Shardul Thakur Cannot Become India's No.1 Or No.2 Option In White Ball Cricket: Saba Karim

Ex-India cricketer Saba Karim has opined that pacer Shardul Thakur can only be included in the squad as a third seamer, and not as the first or second fast-bowling option.

The former India wicketkeeper-batter suggested that Shardul Thakur could be groomed for the bowling all-rounder’s role. However, he emphasised that Thakur cannot be a backup option for someone like Hardik Pandya, as he is more of a batter who can bowl a few overs.

Shardul Thakur can be groomed to fit into the squad; reckons Saba Karim

Speaking at a discussion on India News Sports on Friday, Karim remarked, “He is a very useful player. But Hardik Pandya is a batting all-rounder, while Shardul Thakur is a bowling all-rounder. That’s a big difference. We can surely groom Shardul.

“But I don’t see him becoming India’s No.1 of No.2 bowler in white-ball cricket. He can only play as a third seamer. If he can bat well, it will be an added advantage.”

Shardul Thakur impresses in the opening ODI against South Africa

Shardul Thakur was impressed with his all-around exploits in the ODI series opener against South Africa on Thursday, October 6. The 30-year-old was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the rain-hit match, picking up two wickets and conceding just 35 runs from his full quota of eight overs.

He also made a significant impact with the bat as well during the run chase, contributing with 33 crucial runs. Thakur stitched together a crucial 93-run partnership with Sanju Samson to give the hosts a glimmer of hope.

However, the Men in Blue failed to chase down South Africa’s 249-run total, suffering a nine-run loss in the opening encounter of the three-match series.

ALSO READ: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Pakistan Has The Edge Over ‘Billion Dollar Team India’ On Basis Of Recent Performances – Ramiz Raja