×
What Philip Rivers signing with the Colts means for his Hall of Fame candidacy

What Philip Rivers signing with the Colts means for his Hall of Fame candidacy

After losing Daniel Jones for the season with an Achilles injury, the Indianapolis Colts are turning back the clock to shore up their quarterback room.

By signing a grandfather.

Philip Rivers, who has not played in the NFL since the 2020 season and is yes, a grandfather, is signing with the Colts after meeting with the team and working out for the coaching staff. This is a reunion of sorts on two levels. head coach Shane Steichen was a coach in the Chargers organization for years, and Rivers’ final NFL season came in Indianapolis with the Colts. Rivers and the Colts advanced to the playoffs that season, bowing out in a loss to the Buffalo Bills on Wild Card Weekend.

This makes for a fascinating story, and also presents an interesting wrinkle for Hall of Fame voters.

This is his first year of eligibility for inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Rivers was recently named as one of 26 Modern-Era semifinalists for enshrinement in the Class of 2026. Rivers is one of three quarterbacks in the group, along with Drew Brees and Eli Manning. A five-year waiting period for eligibility remains in effect for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

At the moment, Rivers is simply signing with the Colts’ practice squad. According to a spokesperson from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as long as he remains on the practice squad, he remains eligible to be a member of the Class of 2026.

However, if he is signed to the active roster and takes a snap, it would reset that five-year period, and the earliest he would be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is 2031, provided he does not play next year.

“If he’s signed to the practice squad, and that’s his status with the team (and thus still eligible for Hall) for an extended period to the point that we announce the final 15, and he then goes active, he’d come off, and we’d have 14,” the spokesman said to NBC Sports.

That reference to 14 highlights another point. The next step in the Hall of Fame voting process is narrowing the group of 26 players down to 15. That vote takes place later this month.

Then at the annual Hall of Fame Selection Meeting, held early next year, the Class of 2026 will be announced.

If Rivers is still on the practice squad for the vote in December, but is subsequently signed to the active roster, it could create a situation where he makes the list of 15 players to advance to the next stage of voting, but is removed after signing to the active roster.

There does seem to be some grey areas: What if he is elevated but does not take a snap? Is he still eligible?

This is probably a scenario the Hall of Fame did not consider when putting together the requirements for eligibility.

Source link
#Philip #Rivers #signing #Colts #means #Hall #Fame #candidacy

The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here.

And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within each organization.

Every year the 32 teams put their creative juices to the test, with the Los Angeles Chargers often leading the way. This year is no exception, as the Chargers drew upon the legendary Halo video game franchise for inspiration.

And threw more than a few punches at their opponents, and others, along the way.

Here is the full video, followed by our favorite moments:

Kirk Cousins’ friend request

In Week 2 the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, and while Fernando Mendoza is the focal point for this early segment in the video, there is a quick cameo from Kirk Cousins.

Or … KirkCuzzo … via a friend request:

In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:

LeBron called the Ty Simpson pick

As we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.

So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:

Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …

Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.

Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:

This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.

“Record One Interception”

In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.

A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.

That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:

“Conquer the Cupcakes”

This is the one everyone was waiting for.

In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:

As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.

There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.

Emeka Egbuka’s X account

In March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.

Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:

“Survive One Practice” and Chonkers

Whether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.

So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:

But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”

If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:

Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.

Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.

#moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video">The best moments from the Chargers’ brilliant 2026 schedule release video  The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here.And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within each organization.Every year the 32 teams put their creative juices to the test, with the Los Angeles Chargers often leading the way. This year is no exception, as the Chargers drew upon the legendary Halo video game franchise for inspiration.And threw more than a few punches at their opponents, and others, along the way.Here is the full video, followed by our favorite moments:Kirk Cousins’ friend requestIn Week 2 the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, and while Fernando Mendoza is the focal point for this early segment in the video, there is a quick cameo from Kirk Cousins.Or … KirkCuzzo … via a friend request:In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:LeBron called the Ty Simpson pickAs we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.“Record One Interception”In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:“Conquer the Cupcakes”This is the one everyone was waiting for.In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.Emeka Egbuka’s X accountIn March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:“Survive One Practice” and ChonkersWhether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.  #moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video

In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:

LeBron called the Ty Simpson pick

As we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.

