Florian Wirtz admitted that he's still adapting to the rigours of Premier League football and claimed he has "no idea" when his first Liverpool goal will come. The German playmaker, who has dazzled on international duty, is still finding his feet in England after joining one of Europe's most demanding divisions.
Wirtz adjusting to Premier League intensity
Germany hero struggling to find Liverpool scoring touch
Upcoming fixtures could offer breakthrough
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Wirtz recently lit up the international stage, scoring a stunning free-kick for Germany during their World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland. However, his moment of brilliance was contrasted by a lacklustre overall performance from Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, which drew half-time boos from the Cologne crowd. Nonetheless, the Germans went on to win the match 3-1 with Serge Gnabry and Nadiem Amiri also finding the net.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Meanwhile on Merseyside, despite Liverpool winning all three of their opening fixtures against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Arsenal, Wirtz has yet to get off the mark. Each game has thrown him into high-intensity scenarios, testing his adaptability against teams with distinct styles.
WHAT WIRTZ SAID
Speaking to after the Germany match on Monday, Wirtz reflected on the unique demands of English football. "It's another league, another type of football. I'm happy to be there," Wirtz said. "I have no idea when I'll score my first goal, hopefully in the next game, but it will come at some point."
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WHAT NEXT FOR WIRTZ?
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures might provide more of the space and freedom Wirtz thrives on. Matches against Burnley at Turf Moor and Everton at Anfield are expected to be less congested, giving the No. 10 room to showcase his dribbling, vision, and creativity.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is thought to be on the verge of yet another summer transfer deal, following what has been a hectic last few weeks.
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Mikel Arteta has already welcomed Spanish international duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi to N5, with the pair reinforcing his goalkeeping department and engine room, while former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has also been announced as Thomas Partey’s replacement.
This trio of signings has set Arsenal back around ÂŁ75 million, not including add-ons, but Berta is poised to splash even more cash in the slow build up to deadline day on September 1.
19/20 – winter
ÂŁ0
20/21 – summer
ÂŁ81.5m
20/21 – winter
ÂŁ900k
21/22 – summer
ÂŁ156.8m
21/22 – winter
ÂŁ1.8m
22/23 – summer
ÂŁ121.5m
22/23 – winter
ÂŁ59m
23/24 – summer
ÂŁ208m
23/24 – winter
ÂŁ0
24/25 – summer
ÂŁ101.5m
24/25 – winter
ÂŁ0
25/26 – summer
ÂŁ75m
Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific hitman has now gone on to strike. He’s actively refusing to return for pre-season training as Gyokeres attempts to force through a move to the Emirates, but the two sides are currently still apart in valuation.
Arsenal are also still in pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. The England international won’t be leaving Palace for less than his ÂŁ68 million release clause, according to reports, with the Eagles determined to hold out for his full asking price, even if Arsenal have held positive discussions with Eze’s camp (ESPN).
However, while Berta is no closer to striking a potential deal for the 27-year-old as things stand, he is about to make his fourth signing of the summer through another London-based attacker – Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
News emerged on Thursday evening that Arsenal have reached a full agreement to sign Madueke for around ÂŁ50 million, including add-ons, and Enzo Maresca has since confirmed that the 23-year-old is leaving Stamford Bridge.
Noni Madueke set for imminent Arsenal medical with agreement sealed
Sharing a further update on the situation, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that Madueke is set to undergo his Arsenal medical this weekend – so it won’t be long before he’s announced as a new Gunners player.
Given their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is now unlikely to join the club, some Arsenal supporters are dissatisfied with Berta’s decision to go for Madueke instead – especially considering he performed much better on the right-hand side for Chelsea last term as opposed to the left.
According to a poll conducted by Sky Sports, out of 35,000 fans, 70 per cent of them feel that Madueke would be a bad signing for Arteta – but there is reason to believe he could eventually thrive at Arsenal.
Madueke has been revered for his strength and burst of pace by members of the media, with his ability to play on either flank also proving useful. The former PSV Eindhoven star is also still young with plenty of Premier League experience already, and has the potential to get even better under Arteta’s guidance.
