India all-rounder Shardul Thakur heaped rich praise on Tamil Nadu skipper Sai Kishore after his staggering performance in the ongoing semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024 against Mumbai. He correlated the young spinner with Ravindra Jadeja.
The ongoing semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024 between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu has been enthralling to watch. While it was Shardul Thakur from Mumbai who slammed a magnificent century, Sai Kishore was the start for Tamil Nadu with the ball.
After Tamil Nadu got out for just 146 runs, Sai Kishore led the way for his team with the ball. The skipper spun the web around the Mumbai batters and bowled sensationally well. His effort with the ball put his team on top and left the opposition tottering at 106/7.
Sai Kishore became just the third bowler from Tamil Nadu to take 50-plus wickets in the season. He joined S. Venkataraghavan (58 wickets in 1972-73) and Ashish Kapoor (50 in 1999-2000) in the elite list. The Tamil Nadu skipper is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
He has taken 53 wickets at an average of 18.49 this season. With the way he bowled in the ongoing game, he made a mockery of the Mumbai batters and bowled some incredible lines and lengths in the game on Sunday (3rd March).
Speaking on his performance, Sai Kishore said that the ball was coming out of his hand well. He said that he didn’t go after the wickets as the only thing that matters to him is his championship. He explained:
“The ball came out really well, and I gave my best on the field. I am grateful to the almighty for that to happen. Honestly, I don’t go after wickets, whether 30, 50, or 60. All that matters is the championship, and I am going for it. There are 11 more wickets to go (in this match).”
He was bowling really well – Shardul Thakur on Sai Kishore
Shardul Thakur was also in awe of Sai Kishore’s performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai. He said that the Tamil Nadu skipper bowled really well and this was the first time he had seen quality left-arm spinner after Ravindra Jadeja. Speaking to Sports Star, he explained:
“He was bowling really well. After a long time, I could see a quality left-arm spinner coming up after Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja).”
Shardul Thakur was exceptional with the bat in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu. He bailed Mumbai out of trouble when they were left tottering at 106/7. He oozed his class with the bat and made sure that his team took the first innings lead and went past the 300-run mark.
Shardul Thakur ended with an innings of 109 in 105 balls. He hit 13 fours and 4 sixes in his innings. His knock came at a time when his side was done and dusted. His ton helped Mumbai take command of the game and they now look like favorites to win the match. With the ball too, he also chipped in and picked two wickets that helped his team bundle out the opposition for a low total.
