T20 World Cup 2021, India vs New Zealand: How will Shardul Thakur help Team India? VVS Laxman analyses

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It would be a vital clash for both India and New Zealand as they take on each other in their Group 2 Super 12 clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are looking for their maiden win of the tournament, having suffered a defeat in their opening game.

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Meanwhile, India would likely make some changes in its playing XI, following its defeat to Pakistan last Sunday. While all-rounder Hardik Pandya and seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's form have been a matter of concern, some are calling for the inclusion of Shardul Thakur, who has been brilliant with the ball while he can be a decent batter too.

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Also, former Indian VVS Laxman feels the same way, as he told Star Sports, "I would always prefer Shardul, as he is a wicket-taking bowler, while he can also bat and get the runs. As it would likely give stability in the side's batting, Shardul would automatically be my preferred choice over Bhuvmeshwar. In contrast, besides being an experienced bowler, he can also give balance to the side."

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Not just Laxman, as Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, had earlier also suggested that including Shardul in the XI over Bhuvi would be highly beneficial for Team India. He also feels that bringing in veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for Varun Chakravarthy would be propitious, considering the former's rich experience, which India needs right now.