Bayern Munich may opt against signing Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo permanently this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Is Cancelo having a good season?

The Portuguese defender was arguably one of the best full-backs in the Premier League at one point, performing magnificently for City last season, but his stock has fallen dramatically of late. After his relationship with Pep Guardiola reportedly soured, he joined Bayern on loan during the January transfer window in order to earn more playing time.

The Bundesliga giants have the option of signing Cancelo permanently at the end of the season, with an option to activate a €70m (£61.1m) clause. That being said, he has also struggled to become a key part of Bayern's plans since arriving and has shown his unhappiness at his lack of football in Bavaria.

A key update has now emerged regarding the 28-year-old's next steps at the end of the season, with his future still looking very undecided.

Will Cancelo leave Man City for good?

According to Kicker, Bayern look set to avoid activating the aforementioned clause in Cancelo's contract due to his unimpressive impact at the Allianz Arena to date. It is even claimed that they have become disappointed with his attitude during sessions, which could potentially be something that Guardiola relates to.

There is still time for him to turn things around at Bayern, but with his reputation seemingly suffering both there and City, his future does appear to be cloudy.

Cancelo's drop-off in form really does seem to have come from nowhere, with the Portugal international imperious at one point, being described as "outstanding" by former City hero Paul Dickov in the past. He has gone from being one of the most influential figures at the club to almost a problem player, showing a poor attitude and appearing to be incredulous at not being picked for every game possible.

He is contracted to the Citizens until the summer of 2027, so there is still time for him to possibly mend his relationship with Guardiola. However, the Spaniard isn't one to suffer fools gladly, so if he wants Cancelo gone this summer and Bayern also don't want him, it remains to be seen where will be plying his trade next season.

If he can overcome this slump, improve his mindset and return to his past form, City could still have a gem of a footballer on their hands moving forward.

Lasith Malinga has stepped down as Sri Lanka’s T20 captain ahead of the World T20 in India, but will remain part of the squad. Angelo Mathews will lead the team in his place. The team is hopeful Malinga can be available for their first match on March 17, though that is dependent on his recovery over the next week.Sri Lanka’s new selection committee have also made two other changes to their squad for the World T20, on the day the team is due to depart to India; Lahiru Thirimanne and Suranga Lakmal have been brought in to replace Jeffrey Vandersay and Niroshan Dickwella.Malinga had offered to step down as captain after concerns had grown over his slow recovery from a knee injury. He had handed Sri Lanka Cricket a letter voicing reservations about continuing as captain, as he could no longer guarantee participation in Sri Lanka’s full campaign. The overuse injury to his left knee had kept him out of competitive cricket for three months. Though he returned to play one Asia Cup match, he has been sidelined for almost two weeks since.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the World T20

Angelo Mathews (capt), Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Shehan Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake, Dasun Shanaka, Milinda Siriwardana, Suranga Lakmal
In: Lahiru Thirimanne, Suranga Lakmal
Out: Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay

Thirimanne’s initial omission from the World T20 squad had caused a stir, as his limited-overs contributions had been good throughout 2015, despite very lean Test returns. Both Kumar Sangakkara and Aravinda de Silva had publicly supported Thirimanne following that omission, and, having now been installed as selectors on Monday night, have made Thirimanne a late addition to this World T20 squad.He has been in good domestic form, albeit in first-class cricket, having hit two centuries and a fifty in five innings over the span of a month. Last year, he averaged 43.05 across 24 ODI innings. He had also made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s 2014 World T20 campaign – particularly in the semi-final against West Indies, where he top-scored with 44.”If you look at what the other teams are doing, they’ve got a batsman who gives stability and helps consolidate, at no.3,” new chief selector Aravinda de Silva said. “We wanted someone who could do that, and Thirimanne has been scoring runs at home.”Lakmal comes fresh from captaining his first-class side to victory in the Premier League Tournament. He had been injured for parts of the domestic season, but claimed 19 wickets in the last four rounds of four-day matches. His inclusion bolsters the seam-bowling contingent in this squad, which now features three frontline pacemen, as well as allrounders Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka.The ousted selection panel had picked wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella as a potential opening partner for Tillakaratne Dilshan. But with the team now having moved Dinesh Chandimal to the top of the order, Dickwella finds himself left out by the new selectors. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay was unused during the Asia Cup, where tracks generally favoured seam bowlers.The Sri Lanka team is scheduled to fly to India on Tuesday evening.

