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Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) bowlers showcased their prowess in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday (April 7). Spearheaded by Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi, they dismantled the GT batting lineup with precision and defeated them by 33 runs, significantly impacting their performance. Among the standout performers was young Yash Thakur, who demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of India’s most promising talents.
Yash Thakur’s impactful bowling display
Yash made an immediate impact by dismissing Shubman Gill, providing LSG with a crucial breakthrough early in the game. His exceptional bowling skills continued to shine as he further tilted the game in favor of LSG. In a display of talent and determination, Thakur further picked the key wickets of Vijay Shankar and Rashid Khan in the same over, further denting Gujarat Titans’ chances and decisively shifting the momentum towards LSG.
Thakur’s record-breaking five-wicket haul
Thakur’s remarkable performance yielded him figures of 5/30, marking the best bowling figures of IPL 2024 up to that point. It was also his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, a significant achievement for the young bowler. Additionally, his stellar contribution played a pivotal role in LSG securing their first victory against the GT in the IPL history.
Also READ: Facts about Mayank Yadav: LSG speedster who bowled the fastest ball of IPL 2024
Here are the interesting facts about Yash Thakur:
- Early Beginnings in the City of Joy: Yash was born on 28 December 1998 in Kolkata, West Bengal. Growing up in the vibrant city known for its love for cricket, he honed his skills and developed a passion for the sport from a young age.
- Family Background: Yash’s familial roots extend to Nagpur, Maharashtra, where his father, Ravi Thakur, and mother, Kajal Thakur, reside. Ravi Thakur is the proprietor of Sai Leela Travels, a well-established travel agency, showcasing the family’s entrepreneurial spirit and connection to Nagpur. Yash shares this rich heritage with his elder sister, Shweta Thakur, forming a close-knit support system that has been instrumental in his cricketing journey.
- Early Development at Pravin Hinganikar Cricket Academy: Yash embarked on his cricketing journey by joining the Pravin Hinganikar Cricket Academy (PHCA) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in 2011. Under the expert guidance of mentors Pravin Hinganikar and Nitin Kanhere, Thakur honed his skills and nurtured his talent as a budding cricketer.
- Transition from Wicketkeeper-Batter to Fast Bowler: Despite initially aspiring to follow in the footsteps of former Indian captain MS Dhoni as a wicketkeeper-batter, Thakur’s journey took a significant turn when his first coach, Hangeriker, suggested he switch to fast bowling. Embracing the advice of his mentor, Thakur made the courageous decision to transition from wicketkeeping to fast bowling, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation in his cricketing career.
- Debut in List A Cricket: Thakur’s journey into professional cricket began with Vidarbha, where he made his List A debut against Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on February 25, 2017. It was the start of an exciting journey for the young talent.
- First-Class Debut: Thakur showcased his potential in the longer format of the game as well. His first-class debut against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy on November 28 2018 marked his entry into the traditional cricketing arena, earning him recognition as a promising prospect. In 2019 he got a chance to win both Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy in the same year.
- T20 Impact: Yash’s prowess wasn’t limited to the longer formats. In T20 cricket, he made his mark with Vidarbha against Himachal Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on February 21 2019. His impactful debut performance, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs, immediately caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
- Yash Thakur’s IPL Journey with Punjab Kings: In 2020, Yash received a significant opportunity to showcase his talent on the grand stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he was selected as a net bowler for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise. As part of the IPL preparations, Thakur traveled to Dubai along with the Punjab squad, where he had the invaluable opportunity to train alongside established stars like Arshdeep Singh and other seasoned professionals. This experience provided him with invaluable exposure to the intensity and rigor of IPL-level cricket.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022 Heroics: Thakur’s standout moment came during the SMAT 2022, where his exceptional death bowling skills became the talk of the town. With 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 15.86 and an economy rate of 7.17, he played a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s campaign.
- IPL Breakthrough: The pinnacle of Thakur’s career came during the 2023 IPL auction when he was acquired by the LSG for Rs 45 Lakh. This marked a significant milestone in his journey, providing him with a platform to showcase his talents on a grand stage.
- Dedication and Resilience: Thakur’s journey is a testament to his dedication, skill, and ability to perform under pressure. From humble beginnings to being recognized as a valuable asset in domestic cricket and the IPL, he continues to inspire aspiring cricketers with his perseverance and passion for the game.
