Focus was just to hit the right areas, says five-wicket hero Thakare

Thakare is the toast of his teammates after picking up a fIve-for.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

Vidarbha pacer Aditya Thakare, who rocked the Tamil Nadu batting line-up in the first innings, said he was pleased to have delivered for his side in a crucial knockout fixture.

“I have been bowling well this season and putting the ball in the right areas. The wicket was good, and there was help, so my focus was just on hitting the right areas,” said an elated Thakare after claiming his sixth five-wicket haul at the first-class level.

Thakare is now the second-highest wicket-taker for his side this year, with 27 scalps, and he feels he has been bowling well in the last few years. “I am happy I got five wickets in the quarterfinals and this performance will boost my confidence. Last year, I took 35 wickets, and have now close to another 30 this year so far,” he said.

On the team’s plans for the fourth day, Thakare revealed that the aim was to bat as long as possible but felt any target above 350 runs would be formidable.

TN all-rounder Vijay Shankar, too, had a similar take on the match situation, saying, “if we can restrict them to a lead of around 350, then we can push for the win.”