Mumbai Indians bowler Shardul Thakur celebrates a wicket through the IPL 2026 match in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on March 29, 2026
| Photograph Credit score: Emmanual Yogini
He has been a part of the Indian Premier League for over a decade. Apart from representing 5 franchises until the final season, he has featured in two title-winning campaigns. But, Shardul Thakur would have felt a couple of butterflies whereas marking his run-up on Sunday night.
For the first time, he was turning out for Mumbai Indians — his house franchise. And Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain made it a memorable outing, returning Participant-of-the-Match figures of three for 39 in 4 overs in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders, one in every of his former groups.
On a flat Wankhede observe the place batters dominated and bowlers struggled to make an impression, Shardul’s variations in tempo proved decisive. Mixing slower balls, knuckle balls and change-ups, he struck in every of his first three overs to drag issues again after KKR’s explosive begin.
“Firstly, he has the talents. He reads the sport rather well and retains it easy,” mentioned KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who has shared the Mumbai and India dressing room with Shardul. Rahane identified that the circumstances demanded smarter variations somewhat than outright tempo, and credited Shardul’s expertise for executing these plans successfully.
Regardless of his expertise, Mumbai Indians didn’t pursue Shardul aggressively at any of the auctions. As an alternative, he arrived by way of a commerce from Lucknow Tremendous Giants through the pre-auction window — a transfer head coach Mahela Jayawardene described as ‘tactical’.
“To make use of Allah (Ghazanfar), and with Hardik additionally bowling up entrance, we couldn’t have too many new-ball bowlers. I wanted choices for the center and the again finish. That was the considering after we traded Shardul,” Jayawardene mentioned.
The transfer paid rapid dividends. Shardul’s intelligent spell ensured KKR have been stored inside attain — a goal that Mumbai Indians chased down comfortably.
If the opening night time was any indication, Shardul’s long-awaited stint together with his house franchise may properly flip into a cheerful homecoming.
Revealed – March 30, 2026 12:04 pm IST
