WTC Final: 3 ways Shardul Thakur could have helped India

On Day 2 of the title match, India would have hoped of crossing the 250-run mark with ease. But New Zealand bowlers dashed all hopes on Day 3 and picked up the last seven-wicket for just 71 runs. The Indian batting line-up collapsed from 146-3 to 217 all out. Moreover, Indian bowlers failed to pick up any wickets with the new ball and allowed New Zealand to score at a steady rate. Thereby, it can be wondered if in form bowler Shardul Thakur could have made a difference for India.

Some ways in which Shardul Thakur could have helped India in the title match are as follow:

Bowling conducive wicket

Overcast conditions at Southampton, lead to rain forecast for all five days of the WTC final. It is the type of condition that assists pace bowlers. Thereby, India should have included another pacer in the line-up. The Indian team already had Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant. But the inclusion of Thakur who bowls at 135 mph would have been the perfect foil for the team.

The spinners could hardly take any wickets during the title match. But Shardul Thakur has the reputation of bowling good length for a long time. He could have been successful during pace-friendly conditions.

Stronger batting lineup

Shardul Thakur is a capable batter with good records. His recent performance in the Brisbane Test justifies justified his batting credentials. He had shown great temperament and composure to help India reach the required total. Thakur had come in to bat at 186-3 and scored 67 runs against bowlers like Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood. Shardul Thakur’s innings had made a difference for India and helped the Indian team secure a win in the Test series.

In domestic cricket, Thakur has scored 1300 runs in 63 games. He had also contributed with many impressive knocks during Ranji Trophy matches.

Recent form

Shardul Thakur has been on a wicket-taking spree after taking 7 wickets on Australian soil. It was his debut Test match and he had proved his wicket-taking capabilities in that match.

Even during the home series against England, Thakur was the highest wicket-taker. He had taken 15 wickets from eight games including both ODI and T20I series. His knack for bowling sharp bouncers had caught most English batsmen off guard.

Thereby, Thakur would have hoped to continue his wicket-taking spree in the WTC final and help India win.

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