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VIDEO | From Dhoni dreams to IPL reality: Mukul Choudhary finishes it for LSG  Mukul Choudhary’s rise from a M.S. Dhoni-inspired dreamer to a match-winner has been rapid, but not accidental. At Eden Gardens on Thursday, the 21-year-old powered Lucknow Super Giants to a last-ball, three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders with a stunning, unbeaten 54 off 27 balls.“I dedicate this to my father… I also always watch MS (Dhoni) sir, the way he finishes,” Mukul said, reflecting on the influence of Dhoni.That composure is built on routine. “Everyday I hit around 100-150 sixes… for the last five-six months, I’ve been practising a lot,” he revealed. His confidence in high-pressure finishes isn’t new either. Recalling a domestic game, he said: “25 runs were needed from the last over and five runs from the last ball… I got picked from that innings.”Against KKR, that belief resurfaced as he turned 128/7 into victory. “I never thought about the result, just wanted to take the match till the end… in the end it became clear that ‘yes I can do it’.”A key part of that clarity is mental discipline. “When there are many things going around, I want to sit down peacefully for five seconds and take 2-3 deep breaths, just watch the ball and play the ball.”Support from skipper Rishabh Pant has also been crucial. “Rishabh bhaiya told me that ‘don’t think so much, just do what you have been doing’.”Published on Apr 10, 2026  #VIDEO #Dhoni #dreams #IPL #reality #Mukul #Choudhary #finishes #LSG

VIDEO | From Dhoni dreams to IPL reality: Mukul Choudhary finishes it for LSG

Mukul Choudhary’s rise from a M.S. Dhoni-inspired dreamer to a match-winner has been rapid, but not accidental. At Eden Gardens on Thursday, the 21-year-old powered Lucknow Super Giants to a last-ball, three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders with a stunning, unbeaten 54 off 27 balls.

“I dedicate this to my father… I also always watch MS (Dhoni) sir, the way he finishes,” Mukul said, reflecting on the influence of Dhoni.

That composure is built on routine. “Everyday I hit around 100-150 sixes… for the last five-six months, I’ve been practising a lot,” he revealed. His confidence in high-pressure finishes isn’t new either. Recalling a domestic game, he said: “25 runs were needed from the last over and five runs from the last ball… I got picked from that innings.”

Against KKR, that belief resurfaced as he turned 128/7 into victory. “I never thought about the result, just wanted to take the match till the end… in the end it became clear that ‘yes I can do it’.”

A key part of that clarity is mental discipline. “When there are many things going around, I want to sit down peacefully for five seconds and take 2-3 deep breaths, just watch the ball and play the ball.”

Support from skipper Rishabh Pant has also been crucial. “Rishabh bhaiya told me that ‘don’t think so much, just do what you have been doing’.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#VIDEO #Dhoni #dreams #IPL #reality #Mukul #Choudhary #finishes #LSG

Mukul Choudhary’s rise from a M.S. Dhoni-inspired dreamer to a match-winner has been rapid, but not accidental. At Eden Gardens on Thursday, the 21-year-old powered Lucknow Super Giants to a last-ball, three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders with a stunning, unbeaten 54 off 27 balls.

“I dedicate this to my father… I also always watch MS (Dhoni) sir, the way he finishes,” Mukul said, reflecting on the influence of Dhoni.

That composure is built on routine. “Everyday I hit around 100-150 sixes… for the last five-six months, I’ve been practising a lot,” he revealed. His confidence in high-pressure finishes isn’t new either. Recalling a domestic game, he said: “25 runs were needed from the last over and five runs from the last ball… I got picked from that innings.”

Against KKR, that belief resurfaced as he turned 128/7 into victory. “I never thought about the result, just wanted to take the match till the end… in the end it became clear that ‘yes I can do it’.”

A key part of that clarity is mental discipline. “When there are many things going around, I want to sit down peacefully for five seconds and take 2-3 deep breaths, just watch the ball and play the ball.”

