Shardul Thakur Reflects on India's Memorable Test Series Against England
India Gears Up for Test Series in England
As India gets ready for an eagerly awaited five-match Test series in England, the excitement of the thrilling 2021 tour remains fresh, particularly for Shardul Thakur, who was instrumental during that series.
Recalling the 2021 Test Series
The last encounter between these two teams in Test cricket concluded with a 2-2 draw. Thakur's remarkable performance in the fourth Test at Kennington Oval was crucial, leading India to a memorable 157-run victory.
Reflecting on that series, Thakur shared, "The 2021 series was special for us. We had a chance to win the first match, but rain disrupted our chase. We triumphed at Lord's and then at the Oval. The series ended 2-2 after we returned for the fifth Test the following year. It remains one of my career's most cherished memories."
Thakur's Standout Performance
At the Oval, Thakur delivered an exceptional all-round display when India needed it most. He scored a quickfire 57 off 36 balls in the first innings, providing vital momentum. In the second innings, he added another 60 runs off 72 balls and took two key wickets, including that of then-England captain Joe Root, during the hosts' chase.
Following the Oval victory, India led the series 2-1, but the fifth Test was postponed due to COVID-19 and played the next year, where England emerged victorious, leveling the series.
The Challenges of Playing in England
Thakur discussed the unique challenges of playing in England, stating, "It's always thrilling to compete here. The weather is unpredictable; it can be cloudy one moment and sunny the next, requiring quick adjustments in both batting and bowling."
Optimism for the Upcoming Series
Looking ahead to the new-look Indian squad, Thakur expressed optimism, especially with the inclusion of several young players. "It's refreshing to have new energy in the team. The emergence of young talent is always exciting. England is adopting a different style of cricket, but we have the opportunity to surprise them. Winning an away series is incredibly special, and achieving this would be monumental for our nation," he remarked.
As India embarks on a new chapter in Test cricket following the retirements of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Thakur's experience and skills will be vital for maintaining continuity and strength in challenging overseas conditions.
India Squad for the Series
India Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.