KKR all-rounder Shardul Thakur (Picture Credit: Sportzpix)
Shardul Thakur has scored 109 runs with the bat in 8 matches played so far this season and has taken just 4 wickets.
Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan suggested that Shardul Thakur should bowl at least two or three overs in the powerplay for Kolkata Knight Riders in the current season of the Indian Premier League. KKR traded Shardul ahead of the IPL 2023 season but the Indian all-rounder has not been consistent with his performances. Apart from a match-winning 68 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has failed to make an impact this season.
The 31-year-old has scored 109 runs with the bat and has picked up just 4 wickets in 8 matches so far this season.
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Pathan, who was part of KKR’s title-winning team twice, suggested that Shardul should focus more on his bowling as he is an experienced bowler who has done well for India across formats.
He said, ‘I would not say that he should be used more as a batsman. If a lot of wickets fall early, you can come in and score some important runs if you bat well. But his job should be to bowl at least two or three overs in the powerplay. He can then come back to attack for the kill. He is an experienced bowler who has also played Tests and ODIs. I want to see him focus on his bowling and get some wickets,” Pathan told ESPNCricinfo.
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Meanwhile, KKR skipper Nitish Rana has not used Shardul’s full quota of overs on several occasions this season as other bowlers have done better than him.
Yusuf said that it was not the captain’s fault that he did not use his full overs as Shardul has proved costly on several occasions and the skipper will not take any chances in such cases.
Pathan said, ‘KKR has used Shardul Thakur on a few occasions, but he has proved to be very expensive.’ bowled his quota of overs in most games,” he concluded
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders is still alive and is progressing in the race for the IPL 2023 playoffs. They managed to win close matches by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in thrilling final overs.
