In the last few months, Mumbai's veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur has emerged from setbacks and proved his mettle in the domestic cricket. Thakur claimed six wickets in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarterfinal against Haryana and once again succeeded in sending a reminder to the selectors. Thakur hasn't found a place in the Test side since his return to cricket after injury.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir did not shut the door for Thakur but backed a young Nitish Kumar Reddy to play a similar role in Australia. While Reddy was impressive with the bat, he wasn't as lethal with the ball. Thakur is now focusing on the task at hand instead of thinking about future but admitted that he was disappointment not to make it to the Test side.
"When there's no place in the team, there's naturally disappointment. And, when you're not playing, sitting idle at home, you tend to think about it more," said Thakur after Day 3's play as quoted by PTI.
"But once I step onto the field, my entire focus is on the match -- whether it's club cricket, Ranji Trophy, IPL, or playing for India. To me, every cricket match is the same, regardless of the level. I always aim to give my best in whichever game I play, I don't have any other thoughts."
Numbers in Thakur's favour for selection
Thakur has taken 30 wickets in the ongoing Ranji season already. He has been more than handy with the bat down the order saving Mumbai from collapses. He has scored 396 runs from nine innings at an average of 44, including a century and three half-centuries.
With few months to go in England tour which will kickstart India's next World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, Thakur believes he is in contention.
"Yes, absolutely. I believe I'm 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 playing at the Ranji Trophy level. International cricket is the highest level we all strive for. It's always on my mind, it's the motivation to play for the country that drives me forward. That passion, that fire, never fades."
Thakur to play County during IPL 2025
The 33-year-old's another major setback last year was not getting picked by any franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. However, with one door shut, Thakur may head towards another and play in County cricket to add to his resume. He is willing to take the County route if he gets an offer to play for one of the sides.
"If I get an offer, I'll definitely play. It would be a great new experience. Right now, there are no concrete plans, but county cricket has 6-7 matches around that time. If selected, it will help me adjust to English conditions before the (England) tour," the 33-year-old said.
Mumbai in driver's seat
After the end of Day 3, the 42-time Rnaji champions Mumbai were leading by 292 runs. In reply to Mumbai's 315, thanks to 90s from Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, Thakur's six-fer helped Mumbai bowl out Haryana for 301. With skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Suryakumar Yadav's half-centuries, Mumbai posted 278/4 before the end of day's play.