Nottingham Forest are stepping up their preparations for the new campaign and could now open talks to bring an exciting attacker to the City Ground, according to a report.

Forest look to rebound from Anthony Elanga departure

When talking about Nottingham Forest, there is one story that grabs most of the attention right now amid Nuno Espirito Santo and company returning for pre-season.

Following his excellent return last campaign, Anthony Elanga is travelling to undergo a medical at Newcastle United after both clubs agreed on a fee for the Sweden international.

Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie added: “Anthony Elanga is costing Newcastle £52m + £3m in add-ons (told those are difficult to achieve). The winger is currently on his way to Newcastle for his medical which is booked in to begin this (Tuesday) evening.”

Manchester United will inherit £6-7 million due to their sell-on clause for Elanga, who came through the ranks at Old Trafford, though Nottingham Forest are already profiling replacements and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman is on their radar.

Intriguingly, Lyon’s Malick Fofana remains on the Tricky Trees’ radar, but Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Napoli will provide stiff competition for his signature.

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Plates are beginning to spin as Nottingham Forest look to enjoy another season exceeding expectations, while the added carrot of Europa Conference League football at the City Ground could give them an edge when it comes to acquiring fresh blood.

Losing Elanga will come as a bitter blow, but sound recruitment in the East Midlands has propelled Nuno’s men into challenging the Premier League elite, and they could now be about to make a transfer statement.

Nottingham Forest to open talks for Johan Bakayoko

According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest are set to open talks to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko with Elanga headed for Tyneside.

The Belgium international is viewed as a ‘top target’ at the City Ground and is part of a wider plan behind the scenes to bring in two wide players this summer to bolster the manager’s pool of options.

Anthony Elanga in 2024/25 – Premier League

Goals

6

Assists

11

Chances created

50

Completed dribbles

25

Successful crosses

43

Johan Bakayoko in 2024/25 – Eredivisie

Goals

9

Assists

1

Chances created

36

Completed dribbles

47

Successful crosses

21

Comparing well in direct comparison to Elanga, his profile appears to synchronise with Nottingham Forest’s style of play, even if the Swede is more of a creator while Bakayoko finds himself amongst the goals more often.

He was even previously a Newcastle target before they opted to sign Elanga, with the Magpies seeing him as a cheaper alternative, so it’s clear they possess similar attributes and both have room to develop further.

Intriguingly, the 22-year-old only has one year left on his deal at Philips Stadion, which could be a useful bargaining chip for the Tricky Trees if negotiations are to progress.

PSV are likely to demand £30 million for their star man, which would be a record total for Nottingham Forest if they were to press ahead. However, Bakayoko is definitely affordable and appears primed for a shot at the Premier League.

Kohler-Cadmore makes fifty as home side bowled out for 136 but Hampshire slip to 62 for 5 in reply

