One big positive of Shardul Thakur is, even if he gets hit in an over or two, he’s still quite capable of bouncing back and giving his team a vital breakthrough.

On Monday, the pacer all-rounder conceded 36 off his four overs but went on to finish with four wickets as well. That turned out to be critical in Delhi Capitals’ 17-run win over Punjab Kings.

Speaking of his career-best IPL figures, Shardul credits his success to his ability to mix up deliveries which, he believes, played a crucial role in Delhi’s much-needed win over Punjab, particularly as they weren’t defending a big total.

“There was a difference in both the side boundaries. Also, there was dew and it was humid, so I felt they (Punjab batsmen) could hit a six on the bigger side of the boundary. So the better idea was to mix up deliveries and confuse the batsmen,” Shardul said at the post-match news conference.

“Along with the knuckle ball, I looked to use an off-cutter for a left-hander, then seam-up followed by a slow bouncer or bouncer and use the good length,” Shardul added.