IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur plans bold move after being rejected and disrespected at auction

The 33-year-old India National Cricket Team bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has revealed his bold plans after being ignored by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises at the recent auction.

Shardul Thakur has also sent a comeback call to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after being dropped from the squads across all three formats of the game.

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Shardul Thakur shining bright in Ranji Trophy

Thakur is no longer in India's scheme of things across formats at the moment. He was a key member of the Test team whenever India played overseas matches.

However, Shardul Thakur was dropped from the Test squad as the Indian team management identified Nitish Kumar Reddy as his perfect replacement.

Thakur also has no IPL contract, as he shockingly went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction despite being one of the most expensive players in recent years.

The all-rounder has not let his India and IPL snub affect him as he has been performing exceptionally in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

He played a key role in Mumbai making it to the knockouts as he has so far scored 396 runs in nine innings at an amazing average of 44.00, including a century and three fifties. With the ball, he bagged 30 wickets at an average of 21.10.

His latest heroics came in the quarter-final against Haryana, where he picked up an excellent six-wicket haul to help his team secure a 14-run first-innings lead.

When there's no place in the team, there's naturally disappointment - Shardul Thakur

Talking about his absence from Team India, Shardul Thakur said that he is disappointed. However, the all-rounder added that he doesn't think about it when he takes the field as his focus then shifts only to the match he is playing.

"When there's no place in the team, there's naturally disappointment. And, when you're not playing, sitting idle at home, you tend to think about it more," said Thakur, as quoted by PTI.

"But once I step onto the field, my entire focus is on the match -- whether it's club cricket, Ranji Trophy, IPL, or playing for India. To me, every cricket match is the same, regardless of the level. I always aim to give my best in whichever game I play, I don't have any other thoughts."

I believe I'm in contention - Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has received backing from several experts to get a recall to the Test team for the upcoming England tour following his Ranji Trophy heroics.

The all-rounder also believes that he is in contention for the Test matches in England, as he said that the motivation to play for India keeps him driving forward. He elaborated:

"Yes, absolutely. I believe I'm in contention. The next step is to make my place in the team and earn selection. That's always the goal.

"Right now, I'm playing at the Ranji Trophy level. International cricket is the highest level we all strive for. It's always on my mind, it's the motivation to play for the country that drives me forward. That passion, that fire, never fades."

Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur revealed that he is planning to play County Cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) as it will help him acclimatize to the English conditions.

"If I get an offer, I'll definitely play. It would be a great new experience. Right now, there are no concrete plans, but county cricket has 6-7 matches around that time. If selected, it will help me adjust to English conditions before the (England) tour," he said.