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Tyrique George saved Chelsea's blushes with a goal and an assist but goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen had a shocker in the absence of Robert Sanchez. The Blues came from a goal down to knock Lincoln City out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 third round win but the Club World Cup champions were given a real scare. There will be plenty to ponder for Enzo Maresca, especially after a wretched first half.

Chelsea appeared to have a hangover from their 2-1 loss to Manchester United at the weekend as Lincoln began in ferocious fashion. After Lewis Montsma's shot hit the post and the Blues survived a goalmouth scramble, the hosts deservedly took the lead in the 42nd minute when Rob Street pounced upon some shocking defending at the back.

The west London outfit looked down and out at the break, but George's piledriver from the edge of the box levelled the scores in the 48th minute, and then Facundo Buonanotte made it 2-1 after waltzing by some would-be defenders two minutes later. 

Maresca's team never looked secure with their lead, particularly as Jorgensen was having a shocker in the Chelsea goal. But in the end, they just about squeaked past the League One team on Tuesday night to progress to the next round. 

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from LNER Stadium…

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Filip Jorgensen (3/10):

After Sanchez's clumsy red card at the weekend, this was a time for Chelsea's number two to stand up and be counted. But he looked very unconvincing in his own box and flapped at multiple crosses. Just not good enough and nearly took out his own team-mates.

Malo Gusto (4/10):

Seems to have gone backwards from last season. Doesn't seem secure in defence or attack.

Wesley Fofana (7/10):

The injury-prone defender looked like he had suffered a new blow early on but gamely carried on and did a decent job. 

Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):

Wasn't helped by Fernandez's cross-field pass for Lincoln's opener but he didn't react quick enough to the danger. Has gone off the boil of late.

Jorrel Hato (6/10):

The summer signing from Ajax didn't look comfortable in the first half but improved as the game wore on.

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Enzo Fernandez (4/10):

His oh-so-casual pass across the box led to Lincoln taking the lead. Seemed to get outmuscled in midfield and lost a few 50/50s. The captain didn't exactly lead by example.

Andrey Santos (5/10):

The Brazilian is a big step down from the combative Moises Caicedo in Chelsea's central midfield. Unlikely to become a starter anytime soon.

Facundo Buonanotte (6/10):

The game seemed to pass him by early on but the Brighton loanee somehow managed to grab a goal as he capitalised on some very soft defending.

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Jamie Gittens (5/10):

After dropping down the pecking order at the club, the ex-Borussia Dortmund winger needed to impress tonight. While he showed flashes of quality, he has to bring more in attack.

Tyrique George (7/10):

Took his goal in spectacular fashion to kickstart Chelsea's fightback and assisted Buonanotte soon after. The teenager nearly joined Fulham earlier this month but he is taking his chance now.

Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

Was loudly booed every time he touched the ball, and it seemed his detractors got to him as he had little impact. The ex-United man was hooked before the hour mark.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Estevao Willian (5/10):

His tricks and flicks didn't have as much effect here as they have in the Premier League.

Shim Mheuka (5/10):

The 17-year-old didn't really get a chance to get on the ball and looked unsettled.

Marc Cucurella (7/10):

Instantly provided more quality and control when he came on.

Pedro Neto (7/10):

Troubled Lincoln's backline with his pace and directness. Chelsea's best winger on the night.

Reggie Walsh (N/A)

Came on with seconds to spare.

Enzo Maresca (6/10):

His team seemed shell-shocked early on as they barely weathered a Lincoln storm. He must have done a heck of a halftime team talk as his players looked unrecognisable after the break. Didn't match Lincoln's hunger for long periods and was fortunate to sneak through this one.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to sacrifice Kobbie Mainoo in a sensational part-exchange bid for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. The Red Devils are said to have put €50 million (£44m) on the table alongside the 20-year-old talent, but Los Blancos see the Uruguayan as a cornerstone of their future plans. Amorim, meanwhile, continues to cast doubts on Mainoo’s role.

• Man Utd's daring bid for Real Madrid's Valverde

  According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Manchester United have offered Mainoo plus cash in a bold attempt to land Valverde. The England midfielder has found himself behind Bruno Fernandes in Amorim’s pecking order, leading to frustration about his lack of minutes. Real Madrid, however, are not entertaining the deal, as Valverde is viewed as untouchable in their project.

