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Nathaniel Clyne is interested in signing a new deal and extending his stay at Crystal Palace this summer, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Clyne out of contract

The 31-year-old is currently in his second spell at his boyhood club, proving to be a solid squad player under Patrick Vieira this season.

Clyne has made nine Premier League starts in 2021/22 to date, acting as a solid understudy to Joel Ward and putting his experience to good use, arguably becoming first-choice in recent weeks.

The defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, though, at which point he would be able to leave on a free transfer.

The Latest: Clyne keen on new Palace deal

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Barclay claimed that Clyne wants to extend his stay at Selhurst Park. The journalist said of the Palace defender:

“He suggested he definitely would like a new contract. And there’s a bit of talk about it at the moment; we’ll see what will happen.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Palace

It makes complete sense for Palace to give Clyne a new contract, with the Englishman proving what a reliable figure he can be throughout this season.

Granted, his very best days may be behind him, but he remains a reliable defender who has averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.5 clearances per match in the current Premier League campaign.

Jurgen Klopp once hailed Clyne as ‘amazing’, which speaks volumes given the calibre of player with whom the Liverpool manager has worked, and at 31, there is no reason why the defender can’t stay at the top level for a few more years yet.

In other news, one player is reportedly considering moving to Palace. Find out who it is here.

West Brom are reportedly interested in signing Blackburn Rovers duo Joe Rothwell and Darragh Lenihan in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Big summer ahead

It has been a hugely disappointing season for the Baggies, who were considered one of the Championship’s main promotion contenders back in August.

Instead, they find themselves languishing in 10th place in the table, with Valerien Ismael long gone and Steve Bruce also struggling for consistency since replacing him as manager.

There is no doubt that a big summer is required at The Hawthorns in terms of signings, and a fresh report suggests that the Albion hierarchy are wasting little time in trying to strengthen the squad for next term.

The Latest: Baggies eye double deal

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon [via Football League World], West Brom want to sign Blackburn duo Rothwell and Lenihan in the summer.

Both players see their current deals at Ewood Park expire at the end of the season, at which point they would be available on free transfers.

The Verdict: Strong additions

Rothwell and Lenihan have both been key players for Blackburn throughout this season, aiding their promotion push and showing why they could be exciting signings for the Baggies.

Rothwell has registered 10 assists in the Championship, outlining his creative quality in midfield and being hailed as “amazing” by his manager Tony Mowbray. Meanwhile, the latter has excelled in defensive midfield, winning 5.1 aerial duels per game and lauded by Mowbray as a “special footballer”.

At 27 and 28 respectively, they are also at an ideal age to come in and add experience to the squad, while also be young enough to hopefully continue playing at a high level for another few years.

In other news, West Brom are interested in signing another player, too. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur left-back Ryan Sessegnon doesn’t deserve to be handed a new contract at the club, according to Lilywhite Rose insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Conte plots new deal

The 21-year-old first joined Spurs in a £25m move from Fulham in 2019, but has only made a total of 29 appearances in all competitions during that time.

Just last week however, a source from N17 revealed to Football Insider that the Premier League giants have reportedly opened talks with Sessegnon over a new deal at the request of Antonio Conte.

The Italian is apparently now personally making it clear to the hierarchy that he sees the youngster as a “huge” talent.

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The Latest: A waste of money?

It would seem, however, that Wenham has a very different opinion of the defender.

When asked for his view on this contract update, the insider was baffled by Conte’s call, telling Football Insider: “Sessegnon, for £30million or whatever it was, what have we seen?

“I have to be realistic in my commentary, there just isn’t anything there. I get there are a lot of reasons to like him on paper.

“He’s a young English talent who had a great season for Fulham a few years ago. What have Tottenham seen?

“I think the injuries he has had might have cost him the ability to take players on, he just doesn’t do it anymore.

“I appreciate the injury side of things but that’s football. Now we are hearing he’s getting a new deal.

“I really don’t get that. What has he done to deserve that? Am I missing something? He’s already got a deal until 2024.

