Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur is eagerly looking forward to the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, set to begin at The Oval on Wednesday. Thakur describes the upcoming match as a “once-in-a-lifetime moment” and is determined to make the most of it.
While it remains uncertain if Thakur will make it into the playing XI, as the team led by Rohit Sharma is likely to prioritize an extended batting lineup, the 31-year-old remains optimistic and ready to seize the opportunity in the final.
“I feel that ICC events, especially the finals, are not something you get to play every year or everywhere, so for a few players like me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” Thakur expressed to the ICC.
He continued, “All I want is to make it count. Representing your country is always a special moment, especially for India, where billions of people dream of playing for the nation, and only the best 15 have been chosen to represent the country.”
Thakur’s performance in the past makes a strong case for his inclusion in the team. In September 2021, at The Oval, he scored two half-centuries (57 and 60) and took three wickets as India emerged victorious against England by 157 runs.
While Thakur acknowledges the significance of his past performances at a particular ground, he emphasizes the importance of starting afresh in each game. Although the opponents are different this time, he believes drawing motivation from past achievements can be beneficial.
Reflecting on the challenges of playing in England, Thakur highlights the unpredictable weather conditions. In overcast conditions, bowlers tend to have an advantage, while sunny conditions favor batsmen. He mentions that the toss has minimal influence and the cloud cover plays a crucial role.
“Whenever there’s cloud cover, the ball suddenly starts swinging, and you can’t really predict how much the ball is going to move. That’s one of the biggest challenges a batter faces,” Thakur explains. He further notes that even in favorable batting conditions, England provides the best pitches, making it equally challenging for bowlers.
