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“If we should go back and look at the Punjab game, when we got 112 to make, that game really hurt us”

Sreshth Shah03-May-20251:21

Ganga: KKR need to maximise Russell and Powell’s impact

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have lost five of their nine completed games, failed to stitch together even two wins in a row, and now need four wins from as many matches to reach 17 points, which would give them a realistic chance of qualifying for the IPL 2025 playoffs.Ahead of KKR’s home game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, Rovman Powell said that they have moved on from the first half of their season, and wants to build on their 14-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) to get on a run that could see them stay alive in the tournament. After all, it has been done for: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their last four must-win games in IPL 2009 and 2016, both times when they reached the final, and also won their last six must-win games in IPL 2024 to secure qualification.”At the start of the season, it’s a position that we wouldn’t want to find ourselves in, but our destiny is still in our own hands, and that’s a good place to be,” Powell told reporters in Kolkata on Saturday. “We have four games that we need to win, and we can’t look at the holistic picture right now. We have to look at it one game at a time, and our opponent for the next one.Related

KKR back to home discomforts with playoffs chances on the line

“You can’t get too desperate; you still have to trust the process. It’s not just an important phase for us as a team, but it’s an important phase for all the teams – even the teams that are leading, or [are] in the top-four spots at the moment. It’s [about] who, at this point, plays the better cricket. Whatever happened before in the first half of the competition is history. We all know that the IPL is won by a team that finds momentum at the back-end of the competition. And if we can do that, we give ourselves the best chance of being back champions.”Powell said that the collective experience of the overseas players in the KKR line-up, having played in leagues around the world and found themselves in similar situations in the past, allows them to guide the team through this difficult phase. And despite suggesting earlier that the team has put the past behind them, Powell rued the two points they missed out on against Punjab Kings, when they failed to chase 112, and felt that game really disrupted the momentum the team was building.”There’s a lot of players from India who have just gotten a little taste of international cricket, so for us as overseas guys who have played more cricket around the world, [and] who have been in these positions a lot more, it’s important for us now to guide them,” Powell said. “It’s important for us now to keep teaching them and showing them that it’s still normal cricket.”If we should go back and look at the Punjab game, when we got 112 to make, that game really hurt us, and it really affected our standing in the table. If we had gotten those two points, we would be sitting here with more smiles on our face. That was down to poor batting at that point, but I think we had conversations, and the guys have made incredible strides [since].”As for the RR challenge – who, despite being eliminated, could spoil KKR’s run with a win – Powell said the team looked closely at Mumbai Indians’ 100-run win over RR. He said the team has picked up on some of the tactical plans to trouble RR’s batters, and wants to do the same to neutralise them – especially the opening pair of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal.Powell added that he expects to bat at No. 8, and not higher – even if that means very little batting time for him – since it allows the Indian batters to shine in their best positions.”I think it’s more tactical than ever,” Powell said. “When you look at the team and how the team is built, it’s built around strong Indian batters in the middle. So we have those guys to get us through the middle, and then you try to add a little bit of Caribbean power in the last five or four overs.”

No replacement will be flown in for the last match of the tour where the visitors lead 2-0

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-2025Australia fast bowler Darcie Brown will miss the third and final T20I against New Zealand in Wellington after flying home for family reasons.Brown bowled superbly in the first two matches of the series, claiming 1 for 22 from four overs in Auckland and 2 for 23 from four in Mount Maunganui, to help Australia close out the series 2-0 will one game remaining.But Brown has departed the tour ahead of the final game. Cricket Australia confirmed that no replacement would come into the squad. Megan Schutt was rested from the second T20I and appears likely to come back into the side.Australia have already lost vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner to a broken finger after suffering a blow while attempting to take a return catch in the first game in Auckland.Queensland offspinning allrounder Charli Knott flew in ahead of the second match in Mount Maunganui but is yet to make her international debut.

