Shardul Thakur flown to join India 'A' squad for quadrangular series in Australia

Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur has been flown to Australia to be part of the India ‘A’ team currently participating in the currently ongoing quadrangular series. He shall be replacing Barinder Sran, who had picked up an injury and could not play a role in any of the matches. India ‘A’ are currently at the top of the table, with 11 points from 4 matches, ahead of National Performance Squad on 10 points and Australia ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’ tied on 7 points.

Dhawal Kulkarni and Jaydev Unadkat have been the Indian team’s strike bowling pair, with Hardik Pandya being used as the third seamer. Both Kulkarni and Unadkat have been on song, and have ensured that Sran’s absence is not felt. Kulkarni has been the leader of the attack, bowling at an average of 13 and an economy rate of under 4 runs per over.

Shardul and Dhawal Kulkarni have been the new ball pair for Mumbai’s bowling attack for the last few seasons to great effect, his more direct line providing a contrast to Dhawal’s away from the wicket bowling style. They are expected to combine with good effect for India ‘A’ for the three remaining matches in the series.

Shardul Thakur was part of the India squad for the 4-Test series against West Indies but did not manage to get a match. The 24-year-old returned figures of 1/24 and 0/26 in the only warm-up match that he was played in. His stay in India after returning from the tour lasted a very short duration, as he was hurriedly flown to join the India ‘A’ squad.

Both Sran and Shardul will not be part of the ongoing Duleep Trophy matches where the pink ball is tested in Indian conditions. While Sran is being given time to recover from his injury, Shardul Thakur’s services have been called upon by India ‘A’. Cheteshwar Pujara will be involved in the Duleep Trophy, Murali Vijay will be seen in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, while Ishant Sharma will be getting some well deserved rest. The rest of the India squad have reached USA for the 2-match T20 series.

India ‘A’ next face NPS on Saturday, followed by a clash against Australia ‘A’ next Tuesday. There shall be a final and a 3^rd place playoff match next weekend.