Man Utd new boy Dalot can be a world star
Transfers Who is Diogo Dalot? Man Utd’s £19m teenager could become a world star Kris Voakes Man Utd Correspondent Last updated 1 year ago 21:45 6/6/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(5) 
Getty Images Transfers Manchester United Porto Premier League Primeira Liga Opinion The Portuguese was confirmed as a United player on Wednesday, and he has the potential to be one of the next generation’s great full-backs In Diogo Dalot, Manchester United have not just signed a player who can strengthen one of their weaker areas in the forthcoming season but also promises to be a star for years to come.The 19-year-old featured in Goal’s NxGn XI earlier this year as the most promising teenage right-back in the game , and his arrival at Old Trafford on Wednesday for around £19 million is his latest massive step towards superstardom.An attack-minded full-back with great feet and supreme comfort in possession, Dalot is largely a right-back, though it was as a left-back that he got his opportunity in the Porto first team following an injury to Alex Telles in early 2018. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now On debut in February he collected one assist and had a hand in another as the Dragoes beat Portimonense 5-1. Within weeks he had made his Champions League bow on the left in a 0-0 draw away to eventual runners-up Liverpool.While much of his highlight reel so far has been built on the back of his attacking play, his 100 per cent tackle rate and 53% duel success over 408 minutes in six Primeira Liga matches points to great defensive prowess too. Strong in the air, he won nine of the 14 aerial duels he was involved in, but as with any teenager he still has plenty of room for improvement.His former youth coach, Luis Travessa, who oversaw Dalot’s progress as a six-year-old, revealed that the youngster had been allowed to train with children three years his elder, such was his football knowledge and his ability both as an individual and in team play.At the Fintas academy, Dalot showed just how versatile he was, playing as a full-back, as a centre-back and even as a striker as and when the team needed it most. Travessa also praised Dalot’s finishing, saying that he scored many goals thanks to his incredible composure and concentration.United were not the first club to spot his potential, with even Benfica having come in for him before he had even signed with Porto. However, after a two-week trial period with the Lisbon outfit he chose not to make the move to the capital due to the distance involved in travelling from his home town of Braga.
Instead he signed with Porto as a nine-year-old in 2008, and in his 10 years rising through the club’s youth system he has remained a hot property.His displays for Portugal between the Under-15 to Under-21 age groups helped draw the attention of Bayern Munich among others, but nothing ever came of the German champions’ regular scouting of him.Former Porto team-mate Miguel Layun recently told O Jogo that Dalot “could be the best full-back in the world in a few years” – a sentiment echoed by Jose Mourinho following the teenager’s arrival at the Theatre of Dreams. Now he is a Manchester United player, and as they look to find a long-term replacement for first-choice right-back Antonio Valencia, they may well have given the young Portuguese star the perfect platform to fulfil that promise.
Contact: Garry Shepard, SQBD Touch AssociationPhone: (07) 5535 5777Email: sqsharks@bigpond.net.auWeb: http://www.sqbdtouch.com
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Chelsea ace Hazard: I’ve changed the approach to my careerby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea ace Eden Hazard admits he’s taken better care of his body in recent years.Hazard has been with Chelsea since 2012.”Football is my job, but I enjoyed it 20 years ago, I enjoyed it 10 years ago and I enjoy it now. In that respect I haven’t changed a lot.”I prepare for games exactly the same as I did when I was younger. But now the difference is that I am getting older and I need to take more care of my body. I work a bit in the gym with the physio. Five years ago I just enjoyed training and then I went home.”Now I take my time. Recovery sessions are important for me now. That’s the big change, but after that I’m the same guy, with the same happiness on the pitch.” 
Wolves boss Nuno says they’re ready to act in marketby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveWolves boss Nuno says they’re studying the January market.However, he is eager to keep their plans close to his chest.The manager said, “I can comment on how we work. The transfer window is happening now and we anticipated it before.“We have a squad and now we have to look at it. We have to analyse what we have in front of us and who can deliver these things.“Now we have the chance with the transfer window, and anything can happen.”Nuno added: “Every time a player has a chance to go, it’s because of something like ‘he needs to play’. If we have an asset that needs to play. If we have a chance, we’ll take it.” TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Chelsea ACCEPT fourth bid from Bayern Munich for Callum Hudson-Odoiby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea have accepted a fourth bid from Bayern Munich for Callum Hudson-Odoi, it has been revealed.Sky Deutschland says Bayern’s offer of €40m has seen Chelsea agree terms over the 18 year-old’s sale. The decision being made just hours before Hudson-Odoi shone in defeat last night at Tottenham for the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal.The sticking point now is whether the teen leaves for Bayern immediately or whether he plays out the season in England before joining the Germans in June.For their part, Chelsea would prefer Hudson-Odoi stay given his recent contribution to manager Maurizio Sarri’s team. 
Earlier this week, five-star outside linebacker recruit Lyndell Wilson, who 247 Sports has ranked as the top player in the state of Alabama, announced his top seven teams on Twitter. USC was among the programs, and it looks like the Trojans are trying to take full advantage.Saturday, Lyndell tweeted out a photo of a dozen business cards he claims he was given by USC. The cards read that Wilson is the President and CEO of his own company, Lyndell Mack Wilson Inc. It’s a recruiting tactic we haven’t yet seen before.Wilson deleted the tweet shortly after posting it. We’re not sure if that means it’s potentially some sort of NCAA violation, or if he just didn’t want his address circulating the Internet. 
Ironically, under NCAA rules, Wilson can’t start a company and profit off of his likeness until he leaves school. Still, this is pretty cool.
A walk-on quarterback recently added to LSU’s roster is probably the most-appropriately named player in the history of the program. Meet Tiger Scheyd, a 6-foot, 179-pound redshirt freshman QB who became a member of Les Miles’ program this spring. Scheyd is surely deserving of his spot on the roster, but even if he’s not, his first name alone is reason enough to become a member of the Tigers. Momma we made it! pic.twitter.com/5qDcCtmPgy— Tiger Scheyd (@TigerScheyd) February 19, 2015Scheyd is from Miramar Beach, Fla.. He played his high school football at Fort Walton Beach. LSU opens its season Sept. 5 against McNeese State.
Manchester City might not be top of the Premier League this season, but that hasn’t stopped them from finding the back of the net with impressive frequency.In fact, with Danilo’s first-half strike during their 3-0 victory over lowly Huddersfield Town on Sunday, they’ve become the first side in Europe to hit the 100 goal threshold across all competitions this campaign.100 – Manchester City are the first team in the top five European leagues to score 100 goals in all competitions this season. Relentless. #HUDMCI — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 20, 2019 Pep Guardiola’s side have been helped to that milestone by some extraordinary form in 2019 so far, with a seven-goal FA Cup rout of Rotherham and a nine-goal demolition of Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup helping them to leapfrog their continental rivals. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? In fact, counting the three scored in their previous Premier League victory over Wolves and their efforts at the John Smith’s Stadium this weekend, with Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane both getting in on the action, they’ve now notched up 22 successful efforts in four games.To contrast, the Terriers have scored only 18 in their last 36 matches in all competitions before this encounter.Danilo has also become the 17th different player in City colours this year to find the back of the net, while Huddersfield only have eight such scorers. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
There hasn’t been much to criticize in the Tata Martino era.Since taking over as Mexico manager, Martino has led the team to four victories in four games. Each win came over a South American team and saw El Tri score three or more goals. Even Mexico’s notoriously fickle fanbase has been placated.Yet Martino isn’t satisfied, and as he faces his first official match Saturday against Cuba, he’s looking for an even better showing than the ones his team produced in the pre-Gold Cup friendly matches. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? So too will Mexico’s fans. While this is the first game that really means something for Martino, it’s also one in which a defeat would be far less forgivable than a friendly contest against a South American team. El Tri fans expect to get nine points from the Gold Cup group stage, especially with the first game against a team that Mexico has beaten in the last 12 meetings by a 44-6 aggregate scoreline.Cuba’s reality is far different from Mexico’s. Some of the players who could represent the country, like Norwich City attacker Onel Hernandez or veteran Minnesota United midfielder Oswaldo Alonso, aren’t allowed to because of political situations. More are likely to separate from the team while in the United States for this Gold Cup. It’s a Cuba team far from being able to reach its true potential, which makes Martino even more hopeful his squad can put together a complete performance unlike the ones they did in the four friendly matches.”Since Mexico, we’ve been getting to know every one of the players as far as the way they were playing in the friendly matches and now it’s time to inform ourselves about Cuba, about some of the difficulties they’ve had with getting visas for some of their players,” Martino said at a Friday news conference. “The majority of the players play in Cuba and the Dominican Republic.”The most important thing is to play 90 minutes in an intense way, even and as the attacking team, trying not to give the opponent any type of chance.”Mexico has been good in the Martino era, but it hasn’t been perfect. The team is yet to keep a clean sheet, something that will be an objective against a limited Cuba attack. Maykel Reyes was injured all year but is fit ahead of the Gold Cup, while Luis Paradela scored five goals in the Guatemalan league. Each were kept scoreless in preparation matches against the Dominican Republic’s Under 23 team, and Mexico’s defense should be at a different level than the young Dominicans. That said, there’s not a lot of info out there on some of the Cuban players or what coach Raul Mederos plans to do.”It’s difficult to do an analysis beforehand of what the opponent is able to show. I’m expecting a game in which Mexico will have the majority of the ball and they wait for the counter-attack,” Martino said. 
