Shardul Thakur, who is part of the 17 member squad to take on West Indies, expects slow wickets for the upcoming series. The wickets that were prepared by the hosts for practice matches played at St Kitts are any indication.
The second practice match ended in a draw after WI Board President’s XI survived the day with scoring 223 for six and 180 in reply to Indians scoring 364 all out in their only innings.
“I have sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we have discussed all these things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow and similarly we are also expecting slow wickets in the Test series too,” said Shardul after the end of the practice match.
“So the bowlers know we have to keep making effort. The slower the wicket, the effort is more. Making an effort is my work and needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast bowler has to give effort on each delivery,” he added.
The youngster was added to the squad on the back of impressive performances for his Ranji side Mumbai, who eventually went on to become champions for the 41st time.
Thakur made an impression in the match played at St Kitts troubling the batsmen in both innings with his line and length, using the bouncer as a surprise weapon and picking 1/50 in the 22 overs he bowled in the match.
“It was always my dream to be part of the Test team, and being with the Indian team where other players have gained certain experience, you get to learn a lot from them. I am trying to learn as much as I can, because it will only be good for my progress in the future,” said the youngster.
“I did bowl a few bouncers and almost got a wicket with one in the second innings. Even in the first innings, the wicket I got was off a bouncer. I use it as a surprise weapon and it is more of a variation in my bowling,” he said.
Talking about the influence of Anil Kumble and Ishant Sharma, Shardul said, “They have made me feel very comfortable and a player performs better when he is feeling good.”
“There should not be any pressure in the dressing room and the more freedom you have, the better you will be able to perform out on the field. The senior guys and Anil bhai have given me enough confidence, so now it is up to me to go ahead and perform.”
The first Test starts in Antigua on July 21 and Thakur does not expect to make the cut for the playing eleven.
With India playing 17 Test matches in upcoming nine months Thakur’s chance could come sooner rather than later.
“Everyone is a different bowler and it is important to identify you own strengths, and keep improving on them. We have shared different ideas about bowling in the Test series and hopefully our ideas will work.
“As for selection, well, we have a long season ahead of us. I am used to playing the domestic season that starts in September and goes on until March-April. So I just hope my fitness shapes up and I hope to get a look-in at some point,” Thakur signed off.
Thakur will have to be prepared to carry drinks unless Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami or Umesh Yadav suffers injury on the eve of the match. Thakur by being part of the squad will get to learn so much under the leadership of Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli.