Written Off, But Not Done Yet
Shardul Thakur’s journey this IPL season is nothing short of a fairytale. The 33-year-old all-rounder from Mumbai, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, has now found himself at the top of the leaderboard as the Purple Cap holder — awarded to the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Once considered a reliable utility player, Thakur had quietly faded from the spotlight. But when opportunity knocked, he didn’t just answer — he stormed back into the game.
The Summer Plan That Never Happened
After being overlooked in the auction, Thakur had planned to spend his summer in England, playing county cricket for Essex. It would’ve been his first stint in the County Championship — a chance to reset his game away from the IPL limelight. But fate had other plans.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were hit by a string of injuries to their pace attack — Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Deep were all either sidelined or not fully fit. That’s when LSG’s mentor Zaheer Khan made a call to Thakur. And that one call changed everything.
Making Every Over Count
From the moment he stepped onto the field, Thakur looked like a man with a mission. In his comeback game against the Delhi Capitals, he picked up two crucial wickets that shifted the momentum in LSG’s favor. But it was his phenomenal performance on Thursday — a fiery 4-wicket haul — that put him at the top of the Purple Cap standings.
Thakur’s spells haven’t just been about wickets. They’ve been smart, aggressive, and timed to perfection. He’s taken down top-order batters, broken dangerous partnerships, and bowled in high-pressure moments — proving why experience still matters in the IPL.
On Going Unsold: “Just One Bad Day”
Speaking after his standout performance, Thakur addressed the elephant in the room — being snubbed at the auction. With calm confidence, he said:
“It was just one bad day in the auction. I didn’t get picked by any franchise. But like I always say — skills are always there, talent is always there. It’s just about form and getting through the bad days. That’s cricket.”
His words resonated with fans and fellow cricketers alike, offering a glimpse into the mindset of someone who refuses to let a single setback define him.
Staying Sharp Against Big-Hitters
With more matches on the horizon, Thakur remains focused, especially with explosive batting lineups like SRH in the mix.
“You have to stay aggressive, especially against batters who are going to come hard at you. They know we’ve had some injuries in our bowling lineup, so they’ll try to capitalize. I’ve got to keep attacking, stay smart, and back my skills.”
That aggressive mindset has helped Thakur thrive — not just survive — even when opponents try to target him.
Redemption Arc of the Season?
Thakur’s resurgence is a reminder that in a league obsessed with youth, sometimes experience and heart still win out. His current form is more than just good bowling — it’s a statement. A statement that says, “I’m still here. I still belong.”
At 33, many players are winding down their careers or transitioning into part-time roles. But Shardul Thakur is doing the opposite — he’s fighting harder than ever, with every delivery, to show he’s still one of the best in the business.
The Heartbeat of a Comeback
What makes this comeback even more inspiring is its quiet build-up. No media buzz, no major headlines — just a player who stayed ready. His story reminds us that the IPL is not just about big names and big buys, but also about grit, hunger, and never giving up when the world counts you out.
Final Thoughts
Whether he keeps the Purple Cap till the end of the season or not, Shardul Thakur has already won something greater — the respect of fans, the trust of teammates, and a fresh chapter in his cricketing story.(cricket betting app)