كاراجر عن جلوس محمد صلاح بديلًا في مباراة ليفربول وفرانكفورت: سلوت كان يشاهدني

تحقق في مباراة ليفربول وآينتراخت فرانكفورت ما تمناه جيمي كاراجر مدافع الريدز السابق بقرار آرني سلوت بجلوس محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء.

واتخذ آرني سلوت قرارًا إبعاد صلاح عن تشكيل ليفربول بجرأة، وحقق الريدز فوزاً كاسحاً على حساب فرانكفورت بخماسية لهدف واحد، وظهر فريق الريدز بشكل أكثر توازناً وقدم هوجو إيكتيكي وفلوريان فيرتز أداء جيدًا.

وسبق أن طالب كاراجر، قبل أيام، بضرورة استبعاد محمد صلاح من التشكيل الأساسي لفريق ليفربول بسبب أدائه الضعيف ذلك الموسم، وكرر ذلك في حديثه عبر استوديو تحليلي يوم الإثنين.

وقال كاراجر قبل انطلاق مباراة ليفربول أمام فرانكفورت في تصريحات نشرتها “ليفربول دوت كوم”: “تحدثت عن ذلك في المباراة الماضية ومن الواضح أن سلوت كان يشاهدني”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. محمد صلاح يثير الجدل بتصرفه بعد مباراة ليفربول وفرانكفورت

وأضاف: “التحليل الرياضي ليست وظيفتي الأساسية، لدي جلسة جانبية أتحدث فيها مع الجهاز الفني لليفربول” .

وواصل كاراجر :”عندما لا يكون محمد صلاح أسطورة، يعامل كأحد لاعبي الفريق وهذا صحيح، يبلغ 33 عاماً وسيخوض ليفربول ثلاث مباريات خلال ستة أيام”.

وحول سبب رأيه بأنه لا يجب الاعتماد على صلاح أساسياً في كل المباريات ذكر كاراجر: “إذا لم يكن في أفضل حالاته حالياً، فلا ينبغي أن يلعب ثلاث مباريات خلال ستة أيام، هناك خيارات أخرى وليفربول أنفق مبالغ طائلة، قرار رائع من سلوت لأننا لدينا مباراة مهمة قادمة”.

Atlético-MG vence o Bahia pelo Brasileirão e Felipão respira; veja o resultado

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético-MG venceu o Bahia por 1 a 0, na manhã deste domingo (13), com gol de Paulinho, no Mineirão, pela última rodada do primeiro turno do Brasileirão. Resultado dá fôlego ao trabalho de Felipão e pode fazer o Tricolor de Aço terminar rodada na zona de rebaixamento.

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Todos os 90 minutos foram muito equilibrados, os dois times conseguiram criar muitas chances, mas só Paulinho, no início do segundo tempo, conseguiu balançar as redes.

+ Veja a tabela do Brasileirão

LÁ E CÁ
11 chutes para o Galo e 14 para o Bahia; 39% de posse para o Galo, 61% para o Bahia. Os números podem até mostrar uma mínima vantagem para os tricolores, mas, no campo, o equilíbrio marcou a partida.

Quem chegou primeiro com perigo foi o Bahia. Ademir finalizou de fora da área uma bola cheia de veneno. Éverson, que completou 200 jogos pelo clube, foi seguro e encaixou. Depois disso, o goleiro quase desviou para dentro uma boa finalização de Cauly, mas antes disso, Paulinho também obrigou o goleiro Marcos Felipe a trabalhar. No fim do primeiro tempo, Hulk caiu na área e ficou pedindo pênalti de Kanu. O jogo ficou parado por um bom tempo, mas não houve nada.

PRESENTE PARA O PAULINHO PAI
Mais uma vez quem começou com perigo foi o Bahia, na cabeçada de Vitor Hugo. Mas, quem marcou mesmo foi Paulinho, após receber bola enfiada de Hulk. No fim do jogo, o atacante dedicou o gol ao pai, seu ídolo. Logo na sequência, o Bahia chegou ao ataque e, no rebote, Thaciano chutou beirando a trave. No final, o Tricolor acabou se afobando para buscar o resultado e não conseguiu ameaçar tanto a defesa do Galo.

