#Ranji Trophy 2025

[offcricket]

रणजी ट्रॉफी 2025 में शार्दुल ठाकुर का धमाल: ऑलराउंड प्रदर्शन से खटखटा रहे हैं भारतीय टीम के दरवाजे

रणजी ट्रॉफी 2024-25 सीजन में मुंबई के ऑलराउंडर शार्दुल ठाकुर ने अपने शानदार प्रदर्शन से भारतीय टीम में वापसी के लिए जोरदार दावेदारी पेश की है। उनकी घातक गेंदबाजी और उपयोगी बल्लेबाजी ने न केवल मुंबई टीम को मजबूती प्रदान की है, बल्कि भारतीय चयनकर्ताओं को भी सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया है।

[sblogposts]

Rohit Sharma In Ranji Trophy 2025 : रणजी ट्रॉफी में रोहित शर्मा फेल, 9 साल बाद उतरे हिटमैन नहीं दिखा पाए दम: यशस्वी जायसवाल भी हुए फेल।

Rohit Sharma In Ranji Trophy 2025 : भारतीय टेस्ट टीम के कप्तान रोहित शर्मा 9 साल बाद उतरे रणजी में: नहीं दिखा पाए कमाल।

Rohit Sharma In Ranji Trophy 2025 : रणजी ट्रॉफी में (23 जनवरी) को जम्मू कश्मीर और मुंबई के बीच मुकाबला शुरू हुआ इस मुकाबले में रोहित शर्मा और यशस्वी जयसवाल दोनों ही फ्लॉप रहे: 9 साल बाद रोहित शर्म��� रणजी ट्रॉफी में खेलने के लिए उतरे थे लेकिन उन्होंने कुछ खास नहीं किया रोहित शर्मा ने तीन रन बनाकर अपना विकेट पारस डोगरा के हाथों उमर नजीर की गेंद पर आउट हुए।

भारतीय स्टेट और वनडे टीम के कप्तान रोहित शर्मा लगभग एक दशक के अंतराल के बाद रणजी ट्रॉफी में वापसी की मुंबई की टीम आज गुरुवार से मुंबई के बीकेसी मैदान पर जम्मू कश्मीर से खेलने उतरी इस दौरान सभी की निगाहें रोहित शर्मा और यशस्वी जयसवाल पर थी बुधवार की रात कोलकाता T20 में धमाकेदार प्रदर्शन से जहां फैंस उत्साहित दिखे वहीं अगली सुबह यानी गुरुवार को उन्हें निराशा हाथ लगी दरअसल घरेलू क्रिकेट में हाथ आजमाने उतरे टीम इंडिया के वनडे और टेस्ट टीम के कप्तान रोहित शर्मा का फेल होने का सिलसिला जारी रहा।

रणजी ट्रॉफी में मुंबई और जम्मू कश्मीर के बीच आज 23 जनवरी से शुरू हुए मुकाबले में टॉस अजिंक्य रहाणे ने जीता उन्होंने पहले बल्लेबाजी करने का फैसला किया मैच में रोहित शर्मा और यशस्वी जयसवाल दोनों ही फ्लॉप रहे यशस्वी जायसवाल 4 रन बनाकर आकीब नबी की गेंद पर एलपीडब्ल्यू आउट हुए वहीं रोहित शर्मा भी 3 रन बनाकर पारस डोगरा के हाथों उमर नजीर की गेंद पर लपके गए रोहित शर्मा 9 साल 3 महीने बाद रणजी में खेलने उतरे थे।

पिछली कई पारी रोहित शर्मा के लिए रही बुरी:

पिछले कुछ महीनो से 37 साल के रोहित शर्मा बड़ी पारी नहीं खेल पा रहे हैं ��ह घरेलू सरजमीं पर न्यूजीलैंड और ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरे पर टेस्ट सीरीज में मिली करारी शिकस्त के बाद आलोचना का सामना कर रहे हैं रोहित शर्मा पिछले ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरे में तीन टेस्ट की पांच पारियों में महज 31 रन बना पाए थे।

जम्मू कश्मीर के खिलाफ यह मैच इस सत्र में रोहित शर्मा के लिए एकमात्र मुकाबला हो सकता है रोहित शर्मा इंग्लैंड के खिलाफ 6 फरवरी से शुरू होने वाली तीन मैचों की वनडे सीरीज और उसके बाद चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी में भारत की कप्तानी करेंगे।

Read Full Article......Click Here

[bhaskarlive]

Ranji Trophy: Mohammed Shami claims four-wicket haul against MP

India pacer Mohammed Shami made a memorable return to the Ranji Trophy, claiming four wickets to power Bengal to a first-innings lead over Madhya Pradesh at the Holkar Stadium.

