Ajinkya Rahane lauds Shardul Thakur, says all-rounder contributes in crunch situations

India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has showered praise on Shardul Thakur, stating the all-rounder always performs in crunch situations. Thakur has proved his mettle on many occasions and he is also a partnership breaker for the team.

Rahane noted that Thakur has done well for Mumbai whenever the team had their backs against the wall in the Ranji Trophy. Shardul is well known for his match-winning fifty against Australia in the historic Gabba Test. The right-hander had added a crucial alliance with Washington Sundar in the first innings and also bagged seven wickets in the match.

Ajinkya Rahane said on his newly launched YouTube Channel, “Firstly, I’m really happy that Shardul back in the team. He’s done really well for the Indian team in the Test format, and as I said, I’m really happy to see him back in the Test squad. He has performed really well in the domestic season — he’s a wicket-taker and contributes in crunch situations.”

“He has done really well for Mumbai; whenever we were in trouble, he scored runs and picked up wickets for us. So I think Shardul’s inclusion in the team is really good, really positive, and I’m looking forward to his all-round performance in this upcoming India-England series,” he added.

Rahane reckons it is imperative for the team’s think tank to give freedom to Thakur and the management should be clear in their plans for the all-rounder.

“I think for Shardul, you just have to give him that freedom and clarity about the plans you have for him, and then give him a free hand. He has the ability and the skills. Whenever he’s bowling, as I said, he’s a wicket-taker.”

“Whenever there’s a partnership, you bring in Shardul and he will get you that breakthrough. If the batting team is in trouble, Shardul will go out there and do his best to contribute with the bat and get the team out of trouble. That’s what he did in Australia, as we all remember, and even for Mumbai — whenever we were in trouble, he performed really well both as a batter and a bowler,” he continued.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.