Shardul Thakur reveals his conversation with Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid

Shardul Thakur (PC: Twitter)

Shardul Thakur is not in the scheme of things for India in the shortest format of the game. He did not feature in the Asia Cup 2022 and has not been picked for the T20I World Cup either. However, the 30-year-old is aiming for a place in the Indian squad for the ODI World Cup next year.

He has done decently in the 50-over format picking 14 wickets in nine matches this year at an economy rate of 6.02. Overall, Shardul has played a total of 24 One Day Internationals for India taking 36 wickets at an average of 33.9 and an economy rate of 6.51.

In a candid conversation, Thakur reflected on his role in the Indian team. The seam all-rounder revealed that he had a conversation with Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma where they made it clear that they are looking at him as an all-format player.

Thakur said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo,

"In the first conversation between them and me, they conveyed to me that I am a three-format player for them. They are looking at me in all three formats. After that [conversation], we really did not sit and have a chat because we have been playing games regularly”

Shardul confident of a comeback into the Indian team

The Delhi Capitals player is also confident of a national call-up soon. He last played for India during their tours to Zimbabwe and the West Indies. The chances of the seamer making it to the T20I squad looks bleak for the moment, but he could make a case to be included in the ODI team.

With Hardik Pandya back in the team, Thakur can fight for the third seamer spot alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in the team. Speaking about his comeback chances, the 30-year-old said,

"I am bowling well, getting wickets. Even in the last two white-ball series [against Zimbabwe and the West Indies] that I've played, I have taken wickets. So definitely looking for a national call again whenever they want my services.”

The pacer is currently representing India A in a three-match Unofficial ODI series against New Zealand A. He was added to the team as a replacement for injured Prasidh Krishna. Thakur did well in the first One Day game as he picked up four wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 3.8.

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