Shardul Thakur, affectionately known as “Lord Shardul” among fans, has delivered his career-best performance in the IPL 2025 season, claiming a stunning 4/34 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His fiery spell not only dismantled SRH’s power-packed batting lineup but also propelled him to the top of the Purple Cap standings with six wickets in just two matches.
Shardul Thakur : Lord Shardul Thakur Shines Bright – Bags Best Ever IPL Spell, Claims Purple Cap in IPL 2025
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A Dream Come True: Shardul Thakur Grabs Purple Cap
Shardul’s journey in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially going unsold in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, he was later roped in by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as an injury replacement for Mohsin Khan. And what a signing he has turned out to be!
- Match 1 vs Delhi Capitals: 2/19 in 4 overs
- Match 2 vs SRH: 4/34 in 4 overs
With six scalps in two games at an incredible average of 8.83, Shardul has surged past CSK’s Noor Ahmad to claim the prestigious Purple Cap.
Shardul Thakur Destroys SRH Batting Lineup
Shardul’s impact against SRH was felt right from his first over.
✅ Abhishek Sharma: Caught by Nicholas Pooran attempting a big shot.
✅ Ishan Kishan: Last match’s centurion was sent back for a golden duck.
SRH, known for their ability to post mammoth totals, were left reeling at 27/2 in 3 overs. But Shardul wasn’t done yet. Coming back in the death overs, he picked up two more crucial wickets:
✅ Abhinav Manohar: Caught in the deep trying to accelerate.
✅ Mohammed Shami: Castled with a perfect yorker, ensuring SRH never recovered.
Even though Pat Cummins hit him for two sixes in his third over, Shardul kept his composure and maintained control over the run rate, finishing with a brilliant 4/34, surpassing his previous best of 4/36.
Shardul Thakur’s Best IPL Figures
- 4/34 vs SRH, 2025 (Hyderabad) 🆕
- 4/36 vs PBKS, 2022 (DY Patil Stadium)
- 3/19 vs PBKS, 2017 (Pune)
- 3/28 vs PBKS, 2021 (Dubai)
- 3/35 vs RCB, 2017 (Bengaluru)
With this performance, he also completed 100 IPL wickets, cementing his legacy as a reliable wicket-taker in the league.
Shardul Thakur’s Form in Domestic Cricket Paved the Way
Shardul’s stellar form in domestic cricket leading up to IPL 2025 was a major factor in his resurgence.
- Ranji Trophy 2025: 35 wickets in 9 matches + 505 runs at an average of 42
- Vijay Hazare Trophy: 10 wickets in 7 matches
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 15 wickets in 9 matches
This consistent all-round performance earned him the call-up to LSG and eventually led to this incredible turnaround.
A Strong Case for Test Selection Against England
With India’s upcoming Test series against England looming, Shardul’s exceptional bowling form has reignited conversations about his inclusion in the squad. His ability to swing the ball, along with his valuable contributions with the bat, makes him a strong contender for a spot in the playing XI.
What’s Next for Lord Shardul?
As IPL 2025 progresses, Shardul Thakur will look to maintain his momentum and help LSG stay in the hunt for the playoffs. With the Purple Cap firmly on his head, all eyes will be on Shardul to see if he can continue his dream run and lead LSG to IPL glory.
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