After his blockbuster performance in the IND vs WI 3rd ODI, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on Shardul Thakur. The all-rounder ended up with figures of 6.3-0-37-4, including the prized scalps of Shimron Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd. The right-arm pacer ended the series as the highest wicket-taker (8 wickets in 17.3 overs).
Chopra was impressed with Thakur’s performance in the series and said, “In the previous match itself, Shardul took three wickets. He gets very limited credit for the way he bowls. I am trying to figure out how he takes so many wickets and why he is expensive, both things going hand-in-hand.”
Among all Indian bowlers in contention to make the ODI World Cup 2023, Thakur is the leading wicket-taker in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup. During this period, the Mumbai player has taken 48 wickets in 32 games. The only bowler close to him is Kuldeep Yadav, who has picked up 46 scalps in a similar number of games.
Also Read: ‘Very wrong to think I will play for my spot in World Cup’: Shardul Thakur
“If you are taking three wickets, the economy shouldn’t be much to worry about because 300 is going to be there as a target. He doesn’t give more than 6 runs per over, must be 6.1–6.2. The number of balls he bowls, the chances of him getting a wicket are very bright,” Chopra said of Shardul’s wicket-taking ability.
“We say it’s wicket-taking luck, but if you closely observe Shardul, the reason why he has the wicket-taking luck is because he bowls in those areas and he has a lot of belief. If you ever ask him, How good are you? He would answer, “Equal to Dennis Lillee!”. That’s the confidence he has, and I love him for that.” the former opener said on Shardul Thakur’s self-belief.
The right-handed all-rounder remains in the mix to make it to the playing XI in the Asia Cup and the World Cup after his excellent performance over the last couple of years.
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