Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer Shardul Thakur produced a brilliant spell to help his side restrict Punjab Kings (PBKS) to 200/8 in their IPL 2026 clash in Dharamshala on May 14.
Shardul first struck in the 12th over to dismiss in-form opener Prabhsimran Singh (57), before removing captain Shreyas Iyer (4) in the same over. He then picked up the wicket of Suryansh Shedge in the 14th over and later returned to dismiss Marco Jansen (2) to complete his four-wicket haul. The veteran conceded 39 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 9.75.
Speaking to the broadcasters after the first innings, Shardulopened up about MI’s bowling plans and the team environment. “After the powerplay, we were trying to hit a length because there was something in the pitch,” he said. “Just trying to cheer. Not had the season we would have wanted to. But the huddle is something where we like to create energy and get the fun going because that reflects on the field.”
After today’s match, the 34-year-old now has 10 wickets from six innings this season at an average of 22.90 and an economy rate of 12.72.
Shardul also spoke about his bowling plans, which helped him recover after an expensive over. “He (Prabhsimran) tried some fancy shots and we were able to get rid of him,” he said. “But you see the length was working beautifully later on, did not change much after my first over. Outfield was fine. Not much dew right now but we are hoping there is dew later.”
Earlier this season, when MI faced PBKS at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 16, Shardul picked up the crucial wicket of Shreyas (66) in his three overs while conceding 42 runs at an economy rate of 14.00.
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