So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:

Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …

Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.

Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:

This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.

“Record One Interception”

In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.

A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.

That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:

“Conquer the Cupcakes”

This is the one everyone was waiting for.

In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:

As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.

There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.

Emeka Egbuka’s X account

In March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.

Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:

“Survive One Practice” and Chonkers

Whether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.

So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:

But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”

If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:

Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.

Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.

#moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video">The best moments from the Chargers’ brilliant 2026 schedule release video

The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here.

And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within each organization.

Every year the 32 teams put their creative juices to the test, with the Los Angeles Chargers often leading the way. This year is no exception, as the Chargers drew upon the legendary Halo video game franchise for inspiration.

And threw more than a few punches at their opponents, and others, along the way.

Here is the full video, followed by our favorite moments:

Kirk Cousins’ friend request

In Week 2 the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, and while Fernando Mendoza is the focal point for this early segment in the video, there is a quick cameo from Kirk Cousins.

Or … KirkCuzzo … via a friend request:

In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:

LeBron called the Ty Simpson pick

As we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.

So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:

Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …

Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.

Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:

This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.

“Record One Interception”

In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.

A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.

That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:

“Conquer the Cupcakes”

This is the one everyone was waiting for.

In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:

As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.

There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.

Emeka Egbuka’s X account

In March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.

Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:

“Survive One Practice” and Chonkers

Whether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.

So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:

But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”

If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:

Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.

Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.

#moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video

There’s a certain inevitability about Shardul Thakur. He may not play half the games in a season, concede 15 runs off his first over – like he did against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala – and yet, produce moments of brilliance that turn a game on its head. He’s called ‘Lord’ Thakur and he lives up to his reputation.

On Thursday, playing just his seventh game in IPL 2026, Shardul took four for 39 and brought a flourishing PBKS innings to a grinding halt, thus tilting the contest in Mumbai Indians’ favour.

“It feels good to be back. You know, it’s not easy to sit out. But yes, the nature of the tournament is such where you have 25 players in the squad, lots of options. So, sometimes you’ve got to take it in your stride,” Shardul said.

From his very first over, there was a spring in his step. The confidence of having captain and fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah standing at mid off might have helped. There were lengthy discussions and arms flailing, asking fielders to move and adjust their angles. “I think I have my comfort level with him. We had a lot of discussions; I don’t know much about the other bowlers. But of course, he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Shardul said.

READ | Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a thread

However, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.

“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.

But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.

By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.

Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.

“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.

“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.

From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.

“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.

PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.

“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.

Published on May 15, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala">PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: Shardul Thakur four-for catches Punjab Kings off guard in Dharamshala  There’s a certain inevitability about Shardul Thakur. He may not play half the games in a season, concede 15 runs off his first over – like he did against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala – and yet, produce moments of brilliance that turn a game on its head. He’s called ‘Lord’ Thakur and he lives up to his reputation.On Thursday, playing just his seventh game in IPL 2026, Shardul took four for 39 and brought a flourishing PBKS innings to a grinding halt, thus tilting the contest in Mumbai Indians’ favour.“It feels good to be back. You know, it’s not easy to sit out. But yes, the nature of the tournament is such where you have 25 players in the squad, lots of options. So, sometimes you’ve got to take it in your stride,” Shardul said.From his very first over, there was a spring in his step. The confidence of having captain and fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah standing at mid off might have helped. There were lengthy discussions and arms flailing, asking fielders to move and adjust their angles. “I think I have my comfort level with him. We had a lot of discussions; I don’t know much about the other bowlers. But of course, he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Shardul said.READ | Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a threadHowever, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.Published on May 15, 2026  #PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala

Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a thread

However, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.

“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.

But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.

By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.

Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.

“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.

“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.

From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.

“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.

PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.

“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.

