Shardul Thakur’s IPL Journey: Key Performances and Milestones

Shardul Thakur stepped onto the IPL stage in 2015 with Punjab Kings, marking the start of a prolific franchise career. He switched to Rising Pune Supergiant for the 2016 season, where he claimed 11 wickets in just 12 matches – a strike rate that caught the eyes of selectors across the league.

From 2018 to 2021, Shardul became a regular feature for Chennai Super Kings. In the 2021 edition he delivered 21 wickets across 16 games, playing a pivotal role in CSK’s bowling attack and earning praise for his ability to swing the ball outside the off‑stump against right‑handed batsmen.

After his tenure with CSK, Shardul joined Delhi Capitals, followed by brief stints with Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and finally Mumbai Indians. Across all franchises, he has appeared in 114 IPL matches and taken 119 wickets, a testament to his reliability in the shortest format.

Beyond the numbers, Shardul’s IPL moments include a crucial four‑wicket spell against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 and a game‑changing over against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, where he turned the tide with a double‑wicket burst. His adaptability to different roles – from death‑over specialist to opening bowler – has made him a valuable asset for any side.

While his IPL résumé is impressive, it also complements his international duties. The experiences gained in high‑pressure franchise games have translated into calm, impactful performances for India across Test, ODI and T20I formats.