Tottenham manager target Julian Nagelsmann appears to have his concerns over a potential move to north London, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest on Spurs and Nagelsmann?

Daniel Levy is on the search for Antonio Conte’s long-term replacement, with Nagelsmann, who recently left German giants Bayern Munich in a shock departure, heavily linked with a move to the Premier Legaue.

Reports have suggested that contact has already been made over a potential move to Tottenham for the 35-year-old, who is viewed as a top target by Levy.

Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason will be taking temporary charge of the side until the end of the campaign, beginning with a trip to relegation-threatened Everton tomorrow evening. Spurs are still in a positive position to finish in the top four, however, it looks as if Nagelsmann isn’t so sure about taking over in N17.

Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey provided an update on Spurs and Nagelsmann in the last 48 hours. He said that those close to c in Germany believe that Spurs face a huge task to entice him, with a successful swoop currently being regarded as a long shot.

The report adds that the coach has allegedly said to friends that ‘it will damage my career if I join Tottenham’ and that he doesn’t see Spurs as the ideal fit due to wanting to take over a team where he can compete immediately for trophies and make an immediate impact.

Where will Spurs go from here?

Nagelsmann is also apparently attracting interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, so perhaps he views those as destinations where he could look to make an instant mark and compete for trophies, with both clubs still in this season's Champions League preparing to face each other in the quarter-finals.

However, with a move for Nagelsmann not looking likely over the coming months, Levy and co may need to take stock and look elsewhere ahead of a summer swoop for Conte’s long-term successor.

There have been plenty of names linked with the position, though, including former boss Mauricio Pochettino and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany. The latter of the two is regarded as a new leading contender for the job and would be interested in taking over despite taking the Clarets to the top of the Championship, so it’ll be interesting to see who eventually comes in, looking to end the club’s long wait for a trophy.

It's been, as always, a tumultuous year in west London.

Chelsea ended last season defeated in the finale of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, falling short on penalties to Liverpool on each occasion; to compound the woes, long-time and revered owner Roman Abramovich had been forced to sell the club following the fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

American businessman Todd Boehly swooped in, taking a seat at the head of the table, and pumped a remarkable amount of money on the transfer front, parting with roughly £600m since the summer, but despite the lucrative outlay, progress has not been aptly reflected on the pitch.

The Blues have fallen by the wayside this season, with Thomas Tuchel – triumphant in the 20/21 Champions League – sacked in the early phases and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter struggling to instil the confidence and fluidity that was expected, with the outfit languishing in tenth in the top-flight after 27 matches and out of both domestic cup competitions in the early stages.

The Blues are into the Champions League quarter-finals, but further adjustments will need to be made if Boehly's grand schemes are to be realised, and for all the raft of seasonal arrivals, it is felt a centre-forward is required to complete the puzzle.

Some high-profile names have been touted, but with other departments of the pitch still requiring renovation, Potter must consider the prolific name already etched onto the Stamford Bridge books.

Should Chelsea give Lukaku a chance?

Signing for Chelsea for a – then – club-record £97.5m in 2020, Romelu Lukaku was expected to obliterate defences and catapult Chelsea to the very top of the European game, seven years after he departed the club for Everton for £28m.

Lukaku has forged a career of prolific prowess, feared and admired for his brutish strength and innate goal-scoring instinct, the Belgian was considered one of the game's finest strikers.

It didn't quite work out last year, however, with a mediocre return of eight goals from 26 league outings compounded by an explosive interview expressing his discontent.

This week, however, the 29-year-old appears to be getting back to his best, and scored an emphatic hat-trick against Sweden to take his international tally to an "outrageous" – as remarked by one journalist – 71 goals from 105 caps.

With Chelsea interested in a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian in scintillating seasonal form and chalking 21 goals and five assists from 23 Serie A appearances, Boehly and co might be wise to scrap plans for the €150m (£132m) man, instead entrusting their established gem with the talismanic role.

The £185k-per-week Lukaku is hardly untested, with 121 goals and 43 assists plundered from 278 appearances in the Premier League, and as the puzzle pieces together the former Manchester United man might well be a sterling choice to spearhead the charge, with a dynamic and oiled outfit behind him. That is, ignoring his poor return of three Serie A goals this season whilst on loan.