Cody Gakpo was honest in his reflection of Liverpool's performance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Chelsea grabbing a late winner through Estevao Willian in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The defeat was "hard to take" for the Dutchman, who believes that the visitors played "better" football than the hosts and deserved to come away with a more positive result.

• Chelsea earn three points through dramatic late Estevao winner

  The hosts broke the deadlock in the 14th minute after a screamer from Moises Caicedo. Gakpo pulled one back for the Reds in the 63th minute after an assist from Alexander Isak, but his efforts were in vain as substitute Estevao's dramatic winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time further compounded Arne Slot's misery.

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  Liverpool find themselves stuck in a rut

  The defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday was Liverpool's third successive defeat across all competitions. After recording five wins from their opening five league games, they slipped to defeat against a resilient Crystal Palace side last weekend. Further chinks in their armour were exposed in the drab defeat to Turkish giants Galatasaray in the Champions League earlier this week. The result on Saturday will have officially rung alarm bells at Anfield, with Arsenal knocking the defending champions off their perch in the Premier League standings. 

• 'Losing three games in a row not good enough' – Gakpo

  The scorer for Slot's side reflected on the loss to Chelsea after the game. "It's difficult [to take]. I think obviously we play against a really good team," he told Sky Sports. "First half they scored an amazing goal but I think it was level. Second half we fight really hard for the equaliser and we played a little better than them but they were dangerous on counter. To concede last minute is hard to take."

  He shared his thoughts on the reigning champions' concerning form. "I don't want to say low on confidence. I understand what you mean," Gakpo stated. "In this time the things don't fall our way. Maybe five games ago they did fall our way. This is part of football. we have to take it on our chests and keep on fighting. we have to keep pushing.

  "When you play at a club this big it's normal when you lose three games in a row that it's not good enough. We know that as players. We are very much aware of the situation. We know what to do, which is going back to the winning ways."

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  Win against Man Utd paramount for Liverpool

  Slot's troops will be desperate to turn things around after the upcoming international break. They couldn't have hoped for a better game to get out of their rut. Indeed, they will take on Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, with the Merseyside outfit enjoying a fantastic recent record against their rivals.

It would be fair to say that Chelsea have had a good summer so far when it comes to transfers.

While they didn’t look great in the first Premier League game of the season, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are all incredibly talented.

Moreover, even though he’s young, Jorrel Hato has been talked about as one of the game’s next great defenders for years now, and at this point, the club look increasingly likely to sign Alejandro Garnacho.

Yet, while the Argentine is a promising player who has shown flashes of brilliance here and there, Chelsea are also being linked with another international, someone who would be a big upgrade.

Chelsea chase Garnacho upgrade

Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho is nothing new, as the club were reliably linked with him back in the January window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, the West Londoners have really stepped up their pursuit of the 21-year-old this summer, and as things stand, they appear to be in direct talks with Manchester United over a transfer.

However, while it’s been made clear Garnacho wants the move, the West Londoners have been linked with another international attacker, someone who would be a significant upgrade.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Chelsea are in the picture for Ademola Lookman.

The journalist has revealed that following the collapse of his move to Inter Milan, the Nigerian international’s representatives have been in talks with several clubs, including the Blues.

According to other reports from earlier this summer, an offer of around £43m could be enough to tempt Atalanta into selling this summer.

While that is a sizable sum of money, it may prove to be a bargain for someone of Lookman’s quality, especially as he would be an upgrade on Lookman.

How Lookman compares to Garnacho

So, while Garnacho is a talented player and someone who could go on to do great things in the game, Lookman would undoubtedly be the better signing for Chelsea this summer, and the first reason comes down to his versatility.

For example, while the United ace can play in a few positions, he is primarily a left-winger, with 110 appearances coming there, 33 off the right and 27 in attacking midfield.

In contrast, the Atalanta star is far more versatile and can play practically anywhere in the attack, with 100 appearances off the left, 83 as a second striker, 62 off the right, 38 up top and 16 in attacking midfield.

