Shardul Thakur's Stellar Start and Avesh Khan's Humorous Remark
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all-rounder Shardul Thakur has swiftly become a talking point in the ongoing IPL 2025. From experiencing the disappointment of going unsold at the mega auction, Thakur has spectacularly rebounded with a series of impactful performances. His recent form has been so remarkable that it has even elicited a humorous observation from teammate Avesh Khan.
Thakur's Journey to LSG
At 33 years old, Thakur joined LSG as a replacement for Mohsin Khan, who was sidelined due to an injury. His impact has been immediate, showcasing exceptional skill with the new ball and consistently baffling batsmen with his variations.
Key Highlights of Thakur’s Performances:
- Match Against Delhi Capitals: Secured two crucial wickets.
- Match Against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Claimed four wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.
- He dismissed Abhishek Sharma with a deceptive short delivery, leading to a wicket. Sharma struggled to connect properly and was caught out.
- He then accounted for Ishan Kishan, who was caught behind down the leg side.
- Further contributions included wickets of Abhishek Manohar and Mohammed Shami, demonstrating his versatility in the death overs.
Avesh Khan's Humorous Take
Following the SRH match, during a lighthearted interaction with Abhishek and Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan playfully remarked that only Shardul Thakur and God know where his deliveries will land. “Only God and Shardul know where he’ll bowl. No one else knows where he’s going to bowl,' he quipped, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Thakur’s bowling.
Impact on LSG’s Victory
Thanks to Thakur’s superb bowling performance, LSG successfully restricted SRH to a total of 190, ultimately winning the away fixture by five wickets. This marks Thakur's second four-wicket haul in his IPL career.
Current Standings and Upcoming Match
Shardul Thakur currently holds the second position in the Purple Cap race, trailing only Chennai Super Kings spinner Noor Ahmad, who has secured seven wickets in two matches. LSG is set to face Punjab Kings on April 1 at home, where Thakur will be aiming to dethrone Ahmad and solidify his position at the top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Why was Shardul Thakur not picked in the mega auction? The reasons are speculative but often relate to team strategies and perceived value.
- What makes Shardul Thakur’s bowling so unpredictable? His variations in pace, length, and trajectory make it difficult for batsmen to anticipate his deliveries.
- What is the Purple Cap? The Purple Cap is awarded to the leading wicket-taker in the IPL.