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Very few teams have won three back-to-back trophies in the shortest format. Here is the list

Namooh Shah31-Aug-2025On Sunday, Oval Invincibles will be eyeing their third consecutive Men’s Hundred title when they face Trent Rockets, the winners of 2022 edition. Let’s have a look at the teams who have won three or more consecutive tournaments in men’s T20s before.

Victoria

Victoria won the inaugural season of the Australian T20 competition in 2005-06, beating New South Wales with opener Brad Hodge scoring the tournament’s first century. In the next season, they won all three league matches (one was washed out) to top the table and then defended 160 against Tasmania in the final, with Mick Lewis taking four wickets to seal consecutive titles. In 2007-08, Victoria suffered their first ever defeat to Western Australia in the league stage but bounced back with three straight wins before beating the same opponent in the final to complete a hat-trick of titles, the first team to do so in T20s.

Sialkot Stallions

After a poor start in the inaugural Pakistan National T20 Cup, Sialkot Stallions bounced back with six straight league wins in 2006 followed by knockout victories over Faisalabad Wolves to claim their maiden title. In 2006-07, they extended their streak with four more wins and beat Karachi Dolphins by 14 runs in the final for back-to-back trophies. The 2008-09 season saw them stretch their winning streak to 16 games, capped by a seven-wicket victory in the final to complete a hat-trick of titles.Shoaib Malik led an invincible Sialkot Stallions side in the 2000s•AFPIn 2009, the Stallions became the only team to win a domestic T20 competition four successive times. Their success against Lahore Lions in the final meant they had won 20 consecutive games. In 2009-10, they added a fifth straight title with a one-sided final win over Faisalabad Wolves, extending their winning streak to 24 matches, a record that still stands. The team was led by Imran Nazir and Shoaib Malik during this golden run.

Wayamba

Wayamba won three consecutive titles in the Sri Lanka Domestic T20 Cup from 2008 to 2010 under Jehan Mubarak. In 2008, after losing once to Ruhuna in the league stage, they turned the tables in the final with a 31-run win to claim their first trophy. In 2009, Wayamba defended their trophy by beating Basnahira South in the final by five wickets, the same side that had defeated them in the league. In 2010, they went unbeaten through the league stage before easing past Basnahira South by nine wickets in the semi-final and winning the final, against Ruhuna, by a massive 95 runs to complete a hat-trick of titles.

Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago, the most successful team in the Caribbean T20 Cup, won the last three editions under Denesh Ramdin. In 2011, they went unbeaten, sealing the title with a final win against Hampshire. In 2012, despite a league defeat to Windward Islands, they bounced back to dominate both knockout games and retain the trophy. In the final edition in 2013, played in a round-robin format, T&T again finished unbeaten in the league, topped the table and qualified directly for the final where they defeated Guyana by nine wickets to claim a hat-trick of titles.Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo lift their captain Denesh Ramdin after a hat-trick of titles•WICB Media

Titans

Titans dominated South Africa’s domestic T20 circuit by winning three consecutive titles under Albie Morkel, topping the table in each of those three seasons (2015 to 2017). In 2015, they defeated Dolphins to claim their fourth T20 title, having previously won in 2005, 2008 and 2012. In 2016, they clinched the title by edging past Warriors by just six runs. In 2017, once again facing Dolphins in the summit clash, Titans completed the hat-trick with a commanding seven-wicket victory.

Jaffna Kings

Jaffna Kings (known as Jaffna Stallions in 2020) became the first and only franchise to win the first three editions of the Lanka Premier League, under Thisara Perera. In the inaugural 2020 season, they beat Dambulla Viiking in the semi-finals and outplayed Galle Gladiators in the final. In 2021, renamed as Jaffna Kings, they topped the table and once again defeated Gladiators in the final for back-to-back trophies. The 2022 season saw them finish second on the table before overcoming Gladiators in the semi-finals and Colombo Stars by two wickets in a thrilling final, thereby becoming only the second team after Victoria to win the first three editions of a men’s T20 tournament.*Comilla Victorians also won three consecutive BPL titles in 2019, 2022 & 2023 but didn’t participate in the 2019-20 edition of the tournament which was won by Rajshahi Royals.

