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Rich Hill is back in baseball.

The 45-year-old lefty has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals, the team announced Tuesday. He's expected to report to Triple-A Omaha, where he'll join the Storm Chasers' rotation.

If promoted to MLB, the Royals would be the 14th franchise that Hill has played for throughout his lengthy career in the big leagues. Should he get the call to the bigs, he'd be tied with Edwin Jackson for the most MLB teams that one player has played for in league history.

Hill debuted in 2005 with the Chicago Cubs. He's made 386 pitching appearances in his career, having played for almost half of the teams in MLB, including the Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres. He spent the most time with the Red Sox throughout his career, having played a total of six seasons in Boston.

Hill last pitched in MLB in 2024, when he made four relief appearances for the Red Sox and recorded a 4.91 ERA with five strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.

There have been some miserable nights in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, with Monday’s defeat to Everton ranking high on that list, having allowed the ten-man Toffees to secure a first away win at Old Trafford for former boss David Moyes.

Ironically, there were shades of Moyes’ own nadir – the 2-2 draw with Fulham back in 2013/14 – about that 1-0 loss, with Ruben Amorim again in danger of heading the same way as the Scotsman in the United dugout.

Indeed, a year in charge has yielded just 12 Premier League wins for the Portuguese coach, with the positivity of the recent five-game unbeaten run now tempered with the angle of three games without a win in the top-flight.

A key crux of the issue is the use – or rather misuse – of Bruno Fernandes in a deep-lying role, with the Red Devils crying out for a new creative hub ahead of him.

Man Utd's search for a successor to Fernandes

From netting 38 goals and assists in all competitions last term, the United skipper has been forced to almost play with the handbrake on, having even operated as the deepest midfielder following Kobbie Mainoo’s introduction against the Merseyside outfit.

Currently looking ill-suited to this 3-4-2-1 system, the 31-year-old – who came close to joining Al Hilal over the summer – might be at the centre of speculation again heading into next year’s World Cup, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.

He does still lead the way at United for big chances created (3) – alongside Amad and Bryan Mbeumo – although that is half as many as the division’s leader, Jeremy Doku (6), as per FotMob, with Fernandes’ powers perhaps on the wane in his new role.

In need of a new chief creator? Well, enter Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, with reports in Spain suggesting that the Manchester side are among the clubs to have expressed an interest in the fleet-footed Frenchman.

Reportedly valued at around £123m, the 24-year-old is also attracting attention from both Liverpool and Arsenal, albeit with INEOS viewing him as someone who would bring a ‘significant leap in quality’.

Now in his second season in Munich, following a £50m move from Crystal Palace last year, the London-born star is shining in German football. Could he be just what Amorim is looking for?

Why Olise would be a perfect signing for Man United

After a hefty summer of investment totalling almost £250m, there might be a sense that INEOS have already put together their long-term frontline, in the form of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As the recent loss indicated, however, a couple of injuries to that latter duo highlighted the lack of real depth, while the pair’s return of just three goals between them is also cause for concern.

Sesko, in particular, is far from the finished article, with Amorim potentially able to fashion a fluid attacking trio of Cunha off the left, Mbeumo through the middle and Olise on the right, with the Bayern gem currently looking so devastating in that role in Munich.

In the Bundesliga alone this season, the one-time Reading winger has chalked up six goals and six assists for Vincent Kompany’s side, while registering seven big chances created in total, as per Sofascore.

A “magician” – according to Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano – in the mould of Fernandes, the left-footer has also averaged 2.3 key passes per game, while eclipsing that return from his five Champions League outings, with 2.4 key passes per game.

Three goals and assists and three big chances created have also come amid a standout start to this year’s league phase in Europe, with Olise now rightly lauded as “one of the best players in the world” by the likes of teammate Serge Gnabry.

That lofty status is more than warranted, as he currently ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, while also ranking in the top 4% for progressive passes per 90.

In essence, everything he does is with an attacking thought in mind, possessing that Fernandes-esque knack for being able to unlock a defence with a moment of genius.

