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Liverpool have shut down around 145,000 ticket accounts in the past two years as part of a huge crackdown operation. The club say they took 'decisive action' to put an end to 45,000 fake ticketing accounts and they are currently investigating a further 10,000. The Reds added that this is a 'positive' drop in the almost 100,000 fake accounts that were created and closed in the 2023-24 season.

Ticket touting has been a rising problem

Back in 2023, BBC Sport reported that Premier League ticket touting was worth more than £50 million ($66.7m) per year.

In January of that year, Brighton blocked approximately 150 Liverpool fans from gaining entry to the home section of the Amex for their FA Cup clash, with the Sussex side discovering that touts had set up multiple fake accounts to buy tickets from the club and then resell them for up to £250.

Arsenal also said they had blocked "100,000 suspected bots" from their ticketing sites. Fast forward to the present, and this is still a raging battle, but one that Liverpool are seemingly determined to win.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool take decisive action

In addition to shutting down 145,000 ticket accounts, Liverpool also revealed that they issued a record 1,114 lifetime bans last season after discovering the mass manipulation of software used to buy tickets. This is in stark contrast to the 75 lifetime bans handed out across the 2023-24 season.

Almost 500 people were denied entry to Anfield for trying to enter the ground with a 'burner phone', and just under 400 targeted stops were carried out on matchdays. Investigators for the Reds also shut down 162 social media groups – with a combined membership of more than 'one million users' – involved in selling fake tickets that came to nothing or at 'extortionate rates'.

A statement on Liverpool's official website reads: "Liverpool FC continues to crack down on all forms of ticketing touting, both online and on the ground, to protect genuine fans from being ripped off or scammed. 

"Liverpool FC will continue to take robust action across this season, with increased resource targeting those involved in the proliferation of touting activity. Supporters should be aware that if they are in possession of a ticket that has not been forwarded in line with the club's terms and conditions, or are present inside Anfield without a valid ticket, they will be ejected by stewards or the police."

The club added that fans can report unofficial ticket sales or fraudulent tickets to them here.

Ticket touting 'endemic' in football

Tom Greatrex, the head of the Football Supporters Association, told that he had doubts over the Premier League's commitment to tackling this issue. 

"Long-term supporters are finding it impossible to get tickets because of the way they are made available through secondary agencies," he said. "This is becoming endemic across the game."

BBC's report adds that just 12 arrests were recorded by the Home Office last season for ticket touting across English football's top six tiers.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport said in a statement: "The unauthorised resale of football match tickets in England and Wales is illegal. Legislation is in place to minimise the risk of disorder, with football clubs responsible for implementing their own strategies to prevent ticket sales to unauthorised resellers. While the law applies only to domestic resales, it covers any element of an unauthorised sales chain that takes place within England and Wales."

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Liverpool prepare for busy period

Aside from ticket touting crackdowns, the reigning Premier League champions and early pacesetters are gearing up for a busy period over the next week or so as the second international break of the season nears.

Arne Slot's team travel to unbeaten Crystal Palace on Saturday, before heading off to Turkey to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday. They then kick-off October with a trip to London to play Chelsea four days later. If they can win both of those league games, the Merseyside outfit may extend their lead at the top beyond the current gap of five points.

Wayne Rooney has revealed how playing a "brilliant" game on PlayStation played a "massive part" in Manchester United's success under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney helped United win 10 trophies in the latter stages of the glorious Ferguson era, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League.

• Man Utd players loved SOCOM game

  Rooney was an integral part of the dominant Manchester United side under Ferguson, which established themselves as one of the greatest teams in Premier League history. The legendary forward, who finished his career at Old Trafford as United's record goalscorer, has revealed how playing five-versus-five on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) army game SOCOM contributed to the Red Devils' success. 

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• AFP
  

  'Big part of our success was playing on the PSP'

  Speaking on his BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England international said: "I really believe a big part of our success was playing on the PSP. It got us communicating more – we used to play it on the plane, on the team bus. It would be me, Rio [Ferdinand], Michael Carrick, John O'Shea, Wes Brown. You have to talk, you have to tactically be right, go and revive people when they get killed and it was a massive part of our success – ask any of those players, it was brilliant."

