'Axar Patel has been your MVP': R Ashwin slams Gautam Gambhir-led team management for dropping vice-captain
India opted to persist with Washington Sundar in the playing XI, citing his favourable match-up against left-handers. However, the move did not pay off. Sundar bowled two overs for 17 runs and failed to make an impact with the bat, scoring 11 at No.5, ahead of Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. India went on to suffer a heavy 76-run defeat.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin said that while match-up strategies may work in franchise cricket, they are not always suited to international tournaments, where stability is key.
“I agree that the IPL is good for match-ups, but you have to change the team because you are going to play 14 games. But in such ICC campaigns, the more stable you can keep the team, the better,” Ashwin said.
“I agree 100 per cent that you have to use Washington Sundar against left-handers; you have to play him, I agree with all that. But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let’s not forget what Axar Patel has done,” he added.
Making a strong case for Axar’s return, Ashwin referred to the all-rounder’s contribution in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, when India were under pressure in the chase against South Africa.
“In the previous World Cup, in the situation against South Africa, in which India was in the chase, Axar Patel came in under the same circumstances. He stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli, and India crossed 170. Of course, Kohli’s experience was there, but Axar is not inferior. If India had a few wickets in hand and stability in the middle overs, they would have chased the target down,” said Ashwin.
Axar, who is India’s vice-captain, was first rested for the match against the Netherlands and then overlooked again for the Super 8 fixture in Ahmedabad. With the defeat leaving India’s semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, the focus will now shift to their next encounter against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/axar-patel-mvp-r-ashwin-123800799.html
Top NHL rookie of the year (Calder Trophy) candidates
As the NHL returns from the Olympic pause, the league’s teams have 30 games remaining in the regular season. Players have time to better their standings for league awards. The league’s rookies will look to become finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The following players are leading all rookies in specific categories and are the current favorites to win the league’s rookie of the year award. Here are the top NHL rookies to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
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6. C Fraser Minten, Boston Bruins
Jan 29, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) controls the puck from Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Minten has made a presence for a Boston team currently sitting in the Eastern Conference’s final Wild Card spot. The Bruins’ rookie center is sixth on the team in points, fourth in goals, and fifth in shot percentage. Along with being among the Bruins’ leaders, Fraser Minten continues to stay highly ranked among all NHL rookie skaters. In 57 games, he ranks sixth in points, fourth in goals, sixth in assists, and first in plus-minus.
5. RW Ryan Leonard, Washington Capitals
The Capitals’ rookie continues to play vital minutes as the team pushes for a playoff spot. In 52 games for Washington, Ryan Leonard ranks seventh in points, eighth in goals, and sixth in assists. Leonard has been one of the NHL’s top rookies, ranking fifth in points, sixth in goals, fourth in assists, and fifth in power-play points. Washington has time left to reach a Wild Card spot, and Leonard will play an integral role in the Capitals reaching the playoffs.
4. C Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens
Jan 20, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Oliver Kapanen (91) plays the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Canadiens have been one of the Atlantic Division’s best teams throughout the season. Rookie Oliver Kapanen has been a mainstay on the team’s second line. Among Montreal skaters, the rookie ranks seventh in points, third in goals, and ninth in plus-minus. Kapanen’s production also ranks highly among the rest of the league’s rookies. The Montreal center ranks fourth in points, tied for first in goals, and fourth in shot percentage (minimum 30 shots).
3. D Matthew Schaeffer, New York Islanders
The Islanders are amid a playoff berth and rookie defenseman Matthew Schaeffer has been the team’s best player on the blue line. Schaeffer is third in points among Islanders skaters, and his 39 points lead the team’s defensemen. It’s rare for a defenseman to be among a team’s top goal scorers, and the rookie ranks third in goals. The New York defenseman is one of the league’s top rookies, ranking third in points, second in goals, third in assists, and leading NHL rookies with 14 power play points. If Schaeffer wins the award, it will be the first time in league history that defensemen have won the Carder Memorial Trophy in back-to-back years.
2. RW Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks
Jan 25, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Currently in the Western Conference’s final Wild Card spot, and with the Pacific Division within reach, the Anaheim Ducks have received consistent production from rookie winger Beckett Sennecke. Among Anaheim skaters, Sennecke ranks second in points, third in goals, third in assists, and third in power play assists. The rookie’s impact started at the start of the season and has the Ducks positioning themselves for the playoffs. Compared to NHL rookie leaders, Sennecke is second in points, tied for first in goals, second in assists, and second in shots.
