Follow us on
Cricket like never before!
@2025 cricket.com | All rights reserved
Fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who last played a Test for India in December 2023, is eyeing a comeback to the national set-up during the tour of England in June-August.
The 33-year-old from Mumbai has been in phenomenal form in the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and is also open to playing County cricket after going unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction.
Thakur, who has scored 331 runs @ 19.47 and picked up 31 wickets @ 28.38 in 11 Tests for India, once again put up a show in the quarter-final to help Mumbai gain a crucial first-innings lead against Haryana. The right-arm seamer claimed six wickets and has all but confirmed Mumbai’s spot in the semi-finals.
Overall, Thakur has taken 30 wickets @ 21.10 in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Not just that, the lower-order batter has also slammed 396 runs at an average of 44, with three fifties and a century to his name.
"When there's no place in the team, there's naturally disappointment. And, when you're not playing, sitting idle at home, you tend to think about it more," the Times of India quoted Thakur as saying.
"But once I step onto the field, my entire focus is on the match -- whether it's club cricket, Ranji Trophy, IPL, or playing for India. To me, every cricket match is the same, regardless of the level. I always aim to give my best in whichever game I play, I don't have any other thoughts.
"Yes, absolutely. I believe I'm in contention [for the England tour]. 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."
Talking about playing some County games before the England tour, Thakur said, "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.”
