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Celtic are now reportedly tracking a Serie A midfielder who impressed against Rangers last season, but has since struggled to make his mark in Italy.

The Bhoys have plenty of work to do off the pitch between now and the January transfer window. Not only must they identify some much-needed reinforcements, but they’re also still without a permanent manager weeks after Brendan Rodgers’ shock exit.

Martin O’Neill has continued to do an impressive job in the meantime and continued his impressive domestic run with a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday, but the job he’s doing has only sparked more debate.

The 73-year-old has distanced himself from the permanent position time and time again, yet the rumours continue to arrive that he could yet be the man to steady the ship until at least the end of the current campaign.

Speaking to reporters after victory over Kilmarnock, O’Neill shared that it’s been the most “surreal fortnight” back in the Celtic dugout, saying: “I’m delighted to have won, great to score an early goal – it settled things after Thursday night.

“There were some parts of the performance I was absolutely delighted with. I was very concerned about the game before, but that’s typical me – I’m always concerned about matches beforehand. There were very good bits, we defended strongly.

Upgrade on Nancy: Celtic considering move for "unbeatable" 4-2-3-1 manager

Celtic are considering a move for this 4-2-3-1 manager who would be an upgrade on Wilfried Nancy.

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By
Dan Emery

Nov 12, 2025

“I’ll take a little time in the international break, most of our players will be away, and there will be time of inner reflection. It’s been a whirlwind of a fortnight, I can’t believe it’s really happened. It’s been the most surreal fortnight. Without doubt (I need to lie down in a darkened room).”

If it’s not O’Neill, then it may well be Wilfried Nancy. The Columbus Crew manager has recently emerged as one of the top candidates and may yet get the chance to coach in Europe just in time for Celtic to make their improvements in the January transfer window.

Celtic now keeping close tabs on Lennon Miller

As transfer reporter Graeme Bailey told 67 Hail Hail, Celtic are now keeping close tabs on Miller following his difficult start to life at Serie A side Udinese. The midfielder was one of several transfer targets that the Hoops missed out on in the summer, as he swapped Motherwell for Italian football, but they could now get a second opportunity to secure his signature.

Of course, when the 19-year-old was plying his trade in the Scottish Premiership, he was one of the best young talents in the country and things would be no different if he made a return in 2026.

The teenage star left his mark on the league in the previous campaign and played his part as Motherwell held Rangers to a 2-2 draw last December. Getting an assist and winning over half his duels in that clash, Miller proved that he can cut it against Celtic’s biggest rivals.

Dubbed a “brilliant player” by former Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer, Miller is still full of talent and bring an early end to his Italian woes to make a return to Scotland’s top flight.

Celtic's top manager target now ready to replace O'Neill during int'l break

The dramatic pushing and shoving match between Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane has been settled once and for all with a boxing bout at the club's training base, but all is not what it seems. The pair came to blows and Gueye was shown a straight red card during the Toffees' 1-0 win over Manchester United and have resorted to the old fight game to settle the score.

• Punch drunk at Old Trafford

  The shock incident occurred in the 13th minute after a misplaced pass from Gueye gave the ball away, leading to a Bruno Fernandes shot. An argument ensued, during which Keane pushed Gueye, who then responded by slapping Keane in the face. Referee Tony Harrington immediately issued a straight red card for violent conduct. Despite going down to 10 men, Everton went on to win the match 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Gueye later apologised to his team-mates and Keane, taking full responsibility for what he described as his "moment of madness". 

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  Seconds out, round two…

  The pair have since buried the hatchet, even jokingly staging a mock boxing match in training to show there were no hard feelings. "Only love here," was the message from the Everton duo.

• Gueye: 'I'll make sure it never happens again'

  After the confrontation, Toffees boss David Moyes was quick to back both his players, saying the display of passion and aggression is what he asks of his players and suggested the referee could have avoided using the red card.

