Ravi Shastri, former India head coach and renowned all-rounder, commended Shardul Thakur for his courageous innings against Australia in India’s first innings of the World Test Championship final at the Kennington Oval. During an interview with Star Sports, Shastri praised India’s performance, highlighting the partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul as a display of character. The duo’s impressive 109-run stand for the seventh wicket helped India reach a total of 296 runs in their first innings.
Expressing his delight, Shastri acknowledged the resilience shown by Rahane and Shardul in their partnership. He also praised India’s bowling performance, noting their unfortunate luck in not taking more wickets.
“They would be delighted that they showed character when they batted in that partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur. Then they came out and bowled extremely well. They were a bit unlucky and could have had two or three wickets. But they came out with the intention of overpowering Australia. It was a very impressive performance from India,” Shastri remarked. (star sports)
Shastri further emphasized Shardul’s tenacity and self-belief, describing him as a fighter who exudes confidence in his abilities. The former coach lauded Shardul’s courageous batting effort on Day 2, particularly considering the blows he endured early on, impacting his elbow and wrists. Despite the setbacks, Shardul remained resolute and determined. Shastri highlighted Shardul’s consistency at The Oval, having scored a half-century in each of the three innings he has played at the venue.
“He’s a fighter. He’s got tremendous confidence in his own ability. He believes that he can do it. It’s not a matter of going out there and waiting for things to happen; he believes in making things happen. It was a gutsy effort because he got pummeled early on his elbow and his wrists, but he didn’t give up. Three times he’s batted here, three times he’s scored a half-century,” Shastri concluded.