India’s all-rounder Shardul Thakur has expressed confidence in India’s ability to chase down a substantial target in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). Despite Australia’s commanding lead of 296 runs at the end of Day 3 in the WTC Final at the Kennington Oval, Shardul believes that even a total as high as 450 runs can be successfully chased with the help of a solid partnership. Shardul’s optimism stems from his own contribution, as he scored a crucial half-century to aid India in posting a respectable first-innings total of 296 runs.
Shardul Thakur acknowledges the unpredictable nature of cricket and asserts that it is difficult to determine what constitutes a “right total” in the game. He emphasizes the uniqueness of one-off ICC finals, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding which team can handle the pressure better. Shardul believes that a single impactful partnership can potentially enable a successful chase, even if the target exceeds 450 runs. The all-rounder draws inspiration from past instances, such as England’s successful chase of close to 400 runs against India in a one-off Test match in Birmingham last year.
Referring to England’s remarkable achievement of chasing a target of 378 runs against India in Birmingham, Shardul highlights the positive lesson India can take from that match. England’s ability to chase down a formidable target while losing minimal wickets serves as an encouraging sign for India’s pursuit. Shardul emphasizes that in Test cricket, the game can undergo dramatic changes within a short span of time, making it premature to make predictions. Despite the challenging situation, Shardul remains optimistic and looks forward to taking the field with a positive mindset.
Shardul Thakur reflects on his partnership with Ajinkya Rahane during Day 3, where they formed a crucial 109-run stand for the seventh wicket. He explains that their primary focus was to absorb the pressure imposed by the opposition. The two players engaged in constant communication, providing support to each other throughout the partnership. Shardul highlights the significance of such partnerships in navigating challenging situations and building substantial innings.