Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
All-rounder Shardul Thakur grabbed the limelight for his excellent bowling performance for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Spearheading LSG’s fast-bowling unit confidently, he looked sensational with the ball and picked up a four-wicket haul. Riding on his extraordinary bowling performance (4/34 in four overs), Lucknow restricted Hyderabad on 190/9. The 33-year-old’s bowling display played a crucial role in helping his team to chase down the total in just 16.1 overs and subdue the hosts by five wickets. Thakur also became the recipient of the Player of the Match (POTM) award for his standout bowling.
After the first innings of the game, Thakur said it was just an unfortunate day for him in the mega auction 2025 and he also revealed he got offers from multiple franchises but he chose Lucknow as they were the one who approached him first. Thakur went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction, held in Jeddah in November 2024, as no franchise raided their paddles when his name went under the hammer. "See, I feel all these things keep happening in cricket. It was just one bad day in the auction, I didn't get picked by any of the franchises. But, unfortunately, a few injuries here and there, there were a few inquiries whether I could join the camp. But LSG was the one who approached me first, so I had to give them preference, and even closely working with Zaheer Khan, he gave me a call. And it was always on the cards, I had to accept it,” remarked Thakur.
Lucknow will strive to take their brilliant work forward against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home
After thumping SRH, LSG will host Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Taking advantage of home conditions, Lucknow will endeavour to beat Punjab-based franchise, who won their maiden game against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25. Both LSG and PBKS have played four games against each other in the league and the former have an upper hand over the latter with three wins. In their previous meeting in IPL 2024, the Super Giants emerged victorious by 21 runs in their backyard. However, noting Punjab’s current form and revamped side, the task might not be simple for Lucknow in the upcoming contest.
