Shardul Thakur openly claims stakes in India squad for England Tests

Team India seam bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur is confident about his selection for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. In a recent interview with RevSportz, Thakur said that he has a strong desire to perform well for the India National Cricket Team, which is his biggest motivation.

Mumbai secured a semi-final spot in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team defeated Haryana by 152 runs in the third quarter-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Shardul Thakur played a key role in the victory, picking up six wickets in the first innings and three in the second.

I Have A Lot Of Self-Belief And Confidence - Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur opened up about his selection for the upcoming Test series in England. Thakur said that the team always fields bowlers capable of batting at positions 7 and 8, whether playing in India or abroad.

"Yes, definitely. I have a lot of self-belief and confidence. And I also have a desire from within that I have to do well for the country. There can't be a bigger motivation than this," Thakur said.

"And if we look at the combination of the Indian team, whether we are playing in India or outside of India, we always play such bowlers who can also bat at No. 7 and No. 8," he added.

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"I believe I have the skills to deliver for the national team whenever given the opportunity" — #ShardulThakur on performing in England if selected. Speaks on versatility as a bowler, adjusting to different batting positions & more!

Full interview 12 pm today on… pic.twitter.com/T4X8OGEtiN

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 13, 2025

We Need Bowlers At No. 7 And No. 8 Who Can Also Bat - Shardul Thakur

The 33-year-old said that all-rounders are crucial in the Indian team's strategy. He stated that players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja contribute both with the bat and the ball. Thakur added that he has the skills to bat at positions No. 7 and No. 8 during overseas tours.

"In India, of course, Jadeja and Ashwin play. Ashwin has scored so many runs for India, and he has won matches with his batting as well. He is a legend in bowling, but his performance with the bat is also impressive. Jadeja does the same," Thakur added.

"Whenever we go on an overseas tour, our team combination is such that we need bowlers at No. 7 and No. 8 who can also bat. I believe I have the skill to deliver whenever I play for the Indian team at No. 8."

"As for bowling, whether I play as a third or fourth seamer, I am no less than anyone. For Mumbai, I play as the lead bowler in the Ranji Trophy, so I’m used to operating the new ball as well."

I Believe That I Can Bowl With A New Ball As Well As An Old Ball - Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur stated that he has the capability to adapt to any role and his confidence in his ability to bowl with both a new and an old ball.

"There will be a time when if Bumrah is bowling a new ball from one side, then it's possible that the captain will ask me to bowl a new ball from the other side. Because I want the rest of the bowlers to bowl a semi-new ball. So, I believe that there is that versatility in my bowling as well, that I can adjust to any role. And in Test cricket as well, I believe that I can bowl with a new ball as well as an old ball."

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