With the inclusion of Shardul Thakur in the 15-member squad for the World Cup tournament, former player Robin Uthappa expresses concerns about the player’s performance.
Robin Uthappa on Thakur’s inclusion in World Cup Squad
India has successfully completed their three-match ODI series where they had victory in the first two ODI matches against Australia. Before the third ODI match, Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma had revealed major alteration by including Ashwin in the World Cup Squad as a replacement for Axar Patel.
On this occasion, Former Cricketer Robin Uthappa opens on his concerns about Thakur’s performance during the Australia tour of India 2023. While highlighting his wicket-taking skills, he mentions his lag as he gives runs. Hence he raised concerns over the player’s performance in matches like the ODI World Cup.
“Shardul Thakur could be a concern for Team India. Yes, he picks up wickets and is a high-quality bowler, but he leaks a lot of runs. It can be very expensive. That’s something that he will have to pay attention to,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
“He is someone who is always going to take wickets, but when he doesn’t take wickets, he ends up looking a little expensive. In CSK, we used to fondly call him the golden arm. I am certain that his role will be very similar for the Indian team,” he added.
Shardul Thakur has played 44 ODIs taking 63 wickets with an average of 30.3 and an economy rate of 6.24. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Uthappa backed the decision of selecting Ravichandran Ashwin in India’s World Cup Squad and he would have a huge part in the chances of India’s victory.
“It certainly seems like Ashwin will be the number-one pick if India misses out on Axar Patel. With his experience in India, he is going to be a very dangerous bowler. He got an outside chance, and he is a high-quality player who brings out his best performances in such situations. From not being selected in the World Cup squad to deceiving batters in the Australia series, Ashwin has done exceptionally well.”
India will be playing their warmup matches against England on September 30 at Barsapara Stadium and the Netherlands on October 3 at Greenfield Stadium before the World Cup 2023.
The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 is set to begin on October 5 with England and New Zealand to play the first match of the tournament at Narendra Modi Stadium.
