India captain confirms the return of Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test at Lord’s

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-20252:38

Aaron: Akash has been through so much turmoil

India captain Shubman Gill has hailed the performance of his fast bowlers after India bounced back from the opening defeat at Headingley to level the series at Edgbaston. Akash Deep, who had replaced Jasprit Bumrah, led the way with his maiden ten-wicket haul in his eighth Test, including 6 for 99 in the final innings. Akash was ably backed up by Mohammed Siraj, who had picked up a six-for in England’s first innings, and Prasidh Krishna.”They [the bowlers] were magnificent,” Gill said at the post-match presentation. “I think the way we were able to get through the top order, that was very important for us. Both those bowlers bowled brilliantly. Even Prasidh, I felt, he didn’t get as many wickets as them, but he also bowled very brilliantly.”I think he [Akash Deep] bowled with so much heart and the areas and the lengths that he hit, he was just getting the ball to move both ways. On wickets like these, it’s very difficult to get the ball moving in both directions and he was able to do that. He was just magnificent for us.”Gill confirmed the return of bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test, which begins at Lord’s on July 10. Bumrah was rested for the Edgbaston Test, meaning he will play two of the three remaining fixtures in the series.”Definitely (when asked about Bumrah). Very excited for that [playing at Lord’s],” Gill said. “Probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world. And as a kid, everyone dreams about playing there. And I think no bigger honour than to be able to captain your country and lead the team there.”Gill delivered a glowing appraisal of India’s fast-bowling depth. “When two of your fast bowlers take 16-17 wickets, the captaincy becomes very easy,” Gill told the host broadcaster. “When two fast bowlers are in such good form… Bumrah was not playing in this match, but I think there is so much talent in India that the squad we have of 16-17 players, they have India’s best bowlers. And from them, any bowling attack can take 20 wickets in any situation or conditions.”Gill was pleased with his own form: he racked up scores of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston. His aggregate of 430 was the second highest in a Test match behind Graham Gooch’s 456 against India in 1990. Gill also became the second batter to make two 150-plus scores in a Test.”I’d say I’m feeling comfortable [with my batting],” Gill said. “I’m definitely feeling comfortable with my game and hopefully with my contribution, if we are able to win this series, that would be a great achievement for us.”

Du Plessis made 91 before retiring out while Milne’s five-wicket haul skittled Orcas for 137 in chase of 189

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2025Texas Super Kings produced a dominant all-round performance to crush Seattle Orcas by 51 runs and finish, for now, at the top of the table. With 14 points, Super Kings have a superior net run-rate than San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom, who are placed second and third respectively but have a game to play in the group stage.After being put in to bat, Super Kings were powered by a sensational 91 off 52 balls from captain Faf du Plessis, who retired out in the penultimate over of the innings. His innings included six fours and four sixes. Du Plessis was well supported by Shubham Ranjane, who smashed 65 off 38 balls as the pair stitched together a 131-run stand off just 71 balls that laid the foundation for Super Kings’ imposing total of 188 for 4.Orcas’ bowlers had no answers once du Plessis and Ranjane got going, struggling to contain the run flow or break the partnership. Orcas did manage to take a couple of late wickets, but the damage was already done.In the chase, Adam Milne led the charge with the ball, producing a spell that tore through Orcas’ top and middle order. The fast bowler finished with 5 for 20, including a three-wicket 18th over.Orcas made a sluggish start and were always behind the game after racing to 42 for 2 in the powerplay. Kyle Mayers top-scored with 35. But David Warner struggled to find any rhythm, while Shayan Jahangir fell for a duck. Shimron Hetmyer showed some intent, but with the required rate climbing rapidly and little support from the other end, the odds were heavily against him. His solo effort of a quick-fire 26 couldn’t rescue the innings in their must-win clash. By the time Sikandar Raza walked in, the game had already slipped away with Orcas needing 98 runs off 47 balls. His impact came far too late.Only three batters managed to pass 20 as Orcas were bundled out for 137 in 18.4 overs.With a seventh loss in ten games, Orcas slipped to fifth with six points. Super Kings have to wait till tomorrow to see if they can hold on to the top-two position.

