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كشفت تقارير صحفية أن نادي برشلونة يفكر في خطف صفقة أمام أنظار نظيره ليفربول، في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي المقبل 2026، لتعزيز أحد مراكز الفريق الإسباني.

وانتهت نافذة الانتقالات الصيفية في إسبانيا، يوم الإثنين الماضي، حيث لم يبرم برشلونة سوى 3 صفقات وهم: الحارس خوان جارسيا والشاب روني باردجي، إلى جانب استعارة خدمات ماركوس راشفورد.

ويعاني برشلونة في مركز قلب الدفاع، حيث رحل إينيجو مارتينيز هذا الصيف وانضم إلى النصر السعودي، وقد يغار أندرياس كريستنسن في غضون عام، حيث سينتهي عقده الحالي في 30 يونيو المقبل، ولا توجد مؤشرات حول إمكانية تلقيه عرضًا لتجديد عقده.

وذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، نقلًا عن مصادر إنجليزية، أنه في هذا الصدد، يراقب مارك جويهي لاعب كريستال بالاس، تحسبًا لإمكانية ضمه مجانًا نهاية الموسم الحالي، بعد فشل انتقاله إلى ليفربول في لحظة دراماتيكية الإثنين الماضي.

وكان جويهي على مقربة من الانتقال إلى ليفربول في اللحظات الأخيرة من الميركاتو الصيفي، حيث خضع لفحص طبي بعد التوصل إلى اتفاق مع كريستال بالاس، ولكن الصفقة انهارت في النهاية لعدم إيجاد ناديه البديل المناسب.

اقرأ أيضًا | رسميًا.. برشلونة يعلن فسخ عقد لاعبه

وسينتهي عقد جويهي مع كريستال بالاس في صيف العام المقبل، ولا ينوي المدافع الإنجليزي التوقيع على عقد جديد، في إشارة غضب من جانبه على فشل انتقاله إلى ليفربول بسبب قرار ناديه، حسبما أكدت تقارير اليومين الماضيين.

وأوضحت الصحيفة أن برشلونة يراقب جويهي عن كثب حيث أبدى اهتمامًا بإمكانية ضمه مجانًا الصيف المقبل، رغم أن الأمر لن يكون سهلًا على الإطلاق، مع رغبة مماثلة لدي ريال مدريد في ضمه.

وقد يعود ليفربول نفسه لضم جويهي مطلع العام الجديد، في موسم الانتقالات الشتوي المقبل، إذا كانت هناك حاجة مُلحة إلى ذلك، حيث أن المسألة المالية لا تهم إدارة النادي.

ويتسم جويهي كونه قلب دفاع قوي وسريع، كما إنه جيد للغاية في المواجهات الفردية، وكان أحد أبرز نجوم بطولة يورو الأخيرة.

A decision on his place in the squad will be taken early next week

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2023Tim Southee will undergo surgery on Thursday for the thumb injury he sustained against England last week and New Zealand remain hopeful he could still be available the World Cup.Southee dislocated and fractured his right thumb attempting to take a catch at slip offered by Joe Root at Lord’s. A decision on his availability will be taken early next week.”We’ve got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim,” head coach Gary Stead said. “He’ll have some pins or screws inserted in his right thumb and, providing the procedure is a success, it will be a matter of ensuring Tim can tolerate the pain and manage the actual wound when returning to train and play.Related

Southee fractures bone in right thumb during Lord's ODI

“Our opening game of the World Cup against England is not until Thursday October 5 in Ahmedabad, so that would be our logical target in terms of his availability.”Tim’s obviously a hugely experienced and important figure in our team and we want to give him every chance to be part of this World Cup campaign.”Southee is New Zealand’s third-highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 214 at 33.60 and has played in three previous World Cups.He was one of four specialist quicks named in New Zealand’s squad alongside Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. Kane Williamson is also part of the squad as he returns from an ACL injury although when he becomes available is still uncertainNew Zealand play two warm-up matches on September 29 against Pakistan and October 2 against South Africa.Five of the World Cup squad are currently part of the ODI series in Bangladesh while the rest will depart for India next Tuesday.

Rob McElhenney has explained his decision to invest in Wrexham after overseeing the club's rise from the National League to the Championship.

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• Hollywood duo took over in 2021
• Club now set to play in Championship
• McElhenney explains decision to invest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McElhenney and Reynolds have enjoyed a successful spell as co-owners of the Welsh side following their takeover back in 2021. The Red Dragons have risen all the way from non-league football into the Championship after achieving back-to-back-to-back promotions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McElhenney has already admitted that the owners dream of taking Wrexham all the way into the Premier League and write another chapter in the club's storied history. The duo's decision to invest in Wrexham has ensured the club has made headlines all over the world and the 'It's Always Sunny' star has now revealed why he opted to take a chance on the Welsh club.

