West Indies vs India 2023

‘I just try and contribute towards team’s success’ – Shardul Thakur has this to say about his spot in Team India

Shardul Thakur is someone whose place on the side is always in the debate despite the performances. It has more to do with the way Thakur performs for India than his performances itself. The Mumbai cricketer is mostly a lower-order batter who can contribute enough with the bat. With the ball, Thakur can go for runs but can get crucial wickets out of nowhere.  

There are instances where the 31-year-old has broken crucial partnerships which have helped India to win many matches. But the lack of skills of the right-arm medium-fast bowler means that there is always doubt regarding his performances. Irrespective of this, the Palghar-born cricketer has always performed for the team selflessly.  

‘I will play for the team and make an impact’ – Thakur

After the third ODI against West Indies, Thakur spoke to the media. “As an all-rounder who bats in the lower order, my role also becomes important. We have seen, in longer chases or if you want to post a big total, you will look to accelerate and lose one or two wickets here and there. If the Number 8 and Number 9 can contribute with someone who has batted deep, that role is important,” Thakur said.

The lower-order batter further talked about his thought process. “Whenever I get an opportunity, I just try and contribute towards the team’s success. That’s my thought process – whether it’s in batting, bowling, or fielding. I’m not the kind of player who plays for his place in the team. If I play with that thought, I don’t think I’ll be able to play,” said Thakur.  

The KKR player talked about his selection in the World Cup Squad. “Even if they (team management) don’t pick me for the World Cup, it will be their call, I can’t do much. It would be wrong of me to think that I need to play for my place, that I will do my job and leave. I will have to see what the match situation is, and what the requirement of the team is whether I get personal success or not. That is one thing I keep repeating – no matter what, I will try to play for the team and make an impact,” said Shardul and expressed his opinions.