Virat helped me get over the debut injury disappointment, reveals Shardul Thakur

11/05/2018

India pacer Shardul Thakur has stated that he was really angry and was almost in tears before Virat Kohli comforted him and helped him handle debut injury in a better manner. Thakur had to go off the field after he was injured in a Test against Windies after bowling just 10 balls.

Getting a chance to play Cricket for India and carving a permanent slot in the team is a dream for many Indian youngsters. One such candidate got such chance recently but he had to come out of the match injured. Shardul Thakur revealed that after he got injured after bowling just ten balls against the West Indian side in the first Test match, he was angry and almost on the verge of tears.

“I was angry and in tears when it happened. Who wants to start his debut match like that? No one. It is really a terrible feeling, believe me,” Thakur told Timesofindia.com.

“Virat bhai (Virat Kohli) immediately rushed towards me and asked 'what happened?'. I told him -I won't be able to continue. He saw my condition. I was tense and almost crying but Virat bhai's words helped me handle that terrible situation. He spoke with Patrick Farhart (Indian cricket team physiotherapist) and then advised me to go back and relax," the 27-year-old said.

With the Indian team in one of those phases when there are many pace bowlers chasing few slots in the Indian team, Thakur knew that it wouldn't be easy for him to make his way back to the playing eleven even if he manages to get into the squad. But Thakur asserted that he would try to recover soon and will return to the playing field.

“It is better to accept what happened rather complaining about it. It in the past for me now. I want to recover as soon as possible and return to the cricket field," the medium pacer said.

With the preparation for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in full swing every player, who is getting a chance to play in the Indian team, wants to make full use of such a chance but with injuries plaguing Thakur, he must be disappointed. He has still played only five ODI matches for India and to make it to the World Cup squad he would have to play much more than that.

“He (Virat Kohli) gave me confidence and talked to me after the day's play. After the match, Virat bhai came to ask me about my injury. He said ‘these things are normal for an athlete.’ He is in touch with me. He calls me regularly and gives me tips for a quick recovery,” Thakur said.

“As an athlete, you have to deal with these challenges. When you bowl, you aim for a success, wickets and the team's win. And when these things happen, it really hurts. That's the life of an athlete. It took time for me to accept it. I am concentrating now on the recovery process” he said,” he added.

Then Thakur took an expected turn and said that he would like to be a part of the Indian team that will play the World Cup. The next Cricket World Cup will be held in England and Wales and will begin next year in May.

“I want to play the World Cup for my country,” the youngster signed off.