+Galo: Éverson completa 200 jogos hoje contra o Bahia

O próximo compromisso do Atlético-MG é contra o Vasco, no domingo (20), às 11h (de Brasília) em São Januário. O clube carioca ainda tenta levar a partida para o Maracanã. Já o Bahia enfrenta o Red Bull Bragantino no mesmo dia, às 16h, na Fonte Nova.

Allardyce 2.0: "Remarkable" coach desperate to join West Ham after contact

He might still be in the job, but it feels like time has run out for Graham Potter at West Ham United.

The Englishman has been the club’s manager since January, and instead of leading them into an exciting new era, the team have regressed under him.

He has overseen 25 games with the Hammers, winning just six, drawing five and losing a staggering 14, which has seen him amass just 0.92 points per game.

The situation is so dire now that there is a real chance of relegation unless something changes, so it’s probably a good thing West Ham are now linked with someone who could be their new Sam Allardyce.

West Ham target Potter replacement

With just how badly they’re playing at the moment, it is surprising that Potter is still in the West Ham dugout, but with the number of coaches linked with the club, that could soon change.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

One of the managers most heavily touted for a move, or in his case, a return to the club, is Slaven Bilic.

However, considering he hasn’t managed in a top league for around five years, we are unsure whether he’s the right option.

Nuno Espírito Santo, on the other hand, would be a seriously exciting appointment, but as he has only just left Nottingham Forest, we aren’t sure this is a move all that likely to transpire.

Interestingly, another name has popped up, someone who would be a better fit than Bilic and more likely than Nuno: Sean Dyche.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the former Everton and Burnley boss is someone the club have been in contact with in case they fire Potter.

While he might not be the most inspiring choice, he is reportedly “itching” to return to top-flight management and could be just what West Ham need, an Allardyce figure, if you will.

Why Dyche would be West Ham's new Allardyce

So, it would be fair to say that describing someone as a club’s new Allardyce might not be the best way to make fans excited about a potential appointment.

Moreover, while he didn’t send them down, and did a far better job than plenty of their recent managers, the West Ham faithful weren’t particularly enamoured with Big Sam during his four years at the club over a decade ago.

However, with the club down in the relegation zone, morale at a considerable low in the fanbase and this season’s newly promoted sides looking dangerous, what the Irons need is stability and someone to ensure the worst doesn’t happen.

That is what the former England manager was a specialist at doing and what Dyche would be able to do if he was hired to replace Potter.

The “remarkable” manager, as dubbed by former professional turned pundit Ally McCoist, was called in by Everton to save them from the drop in January 2023, and he did just that, before being replaced once the club was stable.

24/25

16th

23/24

15th

22/23

17th

21/22

18th

20/21

17th

19/20

10th

18/19

15th

17/18

7th

16/17

16th

14/15

19th

That is why he could be an excellent option for the Hammers, as he could come in for this year, get the fans back onside, make the team more difficult to play against and then make way for a more progressive coach in the summer.

Moreover, even though he was brought in to save the Toffees from going down, the Englishman’s record there was far better than Potter’s is in East London.

Games

83

25

Wins

26

6

Draws

24

5

Losses

33

14

Points per Game

1.23

0.92

For example, the former Burnley icon oversaw 83 games for the Merseysiders, of which 26 were wins, 24 were draws and 33 losses, resulting in a pretty decent points per game average of 1.23.

Ultimately, Dyche wouldn’t be the most inspiring of choices, but like with Allardyce back in the day, he’d be a safe pair of hands to ensure the worst doesn’t happen this season.

Bilic upgrade: West Ham approach "incredible" manager admired by Mourinho

The experienced manager would be a brilliant hire for West Ham United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 22, 2025

