Shardul Thakur has finally opened up about how his nickname of ‘Lord Shardul’ became famous. The Palghar-born pacer registered figures of 7/61 in the Johannesburg Test – the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in South Africa – on Day 2.
Netizens erupted with tags of ‘Lord Shardul’ as the trend picked up weight. What had started as a meme earlier trolling Shardul Thakur, now has become synonymous with the all-rounder.
Following his historic 7-wicket haul at the Wanderers, Thakur recalled that his moniker of ‘Lord’ became famous last year during the home white-ball series against England, when he performed impressively with the ball.
“I seriously don’t know who started naming me Lord. But I am sure it started in a home series against England after we returned from Australia just before the IPL. I got a lot of wickets, two consecutive wickets in an over. From there, the name arrived,” Shardul Thakur told BCCI.
The 30-year-old has been part of three of India’s memorable overseas wins – in Gabba, Oval, and Centurion – last year where he made telling contributions, with either bat or ball.
Shardul Thakur also revealed his success mantra: it’s all self-confidence and self-belief for ‘Lord’, that helped him claim 7 wickets against the hosts.
“When I enter the ground, everything is about confidence and self-belief for me. I go in with full confidence, there is no half measures. I think it’s simple and small mantra for my success in recent days. I would like to continue that. I always play to win. Even when I look at other players, I like those who like to win their games to the team.
“I was just trying to pitch the ball at the right spots. There was natural help from the pitch. I got 7 wickets. I am very happy to have contributed to the team,” he added.
After conceding a 27-run deficit, India scored 266 runs in their second innings, handing South Africa a big target of 240 runs to level the series.
