Shardul Thakur takes the train; wins hearts in the process

India pacer Shardul Thakur, until his four-wicket haul against South Africa, rarely made the news. However, the bowler from Palghar, a suburban city of Mumbai, is making lots of news for his latest action for which he is being hailed as a humble guy. After his return from South Africa, the 26-year-old pacer went to his hometown Palghar via a Mumbai local train, in the first class compartment. For an international star who is given the best of facilities not just during traveling, but also lodging and everything else, such a humble route home is winning hearts.

From Andheri to Palghar

Shardul, who was sold to Chennai Super Kings for 2.6 crores in the recent IPL 2018 auction, prefers taking a train home, which is a 1.5-hour journey from Andheri, where the Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport is.

“This time I boarded the train in Andheri after getting off the flight from South Africa. Straight from business class to first-class. I had my headphones on and just wanted to get home soon. They say the boy who used to travel with us is now playing for India. But I could sense people in the compartment looking at me and wondering whether I really was ‘Shardul Thakur’,” media reports quoted him as saying.

When he was forced to give up his jersey number

A few months ago, the same Shardul was slammed by fans for being arrogant to don the no. 10 jersey, which is supposed to be retired as it was worn by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Despite the bowler’s clarification that he had chosen the number 10 for his jersey due to numerological reasons, it was told that he disrespected Tendulkar, and eventually, he was forced to give up the jersey number.

However, his latest act, that of not just travelling by the local train but also buying the ticket at the counter by himself, is winning hearts on social media.

Here are the best tweets:

The suburban local train – The best and fastest mode of transportation for the poor and rich, unknown and celebrities, both – @imShard Shardul Thakur on board Mumbai's lifeline after returning from South Africa tour – Purchased ticket before boarding – hats off to his simplicity. pic.twitter.com/62aRUDzR6j

— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 3, 2018

Times of Ipl Contracts & Times of being a Current India Player too…A Boy still traveling by Train to his home after coming from South Africa..Touched to see these feet on the ground..Do well Shardul Thakur… pic.twitter.com/iezE3DsZNM

— Reetinder Sodhi (@ReetinderSodhi) March 2, 2018

simplicity level :@imShard ..you r great.. hope you play good in #NidahasTrophy2018 ..and i wish that we will meet in Chennai.. pic.twitter.com/yRPZHbpAol

— Prasun kundu (@Prasunkundu11) March 4, 2018

Success earned is definitely due to hours of immense hardwork but it is important to stay grounded at the same time ? @imShard
'Business class ✈️ to First class ?' ? pic.twitter.com/mDq0qahxnS

— Lakshmi Narayanan (@lakshuakku) March 3, 2018

Shardul Thakur got off flight and on train to go home to Palghar. Astonishment only to someone who doesn't know it takes 3 times longer to go by cab :p

— Vidyut #DestroyTheAadhaar (@Vidyut) March 3, 2018

You r simply great!! Words kam pad raha hai! Actually I am a fan of Raina❤ But I would say, after him I am fan of yours!! @imShard I am so proud of U shardul!!!

— Gayathri❤Raina (@gayathri170) March 3, 2018

@imShard is this real???? pic.twitter.com/wyhRcedWEw

— Krishna Gavkare (@KrishnaGavkare) March 3, 2018

A boy still travels to his home by train after reaching from South Africa ?? How simple is he ??? #CSKian @imShard ?? @ChennaiIPL @IPL @BCCI pic.twitter.com/kN8p0u9ykm

— Tabrez Ali Khan (@tabrezalikhan) March 2, 2018

Bro, maintain that down to earth attitude. People will keep loving u.@imShard

— निरहुआ मोदी (@PushpNaagar) March 3, 2018

Shardul Thakur got off the Emirates flight on his return from South Africa with the cricket team. He straight went to Andheri railway station and boarded a local Mumbai train to Palghar, just like he has almost his entire life. Such humility! pic.twitter.com/M7Z70tNExy

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) March 2, 2018