Maanla re, Thakur! Mumbai cha Mulga announces his homecoming

By Mumbai Indians

A starry night at the Wankhede Stadium and all-rounder Shardul Thakur found himself amongst all the glitz and glory as Mumbai Indians won their first match of IPL 2026 versus Kolkata Knight Riders by 6 wickets. POTM Lord Shardul, rose to the occasion when it mattered the most and stamped his authority in style as the 14-year jinx ended with a victory for MI. 💙 

For the very first time walking out in blue and gold threads, he made it a game defining occasion for Paltan and returned with figures of 3/39 in his 4 overs claiming the important wickets of opposition captain Ajinkya Rahane, opener Finn Allen and Camron Green. 🙌

The Mumbai Ranji skipper started his journey as net bowler for MI in 2010. Cut to 2026, his dream finally came true at his home ground, the big W. On a flat track where batters had a field day, Shardul put his hand up and delivered. Slower deliveries, the knuckle balls, and other smarter variations were rewarded promptly.

Sharing his thoughts during the Post Match Presentation ceremony Shardul spoke about the challenges while bowling…when KKR batters were going ballistic, “I have said this before, I like challenges. This was one of the challenging situations I had to bowl in, especially the sixth over. Boult, Bumrah and Hardik bowling upfront, you would expect some wickets, but that did not happen for us. Challenges are what have made me till now. Today was one of those performances.”

Walking down memory lane when asked about bowling at the Wankhede over the years. Shardul said, “This ground has given me bitter and sweet memories both actually and to come and play for Mumbai Indians, it is special playing on home ground. I was a net bowler and an upcoming boy who has been with the team since 2010 for three seasons. Quietly bowling here, making my mark and since then it was always going to happen.”

Thanking the Mumbai Indians for showing faith in him and responding to Hardik’s request on staying with the franchisee for the rest of his career. Shardul revealed, “I will be very happy if I stay here, it is my home city and the kind of backing that I had coming here, it was amazing. So, thank you to the entire Mumbai Indians family also for backing me, trading me from LSG and straightaway awarding me in the first game.”

Skipper Hardik Pandya also highlighted the importance of having Shardul in the team and expressed his happiness on the pacer doing well with the ball. He affirmed, “I told him, enough franchisee hopping, I want you to be here for the rest of your career. He is a character and has a big heart. The way he came out and always looked to outsmart the batters, simply brilliant and happy for him.”

Not just wickets, but moments- Shardul owned every single one on debut at Wankhede! 👏💙