Ending Dean Elgar’s stay at the crease on the second day of the 2nd Test match against South Africa, bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur managed to top social media trends on Tuesday. Indian pacer Shardul was mentioned in several viral posts on social media after the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star staged India’s comeback on Day 2 of the 2nd Test match against hosts South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium. 

Shardul, who earlier earned the nickname of ‘Lord Shardul’ following his spectacular performances for Team India was also hailed by former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer and star batter Dinesh Karthik on Twitter. Taking to Twitter before the start of the second session on Tuesday, Jaffer praised Shardul for taking three crucial wickets and turning the tie on its head. 

“Lord Shardul and team India believe in fair play. That’s why Lord never bowls to new batsmen, he’s only brought on once there is a partnership and the batsmen are set. Lord still gets them out though #SAvIND,” Jaffer said in his tweet. Shardul’s name was mentioned in over 6k tweets on Tuesday following his bowling heroics in the opening session of the 2nd Test match at the Wanderers.

Shardul bagged three wickets for India as the hosts were restricted to 102/4 at Lunch on Day 2 of the Johannesburg Test match. Staging India’s comeback with the ball, pace ace Shardul removed South Africa skipper Elgar (28), Keegan Petersen (62) and Rassie van der Dussen (1). Shardul dismantled the South African top order inside 4.5 overs.

The Indian pacer took three wickets and leaked 8 runs in the first session of the 2nd Test match. Pacer Shardul also bowled 2 maidens in his first session spell against the Proteas. Petersen’s maiden half-century had lifted South Africa to 137-4 in 56 overs. Earlier, the Virat Kohli-less Team India side was bundled out for 202 in their 1st innings at Johannesburg. Elgar-led South Africa trail KL Rahul’s Team India by 65 runs.