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• Man Utd midfield options light despite extravagant spending

  Manchester United spent over £200m in the summer to strengthen their attack, but questions remain over the midfield. Mainoo had been linked with loan exits before the season, with interest from Newcastle, Bayern Munich and Napoli. Now, the Red Devils’ willingness to include him in a blockbuster swap suggests Amorim is unconvinced about his immediate value to the team, and wants to bring in Valverde to bolster the team.

• Mainoo wants minutes – Real Madrid want midfield successor

  Mainoo still believes his long-term future could lie at Old Trafford but wants regular football, especially in a World Cup year. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been monitoring him as they look to replace the departed duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Despite his potential, Los Blancos’ stance is clear: Valverde is non-transferable and being groomed as a future captain.

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  Man Utd and Amorim under immense pressure

  Manchester United are languishing in 14th and desperately need solutions to avoid another dismal season. Amorim will be under pressure to stabilise results while also managing frustrated talents like Mainoo. Madrid, meanwhile, will keep monitoring young midfielders but are unlikely to budge on Valverde anytime soon.

فشل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي في تحقيق فوز مهم على حساب موناكو الفرنسي في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه مانشستر سيتي فريق موناكو الفرنسي على ملعب “لويس الثاني”، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستمر غياب عمر مرموش، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بمانشستر سيتي بسبب الإصابة التي تعرض لها خلال توقف سبتمبر الماضي في مباراة بوركينا فاسو.

وشهدت المباراة تقلبات كثيرة ومثيرة إذ تقدم مانشستر سيتي في النتيجة عن طريق هالاند في الدقيقة 15 بعدها تعادل موناكو سريعًا عن طريق تيزييه في الدقيقة 18.

وأضاف هالاند الهدف الثاني له والثاني لصالح فريقه في الدقيقة 44 من عمر الشوط الأول، واستمرت النتيجة حتى الدقيقة 90 عندما احتسب الحكم ركلة جزاء لصالح موناكو بعد العودة إلى حكم تقنية الفيديو، سددها إريك دير. موعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرينتفدورد في الدوري الإنجليزي

ومن المقرر أن يخوض مانشستر سيتي مباراته القادمة أمام برينتفورد ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على برينتفورد مساء يوم الأحد المقبل في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

أشاد بيب جوارديولا، مدرب نادي مانشستر سيتي، بلاعبي فريقه عقب الفوز على نابولي يوم الخميس بدوري أبطال أوروبا، موضحًا أن فريقه بدأ المسابقة بشكل مثالي. 

مانشستر سيتي تمكن من تحقيق انتصار مستحق على حساب نابولي بهدفين مقابل لا شيء يوم الخميس، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأشار جوارديولا، إلى أن مانشستر سيتي نجح في اجتياز أسبوع صعب، والمتمثل في الفوز على مانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ومن ثم تجاوز نابولي.

طالع .. كونتي يوضح سبب استبدال دي بروين أمام مانشستر سيتي.. ويصرح: الشيطان له يد في الأمر.. وأشعر بخيبة أمل

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات إلى شبكة تي إن تي سبورتس عقب نهاية المباراة: ”نعم، كانت بداية مثالية لموسم دوري أبطال أوروبا، لعبنا دقائق كثيرة ضد 10 لاعبين، الفرق الإيطالية مذهلة في الدفاع لقد واجهتهم مرات عديدة في دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرونتهم وتركيزهم مميزة وأنا معجب بهم كثيرًا”.

وأضاف جوارديولا في حديثه: ”أنا سعيد جدًا، اجنزنا أسبوعًا صعبًا بالفوز في ديربي مانشستر وعلى نابولي، وأمامنا تحدي صعب للغاية يوم الأحد ضد أرسنال، لكننا سنذهب إلى هناك بشعور جيد”.

وفيما يتعلق بمهاجم مانشستر سيتي إيرلينج هالاند، أوضح المدرب الإسباني: ”لا توجد لدي كلمات لوصف ما يقدمه هالاند”.

