From Net Bowler to Match Winner! MI Star Completes Unreal Journey

Anupam Pandey

ByAnupam Pandey,SportsCafe Editor

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A player who was a part of Mumbai Indians in 2010 as a net bowler has made the headlines. Making his debut for the team in 2026, he bagged a POTM award for his prolific bowling spell. And it is none other than Shardul Thakur, who scripted a perfect IPL journey.

From Net Bowler to Match Winner.

Imagine a net bowler, who was a part of an IPL team back in 2010, returning to play for the same team after 16 years and winning the POTM award. Well, you just imagined Shardul Thakur. Back in 2010 when the IPL had been a few seasons old, Shardul Thakur was bought by Mumbai Indians as a net bowler.

Five years after the same, he also made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab. Since then he shifted many teams, even played for Mumbai's arch rivals Chennai Super Kings, but he didn't get a chance to get in Mumbai's squad. However things finally took a turn for Shardul before the IPL 2026 auction.

He was traded by Lucknow Super Giants to Mumbai Indians, finally getting a chance to make his homecoming. And in his debut game for Mumbai Indians, he took 3 wickets and conceded 39 runs, when KKR scored 220/4 in 20 overs. For his brilliance with the ball, he also received the POTM award.

Our Take

The comeback story of Shardul Thakur has inspired millions of fans. He waited for a long time to be a part of Mumbai Indians. And after 16 years, he got to play a match for the team he had always wanted to play for. The trade deal involving Shardul Thakur was unexpected, but it has turned out to be helpful for Mumbai Indians.

In a match where even bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Trent Boult struggled, Thakur stepped up. This has also raised the expectations from Thakur in the upcoming games, as it also shows the strength of MI bowling line-up.

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