Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur showcased his brilliance with the bat, playing a sensational knock to rescue his side in a critical Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. Thakur notched up his second first-class century, reaching the milestone in just 105 deliveries at the BKC Ground in Mumbai. His innings, which included 17 boundaries, turned the game on its head.
Mumbai in Deep Trouble
Coming into bat with the team in a precarious position at 91/6 in their second innings, Mumbai had a slim lead of just five runs. Big names like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shreyas Iyer had all departed cheaply, leaving the team in dire straits. However, Thakur decided to counter-attack, crafting a crucial partnership with Tanush Kotian that turned the tide in Mumbai’s favor.
Shardul’s Heroic Century
Thakur brought up his century in the 60th over of the innings, raising his hands in jubilation and gesturing emphatically towards the Mumbai dressing room. His celebration was one of pure passion, earning him the nickname “Lion of Mumbai Cricket” from the commentators.
Resilient Partnership with Tanush Kotian
Thakur found a reliable ally in Tanush Kotian, who played a steady knock of 58 not out. Together, they mixed caution with aggression to stabilize the innings. By the end of Day 2, Mumbai’s score stood at 274/7, with Thakur unbeaten on 113. The hosts now lead by 188 runs, gaining a significant upper hand in the contest.
Contributions in Both Innings
Thakur’s brilliance wasn’t limited to the second innings. He also played a crucial role in the first innings, scoring 51 runs to help Mumbai cross the 100-run mark after they were reeling at 47/7. His knock ensured the hosts posted 120 runs on the board.
Mumbai’s Fightback
After being bowled out for 120, Mumbai bundled out Jammu and Kashmir for 206, conceding a lead of 86 runs. However, in the second innings, Thakur’s counter-attack, combined with Kotian’s resilience, helped Mumbai stage a remarkable comeback and regain control of the match.
Shardul’s Perspective
Despite his heroics, Thakur’s recent cricketing journey has been challenging. He was left out of India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, and he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Reflecting on these setbacks, Thakur said, “What can I say about my quality? Others should judge that. I believe in performing in tough situations. It’s easy to succeed when things are smooth, but it’s how you handle adversity that defines you.”
Thakur’s performance in this match not only rescued Mumbai but also reaffirmed his reputation as a clutch player capable of delivering under pressure.
