Hopeful of India call-up if I perform consistently Says Pacer Thakur

Mumbai, Oct 31 - Following his four-wicket haul against South Africans in the practice match here, Board President XI seamer Shardul Thakur on Saturday said he is hopeful of an India call-up if he continues to perform well.

After restricting Board President XI to 296 in the first innings on the opening day, South Africa came back strongly after a sloppy start to score 302 in 69.2 overs in their first innings, thanks to a superb 112 off 131 balls by in-form AB de Villiers which ensured a draw in the two-day practice match ahead of the first Test between India and South Africa in Mohali from November 5.

For the home side, Thakur (4-70), Kuldeep Yadav (2-24), Jayant Yadav (2-37) impressed, while Hardik Pandya and Nathu Singh picked up one wicket each. In the second innings, BPXI reached 92/0 in 30 overs when the second and final day’s play ended.

"I am hopeful that I will keep performing. I hope that if I can do well consistently I will get an India call one day. It was my best performance with the ball for sure. The wicket gave help to the fast bowlers," Thakur said at the post-match press conference at the Brabourne Stadium here.

The 24-year-old believes his performance in this match will give him a lot of confidence in the upcoming first class matches.

“I wanted to make the full use of the chance given to me. This was a very big match for me. Playing against top quality players is always a plus. It was a big platform for me to perform well. I will take great confidence from this match ahead,” Thakur, who has picked up 105 wickets in 29 matches for Mumbai in first-class cricket, said.

(IANS)