The Red Sox may want to consider wearing their Green Monster-themed City Connect uniforms on a full-time basis.

When shortstop Trevor Story punched a ground ball through the infield to drive in the winning run for a 2-1 victory over the Marlins on Friday night, it marked Boston's fifth walk-off win wearing their green uniforms which were just released this season.

The thrilling victory was Boston's 10th walk-off win of the year with half of those coming in their Fenway Greens. Considering they only wear the special uniform during Friday home games, that's a pretty remarkable feat. Plus, each game the Red Sox have won donning the green has come on a walk-off.

After the close win in the series opener against the Marlins, the Red Sox advanced to 67-56 on the year, currently 4.5 games back of the Blue Jays who hold the lead in the AL East. They are in wild-card position, though, currently two games up on the Yankees who hold the final spot and three games in front of the Guardians who sit as the first team out.

Down the stretch, maybe they should bend the rules and rock the Fenway Greens more often.

Rawalpindi will host two games and Lahore will host five, including the final

Danyal Rasool07-Sep-2025Pakistan will host a T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in November. The series will begin on 17 November, with all teams playing each other twice. The first two games will game place in Rawalpindi, with the other five, including the final on 29 November, in Lahore.This is the second time this season that a bilateral T20I series Pakistan were scheduled to host has ended up being a tri-series. Afghanistan were scheduled to play a three-match T20I series in August, which was later converted into a tri-series involving the UAE, the final of which takes place later today.Similarly, Sri Lanka were scheduled to play a three-ODI, three-T20I bilateral series in Pakistan, but the T20I series has now been replaced by yet another tri-series. ESPNcricinfo understands those bilateral T20Is will no longer happen, though a three-match ODI series is still scheduled to go ahead, with a schedule expected in due course.

Schedule

17 Nov – Pak v Afg
19 Nov – SL vs Afg
22 Nov – Pak vs SL
23 Nov – Pak vs Afg
25 Nov – SL vs Afg
27 Nov – Pak v SL
29 Nov – Final

This is set to be the first time Afghanistan play Pakistan in Pakistan. Afghanistan have played in Pakistan before in 2023, when they competed in two matches of the Asia Cup, as well as earlier this year for the Champions Trophy. However, they did not face Pakistan on either of those occasions, and this series comes amidst a general deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.The series begins nine days after the conclusion of South Africa’s all-format tour of Pakistan. Pakistan have made no secret of their desire to play as much T20I cricket as possible ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all their games in Sri Lanka.”We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series, PCB COO Sumair Ahmed said in a statement on the PCB website. “This event will not only offer excellent preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but also present fans with exciting cricket across venues.”

Conor Gallagher arrived at Atletico Madrid as one of the club’s most expensive midfield signings, a high-energy Premier League standout expected to thrive under Diego Simeone. But a year later, the England international has opened up about his frustration over limited minutes, his fading World Cup hopes, and growing links to a January move to Manchester United, admitting he is “not satisfied” with his current situation.

• Gallagher's promising move now shadowed by uncertainty

  When Atletico secured Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, it felt like the beginning of a long and productive chapter for both player and club. Gallagher had just come off several standout seasons in England, rising through Chelsea’s academy, shining during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, and completing 136 Premier League appearances filled with intensity, pressing, and late bursts into the box. His €40 million (£35m/$46m) transfer fee reflected not only his reputation but also Atletico’s confidence that he could become a central figure in Simeone’s midfield.

  He wasted no time making an impression in Spain. Gallagher became the first Englishman in 101 years to score for Atletico, immediately displaying the tenacity, forward drive, and tireless work rate that had earned him admiration in England. His early performances suggested he was tailor-made for Simeone’s relentless style, often finishing matches completely exhausted after covering ground in every phase of play.

  Yet as the season progressed, the momentum stalled. Gallagher’s role became inconsistent, and minutes gradually slipped away. By early 2025, he had logged only 339 league minutes and completed just one full match since September. With established figures like Koke, Pablo Barrios, and Alex Baena fitting Simeone’s tactical structure more precisely, Gallagher found himself more frequently rotated, often used for energy rather than entrusted with a regular starting place. What began as a career-defining move slowly transformed into a frustrating waiting game.

