Shardul is the real Thakur for Mumbai; all-rounder steps it up when most needed for his team

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All-rounder Shardul Thakur truly has a knack for stepping up during critical moments. He is the real ‘crisis man’ as his ability to deliver under pressure has made him indispensable for Mumbai and to a certain extent for the Indian team. What sets him apart is his fighting spirit, versatility, and the belief that he can contribute with both bat and ball, regardless of the situation. For Mumbai, Shardul has consistently rescued the team, whether it’s with the ball by breaking key partnerships or with the bat by playing counter-attacking knocks in pressure situations. His ability to absorb pressure and turn the tide of the game reflects his temperament and his deep understanding of the game.

Rohit Sharma’s insistence on having Shardul in the India-Australia Test series, which Indian coach Gautam Gambhir objected, makes it clear how much the Indian captain values Shardul’s all-round abilities. While he may not fit the mold of a traditional seam-bowling all-rounder, his uncanny knack for producing game-changing moments is what makes him special. Whether it’s his ability to swing the ball in helpful conditions, extract movement on flat tracks, or contribute valuable lower-order runs, Shardul thrives when the odds are against him. In some ways, he embodies the “khadoos” Mumbai cricketing mindset — a player who never gives up and finds a way to make an impact.

That mental toughness, coupled with his skills, is why he’s often the go-to man for Mumbai and why he has carved out a special place in Indian cricket as the quintessential utility player. Shardul’s knock in both the innings against Jammu & Kashmir in the penultimate Ranji Trophy match is yet another example of his fearless approach and unwavering self-belief. His ability to back himself to play attacking cricket, regardless of the situation or the quality of opposition, reflects his mental toughness and natural flair as a cricketer.

What stands out about Shardul is his clarity of intent. He doesn’t let the pressure of the match situation, or even the lack of support from the other end, cloud his approach. He knows his strengths and plays to them, often turning the momentum of the game in his team’s favor. Against a strong J&K pace attack, his decision to counter-attack rather than merely survive is a classic example of his “never back down” attitude.

These innings also adds to the narrative that Shardul thrives in adversity, a hallmark of great players. He has repeatedly shown that he can shoulder responsibility and deliver, whether it’s rescuing Mumbai from precarious situations or contributing crucial runs at the international level. His performances in domestic cricket reaffirm why he’s such a valuable asset — not just for Mumbai, but also for Indian cricket. Shardul’s grit, combined with his ability to play his natural game under pressure, makes him a player who can be relied upon to rise to the occasion, time and again. Hope the selectors are taking a note of his performances rather than allowing him to get manipulated by external forces!