Thakur delighted with call-up

India

Mumbai quick Shardul Thakur says that his inclusion in India's Test squad travelling to the West Indies later this year is a 'dream come true' for him.

The 24-year-old, recently described by Sachin Tendulkar as having the "true potential to play higher class of cricket”, has just come off his second successivle 40-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy, the latest helping his side to their 41st title in the tournament.

With two excellent seasons under his belt, and the fact that he brings a capacity for consistently attacking the batsmen, regardless of conditions, meant that it was a matter of time before his name was called by Sandeep Patil's national selection committee.

Despite that, the player says that he was not anticipating the news.

“I was travelling in Mumbai when I suddenly got a call from Sandeep Patil about my selection,” Thakur told Wisden India. "I was not expecting the call as such, but was hoping for it.

"It is not very easy to get into the Test squad. You can only hope your dreams come true and mine did,” he added.

The youngster said that playing in conditions foreign to him was not a concern, saying that his teammates will provide the support he needs to perform.

“It is going to be an experienced dressing room and I am sure they will all help a youngster like me," he said.

"Not only Virat, but there are others as well who can guide and teach you about the game and to adapt to certain conditions…"

"I am quite excited and I can’t express that in words,” he added.

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