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Phil Jones, the former Manchester United player, is currently in Chennai to attend the final of the third edition of Apollo Tyres’ Road to Old Trafford, a five-a-side football tournament supported by the club.

Speaking to the media, he expressed confidence in the current manager, Ruben Amorim, and expects his former side to become a dominant force it once was.

“When I started at Man United, I played alongside massive stars who operated at a completely different level. To give an example, we played an away game against Stoke and drew 1-1, and I was happy with the draw. I was sitting next to Rio (Ferdinand) in the change room, and he said to me, ‘Don’t be happy; it doesn’t work like that here.’ That was the first time I realised the winning mentality and team culture were like no other.

“It’s been challenging over the last few years, there are many new players in the team, and some of them are struggling with their confidence. Confidence plays a big role in sport. Ruben has been brought in for the right reasons—to improve Manchester United.

“I love how honest and open he is. It is very difficult for any manager to take over, but he plays a different brand of football, so we have to show patience and believe in what he’s building. Ruben will create leaders and restore that winning mentality. You will see the very best of Manchester United returning to its former glory,” said the 33-year-old.

Sunil Chhetri, who came on as a substitute, headed in the decisive goal for Bengaluru
| Photo Credit: FSDL/ISL Media

FC Goa won the battle but lost the war, as a 2-1 home win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday was not enough to get past Bengaluru FC, which qualified for the Indian Super League 2024-25 final by a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. Borja Herrera and Armando Sadiku found the net for the Gaurs, while Sunil Chhetri scored the all-important goal for the Blues.

The opener came in the 49th minute from a free kick after Sivasakthi Narayanan brought down Ayush Chhetri just outside the box, though the Goa players were certain the contact came inside the penalty area. Borja made no mistake as he rifled the ball into the net past an outstretched Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Though the Gaurs came close on a couple of occasions, they left it late in the second-half to grab the equaliser. Akash Sangwan found Armando Sadiku with an excellent cross from the left flank, and the Albanian made no mistake in heading the ball past Gurpreet to bring his team back into the match.

With the match poised to go into extra-time, it was Sunil Chhetri who delivered for the Blues. Deep in second-half of additional time, Namgyal Bhutia’s cross found second-half substitute Chhetri, who rattled the net with a diving header to seal the win.

It was a defensive masterclass from Bengaluru and another clinical performance from Gerard Zaragoza’s men, who had only two shots on target and converted one of them to qualify for the final.

Bengaluru will play the winner of the second semifinal between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Jamshedpur FC in the summit clash.

The result: FC Goa 2 (Borja 49, Sadiku 88) bt Bengaluru FC 1 (Chhetri 90+2). Bengaluru won 3-2 on aggregate.

Kavya Maran (BCCI/IPL Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s star openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head endured another disappointing outing with the bat, falling cheaply against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2025 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Abhishek, who began aggressively with four crisp boundaries, looked in fine touch, while Head also found the fence twice early on. The duo appeared poised to provide a solid platform for SRH.
However, Mohammed Siraj had other plans.
The fiery pacer struck early, removing Head in the very first over. Abhishek followed soon after, falling to Siraj in the fifth over, as both openers departed inside the Powerplay.
Also See: IPL Live Score, SRH vs GT
Their early dismissals didn’t sit well with Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran, who was seen visibly frustrated in the stands, gesturing and murmuring in disappointment.
Siraj claimed 4-17 to restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad to 152/8 in 20 overs.
Invited to bat first, Travis Head struck two consecutive fours off Siraj before the pacer dismissed him on the final ball of the opening over.
Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma struggled to score freely in the powerplay overs as the pair only added 29 runs for the second wicket before the latter was sent back to the pavilion by Siraj in the fifth over.
After losing both their openers early, Hyderabad were 45/2 after the end of the powerplay, their second-lowest in nine innings since 2024.