England do the needful after three-hour rain delay as eyes turn to St Lucia
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2024
England’s hopes were sinking as the rain fell in Antigua•Getty Images
Jos Buttler admitted that – for one night only – he would be an Australia fan, after his England team did the needful against Namibia, albeit in deeply stressful circumstances in Antigua.Needing a win of any description to keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive, England had to endure a three-hour rain delay at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, as a series of torrential downpours threatened to wash out their final group-stage fixture, and hand Scotland a pass to the Super Eight, even before their own clash with Australia – an eventual five-wicket defeat with two balls remaining – could get underway in St Lucia.But with the cut-off time looming, the clouds finally broke, and an 11-overs contest was able to get underway – which in turn was reduced to 10-a-side after another short break for rain. Buttler duly lost the toss, and was then bowled for a four-ball duck as Namibia’s seamers found the sweaty conditions to their liking in the powerplay. But with Harry Brook’s 47 not out from 20 balls leading the way, England reasserted their dominance to secure a 41-run win.”It’s a big relief,” Buttler said at the post-match presentations. “It was certainly a stressful day when the rain was coming down. But I thought we put in a really good performance. I think everyone managed that situation well. We were well prepared when we did play, and we played well.”I thought that was a really good score on that wicket,” he added, after England recovered from a dicey 13 for 2 in the third over to post a competitive 122 for 5. “After I got out, I was thinking 85-90 might be a really good score, with the way the ball was sticking in the wicket. But credit to [Jonny] Bairstow and Brook, a fantastic partnership with great cameos from Moeen [Ali] and Livi [Liam Livingstone]. They are class players.”The victory still would not have been enough if Scotland had managed to cap their impressive form in the tournament by overturning Australia in their final Group B match, which was due to get underway some two hours after England’s match had finished. Asked by Mike Atherton at the presentation whether he would be supporting Australia in the circumstances, Buttler replied: “Absolutely…”With that contest eventually going the way of Australia – albeit not without a stiff challenge from the Scots – England will progress to the Super Eight without a clear idea of where their form is at. Their frustrating run of recent fixtures has included two wash-outs against Pakistan in England last month, a 36-run loss to Australia in Barbados, and three matches against Oman, Scotland and Namibia in which they have batted for a total of 13.1 overs.”That’s just how it is,” Buttler said. “I think everyone’s dealt with everything that’s been thrown at us really well. Sometimes when you haven’t had a chance to spend much time in the middle, you can create things in this format. So credit to those guys, they’ve been hitting the ball well and they put together a vital partnership today. We’ve done all we can do. We’ll see what happens.”
It seemed like it was just a matter of time before there would be reports of Leeds United being interested in a deal for Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.
CaughtOffside recently reported that Aston Villa are ready to part ways with the Argentina international for a fee of around ÂŁ20m, and that the Championship champions are leading the race to sign him.
Buendia scored 24 goals and provided 41 assists in 121 appearances in all competitions for Daniel Farke during their time together at Norwich City, which is why this feels like an obvious link for the Whites.
However, the 28-year-old star’s relationship with the German head coach does not make it certain that the 49ers will conclude a deal for his services, as the club are reportedly eyeing up another option in the number ten role.
Leeds expected to make move for Championship star
The Whites are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, and they have identified one of the top players from the 2024/25 Championship campaign as a target.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to TEAMtalk, there is a ‘belief’ that Leeds United will make a move to sign Sheffield United attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Championship champions are active in the market to sign a number ten and that they are expected to swoop for the Dutch whiz, for whom they had an offer of ÂŁ18m rejected last year.
TEAMtalk adds that it would take a fee in the region of ÂŁ18m to secure his signature this time around, though, after the Blades failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Why Gustavo Hamer is as exciting as Emi Buendia
Both Hamer and Buendia appear to be good options on paper for Leeds to improve their options at the top end of the pitch, and they would both be exciting additions to the group this summer.
