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Shardul Thakur's dream MI debut ends 13-year opening jinx with win over KKR

Shardul Thakur marked his long-awaited debut for the Mumbai Indians with a match-winning three-wicket haul against the Kolkata Knight Riders. His bowling performance helped MI restrict KKR and secure a six-wicket victory, ending a 13-season streak of losing their opening match. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton provided the chase's foundation with explosive half-centuries. Thakur expressed his special connection to playing for his home city franchise, where he once served as a net bowler.

Key Points: Shardul Thakur stars in MI's IPL 2026 opening win over KKR

  • Thakur's 3-wicket haul on MI debut
  • MI wins first opening match in 13 seasons
  • Rohit Sharma & Ryan Rickelton's blazing fifties
  • Thakur was a former MI net bowler
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Lord' Shardul happy to finally play for MI, shine on home ground

Shardul Thakur takes 3-39 on his Mumbai Indians debut, helping end their 13-season opening match losing streak against Kolkata Knight Riders.

"To come and play for MI is special. To come and play on my home ground. - Shardul Thakur"

Mumbai, March 30

Shardul Thakur, who was a net bowler for the Mumbai Indians in their early years, celebrated his first match for the franchise with a three-wicket haul that helped them beat the Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.

Thakur has played for the Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Suoer Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL before being brought to his home town franchise after a swap deal with LSG. On Sunday, he justified that faith by claiming 3-39 that halted a rampaging KKR innings and helped MI restrict them to 220/4 in 20 overs.

Rohit Sharma (78) and Ryan Rickelton (81) struck blazing half-centuries to help the Mumbai Indians romp to a six-wicket win against KKR in Match 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, ending their embarrassing streak of not winning their opening match in 13 seasons.

Thakur, who was named Player of the Match for his effort, said he likes to take up challenges, and Sunday presented such a situation.

"I've said this before, I like challenges. This was a challenging situation, especially in the sixth over. Because you expect Boult or Bumrah to get early wickets, but that didn't happen. So it was challenging coming in and bowling that sixth over. Challenges are what have made me. This ground has given me both bitter and sweet memories," said Thakur in the post-match presentation.

He said that playing for the Mumbai Indians is special for him as it allows him to play at his home ground.

"To come and play for MI is special. To come and play on my home ground. I was a net bowler and an upcoming boy in the early years, quietly making my mark. Since then, it was always going to happen, and it's finally happened. So it feels special. I'll be very happy if I stay here [for my career]. It's my home city. The kind of backing I have got here is amazing. To trade me from LSG and play me in my first game," he said.

Thakur, who is nicknamed Lord and has become a subject for many memes on the social media, said he does not mind the attention he gets on the net.

"I like them because people give that name with love. So it's not really a 'meme' meme. Just a way for people to show love," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy for him! He's played for almost every other team, finally gets to wear blue and gold. His three wickets were crucial in stopping KKR's momentum. MI's think tank made a smart swap deal.
R
Rohit P
Respect for his attitude. He embraces the 'Lord' meme with such grace, understanding it comes from fan love. And breaking that 13-season opening match jinx is huge for MI. Great start to IPL 2026!
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's fascinating to see a player represent so many franchises. His experience across teams must be immense. That sixth over he spoke about was indeed a game-changing moment. Top spell.
K
Karthik V
Good performance, but let's not get carried away. It's just one match. MI's bowling still looks thin beyond Bumrah and now Shardul. The real test will be on slower pitches away from Wankhede.
M
Meera T
His journey is so relatable. Starting from the bottom, working hard, moving teams, and finally achieving his dream. It's not just about cricket, it's a life lesson. More power to you, Shardul! 💙

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