Facing adversity is part and parcel of a cricketer’s journey, and Shamar Joseph experienced this firsthand in the clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. Making his IPL debut, Joseph’s first over turned into a baptism by fire as he leaked 22 runs, setting a challenging tone for his introduction to the league.
Lucknow Super Giants managed to post a respectable total of 161/7, anchored by Nicholas Pooran’s notable contribution of 45 runs off 32 deliveries. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc, who had been grappling with form, found his rhythm by claiming three wickets while conceding 28 runs.
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In the second innings, as Kolkata’s opening pair, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, took the field, KL Rahul entrusted the first over to Joseph. However, Joseph’s debut over didn’t go as planned. Despite starting decently and conceding just eight runs initially, he faltered with a series of extras.
A no-ball followed by two wides, one of which found the boundary, compounded his troubles. Adding to the dismay, another no-ball was bowled, exacerbating the already costly over. Salt, capitalizing on the free hit, dispatched the ball for a six, marking a challenging start for Joseph.
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In the midst of Joseph’s struggles, a heartening moment emerged as KL Rahul was seen comforting the young bowler, offering words of encouragement and placing a reassuring hand on his back.
Shamar Joseph’s challenging IPL debut quickly sparked discussions on social media platforms, with the Twitterverse reacting to his adversity and showing support for the budding cricketer.
Shamar Joseph bowled 10 balls in his first IPL over.
He bowled first 5 legal deliveries in 5 balls, but then took 5 more balls to deliver the 6th legal ball!
And the sixth legal ball went for Six! #KKRvsLSG pic.twitter.com/w56lF476km
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) April 14, 2024
Me returning to Gully cricket after 5 years #ShamarJoseph pic.twitter.com/WjriRhFrTh
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) April 14, 2024
Welcome to IPL Shamar Joseph
10 ball over to start with 🔥— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) April 14, 2024
Shamar Joseph needs to calm himself down a bit. Nerves.
All out attack bowler. A point that I have made before about him. He needs to learn the defensive skills needed for t20 cricket.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) April 14, 2024
Where were all these no balls at the Gabba, Shamar Joseph?!#KKRvsLSG
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) April 14, 2024
Shamar Joseph Needs more time in terms of the spell considering played more first class . Need defensive skills and probably variations in limited overs that would gradually come in 1-2 yrs by playing cpl consistently. Hope they leave him alone and not include him in WC Squad
— Pratham (@Pratham_Padu) April 14, 2024
The only effect of Shamar Joseph being no balled rather than wided then is it adds a ball faced to Phil Salt’s innings. He must be fuming
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) April 14, 2024
Shamar Joseph has Rabada problem
No consistency in landing balls
Said same in AUS series too where his eco was higher due to lot of loose ballsBut got good bounce & kick vs Salt& Narine in 3 balls,beat him in 1 ball too
So this is a positive#KKRvsLSG
— SINLESANN (@SINLESANN) April 14, 2024
1st over of 22 runs for Shamar Joseph. Welcome to Eden Gardens Gabba Hero.
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) April 14, 2024
