Shardul Thakur dismantled a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup with a brilliant four-wicket haul, helping Lucknow Super Giants restrict last year’s runners-up to a modest total of 190 in their allotted 20 overs.
In the buildup to the game, much of the chatter revolved around whether SRH could breach the 300-run mark against a depleted LSG bowling attack. But Shardul silenced the hype in style, striking twice early and twice at the death to finish with impressive figures of 4/34.
Shardul, who wasn’t picked in IPL auction by any franchise, came in as a replacement of the injured Mohsin Khan and now he’s making waves with his performances.
“It was a bad day for me in the auction (I didn’t get picked by any franchise),” Shardul told the broadcasters. “LSG was the one who approached me first due to the injuries to their bowlers, so it was always on the cards. I had to accept it with Zaheer Khan around. You have to go through such things (ups and downs) in cricket.”
When Chennai Super Kings clinched the IPL title in 2018, Shardul emerged as the team’s highest wicket-taker. Even in 2021, he played a crucial role by claiming 21 wickets, helping CSK secure their fourth trophy. While he may leak runs at times, Shardul consistently proves his worth as a reliable wicket-taker, time and time again.
“Winning in the game is important for me. I don’t look at the wickets or runs column. I want to create an impact and a match winning performance,” added Shardul.