El Tri should be able to shut down those counter-attacks. The eight Cuban players on this roster playing outside Cuba all play in leagues of inferior quality than Liga MX. That said, Martino and Mexico will be aware that even if the group stage has looked like a cakewalk, they’ve gotten all nine points out of the group just once since the Gold Cup expanded to four-team groups in 2005. That’s once in seven tournaments.The build-up to this one has focused more on who isn’t here for Mexico than who is. With players like Hector Herrera and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez getting excused absences of sorts and those like Carlos Vela and Javier Aquino outright rejecting the idea of being in the national team, plus an injury to star winger Hirving Lozano, it’s been tough to focus on the players who have travelled. Yet it’s with that group, with Raul Jimenez and Rodolfo Pizarro with Carlos Salcedo and Jesus Gallardo, with Andres Guardado and Jonathan dos Santos, who Martino will look to lift the Concacaf championship with.”I’m really happy with the players who are here and who we’re going to compete with. Surely, they’ll all grow with the participation we have in the Gold Cup,” Martino said. “Every moment together, whether it’s in friendly matches, official competition, it’s a new chance to get better and to grow as a team and show our best version. So, in no situation can we think about the players who aren’t here because they’re not here for different reasons,” he continued, noting the case of Miguel Layun who had a cancerous tumor removed is very different from the players who declined call-ups.”For us, it’s a great opportunity to be together, to live with each other, to compete and to keep growing,” he said.That’s Mexico’s obligation Saturday. To beat Cuba in a convincing way, to grow from its previous showings and to put together its most complete performance yet.
Marcus Rashford believes Manchester United must “settle” under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in order to reassert a fading sense of identity.Solskjaer is overseeing his first pre-season after signing a three-year contract in March to become United’s full-time manager.His predecessor, Jose Mourinho, is the only man since Sir Alex Ferguson to have held the post for longer than two seasons. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Though a fan favourite in his playing days, there will be pressure on former striker Solskjaer to achieve early results after failing to secure Champions League qualification last term.Successfully implementing a vision before the new campaign could prove critical and star forward Rashford thinks the ingredients are right for a period of stability.”I feel like we can start to settle and I think that is what we needed most,” Rashford told United’s official website .”It has been a lot of chopping and changing, different tactics and different systems, and now I think we can settle in to what we are trying to do and really get that identity back.”. @MarcusRashford explains how Ole has increased the intensity and quality of training on #MUTOUR . Watch in full: https://t.co/PNAYEfVqK1 pic.twitter.com/gEGeyiWdQt — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 11, 2019 United’s planning has already been hit by an admission from agent Mino Raiola that his client, Paul Pogba, wants out of Old Trafford .Rashford, 21, is at least certain to stay after signing a new four-year contract earlier this month.And the England international has observed positives ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Perth Glory, despite the uncertainty surrounding World Cup winner Pogba.”The thing that has gone up for me is the intensity and just the level of training,” he said.”I think we are starting to understand it all a bit better. We can use this. This is Ole’s first pre-season and he can really stamp down what he wants to do.”We have got to use the remainder of the time here and then in Singapore and China to keep progressing and improving.”He continued: “I just think that little things like pictures in our heads are a lot clearer already.“Some of the other lads have been here in pre-season longer than I have, but in the short time I have been here things are becoming clearer to me on what the manager wants and how we are to do it on the pitch, so that will put us in good stead for the rest of the season.” Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Starting a team from scratch can seem a daunting proposition, but new A-League club Western United look to have compiled a quality squad for their debut season – and one than compares with the Western Sydney Wanderers side that won the Premiership at first attempt. While there is certainly no guarantee Western United will be as successful as the Wanderers in season one – the red and black had master coach Tony Popovic at the helm – the club has so far recruited a list that looks capable of making the finals. Italian international Alessandro Diamanti was announced as a signing on Thursday and he will provide a creative edge to Western United’s attacking midfield area, which also features Greek marquee Panagiotis Kone. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? The club will be hoping Diamanti has the same effect on their situation to what Shinji Ono had for the Wanderers – goals, assists and a drawcard to bring the early crowds in. A striking similarity in the compilation of both inaugural squads is the emphasis on recruiting quality defenders – which was a strong focus of Popovic’s Wanderers, who only conceded 21 goals in 27 league matches. 
