Shardul Thakur desperate for India comeback: Give chances to those who have quality-OxBig News Network

Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur rescued his team on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy fixture against Jammu and Kashmir. Playing at the BKC Ground in Mumbai, Shardul’s rapid 51 off 57 balls helped the side surpass the 100-run mark. This was yet another instance of Shardul rescuing Mumbai from dreadful positions this season. Speaking after Day 1 of the fixture, Shardul indicated that he was desperate to make his India comeback.

Shardul has been out of the Indian team since December 2023. India did not opt for the all-rounder in their spin-heavy home season and also snubbed him for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting to hand young Nitish Kumar Reddy a debut.

A frustrated Shardul spoke to the media on Thursday and said that perhaps players with quality needed to be given more chances in the India line-up.

“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,” Thakur told the media.

“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 said.

Ranji Trophy: Bowlers keep Mumbai afloat vs Jammu and Kashmir

Thakur’s exploits served as a reminder of his maiden First-Class ton in the Ranji Trophy semifinal last season when he smacked a 105-ball 109 with 13 fours and four sixes, coming in at No. 9.

His century had taken Mumbai from 106 for seven to 378 against Tamil Nadu to set up a win by an innings and 70 runs en route to their 43rd title.

Thakur also received a setback in the IPL mega auction last December when he went unsold. But for Thakur, “forgetting the past” is critical.

“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 in the near future,” he said.