With the extremely anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy towards Australia set to start on November 22 at Perth, Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli’s capability to ship within the sequence regardless of latest struggles. Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have confronted scrutiny for his or her inconsistent type through the New Zealand tour, managing a mixed 184 runs throughout six innings. As followers and consultants debate their place within the Test facet, Thakur believes Kohli’s stellar document and expertise in Australia will show invaluable.
Thakur make clear the immense strain that Kohli faces, emphasising the excessive expectations surrounding the star batter. “With playing, criticism will always come. When Virat bats, we tend to expect him to score a century every time. So, even if he scores 70 runs, it feels like he has failed, but the reality is, he has still scored 70 runs. He has made so many centuries; after Sachin Tendulkar, he is the one with the most centuries in the world,” Thakur informed IANS after ending the third day’s play within the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match towards Services on the Air Force floor at Palam right here on Friday.
Thakur additional highlighted Kohli’s excellent performances in Australia over time, the place the previous Indian captain has amassed over 600 runs in 13 Tests at a mean exceeding 50.
“Everyone knows, deep down, how well Virat plays in Australia. He has everything — whether it’s technique or the right approach — to succeed on the Australian tour. He has proven it time and again whenever he has toured Australia, and I am confident he will do it again this time. He will be back don’t worry,” Thakur asserted confidently.
Thakur himself has been on a decided journey of restoration and enchancment. Returning from surgical procedure, Shardul delivered a match-winning efficiency in Mumbai’s Elite Group A conflict towards Services. He picked up a complete of seven wickets throughout each innings, with standout figures of 12-0-39-3 within the third day’s play. His early strikes had Services reeling at 60/3 by lunch, and Mumbai closed in on a possible outright victory, bolstered by Thakur’s efforts.
Reflecting on his comeback, Thakur admitted to preliminary hesitation after his surgical procedure. “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% fitness, and it’s reflected in my bowling as well. In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm.
“Although fairly just a few catches have been dropped, so the wickets aren’t reflecting on the board. If these catches have been taken, I’d have had round 20 wickets in 5 matches. But that is half and parcel of the sport. Overall, I’m feeling fairly good by way of health and bowling. It’s a satisfying feeling, I’d say,” said Thakur.
Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule that includes Australia’s tour, England’s white-ball matches in India, and the Champions Trophy.
“I have never had any communication but. But proper now, I’ve simply returned from surgical procedure, so it is apparent that is the rationale I’m not on the staff in the meanwhile. However, my health is in nice form now, and because the Australia tour is an extended one, alternatives 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. My only focus at the moment is to further improve my fitness, work harder on my bowling, and always give 100% when I step onto the ground,” mentioned Thakur.
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