Joe Root has proposed that each team be given three chances to swap the ball over the course of 80 overs in a bid to ease frustration over the repeated changing of the Dukes ball during England’s home Test series with India.His suggestion, at the end of the second day’s play in the third Test at Lord’s, came after India had expressed their displeasure with the replacement for the second new ball, which came after just 10.3 overs of use.Jasprit Bumrah had taken three wickets in his first 14 deliveries with the original, but his side was unable to take another during the first session with Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse at the crease.Related

• India unhappy with replacement ball as Dukes loses shape

The ball was changed again, 48 deliveries after the previous change, the incident adding to criticism of the Dukes ball during this series, and dating back five years, over its loss of shape and becoming soft too quickly.”I personally think that if you want to keep getting the ball changed then each team gets three challenges every 80 overs and that’s it, if you want to get it changed,” Root said when asked about the issue at the close of play. “But the rings have to be the right size, not too big.”That would be a nice way of compromising and saying it’s not all on the manufacturer. Sometimes these things happen but you can’t just keep asking and wasting time and slowing the game down at the same time.”But Root, who had been unbeaten on 99 overnight and brought up his 37th Test century with the first ball of the morning, also suggested teams needed to adapt to conditions regardless and get on with the game.”I don’t know the ins and outs of how they make it,” he said. “I do know that they’re handmade so you’re never going to get two balls exactly the same. I do think this summer has been a bit of an anomaly for us. We’re not used to getting this much sun and this much heat and squares as hard and outfields as firm so whether that plays a part or not [I don’t know].

“It’s one of those things where if the balls are going out of shape, you change them, and you don’t make a big deal out of it. I don’t think it’s the end of the world. I think it adds a different dynamic to the game and you’ve got to be skilful enough to adapt to the changes, whether it stops swinging or starts swinging or does a little bit more.”Over rates also came under scrutiny for a second day running. After seven overs were lost on a slow opening day, a further 15 were left unbowled when stumps were called at 6.33pm on the second evening.”I don’t want to get myself in trouble by trying to rewrite the thing but I think that’s one way of policing the ball thing,” Root said. “In terms of over rates, it can be quite difficult on a day like today. We’re not used to this, are we? Thirty [degrees] in England feels like 45 elsewhere. But I guess just try and keep on top of it as much as you can.”Bumrah said he didn’t have a clear memory of the ball being changed during his two previous tours of England in 2018 and 2021 or the two World Test Championship finals he has played.5:34

How the Dukes ball is made and why it’s going out of shape

“The ball changes, I don’t really control that,” Bumrah said. “Obviously I don’t really want to lose out on money because I worked very hard, I bowled a lot of overs, so I don’t want to say any controversial statement and get my match fees deducted. But we were bowling with the ball that we were given and that’s how it is. We can’t change it, we can’t fight it. Sometimes it goes your way [and] sometimes you get a bad ball, that’s how it is.”Meanwhile, Root was understandably delighted with the brilliant catch he took mere millimetres above the ground at first slip to dismiss Karun Nair and move to 211 Test catches, clear of Rahul Dravid to hold the record outright.”I’ll be watching it back, for sure,” Root told . “It should’ve been a long time ago. There’s been a few drops in there, but it was an important one, so nice to cling on to it and keep contributing in the field today.”That’s the whole point, you want to try and contribute; you want to add to the team and find ways of affecting the game, if you’re out there in the field. I might bowl the odd over here and there, but there’s only limited ways that you can get yourself in the game. In order to drop catches, you’ve got to put yourself in those positions in the first place. That’s one thing I’ll always keep trying to do, [think] how can I make an impact? How can I help the lads? Standing at first slip is one of them.”

Paul Skenes found his most devastating pitch by accident.

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star righty revealed to that his "splinker" was actually discovered accidentally.