• One United star was left 'annoyed'

  Rooney, however, did admit that one United player was not a fan of the game, as he added: "How you played that game reflected that player, how they play the game. Michael Carrick was a little sneaky calm one, you would be lying down hiding and you'd hear a little grenade bouncing by where he'd thrown it. I was just all in, straight in, frontline of the trenches, get in there.

  "Edwin van der Sar used to get annoyed, because we're on the team bus and there's just shouting on the team bus all over the place where you are telling people where you are. Sometimes if they have got one player left, you communicate, so you flank them, go and get them. Van der Sar used to get annoyed and move, he used to try and get as far away from us as possible!"

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• AFP
  

  What next for Ruben Amorim's United?

  Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim is now in charge of United, and guided the team to a much-needed victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday. They will next face Brentford away from home in the Premier League on September 27.

Paul Pogba has revealed what he got up to while serving a doping ban, with the World Cup winner moving his family to Dubai for six months. The France international, who was cleared to resume his career in March 2025, is still waiting on his return to competitive action after heading back to his homeland and signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

When was Pogba's last competitive appearance?

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Pogba has not made an appearance of any kind since September 2023. It was at that point that he was stung with an initial four-year suspension for breaching doping regulations.

AdvertisementGettyLinked with teams in MLS & Saudi Pro League

That ban was eventually reduced to 18 months on appeal, with Pogba expected to make an immediate return to the professional ranks. He did, however, spend several weeks without a club – despite being linked with teams across Europe, in MLS and the Saudi Pro League.

Why have Monaco delayed Pogba's debut?

Monaco put a deal in place during the summer of 2025, but Pogba is yet to make his debut for them. That is because he is still working his way towards full match sharpness after spending so long out of action.

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Pogba relocated family to the Middle East

In a bid to fill time and escape the spotlight, Pogba has revealed that he briefly relocated to Dubai alongside wife Zulay and their children. He told A-Star Barbers: “Yeah, I was there six months. Amazing for family. Seriously, I was happy there. The kids were happy. Seriously, I enjoyed it.”

Erling Haaland suffered a freak accident while on international duty with Norway that left the striker needing three stitches.

Haaland suffers injury on international dutyStriker laughs about freak injuryNorway host Moldova on TuesdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Manchester City striker shared a couple snaps showing off his new injury caused by a collision with a bus door. Sharing the photos on Snapchat, Haaland showed off his new battle scars, featuring the cut under his lip that required the stitching. Despite the incident, the 25-year-old was able to see the funny side and will not be kept out of the action.

AdvertisementWHAT HAALAND SAID

Haaland shared the photos with a caption, the first of which said: "Just got banged out by a bus door. Three stiches."

He then added: "Looks actually quite good."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Fans of Norway and Manchester City will breathe a big sigh of relief that the bus door did not inflict more serious trouble on their star man. Haaland has started the season in typical goalscoring form with three goals in as many Premier League games – in spite of City's faltering start. The forward will hope his goals can power City to the Premier League title once again, having finished a disappointing third place last campaign.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND?

The powerful striker will be back in action against Moldova on Tuesday before returning to Manchester. City host their local rivals United on Sunday in a hugely important clash that, after their respective poor starts, could prove to be a make or break game for Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim already.

Allrounder was reported to be struggling with a finger niggle during the first Test in Chennai

