The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of cricket’s most intense rivalries, and the 2024 edition promises no less. Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, a key figure in India’s iconic win at The Gabba in 2021, shared his thoughts on the upcoming series in Australia. He highlighted the challenges awaiting both batters and bowlers while backing India’s young talent to rise to the occasion.
“Intense Series Awaits Both Teams,” Says Thakur
Speaking to ANI, Thakur emphasized the difficulty of playing in Australian conditions. “The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is always intense,” he said. “It will be challenging not only for the bowlers but for the batters as well.”
India’s bench strength has been a topic of discussion recently, and Thakur believes the younger players, many of whom graduated from the India A team, will deliver under pressure. “India has great bench strength right now. Those players who came to the national side from the India A team will do well,” he added.
How to Counter Australia’s Sledging Tactics?
Australia is notorious for its sledging, a tactic often employed to unsettle opponents. Thakur, however, advocates staying calm. “The best way to counter them is to not reply,” he explained. “Let them talk. Why should we reply and make it big? Don’t give them anything to catch on.”
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Thakur’s advice stems from experience. During the Gabba Test in 2021, he and his teammates maintained composure in the face of intense pressure, eventually scripting a historic win.
Shardul Thakur’s Role in India’s Gabba Triumph
In the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Thakur played a pivotal role during India’s remarkable victory at The Gabba. Coming into his second Test, he impressed with both bat and ball.
In the first innings, he claimed three wickets and later scored a crucial 67 runs, forming a vital 123-run partnership with Washington Sundar. Thakur followed up with a four-wicket haul in the second innings, helping India secure a memorable three-wicket victory. The win, achieved despite the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, sealed the series and marked a turning point in Indian cricket history.
Thakur’s Return After Surgery
Having undergone surgery earlier this year, Thakur returned to competitive cricket in the Irani Cup. Although he remained wicketless, he showed promise with the bat, scoring 38 runs. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, the Mumbai all-rounder has claimed 14 wickets and registered a half-century against Tripura.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Thakur was released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has entered the auction pool with a base price of ₹2 crore. However, CSK can use the Right to Match (RTM) card to reacquire him.
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