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They have also lost the experience of Robin Uthappa in the middle, and Mayank Agarwal could be the answer there

Srinidhi Ramanujam18-Dec-20224:51

How can CSK replace Dwayne Bravo?

Who they’ve got
Super Kings finished ninth in the ten-team tournament in 2022 but – true to reputation – have retained most of their players. Dwayne Bravo is the biggest name they let go of – he will be their bowling coach instead. They have retained their star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja despite rumours suggesting the marriage might be over. MS Dhoni, at 41, still remains captain but they will be keen to identify and groom someone to take over after the 2023 edition.Follow the 2023 IPL auction LIVE

You can watch the auction live in India on Star Sports, and follow live analysis with Tom Moody, Ian Bishop, Wasim Jaffer and Stuart Binny right here on ESPNcricinfo.

Current squad: MS Dhoni (capt, wk), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh TheekshanaWhat they have to play with
Super Kings have INR 20.45 crore (USD 2.4 million approx.) to spend at the auction. They have seven slots available, including two for overseas players.What they need
Two Indian batters, of which one should ideally be a back-up wicketkeeper to Dhoni. It won’t be bad for them if they can get hold of a strong overseas quick as well as an Indian quick, because that department looks a little thin despite Mukesh Choudhary’s success last season. And while they are at it, why not an Indian wristspinner too?The likely targets
Sam Curran isn’t new to Super Kings’ set-up, having worn the yellow jersey in 2020 and 2021 for 23 matches. With Dwayne Bravo not around anymore, Curran could be the overseas quick who can bowl at the death and also chip in with the bat lower down the order. He was picked by Super Kings for INR 5.5 crore in 2020.Mayank Agarwal is another obvious target, like Curran. Though primarily a top-order batter, Agarwal dropped to the middle order last year to accommodate better strikers at the top. With Robin Uthappa, one of Super Kings’ main Indian middle-order batters last season, retiring Agarwal could be a great fit.Josh Little made a big impact in the T20 World Cup in Australia this year, picking up 11 wickets in seven matches at a great economy of 7.00 for Ireland. That included a hat-trick [Kane Williamson, James Neesham and Mitchell Santner] against New Zealand.Jaydev Unadkat could be a contender for a team that likes experienced hands, and Unadkat has worked with Dhoni and Stephen Fleming at Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2017. He had a memorable season then, claiming 24 wickets in 12 matches.

Australia will spend Christmas without their families, all to make sure the fans have something to celebrate

Daniel Brettig24-Dec-2020Australia’s XI will be unchanged for the Boxing Day Test, and the mere fact it will be played at an unchanged venue, the MCG in Melbourne, after a year of so much uncertainty will be in itself a major triumph of tradition and continuity over the many vagaries of a Covid-19 world.However no-one will need to look far beyond that happy fact to the many ways things have changed nevertheless. For one thing, the MCG’s usually mighty Boxing Day gathering of more than 70,000 spectators has been cleaved back to the region of 30,000 for social distancing reasons. For another, those present will be subject to a wide range of restrictions and limitations never before imposed on an MCG crowd, whether they be MCC members, corporate guests or the paying public.”Be a pretty courageous man to change the XI after the last one so at this stage unless something happens over the next few days, but we’ll go in with the same XI,” Australia’s coach Justin Langer said. “And yeah 30,000 is better than none, and it wasn’t that long ago, probably a month or a few weeks ago that we wondered whether we’d have a Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne.”Being at the MCG, I come here a lot, but it’s just an amazing stadium, Boxing Day, there’s so much hype about it. The boys love playing here. The Indians, a lot of them have probably dreamed of playing a Boxing Day Test match, and 30,000 is better than none. It’s not the same as 90,000, but I’m sure the 30,000 who come in will certainly provide the atmosphere we love about the Boxing Day Test match.”A third reason that will stick in the memory of the Australian players is perhaps the most salient departure from decades of tradition. For years, without fail, December 25 has afforded the hosts a brief Christmas morning training session before a more relaxed photo opportunity and lunch where players, staff and their families mingle happily on Boxing Day Eve.This time, though the team lunch will be largely one of players and staff only: the sacrifice they have made to see the MCG Test played is to experience Christmas without their loved ones, so as not to break the bio-secure bubble so critical to the series happening at all.”It’s the first time in 50 years I’ve been without my family,” Langer said. “And I’m not great with presents, I’m not buying myself any presents. I think it’s going to be nice having all the guys together. There’s a number of players and the staff who are without families this year. It’s one of the sacrifices we have to make in 2020. It’s not ideal but it is what it is. There’s such an amazing feeling within this team.Australia players gather for training ahead of the Boxing Day Test against India•Getty Images”It’s a real family feel, the guys look after each other. It’s one of our values about looking after each other through mateship. One of our other values is humility, and we know it’s not perfect this year but we’ll get on with the job, for the bigger picture of cricket. What I wish for is that the lessons we’ve taken from this year, and the positive lessons, continue through, especially in the Australian cricket team, because it’s a dream to be a part of at the moment, it’s a great bunch of people.”The very fact that we played the Adelaide Test last week was brilliant – we love playing in Adelaide. Boxing Day Test Matches are probably the favourite of guys who have known me, I’ve said it is my favourite day on the calendar for as long as I can remember – Boxing Day as an Australian cricketer. It is a bit different this year, the first time in 50 years without my family, but all that aside. It’s because the sacrifices made we are playing a Boxing Day Test with 30,000 people, that’s a great thrill for anyone who loves cricket like we do.”As much as Langer was able to enjoy the stunning conclusion to the Adelaide Test, he had been under no illusions about how India had shaded the Australians over days one and two, particularly in terms of first-innings batting. While Tim Paine’s rearguard was pivotal in getting his side close enough to push the Indian top order to implode on that dramatic third afternoon, Langer acknowledged there would need to be a big score pulled together in Melbourne, on a surface highly unlikely to be as helpful for bowlers.”I actually said on the morning of day three before that extraordinary hour or so that we were in for, I said to the guys let’s make no mistake this is proper Test match cricket. India had the better of us really for the first two days of the game,” Langer said. “We were in for a real arm wrestle of a Test match. So it was amazing how things turned around. We know how good a team India is, we know we’ve got to keep improving.The old manual scoreboard at Adelaide Oval records India’s 36 all out•Getty Images”If we’re going to become a great team we have to get better at winning after we win and people didn’t quite understand that, but really good teams keep winning and winning, particularly when they’re playing good cricket. So it’s an area we’ve addressed, we’ll have to start well Boxing Day morning and then be consistent, because we know India will fight back as we saw in the first two days of the Test match in Adelaide.”He has not forgotten how, on the flattest of surfaces, Cheteshwar Pujara set India on the path to a series victory in 2018-19 by successfully absorbing the best Australia could deliver on Boxing Day and going on to ensure the hosts’ first innings began under enormous pressure.”We’re a very different team. We have come a long way in two years. We are now playing very good cricket; we’ve got confidence,” Langer said. “I also remember losing the toss at the MCG on a very, very, very, very flat wicket and that certainly took some of the wind out of our sails, that’s for sure.”So, we’re a different team and we know that in first innings in Australia we are looking to score 400 in the first innings – there is no surprise there, that’s what we’ve based our best Test cricket on for years. So, when I said we have got areas where we can improve, that’s one I am talking about. We play our best cricket, as we saw all last summer, when we are scoring big first-innings totals, that’s what we aspire to and what we will be aspiring too in this game as well.”As for the pitch, Langer was hopeful that the MCG groundstaff would be able to produce something more akin to last summer’s strip for the New Zealand Test, not only for the entertainment of the 30,000 spectators permitted entry to the ground, but for the betterment of Test cricket across the globe. There has perhaps never been a Boxing Day Test so likely to attract a huge global audience, simply because most parts of the world are nowhere near as fortunate in coronavirus terms as Australia has been.”Last year I know the MCG was under huge pressure to produce a good wicket,” he said. “Matty Page and the grounds guys here did a great job last year, and it’s really important for Test cricket. I thought the wicket in Adelaide was brilliant, because there’s a contest between bat and ball and all we ever ask is that. So it’s the same at the MCG, we’re really hopeful that’s the case and not just for this Test match or this series but for the health of Test cricket.”All the players love the Boxing Day Test, Australians love the Boxing Day Test, people around the world love it, so we’re all looking and hoping for a good wicket that will provide some assistance for the bat and the ball because that’s exactly what Test cricket needs.”

Could you name a signing from the Mike Ashley era who would grace the top-five list of Newcastle United’s finest additions of the past 18 years?

Fabricio Coloccini, Yohan Cabaye, the late Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse would all stake compelling claims. Spilling into the Eddie Howe era at St. James’ Park are Jacob Murphy and Fabian Schar, and their cases are strong too.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

Fine players all, but Newcastle have ascended to higher ground over the past four years. Murphy and Schar are industrious and efficient parts of the Toon system, but neither is the cream of the crop.

Let’s have a look at those glittering arrivals of recent years. The difference-makers. The trophy winners. The go-getters.

There are a few who have bloomed into players of the highest class.