Alagappan Muthu25-Sep-20242:18

Manjrekar: Mushfiqur, Shakib must be mentally tougher in marquee series

There has been uncertainty around Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the second Test between India and Bangladesh starting on Friday, but the head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe dispelled them as he confirmed the allrounder is “eligible for selection”.Shakib was at Bangladesh’s training session in Kanpur on Wednesday although his stint didn’t last too long. His performance was noticeably below par in the first Test in Chennai, where he did not bowl until the 53rd over of India’s first innings and was uncharacteristically expensive. While it was mentioned on the broadcast that Shakib may have been struggling with a finger injury, Bangladesh’s batting coach David Hemp said he was unaware of that in Chennai and Hathurusinghe reiterated that stance in Kanpur.”I haven’t heard anything officially or any complaints (about Shakib),” he said. “There is no doubt about that at the moment. I haven’t heard from my physio or from anyone. He’s still eligible for selection.”Shakib had figures of 0 for 50 in eight overs and 0 for 79 in 13 overs in Chennai, and scored 32 and 25 in Bangladesh’s 280-run defeat. When asked whether Shakib’s performance had upset him, Hathurisinghe replied, “I’m not. I’m upset not about his performance but our overall performance, we could have done better. I’m sure that he also thinks that he can perform better. We all know what he’s capable of. I think he batted really well in the second innings. He couldn’t go on. Not because of lack of pride. It’s sheer quality of the opposition.”Trailing the two-match series 0-1, Bangladesh are in need of a better batting performance, particularly in the first innings. Conditions in Kanpur may help, with the pitch expected to be less lively than the one in Chennai.Hathurisinghe said the players had talked about their shortcomings and it was about “whether we’re able to do that in the middle. We have our KPIs, what we want, and we normally talk about if you make a start, make it big. That’s the biggest concern, because some of the guys got 30 balls (and then got out). In cricket, it’s the hardest thing to get in. But then, this team, India, has been posing different challenges, so we know that as well. So we have to be better for longer.”Bangladesh had their left-hand heavy top-order picked apart by India’s quicks in Chennai. They have the option of bring in the right-hander Mahmudul Hasan Joy but that decision will not be a knee-jerk one.”Just because of the left-handers, right-handers, is not the thing that we will take into consideration. If we are making a change, whether that batsman, whether Mahmudul Joy or whoever is coming in, what he can bring and who will miss out, and we look at it holistically like that, rather than left or right.”

Ben Green claimed four wickets as holders Somerset leapfrogged Sussex Sharks into second place in the Vitality Blast South Group with a six-wicket victory at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.Sussex could post only 158 for 9 after losing the toss, Harrison Ward top-scoring with a rapid 39 and medium-pacer Green finishing with 4 for 17 from three overs.Somerset chased their target down with 2.2 overs to spare, George Thomas blasting 42, with seven fours, Tom Abell making 47 not out and Sean Dickson adding 28. Tymal Mills was the most successful Sharks bowler with 2 for 28.The result ensured Somerset of a quarter-final place and made them favourites to secure a home tie with one group game left to play.The batting highlights of the Sharks’ six-over powerplay were Daniel Hughes’ three successive fours in the third over, bowled by Craig Overton, and the first six of the match struck by Ward off Jake Ball in the fifth over.Hughes had fallen earlier in that over, miscuing a pull shot to mid-on and at the end of the powerplay Sussex were 49 for 1. That became 66 for 1 when Ward greeted the introduction of Jack Leach with a four and six off his first two deliveries.But the England left-arm spinner quickly struck back by having the opener caught sweeping after facing 23 balls, and that was as good as it got for the visitors as Somerset turned the screw in the middle overs.Green struck twice in his first over, removing Tom Clark and John Simpson to catches in the deep, including a diving effort from Thomas, and at the halfway point in their innings the Sharks were struggling on 71 for 4.Tom Abell’s 47 not out helped Somerset over the line•Getty Images

Tom Alsop was dropped by Thomas off the first ball of the 13th over, sent down by Green, but perished to the next delivery as Overton pouched a comfortable catch at mid-on off a full toss.James Coles, who hit a brisk 26, and Nathan McAndrew (20) paid the penalty for testing Dickson’s arm from the boundary edge and were both run out attempting to turn one run into two, while Green claimed his fourth wicket when the same fielder held a simple catch off McAndrew.The Sussex total never looked likely to be enough. So it proved, as Tom Banton and Thomas got Somerset off to a flying start with a stand of 34 in four overs, ended when Banton clipped a catch to deep square off Mills’ first ball of the game.At the end of the powerplay the hosts were 56 for 1, with Thomas and Tom Kohler-Cadmore going well. They took the score to 70 in the eighth over when Thomas was caught at long-on off Danny Lamb, having faced 30 balls and enhanced his growing reputation as replacement for the injured Will Smeed.Abell survived a caught and bowled chance to Mills, but the pace bowler struck later in the tenth over as Kohler-Cadmore, on 20, lofted a catch to deep cover. It mattered little as Abell and Dickson both cleared the ropes and Dickson ended any doubt about the result with three successive boundaries off McAndrew at the start of the 13th over.With ten runs needed, Dickson was run out by Clark’s direct hit from the boundary, but he had already done his job.

