With his stunning display in West Indies, Shardul Thakur has strengthened his claims for a place in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad but the seam-bowling all-rounder is not focusing on sealing his spot.
Shardul finished the ODI series against West Indies as the most successful bowler, claiming eight wickets from three games, including the best bowling figures of 4/37 in the decider in Trinidad on Tuesday (August 1).
The 50-over World Cup is slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19, and the team management is giving opportunities to players to cement their places ahead of the quadrennial event.
"I am happy to have picked up eight wickets in this series. As a cricketer we wait for this opportunity for years, sometimes you perform, sometimes not.
"Whichever series I play that always boost my confidence because I am only adding experience to my career," Shardul said after India’s 200-run victory over West Indies in the third ODI.
"I never think that I have to play to seal my spot because I can't play with that mentality and I am not that type of player.
"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."
Nonetheless, Shardul feels he has a role to play and that is why he has been a regular in the ODI set-up for the last couple of years.
"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.
"I think the team expects something from me so I have been kept in the team. Whenever I get a chance to play, I feel the team has confidence in me so they gave me the chance to play," Shardul said.
"If you look in the last few years we tend to play with a deep batting line-up, so as an all-rounder who bats lower down the order, my job also becomes important. That role is very crucial.
"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 remarked.
Talking about the third ODI against West Indies, Shardul said it was a complete performance from the team and particularly lauded Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill for their exploits at the top of the batting order.
"In the last match, as a group, we had decided that we will bat first and challenge ourselves how much we can score batting first and then defend that score. It didn't materialise in the last match but, in today's match, we put up a good score.
"Shubman and Ishan batted very well in powerplay. They gave us a strong start and that's why we can put on a big score," he said.
"We expected a strong fight from West Indies but Mukesh Kumar (3/30) bowled a fine opening spell with the new ball. The first three wickets were crucial. We bowled as a unit."
India and West Indies will now square off in a five-match T20I series, starting on August 3 in Trinidad.
(With PTI Inputs)
