India's star pacer Shardul Thakur is representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. The top player has not been provided with a spot in the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. Shardul is, however, set to represent the Essex team in the County Championship soon. Shardul's return can be useful for him to regain a spot in the Indian team.

🚨 SHARDUL THAKUR TO COUNTY CRICKET 🚨

- Essex is set to sign Shardul Thakur for this county season. [Nisarg Naik]

Huge boost for him ahead of the England Test series. pic.twitter.com/czMp7r7On4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025

Shardul Thakur Representation to India :
Shardul Thakur was the last of them when he represented India in Tests and ODIs in 2023. But he didn't perform well. He wasn't included in the Indian squad for being out of form. But Shardul also played for India in ICC tournaments during 2023. Shardul was part of the Indian team in World Test Championship 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023. It is tough now to think of his return to the Indian team. He is playing for Mumbai in domestic cricket now. Shardul is also playing in the current semi-final match being conducted against Vidarbha on behalf of Mumbai.

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Performance in Ranji Trophy :
Shardul has played his best ever in the Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai. Speaking about the last 3 matches, he has stunned everyone with bat and ball. He has picked 19 wickets in the last 3 matches, besides this, while batting in the last 3 matches, he has made 2 half-centuries besides 1 century. But by featuring in the County Championship, he will be in a position to market himself for a return to the Indian Test team since the Indian team will travel to England to play a 5-match Test series following IPL 2025. In the event that Shardul performs exceptional cricket in the County Championship overseas, then he could get noticed by the Indian selectors.

Career of Shardul Thakur:

The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer is in firing form in domestic cricket and is eyeing a return to Test cricket when India travel to England in the upcoming summer.

Defending champions Mumbai are fighting hard in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, and the 33-year-old Shardul Thakur is a key reason for Mumbai’s stable running in the ongoing domestic first-class cricket.

Shardul Thakur is in outstanding form in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

In the ongoing Quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, while Mumbai scored 315 runs in the first innings against Haryana, Haryana were bowled out for 301 runs, as Mumbai earned a crucial lead of 14 runs, thanks to Shardul Thakur’s six-fer. On the third day morning, Haryana lost the last five wickets only for 38 runs, and Thakur picked up all those five wickets. The right-arm pacer ended the innings with the bowling figures 18.5-3-58-6.

Shardul Thakur, who has played 11 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for India, last served for the national team during the 2023 Boxing Day Test against South Africa at Centurion.

Although Thakur was unsold in the latest IPL mega auctions, the right-arm pacer is the second leading wicket-taker for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy with 30 wickets in eight matches. But most importantly, as a right-handed batter, he has scored 396 runs in nine innings with an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 101.79, including one century and three half-centuries. While Mumbai's batting line-up has struggled mostly this Ranji season, Thakur played a crucial role with the bat in the lower order along with Tanush Kotian.

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It's always on my mind: Shardul Thakur on his international cricket return goal

Thakur is playing a strong all-rounder role for Mumbai in this Ranji season, and he feels that it will help him to return to the Indian Test team, who will travel to England this upcoming June for a five-match Test series. All-rounder Thakur can be a valuable asset in the Indian team for the England tour.

Thakur said, "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. 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."

Shardul Thakur is ready for County cricket

As Thakur is currently absent from the upcoming IPL season, he is ready for the upcoming English county cricket season if he gets any offer. 

Thakur added, "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.”

In his international cricket career, Thakur has recorded 31 Test wickets, 65 ODI wickets, and 33 T20I wickets. The right-handed batter has also recorded four Test half-centuries and one ODI half-century along with maintaining the T20I strike rate of 181.57. 

Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Shardul Thakur's Heroic Game Play Rescue Mumbai Against J&K

Shardul Thakur from Mumbai just mastered it with an excellent century against Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game at the BKC Ground in Mumbai. The individual scored a smashing 100 from 105 balls, including 15 boundaries, which saved Mumbai when they were in a strangely terrible position. Before that, Mumbai's openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, only made 28 and 26, which was not very good, against the J&K bowlers, who had them cornered at 120 all in the first innings.

But then, Shardul wasn't alone, he had Tanush Kotian with him who scored a tough 92-ball half-century. Kotian hit six boundaries, which was really helpful. Together, they brought Mumbai back from a difficult situation. The J&K team was ahead at first after they got Mumbai out for just 120 and then scored 206 themselves, giving them an 86-run lead.

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LORD THAKUR.