وعن جيريمي دوكو وهدفه الرائع اليوم اختتم جوارديولا: “في المساحات الضيقة، على بعد خمسة أمتار من المرمى لا يمكن إيقافه، إنه رائع حقًا”.

استنكر الإعلامي أحمد شوبير ردود أفعال جماهير الأهلي عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، بعد تعادل الفريق أمام إنبي في الدوري، مشيرًا إلى أن إدارة النادي باتت تسير في كثير من قراراتها وفقًا لما يُطرح على تلك المنصات، خاصة فيما يتعلق بملف التعاقدات سواء مع اللاعبين أو المديرين الفنيين.

وقال شوبير عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الإثنين: “أنتم من طلبتم الصفقات، وأنتم من كنتم تحتفلون مع كل صفقة جديدة، تعاقد الأهلي مع أشرف بن شرقي فكان السؤال: من التالي؟ جاء الرد تريزيجيه، بعده بن رمضان، ثم زيزو، ومع كل صفقة كانت هناك احتفالات واسعة وشعور بالفخر، حتى أصبح الحديث أن القطار قد انطلق ولا أحد يستطيع الوقوف أمام الأهلي، كل ذلك تم بناءً على رغبة الجماهير”.

وأضاف: “حديثي اليوم سيكون واضحًا وصريحًا للغاية، الإدارة التي تبني قراراتها على طلب الجمهور تواجه أزمة كبيرة، المفترض أن القرارات تستند إلى الاحتياجات الفنية ورؤية المدير الفني، لا أن يرحل المدرب لأنه رفض صفقة معينة أو لا يرغب في إشراك لاعب بعينه، أصبحنا نكرر الخطأ نفسه، حيث تحولت القصة إلى فرحة عند تقديم اللاعبين الجدد، بينما المردود غائب”.

طالع أيضًا | محمود فتح الله: الأهلي يدفع ثمن خطأ فادح.. وتصريحات الإدارة “غير طبيعية”

وتابع: “الأهلي جمع 6 نقاط فقط من أصل 15، ويحتل المركز السادس عشر في جدول الدوري. صحيح أنه يملك مباراة مؤجلة، وإذا فاز بها سيقلص الفارق مع المتصدر إلى 4 نقاط، لكن ذلك ليس مضمونًا، فالأمور قد تتحسن أو تزداد تعقيدًا”.

وواصل: “مارسيل كولر مثلًا، حقق الدوري والكأس والسوبر والبطولات الإفريقية باستثناء لقب واحد، وخسر السوبر الإفريقي، ورغم ذلك تكوَّن رأي عام يطالب برحيله، فاستجابت الإدارة”.

وأردف: “رحل كولر وجاء عماد النحاس ونجح فكان لابد من استمراره. ثم تعاقدت الإدارة مع ريبيرو باعتباره مشروع مدرب، وبعد أربع أو خمس مباريات وهزيمة أمام بيراميدز، خرجت الجماهير لتطالب برحيله، فرحل بالفعل، ثم عاد النحاس، ومع التعادل أصبح الرحيل مطلبًا. وهكذا ندور في الحلقة نفسها”.

واستكمل شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “القضية الآن أن المدرجات لم تعد صاحبة القرار، بل أصبحت مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي هي التي تحكم. هذا سلاح قوي لا يمكن إنكاره”.

واختتم: “لدي صديق مثلًا، عندما يخسر الأهلي أو يتعادل أول ما يقوله: يجب أن يرحل المدرب. أسأله: هل من المنطقي أن يخسر مدرب مباراة أو مباراتين فنقول عليه أن يرحل؟ هناك شروط جزائية وأموال! فيرد: لا يهم، يجب أن يرحل. والمشكلة أن الباب فُتح منذ البداية، فأصبح القرار في يد السوشيال ميديا لا الإدارة”.

Leeds United now hold an advantage in the race for a £17m midfielder, who Red Bull will know “all about”, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds eyeing midfielder after missing out on Diarra

After being promoted from the Championship alongside Sunderland, it is no surprise that Leeds have identified similar targets to the Black Cats, and they will be extremely disappointed to have lost out to the play-off final winners in the race for two midfielders.