Kishan, who had spent a decent time on the crease, couldn’t capitalise on the start and was picked by Prasidh Krishna for 17 in the eighth over.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen gave some respite to Hyderabad’s struggling innings as the duo kept on rotating strikes against Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore in the middle overs. The duo amassed a 50-run stand for the fourth wicket before Kishore got the better of both batters in successive overs. Klaasen departed after scoring 27 including a six and two fours while Nitish scored 34-ball 31.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s hope for a late flourish in the death overs also hit a blow when Krishna put an end to Kamindu Mendis’ (1) five-ball stay at the crease, leaving them for 120/6 after 17 overs.
In the next over, Siraj, bowling his final over of the spell, showcased exceptional death bowling skills and clinched the scalps of Aniket Verma (18) and Simarjeet Singh (0) to complete his four-fer. The pacer returned with the figures of 4-17, his best bowling performance in the IPL history.
Pat Cummins (22 not out) struck a four and six while Mohammed Shami joined him with a boundary off Ishant Sharma’s final over to take their total to 152/8.
Apart from Siraj, Rashid and Krishna bagged two scalps each while remaining economical in their spells.

Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha’s ward, Dyf, ridden by P. Trevor, won the C.N. Wadia Gold Cup powered by Mr. Zavaray S. Poonawalla, the stellar attraction of the concluding day of the Indian Racing Carnival, which also marked the end of the Mumbai racing season, here on Sunday (April 6) evening.

The winner is owned by Mr. K.N. Dhunjibhoy, Mr. Z.K. Dhunjibhoy & Ms. Anosha Meyers rep. Five Stars Shipping Co. Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Rama Seshu Eyunni, Mr. Jiyaji Bhosale & Mr. Rishikesh Bhosale.

This six year old son of Cougar Mountain out of Soak was positioned third last in the early stages of the race. Later as the field turned for home, Trevor gradually improved his position to sixth or seventh in the straight. Dyf surged forward with an electrifying run and staved off the challenge from fast finishing Pyrite, to win by a long neck.

Leading owner: Five Stars Shipping Co. Pvt. Ltd (stakesmoney of ₹1,01,63, 692).

Leading trainer: Pesi Shroff (33 winners).

Leading jockey: A. Sandesh (30 winners, 24 seconds).

Leading apprentice jockey: Aditya Waydande (seven winners).

Leading stud farm: Usha Stud (79 points).

Mr. Jeevram won a cash prize of ₹5 lakh by successfully predicting the first four placings of the C.N. Wadia Gold Cup in the ‘Contest of Skill’.

1. RAPIER MILLION (1,200m): SUSSING (Antony Raj S) 1, Red Merlot (A. Prakash) 2, Lightning Blaze (S. Siddharth) 3 and Sorrento Secret (N. Bhosale) 4. Not run: Sentinel and Lion King. 2-1/2, Long Neck and 1-1/2. 1m, 11.68s. ₹56 (w), 14, 24 and 42 (p). SHP: 67, FP: 367, Q: 162, Tanala: 4,925 and 2,814. Favourite: Miss Magic. Owners: M/s. Mehli A. Nazir, Adi R. Nazir, Karl A. Nazir & Akash Sethi. Trainer: H.J. Antia.

2. BOMBAY CLUB MULTI-MILLION (1,600m): DEDICATION (A. Sandesh) 1, Superstar (Vivek G) 2, Juracan (S. Kamble) 3 and Caradoc (Suraj Narredu) 4. Nose, 2-1/4 and 1. 1m, 36.42s. ₹19 (w), 15, 15 and 32 (p). SHP: 53, FP: 90, Q: 66, Tanala: 954 and 605. Favourite: Dedication. Owners: Miss. Ameeta Mehra, Mr. Saif Ali Khan Pataudi, Mr. Kishore P. Rungta, Mr. Amit V. Menda, Mr. Chirag V. Shah & Mr. Narendra Kumar Ambwani. Trainer: Shazaan Shah.