- Shardul is saving Mumbai at BKC 👌 pic.twitter.com/FXkbkJD2QV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 24, 2025

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But Shardul and Kotian's partnership might just change everything. Now, with that important second innings from Shardul, his second ton in his First-Class cricket Carrer, and Kotian staying strong, they've got hope. Mumbai's setup to maybe make things better and win this tight match. Let us wait and see how Mumbai can use this and to stay focused. 

The second leg of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season began with an exciting match at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in (BKC), Mumbai. The Mumbai team, with a batting line-up loaded with superstars, including India’s captain Rohit Sharma, collapsed against the bowling attack of Jammu and Kashmir. After winning the toss, Mumbai’s captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bat first, but what happened next was a disappointing batting display by the home team.

In Mumbai's batting line-up, players like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube were dismissed against Jammu's bowling attack. None of the big names managed to make a significant score, resulting in a batting failure. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 4 runs, Rohit Sharma 3 runs, Ajinkya Rahane 12 runs, Shreyas Iyer 11 runs, and Shivam Dube was out for a duck. By the 33.2 over mark, the Mumbai team was all out for just 120 runs, marking a massive batting collapse.

From Jammu and Kashmir's side, Yudhvir Singh and Umar Nazir both took 4 wickets each. Umar Nazir’s spell was particularly impressive, as he dismissed big players like Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.

At one point, Mumbai was struggling at 47 for 7, but between this collapse, Shardul Thakur played an impressive innings like a lone warrior for his team. Coming in when Mumbai was in deep trouble, he scored 51 runs off 57 balls. His innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes, providing crucial runs.

SHARDUL THAKUR - THE LONE WARRIOR FOR MUMBAI. 🫡

- A fifty in 51 balls when the team is struggling at 119/9. pic.twitter.com/9BZ0HGmeDH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 23, 2025

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Thakur got good support from Tanush Kotian, who scored 26 runs. Together, they added 63 runs for the eighth wicket, helping Mumbai recover from 47 for 7 to 110. However, the partnership ended when Thakur was dismissed by Yudhvir Singh, caught by Umar Nazir. After Thakur’s wicket, the team did not last long and was bowled out for 120 runs.

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In this match, Rohit Sharma's poor form continued as he got out for just 3 runs after facing 18 balls. He played a casual shot to a ball from Umar Nazir, which was too short of a good length. The ball took the leading edge and was caught by the cover fielder.

In a record-breaking run feast at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Mumbai mount a gigantic first-innings score of 403 for the loss of seven wickets against Nagaland in the Group C fixture of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ayush Mhatre and Angkrish Raghuvanshi set the tone early on with a scintillating 156-run opening stand and Shardul Thakur subsequently applied the finishing touches by slamming 73 (28) to help Mumbai cross the 400-run barrier.

It was a day to forget for the Nagaland bowlers. They received some heavy pounding from the Mumbai batters, mostly notably from Mhatre, Raghuvanshi, and later from the Mumbai skipper Thakur who smoked them to all parts. Nagaho Chishi turned out to be the most expensive bowler finishing with expensive figures of 2-100 in his 10 whereas Imliwati Lemtur was the only bowler who bowled with some degree of control finishing with formidable figures of 1-49 while going at 4.9 RPO.

Shardul's late flourish with the bat powers Mumbai to a massive score

With the stage perfectly set for an insane assault towards the back end of the innings, the former Indian all-rounder wasted no time in getting into the act. Walking in to bat at number six, Shardul raced to his half-century in a matter of only 24 balls. He remained unbeaten till the end and improved his individual score to 73. In his 28-ball innings,  Shardul hammered two fours and eight sixes and scored at a breathtaking strike rate of 260.71.

Shardul predominately scored on both sides of the wicket however, his wagon wheel suggests that the hard-hitting all-rounder favored the off-side more than the on-side. Nearly 52% of his runs came on the off side. He primarily targeted the long off boundary and the mid-wicket boundary and smashed as many as six boundaries in these regions. Third man and fine leg have been his least productive scoring regions in his blazing 28-ball innings.

See also: Abhishek Sharma slams 60-ball century with centurion Prabhsimran Singh to set record partnership

Shardul's Wagon Wheel

At the time of writing, Nagaland had already commenced their run chase and it was Shardul Thakur again who sprung back into action with the ball this time reducing Nagaland to 13-2 by the end of the fifth over.

Experienced India all-rounder Shardul Thakur was rushed to a local hospital due to a high fever soon after the second day’s play of the Irani Cup match between Mumbai and the Rest of India in Lucknow. He battled with 102 degrees fever to contribute an all-important 36 runs in a 73-run ninth-wicket stand alongside Sarfaraz Khan during his time at the crease, according to The Indian Express.