There is also an at-times erratic quality that comes with that approach, like the Portuguese, having lost possession on average 17 times a game in Germany’s top-flight.

He is a risk-taker, however, and as Monday showcased, United could certainly do with more of that.

Having – perhaps rightly – allowed the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to depart, while clipping Fernandes’ wings, this is a squad in desperate need of a game-changer. Olise might just be that.

Worse than Bruno & Casemiro: Amorim can't start Man Utd duo together again

This change could help turn Man Utd’s season around.

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 26, 2025

Strasbourg captain Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join Chelsea in the summer, has been handed a one-match ban by his current club and will miss their next game against Toulouse in Ligue 1. Strasbourg have issued a statement explaining their decision is due to the player's recent failure to "respect the club's values, expectations and rules".

• Emegha in the spotlight at Strasbourg

  Emegha has come under the spotlight in Strasbourg for his recent behaviour. The captain first raised eyebrows with comments made after the team's recent 2-0 victory over Lille, a match in which he scored both goals. After the game, it was pointed out to Emegha that the win was Lille's first against top opposition and he replied by joking that it was because he had missed his team's fixtures with Monaco, PSG, Lyon, and Rennes, according to .

  The report claims that the 22-year-old also riled the club during an interview with when he said he thought Strasbourg was in Germany before he joined the French club two years ago.

  Emegha has since spoken to the club's management, including coach Liam Rosenior and sporting director David Weir, and the decision has been made to sanction the captain for his behaviour and remind him of the team's values.

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  Strasbourg issue statement on Emegha

  A statement from the club read: "Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has decided to suspend Emmanuel Emegha for its next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday December 6 in Toulouse. This decision was taken following the player's recent failure to respect the club's values, expectations and rules. Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplary conduct and respect for the collective framework. Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given his all for the club on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match. No further comments will be made."

• Emegha heading to Chelsea in 2026

  This does look to be Emegha's last season at Strasbourg as a deal has been agreed for the striker to move to their sister club Chelsea in 2026. Emegha will sign a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge in a move that has already generated controversy.

  Strasbourg fans turned on their striker earlier this season when the deal was announced, booing him during a fixture against Le Havre and holding up banners that read: "megha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirt, give back your captain's armband." 

  Manager Rosenior admitted afterwards that Emegha had been left "devastated" by the fans' strong reaction to the news.

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• 'Everybody knows my personality'

  Emegha has previously spoken about his decision to swap Strasbourg for Chelsea. He told reporters: "Strasbourg gave me the opportunity to develop and to get to the level that I am today, and I’m not finished developing or growing. I’m really grateful to the club and the supporters for everything they have done for me. I just want to focus 100% on Strasbourg until the end of the season, and then I will leave. I don’t want there to be rumours or distractions for my team or for me, so I think this is the best decision to bring it out now.

  "Everybody knows my personality. It’s not because people know I’m leaving that I will change my behaviour or my work ethic. I’m someone who gives 100% every day for the team and for the club, and I’ll keep doing this until the end.

  "I had opportunities to go to other European top clubs that play in the Champions League. I spoke with Chelsea, with Strasbourg and with BlueCo about what would be best for my career. We had open discussions and agreed that the best decision was for me to stay in Strasbourg for one more year, to lead the team in Europe, to write another piece of history here, and then go to Chelsea."

Aston Villa have now submitted a concrete bid for a “great dribbler” who’s “keen” on a move to Villa Park.

Villa stepping up pursuit of new forward

Despite a disastrous start to the Premier League season, failing to score in their opening four games, Villa have now emerged as potential title contenders, moving just three points behind leaders Arsenal after the 2-1 victory against Mikel Arteta’s side last time out.

Unai Emery has played down suggestions his side could mount a title push, however, saying: “I know 38 matches is very difficult. We are not a contender. If we were in game 35, perhaps we can speak differently.”

Danny Murphy has also pointed out another reason the Villans may not be able to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, saying: “I don’t see them as title contenders, only because of a lack of strength in depth. But their best XI can beat anybody.”

