Lord Shardul” was trending on various social media platforms as the Indian all-rounder, Shardul Thakur was running through South Africa’s batting unit on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at the Wanders in Johannesburg. In his short but fleeing Test career, Shardul has developed the knack of picking up crucial wickets, breaking key partnerships and the Mumbai pacer was at it again on Tuesday. “Lord Shardul”, “Beefy” are some of the nicknames that Shardul Thakur has been receiving are associated with Shardul Thakur.
The Indian all-rounder revealed the reason behind the former after picking up his career-best figures of 7/61 that helped India to restrict South Africa to a meager score of 229 in their first innings in the Johannesburg Test.
In a video shared by the BCCI, Shardul Thakur said he doesn’t know who gave him the nickname, however, he added that it came into prominence on social media after he played against England at home last year after returning from Australia wherein he starred in India’s memorable victory at the Gabba, Brisbane.
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Elaborating the same, Shardul Thakur said, “I seriously don’t know who started naming me Lord. But I am sure it started in a home series against England after we returned from Australia just before the IPL. I got a lot of wickets, two consecutive wickets in an over. From there, the name arrived.”
Meanwhile, Shardul said he was delighted to see the ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar praising him on Twitter after his heroics on Day 2 of the 2nd Test, adding that the legendary Indian cricketer had motivated him during the nascent stages of his career for Mumbai.
Congratulations to @imShard on picking up 7 wickets with his steady bowling and variations. Good support by the others.#SAvIND
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 4, 2022
Shardul Thakur elaborated, “It’s my pleasure that the god himself has tweeted about me. He is a fellow Mumbaikar. I have played with him a few games. He has always supported me. It’s always good to hear from him, it’s a big morale booster.”
Man of the moment @imShard reacts to the social media frenzy post his 7⃣-wicket haul at The Wanderers. 👏 👍
P.S. How did he get the title of 'Lord'? 🤔 #TeamIndia #SAvIND
To find out, watch the full interview by @28anand 🎥 🔽 https://t.co/dkWcqAL3z5 pic.twitter.com/vSIjk2hvyR
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2022
Shedding light on his success mantra, Shardul Thakur said: “When I enter the ground, everything is about confidence and self-belief for me. I go in with full confidence, there is no half measures. I think it’s simple and small mantra for my success in recent days. I would like to continue that. I always play to win.”
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He further added, “Even when I look at other players, I like those who like to win their games to the team. I was just trying to pitch the ball at the right spots. There was natural help from the pitch. I got 7 wickets. I am very happy to have contributed to the team.”
India ended Day 2 at 85/2, leading South Africa by 58 runs as Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten. The visitors will be hoping to post a total in excess of 250 as they are chasing a historic Test series win in the Rainbow Nation.
