Mumbai’s ever-reliable all-rounder, Shardul Thakur, once again displayed his brilliance with the bat, registering his second First-Class century during the ongoing Ranji Trophy Elite Group A clash against Jammu & Kashmir at the BKC Ground in Mumbai. With the hosts struggling at 101/7 in their second innings, Thakur’s 105-ball knock, laced with 15 boundaries, bailed his side out of a tricky situation.
Earlier in the match, Mumbai had managed to score a mere 120 in the first innings. Shardul was the lone fighter in that innings as well with a 51-run knock, keeping Mumbai in the game. J&K replied with a total of 206, taking a first-innings lead of 86 runs.
Day 2 witnessed Mumbai’s top order collapse, including Rohit Sharma’s (28) and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s (26) dismissals in quick succession. The middle order, including Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, and skipper Ajinkya Rahane, also failed to make an impact.
But from there, it was a ‘Lord’ Shardul show. Partnering with Tanush Kotian, who contributed with a 92-ball 50 with six boundaries, he put up a brilliant rescue act. The all-rounder’s counterattacking approach took him to a century in no time. The 33-year-old made an emotional celebration after reaching the feat.
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At stumps, Mumbai stood at 274/7, with Thakur unbeaten on 113, along with Kotian (58*). The defending champions have a lead of 188 runs and will resume batting on the following day.
Here’s how X reacted:
Second Ranji Trophy century for Shardul Thakur! He walked in at 91/6 which became 101/7. A heroic effort indeed!
Last year, he scored his maiden FC century at the same venue. In the semi-final against Tamil Nadu, Mumbai were 106/7. Shardul scored 109 and they won by an innings. pic.twitter.com/755LYK1q3h
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) January 24, 2025
A cricketer who needs to be valued a lot more for all his performances at the first-class level.
Two wonderful hundreds at BKC from a familiar situation need to be celebrated with a lot of pride and passion.
Take a gentle bow, Shardul Thakur ❤️pic.twitter.com/1j5XyvdQO5
— Farzan Kawas Arjani (@SACHforever) January 24, 2025
Shardul Thakur doesn’t have the airs. But he’s as good a player (fighter) as any #RanjiTrophy
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 24, 2025
Players like Shardul Thakur deserve more! No PR, no hype, just consistent performances. Dropped from Tests, unsold in IPL, yet carrying Mumbai in Ranji When Team Needed Him And Scored Century , Truly underrated. 💔”#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/wQWAx983JC
— Harsh 17 (@harsh03443) January 24, 2025
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