With the January transfer window now on the horizon, however, Emery will be presented with the opportunity to increase his squad depth, and a new forward is of interest, with Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Bologna’s Santiago Castro emerging as targets.

According to a report from Bolavip (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have also submitted an offer worth for Gremio forward Alysson Edward, having scouted him on a number of occasions this year.

Gremio are set to decide whether to accept the bid in the coming days, and the offer is now with Gremio’s new president, Odorico Roman.

Fabrizio Romano has also taken to X to confirm that a €12m (£10m) fee has been proposed, with the Brazilian eager to make the move to Villa Park.

"Great dribbler" Alysson showing promising signs in Brazil

Journalist Bence Bocsak has made it clear he is an admirer of the 19-year-old, saying: “Big fan of him. Still raw but he’s a very progressive player and a great dribbler. Has the tools to go far.”

Not only is the teenager a strong dribbler, but he is also a well-rounded winger, averaging 2.46 tackles per 90 over the past year, and 0.84 interceptions, placing him in the 96th and 93rd percentile, compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

The only thing the Gremio star may need to improve is his end product, having only chipped in with one goal and two assists in 41 matches for Gremio.

Emery's a fan: Aston Villa willing to make mega-money bid for £52m "baller"

The Villans are lining up a winter move for a new midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 7, 2025

Alysson could be one for the future, and a £10m deal wouldn’t break the bank, but with Aston Villa potentially in a title race, it may be better to bring in a more experienced forward next month, considering Ollie Watkins is on just three goals in all competitions.

Enzo Maresca has conceded that Liam Delap could be set to spend another period on the sidelines, after the Chelsea striker was taken off in the 32nd minute of his side's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth following a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old has already spent two months out of action with a hamstring injury since arriving at Stamford Bridge for £30 million ($40m) from Ipswich Town, and could see his frustrating start to life at Stamford Bridge continue.

• Delap could be set for another worrying injury lay-off

  Maresca spoke to reporters at full-time and revealed his concerns surrounding Delap, who has already missed 11 matches this season and was replaced mid-way through the first half following a shoulder injury. The Blues are set to assess Delap’s injury in the next 48 hours to determine for how long he will be on the sidelines.

  With both of Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu on the bench the Blues have a range of attacking options – though Maresca questioned the quality of his side's depth after defeat to Leeds United in midweek – but there is no doubt that injuries have curtailed Delap’s progress in west London since his big move from the Tractor Boys, which came with lofty expectations after 12 goals in his first top-flight season.

  Delap looked in clear pain after he was bundled to the ground by Marcos Senesi and subsequently taken off, ahead of what would go on to be a disappointing goalless draw for Maresca’s side.

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  'He has been unlucky' – Maresca reacts to Delap injury blow

  Maresca said in his post-match press conference: “Unfortunately he has already been out for two months and he has to be out again. We don't know for how long, but it looks quite bad, his shoulder.

  “He has been unlucky," Maresca added. "We are also a bit unlucky because we need that kind of a No.9.”

• Maresca reflects on goalless draw for his side after Delap's injury

  Maresca added on the result on the south coast: “I think it was a game where we lacked and we missed a little bit of quality in the last third. For me, there were many mistakes. We missed some passes in the last third, some moments that we could shoot and didn’t.

  “But overall, when you are not able to win, we have said many times, that it's important that we don't lose. I think it is because of a lack of quality in the last third for me, personally, in terms of last pass, some crosses, some moments.

  “We know that we are not going to score every game. I didn't know, to be honest, that [Chelsea had scored in every game] since Crystal Palace. Now we're going to try to score on Tuesday, but it's important at least to keep the clean sheet that gives us at least the chance to take points."

  Maresca also referenced Cole Palmer on his first start since September, and was asked by reporters if the reason his side lacked the cutting edge on Saturday was due to a lack of individual confidence from his players.

