Image courtesy: X(CSK / IPL)
Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur endured a nightmarish outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, conceding 69 runs for one wicket in four overs against Kerala. This performance, coming just days after he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, added an unwanted record to his name. Thakur now shares the dubious distinction of conceding the most runs in a single spell in SMAT history, equaling Ramesh Raul’s record.
A Tough Day at the Office
Thakur, representing Mumbai, faced a relentless onslaught from Kerala’s batters. Despite starting strong by dismissing Kerala captain Sanju Samson for a duck in his first over, Thakur was taken apart in the subsequent overs, leaking nearly 70 runs. Kerala, led by Salman Nizar’s unbeaten 99 and Rohan Kunnummal’s blistering 87, posted a massive total of 234/5 in their 20 overs.
Mumbai’s bowlers, including Thakur, struggled to contain Kerala’s aggressive batting, with every bowler conceding over eight runs per over. While Thakur’s 69 runs in four overs stood out for the wrong reasons, the entire Mumbai attack appeared out of answers against Kerala’s batting firepower.
Mumbai’s Response
Chasing 235, Mumbai fell short by 43 runs, managing 191/9 in their 20 overs. Veteran Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with a valiant 68 off 35 balls, including five fours and four sixes. Contributions from Prithvi Shaw (23), skipper Shreyas Iyer (32), and Hardik Tamore (23) weren’t enough to bridge the gap. Kerala’s MD Nidheesh starred with the ball, picking up 4/30 in his four overs.
IPL 2025 Auction Snub
Thakur’s forgettable performance in SMAT came just days after he was overlooked in the IPL 2025 mega auction. A veteran of 95 IPL matches, Thakur has been a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder, contributing 94 wickets and 307 runs over his career. His best season came in 2021 when he took 21 wickets in 16 matches for Chennai Super Kings, helping the team clinch the title.
Despite these credentials, Thakur’s recent form seemed to work against him. He played nine matches in IPL 2023 and 11 in IPL 2022, managing a combined 12 wickets in 20 games, which may have raised concerns about his consistency among franchises.
From IPL Glory to a Setback
Thakur’s journey in the IPL has been marked by success with Chennai Super Kings, where he was part of three title-winning campaigns (2018, 2021, and 2023). Known for his knack for picking crucial wickets, Thakur earned the nickname “Lord Thakur” among fans for his impactful performances. However, his recent dip in form, coupled with competition from emerging all-rounders, likely contributed to his auction snub.
What Lies Ahead for Thakur?
The recent outing in SMAT will be a tough pill to swallow for Thakur, but it also presents an opportunity for introspection and improvement. His ability to perform under pressure has been his hallmark, and a strong comeback in domestic cricket could reignite interest among IPL franchises.
For now, Thakur will look to put this setback behind him and focus on regaining his rhythm. His experience and skillset remain valuable assets, and with determination and hard work, he can rebuild his reputation as a dependable all-rounder in Indian cricket.
Kerala’s Dominance
Kerala’s commanding performance against Mumbai solidified their position as a formidable team in SMAT 2024. Salman Nizar’s near-century and Rohan Kunnummal’s explosive knock demonstrated the team’s batting depth, while MD Nidheesh’s bowling ensured a comprehensive win.
Conclusion
Shardul Thakur’s forgettable spell in SMAT, coupled with his IPL snub, marks a challenging phase in his career. However, cricket has always been a game of comebacks, and Thakur’s proven pedigree suggests that he can bounce back stronger. As the domestic season progresses, all eyes will be on how “Lord Thakur” scripts his redemption.