UAE gain women's ODI status, USA lose theirs

UAE have replaced USA in the list of 16 women’s teams with ICC ODI status for the 2025-29 cycle, which will come into effect on May 12. The 16 teams include five Associate members: Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and Scotland, who have all retained their status, apart from UAE.Thailand and Scotland made sure of their ODI status after getting to the women’s ODI World Cup qualifier, held recently, while PNG and Netherlands retained their status based on their T20I rankings. PNG are at 13th and Netherlands 15th on the T20I rankings. Thailand and Scotland are at 11th and 12th place on the same rankings respectively.At the World Cup qualifiers held in Pakistan earlier this month, Scotland beat West Indies and Thailand to finish fourth out of six teams, with Thailand placed bottom after losing all their five games. Pakistan and Bangladesh made the cut for the World Cup, to be hosted later this year by India, from the tournament, though Pakistan are expected to not travel to India and will play their matches elsewhere.UAE confirmed their ODI status as the next-highest-ranked Associate team – at No. 16 on the T20I table – at the time of the annual rankings update. Teams with ODI status are required to play at least eight ODIs over a three-to-four-year period to achieve or maintain a ranking.Australia maintained their stronghold on the No.1 ranking with 299 rating points and even extended their lead over second-placed England (279) from 18 points to 20 after the update.USA are currently playing a bilateral series against Zimbabwe, where they lost the T20I series 2-1 and won the first ODI by seven wickets on Thursday. The second and final ODI will be played on Saturday. UAE, meanwhile, are currently in Bangkok, taking part in a quadrangular T20I series also involving hosts Thailand, Hong Kong and Kuwait.

Nottingham Forest win race to sign another South American star with Victor

With a deal agreed to sign goalkeeper John Victor, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly leading the race to sign another South American star for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nottingham Forest agree Victor deal

Espirito Santo requested a goalkeeper and it looks as though he’s set to get one in the form of Victor this week. According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian from Botafogo, who is set to get the Premier League move that he’s been after since West Ham United ditched their attempts to secure his signature.

Espirito Santo also requested full-back cover and has also seen that demand met by those at the City Ground, who have welcomed Nicolo Savona from Juventus.

Speaking for the first time since becoming the latest to arrive in the Midlands, the defender said: “I am very excited to be here. It is a new experience for me as a person and a player. It is such a historic club, and the move is a dream come true. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at the City Ground, and I will give my all for the shirt.”

Medical booked: Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign "phenomenal" Brazilian

The Midlands club are closing in on another arrival.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 30, 2025

Whether Victor and Savona are enough to satisfy Espirito Santo will be the big question. Talks between the Forest boss and Marinakis are reportedly scheduled this weekend in what should give those at the City Ground a strong indication of where Espirito Santo’s immediate future lies.

With the deadline fast-approaching, meanwhile, reports suggest that the Tricky Trees are targeting yet another South American star.

Nottingham Forest leading Cuiabano race

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are not leading the race to sign Cuiabano from Botafogo. Forest have, of course, already welcomed Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha from the Brazilian club, whilst an agreement has also been reached for Victor. Now, they could sensationally sign a fourth player from the club.

Full of praise for all three potential Forest stars, analyst Ben Mattinson described Cuiabano as “powerful” and “pacy” when links first emerged that the Tricky Trees had him in their sights. Now, in a late move, they could finally get their man.

Cuiabano in action for Botafogo.

Like Savona, the Brazilian would also satisfy Espirito Santo’s demand for cover at full-back just as the window is coming to a close. At just 22 years old, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the Midlands too, and European football should ensure that he receives the game time needed to enjoy that improvement.

Mikel Arteta tips Arsenal for "wonderful future" after boardroom announcement

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his positive thoughts about the club’s future after an official announcement this week.

Arsenal under pressure to end Premier League title wait

Arteta is currently in the midst of yet another Premier League title race, as he looks to finally topple the rest of England and bring an end to the Gunners’ two-decade-long wait for a domestic crown.

Some pressure has grown on Arteta, given the club’s vast spending since his arrival, with precious few major trophies to show for his efforts, despite coming very close on multiple occasions.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£257m

Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals last year, only to be knocked out by eventual winners PSG, and finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year.

With the help of sporting director Andrea Berta, who splashed north of £250 million on eight major signings to bolster Arsenal’s squad, Arteta has shored up key areas to give Arsenal the best possible chance of etching their name on the Premier League trophy for the first time in 2004.

Berta’s arrival was, by some way, Arsenal’s most significant boardroom change to usher in a new era, but major news emerged this week that long-serving vice-chairman Tim Lewis has left the Emirates Stadium after five years.

The 62-year-old’s “shock” exit was first revealed by David Ornstein, and soon after confirmed by the club in an official announcement.

Lewis was “integral” to Arsenal’s rise, but Richard Garlick has now become CEO and Josh Kroenke is set for a more prominent role in what is a real revamp of the hierarchy.