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  Gallagher breaks his silence: "I'm not satisfied"

  The growing speculation about his future eventually reached Gallagher, who chose to address it openly. In recent weeks, he has been strongly linked with United, who are considering him as a January reinforcement should he become available. His honesty regarding his current role made clear that he is wrestling with mixed emotions.

  “I’m not satisfied. I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like, but I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter,” he said in an interview with AS, acknowledging his frustration with the lack of consistent minutes.

  At the same time, Gallagher rejected the idea that he is searching for a way out. He spoke with genuine appreciation for Atletico and a strong desire to succeed in Spain. “I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.”

  Gallagher remains committed, ambitious, and respectful of Simeone’s decisions, but he cannot ignore the impact his restricted playing time is having, not only on his club career but also on his international prospects.

• The World Cup clock is ticking and time is running out

  For Gallagher, the consequences of limited playing time extend well beyond Madrid. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he knows that irregular minutes could jeopardise his place in England’s squad. His opportunities have already shrunk in recent international windows, and he recognises the significance of the challenge ahead.

  “That’s one of my goals. I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team. And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point. But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team,” he admitted. His response underscored both his desire to represent England and his awareness of the reality he faces: national-team football requires rhythm, consistency, and trust—conditions that have been hard for him to find in Simeone’s structured system.

  The competition around him at Atletico is relentless. Koke’s leadership, Baena’s creativity, and Barrios’ defensive discipline align seamlessly with Atletico’s tactical identity. Gallagher’s high-energy, box-to-box profile remains valuable, but Simeone’s preference for positional control and experience has kept him on the periphery. As links with the Red Devils grow louder, the midfielder faces a difficult crossroads. 

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  The road ahead for Gallagher

  Gallagher’s situation now enters a decisive period as Atletico approach January with a player who is fully committed but undeniably underused. He respects Simeone, speaks with admiration for the club, and genuinely wants to win trophies in Madrid. But ambition alone cannot replace the minutes he needs, and the coming weeks will force Atletico to confront a critical question: is Gallagher a long-term piece of the project, or is the timing right to let him pursue a more prominent role elsewhere?

  From Gallagher’s perspective, his approach remains professional and patient. He has not demanded an exit and continues to push for more responsibility in training. Yet he is fully aware that his career cannot afford another prolonged period on the margins.

  The next chapter will depend on how Simeone sees him fitting into a midfield. If Gallagher’s opportunities grow, he will stay and fight for his place. If not, the January window may offer a path toward the minutes he needs and the international future he continues to chase.

The wicketkeeper-batter is capable of unbelievable things when he’s at the crease but hasn’t stayed there for long enough on this tour

Alagappan Muthu25-Dec-20244:16

Will leaving Reddy out give India better balance?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the ones with Rishabh Pant in them would start with “what the…” There is one depicting his reverse scoop to Scott Boland in the second innings of the Adelaide Test. He’s leaning back, away from the ball. His bat is flipped, and the maker’s name is facing the wrong way. A short-of-a-length delivery that would otherwise have cramped a left-hand batter gets tossed out to the boundary and there is disbelief all around.Pant, by now, is on the floor. He had premeditated the shot. There was a touch of extra bounce. The pink ball was up where his chest would have been had he stayed still. But since he hadn’t, he had a bit of distance to make up. So he increased his bat speed, went down to up and swung so hard and so fast that along with making contact with the ball, he knocked himself clean off his feet. Sprawled on his hands and knees, he watched his score tick over from 7 off 8 to 11 off 9.The principles that used to govern batting have but a tenuous grasp of it right now. With every innings he plays, Pant is making it harder for them to hold on. He wasn’t set. His team was trailing. He targeted the bowler who had picked up two of the three Indian wickets to fall, including Virat Kohli. His instinctive, imaginative strokeplay exists outside of match situations and its pull can be so powerful that sometimes what he does ends up deciding the match result.Related

• MCG pitch to have 'pace, bounce and excitement', but what about runs?

