'Lord in action again' - Twitter reacts as Shardul Thakur runs through South Africa's batting order in Johannesburg Test

You just can’t keep Shardul Thakur out of the game! This player somehow knows how to create an impact. After all, there’s some reason why he’s hailed as ‘Lord.’ Just when India looked in all sorts of trouble in the ongoing second Test, the right-arm pacer stunned South Africa by taking three wickets in no time. His heroics changed the course of the game entirely as the hosts lost three wickets inside 14 runs.

For the unversed, India posted a paltry 202 while batting first at the Wanderers. With a mediocre total on the board, the visitors needed quick wickets with the new ball. While opener Aiden Markram fell prey to Mohammed Shami for 7, skipper Dean Elgar joined forces with Keegan Petersen and the duo showcased remarkable resilience. At 88/1, the Proteas looked in charge and stand-in skipper KL Rahul seemed short of options.

Shardul Thakur spitted venom with the red cherry

However, at the brink of lunch, Rahul threw the ball to Shardul, and oh boy, the fast bowler didn’t disappoint. The 28-year-old delivered a stupendous spell and all of a sudden, the momentum tilted towards India’s favour. Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, and Rassie van der Dussen were Shardul’s three victims before lunch.

As a result, the Proteas side was reduced to 102/4, trailing by 100 runs. With the track having substantial assistance for bowlers, it won’t be easy for the remaining South African batters to create an impact. Hence, India would back themselves to bundle the home team out as soon as possible. This clash is certainly hanging in balance and it would be interesting to see how the proceedings pan out.

It must be noted that regular Indian skipper Virat Kohli is giving the ongoing contest a miss due to an upper back spasm. Hence, KL Rahul took over the charge in his absence with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah serving as his deputy. Having won the opening Test by 113 runs in Centurion, India have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and a victory in the ongoing contest would see India winning their maiden Test series on South African soil.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to Shardul Thakur’s fiery spell:  

Shardul Thakur just keeps do his thing.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 4, 2022

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

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 4, 2022

Not just saying cos shardul got wicket but why did he bowl after Siraj? Siraj was struggling with hamstring yesterday, If that wouldn’t have happen totally understand making shardul bowl last.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2022

How does shardul do this time and again? Wow.. #SAvIND

— Abhinav mukund (@mukundabhinav) January 4, 2022

Only if Rahul had given the ball to lord Shardul Thakur a bit early#indvsSa #indvsa #savind #savsind

— Sajan (@Sajansga) January 4, 2022

There are only three things which are truly inevitable:
1) Death
2) Taxes
3) Lord Shardul Thakur @imShard #INDvsSA

— Shikhar (He/Him) (@Shikhar__T) January 4, 2022

Shardul Thakur … Dark HORSE 🐎 among INDIAN Pacers….least expectations but maximum returns#INDvsSA #SAvsIND

— Cricket Commentary (@sfdepanc) January 4, 2022

https://twitter.com/AbdullahNeaz/status/1478314102661419008?s=20

Batsmen are building partnership
Le Lord shardul thakur to batsmen pic.twitter.com/V9LXZfkPNc

— Gaurav Bang (@Gaurav_bang88) January 4, 2022

Where are all the doubters of Shardul Thakur now?#indvsa #SAVIND

— Mahesh Ramanan (@maheshramanan) January 4, 2022

Shardul Thakur has a kneck for taking big wickets at crucial times of the game. Superb bowling performance after being overlooked all morning. #SAvIND

— Ongama (@imongamagcwabe) January 4, 2022