Since the beginning of IPL 2023, Shardul Thakur has not bowled in his full capacity and this has been an issue of concern for fans ahead of the World Test Championship final. However, Thakur himself has clarified everything and shunned rumours about his injury.
Shardul Thakur has bowled just 14.5 overs from his 8 matches in the IPL 2023. This is nothing compared to his previous season performances i.e. 48.3 overs in 2022, and over 60 overs in the 2021 edition of the tournament. While asked about his reduced bowling quota, Thakur explained, “We have a side full of all-rounders with (Andre) Russell, Sunil (Nairne)… We have got maximum of eight bowling options that also includes Nitish (Rana) who also bowls an over or two nowadays.”
He further told the PTI, “It also depends on the situation of the game, if the captain feels the need to bowl me or not bowl me completely depends on him. As far as teams’ strategy decision-making is concerned, I would not pay attention to it a lot.”
He also informed, “I had a small niggle, so I didn’t play a few games, when I came back, I didn’t bowl as I was not bowling-fit. But yes, now I’m back to bowling and hopefully, whenever I get the ball, I will get the job done.”
Shardul Thakur has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders and is one of their trusted all-rounders. While speaking about the job of modern-day all-rounders, he said, “It is difficult and not easy. It’s difficult in the sense of body-wise because when you go in for practice, you literally have to do everything — fielding practice, bowling and batting. On top of that, you have to do a bit of running around to stay fit.”
He concluded, “Overall, it’s not easy but yeah that’s the challenge in modern day’s cricket that you have to manage your body to stay fit and keep going.”
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