Shardul Thakur Says “It Was Quite Disturbing” On Being Left Out Of India Squad For BGT 2024-25

Shardul Thakur spoke with Boria Majumdar of Revsportz and opened up about not being selected for the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) match against Australia, where the visiting team lost 1-3. Shardul Thakur stated that the first two days were very difficult after seeing his name removed from the India Test squad.

Shardul is well-known for his ability to perform under pressure with both bat and ball. He has been absent from India's Test squad since the 2023-24 South Africa tour.

Thakur was left out of India's squad

The all-rounder last appeared for India in the Centurion Test in December 2023. He was not named to India's squad for the recent Australia tour.

In an interview with Boria Majumdar on Revsportz, Shardul Thakur admits to being agitated after being left out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

Quite disturbing: Shardul Thakur on not being selected for BGT 2024-25

He indicated that there will be ups and downs on the path. Thakur chose not to concentrate on the loss and instead focused on future prospects.

"Initially, it was quite disturbing when I saw my name was not there when the team was selected. It was tough, but as professional cricketers, we understand that there are highs and lows in a career. What I thought at that moment was that if I wanted to achieve more in cricket, I could not dwell on the rejection anymore. There was optimism that if any opportunity came my way, I should be ready," Thakur said.

The 33-year-old cricketer explained that he focused on the fundamentals rather than making desperate efforts. Thakur stated that taking wickets regularly and performing well in knockout stages motivates him.

"There was no desperation to put in any extra effort—I focused on my basics. If you ask me what makes me special while playing for Mumbai, I will say taking wickets at regular intervals and delivering performances in knockout stages. All these serve as motivation for me, and I believe that if I have already done these things, I can do them again," Thakur added.

"When the team came out for the Australia tour, my focus shifted to the Champions Trophy, IPL, and now this upcoming England tour. The motivation was there, and I worked hard accordingly," he continued.

Thakur producing the goods for Mumbai

Thakur had a remarkable all-round performance in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. He averaged 40.2 with the bat and 19.96 with the ball. He struck an incredible 119 against Jammu & Kashmir while the team was 91-6. The fast bowler took a hat-trick and finished with eight wickets in a must-win encounter against Meghalaya.

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