Source: bhaskarlive.in

[hc24news]

KL Rahul: केएल राहुल जल्द ही कर्नाटक के लिए खेलते नजर आयेंगे रणजी ट्रॉफी, जानिए कब होगा यह मैच

Source ABP News KL Rahul : खेल जगत से खबर आ रही है कि भारतीय टीम के स्टार बल्लेबाज केएल राहुल भी जल्द ही कर्नाटक के लिए रणजी ट्रॉफी खेलते नजर आ सकते हैं. KL Rahul Set to Play Ranji Trophy: खेल जगत से खबर आ रही है कि भारतीय टीम के स्टार बल्लेबाज केएल राहुल भी जल्द ही कर्नाटक के लिए रणजी ट्रॉफी खेलते नजर आ सकते हैं. दरअसल, इस समय आईसीसी चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी 2025 में खेलने वाली भारतीय टीम के कई खिलाड़ी…

[trendingnews19]

Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya as a replacement for tearaway Umran Malik, who has been sidelined from IPL 2025.Malik, 25, has not played a competitive match since IPL 2024, when he played just one game for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sakariya himself is working his way back from injury, as he was last seen in action at the competitive level during a Ranji Trophy match for Saurashtra in February 2024.Malik, who burst on to the scene in 2021 as an out-and-out quick who can hit 150kph, has been troubled by injuries and illness since. He was due to play the Duleep Trophy at the start of the 2024-25 domestic season, but was eventually withdrawn after suffering a bout of dengue. He then suffered a fracture on his hip.Malik has played eight T20Is so far, picking up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.48. As for Sakariya, he has played two T20Is, taking one wicket at an economy rate of 9.27.Sakariya could potentially fill in for Spencer Johnson, who is KKR's first-choice left-arm fast bowler. Malik's injury-enforced absence now means that KKR don't have a like-for-like Indian option for Anrich Nortje, who is also prone to injuries.KKR are the defending champions, having beaten Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final.Click here for KKR's full squad.

[sportsdp]

Karnataka Cricket Team vs Haryana Cricket Team Match Scorecard – A Thrilling Encounter

The Karnataka vs Haryana cricket match in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season was a gripping contest that showcased the depth of Indian domestic cricket. The match, held at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, saw both teams put up a strong fight, resulting in an exciting draw. Fans witnessed outstanding performances from key players, thrilling moments, and an intense battle for dominance. Let's dive deep into the detailed match scorecard and analysis.

Match Details

Tournament: Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Match Date: January 30 – February 2, 2025

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Result: Match Drawn

First Innings Summary

Karnataka’s First Innings: (304 All Out in 101 Overs)

Karnataka, batting first, posted a total of 304 runs, with key contributions from their top-order batsmen. However, they struggled against Haryana’s disciplined bowling attack.

Top Scorers for Karnataka:

Devdutt Padikkal: 76 runs off 136 balls (10 fours, 1 six)

KL Rahul: 68 runs off 125 balls (8 fours)

Mayank Agarwal (C): 45 runs off 90 balls (6 fours)

Best Bowling Performances for Haryana:

Anshul Kamboj: 4 wickets for 73 runs in 27 overs

Jayant Yadav: 3 wickets for 62 runs in 25 overs

Karnataka’s middle order collapsed under pressure, with Haryana’s bowlers restricting them below 350.

Haryana’s First Innings: (450 All Out in 115.3 Overs)

Haryana took control with a dominant batting display, taking a 146-run lead over Karnataka.