The former produced ten goals and eight assists in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, which is not quite as impressive as the 15 goals and 16 assists that the Argentine magician managed in the 2020/21 season under Farke.
Sheffield United's Gustavo Hamer celebrates scoring their first goal
This suggests that Buendia would be a more exciting signing for Leeds based on their form in the Championship, and what he did with Farke as his manager, but there is more to the situation than that.
For example, if you look at the last time that they both played a full season in the Premier League, it is Hamer who appears to come out on top as a better option for the West Yorkshire outfit.
Premier League
Hamer (23/24)
Buendia (22/23)
Appearances
36
38
xG
2.97
6.36
Goals
4
5
Big chances created
10
8
xA
4.55
4.19
Assists
6
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Dutch star was more efficient as a finisher at the top level and created more high-quality opportunities for his teammates as an attacking midfielder.
Hamer, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by former teammate Ollie McBurnie, has shown that he can be a quality operator in both the Premier League and the Championship for the Blades, which is why he is an attractive target for the Whites.
The 27-year-old star, who can also operate on the left flank as well as in midfield or as a number ten, could add a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals to Farke’s squad this summer.
Based on their respective statistics in the top two tiers, Buendia and Hamer are equally exciting targets with solid arguments as to why the club should sign them this summer.
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If the Whites end the summer transfer window with at least one of them added to the group for the upcoming Premier League season, Farke should be a happy man.
Chelsea are huge admirers of an “incredible” Ballon d’Or contender, and they have now been informed they may be able to sign him for a fee of ÂŁ80m this summer, according to a report.
Blues keen to strengthen in attack
BlueCo have spent heavily to strengthen Chelsea’s attack since their arrival at Stamford Bridge, but after some concerning performances over the past few weeks, it is looking increasingly likely at least one new forward will be brought in this summer.
A striker is of particular interest, given Nicolas Jackson’s struggles in front of goal, and a ÂŁ60m offer is now being prepared for Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, while they are also in talks to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
It would be fair to say Enzo Maresca’s side have also lacked a creative spark in recent weeks, failing to score in away trips to Arsenal and Brentford, which means the manager may also be keen on bringing in a new playmaker.
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Lyon’s Rayan Cherki certainly fits the bill in that regard, with the Blues now willing to submit a ÂŁ20m bid for the Frenchman, who ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders for assists per 90 over the past year.
Cherki is an up-and-coming talent, but Chelsea have also been informed they could sign one of the world’s most established forwards this summer, namely Barcelona star Raphinha, who could now be available for ÂŁ80m.
FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
The west Londoners are huge admirers of the Brazilian, and intermediaries have now hinted a deal could be possible this summer, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal also monitoring the situation.
Saudi Pro League sides are also keen on the 28-year-old, but he is currently happy at the Camp Nou, and Barcelona are looking to offer him a new contract to ward off the interest from elsewhere.
"Incredible" Raphinha is a Ballon d'Or contender
In the aforementioned report, it is detailed that Thierry Henry believes the Barca forward is a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or, given his very impressive performances in both La Liga and the Champions League this season.
TEAMtalk’s James Marshment has also hailed the Brazil international for his “incredible” goal and assist tally, which has played a major role in Barcelona reaching the Champions League semi-finals and going four points clear at the top of La Liga.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
La Liga
30
15
11
Champions League
12
12
7
Copa del Rey
4
1
4
Supercopa
2
2
1
It almost goes without saying that Raphinha would be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, but it seems likely they will have to qualify for the Champions League to stand any chance of competing for his signature.
This summer promises to be a huge one for Arsenal football club as they look to finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s side have finished runners-up in each of the last two campaigns, looking almost certain to finish in such a position at the end of 2024/25 – this time behind Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
The Gunners have done a tremendous job over the last couple of months considering the constant injury issues they’ve faced, losing countless key players in the process.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel are just two of the players who have been absent for large spells, highlighting the lack of squad depth currently available to Arteta in North London.