  Moyes said: "I like my players fighting each other, if someone didn’t do the right action. If you want that toughness and resilience to get a result, you want someone to act on it. If nothing happened (no red card), I don’t think anyone in the stadium would have been surprised. I thought the referee could have taken a bit longer to think about it. I was told that (by) the rules of the game that if you slap your own player, you could be in trouble. I'm disappointed we got the sending off. But we’ve all been footballers, we get angry with our teammates. He's apologised for the sending off, he's praised the players and thanked them for it and apologised."

  And after allowing a couple of days for the dust to settle, Gueye said: "I want to apologise first to Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also apologise to my team-mates, the staff, the fans and the club. What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high, but nothing justifies such behaviour. I’ll make sure it never happens again."

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  Toon test awaits Toffees

  Everton host Newcastle on Saturday with the Magpies on a dreadful run of away form, having lost their last four games in all competitions on the road. Moyes’ side are in decent form, having taken seven points from their last three league games, including a win at Old Trafford. Eddie Howe’s side have a host of injuries including Kieran Trippier, while Everton are without Jarrad Branthwaite and the suspended Gueye.

Surrey battle back despite conceding first-innings deficit of 106 to Gloucestershire

ECB Reporters' Network10-Apr-2021Ben Foakes and Rory Burns kept Surrey alive against Gloucestershire as they closed day three at Bristol 232 for 5 in their second innings, leading by 126.After Gloucestershire took a first-innings lead of 106, Surrey lost three for seven to slip to 48 for 3, still trailing by 58. But Burns, who made 74, and Foakes, unbeaten on 81 at the close, shared 97 for the fourth wicket.Related

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• Jack Leach discipline, Tom Abell dash keep Somerset in the hunt

Burns fell before tea and when David Payne bowled Jamie Smith with the last ball of the session, Surrey were 187 for 5, only 81 ahead. But Foakes and Jordan Clark took their side to the close still in the game.It’s been a difficult few months for Burns who never got going during last summer’s internationals and whose paternity leave interrupted his winter with England that eventually saw him dropped for the final two Tests in India. A skittish dismissal in the first innings here was not the start to the season he envisaged but a 130-ball stay would have raised hopes of a return to form.He began with two back-foot steers for four off Payne and punched the same bowler to deep square to raise fifty in 93 balls. He dismissal would have grated – top-edging a pull to sky a catch to long leg where Payne took a smart catch.Burns guided Surrey through a concerning wobble as Mark Stoneman fell over trying to work Ryan Higgins to leg and departed lbw and Hashim Amla edged Matt Taylor behind for a 12-ball duck. Ollie Pope was also caught at the wicket to Taylor, again playing a loose drive, and Surrey were heading out of the contest.But Foakes settled with Burns after lunch and the pair moved the visitors into the lead with Foakes passing fifty in 92 balls and will return on day four hoping to build the lead beyond 200. Surrey lost Burns and then Smith before tea, the latter to one from Payne that held its line from round the wicket, as Gloucestershire reclaimed the ascendency.The hosts nudged their lead into three figures at the start of the day as Reece Topley added the wicket of Jack Taylor to claim 5 for 66 – his first five-wicket haul in a first-class match since 2014.

Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update

The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.

Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn’t believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.

He stated via The Athletic’s Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:

Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.

Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.

With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.

Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.

Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are ‘ready to accept’ a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.

BlueCo ready second approach for "fantastic player" after rejected £61m Chelsea offer

The west Londoners have already had a bid knocked back.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 10, 2025

Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.

In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who’s been called a “very unique” defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.

Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca’s high-octane style of play.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.

The Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler had to wait two years for his chance in the IPL, and he made sure it was worth it

Nagraj Gollapudi01-Apr-2024In 2021, the Uttar Pradesh and Delhi teams were practicing next to each other at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya was the UP coach, and a fast bowler in the Delhi nets caught his eye, making him want to move to a position from where he could observe him.After watching the Delhi bowler deliver a couple of balls, Dahiya was convinced he had found an exciting and explosive talent for Lucknow Super Giants, with whom he was an assistant coach and talent scout.”The moment our nets finished, I got in touch with the fast bowler,” Dahiya told ESPNcricinfo. “And immediately after that, I spoke to Gautam [Gambhir, LSG’s director of cricket at the time] and told him, ‘here’s a boy, we have to pick him at the auction, straightaway’. I had no doubts whatsoever.”That fast bowler was Mayank Yadav, now 21, who on Saturday broke the back of the Punjab Kings chase with a four-over spell of extreme fast bowling that will be remembered for a long time by those who watched it. Hitting speeds north of 150kph repeatedly, Mayank had batters with international experience hopping, and his 155.8kph thunderbolt to Shikhar Dhawan has been recorded as the fastest ball of this IPL season.Related

