Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday lauded all-rounder Shardul Thakur for his brilliant spell against South Africa. On the second day of the Johannesburg Test, the Mumbai cricketer took 7 wickets to lead India’s fight after being bowled out for 202. His bowling figures of 7 for 61 runs – Best by an Indian bowler in South Africa – Leaving the host team in a tizzy, bowling out for 229 runs.
Shardul became the sixth Indian cricketer to be ranked fifth in Tests in Johannesburg. Gavaskar was all praise for his right-arm quickness, highlighting his ability to break partnerships and also recalled his valor in the previous tours of Australia and England.
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Shardul scored 67 runs in 115 balls to save India in the first innings of the Gabba Test. In the absence of Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, he also took 7 wickets in the game to help India break the Australian fortress. During the tour of England, he scored half-centuries in both innings of the Oval Test, becoming the sixth cricketer to do so while batting at number one. 8.
“When Bumrah and Shami were not available to play, they not only took seven wickets but also got a half-century to their name. He was one of the main architects behind India’s victory at the Gabba. And there were occasions in England when the Indian team did not score many runs. He came and scored half-centuries in both the innings. He has also taken two odd wickets in each innings,” Gavaskar said on the second day of the ongoing Test at Super Sport.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Shardul also outlined the efforts made on the field. Gavaskar said that whichever team he signs up for, he will welcome the all-rounder.
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“He is exactly the kind of player you want in your team. He gives his 100 percent. He knows that he will not always be sure and hence, never stops trying. He understands what he has to do and gives it all without complaint every time,” said Gavaskar.
“A batsman is facing Shami and Bumrah and he is suddenly up against a bowler (Shardul) who is 5-10 kmph slower. He can look to score some runs but Shardul bowls right around the off stump and takes the ball away. Bavuma was at the bottom of the pitch even before the ball was released and Shardul bowled a short. He totally deserves his five-wicket haul because he is such a great trio,” he said.
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