The injuries have undoubtedly scuppered any title opportunity this season, showcasing the need for added reinforcements this summer, with one area of the pitch in the greatest need of new signings.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker
Over the last few months, a striker has been at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list, arguably being the missing puzzle in their quest for English top-flight glory.
The main name touted with a move to the Emirates is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with the Swede impressing in the Premier League over the last couple of years, notching 41 league goals in his previous 58 outings.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
However, any deal for his services has been made almost impossible, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a £150m valuation on his head ahead of the summer window.
He’s not the only name in the mix with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, two other names also high on the club’s wish list – but like Isak, no progress has yet been made on any deals.
Despite the links, the Gunners have already started talks to land Lille striker Jonathan David this summer, according to Italian outlet Sempreinter.
They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Bayern Munich also approaching the Canadian, who’s out of contract at the end of this season.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their fourth goal
Why David would be a better signing than Isak for Arsenal
Isak’s talents have been on show for every Arsenal fan to see over the last few months, none more so than his effort against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
His effortless ability to glide past the opposition has seen comparisons made to Premier League legend Thierry Henry, which has certainly produced more hype over such a move to join Arteta’s side.
However, if they were to land the 25-year-old, they would have to fork out an English-record fee for his signature, breaking the record set by Moises Caicedo after his ÂŁ115m deal to join Chelsea in 2023.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakarrives at the stadium before the match
Given the added depth needed in key areas, splashing such an amount on one player would severely restrict the other business Arteta is able to conduct in the months ahead.
Such a deal may not be the supporters’ first choice, but when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the Canadian has managed to outperform Isak in key areas, showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.
Games played
44
36
Goals & assists
33
30
Shot-on-target accuracy
45%
44%
Pass accuracy
82%
73%
Take-on success
52%
49%
Fouls won
1.3
0.5
Aerials won
36%
34%
The Canadian, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has registered more combined goals and assists this campaign, showcasing the attacking threat he carries in the final third.
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing more take-ons, offering a more all-round option at the top end of the pitch – something which Arteta has greatly missed this season.
Whilst they will face stiff competition from various other European sides for his signature, from the stats produced, it’s evident that the Lille star would be a sensational addition, especially on a free transfer.
Isak will undoubtedly remain as the supporters’ main target this summer, but if the side are to improve in all areas ahead of next season, it’s pivotal that funds are available to edge them closer to title glory in 2025/26.
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Mandhana: I always back myself to be in ‘zen mode’
50 – balls taken by Smriti Mandhana to score her century against Australia on Saturday. It is the second-fastest in Women’s ODIs behind the record effort of Meg Lanning, who got there in 45 balls against New Zealand in 2012. During Australia’s innings, Beth Mooney scored her ton off just 57 balls – it was the joint second-fastest century in the format at that point, and is now the joint third-fastest.13 – Mandhana’s hundred is her 13th in women’s ODIs, placing her joint-second alongside Suzie Bates. Only Lanning with 15 tons is ahead of Mandhana. Her 13 hundreds are also the most by any opener ahead of Bates’ and Tammy Beaumont’s 12.This is also the second instance of Mandhana scoring back-to-back ODI hundreds, after she scored two against South Africa last year. Beaumont (in 2016, 2018 and 2025) is the only other batter to have done so more than once.198.41 – Smriti Mandhana’s strike rate during her knock of 125 in the third ODI, is the second highest by a player in an innings of 100 or more, overcoming Beth Mooney’s 184 in the first innings. Meg Lanning remains the only centurion to have a strike-rate of over 200 during her knock of 103 against New Zealand in 2012.ESPNcricinfo