3. MAHARAJA SIR HARISINGHJI TROPHY (Gr. 3) powered by HPSL (1,600m): SIEGE COURAGEOUS (P. Trevor) 1, Once You Go Black (David Allan) 2, A Star Is Born (Yash) 3 and Knotty Charmer (Antony Raj) 4. Not run: Charlie. Nose, 1/2 and 1-1/4. 1m, 34.76s. ₹28 (w), 14,16 and 36 (p). FP: 113, Q: 82, Tanala: 542 and 518. Favourite: Siege Courageous. Owners: Mr. Dean Stephens & Mr. Angad Singh rep. Mukteshwar Rac. LLP. Trainer: Prasanna Kumar P.

4. C.N. WADIA GOLD CUP (Gr. 2) powered by Mr. Zavaray S. Poonawalla (2,400m): DYF (P. Trevor) 1, Pyrite (Sandesh) 2, Duke Of Tuscany (Vivek G) 3 and Evaldo (David Allan) 4. Long Neck, Head and 1/2. 2m, 29.56s. ₹17 (w), 13, 17 and 14 (p). SHP: 50, FP: 54, Q: 27, Tanala: 189 and 65. Favourite: Dyf. Owners: Mr. K.N. Dhunjibhoy, Mr. Z.K. Dhunjibhoy & Ms. Anosha Meyeres rep. Five Stars Shipping Co. Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Rama Seshu Eyunni, Mr. Jiyaji Bhosale & Mr. Rishikesh Bhosale. Trainer: Adhirajsingh Jodha.

Note: Dash (Mustakim up) planted in the stalls and did not participate.

5. AHEAD OF MY TIME MILLION (1,200m): QUICKER (Bharat Singh) 1, Goddes Of Dawn (Mustakim) 2, The Athabasca (N.B. Kuldeep) 3 and Win Win (David Allan) 4. 1, 2-1/4 and 2-3/4. 1m, 10.97s. ₹37 (w), 25 and 57 (p). SHP: 61, FP: 558, Q: 410, Tanala: 2,061 and 1,104. Favourite: Vincero. Owners: Mrs. B.E. Saldanha, Mr. M. Narredu, Mr. Vivek S. Jain, Mrs. Vidita H. Kale, Mr. Champaklal Zaveri & Mr. Rohit J. Patel. Trainer: M. Narredu.

6. POONAWALLA STUD FARMS AUCTION SALE STAKES (1,400m): SOCIAL BUTTERFLY (David Allan) 1, All For Love (Yash) 2, Tyrannus (Neeraj) 3 and Victorious Omen (Zervan) 4. 5-1/4, 3/4 and 3/4. 1m, 23.45s. ₹24 (w), 11, 12 and 20 (p). SHP: 44, FP: 132, Q: 69, Tanala: 563 and 287. Favourite: Charismatic. Owners: Mr. Mukul Sonawala, Mr. Nozer Panthaky, Mr. D.R. Thacker rep. DT Racing & Breeders LLP., M/s. Karius Dadachanji, P.J. Vazifdar, M. Rishad, Munchi P. Shroff & K.H. Vaccha. Trainer: Dallas Todywalla.

7. THE HERITAGE OF MUMBAI MILLION (1,400m): THE MILENIUM FORCE (A. Sandesh) 1, Medusa (Bharat) 2, You (Aditya) 3 and Flashing Famous (Antony Raj) 4. 6-1/2, 3/4 and 1. 1m, 22.57s. ₹18 (w), 10, 13 and 23 (p). SHP: 49, FP: 34, Q: 23, Tanala: 544 and 216. Favourite: The Milenium Force. Owner: Mr. B. Vijeth Bhandari. Trainer: P.S. Chouhan.

Jackpot: 70%: ₹1,080 (685 tkts.) & 30%: 184 (1,718 tkts.).

Treble: 324 (105 tkts.).

Super Jackpot: 70%:1,302 (41 tkts.) & 30%: 286 (80 tkts.).

