IND vs BAN: Shardul Thakur's competitive cricket return finalized

In great news for the Indian cricket fans, bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur is back on the field after a successful surgery in London. Thakur had an ankle surgery on June 12 and since then, he has been out of competitive cricket.

Shardul Thakur's return is a big boost to India's stocks ahead of a long Test season where they will play 10 Tests in the next four months against three quality teams. The most recent one is the Test series at home against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai.

Also read: IND vs BAN: Sarfaraz Khan to join Team India in Chennai; injury concern in the side?

Shardul Thakur returns after his surgery

On his return, Shardul Thakur turned out for Mumbai against the KSCA Secretary's XI in a Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. However, he did not have a great match but looked fit enough ahead of a busy red-ball season.

Thakur was dismissed for a second-ball duck and then finished with bowling figures of 0-29 in 8 overs. This was his first competitive match in four months. KSCA Secretary's XI gave a strong reply and finished with 244-1 at stumps.

Big boost for India ahead of a busy red-ball season

Shardul Thakur's return will be a relief to Team India who will play Test series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia in the upcoming months. India will play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, three-match Test series against New Zealand, and a five-match Test series against Australia.

While Thakur will hardly be missed in the home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, he can be a key player in the Tests against Australia since the series will be played down under. Over the years, he has been a key player for India in overseas conditions.

Shardul Thakur a key player for India in overseas conditions

India have opted to go with four seamers quite often in the overseas Tests where Thakur's abilities with bat and ball have proved to be an asset. He has the ability to bowl long spells and can also pick up wickets regularly.

With the bat, he has been a crucial component at No. 8 and has played eye-catching knocks in difficult circumstances. Shardul's counter-attacking approach with the bat has won India a no. of games.

In one of India's most famous Test wins outside home, Shardul Thakur smashed two quickfire fifties against England at the Oval in 2021. He also picked up 3 wickets with the ball. He is a useful swing bowler in helpful conditions and can hold one end.

His last international match was the Centurion Test against South Africa played last year. Meanwhile, his last ODI was the match against Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Shardul Thakur's return is not only a good news for India but for Mumbai as well. The defending Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai will play its Irani Cup tie against a Rest of India side at Lucknow and Thakur can play a big role in that game.