Shardul Thakur, the fast-bowling all-rounder for India, is gunning for his comeback spurting largely from his brilliant domestic season with the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
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Shardul has saved Mumbai a few times with the bat. Hence, he has become the fifth-highest run-scorer in the premier red-ball tournament, having slammed 396 runs in nine innings with an average of 44. Not to be forgotten, he has also notched 30 wickets by acting well with the ball, conceding runs at an average of 21.10.
The seam-bowling all-rounder was last seen on the field for the Indian team in the Test series against South Africa in late 2023 and has not played since. “He played a significant role for Mumbai, taking six wickets against Haryana in the quarter-final, helping the team build a 14-run lead in the first innings.”
“When one is not in a team, naturally that is disappointment and there is such time while on the bench when one thinks about it more due to being idle at home,” said Thakur, who has played 11 Tests.
“But once I am on the field, then my 120 percent focus is on that particular match — whether it may be a match on the club level, the Ranji Trophy, IPL, or for India. For me, every form of cricket is the same: the first-class level or the international level; I will be giving my best in every form of the game I am playing and nothing else.” he added.
Now with regard to the former CSK bowler, he believes he is in selection uncertainty for a place in the Indian side, with India destined to travel to England for a Test series. “Yes, absolutely. I believe I am in contention. The next step is to make my place in the team and earn selection. That’s always the goal,” he said.
Right now, I’m participating in the Ranji Trophy. We all aspire to play international cricket, which is the highest level. This thought is always in the back of my mind; it’s the drive to represent my country that encourages me to go forward. This passion, this fire, never diminishes,” he added.
The fast bowler didn’t attract a bid in the IPL 2025 mega-auction and is open to playing county cricket in England, if that happens.
“Definitely if someone comes forward, it will be a nice experience. Nothing concrete has been sculpted right now, but there are about 6-7 matches in England at that time. It would help acclimatize me to the conditions there before the (England) tour,” he said.
