Despite his recent exclusion from the national side, Shardul Thakur reaffirms that his ambition to represent India remains undiminished.
At an MCA gathering preceding the upcoming domestic campaign, the 34‑year‑old made clear his unwavering desire to return to international cricket.
“I have a 100 per cent desire to play for India again. The possibility of doing so is always on my mind. Even if I am dropped or sidelined, hope remains a powerful force. As long as that hope endures, everything is possible,” Thakur said.
When Did Shardul Thakur Last Play for India?
He last represented India during the five‑test series against England, contributing in the opening match at Leeds and the fourth at Old Trafford. Although India lost the first and drew the fourth to level the series at 2‑2, Thakur felt his bowling opportunities were limited, preventing him from delivering the impact he had expected.
Across both matches, he bowled just 27 overs, taking two wickets in Leeds but going wicketless in Old Trafford, where he also scored a valuable 41 amidst challenging batting conditions.
Reflecting on the series, Thakur admitted that his dismissal at Leeds was his own error, yet he maintained that he performed well in Manchester.
“When I played in England, I don’t think I was utilised properly. In batting, yes, I made a mistake by playing a loose shot in Leeds. But in Manchester, I batted beautifully because it was overcast, the ball was swinging, and there was a pronounced length where the ball hardly bounced,” he said.
He added that India’s first-innings total at Old Trafford came under difficult conditions before the pitch flattened, aiding the visitors in saving the match.
Thakur also suggested that his bowling was not managed in the most effective manner.
“I deserved a few more opportunities. I was under‑bowled and used in the wrong phases, with some calculation errors,” he said.
With competition among India’s all‑rounders intensifying, Thakur acknowledged that domestic cricket will be crucial in rekindling his international prospects. As Mumbai captain, he will now focus on the Ranji Trophy season, hoping that solid performances will bring him back into contention.
“Hope is still alive. If, in the near future, they ever ask me to play for India again, I’ll be ready,” he said.