Boehly has worn his opulence on his chest like a glinted brooch, but the most auspicious path to success might not be throwing the kitchen sink at a deal for the likes of Osimhen, especially when Lukaku looks to be rekindling the fire that burned so brightly before his transfer to Stamford Bridge two years ago.

The "monster" – as once hailed by Richard Keys – has been quite the force over the years, and with man-managing whiz Potter now at the helm, the cogs could fall into place for a redemption arc in west London.

Crystal Palace have made contact with Roy Hodgson over a potential return to Selhurst Park, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Vieira sacked

Patrick Vieira was sacked by Palace on Friday morning, days on from the club’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. That loss made it 12 without a win in 2023, with the Eagles now averaging just a point a game in the top flight with 11 games to go.

They are three points clear of the drop zone heading into this afternoon’s fixtures, with former captain and current U21s coach Paddy McCarthy set to take the team against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Steve Parish has admitted he will not rush when it comes to bringing in Vieira’s successor, although reports elsewhere seem to suggest he has already contacted one available manager.

The Latest: Contact made

FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared a managerial update from Selhurst Park on Friday, saying that the club want to make a swift appointment.

They revealed that Palace have made contact with Hodgson over a short-term deal until the end of the season, with the 75-year-old ‘believed to be keen on returning to Palace and a deal could be formalised quickly if all parties can reach an agreement.’

The Verdict: One to watch?

Hodgson took over his boyhood club back in 2017 and helped keep the Eagles in the Premier League for the four seasons under his leadership. He took charge of 162 competitive games with Palace and left on good terms after the 2020/21 campaign, saying:

“It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace. I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager.”

However, with Palace now in free fall and in real danger of slipping further down the table, he could be a shrewd experienced option to return on a short-term basis.

Hodgson, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, as per Transfermarkt, has 125 wins as a Premier League manager from 384 games at an average 1.22 points per game. That form for the remaining 11 games should take Palace close to the 40-point mark and potential survival, which is the club’s main objective.

Therefore, this could be one to keep an eye on over the coming days, and his return could be welcomed by Wilfried Zaha, who paid a public tribute to Hodgson after he left Palace two years ago.

The format of the qualifying stages of the World T20 means that Ireland have one step out of the door already, following their shock two-wicket defeat to Oman on Wednesday

The Preview by Sidharth Monga10-Mar-2016Match factsFriday, March 11, 2016
Start time 1930 local (1400 GMT)4:51

One bad day doesn’t make us a bad team – Murtagh

Big PictureThe format of the qualifying stages of the World T20 means that Ireland have one step out of the door already, following their shock two-wicket defeat to Oman on Wednesday. But given how Bangladesh too were rattled by the Netherlands despite the eight-run win, Ireland should be positive about making a comeback.And if that is not enough, Ireland will be playing against a team that has two of its bowlers’ actions being questioned by the ICC. The coach Chandika Hathurusingha hit back by saying he also questions the ICC on the matter, but the news will only make Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny look over their shoulder when they bowl on Friday.Ireland’s other advantage at this point is the fact that they have experienced playing in the late evening in Dharamsala and how dew becomes a factor. The manner in which the ball kept slipping out of Max Sorensen’s grip in that fateful final over was enough suggestion that the team defending a total must have more than enough on the board.They have the batting to do it, but they must realise the value of putting less pace on the ball so that they can benefit from a generally slow pitch. The inclusion of George Dockrell could remedy this problem in their pace-heavy bowling attack.They will first however have to deal with the in-form Tamim Iqbal. He forced the issue once he was hitting them well, and until that happened, he was taking a lot of singles and twos. The field often spread for him and, for a change in a T20 innings, Tamim mostly hit the gaps. He was smart too, by hitting straight most of the time, and he has always been very good at hitting through the off-side in-field.The other Bangladesh batsmen who have been struggling to either start well (Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim) or capitalise on the start (Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman) can take a tip or two from Tamim’s innings. If Bangladesh are to knock out Ireland, a more wholesome batting effort will be required given that their bowling attack could yet be depleted.Form guideIreland LLWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh WLWWWWatch out forIt was not just because of his 34-ball 38, the team’s highest score in their shock defeat to Oman. Gary Wilson also took the limelight for his Superman-like save on the boundary in the dying stages, saving his side five runs. More runs and such saves would be required against Bangladesh.Tamim Iqbal batted against the Netherlands like he did in the Pakistan Super League by starting off with a lot of singles and then finding the boundaries. Bangladesh would want him to follow up with another big one against Ireland.Team newsBangladesh will still wait on Mustafizur Rahman’s fitness and while the batting line-up doesn’t really require a change, left-arm quick Abu Hider could be called up if the team is looking to give Taskin Ahmed some time off with his bowling action being questioned by the ICC.Bangladesh (probable) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Nasir Hossain, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Al-Amin Hossain, 10 Arafat Sunny, 11 Taskin AhmedLeft-arm spinner George Dockrell should return in place of one of the pace bowlers given the conditions in Dharamsala siding with the spinners.Ireland (probable) 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Gary Wilson, 4 Niall O’Brien (wk), 5 Kevin O’Brien, 6 Andrew Poynter, 7 Andy McBrine, 8 Max Sorensen, 9 Tim Murtagh/George Dockrell, 10 Boyd Rankin, 11 Craig YoungPitch and conditionsThe spinners will have a say despite the pitch being generally flat and good for batting. The weather forecast however isn’t great as rain is in the radar on Friday evening.Stats and trivia Shakib Al Hasan is 21 runs away from becoming the first Bangladeshi batsman to reach 1,000 T20I runs. Tamim Iqbal is close behind too, needing 58 runs to reach the same milestone Bangladesh has a 3-1 win-loss record over Ireland in T20Is but their last game was in July 2012Quotes”Our bowlers are doing pretty well over the last few months. If our batsmen fire as a group, we can put a good score on this ground. Then, always, our bowling is our strength.”
“It’s not the first time our backs have been against the wall. We’ve been in bad situations before and come out on top. We’ve got a pretty decent record against Bangladesh. We’re really looking forward to playing this.”

