Shardul Thakur Calls Out Selectors: 'Quality Players Deserve More Chances' After Ranji Fifty
3 months ago | 5 Views
India's bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur delivered a powerful statement to the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar on Thursday, showcasing his skills in a crucial performance that helped Mumbai during their Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir at the MCA ground. Thakur, who was overlooked for the Indian Test team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, emphasized that players should be evaluated for selection based on their "quality."
Despite Mumbai's impressive roster, which included the return of Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the defending champions found themselves in a precarious position at 47/7 on home soil. Thakur, however, steadied the innings with a measured contribution of 51 runs off 57 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, ultimately lifting the team total to 120 all out.
This half-century served as a significant reminder of Thakur's remarkable performance at the same venue last season, where he achieved his first First-Class century in the semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Batting at No. 9, he struck 13 boundaries and four sixes in a commanding 109 runs off 105 balls, leading Mumbai's recovery from a dire 106 for seven to a total of 378, securing victory by an innings and 70 runs.
'If someone has quality...'
After Day 1, Thakur addressed reporters and took the opportunity to highlight his recent performances in red-ball cricket, emphasizing that both innings were played under "adverse conditions."
He remarked, "I prefer not to comment on my own quality; that is for others to assess. It is essential for selectors to recognize that a player with quality deserves more opportunities. I thrive in challenging situations. While many perform well in favorable conditions, the true test lies in how one responds to adversity. I view difficult circumstances as a challenge and constantly seek ways to overcome them."
Despite being overlooked for a position in the Test team and remaining unsold during the IPL mega auction last November, Thakur acknowledged the importance of moving forward from these disappointments.
"It is crucial to let go of past events; they cannot be altered. What matters is to remain focused on the present and consider what actions can be taken in the near future," he stated.
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