In college, Skenes was working on developing his sinker in college, but it never really became the pitch he wanted it to be. Then one day in spring training he was messing around with it while playing catch and it came off his index finger instead of his middle finger. He noticed it felt and moved differently.

It's pretty incredible that a key pitch in one of Major League Baseball's most devastating arsenals was developed by accident. Despite all the technology analyzing spin rates, pitch shapes and biometrics, Skenes found out because it came off his finger differently on one throw.

The 22-year-old has lived up to his billing as the top pitcher from the 2023 MLB draft and one of the best pitching prospects of all-time. So far in his rookie season, he is 10-2 with a 2.10 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and 151 strikeouts in 120 innings.

Yes, he has a 100-plus mph fastball and a devastating slider, but his 95 mph "splinker" might be his best pitch. And it all happened by accident.

Newcastle United can now boast three wins on the trot in all competitions at their beloved home patch of St James’ Park, having left it very late to secure a Premier League win yesterday against Marco Silva’s Fulham.

The Magpies brushed aside Jose Mourinho’s Benfica with ease 3-0 in the Champions League in mid-week, but on their return to the bread and butter of top-flight action, it would take a crucial strike by club captain Bruno Guimaraes right at the death to clinch a slim 2-1 win over the determined visitors from West London.

Having also been the hero who secured the Toon a 2-0 victory over Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest earlier in the month, it’s clear that the number 39 is now an undroppable part of Howe’s first-team set-up.

Why Bruno Guimaraes is undroppable

With Sandro Tonali sitting out another game, Howe would have known that he was relying on Guimaraes to be a bright spark from the centre of the park once more.

The energetic Brazilian was just that for the Tyneside giants, with his third Premier League goal of the season already seeing him pounce on a spill by Bernd Leno to send the majority of St James’ Park into raptures.

Away from the Brazilian coming up clutch again, the ever-reliable Toon captain also amassed four key passes as he attempted to get the teammates around him onto the scoresheet as well, with eight duels also won, showing off the 27-year-old’s tenacious approach in battling away for his side.

Having not missed a single Premier League game last season, and with this electric start to this campaign already under his belt, it’s surely obvious now that Guimaraes is a deserved staple of Howe’s lineups.

Guimaraes isn’t alone, arguably, in being an untouchable member of his manager’s XI, though, with this consistent top performer now making a compelling argument to be considered in the same conversations as the much-loved midfielder.

The Newcastle star who is as undroppable as Guimaraes

As was stated above, Newcastle didn’t have the smoothest ride out there against Silva’s away side.

Thankfully, Guimaraes bailed the Toon out with that vital 89th-minute effort, but if it wasn’t for Jacob Murphy’s sharp accuracy in front of goal after just 18 minutes, as well, a win could have easily slipped out of Howe and Co.’s grasp.

While Guimaraes would go on to steal all the plaudits in the second 45 minutes, his 30-year-old teammate also made sure Fulham knew he wasn’t messing about in the first half, with three shots on target in total, nearly seeing Murphy pick up more than one goal to put the contest beyond doubt.

The Toon veteran would be substituted off on the 61st minute mark as he visibly tired, but his electric first-half display alone surely means he’s a shoo-in for a start again when the Tyneside outfit travel to a troubled West Ham United side at the start of November in Premier League, having also been branded as a player that “every squad needs” by journalist Andy Sixsmith for his unwavering commitment to the club during the 2-1 win.

Murphy’s numbers vs Benfica & Fulham

Stat

Murphy (Benfica)

Murphy (Fulham)

Minutes played

63

61

Goals scored

0

1

Assists

1

0

Touches

31

37

Accurate passes

10/15 (67%)

14/18 (78%)

Key passes

1

0

Big chances created

1

0

Successful dribbles

0

1/2

Total duels won

0/1

3/5

Stats by Sofascore

The table above backs up Sixsmith’s glowing words, with Murphy content at being given limited minutes, knowing he can create an opening or thunder home a goal at a moment’s notice, with just 68 touches accumulated over Newcastle’s last two games, resulting in an assist and a goal falling into his lap.

