'Every game matters for every player': Despite 0-2 down, Shardul Thakur optimistic about 3rd ODI against New Zealand

After giving an all-round performance against New Zealand in the T20Is, India lacked behind when it came to the ODIs. After losing two of the three ODI matches, India will look to win at least the final clash.

Talking about the series loss, fast bowler Shardul Thakur said being 0-2 down will make players express themselves even better.

“When you play international cricket, every game matters for every player. When you are 2-0 down, you can express yourself, even more, our skills, our variations in bowling. Batsmen can play their shots, can execute shots and express themselves. That’s how we will approach it,” Thakur said on the eve of the third ODI.

In the first two ODIs, India found it tough in New Zealand’s small grounds. Where on one side, the field at Hamilton’s Seddon Park was relatively small Auckland saw a different challenge.

Talking in reference to the grounds, Thakur felt it was important to understand its dimensions.

“There are no grounds alike in New Zealand, so it is very important to understand the ground dimensions. How to bowl, etc. In each game, as a bowler, you may have to change your plan because the last game in Auckland, straight boundaries were short. Before that in Hamilton, the side boundary was short. The dimensions of each ground are different and you have to bowl accordingly. Here in the next game, we will get a bigger ground compared to the others,” he explained.

“It is very difficult because you don’t get to play on grounds like this every day. That’s why they say New Zealand is a difficult country to play cricket in. I feel that when you practice in the nets you have to practice in the manner in which you are going to bowl the next day. Mentally too, it is crucial to be prepared because if you are not prepared mentally, the opponent can take you by surprise. So both things are important. If you see, their batsmen use the wind and the short side.”

The all-rounder also praised Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor and also how Kane Williamson could be a force to reckon with.

“Thanks for reminding that (Kane) is going to play tomorrow. But yeah, it’s okay. Everyone’s playing cricket here, I guess. It’s no different. I think the opening partnership has been crucial for them. They are building a good partnership, like you said, up front. That’s why they are able to set up good scores,” Thakur pointed out.

“He (Taylor) is batting really well. Once he is set, he is able to play on the leg-side like he is a God. I think we have to be very precise bowling to him. At times, we have had our chances. In the last two ODIs, he had skied up a few balls and we had chances. Had we grabbed them, the game could have gone either way.”