Published on May 15, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala">PBKS vs MI, IPL 2026: Shardul Thakur four-for catches Punjab Kings off guard in Dharamshala

There’s a certain inevitability about Shardul Thakur. He may not play half the games in a season, concede 15 runs off his first over – like he did against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala – and yet, produce moments of brilliance that turn a game on its head. He’s called ‘Lord’ Thakur and he lives up to his reputation.

On Thursday, playing just his seventh game in IPL 2026, Shardul took four for 39 and brought a flourishing PBKS innings to a grinding halt, thus tilting the contest in Mumbai Indians’ favour.

“It feels good to be back. You know, it’s not easy to sit out. But yes, the nature of the tournament is such where you have 25 players in the squad, lots of options. So, sometimes you’ve got to take it in your stride,” Shardul said.

From his very first over, there was a spring in his step. The confidence of having captain and fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah standing at mid off might have helped. There were lengthy discussions and arms flailing, asking fielders to move and adjust their angles. “I think I have my comfort level with him. We had a lot of discussions; I don’t know much about the other bowlers. But of course, he’s never shy of sharing his ideas,” Shardul said.

READ | Our destiny is still in our hands, says Haddin as PBKS playoff hopes hang by a thread

However, the start was far from ideal. Prabhsimran was settled and he simply used the pace to nudge the ball in gaps and pick boundaries. Shardul had to wait six overs for his next chance and on the very first delivery, Prabhsimran shuffled across the stumps and whipped him over square leg.

“I knew that it was the fifth over where Punjab’s batters would also try to attack. And it was possible that I would go for more runs. But the T20 game is also like that. Sometimes, you have the intention to bowl good length but the batter plays a good shot. And Dharamshala is a venue that is at a high altitude. So, many times, the shot that might get the batter out on the boundary line at other stadiums, can go for six here,” Shardul said.

But Shardul has the ability to catch you off guard when you least expect it.

By the 11th over, MI’s insistence to hit the hard length was no longer a secret. It is what Prabhsimran was expecting, and hence, standing in his crease to play off his back foot. On the second delivery, Shardul threw a floater on a slightly fuller length. The result: Prabhsimran was left adjusting for length at the last instance and could only hand a top edge to deep third man.

Shreyas Iyer punched his first delivery through point for four, but could do little more than stare at the pitch when the next delivery, a cross-seamed one, hit the pitch and nipped away to peg back his off stump.

“I think there were too many ups and downs in this game. In PowerPlay, we started really well. But then, at the back end of the PowerPlay and at the start of the middle overs, there were few runs flowing. The tempo was constantly changing. So, as bowlers, it’s very difficult to keep coming back and bowling good deliveries. Because suddenly, there is a shift in tempo.

“You think what are my shutdown options? Then, suddenly, there is a fall of one or two wickets and then you are looking for wickets. So, there were too many switches in the game itself. So, in that way, bowlers had to shift their mindset quite a lot,” Shardul said after the game.

From 107 for one, PBKS was left at 111 for three in the space of six deliveries. The home side lost another two wickets in the next two overs and had been halted in its tracks. Shardul stuck to his cross-seamed deliveries and prised out another wicket in the 17th over, this time castling Marco Jansen by extracting the low bounce off the surface.

“I wouldn’t say I was too happy with my bowling. I think I could have conceded six-seven runs fewer than what I did. But the four wickets that I took, yes, I am happy with that. I am happier that I was able to take those in a winning cause,” Shardul said.

PBKS eked out a few bonus runs at the death by bringing in Vishnu Vinod as Impact Player. But Tilak Varma put up a show of his steely resolve to get MI over the line in chasing 201.

“Kudos to Tilak, the way he held his nerve. He spent the time in the middle and looked to bat all 20 overs. And he selected his balls, he selected his areas where he needed to hit. And also, to start with, [Ryan] Rickleton, the way he provided us runs in the PowerPlay,” Shardul said.

Published on May 15, 2026

#PBKS #IPL #Shardul #Thakur #fourfor #catches #Punjab #Kings #guard #Dharamshala

Post Comment