Rivals for his spot in the team in the form of Anthony Elanga don’t have the same sort of blistering numbers to hand, with the out-of-sorts Swede still yet to get off the mark for his new side after a mammoth £55m summer move.

With the dependable winger noted as being deep in the “form of his life” at the final whistle by Newcastle-based blog Mouth of the Tyne, alongside the Athletic’s Chris Waugh stating that he keeps “producing big moments”, there looks to be little wriggle room in the main XI for the likes of Elanga and Harvey Barnes, as Murphy now appears to be one of Howe’s main men next to the assured South American.

Related Forget Elanga & Barnes: Howe must now unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Newcastle need to get back to winning ways in the Premier League as Fulham travel to SJP.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 25, 2025

Jaker Ali explains how Litton Das’ message to target a lower score than originally planned helped him plan his innings in the second T20I against Pakistan

Mohammad Isam23-Jul-2025

Captain Litton Das’ Plan B after losing early wickets in the second T20I against Pakistan, gave Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan clear batting roles. Jaker, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his 55 in 48 balls to give Bangladesh the series with a game in hand, said Litton’s message just before he went out to bat put him in the right space.”The captain had given me a separate plan after we lost wickets quickly,” Jaker said. “We had come into the game knowing that the conditions wouldn’t allow for a high-scoring match. I thought it was a 155-160 wicket, but the captain told me to go for 140. I think we were seven runs short. If I had hit a six off the last ball, we would have given them that target. I think this is a good approach, where I know my goal.”Bangladesh slipped to 28 for 4 inside the powerplay after Pakistan captain Salman Agha put them in to bat. Jaker added 53 runs for the fifth wicket with Mahedi to get Bangladesh out of trouble. Mahedi was the aggressor initially, slamming two sixes and two fours in his 25-ball 33. Jaker, meanwhile, batted till the end.Related

Jaker-Mahedi and Shoriful-Tanzim give Bangladesh first T20I series win against Pakistan

“[Mahedi] played a very important innings. When he started to attack their bowlers, I was playing a supporting role,” Jaker said. “We could have had a bigger score had he been there till the end.”Mahedi’s dismissal led Bangladesh at 81 for 5, and they were 111 for 8 not long after. Jaker had to farm the strike a bit while the lower-order batters were with him, but struck five sixes and a four in his innings, which ended off the last ball of the innings.”I have always batted at No. 7 since my age-group days, so I know how to bat with the tail,” he said. “I once added 71 runs with the tail to score a century in the Under-17s. I don’t worry too much about batting with the tail. I just try to save the guy at the other end, and get the runs.”Mahedi Hasan made a handy 33 after Bangladesh’s top-order failure•AFP/Getty Images

On the day, though, he was at No. 5, a higher-than-usual position for him.”I knew well ahead that I would bat at No. 5. I was mentally prepared. I batted in this position in the West Indies too,” he said. “I stuck to my usual routines. I have been working at it for the last two years with our batting coach [Mohammad Salahuddin]. I only count match-winning runs. The rest doesn’t register with me.”Jaker said that Bangladesh expected Pakistan to fight back with the bat in the chase of 134, but with the top six falling for single-digit scores – they were 47 for 7 in the 12th over – they were always behind. And when the counter led by Faheem Ashraf [51 in 32 balls] did come, the Bangladesh bowlers held their nerve.”This is usually how T20 cricket happens. We were not too surprised that they fought back. We made some mistakes in fielding but look at the catch Shamim [Hossain] took at the end [for the last wicket, of Ahmed Daniyal]. This is how you win tight games,” Jaker said. “We also fought hard with the bat when we lost early wickets. Winning is all that matters in the end.”

Aston Villa were steadily getting back to their best across October.

Indeed, five straight wins had been collected by Unai Emery’s men, with three of those victories falling in October, before a trip to Dutch outfit Go Ahead Eagles fell on the calendar in the Europa League.