• India need to make an effort to invest in Mayank Yadav

• Injured Mayank Yadav 'unlikely to play' next two games for LSG, says Justin Langer

• When Mayank hushed the Chinnaswamy

• Mayank Yadav: I didn't think my debut would go that well

• Ferociously fast and thrillingly direct: how Mayank went bang, bang, bang

After Punjab had powered to 102 for no loss in the 12th over in a chase of 200, Mayank took the crucial wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma, all of them hurried by his express pace and caught trying to pull. Mayank was the Player of the Match on his IPL debut and became an instant sensation.”He came in and broke the back of our batting,” former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, now Kings’ director of cricket, said. “He bowled really fast and the lengths that he bowled made it difficult. He used the big side of the boundary. He put us back big time in the game and we couldn’t force the issue.”Dahiya’s pick, who LSG had bought at the IPL 2022 auction at his base price of INR 20 lakh, had made a head-turning start to his IPL career.

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Speaking to the media in Lucknow, Mayank relived how he felt when LSG coach Justin Langer told him that he would be making his debut against Kings the following evening.”There was a lot of excitement,” he said. “For the past two years, I was only visualising one thing: how will I deliver that first ball in IPL and how it would feel in front of the audience. People told [me] there could be some nervousness, some pressure. But I did not feel that at all. When the captain [Nicholas Pooran] told me to bowl my first over, I felt inside me that I belong to this place. And my confidence was high.”Dale Steyn, the one fast bowler Mayank “idolises”, couldn’t believe what he was watching at home in South Africa, and said on X: “Mayank Yadav, where have you been hiding!”Brett Lee also expressed a similar sentiment.Mayank Yadav clocked 155.8kph against Punjab Kings, the fastest ball of this IPL season•AFP/Getty Images

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The wait for Mayank, however, had been frustrating.Once he had left the stadium after winning the game for LSG, Mayank sent messages to his mother and the head coach of the much-celebrated Sonnet Cricket Club in Delhi, Devendra Sharma. The gist was that he had made his debut and that he was happy.Sharma explained the context. In the first half of IPL 2023, Mayank had messaged Sharma on two occasions, saying he was going to make his debut. It did not happen and he was eventually ruled out of the season because of an injury.”He called me twice last season saying ‘today is my debut, so please watch’,” Sharma said. “But when I opened the [TV], he was nowhere on the team sheet.”After this match [Mayank’s IPL debut], he checked [in with me] whether he bowled well. After he got hit for two fours, he came back really well.”The coaches at Sonnet had realised that Mayank could blossom into a good fast bowler if he followed a development plan. He played club cricket across different levels before making his debut for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021, where he took three wickets in a ten-run victory against Haryana.While Dahiya was excited by Mayank’s potential, he had told Gambhir he did not see him playing in IPL 2022 because Mayank “did not have bowling miles in his legs”.”I remember he was bowling a few no-balls early on in training in the 2022 season,” Dahiya said. “We told him to mark his run-up. He said, ‘I don’t have a run-up – from wherever I feel comfortable, I turn and run in’.” Dahiya and LSG’s coaches were gobsmacked. How could a bowler who had already played for his state not have a proper run-up? He was taught the importance of having one, and why it was necessary to take a breather before steaming in.