“Is it because he’s homegrown and we spent a lot of money on him? I really don’t understand that decision.”

The Verdict: Limited opportunities

Despite Conte claiming that he’s a big fan of the England U21 ace, Sessegnon has only been given 705 minutes of game time in the top-flight under the Italian boss this term, with two of his outings coming from the bench.

Former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho previously hailed the ex-Fulham prospect a “fantastic” player during his time in charge, but he has clearly fallen down the pecking order since his departure and simply cannot stay fit long enough to become a serious fixture in the XI.

A move away from north London could prove to be the best option for Sessegnon at this moment in time, and time will tell if Spurs heed Wenham’s warnings.

In other news… a journalist has reacted to Spurs’ interest in a ‘spectacular’ transfer target.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have ‘a future captain’ on their hands in the form of centre-back Cristian Romero, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Romero off to a great start at Spurs

The 24-year-old first joined the Premier League giants from Atalanta last summer and has since gone on to make 29 appearances for the Lilywhites, most recently in Spurs’ 3-1 victory against Leicester City last weekend.

The Argentine has delivered some impressive performances of late in the top flight, and the former Spurs goalkeeper believes that Romero would make a perfect candidate to replace Hugo Lloris as club captain when the veteran Frenchman departs.

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The Latest: Romero could be future Spurs captain

When asked if he thought the defender had the potential to be a future skipper in the capital, Robinson told Football Insider:

“Romero looks like he has a lot of leadership which is great to see at such a young age. His performances on the pitch and relationship with his teammates show that. I don’t know to what extent language is a barrier but he looks a future captain to me.

“They will not take the captaincy off of Hugo, there is no call for that but whenever he choses to leave there will be a decision to make.

“If Romero is still at the club I can see him stepping up. I’m not talking about anytime in the immediate future but perhaps in a few years time.”

The Verdict: Beast at the back

The £29k-per-week Argentine has been an absolute rock at the heart of the Spurs defence since slotting into the starting XI, averaging three clearances, 2.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per league game this season, via WhoScored.

Romero has been hailed as “outstanding” by BBC columnist Jonathan Woodgate and still has plenty of his prime years ahead of him, quite possibly growing into an even better player in the years to come.

Antonio Conte will need all of his defensive experience available to him should he want Tottenham to secure a top-four finish at the end of the season, and the 6 foot 1 colossus could help him do just that with only four games left to go.

In terms of leading by example, Romero is doing that with his performances, so perhaps Robinson is right in name-checking him as Lloris’ possible successor for the armband at Spurs.

In other news… Spurs have officially opened negotiations for one of their ‘fantastic’ transfer targets

Tottenham Hotspur could find a new midfield monster in Ibrahim Sangare…

What’s the word?

According to Darren Lewis of the Mirror, the north London outfit are among the Premier League teams interested in the PSV Eindhoven star heading into the summer transfer window.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also linked with interest by the report, which also claimed that the Ivory Coast international is valued at around £30m.

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Dembele-like tank

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse has made a name for himself in the Eredivisie, impressing with his calm composure on the ball and impressive ball-winning skills.

As per WhoScored, Sangare averaged a whopping 3.3 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in the Dutch top-flight, the most of his team by quite some margin, whilst he also registered a passing accuracy of 86.1% from over 70 attempts each outing.

He’s also capable of driving the ball forward from the engine room, averaging 1.7 dribbles and 1.5 shots per match, too.

Such performances highlight his ability as a Mousa Dembele-like beast in the heart of the pitch. It’s true that Spurs have solid options with the likes of Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg all impressing under Antonio Conte.

But none compare to Sangare.

Dembele was very much a ball-winning animal, one that was hard to dispossess as he carried the ball up the pitch, and this is exactly what the Ivorian would offer Tottenham.

By comparison, as an example, Hojbjerg averages 2.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Premier League.

Sangare has been likened to two Premier League greats in terms of playing style by African journalist Alpha Balde to Goal.com, where he claimed:

“Physically, he’s like Yaya Toure but he reminds me of Michael Essien.

“I saw Essien at the start of his career and they had the same physical strength at an equal age. Sangare is also passionate, and I think that Toulouse supporters will enjoy his fighting spirit and desire to move forward.”

Also lauded as “very complete” and capable of playing a variety of midfield roles, it would make sense for Spurs to secure an upgrade if it became available and in Sangare, Conte could well find the next Dembele.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano issues Spurs transfer update…

“He will add a lot of firepower to our batting line-up is a big part of our squad,” says head coach Pocknall

Mohammad Isam02-Sep-2021New Zealand opener Finn Allen has returned to the team bio-bubble after returning two negative Covid-19 tests on successive days. If Allen is available for the second T20I against Bangladesh on Friday, it will be a major boost for the visitors who were bowled out for 60 in the first game on Wednesday.New Zealand head coach Glenn Pocknall welcomed back Allen although he said that the batter’s condition has to be checked before a final decision on his selection is made.Related

• Finn Allen backs his 'intent' to come good on slow Bangladesh tracks

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• No panic button: New Zealand aim to reassess batting targets after lapse in assessing conditions

• Spinners, Mustafizur script Bangladesh's first-ever T20I victory over New Zealand

“He has returned two negative results so that’s great for us,” Pocknall said. “He is a very attacking batsman. He has showed that around the world in the shorter format. He will add a lot of firepower to our batting line-up is a big part of our squad. Hopefully he can come into the squad as soon as possible. He will be considered (for selection) but it is a matter of when.”He has just come off Covid so there are some unknowns about how he will be physically. He is fine now but we have to assess the affects in these conditions before we decide which game he comes back.”Allen and Colin de Grandhomme arrived in Dhaka on August 20 three days before the rest of the New Zealand squad as they were done with their Hundred campaign early. But Allen tested positive two days later. He showed some symptoms but was generally said to be doing well as he was quarantined in another part of the team hotel.Allen tested negative on Wednesday and Thursday, to be called back into the side. He had made his T20I debut against Bangladesh earlier this year, hitting a half-century in the third game. Allen went on to play for Lancashire in the Vitality Blast, where he struck four fifties in 13 games. He played the Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix, making 165 runs in eight games.New Zealand lost four wickets during the powerplay in the first game in Dhaka, with debutant Rachin Ravindra falling in the first over. His fellow opener Tom Blundell too didn’t make much of a contribution, which could mean Allen taking his place.Matt Henry, who was named as Allen’s replacement, is finishing up his three-day isolation in the hotel, before joining the team on Friday, pending a negative Covid-19 test. Although not a like-for-like player, Henry’s full vaccination gave him a place in managed isolation for his return to New Zealand, due to being part of the ODI squad to face Pakistan, which made him the logical replacement.

England batter “relaxed and “comfortable” about re-signing with “second home” Sydney Sixers in the BBL

Alex Malcolm01-Sep-2021Grey skies and a green surface at the Ageas Bowl would have most County Championship batters sweating and fretting just two hours before the start of a day’s play.But James Vince cut a calm and relaxed figure sitting alone in the stands, chatting to Australian journalists via zoom about re-signing with Sydney Sixers in the BBL.With Yorkshire 197 for 6 ahead of day two, the Hampshire captain could have been forgiven for skipping the interview altogether for some extra time in the nets.That he was happy to talk about a T20 franchise 17000kms away, which he describes as “like a second home”, spoke of his current mindset in a year that has been one of the most consistent of his career.Related

• Vince returns to Sydney Sixers gunning for a BBL title hat-trick

• James Vince at the double as Hampshire out-muscle Sussex

• Vince: 'I didn't know if this moment was ever going to come'