Yet, even with Evann Guessand netting after just four minutes had been played, the Eredivisie hosts would collect a surprise 2-1 win come full-time, as Emery and Co. cursed their luck away from Villa Park.

On another night, Villa might well have at least collected a share of the points. Unfortunately, though, Emiliano Buendia noticeably underperformed throughout, with a second-half missed penalty from the ex-Norwich City midfielder only further confirming that it was the hosts’ lucky day.

Buendia's poor showing against Go Ahead Eagles

Before his Europa League hiccup, Buendia had very much shown Emery why he was deserving of more consistent first-team minutes.

It was widely reported this summer that Buendia was on the brink of a move away from the West Midlands, with his future at the club still remaining uncertain if Villa need to cash in on an asset here and there to satisfy PSR troubles.

Despite all this distracting chatter, Buendia had managed to let his football do the talking as of late, with a standout haul of three goals and an assist from 11 appearances.

However, his poor day at the office in the Netherlands does have the potential to trouble his concrete starting position.

The out-of-sorts number ten would spurn another big chance away from missing that vital spot-kick, with Buendia also uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball at his feet, with possession surrendered a worrying 17 times.

Off the back of this individual showing, leaving a sour taste in Emery’s mouth, the Spaniard could look to alternate options in the number ten spot when Premier League action returns, with Morgan Rogers an easy fix here.

He might not be afforded a spot down the left wing, either, with Guessand scoring from this spot on the pitch against Melvin Boel’s hosts, as the ex-OGC Nice forward was in the right place, at the right time, to poke home a rebound.

Emery will want all of his attackers to be as instinctive as the Ivorian when Manchester City come to town next, with this other notable Villa first-teamer fearful of his starting spot subsequently, after another quiet game passed him by mid-week.

Emery must axe Villa star who is "off it"

The former Arsenal boss isn’t blessed with plentiful options in the centre-forward department anymore, with super sub Jhon Duran now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, after once being seen as an ideal second-in-command figure.

This has ramped up the pressure on Ollie Watkins’ shoulders, arguably, with his forgettable season so far displaying a striker in clear decline, with talkSPORT’s Troy Deeney even calling out the England international as being way “off it” back in September, when his goal output had already begun to disastrously dry up.

Games played

12

Minutes played

822

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Since this scathing assessment from the former Watford centre-forward, Watkins has only gone on to pick up an unsatisfactory one strike for the Villans from 12 matches, with Emery clearly losing patience with his usual reliable starter when benching him last time out in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur.

Villa didn’t look lost without their 88-goal man leading the line, either, with ex-Borussia Dortmund man Donyell Malen filling in as the main marksman somewhat competently, as the likes of the aforementioned Rogers and Buendia stole the show with goals from the midfield areas.

Watkins didn’t exactly bang the door down to reclaim his top-flight starting spot with his shoddy showing against Go Ahead Eagles, with what should have been a confidence-boosting night only sapping the 29-year-old’s belief even more, as three shots failed to find the back of the net from his minimal 17 touches of the ball.

Guessand might even be the face that Emery chooses to start up top against Pep Guardiola’s challengers, if he wants to experiment away from a goalless Malen, with eight goals actually collected by the versatile Ivorian from this position for Nice, as Watkins fears another spot warming the bench is going to come his way later today.

£868m release clause: Aston Villa now willing to bid for "world-class" star

The Villans are prepared to make an offer for a new forward, who is now looking to leave his club.

ByDominic Lund Oct 24, 2025

Just months after being written off as a Barcelona flop, Vitor Roque has reignited his career in spectacular fashion. Now Palmeiras' top scorer and a key figure in their title chase, the 20-year-old has earned a Brazil call-up from Carlo Ancelotti – a moment he calls “the best phase of my life”. From struggling in Spain to thriving back home, Roque’s resurgence underscores how the right environment and consistent game time can revive a player’s career.

