‘Tough for Bowlers’ – Shardul Thakur Wants Change in IPL 2025 Pitch Preparations
Shardul Thakur has voiced concerns over IPL 2025 pitches, saying bowlers have little to work with and calling for more balanced conditions.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) registered a five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their IPL 2025 clash. The match, played in Hyderabad, saw LSG restrict the hosts to 190/9 in 20 overs, thanks to an outstanding spell from Shardul Thakur.
The all-rounder picked up four wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. LSG chased down the target comfortably, with their batters ensuring a smooth finish.
Shardul, who won the Player of the Match award, was vocal about his concerns regarding the impact player rule. He criticized how it has shifted the game heavily in favor of batters, leading to teams frequently posting scores above 250. The LSG pacer also stressed the need for better pitch preparation to create a fair balance between bat and ball.
‘Zaheer Khan Made a Call’
Before joining LSG, Shardul had gone unsold in the IPL 2025 auction and had even signed a county deal with Essex. However, his plans changed when LSG mentor Zaheer Khan reached out, offering him a replacement spot. Since then, he has been LSG’s standout bowler and is currently leading the Purple Cap race.
Reflecting on his performance against SRH, Shardul shared that his strategy was to take early risks against openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. He emphasized that the new ball was crucial in Hyderabad, and his plan worked as he helped LSG gain the upper hand.
