Amidst the logjam of all-rounders in Indian cricket, Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur has quietly led his team's successful Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaigns, and has his eyes set on the ODI World Cup in 2027.
"Right now, I am not in the T20I setup; that is evident. But the one-day World Cup is coming up, and the last time I played an ODI [in 2023], I did well. I was part of the 2023 World Cup team... Then we played the Champions Trophy and some other series where spinners were part of the setup.
"But yes, if I am bowling well and performing, I will be back in the ODI side. I really have my eyes on the upcoming World Cup and the upcoming [bilateral] series in ODI cricket," Shardul told Sportstar after Mumbai thrashed Chhattisgarh by eight wickets at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday to qualify for the Super League phase of the SMAT.
ALSO READ | Contrasting fortunes for Mhatre, Samson as Mumbai, Andhra advance to Super League phase
Though Shardul was used as a third or fourth seamer in his most recent ODI appearances for India, he is revelling in bowling in the PowerPlay as Mumbai's spearhead in the ongoing domestic T20 tournament.
He dented Chhattisgarh by picking three wickets inside the first six overs with his nose-and-toes lengths. Earlier in the tournament, against Assam, he had nabbed four batters in his first seven deliveries.
Earlier in the tournament, against Assam, Shardul had nabbed four batters in his first seven deliveries. | Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA
Earlier in the tournament, against Assam, Shardul had nabbed four batters in his first seven deliveries. | Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA
Shardul's PowerPlay success with the ball is not only down to the extra pace and bounce he is generating, but also his ability to assess conditions better than before.
"I am trying to use the conditions well here and read the pitch early. The 9 o'clock games and 11 o'clock starts here are a bit different, and afternoon games and under lights, it is a bit different. So, it is really about the adaptability of the player. With experience, adaptability is not a challenge, but reading the pitch correctly is important," Shardul explained.
With the ODI World Cup in 2027 scheduled to be held in South Africa's fast-bowling-friendly conditions, Shardul's ambition to feature in the global showpiece may not be a long shot. But having to compete with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Shardul knows he would need to raise his game with the bat.
"I am batting well. I have always done something or the other. It is up to people how they want to make the best use of my abilities. I feel whatever opportunities I get, in any format, I just have to make winning contributions for my team, be it fielding, batting or bowling. My focus is to make a lot of winning contributions and make impactful performances," he said.
ALSO READ | Riyan Parag: Can play both white-ball formats for India, didn't do anything wrong
Shardul has not only set his sights on a return to the one-day team but is also keen to feature regularly in Tests, a format where his appearances have long been contingent on conditions. He has only played one of his 13 Tests in India and was left out of India's recent debacle against South Africa at home, where Nitish Kumar Reddy was preferred for the seam-bowling all-rounder's role.
His most recent appearance in India's whites was during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series earlier this year in England, where he played two of the five Tests.
However, Shardul doesn't want to be typecast as an overseas Test all-rounder, and insists he can play the longest format in Indian conditions too, especially after a stellar 2024-25 campaign, where he scored over 505 runs and picked 35 wickets.
"I am picking wickets in the Ranji Trophy also, on turning tracks. I am bowling a good number of overs, and I am scoring runs. Given an opportunity, I am ready to play a Test match in India as well," Shardul said.
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Shardul has led Mumbai to the top of its group after five rounds, taking 10 wickets and scoring 113 runs, including a fifty.
Published on Dec 07, 2025
Latest on Sportstar Live Blog 2025-12-07T10:08:54+05:30AUS vs ENG LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 4: Neser sends Stokes back; England leads by 54 runsTeam SportstarLa Liga 2025-26 -- Torres hat-trick powers Barcelona to 5-3 win over Real Betis APShardul Thakur sets sights on ODI World Cup 2027, says ready to play Tests in IndiaDhruva PrasadREAD MORE STORIES