• From prodigy to pressure – Roque's Barcelona struggle

  When Roque signed for Barcelona in July 2023 for €35 million, he was hailed as Brazil’s next great striker. Fresh from 15 goals with Athletico Paranaense and a standout U-20 Championship, expectations were sky-high. But the dream quickly soured. Rushed into the squad midseason at then-coach Xavi’s insistence, Roque struggled to adapt to the club’s intense demands, managing just two goals in 16 appearances.

  The January arrival proved ill-timed – as Barcelona sporting director Deco later admitted – leaving the teenager overwhelmed by pressure, language barriers, and tactical rigidity. A loan spell to Real Betis in 2024 offered little reprieve, and by early 2025, Roque looked like another South American talent who had flown too close to the European sun.

  Now starring for Palmeiras, Roque has rediscovered his confidence and form by scoring 19 goals across competitions in 2025. His performances have powered Palmeiras' title charge and earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Brazilian national team by Carlo Ancelotti. From doubts and disappointment to a national recall, Roque’s resurgence marks one of the most impressive turnarounds of the season.

  "I always say that football is very fast-paced. Six months ago, nothing was going right, and today, thank God, I'm very happy. Palmeiras helped me in an extraordinary way; I got back to playing the football I always used to, and, thank God, things are flowing, which is the most important thing," Roque said after receiving his first national call-up.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Joining Palmeiras and the turning point

  Rejecting a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, Roque returned to Brazil with Palmeiras in February. At first, it wasn’t easy: 900 minutes without a goal tested his confidence. But Palmeiras stood by him, and gradually, the goals began to flow. With 19 goals in 2025 across all competitions, including 15 in the Brasileirao, he’s become one of the league’s most lethal forwards.

  His impact has been immediate, leading Palmeiras to the top of the Serie A table with 65 points, just ahead of Flamengo. In addition, his brace against Santos and a crucial goal in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against River Plate showcased his ability to deliver in big moments. He ranks among the league’s top three scorers, behind only Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Kaio Jorge, both with 17 goals.

  For Roque, this is redemption not just in statistics but in mindset. “It’s one of the best phases of my life,” he told reporters. “I arrive at the national team with my feet on the ground, working with humility. First at Palmeiras and then there as well.” His chemistry with teammates like Flaco Lopez and Raphael Veiga has been key, the trio have combined for 38 goals in all competitions this season.

• A national recall and growing European interest

  Ancelotti’s decision to include Roque in Brazil’s squad for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia marks a new chapter in his young career. Former Brazil international, Rivaldo, admitted he was surprised but impressed: “I was also struck by the fact that he brought in Vitor Roque from Palmeiras, who has been playing well for a few games now. He started with some difficulties, but now he's in good form and it's a good opportunity for him. The coach is still testing some players; I was even hoping there wouldn't be any more of these tests, but I believe he already has the core group formed for the World Cup.”

  Ancelotti’s approach to Brazil’s roster has focused on blending established stars like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo with emerging domestic players who can bring hunger and rhythm from the Brasileirao. Roque’s selection fits that strategy perfectly.

  "I see that Ancelotti is starting to shape the national team. He certainly already has a base of players for the World Cup. Of course, he's doing some tests with athletes who stand out in the Brazilian Championship. I really liked the call-up of Fabrício Bruno, from Cruzeiro, even after the mistake against Japan. It's a good attitude and shows that the coach has a good heart and trusts him. Many criticised the player, he shouldn't even have hope of being called up, and Ancelotti showed that he believes in him, that he doesn't just look at the mistake, but everything the athlete has done well in his career," explained Rivaldo in an interaction with Betfair.