Newcastle United enter the market looking to build on the success of last campaign and now find themselves in the mix for a young defender who could add another layer of solidity under Eddie Howe, according to a report.

Newcastle United see bid turned down for Anthony Elanga

Some Premier League fans could’ve been forgiven for wondering if there was much transfer business going on at the Magpies at an early stage in the window, but it is clear that signs of life are starting to show as Eddie Howe scours the market.

David Ornstein delivered some intriguing news yesterday, detailing that Newcastle have saw a bid in the region of £45 million turned down for Anthony Elanga and also revealing Nottingham Forest’s stance on the Sweden international.

He stated on social media platform X: “Newcastle make offer to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. Bid in region of £45m. NFFC rejected without counter; no intention of selling Sweden int’l. NUFC considering whether to maintain pursuit or focus on other targets.”

Between the sticks, Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Burnley stopper James Trafford for £30 million and could finally bring a long-winded saga to acquire the England Under-21 international to an end if all goes to plan.

Marcus Rashford is also a potential Magpies arrival on loan, albeit that may hinge on whether Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro opts for St James’ Park or Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle and PIF in contact to sign £300k-a-week Champions League winner

He was once called “best player” in the Premier League.

2 ByHenry Jackson Jun 24, 2025

All in all, there is plenty to be encouraged about in the North East, though supporters will be desperate to see more movement occur over the coming weeks ahead of the Magpies’ pre-season preparations.

They may well get their wish, with Newcastle now in the hunt for a central defender who had starred at the recent UEFA Under-21 EURO Championships.

Newcastle enter race to sign Cesar Tarrega

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Newcastle, led by Howe, are looking to sign Cesar Tarrega from Valencia and there is also further interest in his services from unnamed Premier League clubs as well as in Italy from Bologna.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the 23-year-old made 38 appearances across all competitions last season, registering two goals and a solitary assist from central defence. His camp are aware of interest in his services.

Cesar Tarrega in La Liga – per 90 min (FBRef)

Tackles

1.46

Interceptions

0.65

Blocks

1.22

Clearances

6.60

Aerial duels won

2.59

His Serie A admirers view him as a potential replacement for Jhon Lucimi, though he reportedly wants to sign a contract extension at his current club, where he is tied to until the summer of 2028.

Appearing three times for Spain at the Under-21 European Championships, Tarrega’s stock is rising and Newcastle are now minded to convince him that a move to the North East would be the most beneficial for his development.

Juggling both domestic and European endeavours won’t be easy for the Magpies, so it makes sense to add strength in depth to lead the fight on all fronts in 2025/26.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are enjoying a strong finish to the season and could make an early summer move that would signal their intent under Vitor Pereira, according to reports.

Wolves in new dawn under Vitor Pereira

Not so long ago, Wolves looked destined to appear in a relegation dogfight and found their Premier League status under threat. Vitor Pereira wasn’t a universally popular appointment when he arrived at Molineux, but ten top-flight victories and two draws out of 19 matches have more than secured his side’s survival for another season.

Last weekend, a narrow loss to Manchester City brought a run of six straight Premier League wins to an end, though they really should’ve taken something from a tight encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Looking forward, the landscape is a positive one for Wolves as they look to make improvements on the market. Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin could be one of their first additions at Molineux should the Black Cats fail to win promotion.

Nicolas Pepe has emerged as a surprise target for Wolves following his career revival at Ligue 1 outfit Nice, though he also has interest in his services from Saudi Arabia.

Wolves want "incredible" 25 y/o Atletico Madrid star who may replace Cunha

The Brazilian forward could depart this summer.

ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

Despite rescuing their season after a poor start, the Old Gold will be conscious that they cannot afford to be slow off the mark next term once divisional rivals have a chance to bolster their squads in the market. Strength in depth is needed to solidify their Premier League credentials, but Pereira has already shown that he can maximise the output of key assets, which is likely to breed confidence.

