After playing in Test matches during the tour of England earlier this year, Shardul Thakur has not given up on a white-ball comeback. The all-rounder is aiming for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The 34-year-old made his final appearance in white-ball cricket during the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune. He has participated in 47 ODIs, 25 T20Is, and 13 Tests.
“What is important for me is to keep playing matches and perform,” Thakur said when asked about his future.
“To get back into the Indian team, I also need to keep having those good, match-winning performances, which is eventually going to help in the selection. And, yes, the ODI World Cup is also in South Africa so there might be a place open for a bowling all-rounder at No. 8. I am, of course, eyeing that spot,” he said.
Thakur stated that he will keep trying to get picked for India.
“Whenever the Indian team needs me or whenever I am selected, I am ready to play international cricket. My preparation is such that if tomorrow I am asked to play international cricket, I am ready,” he said.
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will represent Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy third round, which will take place on the road in Jaipur against Rajasthan, Thakur revealed.
“He’s fairly experienced in international cricket and domestic cricket as well. He has never disappointed to entertain us, to perform. He’s put up big scores. We’ve seen in both the places, domestically and internationally,” Thakur said.
“When he’s set, he makes sure he scores a big hundred and that’s a big positive. There are expectations from everyone. Even when he comes, he’s expected to perform for the team,” he added.
Thakur stated that the wicket at the BKC Ground was difficult for his bowlers during Mumbai’s drawn game with Chhattisgarh.
“I think the pitch was slow, it wasn’t easy to get wickets. We bowled well in the first innings and that’s why the spinners got wickets. But in the second innings, they also would have planned how to play,” he said.
“They batted well in the second innings and eventually, the bowlers got tired. It’s not easy to win an outright game in 4-4.5 sessions,” Thakur added.
