West Indies vs India 2016: Shardul Thakur feels wickets will be on the slower side in the test series

Shardul Thakur playing for India A

Shardul Thakar, the new pace sensation of India feels the wickets will be on the slower side in the upcoming 4 match Test series against the West Indies. Thakur, who is in the Indian squad for the upcoming series made his Ranji debut for Mumbai in the year 2012 against Rajasthan at Jaipur. He has an impressive record in the first class circuit with 133 wickets from his 37 outings.

The 24-year-old feels the wickets in the Caribbean will be on the slower side, much like the pitches used for the 2 warm up games. The last warm-up game ended in a draw with India getting a chance to bat in only one innings. The West Indies Board President’s XI made 223/6 and 180 in their two innings with India managing 364 in the only innings they batted.

”I have sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we have discussed all these things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow and similarly we are also expecting slow wickets in the Test series too,” said Shardul after having a hard grind at the nets.

“So the bowlers know we have to keep making effort. The slower the wicket, the effort is more. Making an effort is my work and needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast bowler has to give effort on each delivery,” he added.

“It was always my dream to be part of the Test team, and being with the Indian team where other players have gained certain experience, you get to learn a lot from them. I am trying to learn as much as I can because it will only be good for my progress in the future,” said the youngster.

“I did bowl a few bouncers and almost got a wicket with one in the second innings. Even in the first innings, the wicket I got was of a bouncer. I use it as a surprise weapon and it is more of a variation in my bowling”, he said when asked about his match experience with the Indian team for the very first time.