While the cricketing fraternity has been abuzz with discussions on emerging talents, a young pacer from Vidarbha named Yash Thakur has steadily etched his name in the chapters of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming a linchpin for the Lucknow Super Giants. Thakur, with an uncanny ability to skid the ball, has stealthily climbed to the top of the wicket-taking leaderboard for the Super Giants, clinching nine wickets across seven matches in the current season.
Yash’s remarkable journey in the league has seen him deliver a standout performance in a crucial game against the Gujarat Titans, the previous edition’s runners-up, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. In a spell that would become the first five-wicket haul of the season, Yash’s incisive bowling helped his team defend a total of 163. His scalps included prized batsmen Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tewatia, followed by a surge at the end to dismiss the dangerous Rashid Khan and claim the wicket of Noor Ahmad, completing his spectacular five-for.
Thakur’s ability to fly under the radar is attributed to his skiddy pace that often takes batters by surprise. Additionally, his arsenal includes clever slower deliveries designed to outfox the opposition. Even though he has not made headlines as frequently as some other players, the effectiveness of his performances cannot be understated.
Prior to his success in the IPL, Yash had already tasted impressive victories in his T20 career. He boasts a formidable record with 77 wickets in just 53 games, maintaining an admirable average of 17.40 and an economy rate of 7.64. His T20 credentials are further bolstered by his four four-wicket hauls and one five-for.
The Lucknow Super Giants recognized Yash’s potential and secured his services for a sum of Rs 45 lakhs ahead of the IPL 2023 season, marking his second year with the franchise in the lucrative league. Thakur’s IPL debut was the reward for his dedication and stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy, where he led Vidarbha’s pace attack in the absence of pace spearhead Umesh Yadav. His journey from the domestic circuit to the grand stage of the IPL is a testament to his hard work and talent.
As the Super Giants have accumulated 10 points thus far, aspirations of securing a place in the playoffs are evident, and Yash Thakur is poised to be crucial in turning that dream into reality. His rise as an essential cog in the team’s machinery has been a combination of determination and skillful execution on the field.
In addition to Yash’s emergence, the Super Giants have had notable performances from other players like Marcus Stoinis, who powered the team to a six-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with an outstanding century, as well as setting an all-time IPL record. The team also became the first to defeat CSK at their home ground in 2024, hinting at a formidable force in the making with Yash being an integral figure in their bowling setup.
Yash Thakur’s trajectory in the IPL vividly demonstrates the league’s role as a crucible for nurturing and uncovering cricketing talent, offering a platform for young stars to shine. As Thakur continues to impress with each game, the Lucknow Super Giants will look forward to his pivotal contributions in their quest for glory. With the playoffs horizon drawing near, all eyes will be on this stealthy pacer from Vidarbha to keep delivering performances that could lead his team to the coveted trophy.
