Thakur’s viral post-match remark underscores Punjab Kings’ mounting crisis
As Punjab Kings’ playoff hopes dim, Shardul Thakur’s reflection on past grievances highlights the shifting dynamics of the IPL 2026 season.
Mumbai Indians secured a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 encounter in Dharamsala on Thursday, 15 May 2026. While the result held little consequence for Mumbai, who were already eliminated from the playoff race, the defeat dealt a severe blow to Punjab’s standing, marking their fifth straight loss and significantly complicating their path to the top four.
Punjab Kings posted 200 for 8 after electing to bat first, with Prabhsimran Singh contributing 57 runs and Priyansh Arya adding 27. Mumbai’s bowling attack, led by Shardul Thakur, dismantled the innings. Thakur finished with figures of 4 for 39, dismissing both skipper Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh in the same spell to apply decisive pressure. Other wicket-takers for Mumbai included Deepak Chahar with 2 for 36, Corbin Bosch for 1 for 42, and Raj Bawa for 1 for 11.
In response, Mumbai Indians chased the target of 201 with clinical precision. Tilak Varma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 75 off 33 balls, supported by Will Jacks’ quick-fire 25 not out. The team reached 205 for 4 in 19.5 overs, securing the win with one ball to spare. Azmatullah Omarzai took 2 for 36 for Punjab but could not prevent the collapse.
Following the match, Thakur’s post-match comments went viral after being shared in a video by Mumbai Indians on social media. When asked about his performance against Punjab across different franchises, Thakur referenced his past tenure with the team, stating, "I was kept out and sent home. It's rage!" The remark alluded to his release by Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, during the 2016 IPL season.
Thakur had been signed by the franchise in the 2014 IPL auction and remained with them for three seasons, though he played only one match, against Delhi Daredevils in 2015. His release in 2016 came shortly after he finished as Mumbai’s highest wicket-taker in their Ranji Trophy-winning campaign. The incident has resurfaced as Punjab Kings face a critical juncture in their campaign, with their playoff aspirations hanging by a thread.