Western United coach Mark Rudan, like Popovic, showed a desire to build a strong backbone during his campaign at Wellington Phoenix and it’s no different in his new job with signings Ersan Gulum, Andrew Durante, Brendan Hamill, Aaron Calver and Jonathan Aspropotamitis all capable of playing centre-half, while Socceroos right-back Josh Risdon and the left-sided Ivan Vujica will hold down the wide defensive positions. Their shot-stopper, Filip Kurto, won the A-League’s best goalkeeper award while a Phoenix last season and will provide a safe pair of hands between the sticks, much like the experienced Ante Covic did in the red and black. In addition to Diamanti and Kone, the midfield features former Melbourne City player Connor Chapman, who will be itching to impress on home soil after a successful stint with Pohang Steelers that saw him named in the 2018 K-League under-22 team of the season. Ex-Melbourne Victory midfield starlet Sebastian Pasquali also returns Down Under following three years of development at Ajax’s youth academy, while Max Burgess showed his potential last season after being given a chance by Rudan in Wellington. Like the Wanderers’ first attack, which featured Dino Kresinger (two goals) and Mark Bridge (11 goals) as the main forwards, Western United look slightly thin up front with ex-Socceroo Scott McDonald likely to lead the line with former Adelaide United talent Apostolos Stametelopoulos as back up. There is no doubting 35-year-old McDonald’s goalscoring credentials, but it remains to be seen whether he can find the back of the net regularly in the A-League. Welcome home @ScottyMcD83 #WUFC @ALeague #AreYouWithUs pic.twitter.com/gIu3mzRQaD— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) July 22, 2019It must be noted that Western United still have two foreign spots available – with Diamanti, Kone and Kurto currently signed as visa players – and Rudan has made it clear the club is likely to target an international striker.Finally, the coach himself will be out to prove that his successful season at the Phoenix can be repeated and ensure he continues his rise among the stock of Australian managers.Rudan will likely set Western United out in the same back-three formation he used in New Zealand – especially judging by the volume of central defenders recruited.All that remains is for a few more players to come in, the squad to gel together and then execute Rudan’s plan.And if Western United achieve anything near what the Wanderers did in their first campaign, it will be a hugely positive beginning to a hopefully successful franchise.
TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 1: A general view of the field taken during the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the USC Trojans on October 1, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. USC won 38-28. (Photo by Stephen Dunn /Getty Images)The spring and early summer are the prime time for recruiting in college football. Recruits are making visits, narrowing down their lists, and in some cases, offering up verbal commitments.There is still more than eight months until National Signing Day, and a lot can change in that time. The team recruiting rankings that fans obsess over will fluctuate non-stop between now and February.At this time, Alabama has the No. 1 class in the country, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. We know, you’re shocked about it. We are too.But which schools aren’t doing so hot in recruiting right now? These are the 10 worst Power 5 recruiting classes in college football right now, per 247’s composite rankings rank.Keep in mind, this list will look a lot different over the coming months:10. IndianaNumber of commits: 2 Overall ranking: 66 9. Kansas StateNumber of commits: 2 Overall ranking: 688. Kansas Number of commits: 1 Overall ranking: 747. ArizonaNumber of commits: 1 Overall ranking: 796. Washington StateNumber of commits: 1 Overall ranking: 805. SyracuseNumber of commits: 1 Overall ranking: 854. Utah Number of commits: 1 Overall ranking: 92Note: The next three schools have zero commits right now, though Arizona State and UCLA are operating under new head coaches. We listed them in alphabetical order.3. UCLA2. Pitt1. Arizona State
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 21: A general view of Hard Rock Stadium during a game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Syracuse Orange on October 21, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)The 2019 recruiting class is starting to take serious shape, as the early signing period began this morning, with most of the country’s top prospects signing their letters of intent.Most of the usual suspects are having great classes, from Alabama to Clemson to Ohio State.One notable major program – Miami – is not.The Hurricanes’ 2019 class currently ranks in the 40s nationally.That is not good.“As of this moment, Rivals has Miami at No. 43, right behind Duke and just ahead of Vanderbilt and Northwestern. At least they’re all private schools?” USA TODAY’s Dan Wolken joked.As of this moment, Rivals has Miami at No. 43, right behind Duke and just ahead of Vanderbilt and Northwestern. At least they’re all private schools?— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 19, 2018Miami’s class ranks a little bit better on 247Sports, at least. The Hurricanes’ crop comes in at No. 35.Still, it’s far from what Miami fans have come to expect.
