Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Shardul Thakur should not be burdened with the pressure to perform following his recent set of heroics. Thakur has been donning the all-rounder role and has made vital contributions across all of his three Tests so far.
Team India struggled to find a quality seam bowling all-rounder ever since Kapil Dev’s retirement and if there is a player that understands the pressure that comes with the role, it’s Irfan Pathan. The left-arm all-rounder burst into the Indian team and was deemed indisposable at one time. However, the pressure of expectations and injuries went on to marr his career, and he does not wish the same happens with Shardul Thakur. Speaking to Times Of India, he said:
We’ve to be smart enough to manage him nicely. By that, I mean that we don’t put added pressure on him by promoting him from No 8 to No 7. Right now, he’s shown signs of being a good, handy lower-order batsman. He’s a very, very good No. 8 batsman at the highest level,”
The former cricketer believes that Thakur is still new to the International stage and he needs to be allowed to settle into the role with more appearances in the future. He added:
“Let him settle in this position, and get better, and then put pressure on him. Don’t put high expectations on him when he may not be yet ready to bat No. 7. You’ve to be cautious about it. As of now, let things remain as they are and give him more matches at No.8. Let him grow as a cricketer.”
Thakur was one of the ace performers for India during their historic win at The Oval. He score fifties across both innings at crucial junctures and also went on to pick up key wickets on the final day as well.
He will be seen in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings and is also expected to be a part of the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup as well.
Do you want to play Casino games online? Click here to find a range of online casino brands
Place your bets for the matches here.
If you like reading about MMA, make sure you check out MMAIndia.com
Also, follow India’s biggest arm wrestling tournament at ProPanja.com
To bet on sports, click here
ALSO READ: “Among the top three bowling performances I have witnessed as India captain”- Virat Kohli
