Shardul Thakur, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, found himself back in the spotlight after being picked as a replacement by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the injured Mohsin Khan. Making the most of his opportunity, Shardul Thakur produced a match-winning spell of 4 for 34, helping LSG secure a commanding five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His performance not only turned the tide in LSG’s favour but also reignited the discussion around the nature of pitches in the IPL.
Shardul Thakur’s Stunning Comeback for LSG
Before the IPL 2025 season began, not many expected Shardul Thakur to feature, let alone star in a crucial win. But cricket’s unpredictability played in his favour when LSG called him in as a last-minute replacement. Thakur immediately made an impact by removing two key SRH batters — Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan — in successive deliveries, setting the tone for LSG’s dominance.
His fiery spell restricted SRH to 190/9, a total that LSG chased down comfortably with the help of Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 70 off 26 balls. After the match, Thakur opened up about his thoughts on bowling conditions in the IPL.
Shardul Thakur Questions Flat Pitches and Impact Player Rule
While celebrating the win, Shardul Thakur didn’t shy away from pointing out an issue that bowlers have raised time and again — the lack of assistance from IPL pitches. He stated that modern IPL wickets heavily favour batters, especially in the context of the newly introduced Impact Player rule.
“I feel bowlers get very little on these kinds of pitches,” said Thakur. “Even in the last game pre-match, I said that pitches should be prepared in such a way that the game hangs in the balance for batters and bowlers.”
He further added,
“Especially after the impact player rule, it’s not fair on the bowlers if a team scores 240-250 runs consistently.”
This isn’t the first time bowlers have expressed concern about the aggressive nature of T20 pitches. However, when someone like Shardul Thakur, who has consistently delivered under pressure, speaks out, it adds weight to the conversation.
How Zaheer Khan’s Call Changed Thakur’s Plans
Having gone unsold at the auction, Shardul Thakur was ready to head to England to play County cricket for Essex. But a call from LSG mentor Zaheer Khan changed everything.
“I had made my plans. I had signed for County Cricket if I wasn’t picked for IPL,” Thakur revealed. “While playing Ranji, I got a call from Zaheer Khan that we are looking at you as a potential replacement. So don’t switch yourself off.”
Zaheer’s timely call brought Thakur back into the IPL mindset, and he has since made the most of his opportunity with two strong performances for LSG. His experience, coupled with his ability to strike early, has given the team a much-needed edge.
Rishabh Pant Calls It a ‘Big Relief’
For LSG captain Rishabh Pant, the win over SRH was a massive relief after early jitters in the season. Speaking post-match, Pant emphasised focusing on the process rather than riding the highs and lows of T20 cricket.
“Big relief, but as a team we talk about the process. It’s not about getting too high when you win and not about getting too low when you lose,” Pant said.
He also praised Nicholas Pooran’s fearless approach, revealing that the team management encourages the West Indian to play with complete freedom.
Pooran Credits Pitch, Timing for Match-Winning Knock
Pooran, who smashed six sixes and six boundaries in his 26-ball 70, credited his approach to clean timing rather than brute power.
“I don’t plan to hit sixes. I just try to get into good positions and time the ball,” he said.
He acknowledged that the Hyderabad pitch was ideal for big scores, especially when a team doesn’t lose wickets in the powerplay.
“The wicket was beautiful. Looking at the games before, every time you come to Hyderabad, it’s big scores here,” he added.
Shardul Thakur’s Revival a Boost for LSG and Bowlers’ Cause
With his IPL journey reignited, Shardul Thakur has not only proven his worth with the ball but has also emerged as a strong voice for bowlers who are struggling on batter-friendly tracks in modern-day T20 cricket. His performances in IPL 2025 have shown that class and confidence go hand in hand — and that bowlers, when backed and used smartly, can still turn games around.
As the season progresses, LSG will be hoping that Shardul Thakur continues to deliver impactful performances and that his call for more balanced pitches gains traction in the league’s evolving narrative.