Top Scorers for Haryana:

Himanshu Rana: 150 runs off 245 balls (18 fours, 2 sixes)

Ankit Kumar (C): 85 runs off 160 balls (10 fours)

Rahul Tewatia: 50 runs off 60 balls (5 fours, 1 six)

Best Bowling Performances for Karnataka:

Prasidh Krishna: 2 wickets for 100 runs in 27 overs

Vasuki Koushik: 2 wickets for 95 runs in 28 overs

Haryana’s massive first-innings score put them in a strong position going into the second innings.

Second Innings Summary

Karnataka’s Second Innings: (295/8 Declared in 90 Overs)

Karnataka needed a solid performance to avoid a potential loss, and they delivered with a determined batting display.

Top Scorers for Karnataka:

Smaran Ravichandran: 134* runs off 218 balls (14 fours, 2 sixes)

Devdutt Padikkal: 43 runs off 67 balls (6 fours)

KL Rahul: 36 runs off 77 balls (7 fours)

Best Bowling Performances for Haryana:

Anshul Kamboj: 3 wickets for 40 runs in 16 overs

Jayant Yadav: 2 wickets for 62 runs in 27 overs

With Karnataka leading by 149 runs, the team declared the innings, but time ran out, resulting in a draw.

Match Highlights & Key Takeaways

Star Performers

Himanshu Rana’s 150-run knock was the game-changing moment for Haryana.

Smaran Ravichandran’s unbeaten 134 helped Karnataka save the match. Anshul Kamboj’s all-round bowling performance (7 wickets in the match) kept Haryana in contention.

Turning Points

Haryana’s first-innings lead of 146 runs set the tone for the match.

Karnataka’s lower-order resilience in the second innings ensured a respectable lead.

Lack of time forced the match into a draw despite competitive cricket from both sides.

Conclusion

The Karnataka vs Haryana Ranji Trophy match was a fine example of high-quality domestic cricket. Haryana took the upper hand in the first innings, but Karnataka fought back with determination in the second innings. Smaran Ravichandran’s century and Himanshu Rana’s brilliant knock were the standout performances. The match ended in a draw, highlighting the resilience and skill of both teams. As the Ranji Trophy progresses, both Karnataka and Haryana will look to build on this performance to strengthen their positions in the tournament.

[sportsnewsofficial]

Ranji Trophy 2025 winners’ prize money rivals Champions Trophy 2025 semifinalists: A deep dive into Vidarbha’s victory reward and player salaries

The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket tournament, has undergone a financial transformation in recent years, with prize money now rivalling international tournaments. Vidarbha’s third Ranji Trophy triumph in seven years not only brought glory but also a significant financial reward. Let’s explore how the prize money compares to global cricket events, the breakdown of player salaries,…

[odnewsin]

Ranji Trophy Final 2025: Karun Nair scores gritty ton against Kerala, his celebration goes viral

Facing his home state Kerala, Nair displayed remarkable composure and class, reaching his century off 184 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and two sixes, played a crucial role in extending Vidarbha’s lead to 227, with the team reaching 190 for 3 in response to Kerala’s first-innings total of 342. 

[fitsportsindia]

Ranji Trophy सेमीफ़ाइनल खेलेंगे यशस्वी जायसवाल, मुंबई को मिलेगी मजबूती

[offcricket]

उपेंद्र यादव: रेलवे क्लर्क से IPL स्टार बनने तक की प्रेरणादायक यात्रा

भारतीय क्रिकेट के उभरते सितारे उपेंद्र दिवानसिंह यादव की कहानी संघर्ष, समर्पण और सफलता की मिसाल है। 8 अक्टूबर 1996 को कानपुर, उत्तर प्रदेश में जन्मे उपेंद्र ने अपने क्रिकेट सफर की शुरुआत कम उम्र में ही कर दी थी। उनकी इस यात्रा में ��रिवार का विशेष योगदान रहा, विशेषकर उनके बड़े भाई वरुण यादव का, जिन्होंने अपने क्रिकेट सपने को त्यागकर उपेंद्र के प्रशिक्षण और मार्गदर्शन में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका…

[cricketlivebetting]

Venkatesh Iyer 'definitely ready' to captain KKR at IPL 2025

In the event that he is offered the position, India and Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is "definitely ready" to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The reigning champions, who will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens on March 22, have not yet named a new captain. Shreyas Iyer was released and has taken over as captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Iyer, who was bought back for a record INR 23.75 crore (about US$ 2.83 million), is reportedly one of the top candidates, along with former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, although KKR has not yet announced their new captain.

