IND vs SL | Domestic cricket, IPL reasons behind international success, states Shardul Thakur

After the series-opener of the three-match T20I series in Guwahati between India and Sri Lanka was washed out, the hosts were able to enjoy a big victory in the second game in Indore. The Indian pacers were able to restrict the visitors, who were asked to bat first, to a score of 142/9 at the end of 20 overs. 

Following the completion of the game, that India won by seven wickets and 15 balls to spare, Thakur (3/23) conceded that regular match-practice has helped him polish his bowling skills and get to where he is today. His regularity in the IPL and the domestic cricket, wherein he has played non-stop cricket, put him on the road to success.

"Over a period of years, while practising, I have been developing my skills and just brushing it up. I think by playing continuously for the last 2-3 years, in the IPL and domestic circuit, I am getting better," Thakur was quoted as saying at the post-match press conference.

"Pretty much[happy about my perforrmance]. I have been working hard for it and in an international game, when it pays off, it really makes me happy.”

While Thakur bagged three, Navdeep Saini - the man of the match - picked up two wickets while conceding only 18 runs. And while chasing a reasonable 143, KL Rahul (45 of 32) built the match-winning momentum which the India skipper (30 not out off 17) finished with a six in the 18th over to win the game. Thakur believes T20 is a format where experience helps a lot as precise decisions in the shorter format that is more crucial than in the longer ones.

"I feel, T20 is such a short format and it is always going to be up and down. The more you play, the more experience you get and you keep learning. Whereas, the five-day format is a more settled format and you have time to think about your game. But in T20, you have to make precise decisions," he said.

India, 1-0 ahead of Sri Lanka, will fight it out with Lasith Malinga’s side in the final fixture of the T20I series in Pune on Friday.