1. RW Ivan Demidov, Montreal Canadiens
Ivan Demidov and fellow rookie Oliver Kapanen have given playoff-bound Montreal more production than expected. Among his teammates, Demidov is fourth in points, third in assists, and fourth in shot percentage. The rookie has been one of the team’s best producers and is a direct correlation to Montreal’s high standing within the Atlantic Division. The right winger continues to be one of the NHL’s top rookies, ranking first in points, first in assists, fourth in plus-minus, and tied for second in power play points. If Demidov wins the award, Montreal will have back-to-back seasons with rookies being awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/top-nhl-rookie-calder-trophy-123700470.html
Why the Ravens may prioritize the WR position early in the NFL Draft
The NFL off-season is underway, and the Ravens are officially ready for business after announcing a new staff that included 25 coaches. The Ravens will initially have 22 unrestricted free agents, according to Over The Cap, with big names like Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely, Kyle Van Noy, Dre’Mont Jones, Alohi Gilman, Chidobe Awuzie, and Ar’Darius Washington among those Eric DeCosta will have to decide on. Baltimore builds through the draft, and a point has to be made to the Ravens’ wide receiving corps, potentially using a first- or second-round pick at wide receiver after lukewarm results in 2025.
Last season, the Ravens focused on a wide receiver corps that included Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace, and LaJohntay Wester for the bulk of the season. Wester was also the primary punt return player. The disappointment began when Rashod Bateman had a down year and even missed the AFC North title game due to illness. After a career year in 2024, Bateman finished last season with 13 games played, 12 starts, 38 targets, 19 receptions, 224 yards receiving, and two touchdowns.
Zay Flowers is the biggest star of the group, logging back-to-back Pro Bowls after accounting for 85 catches, 1,211 yards, and five touchdowns. Still, the lack of development and opportunities for Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester will be something the new coach will need to watch. Baltimore is so uncertain at wide receiver that there could be room to bring back DeAndre Hopkins, who had 39 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
A 13-year vet and free agent, Hopkins was the Ravens’ third option behind Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. Hopkins’ 37 targets were similar to Rashod Bateman (38) and Isaiah Likely (35) as he logged 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns, career lows in nearly every significant receiving category, but much needed for Baltimore.
Devontez Walker is on the cusp of a huge leap and needs the snaps as the big play option in Declan Doyle’s offense, but a team looking to take the next steps offensively could look to give Bateman a fresh start, thus replacing him via trade or with a first or second-round pick.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Draft: Ravens may prioritize the wide receiver position early
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-ravens-may-prioritize-wr-123617353.html
7 EDGE Rushers the Detroit Lions Should Consider Signing
The Detroit Lions have made major strides defensively under Dan Campbell, but one area remains crystal clear heading into the 2026 offseason: they need more juice opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Detroit’s pass rush improved in flashes last season, yet too often, Hutchinson was forced to win alone. If the Lions are serious about taking the next step, from contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat, adding a proven EDGE rusher in free agency has to be on the table.
Here are seven EDGE rushers the Lions should seriously consider signing, based on production, scheme fit, and realistic availability.
1. Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Age: 31
Hendrickson tops the list because production still matters most. Since 2020, no EDGE rusher has been more consistently disruptive than Hendrickson, who ranks third in the NFL with 74.5 sacks during that span.
Despite missing most of last season with a core-muscle injury, Hendrickson remains a relentless, high-motor pass rusher who thrives attacking the outside shoulder. His speed-to-power conversion, hand usage, and ability to finish plays align perfectly with what Detroit values defensively.
He may not be cheap, and it would be up to the Lions to determine if they can afford to pay him, but pairing Hendrickson with Hutchinson would immediately give the Lions one of the most dangerous EDGE tandems in football.
2. Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia Eagles)
Age: 27
Phillips is one of the most intriguing fits on this list. At just 27 years old, he’s entering his prime and coming off an elite pressure-rate season. After being traded midseason, he quickly became a disruptive force in Philadelphia.
What makes Phillips especially appealing for Detroit is his versatility. He can rush, set the edge, and even drop into coverage—giving defensive coordinator flexibility to disguise pressure looks. He plays violent, fast, and physical football, which fits Dan Campbell’s identity perfectly.
