India pacer Shardul Thakur grabbed headlines with a stunning hat-trick against Meghalaya in the Ranji Trophy. His brilliant performance has strengthened his hopes of making a Test comeback.
Playing at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai, Thakur struck early after Mumbai opted to bowl first. He removed opener Nishanta Chakraborty for a four-ball duck in the first over. The real highlight came in the third over when he claimed three wickets in three consecutive deliveries. B Anirudh, Sumit Kumar, and Jaskirat all departed without scoring, giving Thakur his maiden First-Class hat-trick.
Mumbai’s bowlers completely dominated, reducing Meghalaya to 6 for 2 within 3.1 overs, with Mohit Avasthi also chipping in. Thakur’s hat-trick was the fifth by a Mumbai bowler in Ranji Trophy history and the first since Royston Dias’ feat in the 2023-24 season.
Thakur has been in outstanding form this season, taking 20 wickets and scoring 297 runs in seven matches, including a century and two fifties. His all-round efforts have played a vital role in Mumbai’s campaign.
Currently, Mumbai sits third in Elite Group A and needs a dominant win to stay in the race for a knockout spot. A victory by an innings or 10 wickets will earn them a crucial bonus point, putting them level with Jammu & Kashmir at 29 points. However, their qualification will depend on the result of the final-round match between J&K and Baroda in Vadodara.
Thakur’s fiery spell has given Mumbai the momentum they need as they push for a place in the knockout stage.