  He responded: “No, no, no, not because of this. I think it's a normal mistake that can happen, you know, a last pass in the last third. It's just that. I think Cole [Palmer] was quite good on that, he played half an hour the other day, played one hour today. So now it's important that he can build his physical condition.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What next for Chelsea and Delap?

  Chelsea have faced a challenge keeping players fit so far this season, with the after-effects of the Club World Cup and a lack of pre-season apparent for Maresca and his players. While the return of Palmer is a welcome one, another injury blow for Delap is concerning for a young player still becoming accustomed to his new club and team-mates.

  Injury has prevented the 22-year-old from having enough of an opportunity to settle in on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, and Maresca will hope that he can get the England Under-21 international back on the field to help the team as soon as possible.

  Currently in fifth place, the Blues face a challenging end to 2025 – with Atalanta next up in the Champions League, and league fixtures with Everton, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bournemouth once again set to test Chelsea’s resolve over the festive period.

The Savannah Bananas are coming to T-Mobile Park in Seattle this weekend, but the Mariners gave any fans watching their road win over the Royals a preview of what's to come with one magnificent play in the ninth inning of the 12-5 triumph over Kansas City.

On the second pitch of the inning, Mariners righthander Emerson Hancock got Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to ground a ball up the middle, where shortstop J.P. Crawford made a diving stop. But, in a nifty trick play straight out of the Bananas playbook, Crawford, rather than jump to his feet and make the throw to first, decided to flip the ball to second baseman Jorge Polanco.

Polanco then made the throw to get Garcia at first.

Check out the incredible play.

Call it 6-4-3 without the double play.

Everything the Mariners have touched lately has turned to gold. Not only did star catcher Cal Raleigh belt his 55th and 56th home runs of the season to break Mickey Mantle's record for the most long balls in a single season by a switch-hitter—and tie Ken Griffey Jr. for the most in a single season by a Mariner—but Seattle also won its 10th game in a row to maintain its 0.5-game lead over the Astros in the American League West.

One of the most esteemed academies in world football is Manchester United’s Carrington.

You can go back as far in footballing history as you’d like; United have always produced some top academy graduates.

In recent years, there have been a couple of stars really flying the flag for the Red Devils academy. The main name that springs to mind is Marcus Rashford, who is now plying his trade at Barcelona, where he is flying.

For his boyhood club, the Wythenshawe-born sensation racked up 426 appearances, scoring 138 goals and assisting 79.

Kobbie Mainoo is a more recent example. He was brought through by Erik ten Hag, although the Dutchman was quite ruthless when it came to giving academy stars a chance.

The best academy prospects let go under Ten Hag's management

It is naturally quite hard to break into the first team of a club the size of United. There were a few players, like Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who Ten Hag gave a platform to. Yet, others didn’t make the cut and were sold by the former United boss, only to thrive at other clubs.

Someone who certainly fits that bill is Alvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old completed a move to Real Madrid this summer after shining at Benfica. He never actually played a first-team game at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag opting against giving him a debut.

He moved to Portugal permanently last summer after a loan spell in 2023/24, before joining Los Blancos in 2025. He’s started every La Liga game under Xabi Alonso, operating at left-back and even as a centre-back.

Anthony Elanga could also come under the same category. Despite thriving under Ralf Rangnick and scoring a huge goal away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, he only played 26 times under Ten Hag before moving to Nottingham Forest.

This summer, he switched to Newcastle United for a massive £55m fee but is yet to find the net for the Toon.

Both players could quite realistically have made it in a different era. The same could be said of United’s new Paul Scholes. At least that was how he was described at the time.

Ten Hag let go of Man Utd's 'next Scholes'

There is no doubt that, over the years, some of the academy sales made under Ten Hag have been blunders. The decision to move Carreras on, for example, must sting United fans given how well he is doing in Madrid.

When the Red Devils decided not to renew Shola Shoretire’s contract back in 2024, it brought an end to a United career that saw the Newcastle-born midfielder become the youngest player to appear for the club in a European match, aged 17 years and 23 days old.

It’s safe to say that in his younger days, the former United number 47 was incredibly highly rated.

