‘Quality Deserves More Chances’: Shardul Thakur’s Message to Indian Selectors

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January 24, 2025 0 639

Shardul Thakur’s all-round performance in the Ranji Trophy, including 113* and key wickets, has led him to question the selectors for not giving him more opportunities in the Indian team.

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy saw international stars Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal return to Mumbai’s squad against Jammu and Kashmir. However, both openers struggled, with single-digit scores in the first innings and failing to surpass 30 in the second.

In contrast, Shardul Thakur delivered a standout all-round performance. He took two wickets and scored 51 runs in the first innings. His brilliance continued in the second innings, where he remained unbeaten on 113 off 119 balls at the end of Day 2.

Following his exceptional showing, the 33-year-old all-rounder questioned his non-selection for the Indian team. He emphasized the importance of recognizing quality and performing under challenging conditions.

“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. 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,” Shardul was quoted as saying by Livemint.

“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 added.

Shardul Thakur’s Heroics Rescue Mumbai

Walking in at 91/6 in the second innings, with Mumbai leading by just five runs, Thakur scored 105-ball 113, including 15 boundaries. His efforts took Mumbai to 250/7, extending their lead to a solid 164 runs. In the first innings, coming to bat at 42/6, he stabilized the innings with a 57-ball 51, helping Mumbai reach a respectable 120.

Notably, despite these performances, Thakur faced setbacks recently. He went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the first time since 2014, despite a Rs. 4 crore contract with Chennai Super Kings in 2024. He was also overlooked for India’s Test series in Australia, where his replacement, Nitish Kumar Reddy, struggled as the fourth seamer. India eventually lost the series 3-1, leaving questions about team selection.