ECB Reporters Network26-Sep-2024Kyle Abbott and Liam Dawson claimed four wickets each as Hampshire boosted their bid for runners-up spot in the Vitality County Championship by skittling nearest rivals Somerset for 136 on the opening day of the final Division One match at Taunton.Seamer Abbott returned 4 for 37 and left-arm spinner Dawson 4 for 28. Only Tom Kohler-Cadmore, with 63, offered much resistance after the hosts had won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry surface, expected to take spin.By the close of a rain-interrupted day, Hampshire had struggled to 62 for 5 in reply, Toby Albert unbeaten on 38 and Jack Leach taking 3 for 9. But, having failed to claim any batting points, Somerset now have to win the game to overtake their opponents and finish second behind champions Surrey.The home side’s batting problems began with the fourth ball of the second over when Tom Lammonby, promoted from No. 3 to open with Archie Vaughan, fell lbw to Abbott without scoring. Soon it was 4 for 2 as Andy Umeed was caught by wicketkeeper Ben Brown off the same bowler for a second-ball duck.Tom Abell, on 5, survived a confident appeal for a catch behind off Mohammad Abbas, who then bowled him through the gate for 10 with the total on 29. Kohler-Cadmore’s response was to launch his innings with four boundaries in the space of five balls.Vaughan had recovered from an uncertain start and was unbeaten on 19 when rain interrupted play with Somerset 52 for 3 from 14 overs. An early lunch was taken at 12.15pm and the action resumed at shortly after 1.20pm, with ten overs lost.Hampshire immediately introduced Dawson to the attack and he quickly found some turn to pin Vaughan leg before for 29 with his sixth delivery to make it 63 for 4. With only a single added, James Rew edged Abbas to second slip where Albert snapped up a low two-handed catch. Kasey Aldridge went 22 balls without scoring before trying to sweep successive deliveries from Dawson, the second of which saw him fall lbw.Lewis Gregory helped an increasingly restrained Kohler-Cadmore add 27 for the seventh wicket before being struck on the back pad by a delivery from Dawson and departing to another leg before decision for 16.At 98 for 7, Somerset were in disarray. But Kohler-Cadmore stood firm to record his first Championship half-century of a red-ball season heavily curtailed by participation in the IPL. He had faced 85 balls and struck five fours and a six over midwicket off James Fuller.Leach looked to be lending decent support when caught at slip for 9 aiming a big hit off Dawson. When tea was taken at 3.30pm, the scoreboard read 128 for 8.Kohler-Cadmore did his best to farm the strike at the start of the final session and the scoreboard ticked slowly to 136 before he was caught behind driving at a ball from Abbott. Last man Shoaib Bashir, who had survived being bowled first ball because of the distraction of Abbott’s towel flying to the ground as he released the delivery, quickly became the fifth lbw victim of a sorry batting display lasting just 53.5 overs.Alfie Ogborne had battled away for 24 balls to score 1 not out and the young left-arm seamer lifted Somerset spirits by having Fletcha Middleton caught at second slip off the eighth ball of Hampshire’s reply. It would have been 0 for 2 had Aldridge not spilled a routine slip catch offered by Albert off Gregory in the third over.With the total on 13, Nick Gubbins edged Gregory to first slip where Abell took a good catch low to his right. Somerset were back in the game when James Vince, having hit Vaughan for six over deep square, aimed another big hit at Leach and skied a catch off a leading edge to Abell at backward point.Leach struck again when Tom Prest drove a catch to extra cover and then bowled Dawson between bat and pad. For the first time in a Championship match, Somerset had picked both Leach and Bashir, bowling the two England spinners in tandem towards the end of the day.

Dolphins ensured they did not bow out of the Champions Cup without a win, as they beat Lions by 16 runs in the last league game of the tournament.With Lions needing 81 from five overs with three wickets in hand, a Dolphins win seemed a mere formality. But Khushdil Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, batting with an injured knee, threatened to pull off a heist. The pair hit seven sixes and two fours in the next four overs to reduce the equation to 23 needed from the final over. But Abbas Afridi held his nerve to give his side a consolation win.It must have been a no-brainer for Dolphins to bat after winning the toss; the teams batting first are yet to lose a game in the tournament. Dolphins lost Sahibzada Farhan in the sixth over but Muhammad Hurraira and Muhammad Akhlaq added 77 in 10.1 overs to set the platform.Hurraira scored 47 off 41 balls and Akhlaq 52 off 50. After the two fell in quick succession, Umar Amin took over. Despite Lions making regular breakthroughs, he found enough support from the lower middle order to steer Dolphins ahead.By the time Amin fell, for 75 in the 42nd over, Dolphins had 275 on the board. Even though they were all out in the last over, they had posted a challenging 326.In response, Abdullah Shafique and Rohail Nazir gave Lions a steady start of 78 in 13.3 overs. Nazir was the aggressor, scoring 62 in 70 balls.After 22 overs, Lions were well placed on 125 for 1 but Saud Shakeel dismissed Nazir and Omair Yousuf in his back-to-back overs. That derailed Lions’ chase.Lions needed 100 in the last ten overs with four wickets in hand. Then, a Faheem Ashraf delivery hit Shaheen on the left knee and he had to retire hurt. He returned at the fall of the next wicket, in the 45th over, but struggled with running between the wickets.That did not seem to matter as he and Khushdil dealt in boundaries. Shaheen hit Mir Hamza for back-to-back sixes in the 47th over. Khushdil went one better against Abbas in the next. But despite their best efforts, Lions fell short of their target.

After flying out the blocks in the early weeks of the transfer window, Manchester City have now reportedly initiated contact to pick up where they left off by signing another impressive star.

