India all-rounder Shardul Thakur was overlooked by the selection committee for the upcoming all-important Border-Gavaskar series, as emerging players like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been picked instead. The Mumbai player was a key player in India’s overseas tours in the past, providing balance and depth with the bat and the ball as well.
He was in Team India’s plans during the start of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as well. He was part of the tours to the West Indies and South Africa, but an injury following the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) hampered his journey. He also underwent surgery in London in June and recently made his return through the Irani Cup in Lucknow as well.
ALSO READ: “Shubman’s captaincy is very good” – Ravi Bishnoi on Shubman Gill
“I haven’t had any communication yet. I have just returned from surgery, so it’s obvious that’s the reason I am not in the team at the moment,” Thakur told reporters (via the Indian Express). “However, my fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities can come anytime. Following that, the England team is also coming to India for white-ball matches, then there’s the Champions Trophy, so there’s a lot of cricket ahead. So, there will surely be chances somewhere down the line,” he added.
The veteran all-rounder needs to do well to convince the selectors that he still has a lot to offer as well. A lot will be seen in how Nitish Kumar
Reddy will fare in Australia as well. The Indian team are not blessed with depth in this department, as Hardik Pandya is also not an option for Tests as well.
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya shares happiness after winning back the love of fans
“In the initial one or two matches, I had a bit of hesitation while starting, but as I kept playing matches post-surgery, my confidence gradually developed. Now, I have achieved 100 per cent fitness, and it’s reflected in my bowling as well. In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm,” Shardul Thakur concluded.
