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Asked MS Dhoni how he deals with pressure: Shardul Thakur

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Shardul Thakur, one of the surprise heroes of Team India’s recent triumph at the Gabba, has revealed that picking MS Dhoni’s brains when he was out of the Test team has helped his cause.

29-year-old Shardul Thakur picked up seven wickets in the Brisbane Test, and was also India’s top-scorer with a defiant 67 in the first innings.

Speaking to TOI in an exclusive interview after returning home, Shardul Thakur admitted that conversing with his Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has helped him a lot. He elaborated:

“Mostly, I’ve asked him (Dhoni) about how he deals with pressure. He’s dealt with it as a player, captain, member of a losing side. At the same time, he’s received love as a member of a winning side. So, you know, he’s had all kinds of experiences.”

Praising MS Dhoni further, Shardul Thakur added that an upcoming cricketer can learn plenty from him if he keeps his eyes and ears open. He explained in this regard:

“Whenever he shares his experience, we have something to learn from him. He is a kind of man who will say something each and every day and if you’re smart enough to pick it up, you’ll keep learning. Each and every day, you’ll learn something or the other.”

How Shardul Thakur grabbed his golden opportunity at the Gabba

Shardul Thakur scored 67 in the first innings of the Gabba Test
Shardul Thakur scored 67 in the first innings of the Gabba Test

With injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, India were forced to play Shardul Thakur in the Gabba Test.

He had made his Test debut against West Indies in October 2018. However, his dream soon turned into a nightmare as a groin injury forced him to hobble off the field after bowling just 10 deliveries.

The Gabba Test was like a second debut for him, and he grabbed the chance with both hands. His bowling in both the innings was lively as he kept grabbing key scalps.

With the bat, his 67 in India’s first innings was worth it’s weight in gold as he, along with Washington Sundar (62), featured in a 123-run stand for the seventh wicket.

The partnership helped India recover from a precarious position of 186 for 6 and kept the team afloat in Brisbane. The visitors, eventually, went on to win the Test by three wickets, following a stunning run chase on Day 5.

Published 22 Jan 2021, 12:35 IST

“Disappointed with our batsmen, they were little negative”- Glenn McGrath wants Australia to play more fearlessly

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Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath feels the Australia cricket team were negative with their batting in the Melbourne Test and praised India on how they handled the conditions against a quality bowling attack.

McGrath suggested that the Australian batting unit need to back themselves and play without fear.

India managed to turn things around in Melbourne after suffering a humiliating loss in the Adelaide Test.

Speaking on Unplayable Podcast, Glenn McGrath felt the Australians weren’t proactive enough and went into survival mode while batting.

“I was a little bit disappointed with our batsmen. They were little negative, didn’t show intent, weren’t proactive and they just sat back, and it was more about survival rather than looking to score runs and put the onus back on the bowlers. That’s where Australia let themselves down a bit. They also dropped a few catches. David Warner coming back in the side should give a little bit of lift as well. But i would like the batsman to go out and bat without fear and just back themselves and go out and see what they can do.” said McGrath.

The World Cup-winning fast bowler was all praise for Ajinkya Rahane, who captained India effectively and scored a crucial century in the first innings.

“You have to give credit to India, the way they batted (in Melbourne), the changes they made had a big impact, Rahane really stepped up with getting the opportunity to captain. I think they showed how to handle conditions and bat against quality bowling attack.” added McGrath.

Australia cricket team struggled to get going in second Test

Australia lost the second Test by eight wickets.
Australia lost the second Test by eight wickets.

Generally known for playing an attacking brand of cricket, Australia looked woefully out of sorts in terms of keeping the scoreboard moving in the second Test.

Australia batted with a run rate of 2.69 in the first innings and 1.94 in the second innings of the Melbourne Test.

For the first time in 21st century, the Aussies failed to score 200 runs in a Test innings, despite batting for 100 overs. They were 196-9 at the 100-over mark in Melbourne in the second innings.

India tightened the noose on Australia in Melbourne even though they missed some of their key bowlers.

The home team will undoubtedly receive a boost with David Warner’s inclusion in the third Test. But it remains to be seen how much of a difference he can make in Sydney.

Published 06 Jan 2021, 12:33 IST