'I haven't had any communication yet' - Shardul Thakur after being omitted from Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 squad

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur broke his silence following head coach Gautam Gambhir's statement about the team moving on from him. The veteran player, who recently underwent foot surgery, is optimistic about his prospects despite his current exclusion from the national squad.

Thakur who had a memorable performance in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly his heroics at the Gabba was overlooked for this tour. His all-round contributions, including a crucial 67 in the first innings and a seven-wicket haul, are one of the best performances under pressure. Thakur recently opened up about his omission after undergoing surgery in London this June.

"I haven't had any communication yet, I have just returned from surgery, so it's obvious that's the reason I am not in the team at the moment," Thakur said as quoted by The Indian Express.

Also Read: 'What I did in Brisbane is probably the highlight of my career'- Shardul Thakur on 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy heroics

Surely be chances somewhere down the line: Shardul Thakur

Despite the setback, Thakur has been making a strong case for his return through domestic cricket. His recent performance for Mumbai against Services, where he claimed seven wickets (4/46 & 3/39), shows his good form. The all-rounder also mentioned the numerous opportunities ahead.

"However, my fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities 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," he added.

The Mumbai cricketer has made some notable performances including the fastest fifty in England (57 off 36 balls at the Oval in 2021) and his best Test bowling figures of 7/61 at the Wanderers in 2022 against South Africa. The 33-year-old revealed about playing post his surgery and is still working on his getting more fit. 

"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 per cent 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 quite a few catches were dropped, so the wickets aren't reflecting on the board. If those catches were taken, I would have had around 20 wickets in five matches. But that's part and parcel of the game," he concluded.