In other words, the Nigerian game-changer could be played wherever he is needed, which in turn gives the manager far more tactical options ahead of and during matches.

The second reason Lookman would be a massive upgrade on the Argentine is his output.

Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

That means the former Everton flop has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes since the start of the 22/23 campaign, which is frankly outstanding.

Appearances

33

34

Minutes

1858′

1205′

Goals

15

5

Assists

8

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

120.5′

Appearances

45

50

Minutes

2809′

3574′

Goals

17

10

Assists

10

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.03′

210.23′

Appearances

40

58

Minutes

2871′

3568′

Goals

20

11

Assists

7

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.67

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvement

106.33

169.90′

In contrast, the Madrid-born gem star has scored 26 goals and provided 22 assists in 142 appearances, totalling 8347 minutes, across the same period, which comes out to a great, but still less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.95 games, or every 173.89 minutes.

Finally, the Wandsworth-born dynamo proved that he can do it on the biggest stages when he scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final, so there he should be able to come right into Maresca’s side and be a difference-maker from the word go.

Ultimately, Garnacho is a talented player, but from practically every way you look at it, it’s clear Lookman would be a massive upgrade.

£50m ex-Atletico Madrid sensation has told friends he's joining Chelsea

Stamford Bridge officials have given the player has instruction during talks.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 20, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Além da necessidade de buscar a classificação para as oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, o São Paulo tem outra questão em mente: garantir a premiação milionária. A partida contra o Ituano acontecerá nesta terça-feira (25), às 21h30 (de Brasília), no estádio Novelli Júnior.

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Válida pela terceira fase da competição, o jogo de ida aconteceu no estádio do Morumbi e terminou em um empate sem gols. Para o Tricolor se classificar, precisa de uma vitória ou permanecer no empate e decidir em uma disputa de pênaltis.

ATUAÇÕES: Rafael tem noite de “paredão” e salva São Paulo na estreia de Dorival

Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil

Só pela participação na terceira etapa, a equipe já lucrou R$2,1 milhões. Entretanto, a classificação para as oitavas arrecadaria mais R$3,3 milhões em premiação. Ou seja, sem contar bilheteria, ir para as oitavas de final daria, ao todo, praticamente R$ 5,4 milhões.

Se esta classificação não existir, o São Paulo deixará de receber este valor de R$ 3,3 milhões – e todos os outros correspondentes às próximas fases do campeonato. A premiação da Copa do Brasil deste ano será maior que a de 2022.Ao todo, a CBF vai distribuir R$ 416,9 milhões entre os 92 clubes participantes.

Como o Tricolor estreou somente na terceira fase, se for campeão – além do título inédito -,o prêmio total chegaria a R$ 88,7 milhões. Inclusive, nas metas orçamentárias para este ano, o São Paulo espera chegar pelo menos até as quartas de final da competição. Assim, a intenção seria lucrar cerca de R$ 9,7 milhões.

continua após a publicidade

Veja a premiação de casa fase da Copa do Brasil:

1ª fase: R$ 1,4 milhão (grupo I), R$ 1,25 milhão (grupo II) e R$ 750 mil (grupo III)
2ª fase: R$ 1,7 milhão (grupo I), R$ 1,4 milhão (grupo II) e R$ 900 mil (grupo III)
3ª fase: R$ 2,1 milhões
Oitavas de final: R$ 3,3 milhões
Quartas de final: R$ 4,3 milhões
Semifinal: R$ 9 milhões
Vice-campeão: R$ 30 milhões
Campeão: R$ 70 milhões

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insisted that the Reds will not hesitate to strike with further additions in the summer transfer market.

Never in the Anfield side’s history has there been such a cascade of first-team signings across a single summer window, but then Liverpool won the Premier League last season and have the financial means to package Slot’s squad with exciting additions.

