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RCB vs DC, IPL 2026: Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh Hazlewood  In a format which places high value on variations and innovations, Josh Hazlewood has stuck to the tried and trusted.The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler revels in honing in on a hard length, making it tough for batters to get under and slog.This classical approach has worked well not just in the two IPL matches he has played thus far, but in the previous season as well.Now back to full fitness, Hazlewood is a natural fit as leader of the RCB attack.“We see different bowlers in our group have different styles, so I try to copy a different ball here and there. But at the same time, you first and foremost rely on your strengths. Obviously, my strength is hitting the length, and hitting it hard. It’s not about floating the ball up; it’s not about digging it in. It is about making it hard for the batter to hit me off that length,” Hazlewood said on the eve of RCB’s game against Delhi Capitals.RELATED | Delhi Capitals looks to stop marauding Royal Challengers BengaluruThe 35-year-old is doubly dangerous if the pitch is not a batting beauty, as seen in RCB’s fixture against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday.“The other night, the pitch actually helped a little bit. It was hard to time the ball; the pitch was a bit up-and-down. If you’re on a nice glassy pitch and everything’s coming onto the bat nicely, then things have to change, and you try a few different things,” Hazlewood said.Published on Apr 17, 2026  #RCB #IPL #Hitting #hard #length #strength #Josh #Hazlewood

RCB vs DC, IPL 2026: Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh Hazlewood

In a format which places high value on variations and innovations, Josh Hazlewood has stuck to the tried and trusted.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler revels in honing in on a hard length, making it tough for batters to get under and slog.

This classical approach has worked well not just in the two IPL matches he has played thus far, but in the previous season as well.

Now back to full fitness, Hazlewood is a natural fit as leader of the RCB attack.

“We see different bowlers in our group have different styles, so I try to copy a different ball here and there. But at the same time, you first and foremost rely on your strengths. Obviously, my strength is hitting the length, and hitting it hard. It’s not about floating the ball up; it’s not about digging it in. It is about making it hard for the batter to hit me off that length,” Hazlewood said on the eve of RCB’s game against Delhi Capitals.

RELATED | Delhi Capitals looks to stop marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The 35-year-old is doubly dangerous if the pitch is not a batting beauty, as seen in RCB’s fixture against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday.

“The other night, the pitch actually helped a little bit. It was hard to time the ball; the pitch was a bit up-and-down. If you’re on a nice glassy pitch and everything’s coming onto the bat nicely, then things have to change, and you try a few different things,” Hazlewood said.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Hitting #hard #length #strength #Josh #Hazlewood

In a format which places high value on variations and innovations, Josh Hazlewood has stuck to the tried and trusted.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler revels in honing in on a hard length, making it tough for batters to get under and slog.

This classical approach has worked well not just in the two IPL matches he has played thus far, but in the previous season as well.

Now back to full fitness, Hazlewood is a natural fit as leader of the RCB attack.

“We see different bowlers in our group have different styles, so I try to copy a different ball here and there. But at the same time, you first and foremost rely on your strengths. Obviously, my strength is hitting the length, and hitting it hard. It’s not about floating the ball up; it’s not about digging it in. It is about making it hard for the batter to hit me off that length,” Hazlewood said on the eve of RCB’s game against Delhi Capitals.

RELATED | Delhi Capitals looks to stop marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The 35-year-old is doubly dangerous if the pitch is not a batting beauty, as seen in RCB’s fixture against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday.

“The other night, the pitch actually helped a little bit. It was hard to time the ball; the pitch was a bit up-and-down. If you’re on a nice glassy pitch and everything’s coming onto the bat nicely, then things have to change, and you try a few different things,” Hazlewood said.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

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#RCB #IPL #Hitting #hard #length #strength #Josh #Hazlewood

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Deadspin | Liberty re-sign Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones <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-900/21155995.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/21155995.jpg" alt="WNBA: Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Aug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forwards Jonquel Jones (35) and Breanna Stewart (30) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) watch the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>New York Liberty stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones signed contracts for the 2026 season, the team announced on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Financial terms were not disclosed by the team.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Re-signing Breanna, Jonquel and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city and our fanbase. The three cornerstone players chose to invest in each other and the long-term legacy of this organization, a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine that standard of excellence across basketball.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Stewart, a forward, and Ionescu, a guard, announced earlier this month that they planned to re-sign with New York, ending suspense over their intentions as free agents.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Stewart, 31, will embark on her fourth season with the Liberty and 10th WNBA campaign overall. She is a two-time MVP, winning the award with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and with New York in 2023.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Stewart averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 games last season. She was named an All-Star for the seventh time.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>The three-time WNBA champion — 2018 and 2020 with Seattle, 2024 with New York — has career averages of 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 292 games (all starts).</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Ionescu, 28, will be entering her seventh season and has spent her entire career with the Liberty. She was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020 and is a four-time All-Star.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Oregon product averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Ionsecu has career averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 181 games (177 starts). She has won one WNBA title (2024).</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Jones, 32, averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in 31 games (all starts) last season. A 2021 WNBA MVP, Jones averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 boards in 306 career games (259 starts) with the Connecticut Sun and Liberty.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Breanna #Stewart #Sabrina #Ionescu #Jonquel #Jones