Support from skipper Rishabh Pant has also been crucial. “Rishabh bhaiya told me that ‘don’t think so much, just do what you have been doing’.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026

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मां के साथ रहने से नहीं छिनता बेटे का हक, ग्वालियर हाईकोर्ट ने बताई मुस्लिम वसीयत की सीमा

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Deadspin | Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed <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-900/28633527.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28633527.jpg" alt="NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 31, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Los Angeles (41-39) heads into its final two games of the regular season with a one-game lead over Portland (40-40) for eighth place in the West. The Clippers overtook the Blazers thanks to Portland’s back-to-back losses at Denver and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>However, Los Angeles was unable to take a critical two-game lead, falling Wednesday against NBA-leading and reigning league champion Oklahoma City 128-110.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Clippers won two straight heading into Wednesday’s contest, routing Sacramento and Dallas to rebound from losses to Portland and San Antonio. Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue said revisiting the 114-104 setback against the Blazers on March 31 is vital ahead of Friday’s rematch.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“Understanding how they beat us last time (is essential),” Lue said. “They were really physical. I thought they came in with the mindset that that was a big game for them, so we’ve got to come in with the same mindset on Friday from the start — not easing into the game. We’ve got to be physical from the start.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Blazers coach Tiago Splitter expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday, calling Friday the team’s “most important game.” Replicating its effort from the last encounter will be key, beginning with the physicality Lue referenced.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Portland dominated the glass during the meeting in Inglewood, Calif., outrebounding Los Angeles 48-30. Deni Avdija’s 11 boards led the Blazers, while Toumani Camara grabbed four of his seven rebounds on the offensive glass in a contest that saw Portland with a 32-14 advantage for second-chance points.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Camara, a 2024-25 All-Defensive Team honoree, is again a catalyst for the Blazers on that side of the ball. He comes into Friday’s game a week removed from drawing his 100th offensive foul of the season, setting a single-season NBA record.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Camara has also been a contributor to the Portland offense in recent outings, scoring 17-plus points in each of the last five contests. His 13.5 points per game supplement team-leaders Avdija’s 24 points per game and 16.3 from veteran guard Jrue Holiday.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Holiday scored 30 points in Portland’s March 31 win at Los Angeles.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“Come out and keep fighting. Execute the best as possible,” Holiday told reporters about the team’s focus heading into the final two games. “Just do what we’ve been doing. We know how important each game is.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Clippers come into Portland with Kawhi Leonard setting the pace at 28 points per game. Darius Garland, averaging 20.4 points per game since his trade to Los Angeles from Cleveland, missed Wednesday’s contest with a toe injury.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Another key midseason addition, Bennedict Mathurin, will look to get back on track after scoring just 10 or fewer in four of the last five outings. Mathurin was held to four points in the last encounter with the Blazers.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Everybody here is on the same page,” Mathurin said. “It’s one game (to potentially determine the No. 8 seed). So, we’ve got to go out there and play as hard as we can.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Clippers #Trail #Blazers #duke #seed

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was scathing in his criticism of ​the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) decisions in the Europa ‌League first-leg tie against Nottingham Forest, ​taking issue with a tackle ⁠by Eliot Anderson.

Anderson made a sliding tackle on Ollie Watkins in which he won the ball ‌but caught the English forward’s ankle with his studs, with VAR reviewing ‌the incident briefly before clearing it.

“It’s ‌a ⁠clear red card – I don’t ⁠understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it’s so clear,” Emery said after Thursday’s ​match, which Forest won ‌1-0 courtesy of a Chris Wood penalty in the 71st minute.

“And it’s very, very important. It’s a huge, huge mistake. ‌VAR is responsible. The referee – fantastic, ​fantastic job, 10 out of 10. I appreciated how he managed ⁠the match for 90 minutes.

MATCH REPORT | Forest beats Villa in Europa League semifinal first-leg

“But I watched it back – wow. Huge. He could break ‌his ankle. Wow, VAR – where are you? Please. It is your responsibility, we are professionals. You are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody. He could break his ankle.”