Iyer, 30, is excited for the experience even though he has never held a leadership position in competitive cricket. "Certainly. "I'm definitely ready," he stated in a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo. "As I've always stated, being captain is really a tag. I think that leadership is important. Being a leader is a more significant job to play.

"To be a leader in your dressing room, you don't necessarily need to be a captain. You must lead by example. Both on and off the field, you must set a positive example, which is what I am doing in MP at the moment. I am not the captain of the MP squad, but my views are valued, and I truly enjoy being in a place where everyone, regardless of experience level, wealth, or status, is free to express their thoughts. Or you simply need to be allowed to express your thoughts and ideas without fear of repercussions.

"Being that person has always been my dream. And I would absolutely want to take on the role of captain if it were offered to me. There is no room for doubt about this. If it comes up, I'll do it without a doubt. There is no excuse for not doing it.

After making his IPL debut in 2021, Iyer played a key role in improving KKR's performance that year. With seven victories in nine games, they made it to the final after starting with four losses in six games. Although Iyer's function has since expanded, his placement at the top of the list contributed to the upswing. In addition to shifting to No. 3 (and lower) the previous season, he has contributed with the ball when required. Iyer has amassed 1326 runs at a strike rate of 137 for KKR in 51 games overall. He has never played for any other team.

The hectic Indian domestic season may be one factor in KKR's decision to hold out on announcing their IPL 2025 captain. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, which Madhya Pradesh lost to Mumbai, Iyer was one of few KKR players present at the time of the massive auction, which took place in late November. The final of the Ranji Trophy was held on February 26 after the second leg.

While the domestic season was going on, Iyer expressed his satisfaction that KKR did not want to disturb the players. Giving players space and allowing them to concentrate on domestic cricket is a positive thing. We'll take care of it when the time comes." The complete interview with Venkatesh Iyer will be released prior to the 2025 Indian Premier League.

[cryptoto]

Sanju Samson reacts after Kerala secures final berth in Ranji Trophy 2025

On February 21, 2025, Zeala wrote their name in an Indian Horicing Crickets to keep the original history Ranza Fropos the last one. Twisting against Luke Ending in a nail's finish, and kerala to the back of the back of the minor number of early start. Have Vidarbha By the final end of February 26, 2025, Kerala's exciting journey has been fascinated and players. While the team did their festival…

[hamsdd]

