Mount Maunganui, November 15 (Yes Punjab News)
India all-rounder Axar Patel had a special message for fast bowler Yash Thakur as he prepared to make his ODI debut against New Zealand on Sunday: make your family and country proud.
Axar presented Thakur with ODI cap number 267 in front of the Indian squad ahead of the fifth ODI at Bay Oval. Congratulating the debutant, he recalled the hard work and challenges involved in earning the opportunity to represent the country.
“Cap number 267. Today is a very special day for one of our teammates, and congratulations, Yash. I think everyone dreams of playing for India when they start playing cricket, and today is your special day.
“I want to say that you have gone through a lot of highs and lows and just remember everything. Whatever you have done to reach here and today is your special day. Make your family proud. Make every Indian player proud. Make everyone proud and go well,” Axar said in a video shared on the BCCI’s social media accounts.
The Nagpur-based pacer made his T20I debut for India in July and featured in two matches in Zimbabwe, taking two wickets in each. He has claimed five wickets in four T20Is and was also part of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the Asian Games in Japan this year.
Thakur represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket and has also been a regular in the Indian Premier League, spending two seasons each with Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings.
However, his ODI debut did not get off to the start he would have wanted with the bat. Coming in at 166/7 after Auqib Nabi was dismissed by Mitchell Santner, Thakur faced just four deliveries before edging a Santner delivery to wicketkeeper Tim Seifert for a duck.
India were eventually bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs. Thakur will now look to make an impact with the ball as India attempt to defend the total, with his skiddy pace and ability to deliver accurate yorkers among his key strengths.
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