The ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu has provided a platform for spectacular individual performances, with Shardul Thakur undoubtedly being one of the standouts. The Mumbai all-rounder impressed not only with his hitting but also with his bowling abilities, contributing significantly to his team’s important advantage in the first inning.
Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul’s partner and another Indian cricketer, took note of his outstanding performance. Ashwin took to Twitter with a playful comment intended at Shardul, saying, “Dey lord, beffy! “Enough da #MumbaivsTN #RanjiTrophy.” (“Dey” is an informal method of calling someone in many Indian languages).
This apparently simple tweet has received a lot of attention, not just for its admiration of Shardul’s performance but also for bringing back the fascinating moniker “Lord Beefy.” Former India coach Ravi Shastri first gave Shardul this nickname, making a fun analogy to the renowned English batsman Ian Botham, who also went by the same name.
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While Ashwin’s tweet may not be regarded as “legendary” in the classic sense, it does highlight the friendship and fun banter that prevail among Indian bowlers. Furthermore, it contributes to the rising popularity of Shardul Thakur’s moniker, “Lord Beefy.”.
Shardul Thakur’s Ranji Trophy performances earn him the “Lord Beefy” moniker.
Shardul Thakur’s all-round performance in the present Ranji Trophy semi-final has been nothing short of impressive. His performances with both bat and ball have helped Mumbai secure a solid lead in the match.
Shardul’s batting performance was critical, as he scored a key run to help Mumbai take a commanding first-inning lead. His bowling assault was similarly brilliant, demonstrating his velocity and control, which presented a challenge to the Tamil Nadu batters.
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Ranji Trophy: The Origins of “Lord Beefy”
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri conferred the moniker “Lord Beefy” on Shardul Thakur, which carries special importance. It makes a lighthearted reference to the renowned English cricketer Ian Botham, who was known by the same moniker throughout his career.
Botham was considered one of cricket’s best all-rounders and was known for his aggressive batting style and powerful left-arm fast bowling. The moniker “Lord Beefy” referred to his muscular size and domineering presence on the field.
By comparing Shardul to Botham, Shastri recognized the all-rounder’s talent and ability to affect the game in numerous ways, much like the renowned cricketer.
Ashwin’s Tweet:
Ashwin’s tweet, while appearing simple, has a deeper message. It not only recognizes Shardul’s outstanding performance but also emphasizes the close relationship and fun humor shared among Indian cricketers.
The moniker “Lord Beefy” serves as a reminder of Shardul’s rising notoriety for his overall powers. It also injects some lightheartedness into the high-pressure setting of the Ranji Trophy semi-final.
Looking ahead: The Road to the Ranji Trophy Final
The Mumbai squad, led by Shardul Thakur, is well-positioned to go to the Ranji Trophy finals. The latter phases of the match promise to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams battling for cricket glory.
It will be interesting to see how Shardul and his colleagues do in the future stages and whether they can sustain their dominance to reach the finals. The cricketing world is keen to see if “Lord Beefy” can live up to his increasing reputation.
“These guys are teasing me with his name,” Thakur reacted to the parallel, laughing. “I think it’s good to make comparisons with a great game.”
On Sunday, Thakur came in after Kishore finished his five-wicket haul by removing Shams Mulani for a two-ball duck in the first session. Thakur’s century helped Mumbai get close to 300 runs after starting at 106 for seven and trailing Tamil Nadu by 40 runs in the first inning.