As an all-rounder who bats in the lower order, my role becomes important: Shardul Thakur

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been a mainstay in Indian teams over the last few years. Thakur is a contender for the No.8 spot in the upcoming Cricket World Cup, where he will share seam-bowling duties with Hardik Pandya while also providing significant batting contributions down the order.

Thakur stated that his job as an all-rounder is to bat in the lower order, which is a crucial position. The 31-year-old batter appeared in all three ODIs against the West Indies. Despite failing to impress with the bat, he picked up a total of eight wickets from the three games, proving his worth to the team. Furthermore, his bowling spell in the series decider, which India won by 200 runs included career-best figures of 4/37.

"As an all-rounder who bats in the lower order, my role also becomes important. We've seen, in longer chases or if you want to post a big total, you will look to accelerate and lose one or two wickets here and there. If the No. 8 and No.9 can contribute with someone who has batted deep, that role is really important," Thakur was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Whenever I get an opportunity, I just try and contribute towards the team's success: Shardul Thakur

Thakur further expressed gratitude for the possibilities that have come his way and stated that he is not looking too far ahead. The 31-year-old stated that he does not play for his position on the team and is aware of what he can bring to the table.

"Whenever I get an opportunity, I just try and contribute towards the team's success. That's my thought process - whether it's in batting, bowling or fielding. I'm not the kind of player who plays for his place in the team. If I play with that thought, I don't think I'll be able to play," he added.

He also admitted that it is a reasonable circumstance if he is not selected for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup at home. He also stated that he always considers the team’s needs and would strive to perform for the team and make an impact. 

"Even if they [team management] don't pick me for the World Cup, it will be their call, I can't do much. It will be wrong of me to think that I need to play for my place, that I'll do my job and leave. I'll have to see what the match situation is, and what the requirement of the team is whether I get personal success or not. That is one thing I keep repeating - no matter what, I'll try to play for the team and make an impact," the all-rounder concluded.