter’s weakness – you can succeed,” he added.
Room for improvement
According to Punjab’s assistant coach Brad Haddin, the bowler’s role is to find ways to slow the scoring even as modern batters continue to push the limits.
“From a coach’s point of view, you’re constantly trying to find ways to slow the game down – whether that’s through wickets or forcing batters into areas you want them to hit. Sometimes, you execute a perfect ball, and it still ends up in the stands. That’s just the power of the modern-day batter,” Haddin said.
At the halfway mark, Punjab is the only unbeaten team, with six wins and one no result. Asked how the side is avoiding complacency, Haddin said the focus remains on improvement.
“We’re lucky with this group. You watch them train: they all turn up, they know their roles, and they’re always trying to get better. That’s what we’ve enjoyed most as coaches – their appetite to improve,” he said.
“The job’s not done. We’re halfway through the tournament, and it’s about playing your best cricket at the back end. There’s still a lot of room for improvement with bat, ball, and in the field. That’s what we’re most pleased with – yes, we’re playing good cricket, but there are still areas we can get better in,” Haddin added.
The Australian also confirmed that fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who joined the Punjab Kings squad late, will be available for selection against the Royals.
Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IPL #firsttime #captain #Riyan #Parag #good #job #RRs #Sandeep #Sharma">IPL 2026: ‘For a first-time captain, Riyan Parag is doing a very good job,’ says RR’s Sandeep Sharma

“For a first-time captain, it’s a tough role, and he’s doing a very good job,” Sandeep said.

Room for improvement

According to Punjab’s assistant coach Brad Haddin, the bowler’s role is to find ways to slow the scoring even as modern batters continue to push the limits.

At the halfway mark, Punjab is the only unbeaten team, with six wins and one no result. Asked how the side is avoiding complacency, Haddin said the focus remains on improvement.

The Australian also confirmed that fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who joined the Punjab Kings squad late, will be available for selection against the Royals.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IPL #firsttime #captain #Riyan #Parag #good #job #RRs #Sandeep #Sharma

Deadspin | Chris Sale notches 150th win as Braves take rubber match from Phillies Apr 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Chris Sale pitched six scoreless innings to earn the 150th victory of his career as the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series. Sale (5-1) retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only one hit, a single to Trea Turner, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He struck out a season-high nine batters and moved past Chuck Finley into 28th place on the career strikeouts list with 2,617. Sale became the fourth active pitcher with 150 wins, joining Justin Verlander (266), Max Scherzer (222) and Gerrit Cole (153). Atlanta became the first team to win 20 games, a milestone they didn’t reach until May 12 in their 41st game in 2025. The Phillies, who ended their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, have lost 15 of their last 18. The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and have not lost a series this season, improving to 8-0-1. They are 5-1 against Philadelphia; the National League East rivals don’t play again until September. Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (1-3) allowed some hard contact early but managed to work through 4 2/3 innings. He allowed a season-high six runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six. The Braves struck quickly in the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin singled and Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, his eighth, deep into the right field seats. Atlanta teed off on Nola again in the second. Mauricio Dubon walked, stole second and scored on Baldwin’s RBI single to stretch the lead to 6-0. The Phillies threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Sale came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bryce Harper and end the threat. Philadelphia ended the shutout in the eighth inning when Kyle Schwarber parked a two-run homer, his ninth, into the right field stands off left-hander Aaron Bummer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #Phillies

#Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #Phillies">

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Apr 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Chris Sale pitched six scoreless innings to earn the 150th victory of his career as the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series.

Sale (5-1) retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only one hit, a single to Trea Turner, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He struck out a season-high nine batters and moved past Chuck Finley into 28th place on the career strikeouts list with 2,617.

Sale became the fourth active pitcher with 150 wins, joining Justin Verlander (266), Max Scherzer (222) and Gerrit Cole (153).

Atlanta became the first team to win 20 games, a milestone they didn’t reach until May 12 in their 41st game in 2025. The Phillies, who ended their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, have lost 15 of their last 18.

The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and have not lost a series this season, improving to 8-0-1. They are 5-1 against Philadelphia; the National League East rivals don’t play again until September.

Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (1-3) allowed some hard contact early but managed to work through 4 2/3 innings. He allowed a season-high six runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six.

The Braves struck quickly in the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin singled and Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, his eighth, deep into the right field seats.

Atlanta teed off on Nola again in the second. Mauricio Dubon walked, stole second and scored on Baldwin’s RBI single to stretch the lead to 6-0.

The Phillies threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Sale came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bryce Harper and end the threat.

Philadelphia ended the shutout in the eighth inning when Kyle Schwarber parked a two-run homer, his ninth, into the right field stands off left-hander Aaron Bummer.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #Phillies">Deadspin | Chris Sale notches 150th win as Braves take rubber match from Phillies

Apr 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Chris Sale pitched six scoreless innings to earn the 150th victory of his career as the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Sunday in the rubber game of their three-game series.

Sale (5-1) retired the first eight batters he faced and allowed only one hit, a single to Trea Turner, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. He struck out a season-high nine batters and moved past Chuck Finley into 28th place on the career strikeouts list with 2,617.

Sale became the fourth active pitcher with 150 wins, joining Justin Verlander (266), Max Scherzer (222) and Gerrit Cole (153).

Atlanta became the first team to win 20 games, a milestone they didn’t reach until May 12 in their 41st game in 2025. The Phillies, who ended their 10-game losing streak on Saturday, have lost 15 of their last 18.

The Braves are 5-0 in rubber games and have not lost a series this season, improving to 8-0-1. They are 5-1 against Philadelphia; the National League East rivals don’t play again until September.

Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (1-3) allowed some hard contact early but managed to work through 4 2/3 innings. He allowed a season-high six runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six.

The Braves struck quickly in the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin singled and Matt Olson hit a three-run homer, his eighth, deep into the right field seats.

Atlanta teed off on Nola again in the second. Mauricio Dubon walked, stole second and scored on Baldwin’s RBI single to stretch the lead to 6-0.

The Phillies threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Sale came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bryce Harper and end the threat.

Philadelphia ended the shutout in the eighth inning when Kyle Schwarber parked a two-run homer, his ninth, into the right field stands off left-hander Aaron Bummer.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chris #Sale #notches #150th #win #Braves #rubber #match #Phillies

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