Mumbai: Shardul Thakur, despite currently being lower down the pecking order in India’s search for a seam-bowling all-rounder in the ODI team capable of batting at No. 8, is far from giving up on an international comeback. The 34-year-old right-arm medium-pacer, known for his ability to hit the ball hard, publicly declared his ambition on Tuesday, stating that he is targeting the No. 8 slot for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, a venue where pacers are expected to play a significant role.
Shardul Thakur (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
“It’s crucial for me to keep performing and eventually make my way back into the Indian team. Strong performances will be key to my selection. The upcoming ODI World Cup is also in South Africa, which suggests there might be an opening for a bowling all-rounder at No. 8. That’s the spot I’m aiming for,” Thakur said after Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh concluded in a draw at the MCA Ground, BKC.
Considering India’s lineup during the recent ODI series against Australia, players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are potential contenders for that position. However, with the ODI World Cup still more than eighteen months away, the landscape could change considerably.
Thakur, however, is focused on his current commitments, affirming, “I am fully prepared to play international cricket. My training ensures that if I’m called upon tomorrow, I’ll be ready.”
The Mumbai skipper last represented India in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup at home but has since been out of contention in the white-ball format. He was part of the Test squad for the recent England tour but was not selected for the home series against the West Indies, where India opted for Reddy instead.
Regarding the Mumbai team, Thakur expressed his anticipation for Yashasvi Jaiswal rejoining the squad for their upcoming match against Rajasthan, beginning November 1 in Jaipur. Mumbai’s openers have struggled in the initial two games, and Jaiswal’s inclusion is expected to provide a much-needed boost for a strong start.
“He has consistently delivered and scored big runs. When he settles in, he ensures he converts it into a substantial hundred. That’s a significant advantage for us,” Thakur noted.
Following the match, Thakur had a detailed conversation with young off-spinner Himanshu Singh, predicting a bright future for him. The 22-year-old impressed with match figures of 4/108 from 45 overs, crucially providing early breakthroughs for Mumbai in both innings.
Himanshu, who debuted in the 2023-24 season, has primarily been with the Under-23 team and is typically called up to the senior squad only when Tanush Kotian is unavailable. With Kotian selected for the India ‘A’ team for two four-day matches against South Africa, Himanshu’s performance against Chhattisgarh is likely to earn him a couple more opportunities.
“I believe he bowled exceptionally well. It’s challenging to transition from an Under-23 game to the Ranji Trophy and perform effectively. He secured early wickets for us, which was vital,” Thakur commented.
He also offered encouragement to Shams Mulani (5/59), who claimed another five-wicket haul—his second of the season and 18th in first-class cricket—suggesting that Mulani “will get his deserved recognition soon.”
“Everyone strives, and everyone’s ultimate goal is to play for India. I genuinely believe he will achieve his goal someday because he has consistently performed for us year after year.”