Shardul Thakur had a fantastic game, playing a key role in helping the Lucknow Super Giants hold the Sunrisers Hyderabad to 190 runs for nine wickets in their IPL match on Thursday. When LSG chose to bowl first, Shardul delivered right away, taking four wickets for 34 runs. He got things rolling by dismissing Abishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in back-to-back balls during the third over. Sharma fell to a bouncer, and then Kishan, who scored big in the last game, edged a delivery that seemed harmless down the leg side, resulting in a catch behind.
Travis Head, on the other hand, showed his strength at the crease. Scoring 47 runs off just 28 balls, he didn’t hold back, smashing boundaries and sixes with ease. His aggression at the start kept the pressure on LSG. After the innings, Shardul talked about his journey and how he came to join LSG after Mohsin Khan got injured. He reflected on not getting picked in the IPL 2025 mega auction, admitting it was a tough day for him. He said, These things happen in cricket. LSG reached out to me because they needed bowlers, so I was glad for the opportunity. It’s part of the game; I’ve learned to deal with ups and downs.
Shardul emphasized that what matters most to him is contributing to winning games. For me, it’s not just about wickets or runs. It’s about making an impact in crucial moments. He shared how the bowlers needed to step up against SRH, who were known for performing well on batter-friendly pitches. He added, “It’s all about pressure, and we were ready for them today.”
As the match rolled on, Travis Head was particularly harsh on Avesh Khan, who was struggling with his control. Head took advantage of this, scoring 18 runs in one over that included two sixes and a four. However, he had a bit of luck on his side—twice! First, he was dropped by Pooran at long-on when a simple catch slipped right through his fingers. That missed opportunity cost LSG dearly, especially when Head went on to hit Bishnoi for another maximum, capitalizing on his chance.
Bishnoi had another opportunity to get Head out but couldn’t quite hold onto a tough return catch. Eventually, though, it was fast bowler Prince Yadav who broke the spell and picked up Head’s wicket, taking down his stumps for his first wicket in IPL.
Henrich Klaasen also looked dangerous with a quick 26 runs off 17 balls, but he had a strange exit. Yadav ended up running him out off his own bowling after a straight drive from Nitish Reddy ricocheted onto the stumps. Then came young Aniket Verma, who wowed the crowd with a blazing 36 runs from just 13 balls, hitting five sixes before falling to leg-spinner Disvesh Rathi, who had David Miller catch him at mid-off.
Finally, SRH captain Pat Cummins took a shot at glory, hitting three consecutive sixes in his first three balls before getting out, making for an eventful day of cricket filled with great performances, surprising moments, and some nail-biting finishes.