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 07: An ‘SEC’ logo is seen on an end zone pylon before the Missouri Tigers take on the Auburn Tigers during the SEC Championship Game at Georgia Dome on December 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Florida scored a major commitment during tonight’s Under Armour All-American Game tonight, landing four-star wide receiver Arjei Henderson.Henderson hails from Richmond (Tex.) Fort Bend Travis. He was at onetime committed to Oklahoma, committing to the Sooners in April before decommitting in November.Henderson chose the Gators over in-state rival Florida State.Gainesville Im Home!? #UAALLAMERICA #WEWILL pic.twitter.com/ik1yFeOjh4— Hendi™ (@king_hendi) January 4, 2019Henderson is the No. 22 wide receiver in the 2019 class, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings.Here is a look at Florida’s current 2019 class. Henderson is now the highest-rated commit.The Gators rank 15th nationally in 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings for the 2019 cycle.You can catch the rest of the Under Armour All-American Game on ESPN2.
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 11: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after scoring a 31 yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson #4 in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Hunter Renfrow wasn’t the biggest star of last night’s win for Clemson, but the veteran wideout will finish his collegiate career with yet another national title.With the torch being passed from Renfrow to Justyn Ross in the receiving corps, it’s safe to say that Clemson will have more than enough talent on offense for next season.Although the Tigers will return the majority of their starting offense for their title defense, losing Renfrow will be significant in the locker room.The senior wideout will finish his career with 186 receptions for 2,133 yards and 15 touchdowns.Renfrow will leave college in ideal fashion, winning his second championship in four years with both victories coming against Alabama. He’ll hopefully suit up for an NFL team on Sundays in 2019.Before he finally says goodbye to his Clemson teammates and fans, Renfrow posted a heartfelt message on Twitter for his followers.Check it out:What a way to go out! Can’t be more thankful to my teammates and coaches for an unbelievable year! “As a man thinketh so is he” #15-0 #BestEver— Hunter Renfrow (@renfrowhunter) January 8, 2019Dabo Swinney has always kept Renfrow in high regards, especially after his game-winning touchdown catch in the 2017 College Football Playoff.Congratulations to him on a great career in college football, as he’ll undoubtedly be remembered at Clemson for years to come.
