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Kalinga Super Cup: Chennaiyin FC will not be using more defensive approach, says head coach Coyle

Bhubaneswar, April 21 (IANS) Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle confirmed his team will not be using a more defensive approach against Mumbai City FC in their opening game of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Wednesday despite leaking goals in the ISL season.

One of the biggest issues that plagued Coyle’s side this season was that they just managed to keep only four clean sheets throughout and also dropped 11 points from winning positions this season.

Coyle acknowledged the lack of clean sheets has hurt the team heavily this season but will still possess a real attacking threat against MCFC.

“That’s probably the biggest thing that hurt us in the season (lack of clean sheets). We didn’t defend well enough but in cup competitions you have to win games. So we certainly won’t be seeing a more defensive approach. We’ll be seeing a team going out to win games. And that’s what we’ll look to do.

“Obviously, we’ll have to defend well against some very good players that Mumbai have but we’ll have a real attacking threat. And we’ll go and try to win the games. Because that’s what the cup competition is all about, winning matches,” Coyle told IANS in the pre-match press conference.

One of the biggest positives for the side was Connor Shields. The Scottish architect registered eight assists in the ISL 2024-25 season, equaling Rafael Crivellaro’s record (2019-20) for the most in a single season by a Chennaiyin FC player. He also created 76 chances – the highest by any player in a single ISL season.

In the first game against Mumbai this season, Shields registered one assist in the 1-1 draw and was not available for the 0-1 loss in the second game. However, he acknowledged that defense has been their weak point this season and a clean sheet would inject confidence in his side.

“It’ll be a good game. Mumbai are a great team. Especially the last two years that I’ve been here. I think it’s just a matter of being good defensively and then when we go forward, we take our chances. That’s the most important thing for us. As I said, defensively this year, we’ve been a bit inconsistent also by going forward. But if we can keep a clean sheet at the back, then I’m more than confident that we’ll score goals and hopefully win the game,” said Conners while replying to IANS.

–IANS

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T20 WC: Overton comes in as England win toss, ask India to bat first in Semifinal 2

Mumbai, March 5 (IANS) England won the toss and elected to field first against India in Semifinal 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Both sides are playing for a place in the final against New Zealand.

England made one change in their playing XI, bringing in Jamie Overton for Rehan Ahmed, while India retained the same side that won against the West Indies in their last Super 8 match

England captain Harry Brook said it looks like a good wicket for chasing. “Looks a good wicket, hope to get a good start and then chase it down. India have a lot more experience, we’ll try and assess conditions and play at our best. T20 is fickle. The way we’ve played, we’ve scraped through and hold us in good stead,” he said at the toss.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said he would have batted first anyway. “We’d have batted. Wind around, don’t think there’ll be dew. Mood in camp is positive. We’ve tightened the screws; our brand of cricket has been different. Best wicket, credit to the curator and groundsman,” he said.

Suryakumar has a reason for considering batting first because he reckons dew will not play a big role in the match. To counter the possibility of dew later in the evening, an anti-dew repellent has been applied to the ground, which should help maintain a fair balance between the two teams.

Playing XI:

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (capt), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

–IANS

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BGT: Clarke backs ‘genius’ all-rounder Reddy for promotion in Sydney Test

New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has called for a batting promotion for India’s rising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Sydney Cricket Ground, set to kick off on Friday.

Reddy, currently batting at No. 8, has amassed 294 runs across seven innings in the series, making him the third-highest run-scorer so far. His remarkable average of 49 has been bolstered by a scintillating maiden Test century in Melbourne, where he scored 114 runs off 189 balls. The knock, laced with 11 boundaries and a six, has earned him widespread recognition and Clarke’s admiration.

Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke lavished praise on the 21-year-old, who has been one of India’s standout performers in the series against Australia. Clarke described Reddy as a “genius,”and suggested that the young all-rounder should move up the order for the upcoming Sydney Test.

“Reddy, this young kid batting at number eight, is a genius. I think he has definitely got to bat seven if not six. He has been India’s leading run-scorer, 21 years of age, unbelievable. He has been underrated in the entire series. I think he is good enough to bat at number six. So, what a great option for India going into the last Test match,” said Clarke.

The former Australian skipper further highlighted Reddy’s adaptability and fearlessness against a formidable Australian bowling attack.

“He has impressed everyone. He has not feared any Australian bowler. He has been patient when he has needed to be patient. He has batted with the tail extremely well. He has shown his intent. He bats, bowls, and fields,” Clarke added.

Reddy’s performances have been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging series for India. His ability to contribute crucial runs down the order has provided much-needed depth to the Indian batting lineup. Reddy’s promotion to No. 6 could also allow India to include an additional bowling option, a move that might address their struggles in maintaining control during Australia’s long batting innings.

In addition to his batting prowess, Reddy’s all-around skills as a bowler and fielder make him a valuable asset. His inclusion higher up the order could bolster India’s chances of leveling the series in Sydney and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As the series stands, Australia leads 2-1 after a dominant victory in the Boxing Day Test. India faces the daunting task of winning the Sydney Test to level the series and retain the coveted trophy.

–IANS

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