In a candid and refreshingly grounded conversation, Mumbai skipper Shardul Thakur has shared his thoughts on everything from the modern domestic cricket calendar to the often-overlooked value of experienced campaigners—and even his dreams of donning the Mumbai Indians jersey at his home ground in IPL 2026.
Known for his grit, swing, and knack for stepping up in crunch moments, Thakur isn’t just a senior figure in the national setup—he’s now leading one of Indian domestic cricket’s most storied teams with a clear vision. And that vision prioritizes performance over age, structure over chaos, and local pride over fleeting trends.
Table of Contents
- Shardul Thakur Praises Balanced Domestic Schedule
- “Performance, Not Age”: Thakur’s Selection Philosophy
- Why Siddhesh Lad Still Matters for Mumbai
- IPL 2026: Playing for MI at His Home Venue
- Upholding Mumbai’s Cricketing Legacy
- Conclusion: Leadership Rooted in Substance
- Sources
Shardul Thakur Praises Balanced Domestic Schedule
One of the biggest changes in Indian cricket over the past few seasons has been the restructured domestic calendar. Gone are the days of disjointed tournaments crammed into a few months. Now, red-ball, white-ball, and T20 formats are strategically spaced to manage player workload and maintain mental freshness.
“The current domestic schedule is fantastic,” Shardul Thakur said in a recent interview. “It gives players time to recover, plan, and actually perform at their best in each format. You’re not just surviving the season—you’re thriving in it.”
This structured approach has been especially critical for all-format players like Thakur, who juggle IPL, international duty, and Ranji responsibilities. The balance allows him to lead Mumbai with full focus, not just physical energy.
“Performance, Not Age”: Thakur’s Selection Philosophy
In an era where youth is often fetishized in team selection, Thakur is pushing back with a refreshingly meritocratic stance. “Age should never be the deciding factor,” he emphasized. “If a player is delivering on the field, that’s all that matters.”
This isn’t just talk. As captain, Thakur has backed this belief by consistently including seasoned performers in the Mumbai XI—players who may not be trending on social media but bring invaluable stability and know-how to pressure situations.
Why Siddhesh Lad Still Matters for Mumbai
A prime example? Veteran batsman Siddhesh Lad. Once a mainstay in Mumbai’s middle order and briefly in India’s radar, Lad has bounced back from lean patches with consistent runs in domestic cricket.
“Siddhesh has been brilliant for us,” Thakur noted. “Experience like his in the middle order is priceless—especially in tight Ranji games where temperament wins over flair.”
By championing players like Lad, Thakur is subtly challenging the narrative that domestic cricket is only a launchpad for the young. Instead, he frames it as an ecosystem where different generations coexist and elevate each other—a hallmark of Mumbai’s historic cricketing culture.
IPL 2026: Playing for MI at His Home Venue
Beyond red-ball duties, Thakur also revealed his excitement for the future of the IPL. With the 2026 season expected to feature expanded home-and-away fixtures, he’s particularly thrilled about the possibility of representing Mumbai Indians at his actual home ground.
“Wankhede is where I grew up watching cricket,” he shared. “To play an IPL match there in front of my family, friends, and local fans—not just as a visitor but as a Mumbai Indians player—that would be a full-circle moment.”
While not officially confirmed, rumors suggest the BCCI may allow franchises more home matches in their base cities starting IPL 2026. For a proud Mumbaikar like Thakur, that prospect adds emotional depth to his already storied T20 career.
Upholding Mumbai’s Cricketing Legacy
Leading Mumbai isn’t just another captaincy gig—it’s a responsibility steeped in history. The team has produced legends like Tendulkar, Dravid (via domestic eligibility), Polard, and countless others who cut their teeth in the Kanga League or at the Brabourne nets.
Thakur understands this weight. “Every time you wear the Mumbai cap, you’re carrying 80 years of legacy,” he said. “My job isn’t just to win matches, but to ensure the culture of hard work and excellence continues.”
That culture is now being reinforced through better scheduling, smarter selection, and a leadership style that blends old-school discipline with modern empathy.
Conclusion: Leadership Rooted in Substance
Shardul Thakur’s reflections go beyond a routine press soundbite. They reveal a leader deeply invested in the health of Indian domestic cricket—not just as a stepping stone to the national team, but as a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem. Whether it’s defending experienced players, praising structural reforms, or dreaming of an IPL homecoming, Thakur’s vision is clear: cricket should be played with heart, judged by performance, and celebrated at every level.
As Mumbai pushes for another Ranji title and fans gear up for IPL 2026, having a captain like Shardul Thakur at the helm—grounded, vocal, and fiercely proud—feels like exactly what the game needs right now. For more on Mumbai’s Ranji campaign, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:mumbai-ranji-trophy-2025-squad-analysis].