• India, Australia look to iron out flaws to edge ahead in high-octane series

• Rishabh Pant, and a Test return 629 days in the making

Pant’s second-innings hundred in Ahmedabad three years ago had that kind of effect. India were 146 for 6 in response to England’s first-innings 205 on a pitch taking a lot of spin. He took them to 364. That innings included a reverse scoop too.India, and even Australia, were expecting something similar from Pant on this tour. It hasn’t come. He has 96 runs at an average of 19.20.There have been moments, like the second innings in Adelaide. He made 28 off 31 with 20 of those runs coming in boundaries. That night he almost seemed desperate to do what he does naturally. A packed crowd had taken great offence to Mohammed Siraj sending off the local boy Travis Head.Pant was one of several team-mates who rallied around Siraj, running down to the bowler from his spot behind the wicket to put an arm around him. The way he batted, certainly that first ball where he charged down the track and smacked Boland for four over cover, felt like he just didn’t like what was happening to India in that Test and was going to go do something about it. Pant’s rage lasted less than an hour.”Our job here is to explain things to them again and again. We talk to them about small things like match awareness and match situation,” Rohit Sharma said as he explained how he and his support staff manage their maverick wicketkeeper-batter. “We talk to them about all these things. I don’t think it’s necessary to complicate their plans and thought process. Rishabh knows what his expectations are. He has a lot of expectations from himself. He’s working hard in his game. I think he’ll do well in these two matches.”Rishabh Pant combined child’s play with mastery in a moment of scooping brilliance•Getty ImagesIn Brisbane, Pant fell five balls after resuming from a rain break, which was his first ball after that rain break and three balls before what turned out to be the next rain break. Essentially not a great time to lose a wicket. Pat Cummins was the one who took him out. There’s a little head-to-head developing there in BGT 2024: 21 runs, 41 balls, three dismissals, an average of 7. Australia’s captain, who began the series looking rusty, has got on top of India’s difference-maker. It’s helped that they’ve been able to drag him to the crease while the ball is new.Where Travis Head, a batter quite similar to Pant, has been protected by his top order, coming in when the Kookaburra has aged 35 overs, which seems to be the point where it starts to lose some of its sting but not its hardness, making it easier to play shots, Pant has had to deal with its mischief in four out of five innings. He came in during the 17th over in the first innings in Perth, the 20th and the 15th overs in Adelaide and the eighth over in Brisbane. If India could help delay Pant’s arrival to a more amenable time, they might be able to get the best out of him.”He has played only two or three Test matches here,” Rohit said. “He’s in good form recently. He has made good runs in India. He has a good record in Australia. After two or three Test matches, it’s not right to judge him. He knows what he has to do.”At the Gabba in 2021, with a squad that was being held together by bandages and loose string, Pant had the audacity to have a go at Australia, both from behind the stumps – eight of the current squad pulled his name up when they were asked by which Indian player sledges/banters the most – and in front of it.That was a miracle and by definition those are quite rare, except Ahmedabad happened in less than two months, then Cape Town in less than a year. In September 2024, his first Test since the car crash that threatened to take his life, Pant walked in and scored a century. He’s made people believe in miracles. One more in front of 90,000 on Boxing Day at the MCG would do quite nicely for India.

With the BPL embroiled in fixing allegations, the BCB’s new anti-corruption consultant is designing a new integrity unit

Mohammad Isam19-Aug-2025Alex Marshall, the new consultant to the BCB’s anti-corruption department, wants to strengthen the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) so that it doesn’t look like a “vulnerable” competition to bookies and other corruptors. Marshall, who was the ICC’s anti-corruption unit general manager until September last year, has been appointed by the BCB for a year.He arrived in Dhaka on Monday, and met BCB president Aminul Islam and the rest of the directors on Tuesday. Marshall said he would look at every aspect of the BPL, including team ownership structure, so that the tournament’s foundation is less susceptible to corruption.”The biggest threat to any franchise league around the world is when it appears vulnerable,” Marshall said. “That’s why we need to ensure the BPL does not give off that impression. The way the tournament is run, how finances are managed, and how team ownership is structured – all of these must be handled at a high, professional standard and properly safeguarded.Related