“When I was a child, [my father] would show me when Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Mitchell Johnson were bowling. The one thing I liked very much was when the batter was hit on the body or helmet – that inspired me to take up fast bowling”Mayank Yadav

Unfortunately for Mayank, during a practice match early in IPL 2023, he lost his footing because the landing area was a “bit wet”, as Dahiya put it. He continued bowling but had to pull out on the fifth delivery and the pull he felt in his quadriceps turned out to be a Grade 2 tear. Dahiya, Gambhir and Andy Flower, LSG’s head coach at the time, agreed Mayank should do his rehab with the squad.In the 2023 Deodhar Trophy, the domestic 50-over tournament played less than two months after the IPL, Mayank took 12 wickets for North Zone. It was there that Mayank hit 155kph – possibly the turning point of his career. You can watch YouTube clips of Mayank sending stumps flying.Dahiya was commentating on that tournament. “He was not going crazy just for the pace,” Dahiya said. “His bouncers were thought out. A lot of people are quick when they deliver their short-pitch deliveries. His pitched-up deliveries are also quick. That makes him a bit more dangerous.”

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As a youngster, Mayank loved anything fast. “Let it be a rocket, plane or superbikes – I like speed. As a child, I like watching jets and was fascinated,” he said with a grin at a media conference. But one thing excited him more than anything else.”My father liked fast bowlers a lot. When I was a child, he would show me when Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Mitchell Johnson were bowling. The one thing I liked very much was when the batter was hit on the body or helmet – that inspired me to take up fast bowling.”Mayank is 6’1″ in his socks and is lean and muscular. According to former India fast bowler Varun Aaron, Mayank gets his pace from a smooth bowling action including a perfect head and arm position during the load-up, as well as a braced front leg that lands facing the batter. Sharma believes Mayank’s wrist position allows him to deliver a bouncer with a three-quarter seam, something fast bowlers like Lee did effortlessly.Mayank, fondly called Minty by his family, lives with his parents and older sister in Motinagar in Delhi. Even before he had reached his teens, his father Prabhu was convinced that Mayank should play cricket, and he spent nearly a year trying to find a way for his son to audition in front of the iconic, late Sonnet Club coach Tarak Sinha.3:05

McClenaghan: Mayank really rattled Punjab’s cages

When the opportunity finally arrived, Mayank, then 15 and slender, bowled in the nets and impressed Sinha instantly. Prabhu, however, was a bit reluctant to enrol his son immediately because of a “business crisis”. Back then, he made digital timers for cars. Now he makes sirens for police vehicles.Sharma insisted that Mayank start the day after the audition and Sonnet quickly “adopted” him, Prabhu said. Shoes, travel to matches, and lodging – everything was covered.”Speed comes naturally to Mayank,” Sharma said. “It’s a god-given gift. When he bowled the first time, the ball was flying off the seam. [this boy is strange], I thought.”Prabhu never even allowed his son to carry his kit bag when he was young, so that he could just focus on developing his game, but once Sonnet took charge, he trusted them. “Minty said to me that now that he is settled in Sonnet, I can focus on my work,” Prabhu said with pride.But, as teams analyse Mayank, they will find ways to counter his express pace, so his development plan at LSG will be crucial, Dahiya said. Umran Malik is an example of a fast bowler who took the IPL by storm, but hasn’t developed much since he burst onto the scene.On Sunday, the day after Mayank’s debut, father and son had a word. “I told him you are doing well,” Prabhu said. “What all skills you have, do utilise them in future matches.”Next stop, Bengaluru, where LSG take on RCB on Tuesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue that tests even the best of bowlers.

The Dodgers were able to win their second straight World Series title on Saturday night by beating the Blue Jays 5-4 in a legendary Game 7 at the Rogers Centre.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings in Los Angeles' Game 6 win on Friday night, entered Game 7 with one out in the bottom of the ninth and then worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings to lead the Dodgers to their dramatic victory. He was named the World Series MVP for his heroic efforts, which also included a complete game gem in Game 2.

The righthander had a very subtle classy move in the bottom of the 11th inning that the Fox Sports cameras were able to pick up. Yamamoto was seen tipping his cap to Toronto's Vlad Guerrero Jr. as the slugger prepared to step into the batter's box with his team trailing by a run.

Here's how that played out:

That was such a great moment at such a pivotal moment of the game. Guerrero would go on to hit a double but then Yamamoto was able to close things out thanks to a double play that was brilliantly turned by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.

