'Whatever he bowls, he picks up wickets' - Aakash Chopra confident of Shardul Thakur's World Cup selection

The ODI World Cup 2023 is just two months away as India prepares itself to host the cricketing extravaganza for the fourth time in its history. The cricket-crazy nation is filled with fervour in anticipation of the mega event as the Men in Blue have the herculean task of winning the coveted trophy after 12 years on their home soil. With not many days left in the World Cup, there are several uncertainties regarding the Indian squad with numerous players down with injuries.

However, with the comeback of speedster Jasprit Bumrah, the pace lineup of the team looks settled. Expressing his opinion about the same, former India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra recently stated that Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur will be the four pacers in the team for the 2023 World Cup.

“That is what it seems like as of now. He has picked up a lot of wickets. Bumrah, Siraj, Shami and Shardul Thakur - I feel these four fast bowlers will be a part of India's 15 in the World Cup,” said Chopra on his Youtube Channel.

Further speaking ahead, Chopra showered praise on Thakur and hailed him for his batting prowess. He also mentioned his uncanny ability to pick wickets at crucial stages off innocuous deliveries.

“Shardul gives you a little batting and he is also a wicket-taker. He might bowl full, short or wide, but whatever he bowls, he picks up wickets. We all bow down to Lord Thakur. There are extremely bright chances of Lord being in my team,” Chopra added.

Shardul Thakur was the highest wicket-taker in WI vs IND ODI series

Notably, Thakur recently finished as the leading wicket-taker of the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The 31-year-old picked up eight wickets from three innings at an average of 11.62 and an economy of 5.31. The Maharashtra-born cricketer has picked up 58 wickets in his 38-match-long ODI career so far at an average of 29.17 and an economy of 6.16.

Furthermore, he has 315 runs in the format from 23 innings at a strike rate of 106.06 with one half-century to his name.