• WHAT MCELHENNEY SAID

  He said on the Rich Eisen Show: "I wanted to find a town first, before we want looking for a club. I remember the moment it happened, I was sitting with Kaitlin watching television. I'd learned about relegation and promotion and when I learned that I realised you could have a team with incredible history that could be relegated down into oblivion. So we wanted to find a town most importantly that fit with the ethos I most understand which was working class Philadephia. We found a few but Wrexham was the one that jumped out at us because of the history of the club.
  They've been around since 1864, they've had great success but they had fallen on hard times and we knew if we could shine the spotlight on them, invest in them and make the story about them that people would resonate with that."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM

  Wrexham have been celebrating their latest promotion in Las Vegas and will be jetting off again in July for a pre-season tour of Australia. The hard work will then begin as Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship.

West Ham United are increasingly likely to lodge a January offer for a player who once cost nine figures, as we now enter the last few days of this winter transfer window and co-chair David Sullivan maintains the club’s pursuit of a new signing.

West Ham targeting new forward before deadline day

As things stand, despite West Ham agreeing personal terms with Brian Brobbey (talkSPORT), the east Londoners have yet to reach a club-to-club agreement with Ajax – prompting them to move on to other attacking targets.

£34m forward receives West Ham offer with transfer likelihood revealed

The Euro 2024 attacker appears to be a top target for Graham Potter’s side.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 28, 2025

Graham Potter’s side, according to reports, haven’t been sky in submitting late bids for alternative strikers.

Galatasaray hitman Baris Yilmaz was subject to an offer from West Ham recently, as per some Turkish media sources, but their advances were snubbed by the Süper Lig champions who appear determined to keep hold of their star attacker.

“Barış Alper Yılmaz received an offer from West Ham United, Galatasaray did not put the offer on their agenda,” said journalist Mehmet Ozcan to Haber Sarikirmizi.

“He is expected to finish the season at Galatasaray. As far as I understand, Barış Alper will be facilitated at the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, there is also a belief that West Ham had an approach rebuffed for PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi, so it appears Sullivan and the Irons recruitment team are starting to make serious moves as they seek a fresh forward option before February 3rd.

Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio are both sidelined with long-term injuries, leaving Potter with just Danny Ings to choose from in terms of a natural number nine, with West Ham also among the English top flight’s lowest-scoring sides.

Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson is reliably claimed to be a top striker target for the east Londoners, amid credible reports that he could be allowed to leave on loan.

West Ham likely to make last-gasp January bid for Evan Ferguson

Claret & Hugh writer, Sean Whetstone, says that West Ham are “likely” to make a last-gasp January window bid for Ferguson, with the Republic of Ireland international now close to returning from injury.

“West Ham are likely to make a late bid loan for Evan Ferguson in the last few days of the transfer window which closes next Monday with Brighton now entertaining offers for their striker,” said Whetstone on X.

“A straight loan deal would be dependent on competing offers from other Premier League clubs and the 20-year-old being declared fit to play immediately. The forward is on the verge of returning from a recurring ankle injury which has kept him out since Christmas.”

This comes alongside other reports that Ferguson is willing to join West Ham and the club are in contact with Brighton, so it appears his potential move to the Londojn Stadium is heating up.

Given Brighton once valued him at around £100 million, Ferguson has been viewed as a forward with serious potential in recent seasons, and perhaps he could get going again with a temporary switch to West Ham as he possibly looks to reunite with Potter.

A Catalan journalist admits he feared “going to jail” after almost mowing down and injuring Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

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• Catalan celebrations on Sant Jordi Day
• Teenager almost mown down by journalist
• Barca preparing for cup final date with Real

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Jose Antonio Ponseti, who works for media outlet Cadena SER, was busy with work commitments as Sant Jordi Day was celebrated on April 23. He found himself rushing around as part of his day job.

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  At one point, he came close to knocking over 17-year-old sensation Yamal. Fortunately for all concerned, disaster was averted. Barcelona are eager to ensure that the latest superstar to emerge from their famed La Masia academy system avoids any untimely knocks.

• WHAT JOURNALIST SAID

  Ponseti told : “I had a very funny anecdote when I was running from booth to booth during Sant Jordi Day. At the turn of the afternoon I almost ran over Lamine Yamal! I ran into him in a huff and I said, 'Man, what are you doing here?' He was with his entourage.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  When it was pointed out that he could have caused quite a “mess” ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid, Ponseti added: “If I injure him or take him down, imagine… Oh my God! I'll go to jail and never return to Barcelona!”

