Harbhajan Singh Comments On Shardul Thakur’s Jersey No 10 Controversy
Each and every sport we play in this world, the players do have some jersey numbers behind their shirts. There might be many reasons for the players to select a jersey number in particular. Jersey numbers are so far one of the most curious subjects in sports especially cricket.
Coming to cricket, we all know the significance of God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar’s No 10 and MS Dhoni’s No 7, those numbers rose to prominence because of the players who wore them. Even cricket buffs often develop certain emotional attachments to the jersey numbers that are worn by their favorite cricketers.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 10 is the top of everything out of such things. Sachin completely retired from International cricket in November 2013. Since then, no player was given the jersey number 10. In the recently completed 4th ODI against Sri Lanka, the debutant Shardul Thakur from India was given the jersey number 10.
This raised havoc on social media asking whether the jersey number should be given to other players or leave as Sachin’s mark of excellence. The medium-fast bowler was slammed by the fans of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for wearing jersey number 10 during the match.
People criticized Shardul Thakur as he played his first game for the nation sporting jersey number 10 related to someone who is termed as ‘God’ in the cricket. After people slammed the young bowler in this regard, veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh came to defend Shardu Thakur and said that he should not be criticized for sporting the number- 10 on his jersey.
Harbhajan Singh Backs Shardul Thakur:
“What’s the poor guy’s fault if he wore that jersey? If he’s grown up watching Tendulkar, it may have been his dream to wear the No. 10 jersey and play for India, for which he’s worked hard. It could be his way of paying tribute to the great man or emulate him, or it could be his lucky number.” Harbhajan told.
“Everyone has their emotions. We all respect Sachin paaji. No one wore that jersey till the time he was playing. That jersey will live on forever. Its respect will not go down simply because someone else is wearing it. It’s the Board which must decide if it wants to retire or preserve this jersey number, and dedicate it to Sachin. And if it was to be done, it should’ve been done when he quit the game (in 2013). If you speak Sachin also, he wouldn’t have a problem with someone wearing it,” Harbhajan added.
However, Shardul Thakur was impressive in his debut match against Sri Lanka. The pacer bowled 7 overs and ended with figures of 1/26. He picked up the first wicket of the match by dismissing Lankan opener Niroshan Dickwella.
So, what do you say about Shardul Thakur wearing jersey no 10? Do you agree with it or should he be given another number? Share your views with us in the comments section below.