Ltd11-0 – Australia clinch their 11th bilateral ODI series win over India, and are yet to lose a series against them. They have now won nine consecutive ODI series, last losing to England 2-1 in the 2023 Women’s Ashes. The last team, apart from England, to defeat Australia in a bilateral ODI series was New Zealand, when they won 2-1, back in 1999.781 – Runs aggregated in the third ODI in Delhi between India and Australia is the most in a women’s ODI. England and South Africa also aggregated 678 runs in Bristol during the 2017 World Cup.111 – 99 fours and 12 sixes hit in the match in Delhi, the most in a Women’s ODI. England and South Africa hit 91 boundaries (83 fours and eight sixes) in Bristol in 2017.369 – India’s score in the second innings is the highest by any team in a run chase in women’s ODIs, surpassing South Africa’s 321 for 6 in an unsuccessful attempt chasing 326 against India in Bengaluru last year.96 for 2 – India’s powerplay score, during their chase of 413, is the second-highest by any team in the first 10 overs, where data is available. West Indies scored 156 for 3 against Thailand at Lahore earlier this year during the ODI World Cup qualifiers.412 – Australia’s total is their joint-highest in ODIs. They scored 412 for 3 against Denmark in the 1997 World Cup, which included Belinda Clark’s historic 229 not out in Mumbai.It is also the highest total against India in ODIs, the previous highest being 371 for 8, also by Australia in Brisbane last year.Getty Images138 – Mooney made her highest score in ODIs bettering her unbeaten 125, also against India, in Mackay in 2021. It is also the second-highest score against India in ODIs behind Claire Taylor’s 156 at Lord’s in 2006.9.73 – Arundhati Reddy’s economy rate in her spell of 3 for 86 in 8.5 overs. It is the most expensive spell (min five overs bowled) by an India bowler in Women’s ODIs. Reddy’s 86 runs conceded are also the second-most for an India bowler behind Priya Mishra’s 88, also against Australia in Brisbane in 2024.
The Madhya Pradesh batter has a reputation for scoring tough runs, and is fresh off a century against England Lions
Shashank Kishore24-Jan-2024Since 2000, only six Indians have made their Test debut after turning 30. Rajat Patidar could be the seventh, and only the second specialist batter after Suryakumar Yadav, if he earns his Test cap during the series against England beginning in Hyderabad on Thursday.Called up late as a replacement for Virat Kohli in the squad, Patidar has grown up batting at Nos. 3 and 4 for Madhya Pradesh for much of his first-class career. His numbers in red-ball cricket are impressive: 4000 runs in 93 innings at an average of 45.97, with 12 centuries and 22 half-centuries. Over nine years of domestic cricket, he has gained a reputation of being a batter for tough surfaces.Patidar’s composure has impressed Chandrakant Pandit, the Madhya Pradesh coach. Pandit’s old-school coaching methods have often divided opinion, even though he’s produced results, but for someone as hard-nosed as Pandit to say he simply let Patidar be speaks volumes about the player’s maturity.”Before every game, I have a whiteboard where I list out strengths and weaknesses of every batter and what I feel they need to work at the nets,” Pandit had once said. “While going through this at our meeting, one of the players innocently remarked, ‘Sir you’ve missed out Rajat’s name’. I told him, ‘ (let it be, he will manage. I’m not worried about him)’.”Related
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Patidar was sidelined for much of 2023 because of an Achilles injury that required surgery in London and wondered if he’d missed his big chance. Now, his career graph has surged to an unprecedented high, having made his ODI debut in South Africa in December.Last week, Patidar made 151 off 158 balls in India A’s innings of 227 in the first unofficial Test against England Lions in Ahmedabad. Before that, he smashed 111 in a two-day fixture against the same opponents. This wasn’t him trying his hand at Bazball.It is just who Patidar is. For him, batting is all about the “feel”.”I don’t judge myself on performance,” he had told ESPNcricinfo after helping Madhya Pradesh win their maiden Ranji Trophy title in June 2022. “I need to get that batting feel – the shots are good, the balance is there, the head is in the right position – till I don’t get that feel I don’t feel I’m in good form. Obviously it’s every batter’s job to score runs, but for me, if I feel good about my batting the runs come automatically.”Rajat Patidar made his ODI debut against South Africa in December•Gallo ImagesAnother strength of Patidar is his ability to deal with setbacks. Four days after finding no takers at the IPL 2022 auction, he began the 2021-22 Ranji season with twin fifties on a rank turner against Gujarat to help Madhya Pradesh win