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IPL 2026 | Shardul Thakur: Impact sub without impact as Mumbai Indiansā call raises questions
TL;DR
Mumbai Indians faced criticism for using Shardul Thakur as an Impact Sub without bowling him during their IPL 2026 match against SRH. Despite a poor bowling performance, Thakur did not bowl a single delivery, raising questions about the decision.
Key points
- Shardul Thakur was used as an Impact Sub by Mumbai Indians.
- Thakur did not bowl a single delivery during the match.
- Mumbai Indians scored 243 runs but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Fans criticized the decision to not utilize Thakur in bowling.
- Mumbai Indians made multiple changes to their playing XI.
Mumbai IndiansSunrisers HyderabadShardul Thakur
Mumbai Indiansā puzzling use of Shardul Thakur as an Impact Sub has triggered a wave of fan criticism after the all-rounder, who was introduced in the seventh over of the MI vs SRH fixture in IPL 2026, ended up not bowling a single delivery - despite MI bowlers enduring a torrid day with the ball at the Wankhede.
The move quickly became one of the biggest talking points from the match, with fans questioning the logic behind bringing in a frontline seam-bowling all-rounder and then not utilising him at all.
After posting 243 on the board, MI were in for a rude shock as Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head raced to 115/0 in just seven overs. MI, who made a host of changes to their playing XI, decided to sub out wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz in favour of Thakur, hoping to break the partnership and gain an extra bowling cushion.
But Thakur ended up not getting a bowl as SRH cantered home with a record chase with over an over to spare. On a day when every MI bowler was taken to the cleaners, it was a baffling move not to hand the ball to Thakur to stem the flow of runs from SRH batters.
Trent Boult conceded 41 runs in his four overs, while Jasprit Bumrah endured an unforgettable day, returning figures of 4-0-54-0. Allah Ghazanfar, despite picking up two wickets, also leaked runs, giving away 51 in his four overs, while Ashwani Kumar returned figures of 2-0-41-0. Hardik Pandya went at an economy of 10.63, while Will Jacksā solitary over cost 19 runs. Yet, there was no sign of Thakur, who has 113 wickets from 112 matches in the IPL and is generally known as a partnership-breaker.
Hereās how social media reacted to the bizarre decision:
Has it ever happened that a team got in an Impact Substitute as a bowler and didnāt get him to bowl even a single over.
Happened with Shardul tonight.ā Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 29, 2026
When Bumrah,Boult & Ashwani have gone over 13,10 & 20 per over.Shardul Thakur has been Impact sub as a fielder.Thatās a first !!! #Yoviews
ā Yomahesh Vijayakumar (@yomi2105) April 29, 2026
Q&A
Why did Mumbai Indians use Shardul Thakur as an Impact Sub?
Mumbai Indians subbed in Shardul Thakur in hopes of breaking a strong batting partnership after a poor start.
What was the outcome of the MI vs SRH match in IPL 2026?
Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down Mumbai Indians' total of 243 runs with over an over to spare.
How did fans react to Thakur not bowling in the match?
Fans criticized the decision, questioning the logic of using a frontline bowler without allowing him to bowl.
What changes did Mumbai Indians make to their playing XI?
Mumbai Indians made several changes, including substituting wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz for Shardul Thakur.