Yamamoto gave up just one hit and had one walk in his relief appearance. He finished his second season with the Dodgers with a 12-8 record and then really became a force in the postseason. Along with his complete game in the World Series, he also had a complete game win over the Brewers in the NLCS.

Fans loved that hat tip from Yamamoto:

Ruben Amorim could not hide his frustration after Manchester United were beaten 1-0 at home by 10-man Everton on Monday. The Portuguese said his team were nowhere near good enough to be competing for the places towards the top of the Premier League. He even declared that he wished his players had showed the same fighting spirit as Everton which led to Idrissa Gueye's red card.

• United fail to take advantage of red card

  Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute for raising his hands to team-mate Michael Keane's face in frustration after Casemiro had whistled a shot wide following passive defending from Everton. The Toffees had dominated the early stages of the game and they became emboldened by the red card, taking the lead through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's piledriver and then defending it astutely throughout the second half even as the Red Devils had 75 percent possession.

  Amorim said he did not agree with the decision to send off Gueye and he was happy to admit that Everton fully deserved to win. It was the first time the Toffees had won at Old Trafford since 2013, when David Moyes was in charge of United. It was also Moyes' first victory at Old Trafford as an opposing manager in 18 attempts.

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  Amorim: We deserved to lose

  Amorim told a press conference: "I think they were a better team with 11. They then worked really well with 10 men for 70 minutes. So I think we deserved to lose. We didn't play well. We didn't play with the right intensity. I know which point we are in the moment. So we are not there, not even near the point that we should be to fight for the best positions in the league. We have a lot to do, and we need to be perfect to win games. We were not perfect.

  "I feel afraid of returning of this feeling of last season, that is my biggest concern. So we need to work together. We are going to work together. I'm not going. The players are trying, but we need to be better so we have training tomorrow, and we are going to prepare the next one."

• Amorim: Fighting is not a bad thing

  Amorim admitted he was envious of Everton's determination to win the game and their desire, even though it led to a sending off. He explained: "Fighting is not a bad thing. Fighting doesn't mean that they don't like each other. Fighting is that if you lose the ball, I will fight you, because we will suffer a goal. That was my feeling. And I don't agree with that sending off. We can fight with team-mates. I know it's violent conduct, and the referee explained but I don't agree with that. I hope my players, when they lose the ball, they fight each other. Now they cannot get sent off a sent off, but that [players fighting with each other] is a good feeling, not a bad feeling."

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  United 'not ready' to capitalise on Liverpool & City defeats

  United had the opportunity to go up to fifth in the Premier League after Bournemouth dropped points against West Ham, Tottenham were thrashed by Arsenal and arch rivals Liverpool and Manchester City were beaten by Nottingham Forest and Newcastle respectively.  Instead they are 10th in the table after 12 matches, level on 18 points with Everton and 11 points off leaders Arsenal.

  The Red Devils visit fifth-placed Crystal Palace next Sunday but Amorim was disappointed that they were not energised by the other results on the weekend and performed so sluggishly against Everton.

  "It is my responsibility to explain the game, and today, it was not one mistake of one individual, it was the team," said the United boss. "The way we saw the results of the weekend. We should get inside the pitch with a different level of excitement, that is, that is my feeling. It doesn't matter if you are playing well, making good passes, but the feeling and Old Trafford was there, saying we are all here to give a big step up, and I felt that we were not ready again."

Good friend Jos Buttler gave a moving address to mark the milestone before England’s win over India

Valkerie Baynes16-Mar-2021Eoin Morgan has revealed that he was moved to the verge of tears by Jos Buttler’s words to mark his 100th T20I, before England took the field for their eight-wicket defeat of India on Tuesday.Morgan became the first England men’s player to reach the milestone – Danni Wyatt and Jenny Gunn had already done so for England Women – and the fourth man overall after Shoaib Malik, Rohit Sharma and Ross Taylor.Morgan, who led England to victory in the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and now has his sights set on the T20 World Cup in India in October, was applauded by his team in a huddle after a short presentation by Buttler before the start of play.Related

• Stick or twist for England, India with series at stake

• Jos Buttler finishes the job as England's opener as Yuzvendra Chahal takes the heat