English cricket’s makeover has delivered a place in the World Twenty20 final in Kolkata on Sunday, New Zealand’s first defeat of the tournament, ending their involvement

The Report by David Hopps30-Mar-2016
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJason Roy made his first T20I half-century to fire England into the final•IDI/Getty Images

English cricket’s makeover has delivered a place in the World Twenty20 final in Kolkata on Sunday. New Zealand’s first defeat of the tournament, by seven wickets with 17 balls to spare, ended their involvement. Instead, it is England, an adventurous England freed of old baggage, who lie in wait for the winners of Thursday’s semi-final between India and West Indies in Mumbai.Jason Roy electrified England’s reply to New Zealand’s far-from-imposing 153 for 8, his 78 from 44 balls ended by Ish Sodhi’s dragged-down legbreak that beat his advance down the pitch and crashed into the timber. “I’ve got to realise I’m not a robot,” Roy said earlier in the tournament. He is precisely the opposite. At his best, he is humanity at its most tempestuous – a mini adrenalin rush – and his first T20I half-century, perfectly timed at the 13th attempt, was the second fastest in England T20 history as he racked it up in 26 balls.There was wildness about the four boundaries he took from the first over from Corey Anderson, but he middled the ball with increasing certainty, tattooed forearms whirring. A sumptuous straight drive against Mitchell McClenaghan possessed particular poise. After such a scintillating start, he could have reined himself in against Mitchell Santner’s left-arm slows, such has been Santner’s effectiveness throughout the tournament, but instead despatched him with successive straight drive and sweep.This was England’s third appearance at Delhi – New Zealand, by contrast, had toured the country and were playing at their fifth different venue – and, much to their liking, the Kotla pitch became quicker with each appearance. New Zealand brought in in an extra pace bowler, Adam Milne instead of Nathan McCullum, but England prospered.England’s three group-stage victories had all been keen affairs, wins by two wickets, 15 runs and 10 runs. When New Zealand were 89 for 1 at halfway, they must have anticipated being stretched to the limit in chasing something close to 200. To be met by nearly 50 less, especially with New Zealand’s most talented pace bowlers, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, again omitted as they have been all tournament, was an immense relief.The architects of New Zealand’s fade out were Ben Stokes and Chris Jordan. Stokes finished with the best figures, 3 for 26, relishing his good fortune as he took wickets with successive full tosses, but it was Jordan, eyes as wide as if he was peering into a coal cellar and gold chain dangling, who once again displayed solidity beneath the bling.Roy’s opening partner, Alex Hales, once the epitome of licentious attack, is now an old hand by comparison, a batsman who likes a quiet little look at the top of the innings: they shared a stand of 82 in 8.1 before Hales perished at long-on. Eoin Morgan, once credited with changing England’s one-day batting approach, is almost formulaic by comparison: he was lbw to Sodhi’s legbreak propping forward, another first-baller to go with the one against Afghanistan, his uncertain run overshadowed by England’s growth under his leadership.England, at 110 for 3 in 12.2, needed less than a run a ball and Joe Root and Jos Buttler were shrewd enough to settle matters. In Sodhi’s last over they suddenly decided the celebrations had waited long enough – 22 followed; another pulled six from Buttler at the start of the next over gave him three in four balls and took England to Kolkata.New Zealand had lost only one wicket in the Powerplay but it was the one England will have most craved. Martin Guptill, rested from New Zealand’s last match because of the hint of a hamstring strain, stayed leg side of the ball to counter David Willey’s inswing, and twice bludgeoned