'It was a surreal feeling' - Yash Thakur recalls learning about maiden India call-up for Zimbabwe tour, hails captain Shreyas Iyer

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur has opened up on the emotional moment he found out about his maiden India call-up, revealing that he learned of his selection for the T20I tour of Zimbabwe through messages and phone calls from friends while collecting his luggage at the airport.

The fast bowler, who impressed in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League before earning his opportunity, described the call-up as the culmination of years of hard work. Having progressed through the Under-19 circuit, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, IPL, and India A, Thakur said representing India had always been his ultimate dream.

Speaking to JioStar, the 26-year-old recalled the unforgettable moment.

"Harsh Dubey and I had just landed in Nagpur. As I was collecting my luggage and heading out, my phone started buzzing with messages, and I got a call from my friends. They told me, 'You got selected!' and congratulated me. I didn't know anything about it at that moment, so I checked online and realised I had been selected for the Zimbabwe tour. It was a surreal feeling. I've progressed step by step, from Under-19 cricket, through the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, IPL, India A, and now into the Indian team."

"Each level brought its own challenges, and I worked hard to clear every hurdle. Climbing every single step makes me feel very happy. I can't quite express the feeling right now, because playing for the country is everyone's dream when they start playing cricket. To finally be here, wearing the India jersey, feels like all the hard work has paid off," he said to JioStar. 

Shreyas Iyer is a bowlers captain: Yash Thakur 

Thakur also spoke about his equation with India captain Shreyas Iyer, under whom he previously played in the IPL. The pacer said the existing understanding between the two has made his transition into the national setup much smoother.

"Captain Shreyas Iyer knows my strengths well. He understands which phases of the game I am most effective in, whether it's the powerplay, the middle overs, or the death. He knows where I can contribute the most to help the team win. That mutual understanding developed during the IPL when I spent time with him and discussed plans. I feel very fortunate because I have played under Shreyas bhai in the IPL, and now I will be playing under his captaincy in the Indian team as well. That continuity helps build a great bond. When your captain trusts your abilities, it gives you a lot of confidence on the field."

The right-arm seamer was also full of praise for Iyer's leadership style, highlighting the skipper's calm approach and the confidence he instills in his bowlers by allowing them to execute their own plans.

"In my view, he is extremely calm. Whether we are giving away runs, bowling well, or having an off day with the ball, he never loses his composure. He stays calm even in high-pressure situations. He always comes directly to the bowlers and asks, 'What is your plan? What do you think is the best option here?' He doesn't impose his ideas. He listens first and then gives his input. That makes a huge difference. I would describe him as a bowler's captain, he trusts his bowlers completely and gives them the freedom to execute their plans," he concluded.

After earning his maiden India call-up for the Zimbabwe T20I series, Thakur will now look to make the most of his opportunity and establish himself at the international level.