Commenting on the changes upstairs, Arteta shared an emphatic prediction.

Mikel Arteta tips Arsenal for "wonderful future" after boardroom announcement

The announcement of Garlick becoming CEO and Lewis departing has attracted plenty of debate, but Arteta has tipped Arsenal for a “wonderful future” as he welcomes the reshuffle.

Arsenal take on Man City in their next crucial top-flight match, and Arteta has been given a welcome boost with the confirmed involvement of Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres following head-injury scares in midweek.

However, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard face late fitness tests which will determine their involvement against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Mhatre's big night out: 'Not easy to be fearless on T20 debut,' says Pujara

Ayush Mhatre “was very impressive and a very composed young man” at the CSK trials, says head coach Stephen Fleming

Sruthi Ravindranath21-Apr-20252:28

Mhatre wows Pujara and Finch with IPL debut fireworks

Ayush Mhatre is the latest in the list of newcomers who have impressed on IPL debut.Walking in at No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night in IPL 2025, 17-year-old Mhatre – also on his T20 debut, incidentally – scored 17 runs off the first four balls he faced, hitting two sixes and a four. But before getting here, Mhatre, who plays domestic cricket for Mumbai, had impressed MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming during the trials with his skills and composure.”We’ve had a few players through at our trainings and he was a player that stood out,” Fleming said at the press conference after CSK’s loss to MI. “It’s still very hard when you’re in a nets situation to get a true gauge of a player, but from a skillset [point of view], he was very impressive and a very composed young man, which is often just as important. So both MS and I were very impressed with the way he held himself together for the trial. And then when the opportunity came up, we’ve obviously got a view to the future, and he was the name that was pretty easy to pick.”Mhatre was unsold at the last IPL auction, but an injury to CSK’s regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad earned him a call-up as a replacement.Related

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“It’s probably the position we are in [CSK are bottom of the table] and with the injury to Rutu and the form of others made it quite an easy decision to get him in there,” Fleming said. “The stage seems big but it’s one that’s familiar. We banked on him being comfortable with his surroundings [at Wankhede] and he certainly looked all that, so it was an impressive debut.”Mhatre’s first boundary came off the second ball he faced, when he drove Ashwani Kumar’s full-length delivery down the ground. His first six, off the next ball, was smashed over deep midwicket, and he followed that with a hoick over square leg. He went on to hit three more fours, all off Deepak Chahar, in his short stay before Chahar had him caught at long-on for a 15-ball 32.”I think as a youngster, he batted really well,” Dhoni said on the broadcast after the game. “And you know, that’s the kind of approach that is needed where you play your shots but, at the same time, you pick the shots that are your strength. I feel right from the start he just wanted to play his shots. We also haven’t seen him much, so it’s a good sign for us. Top of the order, [if] you can keep playing the shots, it becomes slightly easy for the middle and the lower order.”Aaron Finch, who was wowed by Mhatre’s “statement” innings, noted his strengths as a batter.”I think the shot down the ground [off his second ball] was extraordinary,” Finch said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut. “That was nowhere near a half-volley, but he smacked it on the up through mid-off, [and then] he set up for the pull shot. Obviously looks like a very leg-side-dominant player just [going by] the way that he sets up, everything says that he wants to hit square on the leg side. There’ll be a few things for oppositions [to note] going forward but what a statement.””I feel right from the start he just wanted to play his shots,” MS Dhoni said of Ayush Mhatre•BCCIPujara: ‘Not easy to be fearless in your first T20 game’While Mhatre came in with no senior-level T20 experience, he has played nine first-class games and seven List A fixtures and has two centuries in each format. He made his domestic debut for Mumbai in the 2024-25 season, and scored his maiden first-class century in just his third game, in the Ranji Trophy. Mhatre also broke List A records when he scored 181 off 117 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to become the youngest to hit 150 in a men’s List A innings.For Cheteshwar Pujara, what stood out was Mhatre’s “fearless” approach despite not having played much top-flight cricket.”If you are not well-prepared and you are nervous when playing your first game, you don’t get that confidence,” Pujara said on TimeOut. “But to do that – we say they are fearless but it’s not easy to be fearless when you’re playing your first-ever T20 game, that too at the highest level. To do that, I’m sure he’s done enough preparation. I haven’t seen his journey so far, I don’t know much about it, but the way he batted he seemed very confident. He’s played a lot of cricket in Mumbai and that’s definitely helped him.”How are young batters these days this bold?Ayush Mhatre, who made his Mumbai debut last season, already has two centuries in both first-class and List A cricket•PTI “Days are gone by [when] you walk into bat in your first game and you think, ‘how can I get another game, how can I get myself into a position to get picked next game’, and you get 30 off 25 and you go ‘I’ve actually done a pretty good job for myself’,” Finch said. “But these kids now [say], ‘you know what will get me another game – hitting three or four sixes’. Then you become an Impact Player. And you can put it on reels and it can go viral. That’s what the new generation is all about.”But while head coach Fleming is all about players expressing themselves, he hoped for balance in the way youngsters approach the game so that it’s sustainable in the long term.”I think there’s examples all around the place where players are playing free. It’s impressive, not always sustainable, but it’s very impressive and it’s contagious,” Fleming said. “And what you’re seeing is young players that are feeding off other performances. I think their expectation of how they should play is going up, or at least it has been based on what others are doing. It is creating quite a phenomenon.”I’ll still balance it with craft of the older players so that the mixture of having experience in these young players is probably the best mix, but certainly we’re seeing a wave of young players in India that are just taking on the bowlers from ball one. Is it sustainable in tricky conditions, I don’t know. There’s the subtlety of the game, but in terms of what they’re bringing and how they’re playing their first games, it is certainly impressive.”