Nypan "very proud" to join Man City

The most recent player through the door has of course been the young Sverre Nypan. The Norwegian midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, which has seen Pep Guardiola welcome one of the most exciting talents that Europe has to offer.

Speaking for the first time since arriving, Nypan told Man City’s official website: “I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City. It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this Club and to join such a group of world class talent.

“I am still very young with a lot to learn but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola, the best manager in the world, will only help me to become a better player.

“There is already a special connection between Norway and Manchester City through Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb, and I am very proud to have become the latest Norwegian player to have joined the club.”

Nypan’s arrival makes it five fresh faces for Man City, who have rebuilt their side in the last six months following their worst period of form during Guardiola’s entire tenure last season.

Even after signing Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nypan and Marcus Bettinelli, however, those at the Etihad still reportedly have unfinished business in the summer transfer window.

As they set their sights on reclaiming their Premier League crown next season, Man City have now reportedly initiated contact to sign an impressive star who Guardiola loves.

Man City initiate James Trafford contact

In a shock twist, the Citizens have now set their sights on compiling Newcastle’s misery in what has been a summer to forget for the Magpies. According to Fabrizio Romano, Man City have now initiated contact to sign James Trafford in a deal that would see them hijack a deal that Newcastle had otherwise been advancing towards.

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The Manchester club reportedly have a buyback clause worth £40m, but are now attempting to negotiate a lower price with Burnley, who are also reportedly set to receive a £40m bid from Saudi PIF-owned Newcastle for their shot-stopper.

City’s unexpected pursuit follows a difficult season for Ederson, which may have forced those at the Etihad to ask questions of the Brazilian for the first time.

Dubbed “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, whether Trafford’s arrival would see Ederson step aside or head for the exit door is the big question that City may yet have to answer.

Newcastle United are in the market for a proven centre-forward after a frustrating start to the summer window so far.

With Alexander Isak’s future uncertain and targets like Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, and João Pedro choosing other clubs, Newcastle are in urgent need of clarity in the final third.

The Swedish striker’s omission from the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia, coupled with Liverpool’s interest, rumoured to involve a nine-figure sum, has added urgency to the club’s recruitment strategy.

Benjamin Šeško remains high on the shortlist, and there is still hope a deal can be agreed with RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old Slovenian scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, but while his ceiling is high, he remains a player of potential rather than pedigree.

Likewise, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has impressed but with Brentford holding out for more than Newcastle are prepared to pay, Newcastle must consider other options.

In their search for the consistency and output expected of a Champions League striker, the Magpies are now eyeing a familiar face with unfinished business at St James’ Park.

Newcastle eyeing up stunning reunion

Aleksandar Mitrovic may have swapped Fulham and the Premier League for Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League, but the goals have continued to flow.

The 30-year-old Serbian striker has been nothing short of devastating since his move to the Middle East, scoring 47 goals and registering eight assists in just 51 appearances across all competitions.

His form has been so dominant that Arab News writer Matt Monaghan described him as “the signing of the season,” a major compliment in a league now filled with global superstars. “He has just been an absolute monster up front,” Monaghan added.

Well, according to CaughtOffside, Premier League clubs, including the Toon, have taken note of his resurgence and are looking at potentially bringing him back to English shores.

Manchester United are actively monitoring the situation amid concerns about the productivity of Rasmus Højlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

Why Mitrovic makes financial sense for Newcastle

Mitrovic has built a lethal partnership with Malcolm in Riyadh, with the pair combining for one of the most productive duos in the region.

His blend of brute strength, aerial dominance and underrated technical quality has continued to torment defences, even if many are quick to discredit his numbers due to the league he plays in.

But the stats are hard to ignore.

In the 2024/25 season, Mitrovic has averaged 0.89 goals per 90 minutes, significantly higher than Šeško (0.49) and Wissa (0.59).

Aleksandar Mitrović (Al-Hilal)

21 (19 goals, 2 assists)

Benjamin Šeško

18 (13 goals, 5 assists)

Yoane Wissa

23 (19 goals, 4 assists)

He’s also averaging 4.44 shots per 90, with 48.4% of those on target. These are elite-level numbers, even when adjusted for context.

