Shardul Thakur has proved on many occasions that he can perform brilliantly not only with the ball but also with the bat. Known for breaking partnerships, Shardul has got India out of trouble even while batting. All three of his half-centuries in Test cricket have come at crucial times. Who can forget his maiden Test fifty against Australia.
He and Washington Sundar’s memorable partnership helped India win the Gabba Test against Australia. A few months later, against England at The Oval, Shardul played a big role in helping India win two consecutive fifties. Many a times Thakur’s batting has let people down. Ajinkya Rahane narrated one such incident when Rohit Sharma was enraged by Shardul’s batting.
India were comfortably chasing the target of 328 runs during the second innings of the Gabba Test. Mayank Agarwal and Washington Sundar were dismissed one after the other by the team. Then Shardul came to support Rishabh Pant set on the crease, but he got out for two runs in the process of hitting the shot. Rahane on Streaming ‘Bandon Mein Tha Dum’ on Voot: Shardul Thakur was going when Washington got out. Rohit told her this is your opportunity to become a hero. Shardul walked away shaking his head.
R Ashwin further added, “Just as he was about to leave, Rohit said Shardul, come over and finish it. I completely understand Shardul. He must have imagined…how Ravi Bhai had said, Dhoni Hits Six and Win the World Cup. This was going on in Shardul’s mind. Shardul hits a shot at short square leg and is out. Everyone’s reaction to the dressing room was what are you doing?”
Rahane further said, “Rohit was sitting next to me. He said let the match end. Let us win I will teach them a lesson’. I said forget it, after the match is over, we will see what to do.” Let us tell you that Team India made a great comeback after losing the first Test and won the series 2-1.