VIDEO: Harry Kane shows off his NFL skills as Eberechi Eze scores touchdown in England training

England captain Harry Kane has showcased that he isn't just good at football, as the Bayern Munich captain showed off his quarterbacking skills. Kane made an over the top pass to Eberechi Eze with his hands during a Three Lions training session, as the Arsenal star scored a 'touchdown'. England are set to take on Latvia up next in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

England preparing for World Cup qualifier with Latvia

England are preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Latvia, which could see them seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a victory. As they prepare for the match in Riga, the Three Lions hosted a game of American football as a warm-up, and captain Kane showed off his quarterbacking skills with a wonderful throw to Eze. The striker is a big NFL fan and has even discussed potentially transitioning into the American version of football at some point in the future.

AdvertisementQuarterback Kane pass helps Eze bag 'touchdown'England close to booking 2026 World Cup spot

Thomas Tuchel’s England are riding a wave of momentum, claiming their first friendly win under the German manager with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wales. Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Bukayo Saka all scored in a dominant first-half display. The Three Lions are unbeaten and unbreached in World Cup qualifying, remaining the only side across UEFA’s five-nation groups with a perfect defensive record. A win in Riga would seal their place at the 2026 World Cup, after Serbia’s loss to Albania left Tuchel’s men four points clear at the summit with a game in hand.

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Getty Images SportKane set to return to Tuchel's starting XI

Tuchel decided to rotate the Three Lions' attack for the friendly with Wales as Kane was apparently suffering from some ankle discomfort and didn't train beforehand. However, it is expected that the Bayern Munich striker will be fit for the Latvia clash and will be in the starting line-up on Tuesday night as England bid to seal qualification for next summer's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Tottenham now planning aggressive talks to sign "intense" Man Utd target

After a late flurry of transfers in the summer window, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly planning aggressive negotiations to sign a midfield target ahead of Manchester United.

Levy steps down at Tottenham

For all their late work to welcome Xavi Simons, it is still Daniel Levy’s name in the headlines. The long-term Spurs chief has left his role as chairman, with the North London club seeking a fresh start aimed at winning silverware. After almost 25 years at the club, Levy’s departure came as unexpected news.

Releasing a statement confirming the news, Levy said: “I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees.

“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Tottenham now expected to make January move to sign "magnificent" £43m star

They’re already thinking about the winter window.

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 6, 2025

In his place is Peter Charrington and ex-Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham, who will be hoping to leave their mark as soon as possible. With Thomas Frank at the helm and the likes of Simons secured as a parting gift from Levy, all eyes will be on Champions League qualification and more in years to come.

The January transfer window is also now one to watch. If Spurs want to impress in a new era, then welcoming one particular midfield star would certainly be the way to do it.

Tottenham planning aggressive Gallagher move

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now planning aggressive talks to sign Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid.

