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Few stories captivate the audience more than a player’s triumphant return to a former team. Such is the narrative of all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who, after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), found a new home with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2024 player auction.
Shardul Thakur’s association with CSK began in 2018 when he signed with the franchise for the Indian Premier League. From the outset, Thakur showcased his class as a bowler, swiftly ascending the ranks to become an integral part of MS Dhoni’s formidable bowling attack. His standout performance during CSK’s triumphant return to the IPL in 2018 after a two-year hiatus solidified his position in the squad.
During the 2021 IPL season, Thakur’s star shone even brighter. Taking 21 wickets in 16 matches at an impressive economy rate of 8.80, he played a pivotal role in CSK’s title-winning campaign. His ability to deliver under pressure and consistently contribute to the team’s success marked him as a valuable asset.
After a brief stint with KKR, Thakur’s return to CSK in the IPL 2024 player auction was met with anticipation. CSK, recognising not only his cricketing skills but also his commitment, secured Thakur for 4 crore rupees. The reunion with the MS Dhoni-led team signifies not just a return to familiar territory but also a reaffirmation of the trust and confidence invested in Thakur by the franchise.
Shardul Thakur is excited to be back to CSK
In a recent interview on Ravichandran Ashwin‘s YouTube channel, Thakur shared insights into CSK’s bid for him. He stated, “Yes, they bid for me, but they also like me as a player, and they trust in my abilities. Also, when I played with them from 2018 until 2021, they invested a lot in me and gave me a lot of game time in the IPL.”
Thakur highlighted the unwavering support he received from the CSK management, acknowledging the ups and downs he faced during his tenure with the team. Despite challenges, the franchise backed him completely until the last game of the tournament. Thakur reflected on the 2018 and 2021 seasons, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker for CSK during both championship-winning campaigns.
He added: “In fact, we lost the final; I didn’t have a great final. Despite that, they backed me, and two years later, I had the fortune of experiencing the championship with them. I was the highest wicket-taker for CSK in 2018 and 2021 when we won. So, both the championships. I have a feeling I might repeat it this time.”
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