Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur’s performance during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was nothing short of remarkable. As India prepares for their upcoming tour of Australia, Thakur reflected on his career-defining moment at the Gabba, a match that will be etched in his memory forever. With the 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching, Thakur is eager to relive that experience and make an impact once again.
The 2020-21 series was a gruelling one for Team India, plagued by injuries and adversities. Thakur, originally selected for the white-ball matches, found himself thrust into the spotlight during the final Test in Brisbane. The 33-year-old pacer’s all-round heroics not only contributed to India’s historic win but also cemented his place in the annals of Indian cricket. Reflecting on that unforgettable performance, Thakur recently shared his thoughts and aspirations for the upcoming tour.
“What I did in Brisbane is probably the highlight of my career, contributing when it mattered the most. We are going to Australia again, the team is not announced, but I am hoping to see my name on the list. Mentally, even in these Ranji games, I am preparing for Australia also. Honestly, I badly want to go to Australia, I want to do something there. A lot of the international teams have failed to win back-to-back series there but this team could be the one to win three in a row, so I want to be part of it,” Shardul Thakur told Hindustan Times.
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Thakur also recalled a pivotal conversation with then-coach Ravi Shastri during their flight to Australia. At that time, Thakur was only part of the ODI squad, but injuries to key players during the tour opened the door for his inclusion in the Gabba Test. According to Thakur, Shastri had a strong premonition about his importance to the series.
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“I remember that series right from the conversation I had with (coach) Ravi Shastri in the flight. I was (only) part of the ODI squad, but played all three formats and ended up playing the last Test also. The coach had a feeling – he randomly called me in the flight and said, ‘Shardul, you are part of the ODI team but I am telling you, you are not leaving Australia, you are staying till the last day and I have a gut feeling you will make some difference on the tour,'” Shardul Thakur recounted.
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Currently representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, Shardul Thakur is mentally preparing for the possibility of another tour to Australia. He knows the challenge ahead, but believes that India can pull off a third consecutive series win.
“We have the last two series wins in Australia; they know they can’t underestimate this Indian team. Cricket will be played hard. It will be a tough series for both teams,” he concluded.
