Shardul Thakur has made his intentions clear — he is not done with international cricket yet. The experienced Indian bowling all-rounder has set his sights on making a strong comeback to the national side, with the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa as his long-term goal. Speaking about his ambitions, Thakur stated that consistent performance and readiness are the keys to earning his place back in the team. “It’s important for me to keep performing and eventually return to the Indian team. The ODI World Cup is also in South Africa, so there might be a place open for a bowling all-rounder at No. 8. I am eyeing that spot,” he said.
For the player popularly known as “Lord Shardul” among fans, the statement is more than just an expression of hope. It is a reflection of determination and belief that he still has much to offer Indian cricket. Over the past year, Thakur has been on the fringes of India’s white-ball setup. His last appearance came during the 2023 ODI World Cup, after which the team transitioned towards younger options and different tactical balances. However, Thakur’s self-confidence remains intact, and he continues to work tirelessly at the domestic and franchise levels to ensure that he stays in peak condition.
The 34-year-old believes that his experience and adaptability can serve as valuable assets, especially in South African conditions where seamers often find assistance. His record in pace-friendly venues and his ability to contribute quick runs in the lower order make him a potential asset for the role he is targeting. The No. 8 position has become one of great importance in modern ODI cricket, often determining whether a team can add 30 or 40 extra runs in the final overs while maintaining bowling balance. Thakur’s mix of controlled seam bowling and aggressive batting fits the template perfectly.
Thakur’s readiness also stems from a strong sense of preparation. He mentioned that his training routines and workload management are designed to keep him ready for international demands at any moment. In his own words, he is “ready to play international cricket tomorrow” if called upon. That mindset highlights not just physical readiness but mental sharpness — something he has built through years of fluctuating between being a squad regular and fighting his way back.
As India continues to experiment with different combinations in white-ball cricket, the competition for an all-rounder’s role remains fierce. Players like Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel are also vying for similar responsibilities, making the contest even tougher. Thakur, however, has a unique edge: his proven knack for breaking partnerships with the ball and producing valuable cameos under pressure. His past performances, particularly in crunch moments for India and in the IPL, remind selectors of the impact he can create when in rhythm.
The road to a comeback is challenging, but Thakur’s approach seems grounded in realism and persistence. Rather than depending solely on selection opportunities, he has emphasized consistent performance across domestic tournaments and the Indian Premier League. He believes that hard work and visible results will naturally force the selectors to consider him again for national duty.
Looking ahead, Thakur’s ambitions align with the broader needs of the Indian team. The 2027 World Cup will demand experience, versatility, and adaptability in conditions that favour pace and bounce. India will require a reliable lower-order all-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball — a role Thakur has successfully performed in the past.
Shardul Thakur’s latest comments are not mere optimism; they are a clear statement of intent from a player who has built his reputation on resilience and impact. As he continues to perform in domestic and franchise cricket, his focus remains firmly on that one dream — to wear the Indian jersey again and fill the crucial No. 8 slot in a World Cup team. Whether or not he achieves it, one thing is certain: his spirit to fight for his place has not dimmed, and his belief in himself remains as strong as ever.