‘Eyeing that No.8 spot in 2027 ODI World Cup’ - Shardul Thakur confident of India comeback

Shardul Thakur might be lower in India’s pecking order currently as the team looks for a seam-bowling all-rounder capable of batting at No. 8 in ODIs, but the 34-year-old remains optimistic about making a comeback. On Tuesday, October 28, Thakur expressed his determination to reclaim that role, stating that he is targeting a spot in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Looking at India’s recent ODI series against Australia, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana appear to be the frontrunners for the seam-bowling all-rounder position. However, with more than a year and a half remaining before the 2027 World Cup, Thakur believes there is still ample time for him to force his way back into contention.

“It’s important for me to keep performing and eventually return to the Indian team. Good performances will help me in selection. There might be a place open for bowling all-rounders at number 8 in the ODI World Cup in South Africa. So, I am, of course, eyeing that spot. Whenever I am selected, I am ready to play international cricket. My preparation is such that if tomorrow, I am asked to play international cricket, I am ready for that,” said Thakur after Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy game ended in a draw against Chhattisgarh at the MCA Ground, BKC.

Thakur last featured in an ODI for India during the 2023 World Cup on home soil but has since been overlooked in the white-ball formats. While he was part of the Test squad for the recent England tour, he was left out of the home series against the West Indies, with selectors opting for Reddy instead.

On the domestic front, Thakur is now turning his focus to Mumbai’s upcoming fixture against Rajasthan, starting November 1 in Jaipur. The all-rounder expressed optimism about the possible return of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the side, noting that his inclusion would provide a significant boost to Mumbai’s top order. The team’s openers have struggled in the first two matches, and Jaiswal’s presence could offer stability.

“He has never disappointed and has put up big scores. When he gets in there, when he is set, he makes sure that he scores a big hundred. That’s a big positive,” said Thakur.