Luis Diaz says Florian Wirtz prepared him for German style of football before the ex-Liverpool star completed a "dream" move to Bayern Munich.

• Wirtz gave Diaz a sneak-peek into Bundesliga
• Winger explains coach Kompany's expectations
• Colombian anticipated to shine for German giants

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Diaz became Bayern's third-most expensive signing this week, completing a £65.5 million ($88m) transfer from Liverpool. The 28-year-old explained how he was prepared by ex-Bundesliga star Wirtz before his move to Allianz Arena and also talked about what coach Kompany has planned for his development at the club.

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  Diaz got the opportunity to spend a few weeks with Wirtz, who joined Liverpool this summer from Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international was Bayern's top target heading into the summer, with the player's father admitting he found it difficult to let down the Bundesliga champions as he opted for a Premier League move instead. In turn, Bayern went after Nico Williams, only to see him sign a new contract at Athletic Club, resulting in their pursuit of Diaz. Liverpool insisted the Colombia star was not for sale, but he pushed the club to accept Bayern's bid, sealing what he called a "dream" move to Bavaria.

• WHAT DIAZ SAID

  In his press conference, Diaz, talking about Wirtz's advice and his coach's expectations, said: "He told me that the Bundesliga is played with a very high intensity, that it's very competitive, and the stadiums are always full. He said Munich is a beautiful city, and I'll enjoy it. He wished me the best of luck."

  He added: "I give everything for the team I play for. I can't say whether I'm worth the transfer fee. I'm fulfilling a dream of playing for one of the biggest clubs. I'm living this dream. I'm happy to be part of the Bayern family.

  "I can play up front or as a winger. The coach said he prefers me on the left."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUIS DIAZ?

  Fans will be excited for Diaz's debut and can expect him to feature in Bayern's pre-season fixture against Lyon on August 2.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for a reported fee of £37.5 million ($51m). Hutchinson joined Ipswich from Chelsea on loan during the 2023-24 campaign and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League, after which he made his transfer permanent last summer. However, following the club's relegation, the attacking midfielder has joined Forest.

Forest sign Hutchinson from IpswichFormer Chelsea star joins Forest on a five-year dealForest spending heavily in the summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Forest have confirmed the arrival of Hutchinson from Ipswich Town on Saturday. The club had earlier seen a bid worth £35m ($47m) rejected by the Tractor Boys, however, they finally sold the player for £37.5m, according to . The official statement from Forest read: "Nottingham Forest is delighted to announce the signing of Omari Hutchinson, who has signed a five-year deal."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT HUTCHINSON SAID

After signing a five-year contract, Hutchinson told Forest's official website: "I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to get started. I’ve played at the City Ground a few times and it’s always felt like a hostile atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to playing here with the fans behind us. I’m going to give it my all and I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a new chapter for me, but I feel ready."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are also on the verge of completing the signing of James McAtee after agreeing to pay £30m ($40m) to Manchester City. McAtee will undergo his medical in the coming days before formally completing his move. Forest are spending heavily this summer after getting the Europa League slot at the expense of Crystal Palace. 

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FOREST?

Forest will kick off their Premier League 2025-26 campaign on Sunday as they host Brentford. 

Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle

Tristan Lavalette06-Feb-20250:40

Connolly: ‘I like to be aggressive while I’m playing red-ball cricket as well’

From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related

'I earned my opportunity' – Connolly reflects on whirlwind Test debut ahead of Shield return

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Travis Head expects Sam Konstas to open in WTC final

Sri Lanka hope for Nissanka boost as Australia target rare series win in Asia

Sri Lanka's 'strength is spin', but it's a game Australia can play too

His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

If the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

With Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”

The SPFL fixtures are out, meaning Celtic supporters can start looking forward to the new season as Brendan Rodgers’ side go about defending their crown.

The Hoops will begin their Premiership title defence at Parkhead on Sunday 3 August, before a Scottish Cup Final rematch a week later for Rodgers’ Bhoys, seeking revenge following that penalty shootout defeat at Hampden.

With an Old Firm derby at Ibrox on 31 August, as well as a season-defining Champions League play-off, their opponents in that tie will be confirmed on 4 August, there’s plenty for Celtic supporters to look forward to on the park.

Off the pitch, they’re making a splash in the transfer window.

Celtic seeking midfield reinforcements

Before pre-season begins against Glasgow neighbours Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden on Friday week, focus remains on transfers, with Rodgers looking to bolster every area of his squad.

So far, Kieran Tierney has re-joined Celtic, while Ross Doohan has arrived to be the new third-choice goalkeeper, replacing Scott Bain, with Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren expected to be through the door soon.

