Shardul Thakur Shines for Lucknow Super Giants After Being Unsold in IPL Auction

Shardul Thakur, who was initially unsold in the IPL auction, has made a remarkable comeback with Lucknow Super Giants and is now the second-highest wicket-taker of the season, with only Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad ahead of him.

After being unsold in the IPL, Shardul had been preparing to play county cricket in England. However, following an injury to Mohsin Khan, Lucknow Super Giants decided to bring him in as a late replacement. In just two matches, Shardul has taken six wickets. After taking two wickets in the opening match against Delhi Capitals, Shardul starred in Thursday’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, taking 4 wickets for 34 runs and leading Lucknow to a five-wicket victory.

Reflecting on his unexpected opportunity in this IPL season, Shardul said, "Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be playing. But I had made my plan. If I wasn’t picked for the IPL, I would have played county cricket."

He added, "During the Ranji Trophy, Lucknow’s mentor Zaheer Khan called me and said, ‘If you get a call-up as a replacement, you’ll probably get a chance to play, so be ready.’ Life has its ups and downs, but I’ve always backed my abilities."

Shardul Thakur has been playing in the IPL for 10 years but has struggled with consistency, preventing him from establishing himself with any one team. He has played for six franchises in total: Punjab Kings, Rising Pune Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Lucknow Super Giants.