• Buttler, Wood deliver another win while chasing for 2-1 England lead

“It nearly brought me to tears to be honest,” Morgan told the host broadcaster after England romped to victory with 10 balls to spare, thanks to a seriously quick display from Mark Wood and a stunning 83 not out off just 52 balls from Buttler.”It meant a huge amount, He’s a great friend of mine, our families are quite close, and playing in 100 games is a proud moment for me. But just the words that he said, really did sort of warm my heart and I’m very grateful for it.”Morgan was pleased with the start his quicks, Wood, Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan, gave the side after a solid first over from spinner Adil Rashid, opening the bowling for the second time in three matches this series.”The carry that we saw throughout the whole game was a bit of a surprise to us, ” he said. “Our guys don’t find that too hard to adjust to and enjoy it when there’s a bit of pace and bounce, so I thought the first half of our bowling was exceptional. When you look at the lines and lengths that we bowled, the plans that we had, and obviously taking early wickets as well in such a long batting line-up, makes a huge difference in the game.”Today, probably of all the games, the wicket stayed very similar, but I do think there is another challenge with setting a total, particularly when there’s one short side on the ground, you just don’t know what a good score is going to be. And I think if you lose early wickets on top of that, that raises another question, Obviously you have to play well to be in the game, and then take advantage of it.”It’s just the dynamics of T20 cricket, it just goes to show how strong every side in the world has to be and the preparation that goes into every series, obviously with the World Cup in seven months’ time.”And he spoke highly of Buttler, who took on spinner Yuzvendra Chahal with two sixes in his first over and two fours in his second, helping himself to 14 runs off Shardul Thakur in between as he moved to 43 off just 17 balls by the end of the powerplay.”Jos is a world class player,” Morgan added. “We’re very lucky to have him. Since he’s taken on the role at the top of the order, he’s averaged upwards of 50 and striking at 150, so he competes with the best in the world when it comes to opening the batting. He’s been in incredible form, he’s a great leader within our group. He’s been around for an incredibly long time, and in the change-room obviously he has a huge influence.”Buttler, who shared an unbroken 77-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow, hailed the win as “a great team performance”.”Any time you take early wickets in a powerplay really sets you up, and we’ve got some good partnerships together to see us home,” Buttler said.”In a little way sometimes people don’t expect me to attack the spin as well so I thought I’d like to try and take it on. Chahal’s a fantastic bowler, had some good battles against him. But it’s nice to chance my arm a bit today.”As for what he said to Morgan before the match, Buttler added: “I tried to get across what a special achievement it is and what he’s done for English white-ball cricket.”Today is about him and reaching that milestone. He’s been a pioneer for England white-ball cricketers. As a leader he has taken English white-ball cricket to a place it’s never been before.”He’s always been ahead of the curve, alongside Kevin Pietersen. They were the two guys that I always looked to in white-ball teams who could do it a bit differently.” Wood finished his first two-over spell with 2 for 10, as India limped to 24 for 3 in the powerplay, and ended with match figures of 3 for 31 off four, after Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 77 had lifted his side to 156 for 6.”I was just trying to bang into the wicket on a good length as fast as I can, trying to make something happen,” Wood said. “He [Kohli] is a fantastic player, very hard to bowl at. Even some of my plans at the end, he played great shots off those and sometimes you have to say, ‘well played’.”

The multi-format South Africa tour will keep India busy at the turn of the year, and there will be extra focus on the T20I series with a World Cup months away

Nagraj Gollapudi30-Nov-2023The India squads for the South Africa tour are set to be picked on November 30 in Delhi. In all, the tour will include three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests. While the primary focus will be on winning in South Africa, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar will also look to address some of the broader selections for the T20 World Cup, which will start in June, immediately after the 2024 IPL.With India playing only six T20Is between the current home series and the T20 World Cup, ESPNcricinfo looks at some of the tough and significant questions the selectors are likely to deliberate on.

Who leads at T20 WC – Rohit or Pandya?

