Shardul Thakur has been in the mix of the Indian team for a long time but it was until January when he leaves mark on Test cricket. He was named in the playing XI during Brisbane Test and impressed the cricketing world with his all-round skills. He first scored a match-saving counterattacking fifty before returning with a four-fer. He played a defining role in Team India’s historic win at Gabba to clinch the series Down Under.
This performance has earned him a place in India’s squad for the forthcoming World Test Championship Final and the five-game Test series against England, starting in August. Few experts believe he should be included in the playing XI for the marquee clash as he can be the X factor Team India needs.
Also Read: Shardul Thakur should be picked ahead of Siraj for WTC Final, believes Sarandeep Singh
Meanwhile, an interesting incident occurred during India’s intra-squad match before the WTC Final in Southampton. Team India was split into two teams and played against each other to gain match practice before the final. Shardul was also involved in the match as seen in the video posted by BCCI’s official Twitter handle.
The video of 3rd day’s play saw an interesting event, which left everyone surprised. At the end of the video clip, Shardul was seen walking towards the nets while the whole team left the ground to rest after the completion of the day.
Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was also taken by surprise and he called Ravi Shastri to bring his focus towards it as well.
Watch the video here;
The third day of intra-squad match simulation was about settling down & finding that rhythm. 👍 👍 #TeamIndia
Here's a brief recap 🎥 👇 pic.twitter.com/WByZoIxzT6
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 14, 2021
Fans are loving Shardul Thakur’s spirit of hitting the nets straight after the game. He may not get a chance in the playing XI as India’s first-choice fast bowlers are fit ahead of the final.
Also Read: Shardul Thakur and Suryakumar Yadav interviewed each other
Meanwhile, it is being reported that Indian team management is considering fitting Mohammad Siraj in playing XI for the final. India’s three first-choice pacers are available but rumours are suggesting that Siraj can be included in the XI at the expense of either Mohammed Shami or Ishant Sharma.
The WTC final will be played from June 18 in Southampton’s Ageas Bowl Stadium.
