New Delhi, 25 July (H.S.): Indian pacer Yash Thakur described his maiden selection in the Indian T20 squad for the Zimbabwe tour as the most memorable moment of his career, saying that representing the country is every cricketer’s dream and wearing the Indian jersey is the result of years of hard work and dedication.

He also praised Indian T20 team captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and described him as a “captain of bowlers”.

The Vidarbha and Punjab Kings fast bowler Yash Thakur has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the Zimbabwe tour. Along with him, Ashok Sharma has also been included in the national squad. However, Yash is yet to make his international debut for India.

Speaking to JioStar, Yash revealed that he came to know about his selection after reaching Nagpur. He said, “I and my Vidarbha teammate Harsh Dubey had just reached Nagpur. While I was coming out with my luggage, I started receiving continuous calls and messages on my phone. Friends called to congratulate me and informed me that I had been selected for the Indian team. Initially, I had no information about it. When I checked online, I realised that my name had been selected for the Zimbabwe tour. That feeling cannot be described in words.”

Yash said he has worked hard at every stage of his career. From Under-19 cricket to the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, IPL, India A and now the Indian team, the journey has not been easy. He said he faced challenges at every level, but overcoming them and reaching the national team is a matter of immense pride for him.

Yash has delivered outstanding performances in domestic cricket.

In the previous season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he claimed 18 wickets in seven matches, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His best performance during the competition was a five-wicket haul for 16 runs. Later, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he played a crucial role in helping Vidarbha win their maiden title by taking 19 wickets in nine matches.

He also delivered an impressive performance in the final against Saurashtra.

Speaking about his coordination with Shreyas Iyer, Yash said that a strong understanding developed between the two while playing together for Punjab Kings in the IPL.

“Shreyas Iyer understands my strengths very well. He knows where I can be most effective during the powerplay, middle overs or death overs. During the IPL, we discussed match strategies several times. Now, getting the opportunity to play under his captaincy in the Indian team will further strengthen our understanding,” he said.

Praising Shreyas Iyer’s leadership style, Yash said, “He is a very calm and composed captain. Whether bowlers are conceding runs or performing well, he never loses his patience. He does not impose his own ideas on bowlers; instead, he first asks about their plans and then offers suggestions. This is why I consider him a captain of bowlers, because he has complete faith in his bowlers and gives them the freedom to express themselves.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar