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[Saba Sports News] Shardul Thakur, known by many nicknames like “Shardulkar,” “Lord,” “Beefy,” and “The Palghar Express,” added another title—“warrior”—after his heroic efforts in the Irani Cup 2024 match against Rest of India.
Battling a 102-degree fever, Shardul showed immense courage for Mumbai. Despite feeling ill on Day 1, Shardul still managed to bat on Day 2, helping Sarfaraz Khan reach a record double century. Dehydrated and exhausted, he was rushed to a Lucknow hospital after the day’s play.
However, seeing Rest of India mount a strong response through Abhimanyu Easwaran’s marathon innings, Shardul returned to the field after Tea on Day 3.
Though he didn’t bowl that day, he couldn’t resist the challenge on Friday. Mumbai, needing a breakthrough, called on Shardul to take the second new ball. He bowled four determined overs, although he couldn’t break the partnership between Easwaran and Dhruv Jurel.
Shardul’s valiant contribution wasn’t limited to bowling. Despite his illness, he played a crucial knock of 36 runs, forming a 73-run stand with Sarfaraz on Day 2.
Mumbai capitalized on this effort, taking a 121-run lead after Rest of India collapsed for 416, following the dismissal of Easwaran (191) and Jurel (93).
In their second innings, Prithvi Shaw gave Mumbai a flying start with a blistering half-century, setting them up for a potential outright win if they can give ROI 60 overs to chase on the final day.