Stephen Rutherford, the director of football at his junior club, said that he “would compare Shola to Paul Scholes,” which is high praise indeed.

Shoretire’s record for United’s academy was impressive. In the Premier League 2, he played 61 times, scoring 29 goals and assisting a further 18 goals. He operated all over the midfield and even out on the wing.

Unfortunately for Shoretire, he could only rack up five first-team appearances at Old Trafford. A loan spell to Bolton Wanderers saw him get first-team opportunities, but he left Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract in 2024.

He joined Greek side PAOK on a free transfer, and now plays on loan for PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands. Those Scholes comparison feel like a long time ago now.

Under Ten Hag, the 21-year-old only featured on the bench four times. Despite his excellent form in the academy, the Dutchman never gave Shoretire more of an opportunity to showcase his skills at senior level.

This might always be one that United fans look back on and think, what could have been. Their youngest-ever European player was clearly very talented, and to be compared to Scholes is no mean feat.

Perhaps, if he’d have been given more of a platform by Ten Hag, he could have proven his worth at United.

Man Utd have a "£100m + footballer" who's becoming their new McTominay

Man Utd will not want to repeat the mistake they made with McTominay

2

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 13, 2025

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has seen all the chatter online about him being “asleep on the job” this offseason since New York hasn’t made a big move yet. At least not the moves fans are really hoping for—like bringing back Cody Bellinger or signing Kyle Tucker, for example.

Cashman poked fun at himself by creating the “meme”—a word he hilariously pronounced incorrectly—when he participated in the Covenant House Sleep Out in New York on Thursday night. As he cuddled up on the ground in a sleeping bag, this is what he told reporters:

“You know this is a meme about how Brian Cashman’s asleep on the job and not doing his job, ‘cause I’ve seen that all over social media.”

Don’t worry, Yankees fans. Cashman also shared with reporters on Thursday that he’s making strides to figure out the moves the team wants to make this offseason. He’s already started conversations about Bellinger and Tucker, and he’s spoken with other teams about other moves. Apart from Tucker, he’s also started talks about bringing back Paul Goldschmidt and potentially acquiring Michael King and Kyle Schwarber this offseason. He’s not totally sleeping on the job.

Also: who is the youngest man to captain in a T20I?

Steven Lynch12-May-2020Is it true that Brian Bolus, who died last week, holds the record for the most Test innings without being out in single figures? asked Graham Sinclair from England

The former England batsman Brian Bolus, who passed away last week aged 86, had 12 innings in his seven Tests in the early 1960s, and his lowest score was 14. That’s the record for the most innings in a complete career without being out in single figures: next come the 19th-century England player Frank Druce, with nine, and New Zealand’s Gary Stead – now their coach – with eight. The Indian opener Prithvi Shaw has so far had seven Test innings, all of them in double figures.I asked Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team which batsman has most consistently made it out of double figures. We imposed a minimum of 50 Test innings, and decided to ignore any cases where the player made a single-figure score but was not out. Clear at the top was England’s Jack Hobbs, who made it out of double figures on 88 of 101 occasions, or 87.13%. Second was his long-time opening partner, Herbert Sutcliffe, with 85.54% (71 out of 83). A slight surprise at No. 3 was the West Indian opener Jeff Stollmeyer, with 83.93%, not far in front of the inevitable Don Bradman (82.50). Just behind the Don were a bunch of big names, including Wally Hammond and Len Hutton (both 82.48%) and Eddie Barlow (82.46).I was surprised to realise that someone was closely involved in the match with the lowest Test total, and also the highest – do you know who it is? asked Rajiv Radhakrishnan from England