3. Odafe Oweh (Los Angeles Chargers)
Age: 27
Oweh’s career trajectory changed dramatically after a midseason trade, and the results were hard to ignore. Once he settled into a new system, his athletic traits finally translated into consistent production.
Oweh brings elite size-speed combination and is just beginning to develop a refined pass-rush toolbox. His inside counters and improved finishing ability suggest his best football is still ahead of him. For Detroit, he would represent a high-upside swing with long-term payoff.
4. Boye Mafe (Seattle Seahawks)
Age: 27
Mafe hasn’t had a breakout season yet, but the traits are undeniable. He’s explosive, fast, and relentless in pursuit, even while playing limited snaps in a rotation-heavy defense.
Detroit has shown it can develop pass rushers, and Mafe could thrive with an expanded role. He still needs refinement as a technician, but his motor and athleticism scream Lions football.
5. Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers)
Age: 35
Yes, Mack is older. Yes, retirement is possible. But when healthy, he can still wreck games.
Mack remains one of the NFL’s strongest bull rushers and continues to dominate against the run. For a Lions team that doesn’t need a long-term answer—but rather a short-term enforcer—Mack could be the perfect bridge player while younger talent develops.
Think of him as a one-year tone-setter who helps finish what Hutchinson starts.
6. K’Lavon Chaisson (New England Patriots)
Age: 27
Chaisson quietly rebuilt his career last season and exploded in the postseason. He’s not an every-down defender, but as a designated pass rusher, his speed and twitch create problems for offensive tackles.
Detroit could deploy Chaisson in obvious passing situations, allowing Hutchinson to stay fresh and maximizing pressure packages. He’s a role-specific signing—but one that could pay dividends in January.
7. Joey Bosa (Buffalo Bills)
Age: 31
Bosa is no longer the dominant force he once was, but he can still win in spurts. His hand usage remains elite, and he can generate pressure without needing elite burst.
For Detroit, Bosa would be a complementary rusher—not a centerpiece. Used wisely, he could provide veteran savvy, interior penetration, and playoff experience without long-term risk.
Final Thoughts
The Lions don’t need to chase just any EDGE rusher—they need the right one. Whether that means a premium splash like Trey Hendrickson, a rising star like Jaelan Phillips, or a veteran hammer like Khalil Mack, the priority is clear.
Detroit has the foundation. Now it’s time to finish the job.
The post 7 EDGE Rushers the Detroit Lions Should Consider Signing appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/7-edge-rushers-detroit-lions-123607708.html
Kara Braxton, 2-time WNBA champion and Georgia forward, dies at 43
Kara Braxton was the No. 7 overall pick by the Detroit Shock in the 2006 WNBA Draft. File Photo by Scott R. Galvin/UPI
Feb. 23 (UPI) — Kara Braxton, who starred at Georgia before winning two WNBA titles with the Detroit Shock, has died, the league announced. She was 43.
Braxton died Sunday. No cause of death was provided.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA said in a statement. “A 10-season veteran, Kara played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”
The 6-foot-6 forward/center attended Westview High School in Portland, Ore., before joining the Georgia Bulldogs in 2002. She went on to average 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.8 steals per game en route to SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
Forward/center Kara Braxton won WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008 with the Detroit Shock. File Photo by Scott R. Galvin/UPI
Braxton averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game over 71 career appearances for the Bulldogs. In 2004, former Bulldogs coach Andy Landers dismissed Braxton from the team for repeated violations of team policies.
She was suspended multiple times during her Bulldogs tenure.
Former WNBA forward/center Kara Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game over 297 career appearances. File Photo by Scott R. Galvin/UPI
Braxton, who was the Bulldogs’ leading scorer at the time of her dismissal, joined the Shock as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft.
She earned All-Rookie honors in 2005 and her first title with the franchise in 2006. Braxton was an All-Star and won another championship in 2007.
Former WNBA forward/center Kara Braxton suited up for the Detroit/Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty. File Photo by Scott R. Galvin/UPI
She averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds over 297 career appearances in the WNBA.
Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and sons Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson. Jelani, a tight end at Ohio State the last three years, is the son of former Georgia Bulldogs and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman. He announced his transfer to North Carolina last month.
