ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Shardul Thakur jokingly touches Jasprit Bumrah’s feet ahead of the Lord’s Test

As the much-anticipated third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground has begun, the Indian team is not just focused on intense practice but also sharing moments of light-hearted camaraderie. In a delightful video shared by the BCCI, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur engaged in playful banter during a nets session, highlighting the team’s positive spirit ahead of the crucial match. This interaction, which quickly went viral, showcased the friendly dynamics between two key Indian players and added a touch of humour to the high-pressure environment of international cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah and Shardul Thakur’s playful exchange

During the practice session at Lord’s, Bumrah, who is making a comeback after missing the previous Test due to workload management, pointed at Thakur and quipped, “Ye dekho, Lord’s, Lord” — a witty nod to Thakur’s popular nickname “Lord Thakur” among teammates and fans for his match-winning performances. In response, Thakur humorously bent down and touched Bumrah’s feet, saying, “Tabhi Jasprit Bumrah ke pair padne padte hain,” implying that even the ‘Lord’ must bow to the greatness of Bumrah. Bumrah laughed and added, “Ye inka badappan hai. Main inke saath khada hua, wahi main jeet gaya,” meaning that just standing next to Thakur felt like a victory in itself.

This exchange not only brought smiles to the players but also resonated with fans, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect within the Indian squad. The banter underlines the relaxed yet competitive atmosphere in the team as they prepare to take on England in a series that is currently tied 1-1 after India’s historic 336-run win at Edgbaston.

Here’s the video:

The world's No.1 Test bowler is back at the , and mind you, he knows his stats really well 😀 |

— BCCI (@BCCI)

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Bumrah’s return and India’s high spirits at Lord’s

Bumrah’s return to the playing XI for the Lord’s Test is a major boost for India’s bowling attack. Having bowled a heavy workload in the first Test, where he took a five-wicket haul including the prized wicket of Joe Root, Bumrah was rested for the second Test which India won convincingly. His presence at Lord’s, where India has enjoyed recent successes in 2014 and 2021-22, is expected to strengthen the team’s chances significantly.

Meanwhile, Thakur, known for his all-round abilities and dubbed “Lord Thakur” for his knack of breaking crucial partnerships, continues to be an important squad member, providing balance and depth to the bowling unit. The playful moment between the two players highlights the team’s unity and confidence as they look to gain the upper hand in the series.

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