• BCB drop several players from BPL auction following findings of corruption report

• BCB brings in Alex Marshall for its anti-corruption unit

• BCB on the slow lane to freedom

• BCB forms independent body to probe BPL corruption allegations

“The reality is, if a franchise league isn’t seen as professional and well-protected, it eventually becomes a target for corruptors. We’ve seen this happen in many countries, and the BPL has also faced issues in the past. That’s why it’s essential for a new integrity unit to provide the protection the league needs.”The fallout from the BPL’s last season, which finished in February this year, is still making headlines in Bangladesh. The board appointed an independent investigation committee following a swirl of corruption allegations in the BPL. Eight months on, the three-member committee is still wrapping up its investigation, with the BCB expecting the primary report later this month. The committee has reportedly uncovered several spot-fixing cases in the last five BPL seasons, including the 2024-25 edition.The BCB is also still dealing with two franchises, Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings, who have dues pending with the board and players. The BCB recently released a statement detailing how much they are owed by Chittagong. BPL apart, the BCB’s anti-corruption unit is also investigating a controversial stumping incident in last season’s Dhaka Premier League, the country’s main List A competition.Alex Marshall: ‘I am working with the board and the president to design an integrity unit that gives the right level of protection that is deserved within Bangladesh’•Getty Images

Marshall said he had found the full support of the BCB’s directors, including president Aminul, as he looks to redesign the anti-corruption unit. He said much would depend on how much the unit can educate players, coaches and officials to shield them from corruptors.”I am working with the board and the president to design an integrity unit that gives the right level of protection that is deserved within Bangladesh,” Marshall said. “I will complete that design over the next three or four weeks, and I will then present that back to the board for their sign-off.”Therefore, after that point, you would see the implementation of the unit. But that’s just one moment of creating something. The effort needs to be long-term education, [and] protection. And if someone breaches the rules, they need to know they will be investigated and they will be prosecuted.”

Barcelona presidential hopeful Xavier Vilajoana has accused Joan Laporta’s board of “lying” about the club’s financial situation and called for transparency over Lionel Messi’s 2021 exit. A new independent report commissioned by the former board member claims that Barca’s debt has ballooned to €4.12 billion, sparking questions about the club’s claims of economic recovery and whether Messi’s departure was really driven by finances at all.

• Report exposes record debt as Laporta faces fresh scrutiny

  The foundations of Laporta’s presidency have come under renewed fire following the publication of the “Economic X-ray of FC Barcelona (2005-2025)” report – a detailed, independent analysis presented at the Foment de Treball headquarters in Barcelona. Commissioned by Vilajoana, a former Barca director and now potential presidential challenger, the study paints a worrying picture of the club’s financial trajectory. According to the report, Barcelona’s total debt has reached €4.12 billion, the highest in European football history, marking a 293% increase since 2021.

  It directly challenges Laporta’s long-standing narrative that his administration “saved” the club from economic collapse. The report claims that even excluding the Espai Barca project €2.82 billion, operational and financial debts still exceed €1.3 billion – more than what Laporta inherited from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s regime.

  Perhaps most damningly, it accuses the club of using €929 million from asset sales (TV rights, Barca Studios, VIP seats) to finance everyday operations rather than long-term recovery – a strategy that Vilajoana calls “deceptive and unsustainable.”

  As pressure mounts, Vilajoana has demanded answers from Laporta, insisting that the club’s financial story has been “twisted to mislead members.”

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  ‘Pretending the numbers balance is not saving the club’ – Vilajoana slams Laporta’s management

  Speaking during the report’s presentation, Vilajoana issued a scathing assessment of how the Laporta administration has handled finances, membership relations, and transparency.

  He accused the board of covering up a worsening financial situation, saying: “In these four years, Laporta has sold nearly €900 million of inherited assets. Without that inheritance, accumulated losses would already exceed €1 billion, a figure equivalent to the total value of the current first-team squad.

