Shardul Thakur bolstered his hopes of securing a place in the Team India squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 by picking four wickets in the final ODI against West Indies. The pacer’s efforts enabled India thrash Windies by 200 runs. However, the right-hand pacer said he was not thinking about World Cup and playing for his spot. With no Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj in the ODI series against West Indies, Thakur led India’s inexperienced pace attack well.
“Very wrong of me to think I will play for my spot in the WC. I will do what the team needs from me,” Thakur said. The all-rounder was also modest about his performances and gave credit to the rest of the bowlers for keeping things tight. “Bowling unit bowled well, and we were trying to put in our best effort despite Windies losing three at the top.”
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Shardul Thakur: Thakur keen to put on good performances as race for ODI World Cup heats up
With Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj back for Asia Cup and World Cup, Thakur knows he got limited opportunities to showcase his worth. The all-rounder has not disappointed as he has delivered for India on the tricky surface in Windies. Thakur said selection is not in his hands and that he plays according to the match situation.
“If I am not picked in the World Cup squad, it’s their call, I cannot do much about it. I always try to perform for the team and play according to the situation of a match,” he added.
“I think I didn’t play one one-day series, I mean I was not part of the team in the series against Sri Lanka at home. I don’t know why I wasn’t picked then, but I have been part of all other ODI series in the last 2 years.
“Whenever I get an opportunity, I try to contribute to the team’s success whether it’s with bat, ball, or in fielding. At the end of the day, I should be happy that I have made an effort, my performances should be impactful whichever department it is,” he added.
The deadline for World Cup squad submission is on September 5, and Thakur’s terrific performances in the three ODIs will give selectors a good headache.
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