Indian paceman Shardul Thakur, set to make his ninth Test appearance, is determined to seize the "once-in-a-lifetime" chance to represent India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final and help secure the nation's first-ever title.
The 31-year-old Mumbai pacer is eager to make a mark in the WTC Final against Australia, commencing at The Oval on Wednesday.
Thakur expressed his determination to make every opportunity count while donning the Indian jersey, highlighting the significance of representing his country in an ICC Final.
"I believe ICC event finals, especially, are rare occurrences. For a few players like me, it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment," Thakur stated in an interview with the ICC.
"All I want is to make it count. Representing your country is always a special moment, especially for India, where a billion people dream of playing for the nation. Only the best 15 have been chosen, so being involved in this Final from 7th June onwards in England for the World Test Championship feels really special. I'm honored," he added.
Thakur draws confidence from his previous experience of playing in England, as three of his Test appearances have taken place there. Notably, he performed exceptionally well at The Oval in the past, rescuing India with a counter-attacking 36-ball 57 in the first innings and contributing a valuable 60 in the second innings.
Having troubled England's top order with the ball and claiming key wickets, Thakur recognizes the importance of past performances on a particular ground. However, he acknowledges that every game is a fresh start, and he remains focused on the upcoming challenge.
While the final playing XI for India will be determined shortly before the toss, Thakur is in contention to play as the third seamer. His ability to move the ball and contribute runs down the order adds to his value, especially if India opts for a four-pronged seam attack, potentially excluding both spinners.
Thakur's skills will be particularly handy if there are overcast conditions during the match, as rain is expected on the fourth, fifth, and reserve days. He understands the challenging nature of English weather and its impact on the game, emphasizing the role of cloud cover in swinging the ball unpredictably.
"England is challenging because the weather here is a bit funny. When the sun's out, it's good for batting, but when it's overcast, it's good for bowling. So, the toss hardly matters; it's all about the cloud cover," Thakur explained.
He further acknowledged the difficulty faced by batters in such conditions, where the ball swings significantly. England also offers excellent batting pitches when the ball doesn't swing, presenting an equal challenge for bowlers.
Whether Thakur secures a spot in the playing XI or not, the experience of being part of a World Test Championship Final will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he aims to cement his place in the team.