despite conceding a first-innings lead. The crunched nature of the group stages – thanks to the effects of Covid-19 – meant each team had just three matches and every one was crucial. Patidar scored 335 runs in four innings at an average of 83.75.Patidar was in the middle of planning his wedding in May when he got a call from Mike Hesson to join Royal Challengers Bangalore as an injury replacement. Within 24 hours of the call, he had postponed his wedding and was on the plane to IPL 2022, where he became the first uncapped Indian to hit a century in a playoff game.That knock at Eden Gardens against Lucknow Super Giants was followed by a half-century in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals. He finished that IPL season with 333 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 152.50. A week after that breakthrough IPL century, Patidar was playing for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy knockouts, hitting 323 runs at 80.75, including a match-winning hundred in the final against Mumbai.He had scored nearly 1000 runs across formats over three months and passed 50 in every knockout game he played. It was around then that his reputation of being a big-match player gathered momentum.”He’s a class player, a superb touch player,” Amol Muzumdar, who was Mumbai’s coach in that final, had said. “His bat flow was really good. I enjoyed… I mean didn’t ‘enjoy’ enjoy it, but loved the way he approaches batting. It’s clean. He’s a good player and I’d like to congratulate him for getting a Ranji Trophy final hundred. Not many achieve that.”Patidar made his India A debut later that year, against New Zealand A at home, and hit two hundreds in three red-ball games. Those performances have been the springboard to where he is today.Rajat Patidar is the only uncapped Indian to score a hundred in an IPL playoff game•BCCIIt’s a landmark moment in the life of someone who had wanted to be a fast bowler, but a lack of opportunities – he didn’t play age-group cricket for Madhya Pradesh until 18 – meant he had to try and do something different. He switched to offspin, “basically to do anything to find a place in junior cricket.” But when an anterior cruciate ligament injury forced him to rethink his choice of discipline, he turned to batting after working with Amay Khurasiya, the former India batter and MP captain.Patidar marked his first-class debut with a hundred against Baroda. He followed that with another century on a rank-turner in Gwalior, where offspinner Jalaj Saxena took the second-best figures in Ranji Trophy history to win Madhya Pradesh the game inside three days.Patidar made 113 off just 131 balls in that game, a knock he rates as among his best. “It was turning square, so you could either survive or look to score quickly,” he had said. “I thought while I’m in it, I should take the game forward and score runs. It’s not like I didn’t trust my defence, but the situation demanded that I look to be positive. Everything clicked.”With Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and a wicketkeeper likely to form India’s middle order in the first Test against England in Hyderabad, Patidar might have to wait for his opportunity. But should the need arise, India can call on a seasoned 30-year old who’s played high-pressure innings in tough spin-friendly conditions.
The 24-year old left-arm spinner from Uttar Pradesh has had to cross thousands of hurdles to fulfill his dream of playing cricket
Nikhil Sharma06-May-20222:39
Vettori: Royals looked for a bad ball, but Kartikeya never gave it to them
Left-arm everything.That was quite an apt description by commentators when Kumar Kartikeya Singh made his IPL debut in Mumbai Indians’ last match. You saw him bowl left-arm wristspin, wrong’uns, fingerspin and even the carrom ball. You probably don’t know that till about six months ago he was just a left-arm orthodox spinner. His coach Sanjay Bharadwaj told ESPNcricinfo that in order to be successful in T20 cricket, Kartikeya taught himself wristspin – the most difficult art in cricket – and obsessively practised to master it.It was this obsession nine years ago that brought a 15-year-old Kartikeya from Kanpur to Bharadwaj’s academy in Delhi. He had promised his family that he won’t let his cricket add to the financial burden of his father, a constable in Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC). Kartikeya knew nobody in Delhi except his friend Radheshyam, who used to play league cricket. Radheshyam took him to many academies, but everyone demanded a hefty fee.When they went to Bharadwaj and told him Kartikeya was in no condition to pay for the coaching, he agreed to give him a trial. All it took was one ball in the nets for Bharadwaj to agree to coach him pro bono. “His action was so smooth,” Bharadwaj told ESPNcricinfo. “His use of fingers imparted action on the ball.”
