Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur is keen to do well in the IPL

Shardul Thakur, the fast bowler from Mumbai was recently acquired by the Rising Pune Supergiant ahead of the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League. He was a part of the Kings XI Punjab squad last year. He has been in and around the Indian domestic cricket circuit for quite some time and been doing pretty well.

After being acclaimed in the Test format, he is eager to prove his worth in the shortest format of the game too. “I think the IPL is a very important tournament. I want to perform well in this league. People say that I am good for Test matches, but I want to prove that I can also bowl tight lines in T20s as well,” Thakur told mid-day.

Although he doesn’t have too much IPL experience to his credit and played just 1 game for the Kings last year in which he conceded 38 runs in 3 overs and bagged one wicket. Things will change for him now as he gets an opportunity to share the dressing room with the giants of the game like MS Dhoni and Steven Smith. He is most excited about playing with Dhoni and is keen to learn from the former Indian captain.

“During practice sessions, I would like to ask him a few things and want to learn from his huge experience. If I get an opportunity to play a match, which will be a big experience, I will be able to share my ideas and seek his suggestions on how to bowl during specific situations. That will be a good advantage,” he added.

Thakur, who is currently the second highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy with 16 wickets in 6 matches attributed his vision for his good performances in the tournament.

“We hardly get a chance to practice for this tournament. However, I prepare myself by envisioning good aspects of my bowling. I visualize how I will bowl a tight line in the opening spell and what would be my strategy in the middle and death overs. I think this planning has worked a lot for me during this tournament,” he said.

The 25-year-old had a good Ranji season with the bat too where he amassed over 300 runs and is hopeful of doing well in that department too. “If I get the opportunity I would like to play as an all-rounder. It also depends on how I bat during our net sessions, but I would definitely try to win matches for my team,” he added.