Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur remains optimistic about reclaiming his spot in the national team, despite being out of selection contention since December 2023. The 33-year-old last played for India in the first Test against South Africa at Centurion, where he had a modest outing with 24 and 2 runs in two innings and picked up just one wicket.
Dropped for the second Test, Shardul Thakur has since been on the sidelines across all formats. However, the Mumbai cricketer is making a strong case for a comeback through stellar performances in domestic cricket. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Thakur has been in exceptional form, delivering match-winning contributions with both bat and ball. He scored a crucial 51 and a blazing 119 in Mumbai’s Elite Group A match against Jammu and Kashmir.
In the following game against Meghalaya, he produced a sensational all-round show, grabbing a hat-trick in the first innings while also smashing a quickfire 84 off 42 balls, including nine fours and five sixes. Continuing his red-hot streak, Thakur played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s quarterfinal clash against Haryana at Eden Gardens, where he claimed a brilliant six-wicket haul (6/58) in the first innings.
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Shardul Thakur’s fiery spell helped Mumbai take a crucial first-innings lead, bringing them one step closer to another Ranji Trophy semifinal. Speaking after the third day’s play in Kolkata, Thakur candidly shared his mindset about his absence from the Indian team.
“Of course, when you’re not in the team, there’s disappointment. Sitting at home, you tend to think about it. But the moment I step onto the field, I focus on the game—whether it’s club cricket, Ranji Trophy, IPL, or India. Every match is important, and I always aim to give my best,” he said.
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Thakur, a key figure in India’s historic 2021 Test series win in England, remains hopeful of another opportunity in English conditions. With India set to tour England for a five-match Test series from June 20 to August 3, he sees this as a potential chance to return. “Yes, absolutely. I believe I’m in contention. The goal is to earn my place in the team. Playing for India is always my motivation, and that fire never fades,” he stated.
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Interestingly, despite his domestic heroics, Thakur found no takers in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Unfazed, he remains open to playing county cricket to sharpen his skills ahead of the England tour. “If I get an offer, I’ll definitely play. It would be a great experience, and with county cricket having around 6-7 matches at that time, it could help me prepare for English conditions,” he added.
For now, Shardul Thakur is letting his performances do the talking, keeping his hopes alive for a much-anticipated return to the Indian squad.
