In a riveting encounter at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, Shardul Thakur’s audacious innings for Mumbai against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy semifinal has left cricket enthusiasts in awe, including none other than ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin’s Expressive Reaction
Hailing from Tamil Nadu himself, Ashwin took to social media, exclaiming, “Dey lord beefy! Enough da,” encapsulating the sheer brilliance of Thakur’s gutsy knock on Day 2.
Mumbai’s Dominance Unfolds
As the digital ink dries, Mumbai stands at 248/8 after 75 overs during the tea break, leading Tamil Nadu by 102 runs. Thakur (78 off 75) and Tanush Kotian (18 off 24) are holding fort at the crease. R Sai Kishore emerged as the standout bowler for Tamil Nadu, clinching a commendable six-wicket haul.
Tamil Nadu’s Struggle and Mumbai’s Bowling Prowess
Earlier, in the first innings, Tamil Nadu crumbled to 146 all out. Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar showcased resilience with scores of 44 (109) and 43 (138), respectively. Tushar Deshpande starred with the ball for Mumbai, boasting figures of 3/24, while Thakur, Musheer Khan, and Tanush Kotian scalped two wickets each.
Thakur’s IPL 2024 Venture
Shardul Thakur’s heroics have not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for the upcoming IPL 2024 season. The MS Dhoni-led franchise secured his services for ₹4 crore at the auction. This marks Thakur’s second stint with CSK, previously playing for them from 2018 to 2021, contributing to two IPL title victories.
IPL Legacy and a New Chapter
Having played 86 IPL matches, Thakur boasts an impressive record of 89 wickets at an economy of 9.16. His recent performances, grabbing 22 wickets in the last two seasons, showcase his consistency and prowess. Notably, Thakur has previously plied his trade for Punjab Kings, the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
March 22 Clash: CSK vs. RCB
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the IPL 2024 season, Shardul Thakur might be a key figure when CSK clashes with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening game on March 22. The seasoned pacer’s journey continues to add new chapters, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.
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