Shardul Thakur is evolving, avoiding the spotlight in favor of “impactful” performances
The all-rounder claims that his participation in all but one ODI series over the past year is “a sign of the team’s confidence in me.”
The most important thing to Shardul Thakur is having an impact on the game, regardless of discipline. Even if he isn’t constantly in the lead, he is most happy if his work along the route contributes to the triumph. similar to how he was the top wicket-taker in the just finished ODI series against the West Indies, taking eight wickets at an average of 11.62 and a 5.31 economy rate.
In addition to his proficiency in taking wickets, his batting also qualifies him as a capable No. 8. The fact that he has played in every ODI series since August 2022, with the exception of one at home against Sri Lanka, shows how much the squad values the balance he brings. Although Thakur hasn’t had many chances to use his batting in ODIs, they have been enough examples of this talent in other formats.
Consider his 68 off 29 in an IPL innings against Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this year, which propelled Kolkata Knight Riders to 204, the greatest IPL total for a club that was less than 100 runs down at the time. Or even his Gabba heroics, or his twin fifties at The Oval. Thakur made a significant effect in these games, the kind he frequently dreams about.
Thakur responded, “Honestly, I have never wondered if there is attention on me or not, who is looking at me, and who isn’t,” when asked if he felt he wasn’t talked about as much as he should be following India’s victory over West Indies in the third one-day international in Tarouba, where he took 4 for 37 to help them to a 2-1 series win. However, as you can see, the Indian team has a strong depth. There will be instances when spinners will play if the pitch is favorable. I’ll have the opportunity to contribute if the seamers receive any assistance.
We’ve had a strong batting lineup over the past few years. My role as an all-rounder who bats down in the order becomes crucial. We’ve observed in significant chases—particularly when trying to post a high score in the first innings—that if you try to accelerate, you will occasionally lose one or two wickets. It helps if your No. 8 and No. 9 batters can contribute to the set batter. Therefore, that part is vital.
“Whenever I have the chance, I just try to do my part to help the team succeed. I always play with that in mind, whether I’m hitting, bowling, or fielding. At the end of the day, I should be satisfied with my efforts and, regardless of the department, I should do well.
Thakur believes that his recent selection as a bowling all-rounder across formats is the best possible indication of the team’s confidence in him.
“[The] team expects something from me, that’s why I’ve been picked and I’m getting opportunities to play,” he stated. “To me, earning these opportunities shows how much the team believes in me. I’m pleased to have taken eight wickets in this series.
“We look for possibilities of this nature. Performances take place occasionally and occasionally do not. Happy to have been able to perform. I take the confidence if I do well in a series. I’ll take the experience if I don’t. If you don’t perform and see it as a failure, your perspective is incorrect.
When asked about the battle for positions, Thakur made it clear that he wasn’t competing for a spot on the team. The fact that he has been able to remain emotionally detached from selection calls may be a sign of maturity.
“I don’t believe I should compete for a position. That kind of player, I’m not,” he declared. I’d be unable to play if I entertained that concept while playing. It is their decision whether or not to accept me for the World Cup. There is not much I can do. However, I was mistaken to believe that I should compete for a position. I aim to perform to the scenario and what the team requires, whether or not I am successful in it. In every one of my interviews, I always stress this. I play for the team’s success and to make a difference, no matter what happens.