IPL 2017 Playoffs: Beating Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mumbai was special, says Shardul Thakur

At Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, RPS put up a par score of 162 and went on to defend it with the help of brilliant spells by Thakur and Washington Sundar, restricting Mumbai Indians at 142 for 9 in 20 overs.

After a stellar performance of 3 for 37 in Rising Pune Supergiant’s (RPS) 20-run victory in Qualifier 1 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017, pacer Shardul Thakur stated that beating Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mumbai was special. At Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, RPS put up a par score of 162 and went on to defend it with the help of brilliant spells by Thakur and Washington Sundar, restricting Mumbai Indians at 142 for 9 in 20 overs. The much-awaited Maharashtra derby was converted into a direct ticket to the final for RPS, who had finished second last in the previous edition of IPL. Full Cricket Scorecard: Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant, IPL 2017, Qualifier 1 at Mumbai

BCCI posted a video of Thakur talking to fellow bowler Jaydev Unadkat. When asked about the victory, Thakur remarked, “It was great. This is the first final for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), personally it is my second. It is always a great feeling to reach IPL finals. We have put in a lot of hard work. Winning nine games out of 14 was not easy and I feel winning this one against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai is something special.”

He spoke about how the wicket came into play for the seamers. “The way it [the wicket] was playing, it was difficult in the powerplay, but after the powerplay when the field spread [Sic.] it got a bit easier. Slower ones were working I must say.”

About his experience with RPS, Thakur said, “Everyone is very supportive, so personally I am really happy about playing for this franchise. Management has been supportive, support staff is brilliant, always helpful. I would say I just enjoy playing here.”