“Of course, it’s a big setback. Every player dreams to play in the World Cup, not just play, but win it as well,” Thakur said on the eve of the second ODI against South Africa.

‘Lot of cricket left in me’

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“It’s okay I’m not selected this time. But there’s still a lot of cricket left and also there’s the ODI World Cup next year. My focus will be to do well in whatever matches I play and make winning contributions,” the Mumbai man, who is just two short of completing 100 international wickets across formats, said.

India have suffered another big blow to their T20 World Cup campaign when injury-prone Deepak Chahar, who was in the reserves, was ruled out of the ongoing series with his chances to go to Australia seeming remote. 

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game, at some point, someone is going to get injured. We should not take it by heart honestly. There is a lot more cricket to come,” he said.

Asked if he fancies his chances, the 30-year-old said: “If injuries happen then anyone can come at any point of time. As of now, your responsibility is to be ready whenever and wherever you’re asked to play. I will be mentally ready if I’m given a call-up. That’s all in my hands.”

Also Read: India’s bowling exposed again as SA win first ODI in Lucknow

Focus on batting

Thakur further said he is honing his batting skills to make the difference lower down the order, something that was on display in a 66-ball-93 run partnership with Sanju Samson in the first ODI. “If you see teams who have done very well at international level, their batting line-up has been quite deep.
“I’ve been focusing on my batting for quite a long time now. Obviously batting at No.7 or the one coming at No.9, if they can contribute it’s always great. That gives you a cushion.”

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