(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Robin Uthappa has raised questions on the selection of Shardul Thakur in the India 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which starts on October 5.
Shardul is picked as the second fast-bowling all-rounder alongside Hardik Pandya in the team.
Uthappa has expressed his concerns about Shardul’s tendency to leak runs and believes that this could prove costly for India if he continues to do so regularly.
“Shardul Thakur could be a concern for Team India. Yes, he picks up wickets and is a high-quality bowler, but he leaks a lot of runs. He can be very expensive. That’s something that he will have to pay attention to,” said Uthappa on his YouTube channel.
Uthappa asserted that although Shardul might pick up wickets, his bowling figures could look worse if he fails to do so.
“He is someone who is always going to take wickets, but when he doesn’t take wickets, he ends up looking a little expensive. In CSK, we used to fondly call him the golden arm. I am certain that his role will be very similar for the Indian team,” the former India cricketer added.
The 31-year-old has played 44 ODIs, picking up 63 wickets with an average of 30.34 and an economy rate of 6.24. Shardul has also batted in 25 innings in ODIs, scoring 329 runs with an average of 17.31 and a strike-rate of 105.11.