  “The economic data reveal a situation far more delicate than the president has publicly admitted. The study detects accounting manipulation practices intended to present a recovery that does not match the Club’s financial reality.

  “In total, more than €380 million would have been included in the accounts without a real basis, altering the perception of debt and results. These operations do not reduce actual debt; they only hide it. Pretending the numbers balance is not saving the club, it is deceiving it."

• ‘Let Laporta tell us the truth’ – Messi’s departure questioned amid claims of deceit

  Among the most striking claims in Vilajoana’s report is the suggestion that Messi’s departure may not have been purely financial. The former Barca director called on Laporta to “finally tell the truth” about why the Argentine legend was allowed to leave.

  “Messi’s departure was based on financial reasons. It was said that the club couldn't afford the best player in the world. If the reason was financial, I don't see it anywhere now,” Vilajoana stated. “Let Laporta tell us the real reason why Messi was let go. Messi should be left alone. The club is his home, regardless of the president. It would be a mistake to try to take over a figure like him.”

  He also used the report to highlight cuts to La Masia, which he argues have jeopardised Barcelona’s most reliable long-term asset: “Laporta lives off La Masia’s successes while reducing investment. Since his term began, he has cut La Masia’s investment from €40m to €25m. If we are to learn anything from this economic disaster, it’s that La Masia is Barca’s best asset.”

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  Vilajoana to launch presidential project ahead of 2026 elections

  While the report sharply criticises the club’s leadership, Vilajoana’s message was not one of despair but of renewal. He announced that he will formally present his electoral project on November 27, outlining an alternative vision built on transparency, accountability, and youth development. 

  “If I run, it will be with the intention of proposing, explaining, and persuading,” he said. “I don't like 'Frankenstein' projects everyone should forge their own path. I'm going to work on mine.”

  Closing his address, Vilajoana expressed cautious optimism that the club can recover if leadership changes course: “I’m optimistic because we’ll deal with it when we can. Barca has a solution, but it requires will and responsibility. What we can’t do is say that everything is fantastic for four years.”

  As Barcelona prepare for next summer’s elections, the controversy surrounding Messi’s departure and Laporta’s financial stewardship is certain to dominate the campaign trail. Whether Laporta chooses to respond to the accusations or continue to deflect remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Barca’s financial narrative is once again under the microscope.

The Seattle Mariners have acquired Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of

Naylor is slashing .292/.360/.447 with 11 home runs and 59 RBI for Arizona this season.

In exchange for Naylor, the Mariners are sending left-hander Brandyn Garcia and righty Ashton Izzy in the deal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The 25-year-old Garcia has appeared in two games for Seattle this season, and has posted a 4.50 ERA across two innings of work in relief. Izzy, meanwhile, is a 21-year-old who has pitched this season for high-A Everett. He has accumulated a 5.51 ERA across 41.1 innings.

To hear Clayton Kershaw speak after his Tuesday outing against the Reds at Dodger Stadium, you’d be forgiven for thinking he was lamenting a night that didn’t go his team’s way.

“It was pretty evident that it wasn’t gonna be a long night for me.”

“It wasn’t a great night stuff-wise.”

“It was pretty obvious to me after the first batter that my slider wasn’t great. I just didn’t feel like I had the arm speed.”

The lefthander wasn’t telling mistruths, exactly—he lasted only 72 pitches; the average velocities on all of his offerings were down across the board, relative to his 2025 averages; he allowed hits to two of the first three Reds batters to fall behind 1–0 in the top of the first.

But that was all the offense Cincinnati would muster against the future Hall of Famer. Kershaw set down the next 14 in a row to spearhead a 6–3 Dodgers victory.

The performance was the latest in what’s been a late-career revival for Kershaw, now in his 18th season and somehow—after all the injuries, surgeries and missed time—still finding new ways to dominate. He picked up the win in Tuesday’s game by allowing only the one run in five innings, logging six strikeouts with no walks.

It was Kershaw’s fifth win in as many outings, his first five-start winning streak since 2022. It also marked just the fourth time in his career he’s had five wins in a calendar month (the last was June 2017).

In some ways—namely, the results—it looks like the Kershaw of old. And in most others, it’s a completely different pitcher compared to the one who captured three Cy Young Awards and an MVP in a four-year span during the prime of his career.

For example: Would the Kershaw of 10 years ago have taken well to his manager pulling him after just 72 pitches and five one-run innings?

“Oh, not at all. Not at all,” Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts said after the game. “I think that Father Time gets everyone, and I think that he’s smart enough to understand how many bullets he has.”

Former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz believes a move to Lyon could be the best step for Endrick if the Brazilian leaves the club in January, saying regular minutes matter more than staying on the bench at the Bernabeu. Mariano, who made the same move in 2017 after struggling for game time, says there is "life beyond" Madrid.

• Endrick’s season stalled at Real Madrid

  Los Blancos signed Endrick from Palmeiras in 2022 in a deal worth up to €60 million. His first year under Carlo Ancelotti showed promise, with seven goals in 37 appearances, but injuries halted his progress heading into this season. A hamstring injury kept him out of the Club World Cup and the start of the new campaign. By the time he returned, new manager Xabi Alonso had settled on other attacking options, leaving Endrick with just one brief appearance against Valencia earlier this month, where he played just 11 minutes. The lack of consistent minutes has raised concerns about his development, especially with the World Cup coming next year.

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  Mariano advises Endrick to embrace a move abroad

  Speaking to , Mariano sees parallels between their situations and says leaving Madrid does not mean giving up on a future at the club.

  “If Endrick ends up leaving, or a player who isn’t getting much playing time has to go abroad to play, I would tell him to enjoy it a lot, to appreciate that if he’s going to be a starter on the team, that’s the best thing that can happen to him,” Diaz said.

  He stressed that regular starts give players a real chance to prove their ability. 

  "You have to try to prove yourself when they give you that confidence, because it’s not the same when you play a few minutes every three games. You can’t prove your worth in a few minutes. But if they trust you and you’re a starter, that’s when you can prove a lot of things. In this case, if he [Endrick] leaves, he could also return to Madrid," the 32-year-old added.

• Endrick stands at same career crossroads Mariano faced

  The Dominican Republic international knows what it feels like to wait for chances at Madrid. The forward broke into the senior team during the 2016-17 season, scoring five goals in 14 appearances, but spent most of his time behind the famous 'BBC' trio of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Los Blancos went on to win the Champions League and enjoy their most successful campaign in decades, but Mariano’s role was limited.

  "It was one of the best teams I’ve ever played for because it wasn’t just the starters, but also what the press called ‘Plan B’. It was a bit curious, but the truth is that Plan B was like Plan A."

  At the end of that season, Diaz moved to Lyon to play regularly, a decision he now sees as crucial in his development. However, he returned a year later after Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking move to Juventus. 

  "As it was Madrid, I wasn’t going to say no,” Mariano recalled. "But they told me that this time it would be different, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to return."

  Injuries derailed his progress, and he was again playing a bench role until his exit in 2023.

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  Brazilian forward sees Lyon as the right move for development

  Several clubs have shown interest in Endrick, including Manchester United, who saw him as a replacement option after Benjamin Sesko’s injury. But the 19-year-old prefers Lyon, viewing the French club as a place where he can earn minutes, regain confidence and stay in contention for the 2026 World Cup with Brazil. Madrid had initially wanted to loan him within La Liga to help him adapt more smoothly and keep him close to home as he approaches Spanish citizenship in six months. However, Endrick pushed for a move abroad, prioritising consistent game time over location.

  Ancelotti, now the Brazil national team coach, is yet to call up the young forward in any of the international breaks. However, the former Madrid coach has also urged him to play regularly if he wants to remain in the national-team picture.

  "He has to think with his entourage about what’s best. Talk to the club, to see what’s best for him. Endrick is very young, this won’t be his last World Cup," he said. "He could play in the 2026 World Cup, because he has the quality for it, but he could also be in the 2030 World Cup, or the 2034 World Cup, and maybe even the 2038 World Cup (laughs). I believe it’s important for him to get back to playing and show his qualities.”