India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has grabbed the limelight for his performance in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. He became a regular part of the Test squad after his performance on the Australia tour in 2020-21.
Shardul is known for turning game with his spells and he also has the ability to add important runs. His batting skill plays a big role in giving him an edge over another bowler in the selection.
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The 30-year-old was asked if he considers himself bowling or a batting all-rounder, and he replied, “Frankly speaking, I don’t think about whether I’m a bowling allrounder or batting allrounder."
"It’s all about creating an impact when I’m out there and do something for the team. At the end of the day, I want my performance to be counted in a way that it helps the team to win," he further said while speaking to the broadcasters ahead of the start of Day 3 of the third Test at Newlands.
India took a 13-run lead in the first innings by bowling out South Africa on 210 runs. They ended the second day with 57/2 runs on the scoreboard, but the visitors lost a couple of early wickets in the morning session of Day 3.
Shardul spoke about the game and said, “I think the game is evenly poised. It’s totally a second innings game now and there is a lot of time left in the game. There is still some life in the pitch and help for the bowlers. The batters can also score runs, so it can go anywhere."
The pitch at Newlands has assisted the bowlers but Shardul believes batters who can make good shot selection can score runs here. “We’ve talked about the pitch a lot, there is something for the bowlers but like I said earlier, if you play good cricketing shots, you can score runs.
"I think to bat well in the third innings is the key, and then take it from there. I don’t have any specific number (target) but looking at history, any score over 300 will be hard to chase," he added.
(With Star Sports Inputs)