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Gang Green Nation selects Makai Lemon for Jets in 20th annual SB Nation community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-1f462a25-7276-480c-aaff-f38c9d11a4de"><p>To call wide receiver a need for the Jets would be an understatement. In 2025 the Jets became the first team since the league expanded the schedule to 16 games to have no receivers with at least 400 yards. Getting Garrett Wilson back from injury obviously will help with that, but there is nothing behind Wilson. Adding Lemon changes that. Stick him in the slot, and he can take some of the pressure off Wilson. In fact, the Jets’ wide receiver group now starts to look like something resembling a viable NFL crew.</p></div> #Gang #Green #Nation #selects #Makai #Lemon #Jets #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft

#Taylor #Twellman #credits #golf #saving #life">Taylor Twellman credits golf for saving his life  ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 31: Taylor Twellman plays his shot from the first tee during the third round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions 2026 at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Getty Images  #Taylor #Twellman #credits #golf #saving #life

Athletes who win international medals often have elaborate showcases at home to safely display their silverware. P.R. Sreejesh is no exception.

At his residence in Kizhakkambalam, a farming village near Kochi, a rummage through cluttered showcases might uncover a Khel Ratna, an Arjuna Award, or even a Padma Award — but not the Olympic medals from the Tokyo and Paris Summer Games. 

They’re hidden in plain sight, right in the middle of the living room, casually placed on top of the coffee table. The only thing keeping them from being mistaken for coasters is the multi-coloured ribbons attached to them.

“My medals are always on the teapoy. A lot of people come here who want to see and touch them. We don’t have the right to shove them away in a showcase and say they can’t be touched,” the two-time Olympic bronze medallist told Sportstar.

“So, they’re right here. When a child comes and holds these medals, they should feel inspired to earn one of their own.

“When we go to temples, praying to an idol feels like a big deal — a marvel, a miracle. But these medals aren’t like that. They’re real. People touching them should realise that this is something they can work toward and achieve.”

Sreejesh is pragmatic. He knows effecting sweeping changes are easier said than done, but believes that even one life touched is good enough.

“Out of 100 people who touch the medals, if even one feels a strong desire, that’s all we need. We won’t be able to change an entire generation, but if we can inspire one person out of 100, that’s job done,” he remarked with quiet pride.

You can read the full story here: The P.R. Sreejesh interview: Miracle man of Kizhakkambalam

Published on May 08, 2026

#P.R #Sreejesh #OIympic #medals #hold #teapoy #home">Why P.R. Sreejesh keeps his OIympic medals out for anyone to hold on the teapoy at home  Athletes who win international medals often have elaborate showcases at home to safely display their silverware. P.R. Sreejesh is no exception.At his residence in Kizhakkambalam, a farming village near Kochi, a rummage through cluttered showcases might uncover a Khel Ratna, an Arjuna Award, or even a Padma Award — but not the Olympic medals from the Tokyo and Paris Summer Games. They’re hidden in plain sight, right in the middle of the living room, casually placed on top of the coffee table. The only thing keeping them from being mistaken for coasters is the multi-coloured ribbons attached to them.“My medals are always on the teapoy. A lot of people come here who want to see and touch them. We don’t have the right to shove them away in a showcase and say they can’t be touched,” the two-time Olympic bronze medallist told        Sportstar.“So, they’re right here. When a child comes and holds these medals, they should feel inspired to earn one of their own.“When we go to temples, praying to an idol feels like a big deal — a marvel, a miracle. But these medals aren’t like that. They’re real. People touching them should realise that this is something they can work toward and achieve.”Sreejesh is pragmatic. He knows effecting sweeping changes are easier said than done, but believes that even one life touched is good enough.“Out of 100 people who touch the medals, if even one feels a strong desire, that’s all we need. We won’t be able to change an entire generation, but if we can inspire one person out of 100, that’s job done,” he remarked with quiet pride.You can read the full story here:        The P.R. Sreejesh interview: Miracle man of KizhakkambalamPublished on May 08, 2026  #P.R #Sreejesh #OIympic #medals #hold #teapoy #home

The P.R. Sreejesh interview: Miracle man of Kizhakkambalam

Published on May 08, 2026

#P.R #Sreejesh #OIympic #medals #hold #teapoy #home">Why P.R. Sreejesh keeps his OIympic medals out for anyone to hold on the teapoy at home

Athletes who win international medals often have elaborate showcases at home to safely display their silverware. P.R. Sreejesh is no exception.