him for off-side boundaries in the opening over, but the tactic proved his undoing in the first ball of Willey’s second over as he flayed a catch on the angle to the wicketkeeper.With a little more sharpness in the field from England, New Zealand might have been more hamstrung than their Powerplay score of 51 for 1 indicated. Morgan might have run out Guptill third ball had he picked up cleanly as he bore down from mid-off; Liam Plunkett’s leg-stump loosener fell to Rashid on the half volley, diving forward at short fine; and there was the hint of a stumping chance for Buttler, too, as Kane Williamson was beaten by Rashid’s leg-side wide. Generally, though, their outfielding was brisk and purposeful.Munro, an ungainly, gum-chewing slugger, served New Zealand well with 46 from 32. The left-hander had little subtlety about him but his danger was evident as he arose from his crouch to batter the leg side. Stokes was not best pleased when two thick edges disappeared through Munro’s legs for fine-leg boundaries: it was not a time for trick shots.Munro’s murderous reputation against spinners left Morgan grateful for the options in a six-strong attack. Moeen Ali did briefly appear for two overs immediately after halfway to remove Williamson with a skied return catch. Then Plunkett found an answer to Munro, directing his pace as wide outside off stump as he dared. Munro flayed and Moeen took a neat catch at third man. Plunkett allowed himself a sniff of contentment.Then came England’s final squeeze. The pitch had enough life to encourage back-of-the-length options with the new ball, and the addition of two reliable death overs gave Jordan 1 for 24. New Zealand failed to score off half his deliveries and he took two safe catches in the outfield for good measure. He has arisen from uncertain beginnings to be a key player in this tournament.The lark, though, belonged to Stokes. He was again given two England death overs because of a combative nature and ability to deliver a mean yorker. Such skills momentarily deserted him as he delivered two successive full tosses, but he was celebrating all the same as Luke Ronchi and Corey Anderson both fell to outfield catches. The sense then was that it would be England’s day.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is ‘already looking’ for a new club beyond Spurs, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Kane future uncertain…

The 29-year-old is set to be one of the hottest topics discussed in north London this summer, especially with his contract set to expire in 2024.

Kane could leave Spurs on a Bosman deal next year as things stand with Premier League rivals Man United among the sides showing an interest in the player.

The England international, who become the Three Lions’ all time top goal scorer after his penalty against Italy on Thursday evening, is a key asset for Antonio Conte and whoever replaces him thereafter.

Reports have previously suggested that new deal talks have been opened with Kane, but according to a new report, the forward is now seriously considering his options.

The Latest: Kane ‘already looking’ for new club…

According to Spanish news outlet Libertad Digital, and journalist David Lacruz, Kane is ‘already looking for a destination’ beyond Tottenham.

The Lilywhites are apparently worrying about his ‘no-renewal’ as the attacker himself has now ‘gotten tired’ with the situation at Spurs.

Kane is believed to be ‘fed up’ with chairman Daniel Levy’s ‘broken promises’ and the ‘endless projects’ that have been failing.

He apparently doesn’t plan to extend his deal, coming after he nearly joined league champions Man City in the summer of 2021.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

The homegrown ace has starred for Tottenham yet again, scoring a brilliant 21 goals and two assists in 28 league starts this campaign.

He also become Spurs’ all-time top scorer this season, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves and proving to the world that he is one of England’s best ever centre-forwards.