Shardul Thakur batted through illness

On Day 1 also, Shardul Thakur had already shown signs of illness, as he was suffering from a mild fever. However, his condition became worse after spending close to two hours batting on Day 2 as well. Moreover, he had to take breaks twice during the innings, during which the team doctor checked his condition as well.

Despite his poor health condition, Thakur remained committed to the team. After his important knock, the Mumbai team management decided to take him to a nearby hospital in Lucknow, where he would be kept under observation for the night as well. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition, with doctors expected to decide on his fitness for Day 3 after checking his health progress.

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Shardul Thakur played a key knock

A source told the newspaper that Thakur was feeling weak throughout the day but he still went to bat despite his high fever. While medical tests for malaria and dengue were carried out, the team is awaiting results before taking a call regarding his further participation in the match as well. Thakur’s knock last 59 deliveries, where he hit a six and four boundaries as well.

However, he played cautiously and didn't play any rash shots, supporting Sarfaraz Khan well, who remained unbeaten on 221 at the end of Day 2 as well.

As the current season of first-class cricket nears its conclusion, some players are expressing concerns over what they perceive as rushed scheduling by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), asserting that it doesn’t align with the best interests of player well-being and injury prevention.

With only three games remaining in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season – two underway and one yet to be played – players are voicing their belief that a mere three-day gap between matches is insufficient. This season, the BCCI packed 137 first-class matches into a tight 70-day window, running from January 5 to March

Players’ Concerns Over Compact Scheduling

R Sai Kishore, the captain of Tamil Nadu, disclosed that several players share this sentiment, particularly noting the disproportionate strain placed on fast bowlers due to the compact scheduling. Kishore himself, being a spinner, adapts his training regimen accordingly but acknowledges the challenges faced by fast bowlers.

Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai and India all-rounder, expressed more explicit concerns, urging the BCCI to reconsider the scheduling of Ranji matches. Reflecting on his experience of past seasons, Thakur highlighted the historically longer breaks between matches and emphasized the potential for increased player injuries if the current trend persists.

Thakur cautioned against the physical toll of playing ten consecutive matches with minimal rest, especially considering the elimination of breaks that previously existed in the tournament’s format. With the schedule becoming increasingly demanding, Thakur predicts a surge in injuries across the country if the situation remains unchanged.

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Balancing Cricketing Calendar with Player Welfare

Behind the scenes, the BCCI faces its own set of challenges in crafting the cricket calendar. With a staggering 1846 matches scheduled for the season, including women’s and age-group games, the BCCI was compelled to commence the season earlier than usual, starting in June rather than the typical September-October timeframe.

For senior players, the season encompasses seven tournaments, each with its own duration, ranging from the Duleep Trophy to the Ranji Trophy Elite and Plate divisions. The logistics of accommodating all these fixtures while also considering player welfare pose a significant challenge for the BCCI.

In light of players’ concerns and the logistical complexities faced by the BCCI, finding a balance between the demands of the cricketing calendar and player well-being emerges as a pressing issue.

As the season draws to a close, the debate surrounding scheduling adjustments to accommodate player needs is likely to intensify, prompting stakeholders to explore potential solutions that prioritize both the integrity of the game and the health of its participants.

Shardul Thakur’s Spectacular Century Propels Mumbai to Dominance in Ranji Trophy Semifinal Clash with Tamil Nadu.In the ongoing Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu at the BKC Ground in Bandra on Sunday, March 3, 2024, Shardul Thakur showcased his batting prowess by smashing 109 runs off 105 balls, adorned with 4 sixes and 13 fours. His remarkable innings not only marked his maiden First-Class century but also positioned Mumbai favorably in the contest.

Shardul Thakur’s Dual Mastery: Stellar Batting and Bowling Performance

Earlier, Shardul had exhibited his bowling prowess, claiming figures of 2/48 as Tamil Nadu was dismissed for 146 runs in their first innings after Sai Kishore, the captain, elected to bat first. Vijay Shankar (44) and Washington Sundar (43) were the top contributors for Tamil Nadu.

In reply, despite Musheer Khan’s resilient 55, Mumbai faced a challenging situation, especially with Sai Kishore shining with the ball, clinching 6 wickets, including the prized scalp of Ajinkya Rahane for 19 runs. Additionally, the return of Shreyas Iyer to the cricketing arena was anticipated, yet he could only muster 3 runs before departing.

