Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) star all-rounder Shardul Thakur is fed up of the increasing prevalence of high-scoring matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and has demanded a fair and square contest between bat and ball. Since 2024, IPL has witnessed numerous run-fests, largely attributed to the introduction of the Impact Player rule which allows teams greater batting depth and the freedom to play more aggressively, knowing they have an extra player to call upon.
Shardul Thakur wants fair chances for bowlers in IPL amidst high-scoring contests
The initial matches of the ongoing IPL 2025 season have further underscored this trend, with teams surpassing the 230-run mark on four separate occasions. Amidst this spate of high scores, Shardul Thakur has made a plea to the BCCI to ensure the preparation of pitches that offer a more even contest, providing some assistance and opportunities for the bowling units.
"It is not what I want, but it is what the bowlers want. A lot of them might not be outspoken or they might not get a chance to speak in front of media or give interviews about the pitch conditions. All that the bowlers are asking is to prepare the pitch in such a manner that the game hangs in balance and it should not be just one-sided where batters are coming and smashing us, because all we want is a fair chance and fair opportunity in the game,” Shardul Thakur said ahead of the LSG versus PBKS' IPL 2025 clash.
The early stages of the IPL 2025 season have been dominated by high-scoring affairs. In just 11 matches played so far, the 200-run threshold has been surpassed on an astounding 10 occasions. Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad set a benchmark by scoring a massive 286 runs for the loss of six wickets in their very first game. This total fell just one run short of their own IPL record for the highest team score, which was established in the preceding 2024 season. That season was characterized by a remarkable 41 instances of teams scoring over 200 runs across a total of 74 matches.
Adding to his perspective, the right-arm fast bowler also offered his thoughts on the Impact Player rule. While acknowledging its potential influence, he clarified that it is not the only factor contributing to the high scores witnessed in recent IPL matches.
"The Impact Player rule is an entertainment factor and games change a lot, but that these 250 scores are being made is not only because of this rule change, but also because of the way the pitches are being made. We are just saying as a bowling unit that give us a fair and square chance where we can get a batsman out,” he added.
Despite going unsold in the previous IPL mega auction, Shardul secured a contract with Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for the injured fast bowler Mohsin Khan. In the two matches he has featured in this season, Shardul has proved his bowling prowess by taking a total of six wickets, including an impressive four-wicket haul in the most recent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.