Crossword Genius

Popular team getting runs, one with special advantage (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

insider

'one with special advantage' is the definition.
(as in insider trading)

'popular team getting runs' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in'.
'team' becomes 'side' (both can mean a sports team).
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'in'+'side'+'r'='INSIDER'

(Other definitions for insider that I've seen before include "One privy to knowledge as an organisation member" , "One dealing illegally" , "Wrong sort of trading" , "Accepted member of group, in the know" , "person in the club" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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