The Indian Premier League (IPL) has a knack for rewriting destinies in just a matter of overs, and Shardul Thakur is the latest testament to this phenomenon. A player who went unsold during the IPL 2025 mega auction, overlooked and underestimated, has now etched his name in the headlines with a fiery start for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against the Delhi Capitals (DC).
When Shardul’s name came up during the auction, not a single franchise raised a paddle. It appeared as though his IPL journey was over before it began. However, fate had other plans. LSG’s dependable pacer, Mohsin Khan, suffered an unfortunate injury, creating a sudden vacancy. With just ₹2 crores, LSG took a leap of faith on Shardul — a move that would pay off immediately.
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In their opening clash, LSG’s captain Rishabh Pant included Thakur in the playing XI. While his batting stint was short-lived — a duck that barely made a ripple — his bowling was a storm. Thakur’s very first over was a game-changer. He dismissed Jack Fraser McGurk, a renowned power-hitter, on just the second ball, shocking the Delhi camp. As if that wasn’t enough, he sent Abhishek Porel packing on the fifth ball, leaving DC reeling at the start of their daunting chase of 210.
Welcome back, LORD SHARDUL! 💪
Top start for #LSG as #ShardulThakur picks up back-to-back wickets in the first over! 🔥
Watch LIVE action: https://t.co/mQP5SyTHlW#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvLSG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/2u73nvJAYN
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 24, 2025
Shardul Tha’s redemption arc is a narrative of resilience. Just months ago, he was disregarded as unwanted, yet here he was, turning the tide of a high-stakes IPL encounter. Those franchises that ignored him in the auction might now be rethinking their decisions.
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On the broader match front, LSG set a massive target of 209/8 in 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 72 off 36 balls laid a solid foundation, while Nicholas Pooran’s blistering 75 off just 30 balls took them past the 200 mark. David Miller added crucial runs with his composed 27 off 19 balls. However, Pooran’s dismissal halted their momentum, stopping them from crossing the 230-mark.
In the end, it wasn’t just about runs or wickets — it was about redemption. For Shardul Thakur, this match was more than just a performance; it was a statement.
