Lord Thakur has become the answer for the vacant spot in the upcoming World Cup, while Umran Malik has fallen behind in that list: Aakash Chopra

Former India cricketer turned analyst Aakash Chopra believes that the great pacer Shardul Thakur’s place has been assured in the forthcoming World Cup 2023. Notably, his remarks came after the 31-year-old bowler’s outstanding showing in the third and final ODI against the Shai Hope-led West Indies. In addition, the right-arm bowler had scalped four wickets and helped the Men in Blue bundle out the home team for just 151 runs while chasing the target of 351 runs during a series decider match on Tuesday.

Speaking on the same subject, the renowned commentator Aakash Chopra affirmed that one needs to praise Shardul for his magnificent performance during the final ODI. The former opener pointed out that there is still one spot vacant for the fourth seamer after Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami in the upcoming World Cup.

“You need to praise Lord Thakur a lot. Lord Thakur has picked up the most wickets for India in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup. The good thing is that there is a place vacant for the World Cup. The question was who can be the fourth fast bowler after (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammad) Shami, and (Mohammed) Siraj,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel, Cricket Ki Chaupal.

It seems like Lord Thakur’s World Cup looks almost confirmed: Aakash Chopra

The cricket commentator went on to say that Shardul Thakur would be the answer for the fourth vacant spot as of now over the 23-year-old pacer Umran Malik. The 45-year-old analyst further added that Umran Malik can do better in T20Is, but it clearly seems that the great all-rounder Shardul Thakur has almost confirmed his spot for the upcoming mega tournament.

“It seems like Lord Thakur has become the answer to that question currently. Umran Malik has fallen behind in that list suddenly, although he might do well in the T20s and we start talking about him, but for now, it seems like Lord Thakur’s World Cup looks almost confirmed,” he added further.