India seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has said he was not used to his full potential during last year's Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, and insists he remains ready to represent India at the highest level whenever called upon. Thakur, 34, made the remarks on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Mumbai Cricket Association 2026/27 season launch event in Mumbai.

What Thakur Said About His England Campaign

The right-arm seamer featured in two Tests — at Leeds and Old Trafford (Manchester) — scoring 1, 4, and 41 runs across three innings while bowling just 27 overs in the two matches and claiming two wickets. He acknowledged a batting lapse at Headingley but defended his performance in Manchester.

'In batting, yes, it was my mistake that I played a loose shot in Leeds. But in Manchester, I batted beautifully, I would say, because it was overcast, the ball was swinging, and there was one length from where the ball was hardly bouncing. I survived that spell, and India still put up a very, very strong total in the first innings. Then the pitch became flat, and we were also able to save the game,' Thakur said.

On his bowling workload, he was candid: 'I would say it was more about being under-bowled and being used in the wrong phases. There were some calculation errors, I would say.'

Hope of an India Comeback Still Alive

Thakur, who has played 13 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for India, said the desire to wear the blue jersey again has never dimmed. 'I 100 per cent desire to play for India again. At the back of my mind, it's always there. Even if you're dropped or discarded, I think hope is a very strong word. As long as hope is alive, everything is possible,' he said.

He pointed to his 2024-25 domestic season as evidence of continued relevance, suggesting his performances warranted more national opportunities. 'After the 2024-25 season, the kind of season I had, I think I could have played a few more games and literally made a difference,' he added. 'If, in the near future, they ever ask me to play for India again, I'll be ready.'

Notably, this is not the first time Thakur has found himself on the fringes despite impactful appearances — he has a history of match-winning cameos that have not always translated into sustained selection.

Mumbai's Pace Plans for 2026/27

As captain of Mumbai across formats, Thakur also outlined his vision for the upcoming domestic season, placing fast bowling at the centre of the team's strategy. 'We are looking forward to bringing in a lot of young fast bowlers. But they also need to respond with performances. In club and A-Division cricket, they need to pick up lots of five-wicket hauls,' he said.

He stressed the importance of mental readiness heading into the season: 'When you start the season with a strong message, there is always a purpose to practise. If you are mentally switched on, you are looking forward to improving your fitness, sharpening your skills, and learning something new.'

What's Next for Thakur

With India's Test calendar remaining packed and the selectors keeping a close eye on domestic performers, Thakur's fortunes will likely hinge on his output in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy and other red-ball fixtures. His dual value — as a lower-order batter capable of quick runs and a seamer who can move the ball — means a strong season could yet put him back in the conversation.