IPL 2023, KKR vs RCB: Shardul Thakur’s epic knock was beyond everyone’s expectations, says Irfan Pathan

Shardul Thakur played one of the most memorable knocks of his IPL career, guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to an emphatic 81-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore.

‘Lord Shardul’ Thakur played a fiery knock of 68 runs off just 29 balls after KKR were struggling at 89/5. Thakur, whose innings was studded with nine boundaries and three sixes, and Rinku Singh (46 off 33) put on a crucial 103-run partnership for the sixth wicket to power KKR to 204/7.

In reply, Varun Chakravarthy (4/15), Impact Player Suyash Sharma (3/30), Sunil Narine (2/16) and Shardul Thakur (1/15) combined to help KKR bundle out RCB for 123.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan heaped praise on Thakur, saying his “epic knock” was beyond everyone’s expectations.

“The kind of knock Shardul Thakur played under difficult circumstances is really commendable. He walked into the middle when half of KKR side was back in the dugout but his counter-attacking knock changed the complexion of the game in no time,” Pathan said on Star Sports.

“You can expect this type of innings from Andre Russell, Nitish Rana and Mandeep Singh but the way Shardul unleashed his beast mode was exceptional. You can expect an innings of 30-35 runs from Shardul but he played an epic knock which was beyond everyone’s expectations.”

Pathan further said that Thakur justified his role at KKR after moving from Delhi Capitals. Thakur was traded to KKR in exchange for Aman Khan in November 2022.

“With his highest score in T20s, Shardul has done full justice to the role he was traded for from Delhi Capitals. KKR brought him for his wicket-taking ability and useful batting at number 6 or 7. With this knock, he has justified his selection,” Pathan added.

Kolkata Knight Riders will next travel to Ahmedabad to meet the defending champions Gujarat Titans on April 9.