Reuters HyderabadMarch 1, 2019UPDATED: March 1, 2019 14:56 IST India vs Australia: Virat Kohli will be hoping to start the ODI series on a high with a win in Hyderabad (@ICC Photo)HIGHLIGHTSAfter having won ODI series in Australia and New Zealand, India play a 5-match ODI series at homeThe 5-match series vs Australia is India’s last international assignment ahead of the World CupIndia will take on Australia in the first ODI in Hyderabad on SaturdayThe importance of the one-day series against Australia beginning on Saturday is not lost on Virat Kohli’s India as they gauge their World Cup preparations against the reigning champions in their final series before the showpiece event.India capped their memorable tour of Australia, where they registered their first ever Test series victory Down Under, by claiming the three-match ODI series 2-1 in January.Chief selector MSK Prasad told reporters last month that most of the players in the current India side pick themselves and it was a matter of finalising a couple of slots before the World Cup in England and Wales.The five-match series against Australia is naturally important for a handful of Indian players who want to nail down their places with solid performances against the tourists who have slipped to sixth in world rankings.Rishabh Pant’s chance to shineWicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has leapfrogged Dinesh Karthik to be MS Dhoni’s understudy behind the stumps, but needs to prove his maturity against Australia to make the flight to England.”The progression of Rishabh in the last one year is phenomenal across the formats,” Prasad, a former stumper himself, told ESPNcricinfo recently, describing the exciting 21-year-old’s form as a “healthy headache”.”What we actually felt is he needs a bit of maturity now, gain more experience. That is the reason we have included him in India A series wherever possible.”Lifeline for KL RahulLokesh Rahul has been thrown a lifeline despite a slump in form and a brief suspension he incurred for inappropriate comments on a television show. The opener impressed with scores of 50 and 47 in the Twenty20 matches against Australia.advertisement”I got some time off from international cricket, so I could come back here and reflect on what wasn’t going right for me,” said Rahul, who remains optimistic of securing a back-up role to first choice opening pair Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.Australia play an ODI series against Pakistan in United Arab Emirates later this month but coach Justin Langer will hope the series against world number two India will provide answers to many questions.Finch’s lack of form at the top of the batting order has been a concern for a team who eagerly await the return of Steve Smith and David Warner from ball-tampering suspensions which expire at the end of the month.”We have just got to keep giving him plenty of care and support. We know he’ll come good,” Langer said, throwing his weight behind Finch.Usman Khawaja did reasonably well in the home ODI series against India, and while he may not match the strike rate of some of his team mates, Finch’s poor form means Australia will keep an eye on how the left-hander fares against India.Among others, batsman Peter Handscomb will look to prove his prowess against spin while quick Nathan Coulter-Nile will hope to stay on his feet through the series to shed his ‘injury-prone’ image.Also Read | Mithali Raj ready to give 2021 Women’s World Cup a shotAlso Read | India vs Australia: MS Dhoni hit on forearm during net session ahead of 1st ODIAlso See:For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byAkshay Ramesh Tags :Follow India vs AustraliaFollow ODI seriesFollow Virat KohliFollow Hyderabad ODIFollow Aaron FinchFollow India national cricket team India assess World Cup build-up against depleted champions in ODI seriesIndia vs Australia: Virat Kohli’s Team India will play a five-match ODI series, their last international assignment ahead of 2019 World Cup, against Australia from March 2advertisement
Varun Singh New DelhiApril 22, 2019UPDATED: April 22, 2019 18:53 IST MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America is priced at Rs 18.73 lakh (ex-showroom).HIGHLIGHTSMV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America gets a 798 cc engine that delivers 140 Bhp with 87 NM torque.The limited edition sports naked bike will have a red, white and blue colour scheme.Motoroyale is the exclusive distributor of MV Agusta, Norton, SWM, FB Mondial and Hyosung bikes in India.Motoroyale, a part of the Kinetic Group of companies, has launched the limited edition MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America in India at an introductory price of Rs 18.73 lakh (ex-showroom). Only five units of the sports naked superbike will be available in India.The limited edition MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America gets a 798 cc engine that delivers 140 Bhp with 87 NM torque. It will have a red, white and blue colour scheme on a mica blue base with iridescent reflections and horizontal graphic cuts.Among some of the features of MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America are dual seats, concealed passenger grab rails, signature lights and lightweight sub-frame.”MV Agusta bikes have a legacy of innovation, safety, speed and style. The limited edition ‘America’ model has it all – striking looks, maximum performance and the sportiest ride. With the launch of the Brutale 800 RR America, we at Motoroyale have reinforced our objective of bringing the most premium bikes in the world to riders in the Indian market. In 2018, we launched seven models from some of the biggest global