Yash Thakur Reflects on His First India Call-Up for T20I Tour to Zimbabwe

A Dream Come True for Yash Thakur

Uncapped Indian fast bowler Yash Thakur expressed his excitement about receiving his inaugural call-up to the Indian cricket team for the T20I series in Zimbabwe. He described the experience as 'surreal,' emphasizing that each milestone in his career has contributed to his happiness, and donning the Indian jersey feels like a reward for his dedication and effort.

Thakur, who plays for Vidarbha and Punjab Kings (PBKS), was selected for the national squad alongside Ashok Sharma from Rajasthan and Gujarat Titans (GT). While Ashok had a wicketless outing in the first T20I, Yash is yet to make his debut for the national team. Before joining PBKS for IPL 2026, he established himself as a formidable player in domestic cricket, becoming Vidarbha's leading wicket-taker in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The Moment of Selection

In an interview with JioStar, Yash shared how he learned about his selection. He was in Nagpur with teammate Harsh Dubey when his phone began to buzz with congratulatory messages and calls from friends. 'As I was collecting my luggage, my phone started buzzing. Friends informed me, 'You got selected!' I was unaware until I checked online and confirmed my selection for the Zimbabwe tour. It was an incredible feeling,' he recounted.

He reflected on his journey through various levels of cricket, from Under-19 to the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, IPL, and India A, culminating in his selection for the national team. 'Each stage presented its own challenges, and overcoming them has brought me immense joy. Playing for the country is a dream for every cricketer, and finally achieving it feels like my hard work has paid off,' he added.

Outstanding Domestic Achievements

In the previous year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Yash emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker, claiming 18 wickets in seven matches with an impressive average of 9.88, including a four-wicket haul and a five-wicket performance, with best figures of 5/16. Unfortunately, his team did not progress beyond the group stage.

Later, during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), he played a pivotal role in his team's maiden title victory, taking 19 wickets in nine matches at an average of 25.57, featuring two four-wicket hauls and best figures of 4/50, achieved in the final against Saurashtra.

Bonding with Captain Shreyas Iyer

Discussing his relationship with Indian T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, whom he knows from the PBKS setup, Yash noted that Shreyas is well aware of his strengths. They spent time strategizing during the IPL season. 'Shreyas understands my effectiveness in different phases of the game, whether during powerplays, middle overs, or at the death. His knowledge of my capabilities will be beneficial for our team,' he stated.

Yash expressed gratitude for having played under Shreyas in the IPL and now having the opportunity to do so in the national team. 'This continuity fosters a strong bond. When your captain believes in your abilities, it significantly boosts your confidence on the field,' he remarked.

Shreyas Iyer: A Calm Leader

Yash characterized Shreyas's captaincy style as 'calm,' noting that he maintains composure even in challenging situations. 'He remains collected regardless of the circumstances, whether we are conceding runs or having an off day. His calm demeanor is crucial in high-pressure moments,' he explained.

He added, 'Shreyas approaches bowlers directly, asking for their plans and opinions rather than imposing his own. This approach fosters trust and allows bowlers the freedom to execute their strategies, making him a true bowler's captain.'