Sanju Samson reacts after Kerala secures final berth in Ranji Trophy 2025

On February 21, 2025, Zeala wrote their name in an Indian Horicing Crickets to keep the original history Ranza Fropos the last one. Twisting against Luke Ending in a nail's finish, and kerala to the back of the back of the minor number of early start. Have Vidarbha By the final end of February 26, 2025, Kerala's exciting journey has been fascinated and players. While the team did their festival…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] A glimpse from the conversation. Mumbai are gearing up for their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur, starting on February 17. Throughout this season, one of the standout players for the defending champions has been Shardul Thakur. Whether with the bat or ball, he has delivered, smashing centuries, picking up hat-tricks, and taking six-wicket hauls. In the quarter-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Mumbai defeated Haryana, with Shardul picking up nine wickets in the game. After that thumping win, Shardul opened up about his comeback, this Ranji season, his focus on the England tour, disappointment at not being in the IPL, and much more in an exclusive chat with RevSportz’s editor-in-chief, Boria Majumdar. Q: Fantastic Ranji season so far, and is the eye on England? Shardul: Of course, all cricketers always dream of playing for India, and I have already done it. But my dream has always been to play for India consistently. I am thankful to God that I have already had so many opportunities to be with the team, play so many games, and make winning contributions. But now, for the last year, I have not been in that dressing room, and hence, once again, I am dreaming of playing for India. The Ranji Trophy is going on, and this upcoming England tour is the motivation I need to be there. My only focus has always been that wherever I play, I somehow have to make match-winning contributions with the bat or ball. Exclusive “The initial two days were tough” — #ShardulThakur on not getting selected for #BGT2024. @imShard @BCCI @ThumsUpOfficial pic.twitter.com/U3iO8HobNl — RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 13, 2025   Q: Do you have that belief that if you get a chance in the England tour, you can deliver for team India? Shardul: Self-belief and confidence are very high. There is no bigger motivation than playing for your country. If you look at Team India’s combination, whether playing in India or abroad, you always need a bowler who can bat at No. 7 or 8. Ravichandran Ashwin used to play and won many games with the bat as well. Ravindra Jadeja has also shown that capability. I believe I have the skill to deliver for Team India even at No. 7 or 8. Even if I am the third or fourth seamer in the team, it does not mean I am less than anyone. For Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, I play as a lead bowler, so I am used to bowling with the new ball. Hence, if Jasprit Bumrah is bowling from one end and the Team India captain wants me to start from the other, I am up for it, as this is nothing new to me. I believe my bowling has the versatility to adjust according to different situations. If you think of T20Is, in the matches where Bumrah and I played together, I operated more in the death overs. In Test cricket, I can bowl with both the new and old ball. With the bat, I think any runs from numbers eight to eleven are valuable for the team. Especially when we are touring England, as an away team, those extra runs provide a cushion for the bowlers. Eventually, they become the key difference in a particular game. Q: After the injury, you have been doing so well in the Ranji Trophy. Mentally, how tough was it for you? Shardul: Initially, it was quite disturbing when I saw my name was not there when the team was selected. It was tough, but as professional cricketers, we understand that there are highs and lows in a career. What I thought at that moment was that if I wanted to achieve more in cricket, I could not dwell on the rejection anymore. There was optimism that if any opportunity came my way, I should be ready. There was no desperation to put in any extra effort—I focused on my basics. If you ask me what makes me special while playing for Mumbai, I will say taking wickets at regular intervals and delivering performances in knockout stages. All these serve as motivation for me, and I believe that if I have already done these things, I can do them again. When the team came out for the Australia tour, my focus shifted to the Champions Trophy, IPL, and now this upcoming England tour.

The motivation was there, and I worked hard accordingly.       Shardul Thakur for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy (PC: X) Q: Talk about that hundred and the celebration for Mumbai. What did it feel like? Shardul: I was having cramps as I had been on the ground for eight sessions continuously. But the celebration came from the heart. If I speak honestly, I even thought I would cry, but it did not happen. I am very passionate about playing cricket. It does not matter at which level I am playing—I am always very competitive. Q: Did it hurt to go unsold in the IPL 2025 auction? Shardul: Yes, for the last 10 years, I have been a part of the IPL and have even won championships. In a player’s life, performances go up and down, but the quality remains. Even then, I told myself that it is okay that I did not get any chances in this IPL, but whenever an opportunity comes, it will be huge, and for that, I need to be ready. Q: Can you elaborate on the commitment to domestic cricket? Shardul: I would say it was quite tough for us when we lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. We dominated throughout the tournament, but one loss—and that too in the final—cost us the World Cup. After that, I went on to play two Vijay Hazare Trophy games. I played only two because of the South Africa tour, and from that World Cup squad, I was the only player who managed to play domestic matches. By the end of the South Africa tour, I started feeling pain in my ankle. It was injected, and despite that, I played five first-class games, and we were champions last year. I did pretty well in both the semi-final and final. Q: How you manage to play so well in knockout games? Shardul: I think it is a part of Mumbai’s culture because we do not consider a year good until we lift the trophy. Hence, if you want to lift the trophy, you have to play your best cricket in the knockout games. For that, performance is needed, and one more thing—self-belief—that we can win the game from any kind of adverse situation. This has come to me from Mumbai’s culture, and the fight I have been through throughout my career also helps.    Q: Words on Rohit Sharma, and a fantastic century against England? Shardul: The best part about Rohit Sharma is that he is still the same as he was in his childhood. In terms of his game and as a person, he may have evolved, but the small things within him are still the same. When he played that Ranji game for us and did not score runs, we had a chat because he had not scored in Australia either. But he was so confident that he told me, “I know the runs are not coming now, but all I need is just one innings. Then, runs will come automatically again.” He is an opener, and when they face the new ball, it is always tough. We should not judge him at any time, considering how many matches he has won for India across all formats over the years. As a friend and spectator, I have always been confident that when the right time comes, he will deliver for sure. Q: Do you think that with this hundred, he has now got the momentum for the Champions Trophy? Shardul: The way he was batting, even in the nets, it was hard to believe he was out of form. He looked very comfortable to me. There is a luck factor, and he was getting out—even getting out several times while playing his favourite shots. So, bad luck is real. In this hundred, he hit those sixes with such ease. The class is different, and his six-hitting ability is top-notch. Whenever he bats, it is a treat to our eyes. Q: Are you mentally ready for England tour? Shardul: Absolutely. There are no negative thoughts, and I am ready at any given time. But as of now, my focus is to help Mumbai win this Ranji Trophy. Helping your state win a championship brings a different kind of joy. If you ask me, the dressing room atmosphere is best during these knockout games, and these memories stay with us forever. Q: Please tell us about the ‘Lord’ tag! Shardul: Fans have given me that tag, and it feels good.

