Shardul Thakur reveals why is he not bowling in IPL 2023

Shardul Thakur reveals why is he not bowling in IPL 2023

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Shardul Thakur has done much bowling in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As Nitish Rana-led KKR defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a last-ball thriller on Monday, the two-time champions used as many as seven bowlers. But Thakur was not among them. 

With the KKR all-rounder not doing enough bowling with World Test Championship (WTC) Final around the corner, Indian cricket fans were left worried. Many speculated that Shardul is injured and hence is not getting a chance to bowl. However, the all-rounder has denied all such claims and has revealed the real reason behind him not bowling. 

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Thakur has revealed that as KKR has plenty of all-rounders, he is not getting a chance to bowl. “We have a side full of allrounders with [Andre] Russell, Sunil [Narine]… we have got maximum of eight bowling options that also includes Nitish [Rana], who also bowls an over or two nowadays,” said Thakur to PTI.

“It also depends on the situation of the game, if the captain feels the need to bowl me or not bowl me completely depends on him,” Thakur said. “As far as team’s strategy, decision-making is concerned, I would not pay attention to it a lot.

Related: “Ok, big man,” Andre Russell reveals on-field conversation with Rinku Singh during KKR vs PBKS

“I had a small niggle, so I didn’t play a few games, when I came back, I didn’t bowl as I was not bowling fit. But yes, now I’m back to bowling and hopefully whenever I get the ball, I will get the job done.”

KKR still in the hunt!

kkr win

Although Shardul Thakur has not done much bowling this season, KKR have kept themselves alive in the hunt for the playoffs with that win over Punjab. The Nitish Rana-led team beat PBKS by five wickets and captain Rana, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh starred for them. 

While Rana provided the much-needed stability with a 38-ball 51, Russell scored 42 off 23 balls to push KKR closer to the target. Rinku Singh (21* off 10), meanwhile, finished things off for KKR.

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