To put that in further perspective, Šeško averaged just 2.50 shots per 90 with a shots-on-target percentage of 43.9%, while Wissa took 2.78 shots per 90 at a 45.6% accuracy rate.

When it comes to shot-creating actions, Mitrovic again leads the pack with 4.44 per 90, compared to 2.50 for Šeško and 2.78 for Wissa.

The contrast speaks to a player still in his prime and ready to return to the Premier League with a point to prove.

And for Newcastle, who are in desperate need of consistent output up front, the Serbian’s profile offers immediate impact.

There’s also an emotional side to the story. Mitrovic spent three years at Newcastle between 2015 and 2018, scoring 17 times in 72 appearances.

Though his spell wasn’t always smooth, he retains a fondness for the club and has spoken warmly about the city and supporters since leaving.

That familiarity could ease his transition, especially for a team looking for leadership and firepower in equal measure.

Financially, a return could make a lot of sense too. Al-Hilal are expected to ask for a fee of around €30m (£26m) – less than what Newcastle would need to spend on either Šeško or Wissa.

And with both Newcastle and Al-Hilal under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), there is confidence that a deal could be fast-tracked if the green light is given.

Spurs and Man United may well be at the table but Newcastle have an edge. The emotional pull of a return, coupled with the shared ownership structure and the opportunity to lead the line in a high-profile project, may prove decisive in any transfer tug-of-war.

For a team stuck between investing in future potential or banking on proven output, Aleksandar Mitrović represents a compelling middle ground.

He’s more prolific than Šeško, more clinical than Wissa, and more attainable than many of his top-level peers.

With Isak unsettled and Champions League ambitions on the line, Newcastle might find that sometimes the best move is the one you’ve made before – just this time, with a striker ready to finish the job he once started.

Better signing than Wissa: Newcastle open talks to sign "the new Haaland"

With Alexander Isak potentially set to leave, and a move for Yoane Wissa now off the table, Newcastle have enquired about signing a “powerful” striker

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He breaks 129-run second-wicket stand between Colin Ingram and Asa Tribe

ECB Reporters Network27-Sep-2024

Matt Taylor struck with the ninth ball after tea•Getty Images

After a frustrating day of no action on day one, Gloucester won the toss and put Glamorgan in to bat on a dampish pitch at Sophia Gardens.With the previous day’s torrential rain a thing of the past, the home side started well when play began at midday, but then found themselves pinned back by another great spell from Matt Taylor.Having picked up three wickets for 18 runs in the T20 Vitality Blast final triumph over Somerset, he broke up a flourishing partnership between opener Asa Tribe and Colin Ingram that had accumulated 129 runs for the second wicket with the ninth ball after tea when he trapped Tribe lbw for 70.Ingram, the first player to reach 1,000 first-class runs this season, was at his fluent best and hit 12 fours as he faced 96 balls in an innings that lasted just over two hours.Better was to follow from Taylor when he bowled the dangerous Ingram for 84 in the 50th over to make it 209 for 3. Two overs later he had Kiran Carlson caught at the wicket by James Bracey for 1. That made it 210 for 4 to temporarily put the brakes on Glamorgan.Taylor ended the day with figures of 3 for 43 from 14 overs, including three maidens. The other wicket to fall went to fellow paceman Tom Price, who removed opener Will Smale for 41 thanks to a catch by his brother, Ollie Price.Smale laid a solid foundation with Tribe as they put on 79 for the first wicket in 17.3 overs. Had the catching by the visitors been sharper then Glamorgan would have had a tougher day. No fewer than five catching chances went down.Skipper Sam Northeast and Chris Cooke then got together and put on an enterprising and unbeaten 73 for the fifth wicket before rain stopped play once again at 5.39pm. Cooke plundered seven fours in his 43* in 54 balls, while Northeast was for once the more silent partner with three boundaries in his 27 as Glamorgan reached 283 for 4 before the day was closed at 5.54pm.

Sunderland have agreed a £13m up-front fee to sign Granit Xhaka, who will sign a three-year contract on Wearside this week.

Xhaka had emerged as the Black Cats’ most high-profile target of the summer transfer window, as they look to make significant and experienced signings before the new Premier League season gets underway.