Shardul Thakur’s Heroic Century Rescues Mumbai from the Brink

Hardik Tamore’s Steady Contribution Precedes Shardul Thakur’s Explosive Maiden FC Century.Hardik Tamore provided stability to the innings with a composed 35-run innings, laying a foundation for Mumbai. However, it was Shardul Thakur who emerged as the ultimate savior, unleashing a merciless assault on the Tamil Nadu bowlers with his maiden First-Class century when Mumbai needed it the most. Thakur’s blistering knock of 109 runs off 105 balls, embellished with 13 fours and 4 sixes, turned the tide in Mumbai’s favor. His partnership of 79 runs with Tanush Kotian for the 9th wicket further solidified Mumbai’s position.

Thakur’s jubilation knew no bounds as he launched Ajith Ram for a towering six down the ground, marking his century in grand style. His heroic performance earned him accolades from the Mumbai dressing room, as he successfully steered the team out of trouble.

SEE ALSO:Devdutt Padikkal shows impressive form, yet Aakash Chopra raises doubts on opener’s consistency in IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be the second-lowest bidder in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. They only have INR 14.50 crores to spend and would have to make wise decisions. They released nine players before the mini-auction and acquired Avesh Khan from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after trading their left-hand opener Devdutt Padikkal.

In the previous two seasons, RR’s plan was apparent. They intend to assemble a powerful XI and spend more money on them. Based on that, they now focus on enhancing their top and middle order to achieve the team’s fruitful results. Here are the three probable buys by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 IPL Mini Auction.

• Daryll Mitchell

Though Daryl Mitchell had associations with the franchise in the 2022 edition and wasn’t pleasing with just a mere two-match appearance, he was released from the team. But, with an impeccable cricketing performance across all formats of the game, with the recently concluded CWC 2023 in India being the highlight, Rajasthan Royals can repurchase him, as he is familiar with the Indian conditions and help strengthen the middle order and provide some medium pace to the team. 

• Harry Brook

When Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) broke the bank for Harry Brook in the previous auctions, they anticipated big things from him. However, with a triple-digit figure, he failed miserably with the willow. As a result, the English emerging star was released by the Orange Army before the IPL 2024 auction.

However, the Rajasthan Royals might pursue him and slot him at No.4 or 5, with Shimron Hetmyer finishing the job. RR had Joe Root, but he opted out, leaving the inaugural winners with three abroad positions to fill. Brook will fit in perfectly since he is a natural middle-order hitter, something RR urgently needs.

• Shardul Thakur

The Rajasthan Royals have omitted Jason Holder, which makes a vacant spot available for a stable all-rounder. However, RR would still want a speed all-rounder, and any domestic player would be a plus. Shardul Thakur is an excellent choice for this post. Thakur is a speed all-rounder who, while less valuable in T20s, is still valid. Shardul will perform well because the tracks in Jaipur were sluggish last time. Not to mention his ability to take wickets and bat in the lower order.

Gujarat Titans can be hailed as one of the few teams with an impeccable start since its inception in the tournament. By cracking the code of entering the finals two consecutive times, it is a no-brainer that the team has a robust lineup ticking all the boxes.

But with their trade deal of letting go of their captain, Hardik Pandya, to the Mumbai Indians, it is evident that the team should now focus on obtaining emerging and talented players for their arsenal under the helm of an emerging captain, Shubman Gill.

With the unit comprising the highest money purse (Rs. 38.15 Crore), here is a list of probable three picks by Gujarat Titans in the coming IPL auctions. 

•  Travis Head

With the team retaining two of their squad’s prominent and significant all-rounders, Rahul Tewatia and Vijay Shankar, their decision to try to purchase Travis Head.

In the recently concluded stint of CWC 2023, Travis Head proved to be an impactful player for the winning Aussies team. He can also be handy with the ball, creating some spin and scalp crucial wickets. 

• Shardul Thakur

As the team’s former captain and vital all-rounder, Hardik Pandya parted ways with the Gujarat Titans, the management can plan for acquiring Shardul Thakur as a potential substitute for the position and responsibilities that Hardik Pandya had.

Being one of the most expensive releases by the player’s former team, Kolkata Knight Riders, several franchises would try to have the Indian all-rounder in their playing XI, thanks to his medium pace and swashbuckling-hitting calibre. 

• Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee made an impression on the cricketing world with his outstanding performance for South Africa in the ODI World Cup 2023. His bowling talent and ability to perform under pressure drew the attention of cricket fans worldwide.

His ability to take essential wickets in crucial moments makes him an invaluable asset to any T20 team, something the savvy GT thought tank recognises. The management understands the need for a formidable speed attack, and Coetzee’s recent exploits make him a perfect choice to don their jersey.