Mumbai's lion roars: Shardul Thakur smashes century, celebrates with passion | WATCH

Maharastra: In a thrilling display of resilience, Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai all-rounder, notched up his second first-class century in a crucial Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. Coming in at a precarious 91/6, Thakur's explosive innings not only salvaged the game for Mumbai but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure.

A Counter-Attacking Masterclass

Thakur completed his century in just 105 deliveries, striking 17 boundaries along the way. His aggressive approach was pivotal as he countered the early collapse of Mumbai's batting lineup, which saw star players like Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane dismissed cheaply. Partnering with Tanush Kotian, who contributed a solid 58 runs, Thakur's innings propelled Mumbai to a commanding position at stumps on Day 2 with a score of 274/7.

Lord Shardul Thakur to the rescue again☝
This time from 101/7 bailing out Mumbai with Tanush Kotian
pic.twitter.com/Lulr7Zk4VL

— 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡⚡ (@KrishnaKunj_17) January 24, 2025

Celebrating the Milestone

Upon reaching three figures, Thakur raised his hands in celebration, visibly pumped up and gesturing towards the Mumbai dressing room. Commentators hailed him as the “lion of Mumbai cricket,” reflecting his importance to the team. His performance not only lifted team morale but also put Mumbai in a strong position with a lead of 188 runs.

Previous Contributions

Thakur had also made a significant impact in the first innings, scoring 51 runs when Mumbai was reeling at 47/7. His contributions have been crucial in ensuring that Mumbai remained competitive throughout the match.

Future Aspirations

Despite his stellar performance, Thakur was recently overlooked for India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Speaking to reporters, he expressed his desire for more opportunities, stating that he thrives in challenging situations and believes that quality should be recognized and rewarded