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 'Very similar to what Pat Cummins was doing for KKR': Abhishek Nayar On Shardul Thakur's Role

image-lgopr98tShardul Thakur playing for KKR [Source: Twitter]

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) traded players with other franchises during the trading window, bringing in Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, respectively.

Thakur was swapped for Aman Khan, where the all-rounder was brought by DC for INR 10.75 crore in the 2022 Mega Auction. KKR currently occupies the seventh spot in the points table, with two wins and three losses.

However, Thakur's utilisation in the last few matches has been a point of discussion for critics and fans, where the Palghar-born did not get enough overs.


In five matches, Thakur has bowled just 11.5 overs, claiming two wickets, while scoring 101, which includes a match-winning 68 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.

In an interview with NEWS18, KKR's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar opened up on Thakur's role within the team, which resembles that of former franchise skipper Pat Cummins.

Cummins, in the 2022 IPL edition, slammed a 15-ball 56, taking KKR to victory against Mumbai Indians (MI), somewhat similar innings to Thakur's earlier this season. 

Here's what Nayar said

"Very similar to what Pat Cummins was doing for us. Playing at No.7 as a lower-order bat and someone who contribute with the bat and bowl those critical overs and close out games for us. That’s the role he does for India and that’s the role we aspire from him for us.

Cummins opted out of IPL 2023 due to a jam-packed international season, with The Ashes 2023 and ICC World Cup 2023 lined up. In 42 matches for KKR, Australia's Test skipper scored 379 runs and picked up 45 wickets. 

Rana and Co. will take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium this evening.