Jamie Maclaren will be a key player when Mohun Bagan takes on Jamshedpur FC in the second leg of the ISL semifinal in Kolkata on Monday.
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be banking on the huge home support as it prepares to overturn the deficit against Jamshedpur FC in the second leg of the ISL at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Monday.

Having won the first leg 2-1 at home (JRD Tata Sports Complex) on Thursday, Jamshepur enjoys the advantage at the moment, which it can leverage to ensure a passage to the final. A draw against Bagan would be enough to secure a favourable goal-aggregate and propel Jamshedpur to its first Cup final.

Given its brilliant home record that fetched it the League Shield before the playoffs, Mohun Bagan will be hoping to regain the form which saw the Mariners keeping clean sheets while winning its last six matches at Salt Lake Stadium.

On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC has evolved as a giant killer in the playoffs winning the eliminator by surprising NorthEast United (2-0) at the latter’s home before snatching the win against a visiting Mohun Bagan in the first leg. This record will definitely keep the Red Miners confident in preventing Bagan from securing the two-goal margin win that is necessary for it to secure a place in the final.

“We are up against a top side which is the champions for a reason. But we have to stay strong, believe in ourselves, and approach the match with a positive mindset,” Jamshedpur head coach Khalid Jamil said.

Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina hoped that his team would find the right balance and form to win with the required margin. “We have to try our best as we are playing against a team which defends so well. This means we have to push for the goals and find the right balance to get the win,” Molina said.

Jasprit Bumrah during a practice session.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Be it in the Men in Blue or those in golden blue, Jasprit Bumrah has been the saviour for most of the last decade. No wonder then that with him having been sidelined from the first fortnight of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians is far from having set the stage alight in IPL 2025.

Naturally, when he joined the squad on Saturday, MI received a big morale boost. When he ran in — albeit not in full steam — and asked a few questions to the batters ahead of Monday’s marquee clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the MI camp saw multiple faces light up despite mediocre results so far.

Such has been his aura that Bumrah’s availability for the crucial game — confirmed by head coach Mahela Jayawardene — will definitely lend balance to the MI line-up. With Bumrah missing in action and Rohit Sharma — who had a long stint in the bat — missing out on its previous loss in Lucknow after being hit on his knee in the nets, MI has had little to celebrate so far.

But the five-time champion will bank on Bumrah to showcase his class and restrict an outfit that started its campaign on song. Having overcome Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings before suffering a setback against Gujarat Titans, RCB will be keen on registering a hat-trick of wins against three of the most successful IPL franchises.

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will be hoping to counter the pace and swing of Trent Boult and Bumrah. With the red-soil surface aiding the MI pace pack in its previous home game, RCB’s Josh Hazlewood will be looking forward to spitting venom against Rohit and Co.

Having suffered three losses in four outings so far, time is running out for MI. Can Bumrah give it a breath of fresh air?

Rohit Sharma
| Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah is available while Rohit Sharma is likely to play in Monday’s Indian Premier League face-off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“He (Bumrah) is available. He trained, so he should be available tomorrow,” Jayawardene said at the Wankhede Stadium. “He arrived last night and I believe he had his sessions with NCA to finalise that. He has been handed over to our physios. He is bowling today, all (is) good and will play tomorrow (Monday).”

Bumrah bowled for well over 30 minutes at the start of MI’s nets, with designated openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton facing him. After taking an hour’s break, Bumrah returned for another stint, with Mitchell Santner and Corbin Bosch at the crease.

Rohit missed MI’s last game in Lucknow on Friday after being hit on the knee while training. The veteran looked in no discomfort while batting. “Ro looks good. It was just an unfortunate impact on his leg while batting, it was not comfortable. We were travelling yesterday. We will do an assessment on that,” Jayawardene added.

Thabiso Brown, third from left, scored a hat-trick for Gokulam Kerala in a losing cause against Dempo SC in the I-League at Kozhikode.
| Photo Credit: K. RAGESH

Drama was aplenty on the final day of the I-League.

