Shardul Thakur’s performance in Mumbai’s current Ranji Trophy semi-final match against Tamil Nadu has left Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin deeply impressed. Using his official account on X, Ashwin called Thakur “Lord Beefy” and made the amusing request that he quit performing so well for Mumbai against Ashwin’s home state in the domestic competition.
The seam-bowling all-rounder has performed admirably in the Ranji Trophy after being dropped from the Test team due to poor performance during the South Africa tour. Thakur has taken 13 wickets at an average of just over 18 with an economy rate of over 3 runs in 4 games. He claimed two wickets in the semi-final match against Tamil Nadu, bowling them out for 146. With an impressive knock, he contributed to their side taking an all important lead in the first innings.
Taking to X, Ashwin posted: “Dey lord beefy! Enough da #MumbaivsTN #RanjiTrophy.”
In a lighthearted homage to the legendary Ian Botham of England, former India coach Ravi Shastri gave Shardul the nickname “Beefy”. Shardul’s counterattacking cameo helped India rally from 127 for seven in the fourth Test of a series against England in 2021 at The Oval. The right-handed tailender led the visitors in a total of 191 all out, top-scoring with a 36-ball 57 that included the fastest-ever Test fifty at the stadium.