Habib Diarra had been on the Whites’ shortlist prior to the 21-year-old’s move to the Stadium of Light, and they now appear to have missed out on a deal for Noah Sadiki, with the Union Saint-Gilloise maestro set to complete a move to Wearside.

As such, Daniel Farke’s side will now be forced to move on to different options in the middle of the park, and Bailey has dropped a more promising update on their pursuit of Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.

The transfer expert told Leeds United News that the Whites’ Red Bull connection should give them the edge over their Premier League rivals in the race for the German’s signature, given their minority owners’ involvement in the Bundesliga.

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Bailey said: “He’s on the list I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested from what I’m told. A very good player and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.

“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know, it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”

"Underrated" Stach could be better signing than Sadiki

Leeds will be frustrated that Sunderland were able to pip them to Sadiki’s signature, but there are signs that Stach could be a better signing than the Belgian-born midfielder.

Firstly, the two-time Germany international is more experienced in a top league, having made 122 Bundesliga appearances, while Sadiki remains unproven outside Belgium.

Not only that, but the “underrated” Hoffenheim star excels defensively, outperforming the new Sunderland signing across a number of key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Anton Stach

Noah Sadiki

Interceptions

1.65 (93rd percentile)

1.08 (55th percentile)

Blocks

1.60 (85th percentile)

1.34 (64th percentile)

Clearances

3.65 (99th percentile)

1.34 (38th percentile)

Aerials won

1.83 (88th percentile)

0.30 (8th percentile)

Stach should be available for a fee of around £17m, which seems a reasonable fee, given the level of his performances for Hoffenheim, and it could be a blessing in disguise that Leeds missed out on Sadiki and Diarra.

Leeds United have now been hit with a worrying development as a key player is unhappy with the way contract talks are progressing, according to a recent report.

49ers chasing multiple transfer deals for Leeds

As with any team that is promoted to the Premier League, the Whites are expected to be in for a busy summer as they look to form a squad that is capable of doing what other promoted teams haven’t done in recent years, and that is staying in the Premier League. Daniel Farke and co. have managed to put together a very competitive Leeds team, but stepping up another level means the German will want more quality and depth.

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The Yorkshire side appear keen to strengthen the spine of their team, as it’s been reported that Leeds are chasing a deal to sign goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who is seen as a replacement and upgrade on Illan Meslier. As well as looking to sign Fofana, the Whites are also interested in signing his teammate Himad Abdelli, who also plays for French side Angers. Abdelli is an attacking midfielder, and his potential arrival would bolster Farke’s creativity and midfield depth.

The Championship title winners also have targets to strengthen their defence and forward line, with the 49ers lining up a move to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Leeds have made contact with striker Rodrigo Muniz over a possible move to Elland Road. The Fulham and Brazil forward is very much a wanted man this summer, and now the Whites have added him to their list of attacking options.

Daniel James contract update

But while the Whites look at bringing in new players, they are also hoping to keep hold of some of their best talents this summer. According to Alan Nixon, relayed by The Leeds Press, Leeds are struggling to reach a contract agreement with winger Daniel James.

That is because the Whites have offered the Welsh international a two-year deal, but James is looking for a longer contract offer, as he feels his performances over the last couple of seasons have earned him the right to a long-term deal.

James, who is one of Leeds’ biggest earners on a weekly wage of £50,000, has been at Elland Road since August 2021, joining from Manchester United. After his season on loan at Fulham, James has taken his game to the next level, scoring 25 goals in the last two Championship seasons combined.

Apps

123

Goals

29

Assists

22

Back in March, James put Farke’s management style as the reason why his form has been so impressive, perhaps showing why he is willing to commit his future to the club but on the right terms.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: “When he first come in, he put his arm around me and said what he wanted from me. We had a good relationship from the start, and it’s one I’ve tried to continue with.

“The way he sets up the team suits me down to the ground, and that’s where I get the benefits from.”

Manchester City have submitted a £55m offer for a “wonderful” midfielder, who has been identified as the heir to Kevin De Bruyne, according to a report.

