Yash Thakur played a career-defining spell of 5/16 as Vidarbha sealed a stunning six-wicket win over Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, bowling out the opposition for 164 runs in 19.2 overs. The 26-year-old bowled a triple-wicket maiden in the 18th over—consisting of slow bouncers outside the off—that led to the collapse of the entire team, with Rohan Kunnumal (58), Vishnu Vinod (65), Abdul Bazeeth, Sharafuddin NM, and Sally Samson registering their best T20 figures. Vidarbha completed the target of 165/4 in 18.3 overs with the help of Atharva Tayde’s 54 runs, in which Shivam Deshmukh’s sixes at the end won the thrilling match.

Thakur, who took nine wickets in four SMAT matches, credited his command of the pitch to his familiarity with Lucknow – which was further enhanced during his two Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) IPL seasons under Gautam Gambhir. “I knew the nature here… the NCA coaches suggested slower bouncers, which worked today,” he told Sportstar. Amid rumors of Gambhir’s India head coaching effectiveness being questioned after a mixed white-ball transition, Thakur’s support came in handy: LSG mentor Gambhir in 2023 instilled immense confidence in Thakur during his debut IPL purple patch (13 wickets in nine matches).

“When I joined LSG, Gautam sir said: ‘After the domestic matches, you deserve to be here. There is no gap between levels—treat everyone equally, believe that you are the best.’ “It takes belief,” Thakur said, reiterating Gambhir’s mantra of staying calm under pressure, which fueled his 5/30 performance against Gujarat Titans. Despite a bench role for Punjab Kings in the last IPL—retained at ₹1.6 crore for 2026—Thakur sees the home ground as preparation for the IPL, with its high-scoring, defensive contests.

Continuous rise in India A rank

Thakur’s performance in India A has been brilliant: two wickets in two matches in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025; Four wickets (six total) in Irani Cup 2025; and two wickets in the unofficial Test win over Australia A in September. “India A was a blessing, but I focus on the present,” he said, adding that he has given up his addiction to national call-ups.

His debut? A unique dream: “Play for India, win the World Cup.” Domestic development—200+ chases are common—further hones that edge, without any entitlement.