The Lillywhites were interested in his signature in the summer, but ultimately failed to secure his signature. Now, in the face of competition from Manchester United, they may push on and finally get their man.

Whether Diego Simeone lets his midfielder go without a fight is the question. The Atlético Madrid boss was full of praise for Gallagher in April, telling reporters: “It’s never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language … He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn’t feel more comfortable.

“He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us.”

Frank’s midfield has already been key to any success in the early days of his tenure and the addition of the “intense” Gallagher would only improve things. In a World Cup year, meanwhile, moving back to English football would certainly not be a bad idea for the former Chelsea man.

Fleming: Mhatre has 'everything that we like about a modern-day T20 player'

After a couple of handy knocks since joining CSK this season, Ayush Mhatre took his game up a few notches against RCB on Saturday, smashing 94 from 48 balls

Ashish Pant04-May-20251:11

What makes Ayush Mhatre so effective?

Ayush Mhatre is all of 17 years and 292 days, but already has the makings of a top-drawer T20 cricketer. He looks pleasing to the eye, has shots all around the park, and the power game required for a modern-day T20 batter. But what impressed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming the most about Mhatre is the temperament and the composure he displayed at the trials and how he has backed it up at IPL 2025.”He’s got talent. He’s got hand-eye coordination. He’s got a beautiful, silky swing. He’s aggressive. Everything that we like about a modern-day T20 player,” Fleming said about Mhatre at the press conference after CSK lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday night. “But, to me, it’s the temperament and being able to execute in a trial and then on the big stage. That’s what I’m most impressed with.”It’s one thing to have a lot of shots, but to be able to execute that game plan on a big stage in front of some of the biggest players in the world is what I admire.”Related

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A star is born: Echoes of Sachin 1989 in Vaibhav's spectacle

Ayush Mhatre's big night out in the IPL

In a season where very little has gone CSK’s way, Mhatre has been one of the few positives. He came into the team as a replacement for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out five games into the season with an elbow injury. Mhatre’s season debut was also his T20 debut, in the game against Mumbai Indians (MI). He scored a 15-ball 32 in his first match, followed by a 19-ball 30 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).On Saturday, he moved his game up a couple of gears and smashed a 48-ball 94 against RCB, becoming the third-youngest player to score a fifty in the IPL. While his innings did not result in a CSK win, it’s ensured the franchise had a player for the future.”It’s sometimes hard to explain, but there’s just a quality around what he was doing,” Fleming said about Mhatre’s selection as Gaikwad’s replacement. “It’s early days, but we have been very impressed with his skills right from when he trialled and was with us at the early part of the season.”We have enjoyed a lot of the shot play from young players in this tournament and we’re delighted that we’ve got one ourselves. So, yes, excited about the future for him.”Despite being with CSK only for the last month or so and despite his young age, Mhatre has fitted into the team well.”We have a pretty relaxed camp, which has always been our style. He has some team-mates [from Mumbai] on the side. [Shivam] Dube, is one that has seen a fair bit of him,” Fleming said. “Again, it comes back to his maturity. He fitted in seamlessly. It’s often not what the team around him does, but it’s just the way that he behaves.”He was very comfortable right from day one and the team was very comfortable with him. Hopefully, it’s the start of a long relationship.”Ayush Mhatre took 26 runs in an over off Bhuvneshwar Kumar•Getty Images

In just this last week, IPL 2025 has had two teenagers rip into bowlers of international repute. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, had on Monday become the youngest centurion in men’s T20s, while Mhatre fell six short of a century on Saturday. While being fearless is one thing, Fleming has been impressed by the skills that these teenagers possess, and also a little worried for some of the Under-19 opponents these two will come up against in the near future.”It’s amazing, really,” Fleming said. “It’s extraordinary to watch that fearless approach. But you’ve got to have skills as well. And to have the skills that these young players have and to be able to execute them against some of the best bowlers in the world is quite remarkable.”It doesn’t matter whether you’re 14, 18, 21. The innings that we’ve seen being played, particularly by these two youngsters, is just top class. It shows maturity beyond their years, but it shows a skill set that is quite daunting, I think, particularly for bowlers around the world.”I worry a little bit about the Under-19 opposition. They’ll come up against two pretty handy openers when a World Cup comes around. But it’s amazing how much talent and how composed they are.”

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