Shardul Thakur, the India all-rounder, is making waves on the world cricket stage during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite going unsold at last year’s auction, no one has taken more wickets than Thakur through seven matches. He had been due to represent Essex in the County Championship next week. All that changed when Zaheer Khan rang him with a fulfilment from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after Mohsin Khan got injured.
Thakur’s ascent to the pinnacle of the IPL wicket charts began with an important decision from Zaheer Khan. Khan recognized Thakur’s talent, despite him having just suffered four straight losses.
“Zaheer Khan gave me a call. Skills and talent always there it is just about the form.” – Shardul
Initially, several teams showed interest in Thakur. It was LSG that initiated contact first, leading him to put them at the top of his list.
“There were few enquiries. LSG approached me first so I had to give them preference.” – Shardul
Thakur’s gamble paid off as he put up some stellar performances in the field. It started with Lucknow’s first ever match vs Delhi Capitals where he returned 2-19 in a blistering opening spell that set the tone for his breakout season. On 2 April he proved his extraordinary talent with a fifer of 4 wickets for 34 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Among those important wickets were Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.
Essex’s players were mostly preparing for their season back in the English spring. In between all this, Thakur was doing excellent business in the IPL commanding LSG. The journey from the prospect of playing in England to heading the wickets list in India speaks volumes about Thakur’s mental fortitude and versatility.
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