Yash Thakur achieved the inaugural five-wicket haul of IPL 2024 on Sunday, clinching figures of 5/30 to propel LSG to their first-ever victory against Gujarat Titans. Lucknow Super Giants displayed an outstanding bowling display against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, successfully defending a modest target of 164 runs.
Yash Thakur, the experienced uncapped Indian pacer, guided LSG’s bowling attack by claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/30 in the match, thus becoming the first bowler to achieve this feat in the 2024 Indian Premier League.
Thakur left a notable mark by removing key GT batters, notably Shubman Gill early on, and also claiming Vijay Shankar and Rashid Khan in a single over, tilting the game in LSG’s favour. Lucknow Super Giants acquired Thakur for INR 45 lakh during the IPL 2023 auction.
Who is Yash Thakur?
In domestic cricket, Thakur plays for Vidarbha alongside prominent players such as Umesh Yadav and Darshan Nalkande. He has showcased his bowling skills across various formats, amassing 67 wickets in first-class cricket, 54 wickets in List-A matches, and 69 wickets in T20 matches.
Thakur stands out for his skill in bowling yorkers accurately, in a country full of fast bowlers. While aiming to play for India is a big dream, Thakur’s good performances in the IPL and domestic matches show he can do well at the top level.
Thakur’s influence in the LSG vs GT match
Yash Thakur was called upon to bowl after Mayank Yadav, the emerging fast bowler for LSG known for his rapid pace this season, had to exit the field following just one over. With LSG missing one of their key pacers and GT off to a relatively strong start at 47/0 after five overs, the Super Giants needed someone to stem the run flow.
Thakur fulfilled this role by not only finishing the Powerplay strongly, conceding only seven runs, but also by capturing the vital wicket of Shubman Gill in his debut over. He removed Gill, who had scored 19 runs, by bowling him out on the last delivery.
You can watch the video here:
B.E.A.U.T.Y ๐
Yash Thakur breaches Shubman Gill's defence with a superb delivery๐๐#GT 54/1 in 6 overs
Watch the match LIVE on @starsportsindia and @JioCinema ๐ป๐ฑ#TATAIPL | #LSGvGT pic.twitter.com/qY8lwrHR4R
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2024
The breakthrough allowed LSG captain KL Rahul to apply pressure on GT batters using spin from both ends, with Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi consistently breaking into their batting order. When Thakur returned for his second over, GT had already lost five wickets for 92 runs, leaving only six overs in the chase.
Thakur immediately made an impact once more by dismissing Vijay Shankar and Rashid Khan in just four deliveries, firmly shifting the momentum in favour of LSG.
Rahul Tewatia, recognized for his strong hitting and late-game heroics, stood as the only obstacle, but Thakur prevented the left-handed batsman from spoiling the Super Giants’ victory, dismissing him for 30 in the second-to-last over of the match.
Thakur later claimed Noor Ahmed’s wicket to complete his five-wicket haul and guide the team to a commanding 33-run win.
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