Gareth Southgate, speaking after Kane also broke Wayne Rooney’s international goalscoring record this week, stated:

“He is a brilliant professional and to do it as quickly as he has with still a lot of his career to come is an incredible achievement.

“Huge credit to him. The players gave him a brilliant reception afterwards and I think that was a response to both the record and what he’s just had to recover from as well.”

Losing such a player would come as a major, major blow to Spurs and supporters will be hoping this report isn’t backed up by more mainstream media outlets.

Spurs return to action against Everton on April 3 and Kane will be set to showcase just how important he is yet again.

Rising Pune Supergiants have lost two games since their win in the tournament opener, and require a victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore to get their campaign back on track

The Preview by Nikhil Kalro21-Apr-2016

Match facts

Friday, April 22, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)

Big picture

Rising Pune Supergiants’ inaugural IPL season got off to the perfect start with a thumping win over defending champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener. Supergiants have lost two games since, and require a victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore to revive their campaign.Royal Challengers, who also won their first game before losing two consecutively, have depended on a strong top order to mask their bowling fragility. Chris Gayle, who did not feature against Mumbai Indians, having flown to Jamaica to be with his partner for the birth of their first child, will miss this game too. Till Gayle returns, Royal Challengers could persist with KL Rahul opening and Travis Head at No. 5.Royal Challengers have failed to find a settled bowling combination. Barring Harshal Patel, no other specialist bowler has played all three games. West Indies legspinner Samuel Badree has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from an injured shoulder, and has been replaced by the South African chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi.Supergiants haven’t found their best combination either. It isn’t often that MS Dhoni makes wholesale changes after two matches – Supergiants made three against Kings XI Punjab, including drafting in Thisara Perera and Irfan Pathan for Mitchell Marsh and Rajat Bhatia as like-for-like replacements. The batting has been held together by Faf du Plessis’ consistency (170 runs in three matches), but a misfiring middle order has been shown up. Supergiants have the personnel, but need to perform consistently to bid for a playoffs spot.

Form guide

Rising Pune Supergiants: LLW (most recent matches first)
Royal Challengers Bangalore: LLW

In the spotlight

Ajinkya Rahane is a vital cog in Supergiants’ batting order. He started the season with an unbeaten 66 against Mumbai, but has scored only 30 runs over his next two games. A solid start could help an unsettled middle order come into its own.Shane Watson was the most expensive purchase at the IPL auction (INR 9.5 crores), and his all-round abilities have made a telling difference to the Royal Challengers line-up. He has bowled four overs in all games, taken four wickets, and scored 57 runs at a strike rate of 154.05. With his experience, he will be asked to bowl at crunch times and provide Royal Challengers with impetus towards the end with the bat.

Team news

Supergiants brought in Perera and Pathan against Kings XI, but neither enjoyed a productive game. Dhoni may be forced to make changes again.Rising Pune Supergiants (probable): 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Kevin Pietersen, 4 Steven Smith, 5 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 6 Mitchell Marsh/Albie Morkel/Thisara Perera, 7 Rajat Bhatia/Irfan Pathan, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Ankit Sharma, 10 Ishant Sharma, 11 M AshwinRoyal Challengers made six changes for the match against Mumbai. Head and Rahul’s cameos mean they are likely to retain their place. Iqbal Abdullah picked up three wickets, but conceded 40 off his four overs. Will Yuzvendra Chahal return?Royal Challengers Bangalore (probable) 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 KL Rahul, 3 AB de Villiers, 4 Shane Watson, 5 Travis Head, 6 Sarfaraz Khan, 7 Stuart Binny, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Kane Richardson, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal/Iqbal Abdullah, 11 Varun Aaron/S Aravind

Pitch and conditions

In the last T20 that Pune hosted, India were bowled out for 101 on a seaming deck against Sri Lanka. The pitch may not be as green as that night, but could retain its seam-friendly nature. There is no rain forecast.

Stats and trivia

• In 15 innings since the start of 2016, MS Dhoni has scored 190 runs at an average of 47.30, with a highest score of 30. He has only been dismissed four times.
• In the same period, Virat Kohli has scored 812 runs in 15 innings with an average of 101.50.

