Shardul Thakur, the 33-year-old Indian seamer, has made waves in the cricketing world once again. Despite being overlooked in the IPL 2025 auction, Thakur has proven his mettle by claiming a sensational hat-trick for Mumbai in their crucial Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya. The game, held at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, was a must-win encounter for Mumbai as they aimed to stay in contention for a bonus point.
Shardul Thakur’s Incredible Hat-Trick in Ranji Trophy 2024/25
Opening the bowling for Mumbai, Thakur delivered a stunning performance in the third over of the match. He first dismissed Anirudh B, followed by Sumit Kumar and Jaskirat, all in quick succession. The Indian seamer’s fourth ball of the innings saw him claim the wicket of Nishant Chakraborty, completing his hat-trick in style. Thakur’s remarkable achievement made him the second bowler in the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season to claim a hat-trick, following Himachal Pradesh’s Rishi Dhawan.
Shardul Thakur Joins Mumbai’s Elite Hat-Trick Club
Thakur’s hat-trick also placed him among a select group of bowlers to achieve this feat for Mumbai in the history of the Ranji Trophy. He became the fifth bowler from the Mumbai side to claim a hat-trick, joining the ranks of legendary players like Jehangir Behramji Khot, Umesh Narayan Kulkarni, Abdul Moosabhoy Ismail, and Royston Harold Dias. This rare accomplishment further underscores Thakur’s skill and resilience, especially in high-pressure situations.
A Solid All-Round Performance in the 2024/25 Ranji Season
Shardul Thakur’s contribution to Mumbai in the 2024/25 season goes beyond just his bowling. In the seven matches played so far, he has accumulated 20 wickets while also contributing with the bat, scoring 297 runs, including a century and two half-centuries. His all-round performance has been pivotal to Mumbai’s efforts, particularly in their ongoing must-win match against Meghalaya.
Mumbai’s Road to the Bonus Point in the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy
With Thakur’s early breakthroughs, Mumbai reduced Meghalaya to a challenging 29-6 in just 12 overs. Mumbai’s chances of securing the bonus point depend on their ability to win by an innings or 10 wickets. The team is currently placed third in Group A and hopes that either J&K or Baroda, their competitors for the bonus point, do not earn more than one point in their respective final-round matches.
IPL 2025 Snub, But Thakur’s Ranji Form Shows His Quality
Although Shardul Thakur was overlooked in the IPL 2025 auction, his exceptional form in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, showcases his capabilities as a premier fast bowler. His hat-trick against Meghalaya is a testament to his talent, and it’s clear that Thakur remains an asset to Mumbai and Indian cricket, despite the setback in the IPL auction.
Conclusion
Shardul Thakur’s sensational hat-trick in the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy highlights his continued excellence in domestic cricket, even as he faces challenges in the IPL. With a solid all-round performance this season, Thakur has proven that he remains one of India’s most reliable seamers, capable of delivering match-winning performances when it matters most.
