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India may have lost the second test against South Africa to the Wanderers in Johannesburg, heading for the third and final game level at 1-1, but they should remain optimistic thanks to some stellar performances. One of them, without a shadow of a doubt, was Shardul Thakur, who won the best bowling figures for an Indian player against the Proteas in the tests. Like many people, Aakash Chopra had reservations against the Palgharh-born cricketer and like everyone else he was happy to be wrong.
Thakur, in the Proteas’ opening innings, scored 7/61 to help India limit the hosts to a slim lead of 27. In the second inning he played a 28-point practice cameo to help the visitors show a goal of 240 points. .
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Former Indian opener Chopra admitted he had raised questions about Thakur’s place on the team but was happy with the reality.
“Shardul Thakur was the choice of Indian bowlers, rather Indian players, in the second test match. Personally, I was one of those guys who asked questions, â€said Chopra.
Cricketer-turned-broadcaster Chopra explained why he had doubts about Thakur.
“If he doesn’t score points and pick up wickets anyway because if you’re the fourth pitcher, you don’t get the bowling. In fact, even when he took seven wickets, he didn’t. threw only one ball in the first 35 passes. “
“So if you are not introduced in 35 overs and you are not able to score points, which was the case in the first two or three rounds, your place in the team is in question because then you’ll play a quick fourth melon, â€Chopra said.
He concluded :
“But then he just reversed that test match with that inspiring spell. He took seven wickets which is a huge achievement. After that he scored 28 crucial points with the bat that gave India a lead. of 239. So in my opinion Lord Thakur is absolutely phenomenal. “
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