Aakash Chopra suggested that Shardul Thakur has managed to pip Umran Malik in the race for the fourth spot in the pace department for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Around two months are left for the World Cup but India are still in search of finding their ideal combination for the mega event as injury crises have put the team management under pressure to test their bench strength. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul impressed everyone with the ball against West Indies in the ODI series. Thakur claimed 8 wickets in three matches.
Shardul picked four wickets in the series decider against West Indies to help India clinch the series 2-1.
Chopra was highly impressed with Shardul and backed him for a place in the World Cup squad.
“You need to praise Lord Thakur a lot. Lord Thakur has picked up the most wickets for India in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup. The good thing is that there is a place vacant for the World Cup. The question was who can be the fourth fast bowler after (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammad) Shami, and (Mohammed) Siraj,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The former opener feels that Shardul is the answer for India’s number 4 pace option for World Cup as Umran Malik has fallen behind in the race.
“It seems like Lord Thakur has become the answer to that question currently. Umran Malik has fallen behind in that list suddenly, although he might do well in the T20s and we start talking about him, but for now, it seems like Lord Thakur’s World Cup looks almost confirmed,” he added.
Shardul has picked the most wickets for India in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup as he has 44 scalps under his kitty in 30 matches, while Siraj is second on the list with 43 in 23 ODIs.
The ODI World Cup will be held in India from October 5 to November 19, and the team management is looking to give opportunities to players to cement their places ahead of the showpiece.
“I am happy to have picked up eight wickets in this series. As a cricketer we wait for this opportunity for years, sometimes you perform, sometimes not.
“Whichever series I play that always boosts my confidence because I am only adding experience to my career,” Shardul said after the match.
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