“I’ve just tried to enjoy my cricket as much as anything,” Vince said. “I think that plays a massive part. If you start getting too down about it and almost get into that mindset, which I have done in the past, where you don’t look forward to your cricket, I think it’s so much harder to perform and put yourself under extra pressure.”Hampshire and Yorkshire later bowled a combined total of 94.4 overs on day two and 15 wickets fell. Only two individual batters scored 20 runs off their own bat on the day, and just one passed 21.Vince compiled a silky 49 from 90 balls and looked a cut above all others in the game. He struck nine boundaries, many of them sumptuous trademark drives on a surface that was a slip cordon’s heaven. He enjoyed himself so much that he eventually holed out to deep square.Vince’s class has never been in question. It’s consistency his critics have craved. He has seemingly found that this year and team success has followed at every turn. It started with scores of 98 not out and 95 in the BBL finals to help guide Sixers to back-to-back titles. He made significant contributions in his five PSL games for Multan Sultans with the franchise eventually claiming the title.He made 231 not out in his first Championship match of the season for Hampshire and they remain in the mix for the title. Hampshire are also in the upcoming T20 Blast semi-final with Vince scoring a vital century against Sussex earlier in the campaign. He made his maiden ODI century against Pakistan after an unexpected recall to England colours and captained Southern Brave to the inaugural Hundred title.”Once you get on a bit of a roll confidence is a massive part for me as well,” Vince said. “I guess you can’t put a finger on something really specific, but I’m a couple of years older. I think you [gain] experience each year and definitely having success builds confidence and gives you belief going to different environments.”In the case of the Sixers, it’s an environment that I am comfortable in and know everyone very well now, so that makes a big difference as well. You’ve got the backing of Shippy [head coach Greg Shipperd] and the guys around you, it makes you feel good. It makes you feel relaxed and able to enjoy your cricket without putting too much pressure on yourself.”That he’s found such form having played so much cricket globally during the Covid-19 pandemic makes it even more impressive. Vince has a young family at home with his daughter about to begin school and has committed to endure another 14-day hard quarantine in Australia and spend another Christmas away from his family. But he has no secret formula for handling it.”No, not really. It doesn’t get any easier,” Vince said. “When I leave the house that’ll be a tough goodbye. Hopefully, going forward we can get back to normality. They enjoyed coming out in the past. So yeah, it’s tough to deal with but I guess it is just how it is at the minute.”Whether a comfortable, confident, and more consistent Vince, with experience in Australian conditions, will be recalled to what might be a large England Test squad for the Ashes tour remains unknown. Something that Vince is unperturbed by.”That’s completely out of my control,” he said. “I’m not sure what the situation is with how many and who’s going and all that sort of stuff. I’m just looking forward to coming back to the Sixers and I’ve got some cricket here to focus on for the time being.”

“Obviously one of my top innings till now because of the pressure we were in; the senior batters returned to the pavilion so I had to grind it.”

Sidharth Monga20-Sep-20212:40

Manjrekar: Not many bowlers have scored off Bumrah like Gaikwad did

One of the things IPL teams take pride in is giving opportunities to the next big player. Ruturaj Gaikwad was that next big player last year for Chennai Super Kings. Then everything went wrong for them. Gaikwad himself came down with Covid-19, and when he came back, he got off to a poor start: scores of 0, 5 and 0 in his first three matches.If there’s a team you want to make a bad start at, though, it is Super Kings. Their management trusts their scouting and their own judgement enough to not make hasty decisions. “When Mahi [MS Dhoni] is around and everyone in CSK management, once they back you, they don’t make you think [worry about] anything,” Gaikwad said. “Just have to be positive. Always in good spirit, good mind space. Obviously helps a lot.”Related

• Chennai Super Kings go from 7 for 3 to victory

• Kohli to step down as RCB captain after IPL 2021

• As it happened: CSK go top

As the season ended, Gaikwad got himself three consecutive half-centuries but at strike rates between 126 and 136. Two of them came in fairly easy chases, and Ravindra Jadeja helped him out in the third with an 11-ball 31. Before this match, he had played only five innings of 30 or more at quicker than 150.This season, though, Gaikwad has kicked on higher, but his role in the side remains one that allows others around him to score at higher strike rates. He is only asked to take the lead if he makes it to the second half of the innings.In this match, against rivals Mumbai Indians who led them 6-1 in recent times, Gaikwad would need to do it all: shore up his side after a collapse, make sure he is there in the end and then take the lead in the final few overs. The hitting was clean, and it involved taking runs off Jasprit Bumrah apart from consigning Trent Boult to his worst over in T20 cricket. When it comes off, and when it is a player you backed early on, it gives the management special satisfaction.

