'If Iam Not Picked For World Cup…': Read Shardul Thakur's Honest Admission On ODI World Cup 2023

Indian all-rounder and seam bowler Shardul Thakur has made a compelling case to be included in the team that will compete in the ODI World Cup in 2023.

In the recently finished India vs. West Indies three-match One-Day-International series, the star bowler was the most successful bowler, claiming eight wickets throughout the three matches, with his best bowling numbers coming in the series-deciding match (IND vs. WI 3rd ODI) on Tuesday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is trying to provide players opportunities to secure their positions in the squad ahead of the 2023 edition of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup, which will be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

Shardul, on the other hand, wants to keep "contributing" rather than worrying about solidifying his position.

I'm pleased to have finished the series with eight wickets. Every cricketer knows the feeling of finally getting their big chance.

Shardul was quoted as saying, "whichever series I play that always boost my confidence because I am only adding experience to my career," after the game, according to PTI.

I've never gone into a game with the mindset that I had to perform to ensure my roster position.

If I don't make the World Cup team, that's their decision and I have little say in the matter. In every game, I give my best effort for the team and adapt my style of play to the prevailing circumstances.

Shardul, who bowls right-handed and bats in the middle order, has been a mainstay in the ODI team for the past two years because he believes he contributes and deserves to be there.

"I don't think I played in a single one-day series, and by that I mean I wasn't included in the squad for the home series against Sri Lanka. I have played in every other ODI series in the last two years, so I don't know what the holdup was.

I feel like I owe the squad something, so they've kept me around. The squad clearly believes in me, because they keep giving me opportunities to play," he explained.

The all-rounder who bats down in the order, "my job also becomes crucial because if you look at the last few years we like to play with a deep batting line-up. That part is essential.

"I do what I can to help the team win every game I play in, whether it's with the bat, the ball, or the glove. He continued, "At the end of the day I should be happy that I have made an effort, my performances should be impactful whichever department it is."

Shardul thinks it's crucial for India to win every game leading up to the World Cup.

For the purposes of the team's preparation for the next World Cup, every game you play will be crucial. You will evaluate your own performance and give yourself a grade in the batting, bowling, and fielding categories.

There will be a select group of players keeping an eye on you as well as the team's management. All of the games leading up to the World Cup are crucial for us as individuals, he remarked.