Shardul Thakur has reiterated that his ambition of representing India remains intact, despite falling out of the national setup. The Mumbai all-rounder said he is still hopeful of earning another opportunity and believes he was not utilised effectively during his last Test appearances in England.
Speaking at a Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) event ahead of the new domestic season, the 34-year-old made it clear that his desire to return to international cricket has not diminished.
"I 100 per cent desire to play for India again. At the back of my mind, it's always there. Even if you're dropped or discarded, I think hope is a very strong word. As long as hope is alive, everything is possible," Thakur said.
When Did Shardul Thakur Last Play For India?
Thakur last featured for India in the five-Test
series against England, where he played the opening Test at Leeds and the fourth Test at Old Trafford. While India lost the first match and drew the fourth to finish the series 2-2, Thakur felt his role with the ball did not allow him to make the impact he believed he was capable of.
Across the two Tests, Thakur bowled only 27 overs. He picked up two wickets at Leeds but went wicketless at Old Trafford, where he also contributed a valuable 41 in challenging batting conditions.
Reflecting on the series, Thakur admitted his dismissal at Leeds was his own mistake but maintained that he had batted well in Manchester.
"When I played in England, I don't think I was utilised properly. In batting, yes, it was my mistake that I played a loose shot in Leeds. But in Manchester, I batted beautifully because it was overcast, the ball was swinging, and there was one length from where the ball was hardly bouncing," he said.
He added that India's first-innings total at Old Trafford came under difficult conditions before the pitch flattened, helping the visitors save the match.
Thakur also suggested that his bowling was not managed in the most effective manner.
"I deserved a few more opportunities. It was more about being under-bowled and being used in the wrong phases. There were some calculation errors," he said.
With India's all-rounder competition growing stronger, Thakur acknowledged that domestic cricket will be crucial in reviving his international hopes. As Mumbai captain, he will now turn his attention to the Ranji Trophy season, hoping strong performances can put him back in contention.
"Hope is still alive. If, in the near future, they ever ask me to play for India again, I'll be ready," he said.
