South Africa vs India: Fans hail 'Lord Shardul' after Thakur's triple strike leaves Proteas reeling on Day 2
India Today
South Africa vs India: Indian seamer Shardul Thakur was at his prolific best as he dismissed the likes of Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen to peg South Africa back on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at the Wanderers.
Following a historic win at Centurion, the Indian cricket team had an ordinary outing on Day 1 of the 2nd Test against South Africa. The KL Rahul-led brigade struggled to post 202 runs in the first innings before pegging the Proteas back with an early breakthrough to end the first day's play at the Wanderers. Lord Shardul and team India believe in fair play. That's why Lord never bowls to new batsmen, he's only brought on once there is a partnership and the batsmen are set. Lord still gets them out though ?? #SAvIND Almost hilarious how we all almost knew for sure that Lord Shardul will take these wickets. Guess that’s why he’s called Lord Shardul Thakur hey? ?? Great spell! #SAvIND We believe in Lord Shardul Thakur supremacy ??#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/hp9BeTBKNx #INDvsSA #SAvINDLord Shardul Thakur: "I don't find wickets, wickets find me" pic.twitter.com/kMSLgVZgDM Lord Shardul watching batsmen building partnership. pic.twitter.com/PcQmuSBPZi FINALLY, LORD SHARDUL STRIKES! ??#INDvSA #BharatArmy Whenever there is need of taking wicket, Lord Shardul leds the front ! Today also no exception. #INDvsSA #SAvsIND #Shardulthakur pic.twitter.com/MRrwbK6EBO 3rd wicket!!I'm saying it again and again, it's Lord Shardul's Era and we all are just living in it ?? pic.twitter.com/cp1sYcUVCt
While the sight of Mohammed Siraj taking the field early on Day 2 was surely a boost for India, the likes of Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen ensured the hosts remained in control at Johannesburg. The South African batsmen were looking to run away with the proceedings on the back of their crucial 74-run partnership when Shardul Thakur stepped up for India.