Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur sustained a swollen forehead after being struck by a Gerald Coetzee bouncer on the opening day of the first Test between India and South Africa at Centurion’s SuperSport Park.
The incident took place on the third delivery of the 44th over, Gerald Coetzee delivered a menacing short-pitched ball that struck right-handed batter Shardul squarely on his forehead. The ball made contact with his helmet as the Mumbai player struggled with the pace and bounce from the South African fast bowler while attempting a pull shot.
Ravi Shastri said, “they call Shardul Thakur as ‘Lord’ in the dressing room”. pic.twitter.com/IDRw3sUiPO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 26, 2023
Shardul Thakur Earns Fans’ Praise for Battling On Despite Bruised Forehead
The all-rounder received prompt attention from Team India physio Rinku Singh and other members of the support staff immediately after the incident. Mandatory concussion checks were conducted with umpires Paul Reiffel and Langton Rusere closely monitoring the proceedings. The Team India physio was observed rubbing the swollen part on Shardul Thakur’s forehead. After a brief ten-minute break, the 32-year-old changed his helmet and resumed batting.
Shardul Thakur faced seven more deliveries before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him, securing his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Thakur executed a solid drive, but Dean Elgar managed to take a sharp catch at short mid-off. The Indian all-rounder appeared displeased as he made his way back to the pavilion.
Shardul Thakur contributed 24 runs off 33 balls and formed a valuable 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket with KL Rahul. South Africa opted to bowl first in the opening Test, and after Thakur’s dismissal, India’s score stood at 164/7 in 46.2 overs.
Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing with amazing reactions from the fans, hailing the fighting knock of Shardul Thakur. Check out the best reactions from the fans:
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