The Swiss has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, with the 32-year-old already having a huge amount of experience in the English game from his Arsenal days.

Xhaka seemingly likes the idea of being a vital player in the Black Cats’ quest to avoid relegation straight back to the Championship, feeling that his time in a Leverkusen shirt has reached its natural conclusion after winning the Bundesliga title back in 2023/24.

The legendary Switzerland international has dominated the Sunderland-related headlines of late and now two quickfire updates have emerged regarding the situation.

Xhaka set to sign three-year contract

Reports broke on Monday morning that Sunderland have agreed a £15m move for Xhaka, with the veteran midfielder set to join from Leverkusen imminently. However, Keith Downie has shared a further update, revealing plenty of good news for those on Wearside.

Indeed, Xhaka’s contract will be a year longer than first reported, and the initial cost is actually lower than the numbers going around.

This is fantastic news for anyone associated with Sunderland, with Xhaka a statement signing who could take Regis Le Bris’ team up another gear.

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The Black Cats achieved promotion with a young team, with emerging midfielders such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg excelling, but more experience is needed in the middle of the park in the Premier League, not to mention a replacement for the former after his move to Borussia Dortmund.

In Xhaka, Sunderland could have the perfect man to come in, with the ex-Arsenal player winning an incredible 137 caps for Switzerland and being hailed by former Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso for his “big heart”, always giving his all for the cause and playing with plenty of passion.

Switzerland

137

14

Switzerland Under-21s

5

0

Switzerland Under-19s

10

3

Switzerland Under-18s

3

2

Switzerland Under-17s

13

1

It’s now a case of the final parts of the transfer being sorted, before Xhaka joins up with his new teammates, hopefully making a huge impression from the off.

ساهم محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي في فوز الريدز ضد إيفرتون بهدفين لهدف على ملعب أنفيلد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وارتفع رصيد ليفربول للنقطة 15 في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بينما تجمد رصيد إيفرتون عند النقطة السابعة في المركز الثامن.

ونجح النجم المصري محمد صلاح في صناعة أحد هدفي ليفربول في المباراة، حيث صنع الهدف الافتتاحي الذي سجله لاعب خط الوسط الهولندي ريان جرافينبرخ في الدقيقة العاشرة.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ماكينة صناعة أهداف لا تتوقف.. إحصائيات رائعة لـ محمد صلاح في الدوري الإنجليزي

وعزز المهاجم الفرنسي هوجو إيكتيكي تقدم ليفربول بالهدف الثاني الذي سجله بصناعة لاعب خط الوسط الهولندي ريان جرافينبرخ في الدقيقة 29.

وفي الدقيقة 56 سجل إدريسا جايي لاعب خط الوسط السنغالي هدف إيفرتون بتسديدة لا تصد ولا ترد من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وفي تصريح لمدرب ليفربول آرني سلوت بعد الفوز ضد إيفرتون عن موقف بعض اللاعبين من المشاركة ضد ساوثهامبتون في كأس رابطة المحترفين الإنجليزية، فقد أكد غياب المصري محمد صلاح.

وقال سلوت في تصريح لشبكة “آنفيلد كريست” عن اللاعبين الخمسة الذين لعبوا 90 دقيقة 3 مرات هذا الأسبوع وهم صلاح وفان دايك وسوبوسلاي وجرافنبيرخ وكوناتي: “أستطيع أن أخبركم الآن أنكم لن تروهم يوم الثلاثاء، إذا كان ذلك سيفيد ساوثهامبتون فإنهم سيعلمون ذلك”.

وأضاف مشيداً بعمل محمد صلاح اليوم: “لقد قدم أداء جيد للغاية والآن ربما يكون في دائرة الضوء أكثر بسبب هذه الأهداف والتمريرات الحاسمة، وحتى لو لم يقم بذلك فإنه يلعب بشكل جيد حقاً، ومن الجيد أنه بعد ست مباريات يوجد شئ أكثر إيجابية من الموسم الماضي”.

Aston Villa are beginning to pick up pace in the transfer window and have now put themselves in position to bring a proven Premier League midfielder back to English shores, according to reports.