Now, Wolves have began to accelerate in a move to sign a talented midfielder that is also wanted by one of Europe’s giants, per reports.

Wolves want to sign Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup

According to Football Transfers, Wolves have positioned themselves to sign Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup, who is also attracting interest from the likes of Fiorentina and AC Milan.

West Ham United are also in pursuit of the Denmark international after a season that has seen him win more tackles and make more ball recoveries than anyone else in Serie A this season, setting a trend.

Morten Frendrup’s impressive season for Genoa – Serie A

Tackles won

60

Duels won

170

Recoveries

175

Pass accuracy

85.6%

Successful dribbles

10

Possession won in final third

20

Labelled “very impressive” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, Frendrup has scored twice in 35 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

The outlet state that he could be available for a bargain price of £16.9 million, representing value for money in a modern-day market that rarely throws up inexpensive opportunities to pounce.

With rival suitors beginning to circle for his signature, Wolves need to put forward a convincing proposal in the hope that he will opt to move to Molineux once the window finally opens.

Liverpool have made an enquiry to sign a new midfielder who has been compared to Reds star Ryan Gravenberch.

Liverpool prepare for summer transfers after Salah and Van Dijk deals

Arne Slot has enjoyed a brilliant first season in charge at Anfield, with the Reds closing in on the Premier League title. Liverpool can be crowned champions this weekend, should Arsenal suffer defeat against Ipswich Town and the Reds beat Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

The main headlines at Anfield recently have been with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s new contracts. The pair have both penned new two-year deals, with Van Dijk set to earn more than £40m on Merseyside between now and 2027.

Talking about Van Dijk’s new contract, Slot said that keeping the centre-back and Salah means that it is “already a big summer” for Liverpool.

“[Van Dijk’s contract] tells you that we want to keep our best players. The players that have played a great season for so many years in row. When we are able to keep them as free agents, it tells you the ambitions we have for the upcoming years.

“I’m really happy they both extended. Virgil is so important, defensively and offensively, in and around the dressing room. A great personality and a great football player. I think at Liverpool there is always a big summer and it is already a big summer now. Maybe the players don’t follow everything what has been said in the media, me neither, but what I do know it was it was a big thing – ‘can we hold onto them?’ – and by already holding on to two it is already a big summer.”

Imagine him & Van Dijk: Liverpool lead race for 'world's most in demand CB'

Liverpool are looking to sign one of football’s biggest talents this summer to partner Virgil van Dijk

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 17, 2025

New signings could join Van Dijk and Salah ahead of the 2025/26 season, and a new defensive midfielder appears to be on the wish list.

Liverpool make contact to sign £60k-p/w Nicolo Rovella

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have made an enquiry over a move for Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella.

The 23-year-old is also wanted by Arsenal and Manchester City and could now be set to leave the Serie A side following their Europa League exit to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

Lazio would want to keep their star players including Rovella this summer, however, the financial implications of not qualifying for the Champions League may mean they cash in on some.

Currently sixth in Serie A, Lazio only have Rovella on loan from Juventus, although there is an obligation to buy with certain conditions. Liverpool could swoop in over the coming months and land the holding midfielder, who has been compared to Gravenberch among others, as per FBref.

Rovella, on around £60,000-a-week, was also hailed as “wonderful” by Italy boss Luciano Spalletti last year, and by the looks of things, a move to Anfield could be one to keep an eye on.

The team management sent mixed signals by picking four openers and leaving out Riyan Parag for the third T20I against Zimbabwe

Raunak Kapoor12-Jul-20243:44

Takeaways: India’s confusing selection calls

“That’s how we want to play and go forward,” Rohit Sharma said on June 22.Go hard from ball one, yet be smart with the bat; trust others to do their job in a bid to optimise your batting resources; and with a little bit of luck, you will win more than you will lose.The first T20 World Cup that India fully committed to with this new approach, they won.While Rohit and Virat Kohli have retired from T20Is, and Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach has ended, the future seems to be in safe hands. The template is set, the culture arguably transformed, and the baton passed on to an exciting new generation of batters, most of whom have learned the best habits of T20 batting at their IPL franchises.Related