At the end of it all, Churchill Brothers went atop the table. But bizarre as it may sound, the Goan team will have to wait for a while before it will know for sure if it has won its third I-League title.

That is because the All India Football Federation’s appeals committee has to decide on an appeal from Inter Kashi, which demanded it be given three points from the match against Namdhari FC.

Though Kashi had lost that game, it contended that Namdhari had fielded a player illegally. If Kashi wins the appeal, it could win its maiden I-League title, as its points tally would be revised to 42, two more than Churchill.

On Sunday, Churchill drew with Real Kashmir 1-1 at Srinagar. After Lalramsanga gave an early lead to the host, Rafiq Aminu equalised for Churchill five minutes into the second half. The Goans had at least needed a draw to entertain hopes of becoming the champion. Kashmir also had begun the match with an outside chance for the title.

At Kalyani, the Kashi men scored a dramatic 3-1 win against Rajasthan United. The game was heading towards a 1-1 draw, which would have put them out of contention, but they came back from the dead through injury time strikes by David Bollo and Matija Babovic.

Here at the Corporation Stadium, Gokulam Kerala, the fourth team in the title race, had begun brightly with a two-goal lead, just 11 minutes into the match, but Dempo SC staged a magnificent comeback to win 4-3.

Thabiso Brown, who has been brilliant since joining Gokulam last month, scored an old-fashioned hat-trick, but he was outshone by some sparkling football up front by Dempo.

The results: Real Kashmir 1 (Lalramsanga 8) drew with Churchill Brothers 1 (Rafiq Aminu 50) at Srinagar.

Gokulam Kerala 3 (Thabiso Brown 4, 11 & 73) lost to Dempo SC (Cristian Damian 21 & 90+4, Kapil Hoble 34, Didier Brossou 71) at Kozhikode.

Inter Kashi 3 (K.P. Prasanth 12, David Bollo 90+4, Matija Babovic 90+7) bt Rajasthan United 1 (Alain Oyarzun 69) at Kalyani.

NEW DELHI: Young spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi is making waves in IPL 2025 for two standout reasons — his impressive bowling performances and a unique action that mirrors mystery spinner Sunil Narine. Rathi delivered a composed and effective spell during Lucknow Super Giants‘ 12-run win over Mumbai Indians. His figures of 1/21 in the high-scoring clash earned him the Player of the Match award.
With Lucknow Super Giants gearing up to face Kolkata Knight Riders next, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant helped fulfill Rathi’s dream of meeting his idol, Narine.
In a video shared by LSG, Pant is seen walking alongside Narine during a practice session at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and introducing the two.
“The great Rathi. The great Sunil Narine,” Pant says while bringing them together.
Also See: IPL Live Score, SRH vs GT
“Hanji.. yahi hai,” Pant tells Rathi, pointing towards Narine.
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Rathi had shared: “I saw Sunil Narine bowl, and since then I’ve loved bowling.”
“I want to make my mindset more attacking, like Sunil Narine. The way he handles pressure situations, he stays calm there too. I also want to do that,” he said.
WATCH:
Approximately five years ago, during open trials conducted by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Rathi faced a pivotal moment.
After delivering a ball that was dispatched out of the ground by an established IPL player, he sought a replacement ball but was instead sidelined for the remainder of the trials, ultimately not making the shortlist.

Undeterred by this setback, Rathi resolved to refine his bowling skills, focusing intensely on minimizing runs conceded. He immersed himself in local club and corporate matches around Delhi-NCR, where maintaining an economical bowling rate was crucial for continued selection and match fees.
Emulating Narine, Rathi transformed his bowling style to prioritise accuracy and control, aiming to prevent boundaries and earn recognition for his disciplined approach.
This dedication bore fruit when the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recognized his potential and included him in their squad for IPL 2025. Under the leadership of captain Rishabh Pant, Rathi has emerged as a reliable asset, delivering economical spells that have significantly contributed to the team’s performance.