Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) match number 41 saw the fourth-highest run chase in the league as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) chased down the total of 244 runs with one over and two balls to spare against Mumbai Indians (MI), handing them their sixth defeat of the season. Shardul Thakur was used as an impact sub during the second innings.
However, Shardul Thakur created an unwanted record during the game, as he became the first impressive player to neither bowl nor bat in the match. This decision was a surprise for every fan and former cricketer as well. MI batting coach Kieron Pollard was asked about the matter in the post-match press conference.
This would have happened – Kieron Pollard told why Shardul Thakur did not bowl
Pollard also did not know why influential player Shardul Thakur did not bowl a single over in the match despite being on the field. This raises some serious questions about the lack of communication between the management and captain Hardik Pandya, who is under immense pressure for the first time after four consecutive defeats at the Wankhede Stadium.
He said, “About why we did not bowl even a single over from Shardul… I will go back and ask. Then again, if he had given 20 runs in an over, it would have been a completely different conversation.”
After being traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the mini-auction last year, Shardul Thakur has played seven games in the tournament so far. He has failed to impress with the bowling and bat, taking six wickets and scoring 14 runs with an economy of over 13 in the competition so far.
I don’t understand this at all – Murali Karthik
During a discussion on Cricbuzz, cricketer-turned-commentator Murali Karthik and Virender Sehwag were also surprised by this move. Sehwag believes that Shardul is a wicket-taking bowler and should have been given at least one over, especially after being introduced as an impact player.
The former India spinner said, “I don’t understand it at all. Why did they bring him? Maybe they forgot about him. Only God can tell us why it was done.”
Sehwag said, “If you have brought him in as an impact sub, he should have bowled at least one over. He is a wicket-taking bowler. He could have got wickets any way, so he should have definitely tried.” “Only Hardik Pandya can tell us why Shardul Thakur was not bowled because, ever since he came, he always takes a wicket, no matter how hard he gets hit.”
Will MI qualify for the playoffs?
Talking about the match, MI won the toss and decided to bat first. Ryan Rickelton scored a brilliant 123* and helped the franchise post a massive score of 243/5 in 20 overs. But lethal bowling from Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Salil Arora snatched the match from the Blues while chasing the target of 244 runs in 18.4 overs.
Mumbai Indians have struggled this season. Despite winning their first game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they have failed to find the right momentum in the competition so far. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, they have won two games now, and after last night’s defeat, their qualification for the playoffs has become more difficult.
Also read: No trust left! Ravichandran Ashwin leaves out Hardik Pandya and MI in IPL 2026