After helping Lucknow Super Giants secure a thrilling 12-run victory against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 clash, Shardul Thakur reflected on the high-pressure moments and the key strategies that worked for his side. The pacer also lauded his teammate Rathi and emphasized the importance of adapting to tricky pitch conditions.
“There is always pressure when you are bowling the penultimate or the last over, Avesh did a great job as well. But at the end of the day you’re paid to do that job. It was a tricky surface… in the end, it was the yorkers that worked.”
Shardul’s performance with both bat and ball backed his words. With the ball, he returned figures of 4-0-40-1, picking up a crucial wicket while holding his nerve in challenging conditions. Earlier in the match, he also made a quick cameo with the bat, scoring 5 not out off just 2 balls, striking at an impressive strike rate of 250.00.
He also reserved special praise for Digvesh Singh Rathi, calling him a “phenomenal bowler and a character,” while speaking about the challenges posed by black soil wickets without dew.
“We need such guys in the team – who comes in and delivers for the team. I feel the bounce is even on the red soil… but you need more skills as a batter on black soil when there’s no dew.”
Shardul’s all-round contributions and match awareness continue to be vital for Lucknow’s campaign in IPL 2025.