Man City eyeing replacement for De Bruyne

De Bruyne is set to leave Man City at the end of the season, but rival Premier League clubs clearly seem to believe the Belgian has a lot left to give, with a number of sides recently expressing an interest.

Arsenal are now holding discussions over a shock deal for the 33-year-old, alongside Aston Villa, with club chiefs willing to back Unai Emery if he decides he wants to snap the City midfielder up on a free transfer this summer.

As such, Pep Guardiola will need to bring in a suitable heir, and although it will be a tall order to find any player capable of replicating what De Bruyne has done in a City shirt, a number of targets have now been identified.

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River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono is one player of interest, although, given his age, the 17-year-old Argentine may not be ready to go straight into the side, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz may be more of a ready-made replacement.

Man City are also looking at options from within the Premier League, and according to a report from Spain they have now submitted a €65m (£55m) offer for Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison.

Guardiola is known to be a huge fan of Maddison, and City have now made a concrete approach for his services, with the Englishman viewed as the ideal successor to De Bruyne in attacking midfield.

The 28-year-old is deemed to fit into Guardiola’s style of play perfectly, given his creativity and ability to connect with the attack, while his ability from set-pieces is also outlined as a major strength.

"Wonderful" Maddison impressing at Spurs

It has been an extremely disappointing season for Spurs in the Premier League, but the attacking midfielder has been one of their stand-out players, picking up 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 matches in all competitions.

As such, the former Leicester City man ranks highly across a range of key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic	Average per 90
Assists	0.39 (93rd percentile)
Progressive passes	8.14 (98th percentile)
Shot-creating actions	4.82 (85th percentile)

The England international has also been singled out for high praise by BBC Five Live’s Ben Haines in the past.

Maddison is clearly a quality player, but the Tottenham star is set to turn 29 in November, meaning he is unlikely to be a long-term heir to De Bruyne, and his attacking numbers suggest he is not at the same level as the City legend, so there should be some reservations about the move.

Everton scored a late, late winner against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon to secure a deserved 1-0 win over Nuno Santo’s top four contenders.

Despite Forest sitting third and the Toffees in 14th prior to the match, David Moyes’ men performed incredibly well throughout the match, with the late winner by Abdoulaye Doucoure ensuring they headed back to Merseyside in a great mood.

Everton dominated possession throughout (58% to 42%) while registering 13 shots, claiming seven corners and taking 29 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared to just nine for the home side.

Doucoure has had his critics recently, but his goal to seal the victory will go a long way to redemption, that’s for sure.

Abdoulaye Doucoure's game in numbers vs Forest

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, with his future at their new Bramley more Stadium rather uncertain at this moment in time.

Before the Forest clash, the Malian star had scored only two goals in the Premier League this season and not many expected him to pop up and net the winner on Saturday afternoon.

However, he popped up like a seasoned striker, bursting onto the end of Dwight McNeil’s counter-attacking pass to find the back of the net. His celebration? Rather cryptic, let’s put it that way, pointing to his head and then appearing to sign an imaginary piece of paper. Perhaps a new contract is incoming?

While the goal was vital, the midfielder completed 33 of his 37 passes – a success rate of 89% – took 50 touches, succeeded with 100% of his long balls and crosses into the box plus made a solitary tackle.

Will this display be enough to convince Moyes to extend his Everton contract for at least another season? Who knows, but he certainly bailed out a few players during the game.

Nottingham Forest vs Everton – Key Statistics
Metric	Highest-ranked
Accurate passes	Mykolenko (51)
Key passes	Moreno (4)
Tackles	Garner, Anderson & Milenkovic (3)
Ground duels won	Anderson (7)
Shots on target	Ndiaye (3)
Via Sofascore

Everton star saved by Doucoure must be dropped

While many of Everton’s forward line have flattered to deceive this term, a certain Jack Harrison has been notably poor throughout the campaign and failed to influence the side again against a team chasing a Champions League place next season. As a result, he must be axed from the starting XI.

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The winger had missed only four Premier League matches before the match on Saturday yet had registered only one goal and one assist during that time.

Those are hardly the best returns for the current Leeds United loan player, and he won’t be returning to the club next season. That’s a certainty.