The thought of Mohamed Salah combining with the likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, previously two of the German Bundesliga’s brightest talents, over the next few years is quite a thing.

And more may yet be added to the ranks.

However, Luis Diaz has been sold to Bayern Munich for a £65.5m fee, and that’s a departure which will be felt on Merseyside next season.

Liverpool's decision to sell Luis Diaz

Liverpool sold Diaz, 28, due to the fact he had entered the penultimate year of his contract and wanted to leave, earning a comparatively meagre amount compared to many of Liverpool’s best-paid stars.

Bayern presented the Reds with a pretty few pennies, and his sale felt like a no-brainer, although it has now left the Anfield side lacking the versatile forward’s electric-paced energy.

Following the announcement of Diaz’s sale, Salah said this: “Your energy, drive, and passion on the pitch have left a mark that won’t be forgotten.”

And he only improved over the past year, shifting from Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpress to the more methodical ‘Slotball’.

Matches (starts)

37 (32)

36 (28)

Goals

8

13

Assists

5

5

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.9)

2.0 (0.8)

Big chances missed

13

11

Pass completion

85%

86%

Big chances created

5

8

Key passes*

1.8

1.6

Dribbles*

1.8

1.5

Ball recoveries*

3.4

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.0

1.3

Duels won*

4.6

3.8

Diaz’s sale does, of course, hand Cody Gakpo something of a window to grasp over the coming weeks and months, for he is – as things stand – Liverpool’s leading left-sided forward.

But the Colombian, now part of the Die Roten squad, played a fair share of football as a makeshift number nine, and when Liverpool replace him, they might have their sights set at a central player.

Liverpool target wants to join them

As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool have seen an opening offer for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak knocked back. It fell into the ballpark of British-record territory, in excess of £120m.

Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs has corroborated the report, revealing that the 25-year-old is “pushing to join” Slot’s side. The Magpies, it’s important to stress, are adamant they will only cash in should they find a suitable replacement.

Careful planning and handling of finances have allowed Liverpool to shift into this enviable position, and Isak really would be the icing on the cake this summer.

What Liverpool would get with Alexander Isak

Isak has been with Newcastle for three years now, having joined them from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022. Pundit Ally McCoist hailed him as “the best all-round centre-forward” in the Premier League for his efforts across the 2024/25 season, and it’s hardly an outrageous take.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland may be a more clinical ball-striking machine, but Isak’s rounded style, merging strength with style, suggests he could slot right into the way of things at Anfield.

It’s the kind of offensive game that would play right into Salah’s strengths, prominently, but also Gakpo’s too. Liverpool’s Netherlands ace scored 18 goals and provided seven assists last season, instrumental in winning the Premier League.

He’s not averse to creating and drawing defenders away, of course, and so in this way, Liverpool could find a new high-class partnership developing between Isak and Gakpo, with the Newcastle number nine so elegant and suitable for the prolific wide forward’s skill set.

Matches (starts)

30 (27)

34 (34)

Goals

21

23

Assists

2

6

Touches*

26.8

33.3

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (1.4)

2.9 (1.4)

Big chances missed

21

18

Pass completion

80%

77%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

0.9

1.2

Dribbles*

1.4

1.2

Ball recoveries*

1.3

1.6

Tackles + interceptions*

0.4

0.5

Duels (won)*

2.4

2.8

The £120k-per-week Isak has a lot in his locker, but he has almost simplified his game at Newcastle, relinquishing some of the more athletic and mobile elements to refine his world-class shooting. It worked to an emphatic effect, for Newcastle restored their place in the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup (against Liverpool in the final) besides.

He was only outscored by Salah, but his roundedness suggests that he could be an exciting dance partner for Gakpo, whose responsibilities may well increase with Diaz now gone.

Gakpo isn’t a one-trick pony by any stretch, but he does put an emphasis on his goalscoring, cutting inside and clinically striking on goal.

