'Quality' matters: Shardul Thakur rues being overlooked for Indian team

All-rounder Shardul Thakur came up with another resilient performance that helped Mumbai put up a fight on day one of their Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday and expressed a hint of disappointment at being overlooked for the Indian team lately.

Coming to the crease with Mumbai reeling at 47 for 7, the 33-year-old displayed his batting skills with a quickfire 51, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, from 57 deliveries. It helped Mumbai reach 120.

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Talking to reporters after the day's play, Thakur said that selection should be based on "quality".

"What can I talk about my quality? Others should talk about it. They should see that if someone has quality, he should be given more chances," Thakur said, without taking any names.

Thakur's batting show on Thursday echoed his remarkable maiden first-class century from the previous season's Ranji Trophy semi-final when, batting at number 9, he revived his side with a knock of 109 off 105 balls, including 13 fours and 4 sixes.

"I like batting in difficult situations. In easy situations, everyone does well, but how you put up the show in adverse situations matters. I see tough situations as a challenge and always think about how to overcome that challenge," he said.

He also remained unsold in the IPL auction last November, as none of the 10 franchise owners showed interest in his all-round skills.

Thakur said it's important to move on from setbacks.

"You have to forget whatever has happened in the past; it is not going to change. It is important to be in the present and think about what you can do in the near future," he said.

The game also saw India captain Rohit Sharma turning up for his state side Mumbai for the first time in a Ranji Trophy match in the last decade. However, he could score just three runs as his poor run with the bat continued.

Talking about Rohit's committment and passion towards the fag end of his glowing career, Thakur said: "He is always passionate about Mumbai cricket. Any Mumbaikar, the way we have seen hardships growing up as teenagers playing maidan cricket, everyone is so passionate about Mumbai cricket. Even if they're playing for India, they follow what the Mumbai team is doing."

"When they come back here, they play as if they are part of this team and they play all (their) heart out."

"To be fair to Rohit, I felt he was just batting in his own zone...he wasn't trying a lot. (He was) just keeping things simple, but yes, (against) the new ball, (you get) one chance; it can go anywhere," he added.

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