brands and we are building on our exceptional product repertoire with this first launch in 2019,” Motoroyale Kinetic Managing Director Ajinkya Firodia said.Motoroyale by Kinetic is the exclusive distributor of MV Agusta, Norton, SWM, FB Mondial and Hyosung bikes in India. The company currently has multi-brand showrooms in Thane-Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kochi. It is also planning to open showrooms in Delhi, Indore, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Kolkata, among other markets.ALSO READ | 2019 Honda CBR650R launched in India, price starts at Rs 7.70 lakhALSO READ | 2019 Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 facelift gets safety upgrades, starts reaching dealershipsALSO READ | Maruti Suzuki Baleno with smart hybrid technology launched, price starts at Rs 7.25 lakhadvertisementGet real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byVarun Singh Tags :Follow Bike launchFollow MV Agusta bikeFollow Agusta sports naked bikeFollow 2019 Agusta bikeFollow MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America launched in India, price starts at Rs 18.73 lakhAmong some of the features of MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR America are dual seats, concealed passenger grab rails, signature lights and lightweight sub-frame.advertisement Next
Indo-Asian News Service New DelhiJuly 29, 2019UPDATED: July 29, 2019 17:53 IST Image for representation (Reuters Photo)The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) meeting in the capital on Friday seemed to be going fine till things went slightly south after the topic of the appraisal of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) employees came up for discussion. In fact, it is believed that CEO Rahul Johri’s effort to promote CFO Santosh Rangnekar over IPL COO Hemang Amin didn’t go down well with all present.Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said that while Johri and Lt. Gen Ravindra Thodge supported the move to hand Rangnekar a handsome increment, Diana Edulji put her foot down and wanted a fair deal for Amin as well, and that led to a heated argument.”Thodge backed Johri’s proposal that the CFO deserves a handsome appraisal for his effort and while nobody had a problem with that, there seemed to be an effort to pull down the IPL COO and that is when Diana decided to step in and argue Amin’s case,” the source said.A BCCI functionary said that while it was said at the meeting that the IPL COO can’t be kept on the same pedestal as the CFO because the cash-rich league doesn’t happen all through the year, the effort put in by Amin and his team isn’t restricted just to the two months of the IPL.”It is unfair to judge Amin’s work as per the two months of the tournament. Along with his team, he is working throughout the year to get things in order and ensure that the IPL is one of the most successful domestic tournaments in world cricket. To just assess him on the basis of two months is unfair,” the functionary said.advertisement”Not to forget the hours he put in to ensure that the 2019 edition of the league happened in India despite this being an election year. The kind of coordination and planning Amin did deserve special praise. On the other hand, the CFO has a whole team that looks into specifics.”While it is believed that Diana walked out of the meeting without signing the appraisal papers on Friday, the same couldn’t be confirmed as she was unavailable for comment.Also See:For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted bySaurabh Kumar Tags :Follow Committee of AdministratorsFollow Board of Control for Cricket in IndiaFollow BCCI Committee of Administrators divided over BCCI appraisals as Johri pushes CFO’s caseA BCCI functionary said that while it was said at the meeting that the IPL COO can’t be kept on the same pedestal as the CFO because the cash-rich league doesn’t happen all through the year, the effort put in by Amin and his team isn’t restricted just to the two months of the IPL.advertisement
Sourav Ganguly 1st India cricketer in 65 years to become BCCI presidentSourav Ganguly is all set to be elected unopposed as BCCI presdident. The former India captain filed his nomination in Mumbai on Sunday. advertisement India Today Web Desk New DelhiOctober 14, 2019UPDATED: October 14, 2019 16:55 IST Sourav Ganguly set to be elected unopposed as new BCCI president (Reuters Photo)HIGHLIGHTSSourav Ganguly 2nd India cricketer to become BCCI presidentSunil Gavaskar and Shivlal Yadav served as interim president in 2014Ganguly piped Brijesh Patel to become frontrunner for the post of BCCI presidentBatting great Sourav Ganguly is in line to become only the 2nd India cricketer after Maharaja of Vizianagaram to serve as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Sourav Ganguly is all set to be elected unopposed as the new BCCI president. The former India captain filed his nomination for the coveted post on Monday at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. He was accompanied by former BCCI bosses Niranjan Shah and N Srinivasan as he became the only candidate to file the nomination.Only once before had an India cricketer achieved the rare double. Maharaja of Vizianagaram, who led India in a Test tour to England in 1936. Despite playing only 3 Test matches for India, the Maharaja of Vizianagaram a.k.a Vizzy served as BCCI president between 1954 and 1956.Notably, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and Shivlal Yadav have also served as interim BCCI presidents in 2014.The BCCI elections were scheduled to be held on October 23 but with Sourav Ganguly being the only candidate to file his nomination for the top post