Since Isak created 11 big chances in the top flight last season, it seems like he would be a tailor-made addition to combine with Gakpo, who ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last year for non-penalty goals (0.47) per 90, as per FBref.

The Dutchman was praised by pundit Peter Crouch for having “gone up a level” since Slot replaced Klopp in the dugout, and you can only imagine the kind of heights that the 25-year-old could reach alongside a cultured and confident superstar such as Isak, who has been described by teammate Nick Pope as being “like a wizard” for the playmaking side to his arsenal.

Once again, Liverpool know that their hopes of signing Isak hinge on Newcastle’s ability to find a replacement. They want RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but he’s also being pursued by Manchester United, who are readying a formal bid.

However, the Magpies will be cautious about keeping Isak on the books after his desperate efforts to force a move to Liverpool, and this is – without a doubt – one to keep a close eye on.

Bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool ready to sell Slot's "monster" for £47m

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, and now face the exit of another star player.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 31, 2025

Oval Invincibles missed the chance to confirm their spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s at Trent Bridge, losing to Trent Rockets thanks to Rovman Powell’s spectacular hitting.The Invincibles are still clear favourites to progress directly to the final as group winners, but Birmingham Phoenix could leapfrog them on net run-rate with a huge win over rock-bottom Manchester Originals on Thursday night. The Phoenix would need to win by around 92 runs batting first, or to chase down a target with around 62 balls to spare.”They’re a very good side,” Sam Billings, the Invincibles’ captain, said. “Their season could have been very different, and we knew it would be a tough match tonight at Trent Bridge, which is a great place to play.”As for us, a lot of positives tonight, we’ve played a lot of very, very good cricket in this tournament and one defeat doesn’t change that. It’s all about adapting to conditions. The Oval has played very different to Lord’s, but there’s a lot of clarity amongst the group regarding their own roles.”Tom Alsop swings hard over midwicket•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

Coming to the crease with 95 needed from 52 balls and the Rockets three wickets down, Powell joined Tom Alsop to post an 80-run stand from just 32 balls to take the Rockets careening towards the Invincibles total of 150.Powell’s pyrotechnics delivered four sixes, with one hit off Sam Curran going 101 metres, before Curran induced Powell to miscue a lofted drive to long-on. The Jamaican’s dismissal left the Rockets needing 15 from 10 balls, but Alsop and Chris Green took the home side to victory with six balls to spare.The last two winners of the Hundred men’s competition have experienced contrasting fortunes this term with the Rockets, 2022 champions, suffering four defeats and already eliminated before Wednesday’s fixture, while the Invincibles have been relentless, winning six of their first seven.But in front of 12,000 fans at Trent Bridge, there was little between the teams. Choosing to bat first on a pitch taking turn, Invincibles opener Dawid Malan made a composed half-century against his old side, batting through the innings for an unbeaten 53 off 43 balls to allow the hitters to open up around him.Will Jacks’ quickfire 30 came from 17 balls ensured that the Invincibles dominated the powerplay, before Jordan Cox smashed a 30-ball 39 in a 71-run partnership with Malan.Cox succumbed to Sam Cook, whose figures of 2 for 23 were the most economical of the Rockets’ bowlers, giving Donovan Ferreira free rein to boss the latter stages. Ferreira’s unbeaten 27 occupied just 10 balls and featured three successive sixes to haul the Invincibles up to 150 for 3.Saqib Mahmood, bowling 15 of the first 20 balls of the Rockets innings, was fast and hostile, regularly touching 88mph and accounting for Tom Banton in his opening spell.Saqib Mahmood struck early to remove Tom Banton•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

A recovery took place between Alex Hales and Joe Root but when Hales, on 35, misjudged a pull to give Jacks his first wicket, followed by Root lofting a Nathan Sowter leg-break to Curran at long-on, the Invincibles were strong favourites. Step forward Powell and Alsop, who gave Rockets fans a reminder of their quality.

