Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced scrutiny for their inconsistent form during the New Zealand tour, managing a combined 184 runs across six innings. As fans and experts debate their place in the Test side, Thakur believes Kohli\u2019s stellar record and experience in Australia will prove invaluable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thakur shed light on the immense pressure that Kohli faces, emphasising the high expectations surrounding the star batter. \"With playing, criticism will always come. When Virat bats, we tend to expect him to score a century every time. So, even if he scores 70 runs, it feels like he has failed, but the reality is, he has still scored 70 runs. He has made so many centuries; after Sachin Tendulkar, he is the one with the most centuries in the world,\" Thakur told IANS after finishing the third day's play in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Services at the Air Force ground at Palam here on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thakur further highlighted Kohli's outstanding performances in Australia over the years, where the former Indian captain has accumulated over 600 runs in 13 Tests at an average exceeding 50.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEveryone knows, deep down, how well Virat plays in Australia. He has everything \u2014 whether it\u2019s technique or the right approach \u2014 to succeed on the Australian tour. He has proven it time and again whenever he has toured Australia, and I am confident he will do it again this time. He will be back don't worry,\u201d Thakur asserted confidently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thakur himself has been on a determined journey of recovery and improvement. Returning from surgery, Shardul delivered a match-winning performance in Mumbai\u2019s Elite Group A clash against Services. He picked up a total of seven wickets across both innings, with standout figures of 12-0-39-3 in the third day\u2019s play. His early strikes had Services reeling at 60\/3 by lunch, and Mumbai closed in on a potential outright victory, bolstered by Thakur\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his comeback, Thakur admitted to initial hesitation after his surgery. \"In the initial one or two matches, I had a bit of hesitation while starting, but as I kept playing matches post-surgery, my confidence gradually developed. Now, I have achieved 100% fitness, and it\u2019s reflected in my bowling as well. In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Although quite a few catches were dropped, so the wickets aren\u2019t reflecting on the board. If those catches were taken, I would have had around 20 wickets in five matches. But that\u2019s part and parcel of the game. Overall, I\u2019m feeling quite good in terms of fitness and bowling. It\u2019s a satisfying feeling, I would say,\" said Thakur.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule that includes Australia\u2019s tour, England\u2019s white-ball matches in India, and the Champions Trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I haven't had any communication yet. But right now, I have just returned from surgery, so it\u2019s obvious that\u2019s the reason I am not on the team at the moment. However, my fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities can come anytime.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule that includes Australia\u2019s tour, England\u2019s white-ball matches in India, and the Champions Trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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