The lowest total in Tests remains New Zealand’s 26 all out in Auckland in 1954-55, when England – who had a slender lead of 46 – were rather surprised to end up winning by an innings. And the highest Test total is 952 for 6 declared, by Sri Lanka against India in Colombo in August 1997.On the face of it there’s no obvious connection (the umpires for the Colombo game were not around in Auckland). But that match in Sri Lanka was one of the earliest to have an ICC match referee – and in Colombo it was John Reid, the great New Zealand batsman who had been their top scorer in the first innings in Auckland, with 73.It’s another of those coincidences that cricket seems to specialise in – like Bob Simpson being a player in the first tied Test, and Australia’s coach in the second, or Bob Woolmer being taken as a boy to the match in which Hanif Mohammad scored 499, and later being Warwickshire’s coach when Brian Lara beat Hanif’s record with 501 not out.I was watching some highlights of old matches and saw Jason Holder making a double-century on his home ground in Barbados. Was this a record? asked V Kartik from the United States

The match you must have been watching was West Indies’ first Test against England in January 2019, in which Jason Holder made 202 not out at home in Bridgetown. But the record in this regard is 374, by Mahela Jayawardene, for Sri Lanka against South Africa in Colombo in 2006 – that match was played on his home club ground at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Jayawardene clearly likes his home comforts: in all, he scored 2921 Test runs at the SSC, the record for a player on a single ground.Shai Hope made twin centuries at Headingley and Kraigg Brathwaite almost did too in the same Test, but was out for 95 in the second innings•Getty ImagesWhen Shai Hope scored two centuries in the same Test, in 2017, Kraigg Brathwaite came agonisingly close too, scoring 134 and 95. How often have two batsmen from the same team scored twin centuries in the same Test match? asked Gerhard Jonker from South Africa

There have now been five instances of two players scoring twin centuries in the same Test, but only two of them have been for the same side. The Chappell brothers did it for Australia against New Zealand in Wellington in 1973-74 – Greg made 247 not out and 133, while Ian made 145 and 121. Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq followed suit for Pakistan against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014-15.The first of the three instances for opposite sides came in Adelaide in 1946-47, when Arthur Morris made 122 and 124 not out for Australia and Denis Compton replied with 147 and 103 not out for England. Andrew Jones and Asanka Gurusinha traded twin tons for New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Hamilton in 1990-91, as did David Warner and Virat Kohli for Australia and India in Adelaide in 2014-15.Shai Hope made 147 and 118 not out as West Indies clinched a superb victory in that match in Leeds in 2017. The most remarkable aspect of his double was probably that Hope was the first batsman ever to score two centuries in the same first-class match at Headingley – in 533 previous games, the feat had proved beyond the likes of Geoff Boycott, Len Hutton and Herbert Sutcliffe. It meant that Clarence Park in Weston-super-Mare became the ground with the most first-class matches (191) without a player scoring two hundreds in the same match.I believe that Rashid Khan is the youngest man to captain in a Test match and a one-day international. But does he also hold the record for T20Is? asked Kishore Bharat from India

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan does indeed hold the first two records – he was only 19 when he first captained in a one-day international, against Scotland in March 2018, and two weeks short of his 21st birthday when he first skippered in a Test, undercutting Tatenda Taibu of Zimbabwe by just eight days. But although he was still under 21 when he first led in a T20 international, he now lies fifth on that particular list, which is headed by Virandeep Singh, who was about five months younger when he captained Malaysia against Vanuatu in Kuala Lumpur last September.Use our
feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

The duo stood up and made it count on a day when Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya were all quiet

