Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has spoken about his underutilization as a bowler in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Fast bowler, who starred in the domestic circuit that paved his way back in the Indian team, is apparently yet to win his captain’s trust. Thakur has left the ball in Shubman Gill’s court, saying it is only a skipper’s choice on whom to bowl according to situations.
What did Shardul Thakur say on Gill?
After India got bundled out for 358 in the first innings, everyone thought that the Manchester surface would make it difficult for the English batters to score runs. But with sunlight coming in, the pitch got better to bat on and Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett piled on misery on the visitors.
However, India’s most experienced pacer majorly watched everything as an outfielder. Shardul Thakur was given just five overs in a day when India bowled a total of 46.
“Giving bowling is the captain’s call. Not in my hands. The captain decides when to give them. Usually, the player doesn’t have much say. There’s still time left — three more days in the game. I hope I get more overs,” asserted Thakur while speaking to reporters after Day 2 of the Manchester Test.
India not using Thakur properly?
While Thakur said the obvious that it all depends on a captain, his case has been quite bewildering to say the least. The Mumbai-born all-rounder is in the team as a pacer who can bat and elongate the batting. However, his primary role is of a pacer, something for which he is being underutilised.
In fact, Thakur has bowled the least overs among all players who have bowler in more than two innings. Anshul Kamboj, who has made his debut in the ongoing Test sent down 10 overs. Thakur, meanwhile, has bowled just 21 across three innings so far. Clearly, Shubman Gill isn’t trusting him enough. Having said that, Thakur’s returns haven’t helped him too. In those 21 overs, he has leaked runs at a run rate of almost 6, something which is unacceptable in the format.
Going forward, Thakur still has time to redeem himself. He has that knack of breaking partnerships and changing the momentum in his side’s favour. Even Gill would appreciate if that proves to be the case in this innings!
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