Hardworking, enthused, disciplined are a few traits that one would witness when Shardul Thakur is training at the net session.
Shardul was named in the 15-member India squad to Sri Lanka for limited overs series and the 4th ODI could well see the pacer making his international debut for India.
With the 5-match series in the bag, the Indian skipper had hinted at trying the bench strength and this could be the Mumbai lad’s opportunity as the 4th seamer in the squad to prove his mettle out in the field.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Shardul laid emphasis on being match ready and delivering when given the chance.
“Over the past few years, I have been working hard. Whenever I get a chance to play, I should be ready. Keeping that in mind I always prepare for the game. Whether they play me or not that's the management's role, but if you ask me personally, I just have to be ready for the game whenever I get the opportunity and I prepare accordingly,” said Shardul.
The 25-year bowler represented the Rising Pune Supergiant in the 10th edition of the IPL wherein he got 11 wickets in 12 outings. When asked about the difference in approach while bowling in limited overs cricket, Shardul said, “I feel, if you have the skills, you can play in any format of the game. It’s just about your preparations and how you cope up with different challenges of Test cricket, ODI cricket, and T20Is. If you ask me, you have to evolve every time there is a change in the format.
“In white-ball cricket, you need to use a lot of variations when needed. Where as in red-ball cricket you just stick to your plans again and again. You have to keep bowling your stock deliveries. It’s more about patience there. That’s the difference,” he added.
With MS Dhoni being behind the stumps during IPL, Shardul has had his share of learning from the former India Captain who is all set to play his 300th ODI.
“I have learnt a lot from him during the IPL. It was a great boost for me. He is the wicket-keeper of the team so he has seen a lot of bowlers bowling from the other end, and very closely, like what do they do in a particular situation. So, whenever I have felt like finding out things about a particular situation, I have gone to him. I have always done that. It’s really good of him that he has helped me,” iterated Shardul.
