I'm looked at as a bowler who will go after wickets'

MUMBAI: The competition for places in the Indian team among the pace tribe is intense for the upcoming World Cup

- Sanjjeev K Samyal , Rasesh Mandani

{ SHARDUL THAKUR } INDIA ALL-ROUNDER

With consistent performances in ODIs over a period of time, Shardul Thakur is also in the running for selection as a pace-bowling all-rounder. In the recent ODI series in West Indies, he was India's highest wickettaker with eight scalps in three games. Overall, in 38 ODIs he has 58 wickets.

With so much talk about the lack of batting depth, his belligerence with the bat might just be what the doctor ordered for India. Excerpts from an interview:

How do you reflect on your and the team's recent showings?

I am happy with my performance. I am feeling good about how I am bowling in ODI cricket. The format is constantly evolving, so you have to keep adding things to your game. I am happy that I was able to deliver in the West Indies ODI series with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj not around.

As a team, we have had some ups and down in the recent past. The WTC final loss wasn't easy to take. It keeps playing on our mind because we know our next chance will take another two years. Winning an ICC tournament is very important for us. It's an opportunity lost. You keep that in your subconscious mind. Maybe, next time.

Are you confident of making the World Cup squad with the stiff competition for places?