New Delhi: Shardul Thakur believes he will be in contention to return to the Indian team in the new World Test Championship cycle that begins from the England tour in June-July.
The all-rounder has fallen out of favour in recent times but has been in hot form in the domestic circuit for Mumbai, scoring 396 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 44.00, including a hundred and three half centuries while also taking 30 wickets at an average of 21.10.
“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,” said Thakur who has played 11 Tests with the last being against South Africa at Centurion in December 2023,” he said.
“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.”
Eye on England tour
India will tour England for a five-match Test series, on which Thakur has set eyes on for a comeback to the five-day format team after excelling in their previous tour in 2021.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Thakur is also open to the idea of playing in County cricket to adapt to the English conditions, as after remaining unsold in the IPL mega auction he will be free in March and April.
“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,” he said.
All-rounder Shardul Thakur has fallen out of favour from the Indian team in recent times but has been in hot form in the domestic circuit for Mumbai Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