Since India lost the 2022 World Cup semi-final against England last November, Rohit Sharma has not played T20Is. In his absence, Hardik Pandya presented himself as an eligible successor to Rohit in the shortest format.However, two things happened at the ODI World Cup to force a rethink on who is best to lead India at the T20 World Cup. First, Hardik hurt his left ankle in the first half of the World Cup while trying to intercept the ball in his follow-through. A ligament tear was not detected but eventually Hardik was ruled out for two months in early November, which means he will miss the South Africa tour.The second factor was Rohit’s explosive starts at the World Cup alongside his aggressive captaincy, which led a ruthless India to 10 straight wins until Australia beat them in the final.If Rohit is able to display similar explosive intent in T20Is, it has the potential to once again set India up for big scores. Plus, Rohit’s T20 leadership acumen has never been in doubt. While Hardik earned his leadership badge by winning the IPL in 2022 with Gujarat Titans, who also made the final last season, he has never led an Indian team that has included the senior quartet of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. It doesn’t mean he is not capable, but the question would be who is the best captain – to provide clarity of roles as well as take tough calls under pressure.

Does Kohli find a place in T20Is?

Like Rohit, Kohli hasn’t played T20Is since the 2022 World Cup. However, he was the fourth-highest run-getter in the 2023 IPL, during which he scored successive centuries that took him past Chris Gayle’s tally of most tons in the tournament’s history. “A lot of people feel my T20 cricket is declining, but I don’t feel like that at all,” Kohli had said then. “I feel I am playing my best T20 cricket again.”Despite strident criticism, Kohli, who has been the Player of the Tournament at two T20 World Cups to go with the recent ODI World Cup award, has been adamant about sticking to the anchor-style batting: starting conservatively, pushing the ball into gaps in the middle overs before the explosive finish. It is an approach adopted in the past by Rohit and Rahul, with whom he formed India’s top order at the past two editions of the T20 World Cup.Among the top Indian openers in all T20 cricket, only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit have struck at more than 130 per 100 balls in the powerplay since October 2021. It is worth mentioning here that Shubman Gill displayed much improved intent during this year’s IPL, and went at above 150 in the powerplay. In this same period, Kohli’s first 10-ball strike rate is 113.33 while Jitesh Sharma (165.54), Jaiswal (150.12) and Suryakumar Yadav (145.50) have shown more early intent.The question then for the selectors is: does Kohli fit in as the No. 3? One way for that to happen is if both openers go aggressive before Kohli adapts based on the situation. The alternative is to consider a new batter with a faster pick-up.It could not be confirmed whether Kohli will sit out the white-ball leg of the South Africa series, but even if he does, the selectors need to make their decision quickly. It would be risky to defer the decision to closer to the World Cup. If the selectors and the team management decide to move on, they ought to inform Kohli and also identify the batter they feel can replace him at No. 3.

Who should be the two wicketkeeper-batters?

Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Jitesh have performed or been part of the T20 squads in the past couple of years to perform that role. While Rahul played a winning hand in India reaching the ODI World Cup final recently, in T20s he has struggled with slower starts, which has stunted his team’s momentum. Also, the bigger challenge with Rahul is that he has played mainly as an opener – both for India and in the IPL – for the past several years. At the last T20 World Cup, too, it was Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik who kept wicket.Since November 2019, Rahul has not batted in the middle order in any T20 game. As a middle-order batter Rahul’s numbers read: 1223 runs in 50 innings at an average of 32.18 with a strike rate of 127.66 with two centuries. As an opener, since October 2021, Rahul has made 1802 runs in 49 innings at 41.90 with a strike rate of 132.59.While his experience and keeping skills are in no doubt, can Rahul fit in to the middle order when there are more power hitters available?If Pant was fit, he would be a favourite to make the 15. However, the BCCI has not yet given an updated timeline on Pant’s return. Even if Pant were to play in the IPL, his keeping and batting form are not guaranteed. Kishan and Jitesh, who are currently playing the T20I series against Australia, are other viable options. Kishan, though, is a top-order batter while Jitesh is a finisher, a role he has performed well for Punjab Kings. Samson, who last featured on the Ireland tour, is again a top-order batter.

Who are the options for bowling allrounders (outside of Hardik)?

