Shardul Thakur was a part of the Shikhar Dhawan-led team that had to suffer a narrow defeat in an extremely close game against South Africa. Team India lost the reduced match by a very small margin of 9 runs. Shreyash Iyer and Sanju Samson batted brilliantly but couldn’t save the Team. Team India could only manage to score 240 runs in their innings of 40 Overs (Reduced due to rain) and suffered a defeat by 9 runs.

Shardul Thakur in the pre-match press conference also claimed that the difference of 15-20 runs can be crucial in winning the match, especially in white ball format.

India ODI Squad vs South Africa
India ODI Squad vs South Africa. Image Credits: BCCI

If You See The Teams Who Have Done Very Well On The International Platform, Their Batting Lineup Has Been Quite Deep: Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur Press Conference
Shardul Thakur Press Conference. Image Credits: Twitter

Shardul Thakur when asked about a deep batting lineup explained the importance of the same by taking references from Australia and England. He said, “If you see the teams who have done very well on the international platform, their batting lineup has been quite deep.” 

Adding further to his statement, the All-rounder said, “For that matter Australia, if you see Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, they bat at number eight and nine. Even for that matter England. Even their batting lineup is deep. Why not the Indian team? Even we can have our batting lineup deep and make that difference in the game. The difference of 15-20 runs can be crucial in winning the match, especially in white ball format.”

Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan. Image Credits: BCCI

Shardul also explained his position as a batter in the team. Shardul stated, “I’ve been focusing on batting for quite a long now. Obviously batting at number seven or eight or even the one who’s coming on nine, if he can add a few runs to the team’s total it’s always great. That gives you a cushion to defend the total or if you are chasing then it allows the top-order batters to play freely.”

There’s no doubt about why Shardul Thakur succeeded as a cricketer so far. He can get crucial wickets with the ball, often against the run of play. And he can score runs lower down the order. Just like he did in the first ODI against South Africa. Thakur dismissed Janemman Malan and Temba Bavuma and scored 33 runs off 31 deliveries in the chase of 250, which India fell short of 9 runs eventually.

Also Read: India vs South Africa: Deepak Chahar Sustains Twisted Ankle, Set To Miss Remaining 2 ODIs- Reports

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