Shardul Thakur has scored 420 runs and taken 33 wickets in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Has he ticked all the boxes for a Test comeback?
When India announced their squad for the recently concluded Test series against Australia, all-rounder Shardul Thakur’s name was notably absent. Instead, Nitish Kumar Reddy was selected as India’s next emerging all-rounder in the red-ball format.
This omission seemingly motivated Thakur to elevate his all-round game and play a key role in Mumbai’s advance to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. A closer look at his performances in the ongoing Ranji season suggests that Thakur is in prime form and deserves a place in the Test squad, especially for tours in SENA countries.
Here’s how Thakur has fared in the last two Ranji seasons:
Season | Matches | Runs | Average | 50s/100s | Wickets | 5wickets |
2024-25 | 8 | 402 | 40.20 | 3/1 | 33 | 1 |
2023-24 | 5 | 255 | 31.87 | 1/1 | 16 | 1 |
It’s not just the stats that highlight why Thakur will be a crucial asset to India’s red-ball plans. A look at his performances in the ongoing Ranji season shows his immense value to his team. He has delivered vital fifties and centuries at critical junctures of the game while also making an impact with the ball, taking wickets with both the old and new ball.
Impressive run with the bat
Thakur has scored three fifties and a century in the Ranji season so far. Batting as low as No. 8, he plays his natural counter-attacking game, rescuing the team on multiple occasions.
In the Ranji match against Jammu and Kashmir, Mumbai were in deep trouble at 42/6 in the first innings before Thakur’s 57-ball 51 helped them reach 120. Later, in the second innings, with Mumbai struggling at 91/6, he played a counter-attacking knock of 119 off 135 balls, hitting 18 fours. Despite his heroics, Mumbai lost the match. His best knock of the season came against Meghalaya, where he smashed 84 off just 42 balls, striking 9 fours and 5 sixes, propelling Mumbai to a massive 671/7 declared.
Overall, Thakur’s ability to contribute significantly with the bat at No. 8 adds valuable depth to Mumbai’s lineup, allowing the top order to play freely. For Thakur, his aggressive approach has worked in his favour, and similar impactful innings at No. 8 for India in Test cricket could be game-changing, shifting the momentum in their favour. Read More: Ranji Trophy 2023-24, SF 2: Thakur's all-round hand downs TN, Mumbai advance to 48th Ranji final
Competent with both new and old balls
Thakur has mostly opened the bowling this season and has justified the faith placed in him by his captain and team management. He has provided crucial early breakthroughs, consistently striking with the new ball.
Against Meghalaya, he dismantled their top order in both innings, claiming four wickets each time. In the quarterfinal game against Haryana, the opposition seemed well on course to surpass Mumbai’s first-innings total of 315. However, Thakur staged a brilliant comeback, taking the last five wickets for just 38 runs, finishing with outstanding figures of 6/58.
Throughout the season, Thakur has been the captain’s go-to man, delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball when his team needed them the most.
Should BCCI recall Thakur for Tests?
Thakur has been overlooked by the BCCI across formats and even went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. As a result, he returned to the drawing board, focusing on domestic cricket to rediscover his form. With consistent performances, he has been knocking on the right doors with his all-round skills. But should the BCCI recall him for Tests?
Thakur can be a valuable all-round option in red-ball cricket, offering medium-pace bowling and counter-attacking contributions with the bat lower down the order. His skill set is particularly suited for overseas conditions, especially in SENA countries, where seamers play a bigger role. At home, however, his services may not be as essential, given the reliance on spin all-rounders.
With Nitish Kumar Reddy emerging as a contender for the all-rounder’s spot, Thakur remains in direct competition. Taking him as an additional all-round option for overseas tours could be a great learning experience while also strengthening the team’s depth. The upcoming Test series in England, scheduled post-IPL 2025, presents a prime opportunity for Thakur to stake his claim for a spot in the squad. Read More: India desperately need genuine fast bowling all-rounder to compete well in ICC events
Thakur’s attitude puts the ball in selectors’ court
Shardul Thakur previously stated in an interview with a news website that he is using the Ranji season to refine his game and prepare himself as a genuine all-rounder for the upcoming Test series in England later this year, if selected.
He said, “The Ranji Trophy is going on, and this upcoming England tour is the motivation I need to be there. My only focus has always been that wherever I play, I somehow have to make match-winning contributions with the bat or ball.”
Now, the decision lies with the selectors—whether to opt for a batting all-rounder like Reddy or a complete package in Thakur for the all-rounder’s spot in the England Test series. Alternatively, both Reddy and Thakur could make the squad, with their selection in the playing XI depending on the nature of the pitch and match conditions. Read More: Top 5 emerging bowlers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
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