'I have done well in white-ball cricket too' - Shardul Thakur disappointed over T20 World Cup snub

Shardul Thakur has been the apple of the eye lately all thanks to his brilliance over the 22 yards. During the inconclusive series against England, Shardul took seven wickets in three games alongside scoring a couple of half-centuries. With Shardul emerging as a potent all-round option, he was expected to be a vital part of India’s T20 World Cup 2021 squad. However, the BCCI selectors had different plans as Shardul couldn’t make it to the final 15.

Instead, he was named a stand-by player alongside Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer. Speaking of his snub, the right-arm pacer said he was disappointed. The 29-year-old also asserted he has done well in white-ball cricket over the last couple of years, suggesting he should be in the squad. Nevertheless, the pacer also said he’ll keep himself ready if his need arises in the global event.

I’m a part of the reserves for the World Cup, so I guess I have to be ready: Shardul Thakur

“Yes, I am a little disappointed. It’s everyone’s dream to play and win the World Cup for your country. If you talk about the Oval Test, then yes, it (my performance) was (in) red-ball format. But if you see, I have done well in both the departments in white-ball cricket too over a period of last two years. Now I’m a part of the reserves for the World Cup, so I guess I have to be ready. I can get a call-up at any moment,” Shardul said in a conversation with the Times of India.

The star fast bowler is currently gearing up for the second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 which gets underway on September 19. With the T20 World Cup starting just a couple of days after IPL conclusion, Shardul has a chance to shine in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and forge his way in the Indian team. However, the star pacer has a job in hand as he couldn’t do much in the initial half.

In seven matches in the first leg, Shardul took just five wickets with his economy rate being over 10. Nevertheless, form has been on his side lately and the MS Dhoni-led side would have high expectations from him. Meanwhile, CSK will resume their campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians on September 19 in Dubai.