A month after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, India all-rounder Shardul Thakur put on a batting display during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25.
In a Group C game against Nagaland in Ahmedabad on December 31, he slammed an unbeaten 73-run knock from 28 balls. His relentless bashing powered Mumbai to post 403 runs on the scoreboard.
Thakur’s fiery knock came at a strike rate of 260.71 while nailing 8 sixes and 2 fours. During his stay on the crease, the right-hander stitched two crucial partnerships, taking Mumbai from 290 for five to 403 for seven in 9.3 overs.
Leading Mumbai in the match, the all-rounder then complimented his knock with his pace bowling skills, striking two early wickets and adding another towards the end of Nagaland’s innings. He returned with figures of three wickets for 17 runs in five overs.
Despite Thakur’s ability to contribute in both departments, no IPL franchise showed interest in him during the auction held in Saudi Arabia. The all-rounder is also out of favour from the Indian squad.
Read Also:- Gambhir Wanted Pujara in India Squad for BGT
Mumbai Post 403/7, Restrict Nagaland for 214/9
In the fifth-round match of the VHT, Nagaland captain Rongsen Jonathan won the toss and invited Mumbai to bat first. Feasting on the batting-friendly conditions, Mumbai’s openers Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ayush Mhatre built a 156-run stand for the first wicket.
Raghuvanshi fell for 56 while Mhatre continued his carnage to hammer 181 runs off 117 balls. Following Mhatre’s departure, Siddhesh Lad (39) and Prasad Pawar (38) kept the scorecard ticking before Thakur brought down his wrath.
Chasing a target of 404 runs, Nagaland lost two batters within five overs, with skipper Thakur claiming the wickets. They soon found themselves reeling at 23 for five, but opener Sedezhalie Rupero (53) showed some fight along with Jagadeesha Suchith for the sixth wicket.
Then Suchith got company in Imliwati Lemtur to add a 94-run stand while raising his century. However, his efforts went in vain as Mumbai restricted Nagaland to 214 for nine to win the match by 189 runs.
Mumbai now sit at No. 3 in the points table with three wins and 12 points, while Nagaland have lost all five games.