Kartikeya would walk miles to get to his cricket academy to save INR 10 for a pack of biscuits.
Now that coaching was taken care of, Kartikeya had to work for his food and lodging. He started as a labourer in a factory in Masuri, a village next to Ghaziabad, about 80km from the academy. He found shared accommodation near the factory. He would work in the factory all night, and then make it to the academy in the morning. Often he would walk miles to save INR 10 for a pack of biscuits.When Bharadwaj came to know of the amount he travelled, he asked Kartikeya why he didn’t stay someplace closer. That’s when Kartikeya told him of his job in the factory, the night shifts and the arduous travel. Bharadwaj offered to let him share the on-site accommodation he had for the academy’s cook.Bharadwaj clearly remembers the first day Kartikeya stayed at the academy. “When the cook gave him lunch, Kartikeya began to cry: he hadn’t eaten lunch for a year.”Kumar Kartikeya, on his Mumbai Indians debut, returned 1 for 19•BCCIBharadwaj then got Kartikeya enrolled in a school. He played schools nationals, and took 45 wickets in DDCA league. He was the Player of the Tournament in three tournaments including the prestigious Om Nath Sood Tournament in Delhi. And yet when Kartikeya went for the DDCA trials, he didn’t make it to the longlist of 200.Bharadwaj had dealt with these issues previously. Known more famously as the childhood coach of Gautam Gambhir, Bharadwaj saw the same happen to Amit Mishra when he was young. So he got Mishra to move to Haryana when he was not getting selected in Delhi. This time he sent his latest protege to Madhya Pradesh.”Looking at his ability and dedication, I sent him to my friend and secretary of Shahdol Cricket Association Ajay Dwivedi,” Bharadwaj said. “He played division cricket there and took 50-plus wickets in his first two years.”Related
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In the state trial matches, Kartikeya took five-fors in every match. Soon he went on to play Ranji Trophy cricket, having represented MP at Under-23 level earlier in the same month. When he debuted in 2018, Kartikeya made Bharadwaj speak to his father on the phone, the only time the coach has interacted with the family of his favourite ward.Since then Kartikeya’s new home was Bharadwaj’s new academy in Bhopal, which had boarding facilities too. That’s where, while playing his active cricket, Kartikeya quietly taught himself wristspin. He bowled it with such control on his IPL debut that the former great Daniel Vettori was impressed that he didn’t bowl any loose balls. We might be surprised that till as recently as six months ago he was just a fingerspinner, but Bharadwaj is not surprised at all.”Whenever he is free, he starts bowling in the nets,” Bharadwaj said. “Many a time he comes back from matches in Indore late in the night and gets the lights on and spends the next two-three hours in the nets. His obsession has only grown in the last nine years.”In his first over in the IPL, Kartikeya took the wicket of Sanju Samson, and will go on to add other big names to it. Even if he hadn’t achieved instant success, Kartikeya would not have been perturbed: in coming this far, he has crossed much bigger hurdles.
It appears the Houston Astros will have to wait to sign their rising star shortstop to a contract extension.
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Wednesday that Jeremy Pena and the Astros were in "serious long-term contract talks" before the shortstop switched agents to Scott Boras.
Now, according to Heyman, those talks are on hold.
Pena, 27, is in the middle of a breakout season in his fourth year as the Astros' starting shortstop. In 78 games, Pena is batting .328/.380/.493 with 11 homers and 15 stolen bases. He has received the third-most All-Star votes among American League shortstops.
Pena has two more years of team control on his contract and is currently set to hit free agency after the 2027 campaign. The Astros appear motivated to get him locked down for the future, but they'll have to wait as Pena's camp pivots to Boras.