Mumbai: Senior India pacer Shardul Thakur has set his sights on a white-ball comeback, declaring his ambition to return to the national setup ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Following in the footsteps of veteran Mohammed Shami, the 34-year-old bowling all-rounder said he remains focused on consistent performances and match-winning contributions in domestic cricket to regain his place in the Indian squad.

Eyes on Harshit Rana’s position

Thakur, who last featured for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup clash against Bangladesh in Pune, has specifically targeted the No. 8 bowling all-rounder’s role, currently occupied by Harshit Rana.

In an interaction with reporters during the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Thakur said, “What is important for me is to keep playing matches and perform. To get back into the Indian team, I need to keep having those good, match-winning performances, which will eventually help in selection.”

The Mumbai captain’s comments have reportedly drawn attention from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which has been tracking the performances of experienced domestic players who could add depth to India’s limited-overs bench.

From white-ball sidelines to red-ball return

Although Thakur has been out of India’s limited-overs squads for nearly a year, he made a brief comeback to Test cricket earlier this year during the tour of England, following a strong Ranji Trophy season.

He played two Tests on that tour, bowling 21 overs across four innings and taking two wickets, while also scoring a crucial 41 in the drawn Manchester Test. Despite this, he was overlooked for the home series against the West Indies and the India A red-ball tour to South Africa.

Thakur’s red-ball presence has remained steady for Mumbai, where his dual ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been vital. However, he admits his long-term goal remains to secure a white-ball spot again.

‘ODI World Cup in South Africa is my next aim’

With the next ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa in 2027, Thakur believes the conditions could favour seam-bowling all-rounders like him.

“Yes, the ODI World Cup is also in South Africa, so there might be a place open for a bowling all-rounder at No. 8. I am, of course, eyeing that spot,” Thakur said, exuding confidence about his fitness and experience.

He added that his preparations remain aligned with international standards. “Whenever the Indian team needs me or whenever I am selected, I am ready to play international cricket. My preparation is such that if tomorrow I am asked to play, I am ready.”

The Harshit Rana challenge

Thakur’s path back to the ODI side, however, faces stiff competition. Young pacer Harshit Rana has impressed both selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been vocal about backing the Delhi seamer.

Rana, who featured in the recent Australia ODI series, delivered a standout performance in the third match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), taking four wickets on a lively track to help India clinch victory.

Sources close to the selection panel have indicated that Rana’s aggressive pace and control make him a strong contender for India’s long-term all-rounder role — the very spot Thakur now hopes to reclaim.

Learning from Mohammed Shami’s example

Much like senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who made a spectacular comeback at the 2023 ODI World Cup after being initially left out of the starting XI, Thakur hopes to script a similar redemption story.

Shami’s late inclusion proved decisive, as he finished the tournament as India’s highest wicket-taker. Thakur believes that patience, discipline, and domestic consistency can pave the way for his own resurgence.

“Selection is not in my hands,” Thakur said. “But performance is. If I keep performing, opportunities will come sooner or later.”

Conclusion

At 34, Shardul Thakur’s resolve to don the India jersey again underscores his unwavering determination. While the emergence of younger quicks like Harshit Rana and Mukesh Kumar has intensified competition, Thakur’s experience and proven ability with both bat and ball ensure he remains in the selectors’ radar.

As India begin planning their roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the veteran all-rounder’s hunger for another shot at glory could yet shape one of cricket’s most compelling comeback stories.