Ranji Trophy 2025: When someone has quality, he should be given more chances, says Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur's heroic batting saves Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, emphasizing quality over past setbacks for future success.

Despite getting overlooked for the all-rounder’s role in the Indian Test side, Shardul Thakur on Thursday (January 24, 2025) asserted that a player should be considered for selection if he has “quality" after producing another rearguard act to save Mumbai some blushes in the Ranji Trophy.

The 33-year-old Thakur came to Mumbai’s rescue once again with the bat, smacking five fours and two sixes to make 51 off 57 balls and dragging them to 120 all out from a precarious 47/7 against Jammu and Kashmir.

Thakur’s exploits here at the BKC Ground served a reminder of his maiden First-Class ton in the Ranji Trophy semifinal last season, when he smacked a 105-ball 109 with 13 fours and four sixes coming in at No. 9.

His century took Mumbai from 106 for seven to 378 against Tamil Nadu to set up a win by an innings and 70 runs en route to their 43rd title.

“What can I talk about my quality? Others should talk about it. They should see that if someone has quality, he should be given more chances,” Thakur told the media.

“I like batting in difficult situations. In easy situations, everyone does well, but how you put up the show in adverse situations matters. I see tough situations as a challenge and always think about how to overcome that challenge,” he said.

Thakur also received a setback in the IPL mega auction last December when he went unsold. But for Thakur, “forgetting the past” is critical.