Gujarat Lions, having clinched two wins in two matches, will aim to continue their winning momentum when they run into Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Saturday

The Preview by Deivarayan Muthu15-Apr-2016Match factsSaturday, April 16, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)Big PictureAfter crumbling in all departments against Rising Pune Supergiants, Mumbai Indians crumbled in the field against Kolkata Knight Riders. But Mitchell McClenaghan’s funky promotion and Jos Buttler’s blast ultimately helped Mumbai gun down 188 for their first points. Buttler could be unstoppable on Saturday too, if the Wankhede pitch plays true to its nature. Martin Guptill, who can be equally unstoppable once he gets going, has joined the Mumbai roster as a replacement for the injured Lendl Simmons. That Rohit Sharma has broken his lean patch with 84 not out against Knight Riders, highlighted by pristine drives, comes as a big boost to the hosts.Mumbai, however, will have to contend with playing only three more matches at the Wankhede this season, including the clash against Gujarat Lions. A Bombay High Court ruling has ordered matches after April 30 to be moved out of Maharashtra because of a state-wide drought. Mumbai will aim to veer from their late-surge template and find some early pace at home to build momentum. Lions already have built it, having sealed two comfortable victories in two matches. Aaron Finch, Brendon McCullum and Suresh Raina come close to matching Royal Challengers Bangalore’s top three in terms of winning games on their own. Dwayne Bravo’s dipping slower balls, James Faulkner’s slippery back-of-the-hand variety, and Pravin Tambe’s sliders cap a bowling attack that has plenty of skill, but Lions will have to do without Ravindra Jadeja, who is getting married on Sunday, and will therefore miss the game.In the spotlightHardik Pandya’s celebrations know no bounds. He has jumped high into the night, clenched his fists, set off on sprints, and roared wildly. The allrounder has batted at No.3 in both games for Mumbai so far and managed scores of 9 each time. He has been quiet with the ball as well. Can he kick into overdrive against Lions?Aaron Finch and Dwayne Bravo were the key men for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League this season, although the team did not make the knockouts. Finch made 246 runs at 49.20, while Bravo hit 201 runs at 50.25 in addition to claiming six wickets. The two have started brightly for Lions in the IPL. Finch has struck back-to-back fifties and picked up back-to-back Man-of-the-Match awards, while Bravo has turned games with his assortment of slower balls.Team newsGuptill may take Tim Southee’s place and Parthiv Patel could be left out in favour of Vinay Kumar. In that case, Buttler will keep wicket. Left-arm spinning allrounder J Suchith, who received a pasting in the last match, may make way for Karnataka team-mate Shreyas Gopal.Mumbai Indians (probable) 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Martin Guptill/Parthiv Patel, 3 Hardik Pandya, 4 Jos Buttler (wk), 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Ambati Rayudu, 7 Shreyas Gopal/J Suchith, 8 Harbhajan Singh 9 Mitchell McClenaghan 10 Vinay Kumar/Tim Southee 11 Jasprit BumrahLions have no like-for-like replacement for Jadeja, and will have to choose between playing an extra batsman in Ishan Kishan or a left-arm spinner in Shivil Kaushik. Pravin Tambe dragged Supergiants back with his sliders and is likely to keep his place in the XI.Gujarat Lions (probable) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Brendon McCullum, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Dwayne Bravo, 5 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 6 Akshdeep Nath, 7 Ishan Kishan/Shivil Kaushik, 8 James Faulkner, 9 Praveen Kumar 10 Shadab Jakati 11 Pravin TambePitch and conditionsThe Wankhede did not dish out a typical belter in the IPL opener. The surface offered early seam movement and then grip to the spinners before easing out. Dew may be a factor, which means that the team chasing will have an edge.Stats and trivia Lions’ squad contains four bowlers with more than 50 wickets in the IPL – Praveen Kumar, Bravo, Faulkner and Jadeja Harbhajan Singh needs one wicket to surpass Piyush Chawla as the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, behind Lasith Malinga and Amit MishraQuotes”Jos is going to be a very important member of the team. Going ahead into the tournament, he is a key factor for us… We know he is that kind of a player. He has done it for England many times.”
“I think in these first two games, his [Raina’s] captaincy has been outstanding. In both the games, we got off to a rough start with the ball, but he has remained calm, composed under pressure and made sound decisions.”
April 15, 1640 GMT The article was amended to reflect the fact that Ravindra Jadeja will miss Saturday’s match