Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur was rushed to the hospital after Day 2 of the ongoing 2024 Irani Cup match against the Rest of India. Despite battling a fever while playing at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, his condition worsened after spending a significant amount of time at the crease with Sarfaraz Khan.
Thakur struck a healthy addition of 36 runs off 59 balls while his team breached the 500-run mark in the first innings. In this innings, he smashed four fours and a six before Saransh Jain picked him up in the last over of the day. He took a couple of breaks due to his condition during his innings and was monitored by the team’s medical staff.
As reported by the Indian Express, Thakur is expected to stay in the hospital overnight. Doctors will decide on his participation in the match before play resumes on Day 3 (Thursday, October 3).
“He was not feeling well for the entire day and was running on high fever, which was the main reason he came out to bat late. He was feeling weak and he slept in the dressing room after taking medicine.”
“But he wanted to bat despite feeling low. We have got his blood test done for malaria and dengue. We are waiting for the results. Till then, he will spend the night in hospital,” a source told The Indian Express.
The Irani Cup signifies Thakur’s official return to competitive cricket following foot surgery in London on June 12. His last appearance was in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After recovering from his injury, he participated in the KSCA Invitational tournament to prepare for the Irani Cup.
“I’ve been with the India team for eight years, but how many games have I played?”- Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur was out of the Duleep Trophy due to injury and is unlikely to be available for the current home season of Team India. But his demand is likely to increase with the Australia and England tours. Thakur has added much value to the overseas Tests, having been a crucial fourth seamer and all-rounder by enhancing batting depth.
“I have been part of the India team for the last eight years but how many games have I played? So, again, whatever limited opportunities that I have got, I have to give my best. Sometimes it happens for me, sometimes it doesn’t.”
“I would say when it doesn’t happen, there are 10 other guys in the team. It’s a team sport. I perform with the help of teammates, and I also fail with the help of teammates, that’s what I will say,” Thakur said in a recent interview with Sportstar.
Mumbai ended Day 2 at 536-9, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive double century, with Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Tanush Kotian contributing half-centuries.
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