Wish Virat Kohli continued as skipper in T20Is: Shardul Thakur

Just a month before the T20 World Cup in the Middle East, the Indian skipper Virat Kohli sprung a surprise by announcing that he would step down as a captain in the shortest format after the global event. Kohli stressed that this decision was purely taken on the back of the workload across the three formats. 

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur too expressed his opinion, stating that it was surprising to see the 32-year-old step down from his position. He also wished that the Delhi batsman continued as the leader of the group. 

“It’s quite surprising. I wish he had continued (as captain after the T20 World Cup too), but he has done the job for India since the past few years. So according to him, maybe it's time to move on as the India T20 captain. I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to him. I would like to congratulate him on his time as the India T20 captain, but only after we win this World Cup. Till then, he is still our captain,” Shardul Thakur told Times of India.

Earlier in England, the 29-year-old scored 117 runs, averaging 39 while picking up seven wickets with the ball, playing an influential role in India’s 2-1 win over the Three Lions. Thakur credited the coaching staff for always giving crucial inputs to improve all the facets of his game. 

“They (coaching staff) always tell me to try to add something to my game, be it in bowling, batting or fielding. In fact, all our four coaches have been very supportive that way. Shastri would always come and tell me what I am capable of and occasionally he has also said a few things about my game and my ability that have come true,” he added.

Despite being a regular in the Indian T20I setup over the last year, the all-rounder was left out of the 15-man squad for the global event in the Middle East. Thakur expressed his disappointment over missing out on the squad but added that he will be ready to step up his game whenever the team requires. 

“Yes, I am a little disappointed. It’s everyone’s dream to play and win the World Cup for your country. If you talk about the Oval Test, then yes, it (my performance) was (in) red-ball format. But if you see, I have done well in both the departments in white-ball cricket too over a period of last two years. Now I’m a part of the reserves for the World Cup, so I guess I have to be ready. I can get a call-up at any moment,” he concluded.