Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur looked an organised player and anchored the innings with a calm and composed 29-ball-68 as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a competitive 204 for 7 in their IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. Both Thakur and opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (57 off 44 balls) cracked fine half-centuries while Rinku Singh scored a 33-ball 46 as KKR made a fine recovery from 89 for five. 

On a day explosive KKR batter Andre Russell fell for a golden duck, Gurbaz (57; 44b) laid the foundation before Thakur showed his mettle as a power-hitter to take them past 200-mark after RCB opted to bowl. With this innings, Thakur became the fastest Indian to smash a half-century in the ongoing edition of the tournament. The 31-year-old has played a blinder so far and has taken his side out of the mud. Thakur came into bat when KKR were at 89/5, but then has played an inning to remember. He showed impeccable skills of batting and cleared the fence with ease with his shots.