Aston Villa look to retain key stars under Unai Emery

Unai Emery has needed to remain patient this summer due to the Villans’ ongoing battle to address their PSR concerns, which has stalled the bulk of their business from occuring early on in the window. Only Yasin Ozcan and Zepiqueno Redmond have arrived so far.

Despite Manchester United’s apparent interest in Ollie Watkins, David Ornstein has confirmed Aston Villa have ‘no intention’ of selling the England international to a direct rival, which will come as a relief to supporters.

He stated: “Ollie Watkins, as reported by our colleague Laurie Whitwell, is among those on Manchester United’s recruitment list. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t on the recruitment list of top clubs.

“He’s such a good striker and a good lad, and they’ve maybe held some enquiries with his camp. I’m not sure if that’s gone to Villa directly.

“From my conversations with Villa, they see themselves as having no intention to part with Ollie Watkins. They want him to continue with him up front for them.”

Aston Villa looking to sell £100k-a-week star and sign quality replacement

NSWE need to offload players.

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Emilio Galantini

Jul 5, 2025

Marcus Rashford’s departure following a successful loan spell last season has opened the door for Aston Villa to make a move for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, though he is also the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest.

Frustration has been encountered by those who want to see the Villans pull off early deals. Nevertheless, their luck could be about to change following recent developments in connection with a midfield target.

Aston Villa could advance for Douglas Luiz

According to Tuttosport, Aston Villa could look to complete a sensational move for ex-midfielder Douglas Luiz following his frustrating time at Juventus.

Saudi Arabian clubs are also in the picture to sign the Brazil international. Still, he is said to have no interest in moving to the Gulf region or Turkish Super Lig despite the Old Lady being keen to offload him as soon as possible.

Douglas Luiz at Aston Villa – should he return to the West Midlands?
Appearances	204
Goals	22
Assists	24

Como are keen suitors willing to offer Luiz an escape route while remaining in Serie A. Meanwhile, Leeds, Everton and Manchester United all have their eye on his current situation.

Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has previously shared his admiration for Luiz, stating: “Would I take him back? After his departure, we made investments and our midfield is well-stocked with Tielemans, Onana, Kamara, Barkley. But I would always take Douglas back, at any club: he’s top class.”

Indeed, the Rio De Janeiro-born man was a revelation at Aston Villa, though he wasn’t able to hit the ground running at Juventus in 27 appearances last term.

Now, with the door open for a new career chapter, £138,000 per week earner Luiz could well complete an unexpected return to the scene of his former glories.

Kamboj’s performance was among his most impactful yet in a nascent first-class career

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Sep-2024Haryana seamer Anshul Kamboj’s career-best haul of 8 for 69 and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s second half-century of the match were the major highlights on a dull fourth day in Anantapur, as India C’s second Duleep Trophy 2024-25 fixture petered to a tame draw.Having begun the day on 309 for 7, India B were bowled out for 332 with Kamboj picking up all three wickets to fall. Abhimanyu Easwaran, the India B captain, carried his bat through and was unbeaten on 157 as his side conceded a 193-run lead early on the final day.At this point, it seemed certain only India C could force a victory if they wished to. They instead decided to settle for the first-innings honours and were at 128 for 4 after 37 overs when both captains decided to shake hands.Kamboj’s performance was among his most impactful yet in a nascent first-class career. Coming into his 15th game, Kamboj hadn’t taken more than three wickets in a single innings previously. His eight-for in Anantapur brought him the second-best figures by a fast bowler in Duleep Trophy history, behind Debasis Mohanty (10 for 46).India C lost B Sai Sudharsan early when Mukesh Kumar had him bowled for 11. Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar put on 96 for the second wicket, Patidar hitting 42 to go with his first innings 40, before falling to Musheer Khan’s left-arm spin.Rahul Chahar, the legspinner, then had first-innings centurion Ishan Kishan for 1, followed by Gaikwad’s scalp in his very next over. The only blip for India C in this game was a leg injury to pacer Sandeep Warrier, which led to him hobbling off after just 1.1 overs.Manav Suthar, who picked up a match-winning seven-for in the first round of matches, went wicketless in this game. His figures read: 33-4-85-0. Musheer, the player of the match last week for his 181, managed just 1 while Sarfaraz Khan, asked to play in this fixture before linking up with the Indian Test squad in Chennai, managed 16.