I think I did well in ODIs and T20Is when England came to India. Since then, this ‘Lord’ tag has come up, and it is a token of love from them. I enjoy and appreciate that.    Also Read: India have most answers, except for the vexing Rahul-versus-Pant one The post A RevSportz Exclusive : “I have the skill to deliver for Team India” – Shardul Thakur appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] A glimpse from the conversation. Mumbai are gearing up for their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur, starting on February 17. Throughout this season, one of the standout players for the defending champions has been Shardul Thakur. Whether with the bat or ball, he has delivered, smashing centuries, picking up hat-tricks, and taking six-wicket hauls. In the quarter-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Mumbai defeated Haryana, with Shardul picking up nine wickets in the game. After that thumping win, Shardul opened up about his comeback, this Ranji season, his focus on the England tour, disappointment at not being in the IPL, and much more in an exclusive chat with RevSportz’s editor-in-chief, Boria Majumdar. Q: Fantastic Ranji season so far, and is the eye on England? Shardul: Of course, all cricketers always dream of playing for India, and I have already done it. But my dream has always been to play for India consistently. I am thankful to God that I have already had so many opportunities to be with the team, play so many games, and make winning contributions. But now, for the last year, I have not been in that dressing room, and hence, once again, I am dreaming of playing for India. The Ranji Trophy is going on, and this upcoming England tour is the motivation I need to be there. My only focus has always been that wherever I play, I somehow have to make match-winning contributions with the bat or ball. Exclusive “The initial two days were tough” — #ShardulThakur on not getting selected for #BGT2024. @imShard @BCCI @ThumsUpOfficial pic.twitter.com/U3iO8HobNl — RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 13, 2025   Q: Do you have that belief that if you get a chance in the England tour, you can deliver for team India? Shardul: Self-belief and confidence are very high. There is no bigger motivation than playing for your country. If you look at Team India’s combination, whether playing in India or abroad, you always need a bowler who can bat at No. 7 or 8. Ravichandran Ashwin used to play and won many games with the bat as well. Ravindra Jadeja has also shown that capability. I believe I have the skill to deliver for Team India even at No. 7 or 8. Even if I am the third or fourth seamer in the team, it does not mean I am less than anyone. For Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, I play as a lead bowler, so I am used to bowling with the new ball. Hence, if Jasprit Bumrah is bowling from one end and the Team India captain wants me to start from the other, I am up for it, as this is nothing new to me. I believe my bowling has the versatility to adjust according to different situations. If you think of T20Is, in the matches where Bumrah and I played together, I operated more in the death overs. In Test cricket, I can bowl with both the new and old ball. With the bat, I think any runs from numbers eight to eleven are valuable for the team. Especially when we are touring England, as an away team, those extra runs provide a cushion for the bowlers. Eventually, they become the key difference in a particular game. Q: After the injury, you have been doing so well in the Ranji Trophy. Mentally, how tough was it for you? Shardul: Initially, it was quite disturbing when I saw my name was not there when the team was selected. It was tough, but as professional cricketers, we understand that there are highs and lows in a career. What I thought at that moment was that if I wanted to achieve more in cricket, I could not dwell on the rejection anymore. There was optimism that if any opportunity came my way, I should be ready. There was no desperation to put in any extra effort—I focused on my basics. If you ask me what makes me special while playing for Mumbai, I will say taking wickets at regular intervals and delivering performances in knockout stages. All these serve as motivation for me, and I believe that if I have already done these things, I can do them again. When the team came out for the Australia tour, my focus shifted to the Champions Trophy, IPL, and now this upcoming England tour.

