Mumbai Indians (MI) picked up their sixth defeat in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, after they failed to defend 244 runs in their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 29, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Awkward discussion between Sehwag and Kartik
While defending 244 runs in the second innings, MI's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah had another disastrous outing with leaking 54 runs in his spell of four overs without taking a single wicket. Surprisingly, Shardul Thakur was not given a single over in the second innings.
In a discussion at Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag and Murali Kartik were trying to figure out the real reason behind Hardik Pandya's shocking discussion. However, the discussion reached an awkward point between the two former India players.
"Even I didn’t understand,” said Kartik on Cricbuzz about Shardul getting ignored.
"Maybe they brought him in as an option, but perhaps they forgot about it or something else. I actually did not understand. Search me. I have the same expression as you." Kartik added.
Before Kartik could complete his point, Sehwag interrupted, saying he would spray Red Bull on his face, which left Kartik awkward. Later, Kartik questioned Sehwag to explain the actual reason behind Hardik's call.
In response, Sehwag went on to explain that Hardik Should have given an over to Shardul as he is a wicket taking option for the team, Kartik reminded the former India batter that the question was 'why'. Eventually, Sehwang ran out of answers.
"The answer to that question is with Hardik Pandya," replied Sehwag.
Later, Kartik turned back to the discussion saying that Shardul Thakur has gone wicketless in only one game. Noting that Shardul has been expensive, which could have been the key reason behind Hardik Pandya's surprising decision.
"Shardul played one match and has gone wicketless in only one match, against DC. He picked up three against the KKR and another against the Punjab Kings. So he’s picked at least one wicket every match. He was expensive, but then don’t pick him if that’s what you worry about. That could have been the only reason why he wasn’t allowed to bowl," said Murli Kartik.
Shardul Thakur's performance in IPL 2026
In six outings, the right-handed medium pacer has managed to clinch only six wickets at an economy rate of 9.50 and bowling average of 31.67, despite scalping three wickets in MI's season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Overall, the former CSK star has managed to pick 113 wickets in 112 IPL appearances at an economy rate of 9.57, with his best bowling figures of 4/34 came against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 edition.