Lucknow Super Giants found themselves under early pressure in IPL 2026 after a disappointing six-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals at home, a result that not only exposed batting concerns but also sparked conversation off the field.LSG struggled to get going with the bat, folding for just 141 in their opening game. The top order failed to deliver, with captain Rishabh Pant scoring 7, Aiden Markram managing 11, and Nicholas Pooran contributing only 8. While the bowlers made early inroads, Delhi turned the chase around through a composed unbeaten 70 from Sameer Rizvi and a steady 39 not out from Tristan Stubbs, sealing the game with 2.5 overs to spare. FaiyazWhat (@FaiyazWhat) However, it was what followed after the match that drew just as much attention. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen in an on-field conversation with Pant, with head coach Justin Langer also part of the discussion. While no audio was available, the visuals suggested an intense exchange, and the clip quickly gained traction across social media.The moment inevitably brought back memories of a similar incident involving Goenka and former LSG captain KL Rahul during the 2024 season. That episode, widely viewed as a public fallout after a defeat, had drawn criticism at the time, and comparisons resurfaced following the latest visuals.Despite the speculation, Goenka struck a measured tone in his public response. Taking to X after the game, he backed his side and urged patience."This is a long season, and moments like these are part of building something meaningful. I have full confidence in our captain and the team to respond with strength. To our fans, thank you for your support at Ekana today, we will come back stronger. The story of @LucknowIPL this season is far from written," he wrote.On the tactical front, Pants decision to promote himself to the top of the order also became a talking point. Having largely operated in the middle order in recent seasons, the move did not pay off in the opener. Pant was run out for 7 at the non-strikers end after Mukesh Kumar got a fingertip deflection onto a powerful straight drive from Mitchell Marsh. 129966893When asked if he would continue opening alongside Markram and Marsh, Pant kept his options open. "It's a 50-50 call," he said after the match.With questions emerging around team balance, batting roles, and the early loss, LSG now face a crucial phase as they look to settle into the season and respond strongly in the games ahead.

The first UFL Power Rankings feature familiar teams at the top and include each team's Week 1 MVP.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has backed the clubs decision to shut off social media comments on a post earlier in the week after some fans went too far with their criticism of the team following the loss to Newcastle.

The Champions League play-off contest between Benfica and Madrid in February was halted for 10 minutes when Vinicius Jr accused his opponent of racially abusing him on the field.

Victor Wembanyama scored 41 points for the second straight game, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked three shots and the San Antonio Spurs ran away from the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-113 victory Wednesday night that extended their winning streak to 10.Wembanyama had 10 of his teams initial 14 points just 3:36 into the game and San Antonio jumped ahead 17-3. He finished 16 for 22 from the field in his fourth 40-point performance of the season. The Spurs (58-18) won for the 15th time in their last 16 contests as they chase the first-place and idle Thunder (60-16) in the race for the top seed in the Western Conference.With 54.9 seconds left in the first quarter, San Antonios DeAaron Fox took a shot to the face and exited briefly. He finished with 11 points one of seven Spurs in double figures.Nate Williams scored 18 points, LJ Cryer matched his career high with 17 and Brandin Podziemski had 14 points, six rebounds and five assists for Golden State as Stephen Curry missed his 26th consecutive game since Jan. 30 with a right knee injury. Curry scrimmaged 5-on-5 Tuesday while participating in a full practice as he tries to return before the end of the regular season. Steve Kerr said Curry would scrimmage again in the coming days, then be re-evaluated over the weekend.Currys younger brother, Seth, came off the bench to contribute 12 points in his second game back after missing eight with a strained left inner thigh.Kristaps Porzingis sat out the front end of a back-to-back with expectations hell play Thursday against the Cavaliers, while Gary Payton II also could be back from resting his troublesome right knee. Forward Gui Santos was a late scratch after he took an elbow to the pelvic bone and big man Al Horford was sidelined for a 10th straight game because of a strain in his right calf.Up nextSpurs: Concludes a road back-to-back at the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.Warriors: Host Cleveland on Thursday night.___AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Steven Gerrard has disclosed that he advised Mohamed Salah against departing Liverpool on bad terms following the Egyptian's public dispute with manager Arne Slot in December.The former Reds captain, speaking to The Overlap, expressed his view that Salah's forthcoming exit from Anfield serves everyone's interests."I think it's in everyone's best interests. I think the timing is right in my opinion," Gerrard stated.The 33-year-old winger confirmed last week that he would be leaving the Premier League champions when the current campaign concludes, ending a nine-year spell at the club.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayGerrard believes Salah will come to regret the interview in which he accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" and claimed his relationship with Slot had broken down."I spoke to him around that interview at the time and sort of said to him 'don't do what you've done and go under a cloud'. I spoke to him direct," Gerrard revealed.The pair maintain occasional contact via text message, though Gerrard acknowledged they are not particularly close."He texts me now and again, or I text him, more to do if I'm going somewhere with Leo. Just so Leo can see him," he explained, referring to his son.Despite the limited nature of their relationship, Gerrard felt compelled to offer guidance to the forward who ranks as Liverpool's third-highest scorer with 255 goals."You've been here for eight or nine years, you've come here and got this legacy. Just go on your terms the right way," he told Salah.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:London schoolgirl, 11, becomes Englands top female chess player after stunning global riseAs Phil Foden struggles for England, five world-class stars who failed to deliver on the international stageTyson Furys condition revealed after father said relationship had been 'completely destroyed'Salah's form has declined notably this season, with the winger managing just five goals in 22 Premier League appearances.This drop in productivity prompted Slot to leave him out of the starting lineup during a challenging winter period for the club.The situation reached boiling point following Liverpool's dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds at Elland Road before Christmas, when Salah vented his frustrations in the mixed zone."[Salah's] still a little emotional from the incident. He was sub and in and out of the team at the time. He was upset," Gerrard observed.The former captain added that it would have been regrettable had Salah simply walked away in January.Gerrard drew comparisons with his own difficult final years at Anfield, recalling tensions with then-manager Brendan Rodgers towards the end of his 17-year career at the club."I had a similar thing with Brendan," he said. "But when I look back at it now, I'm out of the game and less emotional, you understand it from where Brendan is."Having since worked as a manager himself, including dealing with Jermain Defoe's desire for more playing time at Rangers, Gerrard said he now appreciates both perspectives."But as a manager, you have to do what's right and what's best for the team and if someone is out of form, or not playing, or can't do the job you're looking for, as a manager you have to make big decisions."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

A number of dead lambs were put into a bag and left on the side of the road in County Tyrone.