Harrison did look lively in spells against Forest, delivering 14 crosses into the opposition’s penalty area, although only four were accurate. He even set up Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner for chances, yet both players missed their opportunities.

His antics going forward meant the winger lost the ball a staggering 25 times throughout the game. Given he took 60 touches, this works out as losing the ball once every 2.4 touches.

Journalist Chris Beesley gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10 for his display, writing in the Liverpool Echo, notably criticising an effort he had that was blazed over the bar. It rather summed up his stint at Goodison.

Thus, with the man who replaced him, McNeil, actually registering the game-winning assist, perhaps it is the former Burnley man who should start instead of Harrison next time around.

Friedkin table offer in race to sign "perfect" £25m+ defender for Everton

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Apr 10, 2025

Delhi and North Zone batter shows his range during his century against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy

Ashish Pant31-Aug-2025 [I am from Delhi and there, we play aggressive cricket.]This one line pretty much sums up Yash Dhull, the cricketer. The 22-year-old is continuously on the move when batting. He walks down to the fast bowlers, gives the spinners the charge and is always on the lookout for the quick singles when not hitting boundaries.It was the theme of Dhull’s innings both times during North Zone’s Duleep Trophy match against East Zone at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru. The aggression cost him his wicket relatively early in the first innings on 39, but against a weary East Zone attack, he ensured he didn’t miss out once again.Dhull stroked his way to 133 off just 157 balls on the third day of the Duleep Trophy opener, adding a 240-run stand with captain Ankit Kumar as North Zone sealed their semi-final spot. He not only tackled the spinners with a mix of caution and controlled aggression, but he was equally adept against pace.Related

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He scored 86 off 104 against spinners and 47 off 53 against the fast bowlers, with shots all around the field. Apart from defending solidly and using his feet to throw the bowlers off their lengths, he was innovative too: two upper-cuts against fast bowler Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, two paddle sweeps against left-arm spinner Manishi and a thrash through the covers off pacer Mukhtar Hussain.”My simple plan was that I would play my game. The wicket was seaming a little but I had planned that I will play attacking cricket,” Dhull said after his innings. “My first intent is to always score runs and score them quickly. I was also carrying plenty of confidence behind me. And I came here and played accordingly.”Dhull reached his fifty off 49 balls and his century off 112. There were a few nervous moments when he was stuck in the 90s for a while, and he played and missed several times, particularly against Mohammed Shami. But Dhull ensured that he didn’t lose focus.”Sometimes you collect runs quickly and then there are times when you can’t score and you have to bide your time”, he said. “That’s what happened. But I was calm, staying in the present and not taking any pressure. I was waiting for that right ball to score.”Yash Dhull plays the ball away on the off side•PTI Dhull is coming into the Duleep Trophy in top form. He was Delhi’s second-highest run-scorer in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with 444 runs in ten innings at 49.33 and then had a stellar Delhi Premier League where he recorded 435 runs in nine innings at an average of 87 and strike rate of 167.31.Things are on the up now, but the circumstances were quite different just a year and a bit back in June, when Dhull had to undergo surgery to repair a 17mm hole in his heart. A cricketer is always on the move, jumping from one tournament to another, from one city to another, training, following a strict routine. For close to two months, though, Dhull’s life came to a standstill.”That time taught me a lot about myself, about my game, about my lifestyle, how to grow, how to improve,” Dhull said. “At the same time, I have to handle such things. There will be ups and downs. I have to go through them and move on. Right now, I just want to stay in the present. I don’t want to think about the past or future.”So much has happened. Now, I just enjoy my game. I spend time on it and that gives me all the happiness.”Dhull says he “didn’t have any option” but to get the surgery done. What he ensured during that time was not to think too much about the future. During the downtime, he also picked up a hobby. “I used to play snooker a lot and spent a lot of time there,” Dhull said. “That game also taught me a lot. My mind often used to wander around, I wasn’t concentrating much. That game taught me to stay more focused.”With a life-altering experience behind him, Dhull is now trying to take it one day at a time. He next has his sights set on South Zone, and having started on a positive note, he will hope his stocks continue to rise through the season.