IPL 2023: Anil Kumble and cricketing fans were left baffled as Kolkata Knight Riders opted to play start all-rounder Shardul Thakur as just a batter in their match against Punjab Kings. While KKR went on to script a narrow thrilling victory against PBKS, fans have decided to think that Shadul Thakur is mostly prepared for the upcoming WTC Finals. Follow Indian Premier League 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
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It was a weird outing for Shardul Thakur who was opted only as a batter. As far as his contribution with the bat is concerned, he had to run on the last ball of the game when Rinku Singh slammed a fine boundary to win the game in thrilling fashion. But the versatile was not given an opportunity to bowl despite the fact that KKR used 7 bowlers against Punjab Kings.
“He probably would be marking his run up at the Oval. He doesn’t get an over which is very strange. He’s a quality bowler. Yes, he gives runs but he has the knack to pick wickets as well. In 20 overs, don’t give him he can’t bowl a couple of overs,” Kumble said on JioCinema.
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It can be understood very well that Shadul Thakur is being preserved for the upcoming WTC Finals against Australia in Oval on 7th June. India’s pace attack has been hit with a major blow with both Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadhav being injured. Not risking another injury concern for the injury prone Shardul Thakur, KKR decided to use the player as a batter only.
Fans were perplexed to see Shardul not being given an opportunity with the ball. Let us check some of the reactions:-
@imShard shardul thakur is Important player for are WTC final ..So he has bowls few over in match as well #WTCFinal #PBKSvsKkr #PBKSvKKR #shardul #IPL2O23
— Balveer (@Cricketwor40870) May 8, 2023
Didn’t bat, didn’t bowl. Shardul Thakur will still make it to the highlights reel #KKRvPBKS #TATAIPL #IPL2023
— Saumin Parmar (@RightArmOver1) May 8, 2023
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