Amidst the logjam of all-rounders in Indian cricket, Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur has quietly led his workforce’s profitable Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaigns, and has his eyes set on the ODI World Cup in 2027.
“Proper now, I’m not within the T20I setup; that’s evident. However the one-day World Cup is developing, and the final time I performed an ODI [in 2023], I did effectively. I used to be a part of the 2023 World Cup workforce… Then we performed the Champions Trophy and another collection the place spinners have been a part of the setup.
“However sure, if I’m bowling effectively and performing, I shall be again within the ODI facet. I actually have my eyes on the upcoming World Cup and the upcoming [bilateral] collection in ODI cricket,” Shardul advised Sportstar after Mumbai thrashed Chhattisgarh by eight wickets on the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday to qualify for the Tremendous League part of the SMAT.
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Although Shardul was used as a 3rd or fourth seamer in his most up-to-date ODI appearances for India, he’s revelling in bowling within the PowerPlay as Mumbai’s spearhead within the ongoing home T20 event.
He dented Chhattisgarh by selecting three wickets inside the primary six overs along with his nose-and-toes lengths. Earlier within the event, towards Assam, he had nabbed 4 batters in his first seven deliveries.
Earlier within the event, towards Assam, Shardul had nabbed 4 batters in his first seven deliveries.
| Photograph Credit score:
SANDEEP SAXENA
Earlier within the event, towards Assam, Shardul had nabbed 4 batters in his first seven deliveries.
| Photograph Credit score:
SANDEEP SAXENA
Shardul’s PowerPlay success with the ball just isn’t solely right down to the additional tempo and bounce he’s producing, but additionally his capacity to evaluate circumstances higher than earlier than.
“I’m making an attempt to make use of the circumstances effectively right here and browse the pitch early. The 9 o’clock video games and 11 o’clock begins listed below are a bit completely different, and afternoon video games and underneath lights, it’s a bit completely different. So, it’s actually in regards to the adaptability of the participant. With expertise, adaptability just isn’t a problem, however studying the pitch appropriately is necessary,” Shardul defined.
With the ODI World Cup in 2027 scheduled to be held in South Africa’s fast-bowling-friendly circumstances, Shardul’s ambition to function within the world showpiece will not be a protracted shot. However having to compete with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Shardul is aware of he would wish to lift his recreation with the bat.
“I’m batting effectively. I’ve at all times finished one thing or the opposite. It’s as much as individuals how they wish to make one of the best use of my talents. I really feel no matter alternatives I get, in any format, I simply must make profitable contributions for my workforce, be it fielding, batting or bowling. My focus is to make quite a lot of profitable contributions and make impactful performances,” he mentioned.
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Shardul has not solely set his sights on a return to the one-day workforce however can also be eager to function repeatedly in Checks, a format the place his appearances have lengthy been contingent on circumstances. He has solely performed certainly one of his 13 Checks in India and was omitted of India’s current debacle towards South Africa at residence, the place Nitish Kumar Reddy was most popular for the seam-bowling all-rounder’s function.
His most up-to-date look in India’s whites was in the course of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy collection earlier this 12 months in England, the place he performed two of the 5 Checks.
Nonetheless, Shardul doesn’t wish to be typecast as an abroad Check all-rounder, and insists he can play the longest format in Indian circumstances too, particularly after a stellar 2024-25 marketing campaign, the place he scored over 505 runs and picked 35 wickets.
“I’m selecting wickets within the Ranji Trophy additionally, on turning tracks. I’m bowling variety of overs, and I’m scoring runs. Given a chance, I’m able to play a Check match in India as effectively,” Shardul mentioned.
Within the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Shardul has led Mumbai to the highest of its group after 5 rounds, taking 10 wickets and scoring 113 runs, together with a fifty.
Revealed on Dec 07, 2025