'ODI World Cup 2027 is in South Africa, so...': Shardul Thakur remains optimistic about India white-ball selection

India veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur's last outing in Indian colours came in the five-Test match series of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against England, but the fast-bowling all-rounder has been out of action in white-ball cricket for the last couple of years.

Shardul Thakur's last white ball outing for India

Shardul's last white ball outing for India came in the ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh in Pune, where he picked up a wicket and was unable to bat as the Rohit Sharma-led side won that clash by seven wickets.

Shardul for white ball comeback

Despite a long break from white ball cricket, Shardul is hopeful of returning to the limited-overs side, leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, with some consistent performances in the domestic circuit.

“What is important for me is to keep playing matches and perform. Eventually, to get back to the Indian team, I also need to keep having those match-winning performances, which will eventually help in selection,” Shardul said on Tuesday.

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Shardul's performance in Ranji Trophy 2025

Shardul, who is leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, was unable to get a memorable start as he picked up three wickets in he first two games and scored 38 runs in three innings. However, the veteran is hopeful that things will fall in place and he will be able to book a berth as an all-rounder in India’s ODI team.

“The ODI World Cup is in South Africa, so there might be an opening for a bowling all-rounder at No. 8, so I am eyeing that spot,” he said, adding: “In terms of preparation, I am in such a position that tomorrow if I am asked to play international cricket, I am ready.”

Mumbai's last Ranji outing came against Chhattisgarh, which ended as a draw. Mumbai will now face Rajasthan in Jaipur, which is scheduled to start from November 1. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal will also be seen in action in the upcoming clash.