Howe's best Newcastle signings

Newcastle were weak, but now they are strong. Once rudderless under Ashley’s tyrannical reign, the Toon charted a new course upon that PIF takeover, and they haven’t looked back.

Time and time again, Howe and his team have got it right. Take Anthony Gordon. The England international suffered his share of flak upon joining from Everton, but he’s gone from strength to strength and has seen interest rebuffed from the likes of Liverpool, who were not put off by the 24-year-old’s £100m valuation in 2024.

Gordon is not alone, and potentially even overshadowed by the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes. In amongst the action from the get-go, the Brazilian has been a pillar of strength in the middle of the park, effortlessly good.

One of Guimaraes’ finest qualities is that he bleeds black and white. Forget the peerless technical quality, cast out the steely tenacity, here is a man who loves the club and has channelled his passion toward illustrious success.

There are many more besides still plying their trade in a Newcastle shirt, but these are likely the superstars.

We must mention Alexander Isak, who was arguably the best striker in the Premier League last season, scoring 27 goals. He left in inflamed circumstances and will never again be the flavour of the month on Tyneside.

But Newcastle banked a British-record fee of £125m for the Sweden striker, and given his success at the outfit and the way in which Howe and co have turned those moneybags back to the transfer market is an interesting thing, with one new recruit in particular shaping up to be one of the best signings of the PIF era.

Newcastle star may be the best of the PIF era

Sometimes, you can just tell. And in the case of Nick Woltemade, you can just tell that Newcastle have landed themselves one of the most talented forwards in Europe.

Hailed by reporter Andy Sixsmith for his “mesmerising” link-up play, the German striker may not have chalked his name onto the scoresheet when Newcastle defeated Benfica this week, but his overall play was a thing to behold and evidence that he doesn’t need goals to put in show-stopping performances.

Of course, the goals are nice, and with five from eight matches for his new club this season. He’s only missed three big chances for the club, clinical and precise, and there’s a willingness to drop deep and weave play together, threading the fabric of Howe’s side like a seamster.

This might seem like big praise, but the big man is a big talent, and Newcastle must feel they have got bang for their buck.

It is… telling that Howe’s attacking composition looks like it’s going to stabilise and provide the fans with plenty more joy in the final third in spite of the loss of Isak, such a devastating frontman.

Isak left for a staggering sum, and Newcastle have replaced him with Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, currently sidelined with a knee injury but sure to be a confident goalscorer when he makes his bow. Now United are making headway once again; now they are demonstrating signs of attacking qualities which could evolve into something new and in line with the lofty ambitions.

While Woltemade arrived from Stuttgart this summer for a £69m fee, breaking that previous record price, he is demonstrating that Newcastle are receiving bang for their buck. It is unlikely the goals will dry up and Newcastle will become parched at number nine, should they continue to make creative gains, piecing back together the full fluency of Howe’s team.

The underlying data tells much of his potential. Thanks to FBref’s data, we can show that Woltemade ranks among the top 5% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

He is, plainly, rather good, and will only get better as he matures and develops within the English game.

It is too early to claim with any conviction that Woltemade has been the definitive best signing of the PIF era at St. James’ Park.

The likes of Gordon and Guimaraes, after all, have played instrumental roles in the ascension of Howe’s project, leading the club twice into the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.

We cannot definitively call Woltemade the best signing of this new Newcastle chapter, but we can extrapolate from the early readings in black and white and say, confidently, that this is a special striker, and he’s gearing up for more and more success.

Newcastle superstar is starting to emulate Shearer & it's not Woltemade

Newcastle thrashed Benfica at St. James’ Park in the Champions League.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 22, 2025

This is not the finest version of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, but there’s no question that the Magpies have made a measure of headway after a tough summer transfer window and a tough start to the season.

It’s been a strange old season for the Premier League so far. Spoils are there for all, but there is also the threat of sunken expectations for many outfits across the division. We are approaching Christmas, and Newcastle are 12th in the standings, yet trail Crystal Palace in the top four by only four points.

Say what you will about United’s lack of eloquence on the field at times – they toiled through the opening half-hour against Burnley at the weekend, and came under the cosh late on against the ten-man relegation contenders – but there remains a spirit and resourcefulness about this team that few rivals can match.

However, improvements are needed, and no mistake, with Anthony Elanga in particular still yet to repay the faith invested in him this summer.

Elanga's start to life at Newcastle

Elanga enjoyed a bright cameo off the bench during Newcastle’s recent draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, but it was a case of one step forward and two steps back when he flattered to deceive from the opening whistle against Burnley.

The 24-year-old has yet to score for the Toon, having filled a long-running gap on ther right wing at St. James Park this summer when signing from Nottingham Forest for £55m.

