Shardul Thakur had to leave the field just 10 balls into his Test debut | AFP

Shardul Thakur received his maiden India Test cap from head coach Ravi Shastri during the second Test against the West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad last month.

Before Shardul even realized his ultimate dream to represent the country in Test cricket, his much-awaited debut made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 27-year-old pacer broke down after just 10 deliveries on Day 1 of the second Test in Hyderabad.

After bowling the fourth delivery of his second over, Shardul was seen in considerable discomfort as he started hobbling. Once physio Patrick Farhart came inside the ground, the pacer was seen showing what looked like a groin strain.

Reflecting on the horrific memories of his Test debut, Shardul Thakur, in an exclusive interview with TOI, said: “I was angry and in tears when it happened. Who wants to start his debut match like that? No one. It is really a terrible feeling, believe me.”

“It is better to accept what happened rather complaining about it. It in the past for me now. I want to recover as soon as possible and return to the cricket field," he added.

Shardul revealed how captain Virat Kohli immediately went to the dressing room and encouraged him during that torrid time.  

“Virat bhai (Virat Kohli) immediately rushed towards me and asked 'what happened?'. I told him - I won't be able to continue," he said.

“He saw my condition. I was tense and almost crying but Virat bhai's words helped me handle that terrible situation. He spoke with Patrick Farhart (Indian cricket team physiotherapist) and then advised me to go back and relax," the 27-year-old recalled.

“He gave me confidence and said talk to me after the day's play. After the match, Virat bhai came to ask me about my injury. He said ‘these things are normal for an athlete'. He is in touch with me. He calls me regularly and gives me tips for a quick recovery,” he further explained.

Shardul has been advised rest and certain exercises for two weeks before going into rehabilitation.

“Farhart is assisting me. He is taking it one step at a time. According to him, I should be fine soon,” he said.

“As an athlete, you have to deal with these challenges. When you bowl, you aim for a success, wickets and the team's win. And when these things happen, it really hurts. That's the life of an athlete,” Shardul Thakur concluded.