India Star, With 33 Wickets And 402 Runs In Ranji Trophy, Recounts "Disturbing" Snub vs Australia

Fast-bowling all-rounder is a rare commodity in Indian cricket. In terms of role in the team, an allrounder who can bowl with decent pace can give a balance unlike any other cricketer. Shardul Thakur is one of the top names in the country when it comes to fast-bowling all-rounder. Thakur has played 11 Tests, 47 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, but the last match he played for the national team was back in December, 2023 in South Africa. Since then, he has not been used in any of the formats. He was not even in the squad for the Australia Test series that India lost 3-1. 

But then, in the Ranji Trophy, Thakur has been in scintillating form for Mumbai. He has picked 33 wickets at 19.96 and scored 402 runs in eight matches. He has now opened up on his Australia Tour snub and said he is looking forward to India Test tour of England. 

"Initially, it was quite disturbing when I saw my name was not there when the team was selected. It was tough, but as professional cricketers, we understand that there are highs and lows in a career. What I thought at that moment was that if I wanted to achieve more in cricket, I could not dwell on the rejection anymore. There was optimism that if any opportunity came my way, I should be ready," Shardul Thakur told Revsportz.

"There was no desperation to put in any extra effort—I focused on my basics. If you ask me what makes me special while playing for Mumbai, I will say taking wickets at regular intervals and delivering performances in knockout stages. All these serve as motivation for me, and I believe that if I have already done these things, I can do them again.

"When the team came out for the Australia tour, my focus shifted to the Champions Trophy, IPL, and now this upcoming England tour.