The motivation was there, and I worked hard accordingly.       Shardul Thakur for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy (PC: X) Q: Talk about that hundred and the celebration for Mumbai. What did it feel like? Shardul: I was having cramps as I had been on the ground for eight sessions continuously. But the celebration came from the heart. If I speak honestly, I even thought I would cry, but it did not happen. I am very passionate about playing cricket. It does not matter at which level I am playing—I am always very competitive. Q: Did it hurt to go unsold in the IPL 2025 auction? Shardul: Yes, for the last 10 years, I have been a part of the IPL and have even won championships. In a player’s life, performances go up and down, but the quality remains. Even then, I told myself that it is okay that I did not get any chances in this IPL, but whenever an opportunity comes, it will be huge, and for that, I need to be ready. Q: Can you elaborate on the commitment to domestic cricket? Shardul: I would say it was quite tough for us when we lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. We dominated throughout the tournament, but one loss—and that too in the final—cost us the World Cup. After that, I went on to play two Vijay Hazare Trophy games. I played only two because of the South Africa tour, and from that World Cup squad, I was the only player who managed to play domestic matches. By the end of the South Africa tour, I started feeling pain in my ankle. It was injected, and despite that, I played five first-class games, and we were champions last year. I did pretty well in both the semi-final and final. Q: How you manage to play so well in knockout games? Shardul: I think it is a part of Mumbai’s culture because we do not consider a year good until we lift the trophy. Hence, if you want to lift the trophy, you have to play your best cricket in the knockout games. For that, performance is needed, and one more thing—self-belief—that we can win the game from any kind of adverse situation. This has come to me from Mumbai’s culture, and the fight I have been through throughout my career also helps.    Q: Words on Rohit Sharma, and a fantastic century against England? Shardul: The best part about Rohit Sharma is that he is still the same as he was in his childhood. In terms of his game and as a person, he may have evolved, but the small things within him are still the same. When he played that Ranji game for us and did not score runs, we had a chat because he had not scored in Australia either. But he was so confident that he told me, “I know the runs are not coming now, but all I need is just one innings. Then, runs will come automatically again.” He is an opener, and when they face the new ball, it is always tough. We should not judge him at any time, considering how many matches he has won for India across all formats over the years. As a friend and spectator, I have always been confident that when the right time comes, he will deliver for sure. Q: Do you think that with this hundred, he has now got the momentum for the Champions Trophy? Shardul: The way he was batting, even in the nets, it was hard to believe he was out of form. He looked very comfortable to me. There is a luck factor, and he was getting out—even getting out several times while playing his favourite shots. So, bad luck is real. In this hundred, he hit those sixes with such ease. The class is different, and his six-hitting ability is top-notch. Whenever he bats, it is a treat to our eyes. Q: Are you mentally ready for England tour? Shardul: Absolutely. There are no negative thoughts, and I am ready at any given time. But as of now, my focus is to help Mumbai win this Ranji Trophy. Helping your state win a championship brings a different kind of joy. If you ask me, the dressing room atmosphere is best during these knockout games, and these memories stay with us forever. Q: Please tell us about the ‘Lord’ tag! Shardul: Fans have given me that tag, and it feels good.

I think I did well in ODIs and T20Is when England came to India. Since then, this ‘Lord’ tag has come up, and it is a token of love from them. I enjoy and appreciate that.    Also Read: India have most answers, except for the vexing Rahul-versus-Pant one The post A RevSportz Exclusive : “I have the skill to deliver for Team India” – Shardul Thakur appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link