A player like Shardul Thakur can never be kept out of the game as h always finds a way of proving his mettle and keeping his team in the game. After all, there’s some reason why he’s hailed as ‘Lord’, on social media. Just when India looked in all sorts of trouble in the ongoing second Test, the right-arm pacer stunned the hosts by taking three wickets in no time. His heroics changed the course of the game entirely as the hosts lost three wickets inside 14 runs.
For the unversed, India only managed to reach the tally of 202 runs a paltry 202 while batting first at the Wanderers. With a mediocre total on the board, the visitors needed quick wickets with the new ball. While opener Aiden Markram was dismissed by Mohammed Shami for 7, skipper Dean Elgar joined forces with Keegan Petersen and the duo showcased remarkable resilience. At 88/1, the Proteas was looking in a commanding position and stand-in skipper KL Rahul seemed short of options.
WATCH – Netizens Unhappy With Rishabh Pant’s Of Rassie Van der Dussen’s Wicket
However, at the brink of lunch, Rahul threw the ball to Shardul, and oh boy, the fast bowler didn’t disappoint as he bowled a stupendous spell, and all of a sudden, the momentum tilted towards India’s favor. Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, and Rassie van der Dussen were Shardul’s three victims before lunch.
As a result, the Proteas side was reduced to 102/4, trailing by 100 runs. With the track having substantial assistance for bowlers, it won’t be easy for the remaining South African batters to create an impact. Hence, India would back themselves to bundle the home team out as soon as possible. Eventually, Shardul Thakur went on to take his maiden 5-wicket haul as he also got the wickets of Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne in the post-lunch session.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah Imitates The Bowling Action Of R Ashwin
It must be noted that regular Indian skipper Virat Kohli is missing the second Test due to an upper back spasm. Hence, KL Rahul took over the charge in his absence with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is playing as a vice-captain. Having won the opening Test by 113 runs in Centurion, India have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and a victory in the ongoing contest would see India winning their maiden Test series in the rainbow nation.
Here is the video of Rassie Van der Dussen’s wicket:
https://twitter.com/LoduLal02410635/status/1478315509686976516?s=20
Here is how the netizens reacted to the brilliant spell of Shardul Thakur:
Shardul Thakur just keeps do his thing.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 4, 2022
Lord Shardul and team India believe in fair play. That's why Lord never bowls to new batsmen, he's only brought on once there is a partnership and the batsmen are set. Lord still gets them out though 😄 #SAvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 4, 2022
Not just saying cos shardul got wicket but why did he bowl after Siraj? Siraj was struggling with hamstring yesterday, If that wouldn’t have happen totally understand making shardul bowl last.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2022
How does shardul do this time and again? Wow.. #SAvIND
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) January 4, 2022
There are only three things which are truly inevitable:
1) Death
2) Taxes
3) Lord Shardul Thakur @imShard #INDvsSA— Shikhar (@Shikhar__T) January 4, 2022
Shardul Thakur … Dark HORSE 🐎 among INDIAN Pacers….least expectations but maximum returns#INDvsSA #SAvsIND
— Deepak Panchal (@sfdepanc) January 4, 2022
Batsmen are building partnership
Le Lord shardul thakur to batsmen pic.twitter.com/V9LXZfkPNc— Gaurav Bang (@Gaurav_bang88) January 4, 2022
Shardul Thakur has a kneck for taking big wickets at crucial times of the game. Superb bowling performance after being overlooked all morning. #SAvIND
— Ongama (@imongamagcwabe) January 4, 2022