• Rathour on India's transition: Needs to be done gradually, in a controlled manner

• No-holds-barred Jaiswal typifies the new and aggressive India

• Questions to answer for both India and Zimbabwe

• Rohit on batting vs Bangladesh: 'That's how we want to play and go forward'

• Gautam Gambhir unveiled as India's new head coach

Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the new head coach fuels that belief further, and Shubman Gill, with the opening slots now vacant, understands the job description.However, if you glance at the scorecard of the third T20I between Zimbabwe and India in Harare, it seems like one out of time. India raced to 49 without loss in the first four overs. But in the next eight overs, they got just 40 for the loss of two wickets. After 12 overs, their run rate was 7.41, with Gill on 40 off 33 balls and Ruturaj Gaikwad on 2 off 4.In fitting the three T20 World Cup returnees – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube – in the XI, India played four openers on the day, and Gaikwad came to the crease in the 11th over ahead of Samson, Dube and Rinku Singh. Inexplicably, Zimbabwe chose part-time offspinner Wessly Madhevere, who bowled for the first time in the series, for the 13th over. It cost them 19 runs.Gill eventually top-scored with 66 off 49 at a strike rate of 134.69. Gaikwad, in an unfamiliar role, did well with 49 off 28. Samson, having shown his wares as a top-order batter in the IPL, walked in at No. 5 with two overs to go. Rinku made his way out with just two balls to go, after having scored a 22-ball 48 in the second T20I. Dube did not even bat.Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a 28-ball 49 batting at No. 4 in the third T20I vs Zimbabwe•AFP/Getty ImagesIndia posted 182 for 4 after 31 runs came off misfields and dropped catches, as per ESPNcricinfo’s logs. Their bowlers and fielders got the job done but the eventual margin of victory was 23 runs.Gill acknowledged that finishing below 200 with the resources India had was disappointing, but said that the surface “was a bit double-paced” and “it wasn’t easy to hit balls off a length”. In his defence, this may be a one-off.In the previous game, albeit on a different surface, India – led by Abhishek Sharma’s 47-ball 100 – posted the highest T20I total at the Harare Sports Club, hammering 129 in the middle overs (seven to 16). One could argue that Abhishek should not have been the one moving away from the top after an innings like that to make room for Jaiswal. At the same time, Jaiswal’s return shouldn’t be up for debate. He was India’s reserve opener at the World Cup. The new philosophy is the only philosophy he perhaps knows.So why not bat Gill at No. 3? India perhaps wanted a left-right opening combination. Or they felt Abhishek was better suited for the No. 3 role as even during his hundred, he was on 27 off 23 before going on a rampage. Perhaps this was not about who bats where but how they bat.At the World Cup, India showcased flexibility with Kohli dropping the desire to bat deep and match Rohit’s intent. Rishabh Pant then disrupted the right-handedness at No. 3, with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya to follow. Three of those are likely to command their way back into India’s full-strength T20I XI. So the batters that join them must display the same intent.Abhishek Sharma scored a blazing hundred in the second T20I•Associated PressInterim head coach VVS Laxman must ensure that the new batch is given the same message, and Gill must then lead the way as captain and batter.But the messaging has been mixed. Replacing Khaleel Ahmed with Sai Sudharsan after one defeat was akin to buying unnecessary insurance. In the following game, they left out Riyan Parag, who has established his credentials at No. 4 in the IPL, to retain Gaikwad. That Gaikwad did well is a credit to him, but it makes little sense to look at him as anything other than a top-order batter in T20Is.Parag and Abhishek were the two players who commanded India call-ups after dominating Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023-24 and IPL 2024. Their inclusions also gave India two batters in the top five who could bowl. By leaving out one of them and pushing the other down the order, India created a slight confusion in the roles, which was at odds with the philosophy that made them champions.Gill has shown he can carry that philosophy forward seamlessly as a batter. At 24, he will rely on experienced hands around him when it comes to team selections and communicating clear roles to players as well as making them understand when tough calls are made. In time, he may well be a successor to Rohit in more ways than one. For now, it is up to the team management to ensure India stay on the path Rohit and Co established last month.