  Meanwhile, Roque’s resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed abroad. His agent, Andre Cury, confirmed that Premier League clubs are already preparing bids. According to reports, Manchester United are leading the race, with Chelsea and Tottenham also monitoring the 20-year-old forward. Barcelona, who retained a 20% sell-on clause when selling him to Palmeiras, could receive around €10m if a deal materialises.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  A comeback that could reshape Roque's future

  As things stand, Roque’s focus remains firmly on Palmeiras and Brazil. His goals have put the club on course for another league title and deep into the Libertadores campaign, and his national team call-up could pave the way for a spot in Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup plans. His first task is to impress the Brazil boss for continued chances as Brazil face Senegal on 15 November and then Tunisia on November 19.

  Goals and contributions in these games can be crucial for continued call-ups to the national team and a starting place in next year's World Cup.

Javier Hernández has appeared in just four of Chivas’ 16 Apertura 2025 matches, and it’s increasingly likely the club won’t extend his contract when it expires in December. The veteran striker and Mexico legend may not see much action on the pitch, but manager Gabriel Milito says his value goes far beyond goals, pointing to Hernández’s experience and leadership within the squad.

Getty Images Sport'He’s still our captain'

Chivas earned a crucial 1-0 win over Pachuca on Sunday, moving closer to a Liguilla spot. Under Milito, the Guadalajara side has won six of its last seven matches – their best run since the Argentine’s arrival. The progress hasn’t come without challenges or criticism, but Milito’s team now looks poised to contend for the title, buoyed by the presence of an experienced figure like Hernández.

“Javier hasn’t played much for different reasons, but he’s still our captain,” Milito said. “He’s an impeccable professional and a very important person within the squad. Having someone like him as a role model is invaluable. Even when he’s not playing, his attitude, leadership, and commitment make a big difference.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGonzález: The breakout star of the tournament

The coach also highlighted the growth of Armando “Hormiga” González, who scored his 11th goal of the tournament against Pachuca and has been one of the breakout stars of the season. Milito credited Chicharito’s mentorship as a key factor behind González’s rise.

“I’m happy for Hormiga,” Milito said. “He’s in a great moment – not just because he’s scoring, but because he keeps creating chances. He has a strong mentality and understands that opportunities will come. That confidence is crucial, and I think Javier’s example has helped him a lot.”

Armando González is aiming to become the seventh player in Chivas’ history to win the league’s Golden Boot. The last Rojiblancos' star to accomplish the feat was Alan Pulido in 2019 with 12 goals.

Getty Images SportMilito’s project now taking shape

Reflecting on his time in charge, Milito revealed that before taking over at Chivas, he closely studied the roster and believed the group had potential – it just needed structure and belief.

“Chivas have a talented squad,” he said. “It was about building confidence, defining our style, and shaping how we attack and defend. Early results weren’t great, but this process takes time. Now we’re seeing the rewards of that work – and winning is the best confirmation that we’re on the right track.”

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Getty Images SportMust-win match ahead?

Chivas will close out the Apertura 2025 at home in a crucial match against Monterrey. Although they can no longer climb higher than sixth place with 26 points, earning a result would secure their direct qualification to the Liguilla – a boost of confidence heading into the postseason.

Dhawan issued a statement which cited the “current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions” as the reason for pulling out

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jul-2025A veterans’ cricket match that was to be played between India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Birmingham on Sunday has been cancelled after the Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to participate in it because of the “current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions” between the two countries.There had been cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in India in April, which had led to the temporary suspensions of the IPL and PSL.Even though the organisers of WCL said in a statement that they had planned this match in the tournament – that also involves teams from Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies – after hearing news that the Pakistan hockey team will be touring India this year and seeing a recent volleyball match between the Under-16 sides of the two nations, they cancelled the game if they had “unintentionally caused discomfort to our Indian Cricket Legends.”Dhawan posted a screenshot of his statement on X that said: “This is to formally reiterate that Mr Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This discussion was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025.”In view of our current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league’s understanding and cooperation on this matter.”The second edition of the WCL started on July 18 in Birmingham and has seen three matches played. Pakistan played the opening game of the tournament but Sunday’s clash was going to be India’s first. Yuvraj Singh is leading the India side while Mohammad Hafeez is captaining Pakistan.

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