In the quest to finalize India’s ideal pace combination for the upcoming ODI World Cup, former opener Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on Shardul Thakur, tipping him as the answer for the fourth fast bowler slot in the squad. As injuries create a selection conundrum, India’s team management is carefully evaluating their bench strength to build a formidable lineup for the mega event scheduled from October 5 to November 19.
Shardul Thakur’s impressive performances in the recent ODI series against the West Indies have caught the attention of cricket pundits. In the absence of key pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, Thakur stepped up to the challenge and showcased his prowess as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Over the course of three matches, Shardul claimed eight wickets, including a crucial four-wicket haul in the series decider, which led India to a 2-1 victory.
Aakash Chopra lauded Shardul’s achievements, noting that he has picked up the most wickets for India in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup, with an impressive tally of 44 scalps in just 30 matches. With a spot open for the World Cup, the question of who would fill the fourth fast bowler position after Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj remained. However, Chopra believes that Shardul Thakur has answered that question convincingly and is a strong contender for the coveted World Cup squad.
While Umran Malik has shown promise in T20 matches, the young pacer has fallen behind in the race for the ODI World Cup spot, according to Chopra. For now, Shardul’s outstanding performances have seemingly secured his place in the World Cup lineup.
Expressing his satisfaction with his recent achievements, Shardul Thakur expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received and the experience gained in his cricketing journey. The ODI series has provided him with a significant confidence boost, which he believes adds to his overall growth as a cricketer.
As the World Cup draws near, the Indian team management is keen on giving players the chance to prove their mettle and cement their positions ahead of the prestigious tournament. With Shardul Thakur making a strong case for himself, the race for the final World Cup squad promises to be an exciting affair.