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Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the IPL live in the US. Match highlights of Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians available here in English, and here in Hindi (US only).

“We have had very big tabs on him for some time,” Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said. “Even the last time we were here we rushed him back probably too early given the shape he was in from Covid, but that’s how much we regard and respect we have for his ability.”Today’s innings was very special. It is okay to play an innings in a high-scoring game and dominate but when you are the one to get a score to give your team a chance then it is even more special. The way he went about his work, absorbing pressure and then the ability to accelerate towards the end, really was down to his hand that we were able to create any pressure whatsoever. It was a remarkable innings really.”ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats put the innings in perspective. Gaikwad scored 88 on the board but according to Smart Stats, which contextualises an effort with match situation, because of the phase of the innings and the kind of bowling faced, Gaikwad’s knock was worth 114.14.”Obviously one of my top innings till now because of the pressure we were in,” Gaikwad said. “Early wickets. All the senior batters returned to the pavilion. I had to grind it, bat 10-12 overs, give myself time, just create a partnership, push for whatever you can: 120-130, then slowly, 140 was possible, then 150 became possible. I think it was just a matter of spending time on the wicket.”Super Kings’ faith in Gaikwad is paying off, but it is no miracle. They have made the changes required – mainly in taking their batting deeper – to allow them to play quicker during the middle overs especially, which in turn lets Gaikwad be the anchor for them. It’s not everyday that Gaikwad will need to perform such rescue acts, but Super Kings will be glad to know he has that extra gear.

Left-arm seamer ruled out of T20 World Cup after suffering right shin injury

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2021West Indies have brought Jason Holder into their T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured left-arm seamer Obed McCoy.McCoy, who played in West Indies’ opening fixture against England, has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament by a right shin injury. The addition of allrounder Holder, a former captain, has been approved by the ICC. He was already in the UAE as a travelling reserve and will be available for West Indies’ next fixture, against Bangladesh on Friday.”Jason Holder has been in the UAE for a while now and will fit quite well into the team unit,” Roger Harper, CWI’s lead men’s selector said. “He is an experienced and knowledgeable cricketer who we know will be eager and excited to grab the opportunity.”McCoy did really well in the T20Is earlier this year and adapted well in the opening match against England. He was a key member of the bowling unit and it’s unfortunate he won’t be able to take any further part in the tournament. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the field ready to go again in the near future.”West Indies, the defending champions, have lost their opening two games and already face a fight to reach the semi-finals. They were bowled out for 55 in a six-wicket defeat to England, then lost by eight wickets against South Africa.

The Delhi Capitals opens up about his philosophy as captain, instincts vs data, and “the thin line” he wants all his players to keep in mind

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-20251:42

Pujara: Rahul needs to go hard even after the powerplay

If a captain is only as a good as his results, Axar Patel is the class-topper at IPL 2025.He has led Delhi Capitals (DC) to five wins in six games so far – in what is his first season as captain of a team in the competition – and, crucially, has found the right people to do the right jobs for him in crunch situations. Mitchell Starc on Wednesday evening, for example. And a lot of the success is down to “trusting my instincts”, Axar said after the Super Over win over Rajasthan Royals (RR).”You take on the responsibility when you know you will have fun with it. I was doing it for my state team, so I knew what to do and what not to do. So when you get an opportunity to lead a side the way you want to and you can play the game the way you want to, why not?” Axar said at the post-match press conference, where he spent a fair bit of time making wisecracks and laughing.Related

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• Axar hopes to have du Plessis back for DC's next game

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• Mott on Axar the captain: 'He's not taking it all on himself'