At his residence in Kizhakkambalam, a farming village near Kochi, a rummage through cluttered showcases might uncover a Khel Ratna, an Arjuna Award, or even a Padma Award — but not the Olympic medals from the Tokyo and Paris Summer Games. 

They’re hidden in plain sight, right in the middle of the living room, casually placed on top of the coffee table. The only thing keeping them from being mistaken for coasters is the multi-coloured ribbons attached to them.

“My medals are always on the teapoy. A lot of people come here who want to see and touch them. We don’t have the right to shove them away in a showcase and say they can’t be touched,” the two-time Olympic bronze medallist told Sportstar.

“So, they’re right here. When a child comes and holds these medals, they should feel inspired to earn one of their own.

“When we go to temples, praying to an idol feels like a big deal — a marvel, a miracle. But these medals aren’t like that. They’re real. People touching them should realise that this is something they can work toward and achieve.”

Sreejesh is pragmatic. He knows effecting sweeping changes are easier said than done, but believes that even one life touched is good enough.

“Out of 100 people who touch the medals, if even one feels a strong desire, that’s all we need. We won’t be able to change an entire generation, but if we can inspire one person out of 100, that’s job done,” he remarked with quiet pride.

You can read the full story here: The P.R. Sreejesh interview: Miracle man of Kizhakkambalam

Published on May 08, 2026

#P.R #Sreejesh #OIympic #medals #hold #teapoy #home
Deadspin | Former Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke retires  Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Journeyman NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who started 24 games for Washington from 2021-22, announced his retirement after a seven-year career.  “Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold,” Heinicke wrote Thursday on Instagram. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life … Excited for this next chapter of my life.”  Heinicke, 33, made his last NFL appearance in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, who released him just ahead of the 2025 season.  He went 7-8 as the starter for the Washington Football Team in 2021 and 5-3-1 with the rebranded Commanders in 2022. He also appeared in games for the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers.   Heinicke starred in college at the FCS level at Old Dominion, where he won the Walter Payton Award and was named the FCS Player of the Year in 2012.  Undrafted in 2015, he compiled a 13-15-1 record as an NFL starter while completing 62.5% of his passes for 6,663 yards with 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games (29 starts).  Following an injury to starter Alex Smith, Heinicke served as an emergency starter for Washington’s wild-card playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards with one TD and one interception and also rushed for a score in a 31-23 loss played in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Commanders #Taylor #Heinicke #retiresJan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Journeyman NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who started 24 games for Washington from 2021-22, announced his retirement after a seven-year career.

“Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold,” Heinicke wrote Thursday on Instagram. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life … Excited for this next chapter of my life.”

Heinicke, 33, made his last NFL appearance in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, who released him just ahead of the 2025 season.


He went 7-8 as the starter for the Washington Football Team in 2021 and 5-3-1 with the rebranded Commanders in 2022. He also appeared in games for the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers.

Heinicke starred in college at the FCS level at Old Dominion, where he won the Walter Payton Award and was named the FCS Player of the Year in 2012.

Undrafted in 2015, he compiled a 13-15-1 record as an NFL starter while completing 62.5% of his passes for 6,663 yards with 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games (29 starts).

Following an injury to starter Alex Smith, Heinicke served as an emergency starter for Washington’s wild-card playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards with one TD and one interception and also rushed for a score in a 31-23 loss played in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Commanders #Taylor #Heinicke #retires">Deadspin | Former Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke retires  Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Journeyman NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who started 24 games for Washington from 2021-22, announced his retirement after a seven-year career.  “Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold,” Heinicke wrote Thursday on Instagram. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life … Excited for this next chapter of my life.”  Heinicke, 33, made his last NFL appearance in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, who released him just ahead of the 2025 season.  He went 7-8 as the starter for the Washington Football Team in 2021 and 5-3-1 with the rebranded Commanders in 2022. He also appeared in games for the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers.   Heinicke starred in college at the FCS level at Old Dominion, where he won the Walter Payton Award and was named the FCS Player of the Year in 2012.  Undrafted in 2015, he compiled a 13-15-1 record as an NFL starter while completing 62.5% of his passes for 6,663 yards with 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games (29 starts).  Following an injury to starter Alex Smith, Heinicke served as an emergency starter for Washington’s wild-card playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards with one TD and one interception and also rushed for a score in a 31-23 loss played in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Commanders #Taylor #Heinicke #retires

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