of Indian cricket, he is set to be elected unopposed.A consensus between the state units of BCCI was built during an unofficial meeting last week. Ganguly was unanimously accepted as the presidential candidate by the representatives of the state units.Shedding light on the dramatic turn of events in which he piped Brijesh Patel to become the frontrunner for BCCI president post, Ganguly said: “I didn’t know I would be the President when I came down. You (the reporter) asked me and I told you it’s Brijesh and when I went up and I came to know it has changed. I have never been in a BCCI election and I never knew it worked like this.”advertisementSourav Ganguly, however, will be able to serve as BCCI president only until September 2020 due to the cooling off period. He has been holding posts in Cricket Association of Bengal for the past five years where he currently serves as president and an administrator can only serve six years on the trot.Ganguly said he was looking forward to taking over the top job and “do something” to correct the hampered image of BCCI.”I am happy with the appointment because this is the time when BCCI’s image has got hampered and it’s a great opportunity for me to do something,” Ganguly told India Today on Sunday.Also Read | Matter of great pride that Sourav Ganguly is set to lead BCCI: Interim chief CK KhannaAlso Read | Nothing beats being India captain, says BCCI presidential candidate Sourav GangulyAlso See:For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byAkshay Ramesh Tags :Follow Sourav GangulyFollow BCCI PresidentFollow Maharaja of VizianagaramFollow Sunil GavaskarFollow Shivlal Yadav Next
Would you do this to men’s team? Edulji, Shantha question women’s support staff appointmentGM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim, who is in-charge of women’s cricket, is under the scanner for “unconstitutional” appointment of the support staff of the women’s national team.advertisement Next Press Trust of India New DelhiOctober 18, 2019UPDATED: October 18, 2019 15:51 IST Former India women cricket team captain Diana Edulji. (PTI Photo)HIGHLIGHTSDiana Edulji has questioned the ‘unconstitutional’ appointment of women’ support staffSaba Karim is the one under scanner for these appointmentsThe selectors are supposed to appoint the support staff of national teamsCOA member Diana Edulji and BCCI’s new apex council member Shantha Rangaswamy on Friday questioned the “unconstitutional” appointment of the support staff of the women’s national team in a letter to board CEO Rahul Johri.GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim, who is in-charge of women’s cricket, is the one under the scanner for these appointments.A day after the Hemlata Kala-led women’s selection panel wrote to the the CEO, claiming they were kept out of the hiring process of the support staff, former India captains Edulji and Rangaswamy has lashed out at the shabby treatment handed out to the national team.As per the BCCI constitution, selectors are supposed appoint the support staff of the national teams, both men and women. Due process was followed for the appointment of men’s team support staff recently.”I am shocked reading the article quoting the e-mail from women selectors to you regarding the sham process being followed for selection of the video analyst.”It is even more worrisome that the person Mr Pushkar Sawant, wanted by Saba Karim (GM cricket operations) and NCA is already booked on the flight to West Indies. The whole process looks like an eye wash,” Edulji, who is set to demit office alongside two other COA members, wrote in the letter, which is in possession PTI.Selectors have claimed that that they were not even kept in the loop for the appointment of women’s bowling and fielding coach. They were only asked to conduct interviews for the role of a video analyst, for which the process ended on Friday.advertisementBoth Edulji and Rangaswamy claimed that rules have been violated even for the video analyst’s role though application were invited in this case, unlike in the case of bowling and fielding coach.NCA bowling coach Narendra Hirwani and T Dilip will be travelling with the team to the West Indies, as bowling and fielding coach respectively.”I have also received an e-mail from Shantha Rangaswamy, nominated member on the BCCI apex council, which has been marked to you and the selectors, wherein she has stated that these things are been done deliberately to accommodate persons chosen by the powers that be and not following the established practises. A very serious allegation.”The article and the mail cast serious aspersions and doubts about the dealings of the cricket operations especially Saba who is heading it and despite repeated instructions by COA, he is defying and wanting to place persons to these positions without due process.”I am marking this to my colleagues so that they are aware of what is happening behind the COA’s back. I will not be giving my consent to this sham interview that is taking place today for the video analyst as Mr Pushkar Sawant has already been nominated for the tour,” wrote Edulji.”This is the national Indian Team that is travelling and such shabby treatment is being doled out to them. I wonder if you would do this to the men’s team.”When Karim, who is in the centre of this whole controversy was contacted by PTI, he said: “Since the mail has been addressed to the CEO, it is best to speak to him.Also Read | South Africa captain Faf du Plessis may send teammate at toss in Ranchi TestAlso Read | Will be an honour to become 2nd Indian captain to lift T20 World Cup trophy: Virat KohliFor sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byAnita Jat