Having made his Test debut in 2018, Shardul Thakur has played only 11 matches in the longest format for India so far.
The seam-bowling all-rounder has delivered match-winning performances with both bat and ball, especially in overseas conditions. But one bad day at the office results in him being severely criticized or losing his place from the side.
While the lack of opportunities is painful for Shardul, he hasn’t received clear answers on why he has been left out of the Test team. His last Test appearance was against South Africa in Centurion last December.
"One must get those many opportunities as well to stamp himself. There are people who have got 70-80 games and then suddenly you say 'he is a brilliant player. He has done well for India' but the fact is he has got 70-80 games for India. I have been part of the Indian team for the last seven-eight years, but how many games have I played? So whatever limited opportunities that I have got, I have given my best. Sometimes it happens for me, sometimes it doesn't. It's a team sport. I perform with the help of teammates, and I also fail with the help of teammates," Shardul was quoted as saying by TOI.
The Irani Cup fixture between Ranji champions Mumbai and the Rest of India, which started on October 1 in Lucknow, marked Shardul Thakur’s return to cricket after undergoing ankle surgery post the IPL in June.
"I'm passionate about this sport and more than that I look forward to challenges. That's what gives me a high when I'm playing. It's very easy to say I have performed well in easy conditions, but when you are playing against the best and the situation is challenging, if you are able to bail your team out, that determines what kind of a player you are. I look for such opportunities," he added.
Irani Cup and the Ranji Trophy matches will be crucial for Shardul to prove his fitness and reclaimed his place in the Test side for the upcoming Australia tour.
"I think (we) India (have been) using that combination (fourth fast bowling allrounder) in overseas conditions in the past few years. At times, I have done well at No. 8. Batted well in pressure situations. I have bowled well as well…taken crucial wickets for the team. I'm really looking for the upcoming tour of Australia," said Shardul.
"But yes, right now the focus is on the Irani Cup game. First few Ranji games as well. I'm playing after a long time, so my entire focus must be on these games. But subconsciously, yes…the Australia tour is also on my mind. It is one place where conditions are challenging, and the crowd is always involved in the game. It's a tour that a player would like to look forward to," he further remarked.
(With TOI Inputs)