Former WNBA forward/center Kara Braxton was an All-Star in 2007. File Photo by Ken James/UPI
Jelani posted several photos and videos of his mother Sunday on Instagram.
“Imma miss my queen!” he wrote on the social media platform.”
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kara-braxton-2-time-wnba-123547912.html
Manchester City midfielder close to two-match Premier League ban
Manchester City midfielder close to two-match Premier League ban
Pep Guardiola may have to step in with a word of caution for one member of his Manchester City squad as they close in on a two-match Premier League suspension.
Disciplinary management is becoming an increasingly important subplot of the ongoing Premier League title run-in, with Manchester City continuing to compete on multiple fronts and facing a demanding sequence of domestic fixtures.
With margins so fine at the top of the table, and just five points separating Arsenal and City – who have a game in hand, any enforced absences through suspension could have a significant impact on Pep Guardiola’s rotation plans.
Manchester City’s latest league outing – a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium – strengthened their position in the Premier League standings, but also nudged one key player closer to a potential spell on the sidelines.
Following his latest caution, Etihad Stadium captain Bernardo Silva now finds himself just a further two yellow cards away from a two-game suspension in the Premier League.
As such, should the Portugal international receive bookings against both Leeds at Elland Road and Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium, he would be ruled out against West Ham at the London Stadium and potentially Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – depending on scheduling.
Other players to watch out for in the next five matches are Nico Gonzalez, Marc Guehi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, although the latter two names would need to pick up yellow cards in all of the next five matches in order to receive a two-game suspension.
As for Nico, the Spaniard is currently on six yellow cards for the season, while Guehi and Donnarumma have five cautions to their name.
Under Premier League disciplinary thresholds, players who reach 10 yellow cards before their club completes 32 league matches automatically incur a two-game suspension.
For Bernardo Silva, the situation is particularly delicate through his role as captain and central figure in Pep Guardiola’s system, making his availability crucial ahead of challenging fixtures in the top-flight in particular.
With yellow cards in the Premier League counted separately from domestic cup competitions – unlike red cards, which apply across all competitions – Guardiola will be hoping his players can strike the right balance between aggression and discipline.
As the season heads toward its decisive weeks, keeping key figures on the pitch may prove just as important as tactical execution in Manchester City’s pursuit of silverware and the top-flight crown against Arsenal.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/manchester-city-midfielder-close-two-123500614.html
Tottenham place £57m price tag on midfielder amid growing interest
Tottenham place £57m price tag on midfielder amid growing interest
Tottenham Hotspur have set an asking price of over £57M for Lucas Bergvall amid growing interest from Premier League rivals.
Aston Villa and Chelsea both enquired about the midfielder’s availability in January, but Spurs rejected all approaches.
The 20-year-old has seen his role reduced this season, while injuries have also limited his minutes. Bergvall has started just 10 games in the Premier League during the current campaign. Despite that, Spurs see the Swedish midfielder as a player of huge potential.
He joined the club from Djurgårdens for a fee of £8.5m in 2024, with Spurs reportedly beating competition from Barcelona to land the then-teenager.
The North Londoners are aware of growing interest in Bergvall, with Liverpool also among the club’s monitoring his situation. According to FotbollDirekt, Spurs would only consider offers in excess of £57m for Bergvall.
Tottenham’s hopes of retaining Bergvall could hinge on their run-in. Defeat to Arsenal on Sunday extended their winless run to nine games in the Premier League and leaves Spurs just four points above the relegation places. Spurs have not been relegated from the top flight for 49 years.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tottenham-place-57m-price-tag-123500092.html
UNIQLO teases new WTA ambassador, fan speculation begins
UNIQLO kicked off the new week with an intriguing social media post that achieved the desired purpose of piquing tennis fans’ curiousity.
It is a side view of the body of a WTA player holding a racquet in her right hand. The caption says the brand is proud to welcome a new face.
She is wearing a light blue kit with a UNIQLO logo showing on the wristband.
MORE: What happens now that Serena Williams is eligible to return to WTA tennis on February 22
UNIQLO has fans speculating
The social media post did exactly what UNIQLO intended. It began a frenzy of guesses of the player’s identity.
Topping the list of guesses was Emma Raducanu.
Emma Raducanu has been rumored to be leaving Nike for UNIQLO for months. Many expected the change would happen at the beginning of the 2026 season.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been with Nike since she burst on the scene.