Saurabh Somani12-Oct-20203:58

Manjrekar: Second time this IPL Capitals batted below their potential

When a Mumbai Indians one-two punch is responsible for your defeat, the first two names to come to mind might be Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya. Or Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Or a combination of them.Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav are the kinds who fly under the radar, even though they came into the game against Delhi Capitals having been the batting mainstays in Mumbai’s two previous wins – de Kock made 67 off 39 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Yadav reeled off 79* off 47 against the Rajasthan Royals.That’s the kind of star power Mumbai have. It speaks about the depth in the team, that on a day when Rohit, Hardik and Pollard managed just 16 runs off 28 balls and Bumrah went wicketless – albeit in four excellent overs – they still reeled in victory against fellow table-toppers Delhi Capitals without any jangling of nerves. That was because both de Kock and Yadav hit aggressive fifties.Krunal Pandya led the way in bowling, where Mumbai’s precision and skill of execution restricted the opposition to a total that the Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer felt was “10-15 runs below par”.But even if the Capitals had got those extra runs and had 175 to defend instead of the 162 they got, the way de Kock and Yadav were going, it didn’t seem enough. When de Kock was out, at 9.5 overs, ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster had Mumbai’s projected total at 177 (assuming a full 20-over innings). How well Yadav ensured momentum didn’t flag in the middle overs is illustrated by the Forecaster’s projection increasing to 183 when he was out, on the last ball of the 15th over.De Kock and Yadav’s partnership lasted only 4.5 overs, though they thumped 46 runs in that period. What stood out was how well their innings meshed together for Mumbai. The next partnership brought 53 runs in 5.1 overs when Ishan Kishan joined Yadav. Together, de Kock and Yadav had ensured that the ten-over period they controlled brought 99 runs for Mumbai. That allowed them to absorb a sedate start and a somewhat tepid finish, because what came in the middle was robust enough.Both men made 53, de Kock taking 36 balls to Yadav’s 32. If de Kock took the lead in the second-wicket stand with Yadav, hitting 28 off 18, it was Yadav took control in the third-wicket stand with Kishan, stroking 35 off 21.Quinton de Kock stroked his way to a half-century•BCCIThe Capitals had the bowling attack to defend their total, even if it was not as many as they would have liked. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje form possibly the most potent twosome of pacers in IPL 2020. R Ashwin and Axar Patel have been the spinners to bowl most impressively in tandem throughout this tournament. But by the quality of their batting, de Kock and Yadav upset the bowling pattern that has been a staple for the Capitals: Rabada bowling one over up front and Nortje two, then the duo sharing five overs at the death. By the time Yadav was out, five overs were remaining in the innings but Rabada had just one left. Iyer had been forced to go to his strike bowler earlier than he would have liked because of de Kock and Yadav.Their approach against a quality bowling attack differed markedly from the Capitals’ own plan against an equally impressive set of bowlers. Just like Mumbai, the Capitals also had two batsmen making substantial scores in Iyer (42 off 33) and Shikhar Dhawan (69* off 52). But where Iyer and Dhawan were tied down by good bowling, de Kock and Yadav looked to actively disrupt bowling plans and rhythms. Dhawan and Iyer waited for the bad ball to be put away, while de Kock and Yadav manufactured balls that could be hit by moving around in the crease, by employing a wider attacking arc, and by being unafraid to go over the in-field.”When Surya came in, we just naturally assessed what we were dealing with out there. It did help that when he walked in he had intent, and he was off to a flier with boundaries and just rotating strike,” de Kock told . “It kept me a lot more relaxed. We just naturally batted together. I think we dovetailed really well.”Before this game, the match-up between Ashwin and de Kock was even: 43 runs off 32 balls and twice out. In this game, de Kock began by hitting a six and a four in Ashwin’s first over. When Nortje came to bowl his second over, the last in the powerplay, de Kock smacked two audacious sixes into the legside. Yadav used his wrists to whip Ashwin towards deep midwicket, and his reach to sweep Patel effectively. When Rabada was brought back for the 15th over, Yadav went 4,2,6 – hitting to third man, then over mid-off, then all the way over backward square leg.The plan might not have been to specifically target bowlers and areas, but overall, it was clear that these two were not going to let the Capitals’ quartet settle into a rhythm. It was a sound strategy because this tournament has shown that when the Capitals attack is humming nicely, the batsmen can’t do too much. Having a plan is one thing, but de Kock and Yadav also had the skill, boldness and form to execute it. Their combined attack against the Capitals’ best bowlers was decisive in swinging the game Mumbai’s way.”We’ve got really good players in our team,” de Kock would say later. “If it’s not one, it’s the other that’s going to do something for the team.”In a team of superstars, the batting chops of de Kock and Yadav may occasionally go under the radar. But as they’ve shown in the last three games, flying under the radar does not diminish the devastating effect they can have.