Perhaps what’s most frustrating is that Elanga was profiled extensively ahead of the ultimate acquisition; indeed, Newcastle tried and failed to sign the pacy winger in 2024.

He is talented enough and has enough Premier League experience to turn things around, but this is becoming something of a problem for Howe’s side, who need his speed and creativity and fluency down the right flank.

Analyst Raj Chohan said the £100k-per-week talent has been “a massive overpay”, and on the basis of the evidence over the past few months, this may be on the money, as it were.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

15 (6)

Goals

6

0

Assists

11

1

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.6)

0.5 (0.2)

Pass completion

78%

81%

Key passes*

1.3

0.5

Big chances created

9

1

Dribbles*

0.7

0.3

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

0.5

Duels (won)*

3.0 (45%)

1.7 (36%)

Sadly, Elanga wasn’t the addition the Magpies seem to have blundered on, with another making the Sweden international shine in comparison.

Newcastle "wasted their bag" on summer signing

Since Howe and PIF changed the narrative on Tyneside, Newcastle have been widely praised for their shrewd and calculated transfer business.

However, that reputation was knocked askew this summer, with Alexander Isak forcing his way over to Liverpool and a multitude of targets rejecting the Toon.

Howe did end up packaging his squad with a range of players, but Jacob Ramsey might be shaping into the worst of the lot, having arrived from Aston Villa for a £40m fee in August.

Like Elanga, Ramsey played from the opening whistle against the Clarets, and though Elanga left something to be desired, the former Villan star struggled to provide even a measure of his quality on an afternoon that demanded a big performance, such is the competitive nature of Howe’s squad.

The aforementioned Chohan remarked that Newcastle “wasted their bag” on the English playmaker this summer, who has already endured a continuation of the injury problems that had plagued him at Aston Villa, limiting him to just two starting appearances, the second of which may lead to a return to the bench, overshadowed by Joe Willock against a Burnley side who were afforded too much time and space.

Chronicle Live were quick to draw attention to Ramsey’s poor performance, branding the 24-year-old with a 5/10 match rating and criticising the needless concession of a late penalty which set up a nervy finish.

Minutes played

89′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

73

Shots (on target

1 (0)

Accurate passes

56/60 (93%)

Chances created

1

Dribbles

1/2

Recoveries

8

Tackles

1/2

Duels won

4/5

He was tidy enough and resilient in defence, notably winning four of five contested duels against Burnley and showcasing his athleticism with eight ball recoveries, but Ramsey was purchased for his flair and initiative on the ball, and it was a fine representation of neither.

While there’s a sense at the club that Joelinton is winding down after a long and tireless career of service, there have been more than a few murmurs pertaining to Howe’s desire to bring Elliot Anderson back home, and a move such as that would only hinder Ramsey in his hopes of nailing down a starting berth, especially given that he is contesting with Willock already for minutes.

While both Elanga and Ramsey have what it takes to raise their level at St. James’ Park, Howe will be determined to kick on after a testing start to the season and match, maybe even eclipse, last season’s trophy-winning success, qualifying for the Champions League too.

The importance of achieving their goals mean that Newcastle can take no prisoners, and must be ruthless in upgrading the squad to a level that sits comfortably alongside the game’s heavyweights both in England and across Europe.

Given that technical director Ross Wilson has suggested that Newcastle have money to burn heading into 2026, should they decide that signings are needed, someone like Ramsey must be a bit concerned for his role in the outfit, having completed a start that has left much to be desired.

He's the next Bruno Guimaraes: Newcastle to launch move for £30m "monster"

Newcastle United could win themselves a future Bruno Guimaraes by making a move for this £30m ace.

ByKelan Sarson 7 days ago

Last week, Detroit Tigers assistant GM Sam Menzin suddenly resigned with the team six games into the 2025 MLB campaign. On Monday, Brittany Ghiroli and Cody Stavenhagen of reported Menzin left the organization following an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct.

Per , two female Tigers employes accused Menzin of sending "unsolicited lewd photos," dating back as far as 2017. The team then launched an investigation, and upon its completion Menzin chose to resign before he could be terminated.

"Upon being made aware of the allegations as to Sam Menzin’s conduct, the club promptly completed an investigation," the franchise said in a statement released to Ghiroli and Stavenhagen. "Before the club could terminate Mr. Menzin, he resigned. This type of behavior is contrary to our standards and has absolutely no place within our organization. We have a positive and safe culture for our colleagues and will continue to emphasize respect, inclusion, and professionalism."

Menzin told on Friday that he was seeking a career change and moving to New York to handle "family issues."

Menzin had been with the Tigers for 13 years prior to his resignation. He first joined the organization as a baseball operations intern and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2021.