Arsenal have many different transfer plates spinning behind-the-scenes right now, according to reports, with sporting director Andrea Berta attempting to make progress on key summer deals.

Arsenal poised to sign Kepa and Zubimendi amid new striker talks

While there were some concerns that Real Madrid would hijack Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, The Athletic’s David Ornstein moved to reassure supporters this week that the Spain international is firmly on track to join Mikel Arteta’s side.

£67m player prioritising Arsenal move as agent holds meeting, it's not Sesko

He’s pretty keen on a move to north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

The delay in announcing Zubimendi’s capture is apparently down to financial reasons, with Sociedad keen to register the 26-year-old’s sale as part of the next financial year, which commences in July (AS).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal are poised to sign Zubimendi after months of talks, and barring a late unmitigated disaster, Gunners chiefs consider the deal for him as “done” (David Ornstein).

Berta is also closing in on the signing of Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as their second-choice keeper after missing out on widely reported top target Joan Garcia to Barcelona.

The Spaniard, who was deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca, is set to finalise a £5 million move from Stamford Bridge, following a productive loan spell at Bournemouth last season.

Kepa’s imminent arrival has been praised by critics too, who call him an “absolute steal”.

“Arsenal have acted really quickly after it became clear that Joan Garcia would not be arriving from Espanyol this summer and have all but wrapped up a really smart piece of business,” said journalist Charles Watts to CaughtOffside.

“Landing a keeper like Kepa for just £5 million is an absolute steal. I’m honestly baffled at how there seems to be some who are questioning it.

“You are talking about a keeper approaching his best years who has plenty of experience and is a senior international. He had a very good season on loan at Bournemouth last season and the season before he helped Real Madrid win the Champions League while he was there.”

Amid these two moves, Arsenal continue working on signing a new striker.

Two names have dominated the headlines – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal have been in negotiations with Leipzig over Sesko, but are yet to find an agreement on price, which has perhaps led them to try their hand at an offer for Gyokeres instead.

Arsenal submit "concrete offer" for Viktor Gyokeres

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Sporting and the Sweden international have received Berta’s opening bid.

The Italian held a summit with Sporting’s general director of football, Bernardo Palmeiro, in Spain earlier this week. During these talks, Arsenal submitted their “first concrete offer” for Gyokeres, which came in at around £55 million including add-ons.

Unfortunately, this is very unlikely to be anywhere near enough, as Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed to the media this week that the 27-year-old star striker would not be leaving for nearly £60m.

Gyokeres’ situation in the Primeira Liga is becoming very toxic, with the player uploading a cryptic Instagram post after Varandas’ comments that he would not be blackmailed into selling him.

In his post, Gyokeres addressed the “false” talk regarding his future, potentially aimed at Varandas’ statements to the media.

Having scored 54 goals in all competitions last term, guiding Sporting to their first domestic double in decades, the centre-forward’s future has now turned into a soap opera, and Arsenal could look to take full advantage.

If the north Londoners do make progress in negotiation, it is believed by some media sources that Gyokeres is demanding around £250,000-per-week to join any suitor (The Mirror).

Match details

Canada vs India
June 15, Lauderhill, Florida, 10.30am local time

Big picture: Rain threat in Florida

Canada are facing their toughest test of the T20 World Cup as India aim to go into the Super 8 stage with a clean sheet, but the fixture is at the mercy of the weather in Florida. Friday’s game between USA and Ireland was washed out at the venue, and there’s an 85% chance of rain on Saturday.If the game does go ahead, India could test out their bench strength. They have played the same XI in their first three group games, but with qualification secure and no points advantage carried forward to the Super Eight, they could give the likes of Kuldeep Yadav or Sanju Samson some game time.Related

• Similar but different India have tough choices to make with their batting order