• DC win an IPL classic in Delhi after Super Over drama

“I am having a lot of fun on the field and off the field. I am doing what I think is right. I am not following a template. I back myself. I am not too experienced [as a captain] but it’s not like I am turning to other people for help. Of course, I listen to everyone, but I back myself for the decisions I am making. Because you need to know what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong. I am enjoying myself so far.”Instincts and gut calls are fine, but T20 cricket has evolved so much that it’s often what happens in the meeting rooms – plans and tactics using data – that supersedes all else.”It’s not like I only go by my instincts,” Axar said. “There is a lot of planning in the background. That is important for my awareness, and it’s very useful at times. But it’s not like I have all the data in front of me and I am following it word for word – bowl this one against that batter and so on. It doesn’t work like that.”Sometimes someone is in form. I see that as a captain, and I decide based on the match situation. Of course, sometimes instincts kick in. But I will take a call based on what I think is best for the team. I choose the option thinking what will work best. Am I taking a gamble? I go by what, in my mind, is 60-40 or 70-30 in my team’s favour. The data is important to know the opposition.””No one should think that the captain is only having fun”•AFP/Getty Images

And Axar is sensible enough despite the lack of experience in leading teams to know how to deal with the mistakes he is bound to make from time to time.”I can’t speak for other captains, but the way I see it, if I have made a mistake, what’s the problem with owning up to it,” he said. “But I won’t necessarily call it a mistake. If two left-hand batters are out there and you need to get an over out of the way, you take a tactical decision based on your resources. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I can’t call it a mistake. It’s a decision that didn’t work. If it works, you get praised. If it doesn’t, you get criticised. I just do what I feel is right.”That’s an almost constant refrain for Axar – “I do what I feel is right”. Like when it comes to creating a happy atmosphere for the players but also making sure he is respected as the captain of the ship.”I think it shows on my face. Is the captain angry right now, is he a bit serious…,” he joked, before elaborating. “It’s a thin line. I want to keep the team environment friendly and lively, but no one should take things for granted. No one should think that the captain is only having fun. There is a line. What needs to be done to win the game needs to be done first. Then we should have fun. It’s working at the moment. I believe that if you’re having fun, you do better.”

‘I wasn’t able to put pressure on the injured finger’

Axar has bowled just 17 overs in his six games so far – the wicket of Riyan Parag on Wednesday was his first – and he said it was because of a cut in the index finger of his bowling hand.”During the Champions Trophy, I got a cut in this finger,” Axar said, holding the finger up. “The skin isn’t properly back yet. And bowling was a little difficult because the skin would keep peeling. So I was being careful. It’s only when I felt that the team needed me to bowl that I bowled one or two overs. The whole layer of skin came off when I bowled four overs against SRH [Sunrisers Hyderabad]. I wasn’t able to put pressure on that finger.2:19

Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 – DC’s trump card

“I felt I was bowling well but wasn’t able to have an impact because of this. If I am bowling well, I don’t mind if I don’t get wickets. I ask myself if I have executed my plan well, and if the answer is yes, I am happy.”As a batter, he has moved himself up and down the middle order, batting at No. 4, 5 and 6 in different games. On Wednesday, Tristan Stubbs walked out before him at No. 5. Axar batted at No. 6 and scored 34 off 14 balls.”As a batter, it’s about doing what the team needs you to do,” Axar said. “I think the same way as the captain. I take a call on where to bat based on the resources we have. It’s tempting to promote myself, but it’s a team game. I kept myself back today since we had a right-left pair going, and asked Stubbs to go ahead of me.”I think I am batting well for the last one and a half years. But I haven’t been able to have an impact with the bat in this tournament. Some soft dismissals, sometimes I was over-aggressive. Today I was clear in my head. I knew whom to target. Instead of targeting the faster bowlers who were bowling slower bouncers, I targeted the spinners, who had three overs left. I didn’t play any fancy shots. It worked.”Like most other things he has done so far in IPL 2025, where his side DC are looking like the team to beat at this juncture.