Just imagine going unsold in the IPL auction after being bought for Rs 10.75 crore in the 2023 edition. Hard isn’t it? What is even harder is being the bowler to bowl the most expensive spell in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Shardul Thakur’s SMAT performance came against Kerala when he was smashed left right and center. Once an Indian regular, he has been performing poorly even for the Mushtaq Ali side, Mumbai.
Shardul Thakur’s Expensive Spell in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Match Details and Bowling Figures
No, it wasn’t a pretty Shardul Thakur SMAT outing, if you talk in 2024. Often regarded as a pace bowling all rounder, Thakur has gone for plenty in this year’s SMAT.
In the game against Kerala, Shardul started on a very positive note. The Mumbai pace uprooted the stumps of Kerala captain Sanju Samson. Not to forget, Samson is in great form.
But, that was short-lived happiness for the bowler. In total, Thakur went for 69 runs in his allotted 4 overs, picking up the only wicket of Samson. By the end of the innings, Kerala had smashed 234 runs.
Mumbai did come out with positive intent but the target was way too big. They lost the match by 43 runs in the end.
Kerala’s Batting Dominance Against Thakur
The top and middle order of Kerala helped Shardul Thakur’s SMAT performance to go from bad to worse. Thakur for his bowling was hit for 6 sixes and 5 fours.
A total of 56 runs was single handedly scored in the boundaries. It is fair to say that Thakur bowled half volleys and full toss, which the batters took a brilliant toll.
Rohan Kunnummal and Salam Nizar scored half-centuries with Salman scoring 99 runs from 49 balls and remaining unbeaten. It was Nizar’s dominant nature that blew away Shardul Thakur’s bowling.
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Context of the Performance
When we talk about Shardul Thakur’s SMAT performance, immediately after being snubbed in the IPL auction, questions his place in the Indian team for the future.
Allrounder, that too Indian, being unsold, was a major surprise for the fans and even some cricket experts. Some did say that his base price of Rs 2 crore was a bit over the top.
During the game against Kerala in SMAT 2024, Shardul looked out of sorts. With no variations along with the erratic line and length, batsmen were able to dominate right from the word go. It was the wicket of Sanju Samson which acted as the saving grace.
Once known as the premier allrounder for India and with great performance in tests at England, South Africa, and Australian conditions, Thakur has faded away from the spotlight. A lot of the players have done well in domestic cricket while Shardul has been poorer and poorer. This could hurt his confidence badly.
Occurrence After IPL 2025 Auction SnubComparison to Previous SMAT Records
Equaling Ramesh Rahul’s 69-Run Spell
Shardul Thakur, the foregone premium allrounder of the Indian cricket team, conceded 69 runs in four overs. The well-anticipated allrounder was in equal partnership with a bowler named Ramesh Rahul.
Ramesh Rahul plays for Arunachal Pradesh in the domestic circuit. Rahul is a right-arm off-spin bowling who conceded 69 runs against Haryana. Nishant Sindhu and Himanshu Rana took a liking to the spinner and smashed him around the ground.
Similar to Shardul, Ramesh Rahul didn’t have any wicket to show. Arunachal got a massive target of 256 runs and the whole team was bowled out for 80.
Implications on Thakur’s Career
Concerns About Form and Future Prospects
Being an international bowler and doing well, if you get continuously smashed in the domestic arena, it is an issue. Shardul Thakur’s SMAT performance would surely create questions on his national side return.
Some might argue that Thakur is coming back from injury and finding form. Just to be very clear, his IPL economy is also above the rate of 9. At the age of 33 when injuries have been an issue, it looks tough for Shardul Thakur to come back to the national team.
Young all rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hardik Pandya, and Venkatesh Iyer have made great marks. So, it will be something outstanding that will help Shardul Thakur to come back.
