India's star all-rounder Shardul Thakur put on a show with the bat for Mumbai when the chips were down in the Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu & Kashmir. The out-of-favour India pacer came to Mumbai's rescue when the chips were down and cracked a brilliant fifty to steady his team's boat when the chips were down.
What can I talk about my quality: Shardul Thakur asks tough questions to Indian selectors
Right after the day's play, Shardul Thakur took an aim at Ajit Agarkar-led Indian selectors and indirectly questioned them for ignoring him despite proving his fitness and performance. He was also overlooked in India's recent Test assignments despite his up to the mark fitness. Thakur said that selectors should see if someone has quality, he should be given more chances. Thakur believes that players with demonstrated quality should be given more opportunities.
“What can I talk about my quality? Others should talk about it. They should see that if someone has quality, he should be given more chances," Shardul Thakur told the media after the day's play.
“I like batting in difficult situations. In easy situations, everyone does well, but how you put up the show in adverse situations matters. I see tough situations as a challenge and always think about how to overcome that challenge," he further said.
Shardul Thakur rescues Mumbai with crucial fifty
Thakur once again proved his value in red-ball cricket, rescuing Mumbai from a precarious position with a blistering 57-ball 51 against J &K. Mumbai's top order crumbled, leaving them reeling at 47/7. However, Thakur's counterattacking innings, laced with five boundaries and two sixes, rallied Mumbai to 120.
While Thakur shone, India skipper Rohit Sharma had a disappointed return to the Ranji Trophy. Making his first appearance in the tournament in a decade, Rohit was dismissed for just three runs, edging to mid-off. This follows a challenging period for Rohit, including a string of low scores in the recent Test series in Australia.
Despite the early setbacks, a crucial 63-run partnership between Thakur and Tanush Kotian provided some respite for Mumbai.
Thakur's performance also serves as a reminder of Thakur's exceptional talent, particularly evident in his maiden first-class hundred during the 2024 Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Batting at number nine, he scored a blistering 109 runs off 105 balls, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay with 13 boundaries and four sixes.
It is not going to change: Shardul Thakur on IPL snub
The star pacer also remained unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Despite this disappointment, Thakur stressed on the importance of moving forward and leaving the past behind.
“You have to forget whatever has happened in the past; it is not going to change. It is important to be in the present and think about what you can do shortly," he stated.
Thakur also talked about Rohit Sharma's performance and came to his defence by saying that despite not being involved in the Test setup for over a year Rohit's passion for Mumbai cricket remains unwavering.
“He is always passionate about Mumbai cricket. Any Mumbaikar, the way we have seen hardships growing up as teenagers playing Maidan cricket, everyone is so passionate about Mumbai cricket that even if they're playing for India, they follow what (the) Mumbai team is doing," Thakur concluded.