“No communication from Gambhir”: Shardul Thakur reflects on India squad exclusion

Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has broken his silence on being excluded from the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The series, set to begin on November 22 in Perth, has been surrounded by intense scrutiny of the Indian batting lineup, particularly concerning the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite his omission, Thakur expressed full confidence in Kohli's ability to shine on Australian soil, citing the star batter's track record as an assurance.

Thakur, currently representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, spoke about the immense expectations placed on Kohli. "Virat has always been under pressure because of his stature. People expect him to score a century every time he plays. Even when he scores 70 runs, it’s considered a failure. But his record in Australia speaks for itself. He has everything — technique, temperament, and experience — to succeed again," Thakur said. Kohli has scored over 600 runs in 13 Tests in Australia, averaging over 50, making him one of India’s most reliable players in the region.

Reflecting on his recent domestic performances, Thakur highlighted his recovery journey post-surgery. In Mumbai's Elite Group A match against Services, he delivered a stellar seven-wicket haul, showcasing his return to full rhythm and fitness. "Initially, I had hesitations after surgery, but my confidence has grown with each game. Despite some dropped catches, I feel great about my fitness and bowling form," Thakur shared.

However, the all-rounder remains optimistic about his future with Team India. While he has not received any communication from the team management or coach Gautam Gambhir regarding his exclusion, he understands the rationale behind the decision. "It’s obvious I was not considered because I just returned from surgery. But the Australia tour is long, and opportunities can come anytime," he said.

Thakur is also eyeing a packed cricketing calendar, including England's white-ball matches in India and the Champions Trophy. "There’s a lot of cricket ahead. My focus is on improving fitness, working on my bowling, and being ready to give 100% whenever I get the chance," Thakur added.

India’s squad selection for the Australia series has sparked debate, particularly after Gambhir’s cryptic comments about "moving forward" when asked about picking Nitish Kumar Reddy over Thakur. Nevertheless, Thakur’s calm and determined approach suggests he is ready to make the most of any opportunities that come his way.