Shardul Thakur Aims for Indian Test Comeback After Strong Ranji Trophy Performance
All-rounder Shardul Thakur is working hard to reclaim his spot in the Indian Test team as he shines in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025. During the quarter-final match against Haryana on Monday, February 10, he achieved an impressive feat, taking 6 wickets at Eden Gardens and helping Mumbai gain a vital first-innings lead.
With this performance, Shardul has now amassed a total of 30 wickets this season, playing a key role in giving Mumbai a narrow 14-run advantage. Despite his remarkable contributions, he has struggled to secure a consistent position in the national team since his last appearance against South Africa in 2023. Moreover, he did not attract any bids during the Indian Premier League.
Mumbai on Top Thanks to Shardul’s Brilliance
This season, Shardul has not only excelled with the ball but has also scored 396 runs. He expressed his determination to return to the Indian Test side after Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy quarter-final, stating that representing India remains his primary motivation during this challenging time.
"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 shared with the media.
“Right now, I’m focused on the Ranji Trophy. Playing for India is the ultimate goal we all chase. It’s always on my mind; it’s that passion to represent my country that keeps me going.”
Thakur is also open to the idea of playing County Cricket, similar to Cheteshwar Pujara, who made a successful return to the Test team after performing well in England.
“If I get an offer, I’ll definitely play. It would be a new and exciting experience. At the moment, I don’t have any concrete plans, but County Cricket offers 6-7 matches around that time. Participating would help me adapt to English conditions ahead of the upcoming tour,” he added.
Learning from the Game
Throughout this season, Thakur has been instrumental for Mumbai in tough situations. In a surprising home loss to Jammu and Kashmir in January, he scored 51 and 119 runs, followed by an 84 in the match against Meghalaya, where he also claimed 8 wickets.
The all-rounder discussed the mental aspects of cricket, emphasizing the importance of not letting past performances affect current games.
“Every player deals with this differently. Personally, I focus on the present and don’t dwell on the past. Reflecting on past disappointments only distracts me from performing well. My attention is on what I can control,” he said.
“Professional cricket is full of ups and downs. There are times when you excel and times when you fall short. Sometimes you’re picked, and sometimes you’re left out. The real challenge lies in recovering, preparing, and delivering when it matters. That’s where the enjoyment comes from.”
“When I’m practice or reflecting on my game, I think about the next match. It’s essential to train your mind to stay in the present moment. While I may think about selection off the field, on the field, my sole focus is on contributing, whether by taking wickets or scoring runs,” Shardul concluded.
Published By: Kingshuk Kusari
Published On: Feb 10, 2025