Now, according to a report by Africa Foot, Celtic are interested in signing Moussa Baradji, facing competition from Sunderland, who have been promoted back to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder currently plays for Yverdon-Sport, who finished bottom of this season’s Swiss Super League, thereby relegated, hence why Baradji is expected to be on the move again this summer, just one year after arriving from Legnago Salus in Serie C.

Baradji is valued at €3m (around £2.5m), described as a versatile midfielder by Drissa Traoré of Africa Foot, who adds that Galatasaray are amongst a number of European heavyweights vying for his signature.

Now though, could he be on his way to Glasgow?

How Baradji could replicate Victor Wanyama's Celtic career

Similar to Baradji, Victor Wanyama was not a known quantity when he joined Celtic from Beerschot in 2011, costing a reported fee of £900k, having made only 54 senior appearances for De Mannekes.

Nevertheless, just two years later, he was sold to Southampton for £12.5m, a Scottish record fee at the time, having impressed during his 91 appearances in hoops, most notably starring during the famous 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, heading home the night’s opening goal.

That night, according to Ewan Murray of the Guardian, up against Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and others, the Kenyan was the best player on the pitch, with then-manager Neil Lennon labelling him “world class”.

After three seasons by the South Coast, Wanyama would join Tottenham, a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s successful Spurs side.

He was then not quite so impactful at Club de Foot Montréal, spending a large period of his four-year stay in Quebec injured or not contributing much, before returning to Scottish football in March, linking up with Lennon again at Dunfermline Athletic.

So, could Baradji be the new Wanyama? Let’s assess his statistics from this season.

Appearances

27

111th

Minutes

2,104

77th

Goals

4

51st

Shots

45

29th

Fouls

41

13th

Interceptions

24

71st

Tackles

72

12th

Average SofaScore rating

7.14

37th

As the table outlines, Baradji is something of an all-rounder, as Wanyama was, ranking pretty highly when it comes to shots, fouls and tackles, made all the more impressive considering his team finished rock-bottom of the Swiss top-flight.

Wanyama was particularly strong in the tackle, notably ranking as the tenth-best midfielder in the 2014/15 Premier League season for tackles per game (2.9). Thus, there are certainly similarities here.

Patrick Juillar of Sport 365 further describes him as a “box-to-box midfielder” who has just enjoyed an “outstanding” campaign, so if Celtic can secure his services, he could offer a big return on investment.

Celtic have made an approach to beat Premier League club to sign £2.5m ace

He is wanted by a host of teams.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 25, 2025

The Sri Lanka batter has had a tremendous start to his first IPL season, and he’s hoping to take lessons from it back home

Interview by Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Apr-20226:38

Bhanuka Rajapaksa: ‘The team knows I have the ability and they know I could be batting anywhere’

It has been a roller coaster year for Sri Lanka middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who announced his retirement from international cricket in January and retracted it a week later, only to be dropped from the touring T20I squad to India in February over fitness concerns. He was picked up by Punjab Kings in the 2022 IPL auction, and he started his debut season in the league with a blast, scoring 43 off 22 balls and 31 off nine in his first two games.It’s your first IPL. What has that experience been like?
It’s like a dream come true. It was my wife who broke the news to me that I had been bought by Punjab Kings. From my young days it was always Punjab Kings that my entire family had been backing. It’s sort of a miracle that I got into the same side that I’ve been supporting since I was a kid. It’s so nice to be around so many legends. They’re so humble. I’m looking forward to sharing as much information as possible.What is the team environment like?
I don’t think anyone can deny that this is the world’s best league. Unfortunately I was not able to play in many other leagues around the world even when I was picked, because I had some NOC [no objection certificate] issues with SLC. But fortunately this time during the IPL, SLC gave me the freedom to go and represent Punjab Kings. It’s a great opportunity, and it’s exciting.Related

• Five key issues new Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood must address