Despite the ‌severity of the challenge Watkins played the full ​90 minutes, a boost for Villa’s Champions League hopes for next season ⁠as this season comes to a close.

Watkins ⁠is Villa’s top goalscorer this season, netting 15 goals so far in ‌all competitions.

Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League table, faces relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur ​on Sunday.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Huge #mistake #Aston #Villa #coach #Emery #hits #VAR #Europa #League #loss #Nottingham #Forest">‘Huge mistake’: Aston Villa coach Emery hits out at VAR after Europa League loss to Nottingham Forest  Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was scathing in his criticism of ​the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) decisions in the Europa ‌League first-leg tie against Nottingham Forest, ​taking issue with a tackle ⁠by Eliot Anderson.Anderson made a sliding tackle on Ollie Watkins in which he won the ball ‌but caught the English forward’s ankle with his studs, with VAR reviewing ‌the incident briefly before clearing it.“It’s ‌a ⁠clear red card – I don’t ⁠understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it’s so clear,” Emery said after Thursday’s ​match, which Forest won ‌1-0 courtesy of a Chris Wood penalty in the 71st minute.“And it’s very, very important. It’s a huge, huge mistake. ‌VAR is responsible. The referee – fantastic, ​fantastic job, 10 out of 10. I appreciated how he managed ⁠the match for 90 minutes.MATCH REPORT | Forest beats Villa in Europa League semifinal first-leg“But I watched it back – wow. Huge. He could break ‌his ankle. Wow, VAR – where are you? Please. It is your responsibility, we are professionals. You are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody. He could break his ankle.”Despite the ‌severity of the challenge Watkins played the full ​90 minutes, a boost for Villa’s Champions League hopes for next season ⁠as this season comes to a close.Watkins ⁠is Villa’s top goalscorer this season, netting 15 goals so far in ‌all competitions.Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League table, faces relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur ​on Sunday.Published on May 01, 2026  #Huge #mistake #Aston #Villa #coach #Emery #hits #VAR #Europa #League #loss #Nottingham #Forest

Forest beats Villa in Europa League semifinal first-leg

“But I watched it back – wow. Huge. He could break ‌his ankle. Wow, VAR – where are you? Please. It is your responsibility, we are professionals. You are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody. He could break his ankle.”

Despite the ‌severity of the challenge Watkins played the full ​90 minutes, a boost for Villa’s Champions League hopes for next season ⁠as this season comes to a close.

Watkins ⁠is Villa’s top goalscorer this season, netting 15 goals so far in ‌all competitions.

Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League table, faces relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur ​on Sunday.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Huge #mistake #Aston #Villa #coach #Emery #hits #VAR #Europa #League #loss #Nottingham #Forest">‘Huge mistake’: Aston Villa coach Emery hits out at VAR after Europa League loss to Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was scathing in his criticism of ​the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) decisions in the Europa ‌League first-leg tie against Nottingham Forest, ​taking issue with a tackle ⁠by Eliot Anderson.

Anderson made a sliding tackle on Ollie Watkins in which he won the ball ‌but caught the English forward’s ankle with his studs, with VAR reviewing ‌the incident briefly before clearing it.

“It’s ‌a ⁠clear red card – I don’t ⁠understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it’s so clear,” Emery said after Thursday’s ​match, which Forest won ‌1-0 courtesy of a Chris Wood penalty in the 71st minute.

“And it’s very, very important. It’s a huge, huge mistake. ‌VAR is responsible. The referee – fantastic, ​fantastic job, 10 out of 10. I appreciated how he managed ⁠the match for 90 minutes.

MATCH REPORT | Forest beats Villa in Europa League semifinal first-leg

“But I watched it back – wow. Huge. He could break ‌his ankle. Wow, VAR – where are you? Please. It is your responsibility, we are professionals. You are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody. He could break his ankle.”

Despite the ‌severity of the challenge Watkins played the full ​90 minutes, a boost for Villa’s Champions League hopes for next season ⁠as this season comes to a close.

Watkins ⁠is Villa’s top goalscorer this season, netting 15 goals so far in ‌all competitions.

Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League table, faces relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur ​on Sunday.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Huge #mistake #Aston #Villa #coach #Emery #hits #VAR #Europa #League #loss #Nottingham #Forest
Deadspin | Big first inning helps Astros salvage doubleheader split vs. Orioles  Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images   Cam Smith hit a three-run home run in Houston’s five-run first inning and the Astros salvaged a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by winning 11-5 in the second game against the host Baltimore Orioles.  Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series. Isaac Paredes had two hits and scored two runs, and Christian Walker tacked on two hits.  Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.  Baltimore won 10-3 in the first game with grand slams from Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson, but that production wasn’t repeated. They had six hits, including a two-run triple from Leody Taveras and RBI doubles from Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson, in Thursday’s second game.  After winning his first two starts this season, Orioles right-hander Brandon Young (2-1) was dinged for 10 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in four innings.   Every batter in Houston’s lineup had at least one hit by the fifth inning, finishing with 15 hits.  The Astros, who won for only the fourth time in 16 road games, got off to a better start in the second game with Harris’ two-out, two-run single in the first inning followed two batters later by Smith’s three-run blast. It was Smith’s fourth homer of the season.  Houston pushed its lead to 6-0 in the second inning on Alvarez’s solo homer with one out.  The Orioles closed within 11-4 with a run in the seventh inning but they left the bases loaded on their way to falling to 9-9 in home games this year. They added a run in the ninth on Coby Mayo’s sacrifice fly.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvage #doubleheader #split #OriolesApr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Cam Smith hit a three-run home run in Houston’s five-run first inning and the Astros salvaged a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by winning 11-5 in the second game against the host Baltimore Orioles.

Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series. Isaac Paredes had two hits and scored two runs, and Christian Walker tacked on two hits.

Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.

Baltimore won 10-3 in the first game with grand slams from Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson, but that production wasn’t repeated. They had six hits, including a two-run triple from Leody Taveras and RBI doubles from Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson, in Thursday’s second game.


After winning his first two starts this season, Orioles right-hander Brandon Young (2-1) was dinged for 10 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in four innings.

Every batter in Houston’s lineup had at least one hit by the fifth inning, finishing with 15 hits.

The Astros, who won for only the fourth time in 16 road games, got off to a better start in the second game with Harris’ two-out, two-run single in the first inning followed two batters later by Smith’s three-run blast. It was Smith’s fourth homer of the season.

Houston pushed its lead to 6-0 in the second inning on Alvarez’s solo homer with one out.

The Orioles closed within 11-4 with a run in the seventh inning but they left the bases loaded on their way to falling to 9-9 in home games this year. They added a run in the ninth on Coby Mayo’s sacrifice fly.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvage #doubleheader #split #Orioles">Deadspin | Big first inning helps Astros salvage doubleheader split vs. Orioles  Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images   Cam Smith hit a three-run home run in Houston’s five-run first inning and the Astros salvaged a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by winning 11-5 in the second game against the host Baltimore Orioles.  Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series. Isaac Paredes had two hits and scored two runs, and Christian Walker tacked on two hits.  Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.  Baltimore won 10-3 in the first game with grand slams from Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson, but that production wasn’t repeated. They had six hits, including a two-run triple from Leody Taveras and RBI doubles from Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson, in Thursday’s second game.  After winning his first two starts this season, Orioles right-hander Brandon Young (2-1) was dinged for 10 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in four innings.   Every batter in Houston’s lineup had at least one hit by the fifth inning, finishing with 15 hits.  The Astros, who won for only the fourth time in 16 road games, got off to a better start in the second game with Harris’ two-out, two-run single in the first inning followed two batters later by Smith’s three-run blast. It was Smith’s fourth homer of the season.  Houston pushed its lead to 6-0 in the second inning on Alvarez’s solo homer with one out.  The Orioles closed within 11-4 with a run in the seventh inning but they left the bases loaded on their way to falling to 9-9 in home games this year. They added a run in the ninth on Coby Mayo’s sacrifice fly.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvage #doubleheader #split #Orioles

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