Jan 18, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Emma Raducanu of United Kingdom celebrates her victory over Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand in the first round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
Nike tennis loses another
If it is Raducanu, Nike tennis will lose another ambassador. It has been a constant exodus from Nike in recent years with Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Jack Draper departing for BOSS, Lululemon, and Vuori, respectively.
MORE: Andre Agassi gushes about Joao Fonseca at Rio Open
Nike tennis is not without big stars with Aryna Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, Qinwen Zheng, Naomi Osaka, Mirra Andreeva, and Alex Eala still among the WTA ranks. On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are Nike ambassadors. However, the brand has lost some of its luster since the days of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
In fact, UNIQLO was barely known until Roger Federer made his highly publicized exodus from Nike to wear UNIQLO in the latter stages of his career.
It is unclear if UNIQLO will quell the speculation, or if fans will have to wait another week to confirm their suspicions when Raducanu takes the court at Indian Wells, the BNP Paribas Open.
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The post UNIQLO teases new WTA ambassador, fan speculation begins appeared first on The Big Lead.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/uniqlo-teases-wta-ambassador-fan-123437368.html
2026 NFL combine schedule for draft prospects and Jacksonville Jaguars
The 2026 NFL combine week is here for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the schedule for the draft prospects has been revealed.
The Jaguars are without a first-round pick this year after trading up in last April’s draft to select Travis Hunter. However, Jacksonville still has 11 picks in total, including four in the top 100.
This gives GM James Gladstone the opportunity to bolster this roster with immediate help and perhaps move around the draft board, as we’ve seen he’s very willing to do.
Gladstone and Liam Coen will not be attending the combine, however. ESPN’s Michael DiRocco recently explained why.
During combine week, prospects will go through the on-field testing and position-specific drills. They’ll also undergo medical checks and meet with NFL teams.
The weekly schedule is broken up by position groups.
2026 NFL combine schedule for draft prospects and Jaguars
I talked with several prospects who recently received their 2026 NFL Combine invites.
Here is the position-by-position schedule for players that week in Indianapolis: pic.twitter.com/5YkfLrfhgS
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 31, 2025
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL combine: Schedule for all 32 teams, including Jaguars
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-nfl-combine-schedule-draft-123302398.html
‘Time to pull our sleeves up’: India coach Ryan ten Doeschate hints at playing XI shake-up after Super 8 defeat
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India’s left-hand heavy top order once again crumbled under pressure during the chase of 188, eventually collapsing to 111. The spotlight fell heavily on out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who managed just 15 — his first runs of the tournament after three consecutive ducks — and Tilak Varma, whose struggles have compounded India’s fragile starts.
Addressing the selection dilemma, ten Doeschate acknowledged that bringing in a right-hand option like Samson is under serious consideration.
“Yeah, of course, we have looked at the five outings we have had now, four teams have opened with part-time off spin, and it has got a wicket every time, apart from the USA game where we lost Abhi without score in any case (to pacer Ali Khan),” he said.
“So to start every inning zero for one, I think it has literally been zero or a couple of runs for one every time is obviously putting pressure on the link players. Tilak and SKY (Surya), their role is to link up with the guys at the back end, and it has not gone that way,” he added.
India now face a tough call between backing struggling players and making bold changes.
“You stick with the guys who we feel have performed really well over the last 18 months and who are maybe shy of a few runs now? Or do we twist and bring Sanju, who is also a fantastic player and obviously helps tactically with having a right-hander at the top of the order, and I am sure that will be a talking point over the next few days, going into these two very important games,” he said.
Ten Doeschate also revealed that Abhishek’s poor run has been compounded by illness.
“You want him to be up and running and sort of confident in his swing and confident in his game plan (on Abhishek), and when you score three zeroes, that is going to start weighing on you. I saw some really good signs on Friday night in the nets. I think I mentioned it in the presser then. But he looks a little bit short, and our job as the coaching staff is to pull that right. We have got four days to do that,” he added.
He also defended Rinku Singh, whose returns as finisher have been modest.
“There is no point talking about rhythm in nets or how guys are feeling or what they are not feeling. It is time to pull our sleeves up and get performance out of all the players, and like I just said there, that is the challenge for the staff, along with the players now, to regroup and put in a big effort leading up to the next game against Zimbabwe,” he concluded.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/time-pull-sleeves-india-coach-123300359.html
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