• Johnson: That was my best international innings

• Hardik hits his rhythm to get rid of the blues

India’s final group game is also Virat Kohli’s last chance to find form before the more competitive Super Eight stage. Of all the batters itching to get out of New York, he is right up there. His move to the top of the order has yielded scores of 4, 1 and 0, and Kohli is not even among the top 150 run-scorers of the tournament. He does not have exceptional numbers in Florida, though: 63 runs in three innings at an average of 21.00.Virat Kohli has not yet fired as an opener in the T20 World Cup•Associated Press

With USA confirming their Super Eight berth from Group A along with India, Canada have been knocked out, having earned only two points from their first three games. They have been competitive at their first T20 World Cup though, having scored 194 in their opening game against USA and then securing a comfortable win against Ireland. They even gave Pakistan a scare, and will hope to sign off at their best against their most high-profile opponents.

Form guide: India on a roll

India WWWWW
Canada LWLLL

In the spotlight: Aaron Johnson and Hardik Pandya

Despite making his T20I debut only in November 2022, Aaron Johnson is already Canada’s second highest run-scorer. He had a tremendous start to his international career, scoring four fifties and one century in his first seven T20I innings, and has sustained his form. No other Canada batter has more runs than Johnson’s 400 in 12 innings since the start of 2023. He is coming into this game on the back of a confident 52 against Pakistan.Hardik Pandya has seven wickets in three games at the T20 World Cup•Associated Press

Hardik Pandya has not had much to do with the bat, but has been an asset with the ball. He is India’s joint highest wicket-taker so far in the competition, with seven wickets in three games, and has stifled batters in the middle overs. Hardik has hit those hard lengths and finished the New York leg with an economy of 5.41.

Team news: Will India give Kuldeep a go?

Canada’s move to bring in Ravinderpal Singh for Dilpreet Bajwa did not work, with Ravinderpal out for a second-ball duck. They might go back to Bajwa against India.Canada (probable XI): 1 Aaron Johnson, 2 Navneet Dhaliwal, 3 Pargat Singh, 4 Nicholas Kirton, 5 Shreyas Movva (wk), 6 Ravinderpal Singh/Dilpreet Bajwa, 7 Dilon Heyliger, 8 Saad Bin Zafar (capt), 9 Kaleem Sana, 10 Junaid Siddiqui, 11 Jeremy GordonIndia could rest one of their fast bowlers and bring in Kuldeep, whose wristspin might be required in the Super Eight stage in the West Indies.India (probable XI): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Rishabh Pant (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Axar Patel, 9, 10, 11 Jasprit Bumrah/Mohammed Siraj/Kuldeep Yadav/Arshdeep SinghFriday morning was extremely wet at the venue•ICC/Getty Images

Pitch and conditions: Rain alert

Thursday was dry but Friday was a washout in Lauderhill. The forecast for Saturday morning is not promising, with scattered thunderstorms predicted throughout the day.

Stats and trivia

• Apart from West Indies, who play some international matches here, India have played the most T20Is (eight) in Lauderhill: five wins, two defeats and one washout.
• Rohit Sharma is the top-scorer in T20Is at this venue: 196 runs, with two half-centuries in in five innings.
• Arshdeep Singh has the second most T20I wickets in Lauderhill: seven in four innings, with an economy of 7.88.
• Arshdeep has bowled six overs in the powerplay at this T20 World Cup and conceded just one boundary.
• Out of the 56 overs India have bowled in the tournament, only nine have been delivered by spinners
• Canada have never faced India in a T20I.

Quotes

“I saw them last month in April. Those guys were working really hard. I am happy for them. It is a motivation for us, going into the next tournament that USA have down, so can we. In that way, we can look at it.”
“Regarding this stadium, we played earlier so we are slightly aware of the conditions, what we get. Yes, the weather is challenging here, you don’t know about when the rain comes and all, but we have been prepared for all these things. So, we are focusing on what we can control and at this point of the time, we can’t control the weather conditions. So, we are trying to prepare ourselves in the best possible way but we want a game to happen.”
India fielding coach T Dilip isn’t bothered about the conditions