To first claim a hat-trick in the match, and then score a blazing 42-ball 84 runs in the same match.. that sounds like perfect all-rounders from the 80s and 90s — like Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Jacques Kallis and Ian Botham. These lads could bat as well as they could bowl, and there was no doubt, they could control the match alone.
All-round Shardul Thakur Impresses in Ranji Trophy
And that is what Mumbai and India player Shardul Thakur has done vs Meghalaya in the final group match of the Ranji Trophy. Although the quality of the opposition is questionable here, but a player has to still go out there and perform. You see, even Virat Kohli, playing for Delhi vs Railways, a relatively weak opposition, could only score 6 runs. So, in the end it was a great performance for sure.
But does that warrant a comeback into the Indian Test team for Shardul Thakur? Well, not on this performance alone, but if one looks at his overall domestic season, including the entire Ranji season, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, then, hell yes.
Deserves India Call Up, Maybe for Champions Trophy
Shardul has been in some exceptional form, where in 7 matches he has picked 20 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, and scored 322 runs at an average of 46, including a ton as well. Similar was the case in the T20 tournament in 2024, where in 9 matches he went on to pick 15 wickets at an average of 24 only. In the VHT, in seven matches he claimed 10 wickets at an average of 26, and had even returned with scores of 73 and 43 in the 50-over tournament.
Shardul as Injury Replacement in IPL 2025?
So, there is enough reason to pick Shardul, not only in the Test team for the IND vs ENG series later in the year, but maybe also for the Champions Trophy, where the squad can still be modified. There is obviously a concern over Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness as well, and if either of the two is not available, then the Mumbai cricketer does make a strong case.
In fact, his exploits also mean, he could be on the radar of LSG especially, after he did not find any bidders in the IPL Auction. The Sanjiv Goenka-owned team faced a major setback when Mitch Marsh was ruled out of the Champions Trophy. That puts his entire IPL season in dark as well.. and as a like-for-like replacement Shardul fits the bill perfectly.
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