Ranji Trophy 2024: Brilliant batting showcased by Shardul Thakur for Mumbai in the semifinal clash. Thakur smashed a magnificent century against Tamil Nadu.
Shardul Thakur has been away from international cricket for quite some time. However, he’s been performing remarkably well in domestic matches. Shardul scored a century in the second semifinal match of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. He scored 109 runs with the help of 13 fours and 4 sixes. Thanks to Shardul’s innings, Mumbai crossed the 300-run mark in the first innings. Shardul also showed excellent bowling performance before his batting. He took 2 wickets in 14 overs.
In fact, the second semifinal match of the Ranji Trophy was played between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu. Mumbai had a poor start in this match. Opener Prithvi Shaw got out after scoring just 5 runs. Subsequently, Bhupen Lalwani also departed. Mumbai’s entire team kept crumbling. However, Shardul took charge. He came to bat at number 9. During his innings of facing 105 deliveries, he scored 109 runs, hitting 13 fours and 4 sixes. Shardul got out after this magnificent innings. Kuldeep Sen showed him the way to the pavilion.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane couldn’t do anything special for Mumbai either. He got out after scoring 19 runs off 67 deliveries. Rahane hit 2 fours. Mushir Khan scored a half-century. He made 55 runs facing 131 deliveries, including 6 fours. Wicketkeeper-batsman Hardik Tamore scored 35 runs off 92 deliveries, hitting 3 fours.
It’s noteworthy that in this match, the Tamil Nadu team got all out after scoring 146 runs. Washington Sundar contributed 43 runs to their total, including 5 fours. During this period, Shardul bowled brilliantly for Mumbai. He gave away 48 runs and took 2 wickets in 14 overs. Shardul bowled 4 maiden overs. Tushar Deshpande took 3 wickets.
About Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur is an Indian cricketer known for his right-arm fast-medium bowling and handy lower-order batting. He was born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, India.
Thakur made his debut in domestic cricket for Mumbai in the 2012-2013 season. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his consistent performances in domestic cricket, catching the attention of selectors. International debut of Thakur for India in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka in August 2017.
While Thakur has shown promise with both bat and ball in international cricket, his opportunities have been limited, partly due to the competition for places in the Indian team and injuries. However, he has been a regular feature in India’s squad in various formats, particularly in the shorter formats of the game.
One of the highlights of Thakur’s career came during the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. He played a crucial role in India’s historic series win, contributing with both bat and ball in the absence of several key players due to injuries.
In addition to his performances in international cricket, Shardul has been a key player for Mumbai in domestic cricket, often delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments.
Overall, Shardul Thakur is recognized as a talented all-rounder who has the potential to make significant contributions to Indian cricket in the years to come.
Shardul Thakur’s career in cricket
Shardul Thakur’s career in cricket has been characterized by steady progression and consistent performances, especially in domestic cricket. Bellow’s a brief overview of thakur career:
- Domestic Debut and Early Years (2012-2016): Thakur made his debut in domestic cricket for Mumbai during the 2012-2013 season. He quickly established himself as a key player for Mumbai, showcasing his abilities as a fast bowler who could swing the ball and contribute valuable runs with the bat lower down the order.
- Rise to Prominence (2016-2017): Thakur’s performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of selectors, earning him a place in the India A team. He continued to impress with his performances in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which led to his selection in the Indian national team.
- International Debut (2017): Shardul Thakur made his international debut for India in August 2017 in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka. While his initial outings were modest, he showed glimpses of his talent and potential to become a valuable asset for the Indian team.
- Consolidation and Challenges (2018-2019): Thakur faced stiff competition for a place in the Indian team’s fast bowling department, which limited his opportunities at the international level. However, he continued to perform consistently in domestic cricket, striving to make a case for his inclusion in the national squad.
- Breakthrough Performance (2020-2021): One of the defining moments of Shardul Thakur’s career came during the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. With several key players sidelined due to injuries, Thakur was given a chance in the playing XI. He seized the opportunity and delivered match-winning performances with both bat and ball, playing a crucial role in India’s historic series win in Australia.
- Continued Contributions (2021-present): Thakur has since been a regular member of the Indian team, particularly in limited-overs cricket. He has showcased his versatility as a bowler who can bowl effectively with the new ball as well as during the death overs. Additionally, his ability to contribute valuable runs down the order has made him a valuable asset for the team.
Throughout his career, Shardul Thakur has shown resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic, traits that have helped him overcome challenges and establish himself as a prominent cricketer in Indian cricket.