Shardul Thakur took seven wickets against South Africa on Day 2 of the second Test.© AFP
Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur may have recorded the best bowling figures in Test cricket by an Indian against South Africa, but the pacesetter feels his best is yet to come in the longest format. Shardul Thakur picked up seven wickets as South Africa were bundled out for 229 in the first innings of the second Test on Tuesday. When asked about his performance, Shardul replied, “Yes, it’s my best grades, but my best is always yet to come, I’d say.”
At Stumps on day two, India’s scorecard is 85/2 with Pujara (35*) and Rahane (11*) in the fold. As on day one, 11 wickets fell on the second day as Shardul Thakur dominated proceedings on Tuesday.
“My achievements in domestic cricket with red ball cricket and white ball cricket have been rewarded. Whenever I get the chance to play for India I am always up for it and especially in Test cricket as it is the purest form of the game, ‘ said Shardul in the press conference after the day’s play.
“Every time I play red ball cricket my energy is the same and I’m willing to take wickets for the team,” he added.
Shardul Thakur also recalled the impact his youth coach Dinesh Lad has had on the all-rounder.
“Yes, he (Dinesh) has obviously been a big influence on my cricket career, he is a second parent to me. He gave me the exposure, offered me admission to a school in Borivali and since then my life has changed,” said Shardul.
India got off to a bad start in the second inning when stand-in skipper KL Rahul was sacked in the seventh over. India’s problem grew further when Mayank Agarwal failed to give a chance and gave LBW over in the 12th.
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Pujara (35*) and Rahane (11) then ensured that India was no longer affected by the hiccups, as the visitors finished the day at 85/2 with a 58-run lead.
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