• Bhanuka Rajapaksa announces decision to retire aged 30

• Bhanuka Rajapaksa withdraws resignation from international cricket

• Bhanuka Rajapaksa left out of India T20Is for fitness reasons

In your first match, against RCB, you hit 43 off 22. The bowler you took down most viciously in that match was Wanindu Hasaranga. You’ve played him many times in the nets. Can you tell us more about that innings?
We all know Wanindu is the No. 1 bowler. He hasn’t played cricket for a couple of months, but he had the top rank in the world a few months ago. We all were hesitant in the beginning about how to handle him, but we had a plan, and we knew that trying to block him wouldn’t do any good for the team. I spoke to the head coach and the team-mates, because it’s important to bring local knowledge. I’ve seen him and faced him many times as you mentioned.My game plan was that if the ball was in my area, I was going to go for it, because wickets are so good in India and you can trust the bounce. Everything turned out well for me that day. Hopefully if we meet again, it will go the same.Hasaranga’s googly is by far his biggest weapon. How confident are you at picking it?
One good thing from my school days is that I was coached by one of the best in Sri Lanka, Chulaka Amarasinghe, who taught us to pick the ball from the hand. That gives you that split second of an advantage, and you know if it’s going to be a googly. Then it’s a case of taking the length on and going for your shots. That’s especially true for a bowler like Wanindu.Rajapaksa was picked up by Punjab Kings in the 2022 auction as part of their push for an explosive batting line-up•Mark Brake/Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesIn your next match against KKR, it was a seam bowler, Shivam Mavi, that you took apart in your 31 off nine. Tell us about that.
One thing I learned from Mahela Jayawardene [who was Sri Lanka’s consultant] in the T20 World Cup last year, was that sometimes it’s really good to take on a bowler, especially if it’s his first over. If you can put down a front-line bowler, they have to cover up and get a sixth bowler into the game, it could be very complicated for them afterwards. My plan had been that when I get an opportunity to score against a bowler, I try to take the maximum. It’s a high-risk game, but I got the green light from the Punjab side. They have trusted my ability. That’s something I’m confident with. If I feel like it’s going to be a big over, I’d rather get 30 off five or six balls than a 30 off 25 or 30 balls. I’ve given a good opportunity for another batsman to come and settle in.You haven’t taken long to start hitting boundaries, and you’re also batting at No. 3. Is that the role Punjab have given you?
The good thing with this team is that they know I have the ability and they know I could be batting anywhere from No. 1 to No. 7. In this era there’s a lot of wristspinners and they come to try and dominate the middle overs. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to face those wristspinners in the last couple of games, because I’ve being going hard and getting out. But one thing Punjab have told me is to go hard. That’s going to be our role this year. There are going to be days when we get 200-plus runs. And there are going to be days when we’ll get out for 75 or 80. We have accepted that. But we want to go hard. We’ve got the freedom to express ourselves. We don’t keep meeting for hours and hours, and we don’t analyse for days.You said there that there’s not been over-analysing. Does that suit you, because your batting seems very instinctive?
I’m someone who relies on my instincts a lot. I want to be as calm as possible. I might be in a rush when I score runs, but I just want to enjoy the game. It depends from person to person. Some people want to analyse for hours and hours and want to go through all the bowlers’ strengths and all. I’m a person who takes it as the day comes.”I’d rather get 30 off five or six balls than a 30 off 25 or 30 balls”•BCCIWhat is the coaching system in Punjab Kings like and what have you learned?
We’ve got a power-hitting coach, Woody [Julian Wood]. It’s something that I’ve done for the first time in my life. I’ve been in the system back home for a good ten years, but this is something very new for me. We might not be able to get the same facilities from SLC back home, but at least being given the opportunity to come and experience that here, and have that exposure [is good]. Then we can share that experience back home. With Woody we’ve been doing different drills, and you can see that’s helping us as players.Looking forward, it would be good to have this sort of set-up at home. It would help the boys. I’ve always felt like I was a rioter who would go and fight for the rights of the boys. I would still do that. I feel like we need the right people to come and support Sri Lanka. If we can get these sorts of coaches who are recognised, we could go a long way in our system back home.What does it feel like to have made a big impact in the first couple of games in the IPL?
There’s healthy competition within the camp, because there’s Jonny Bairstow coming in. We’ve got six really good international [overseas] players in the squad, and we can only have four coming in. I’ve been in good touch in the last two matches, so I’m hoping that will make it easier for me. I always believe in skills; I think we should make use of people who are peaking at the right time.”It’s not my fitness out on the field. It’s just my skinfolds. I’ve been on the chubby side from my school days”•Gareth Copley/ICC/Getty ImagesYou have had a difficult journey with your fitness, being left out of the Sri Lanka side on fitness grounds. Can you walk us through it?
It has been very challenging. It took me almost a decade to break into the national side. I played so many first-class games back home, and I went through the hardest times. But it was the right time for me. I was more mature. There were so many times when I wanted to give up, but my wife, my parents and my brother were always pushing me.The fitness journey has been quite tricky. It’s not my fitness out on the field. It’s just my skinfolds. I’ve been on the chubby side from my school days, when I got a reputation for having sweets. But I got a personal trainer, and got a break again to represent Sri Lanka. That’s the kind of person I am – I don’t want to give up on something I’ve been focusing on.