Shardul Thakur who is one of the contenders for the upcoming World Cup echoed that he is only focused on delivering the goods for the team's success whenever he gets an opportunity to play. The bowling all-rounder has performed superbly well in the recently-concluded ODI series against the West Indies.

Shardul Thakur

He finished the ODI series as the leading wicket-taker with eight wickets (1 wicket in the first ODI, 3 wickets in the second ODI and 4 wickets in the third ODI). Notably, he was the leading wicket-taker for India in the second and third ODI as well. He performed well when it mattered the most and justified his selection right.

Shardul Thakur is pretty much aware of the skills that he can bring to the game but is certainly not thinking about the World Cup spot right now. Following Team India's 2-1 series win over the West Indies, he opened up about his role at the post-match presentation. 

"As an all-rounder who bats in the lower order, my role also becomes important. We've seen, in longer chases or if you want to post a big total, you will look to accelerate and lose one or two wickets here and there. If the No. 8 and No.9 can contribute with someone who has batted deep, that role is really important,” Shardul Thakur added.

The bowling all-rounder also made it very clear that he is not the kind of player who plays for his place in the team in the first place as his objective is to try and contribute towards the team's success. 

"Whenever I get an opportunity, I just try and contribute towards the team's success. That's my thought process - whether it's in batting, bowling or fielding. I'm not the kind of player who plays for his place in the team. If I play with that thought, I don't think I'll be able to play,” Thakur added.

He further added that irrespective of whether he is picked or not for the World Cup, he will keep giving absolutely everything for the team. "Even if they [team management] don't pick me for the World Cup, it will be their call, I can't do much. It will be wrong of me to think that I need to play for my place, that I'll do my job and leave. I'll have to see what the match situation is, and what the requirement of the team is whether I get personal success or not. That is one thing I keep repeating - no matter what, I'll try to play for the team and make an impact," Thakur added in a statement.