Rahul Dravid and Rohit have both stressed on the importance of having batting depth balanced by bowling depth. That was one reason Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel were part of the original 15 for the World Cup. Both will again be part of the set of bowling allrounders the selectors will look at along with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Chahar.While Jadeja and Axar are primarily middle-overs specialists, Chahar and Washington can make an impact in the powerplay. Both of them can also play useful batting cameos. While Washington can bat anywhere, Chahar has the capability to bat No. 8 or 9, which means Indian tail won’t be that long.

Who will be Bumrah’s partners?

Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya will be automatic first picks. Both can deliver in all three phases in an innings. However, the squad will need two other fast bowlers. The contenders are Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan and Chahar, who was added for the final three T20Is of the ongoing Australia series.

Manchester City fell by the wayside last season. An upswing in form toward the end of the campaign saw Pep Guardiola’s side salvage Champions League football.

It was a great shock for the four-in-a-row Premier League champions, and some even clamoured for Guardiola to step down. But the legendary manager has picked his outfit back up, refashioning them into title challengers once again.

Kevin De Bruyne left at the end of his contract, but the likes of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have joined winter recruits such as Omar Marmoush in defining a new age at the Etihad.

Man City’s tactical brand has changed, and no mistake. While an averseness to dribbling was never an accurate description of Pep’s vision, there’s no doubt a fresh emphasis has been placed on his side’s dribbling.

Pep's dribbling renaissance at Man City

Often has Guardiola been criticised for numbing the pulse of his ball carriers, Jack Grealish being a case in point. While it’s true that the sum of the Spaniard’s system is greater than its individual parts, it is a machine of many different dimensions, and fleet-footed brilliance has always been a part of that.

In the past, wingers such as Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane played instrumental roles in establishing City’s early meteoric success, the bedrock of a dynasty that rivals any across English football history.

Sane, in particular, was an incredible dribbler with searing speed, especially before an ACL injury suffered in 2019, which forced the German to reinvent himself somewhat.

Praised by Guardiola for his athleticism and “incredible quality”, Sane, now at Bayern Munich, is fondly remembered by the Sky Blues, with that particular brand of electric-paced dribbling hard to replicate.

Signing stars like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Cherki this summer underscores Pep’s desire for a faster brand of dribbling in his Citizen side once again.

Sane might be a one-of-a-kind type of attacker, but there are similar variations with skillsets perfect for Guardiola’s teachings. Pep knows his stuff, and he might have found not just a belated superstar replacement, but someone who might actually be even better than the former City winger.

Man City's ball-carrying superstar

There’s only one man in question here: Jeremy Doku. The Belgian winger has been in fine fettle indeed across the opening weeks of the campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig noting he has “taken his game to a whole new level”.

Man City signed the dynamic wideman from French club Rennes for about £55m in 2023, but his first two terms in the Premier League have been characterised by an ebb and flow in the final third, scoring three times each year.

However, creativity has always been one of the 23-year-old’s strongest suits, and he’s married that with a new level of completeness and gusto with has borne dividends across these early weeks.

Three assists from six Premier League matches is good going, but Doku’s skill and explosiveness on the ball have been things to behold; now, there’s a new confidence and clarity about his performances.

It probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Doku ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 (data courtesy of FBref), but he’s also in the top percentile for shot-creating actions, underlining his effectiveness when entering the danger area.

And this season, he leads the way in the Premier League, more accurate when progressing the ball than his attacking rivals.

Might City have one of the finest dribblers in Europe? Undoubtedly. In fact, pundit Adrian Clarke has even gone as far as to claim that Doku is “one of the best dribblers in Premier League history”.

Valued at around £58m by Football Transfers, Manchester City haven’t quite got bang for their buck from a financial standpoint yet, but Doku is only 23, remember, and is showing all the signs of incremental growth which has not yet reached full bloom.

He’s the real deal, and if he maintains this level, he might even eclipse Sane and the like as the best dribbler across the entire Guardiola era at Manchester City.

Better than Haaland: Man City must regret selling "the best player in PL"

Manchester City let this top talent slip through their fingers.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 3, 2025