India all-rounder and Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur said on Wednesday that playing a few white-ball matches between red-ball fixtures during the domestic season helps players stay mentally fresh.
Thakur praised the current scheduling of the Ranji Trophy, which is being held in two phases for the second consecutive season. He had previously criticized the packed itinerary of the premier domestic competition, which allowed only three-day gaps between matches.
Shardul Thakur backs balanced domestic schedule and format breaks
“There would always be mixed views on it, but personally I am okay with it.... to play ten games in a row is tough on the body,” Thakur told the media after Mumbai crushed Pondicherry by an innings and 122 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.
“We have also seen how the schedule is in the UK when the ECB plays. They have seven or eight first-class games in a row and then play again after a break. They put some white-ball games in between, which keeps everyone mentally fresh. Otherwise, you are just playing one format for three months, and then suddenly switching to white-ball cricket can disrupt red-ball rhythm. Playing five red-ball games, followed by a white-ball tournament, and then returning to red-ball cricket keeps players on top of both formats mentally.”
Thakur noted that the break is especially beneficial for players regularly featuring in first-class cricket.
“Players who play first-class cricket throughout the year could have 14 games, including India A matches, the Irani Trophy, the Duleep Trophy, or more. A break and switching formats in between is always good,” he said.
Thakur emphasized that age should not be a criterion for selection, citing Siddhesh Lad (33) and Akhil Herwadkar (31), who were instrumental in Mumbai’s win.
“There is no rule that only youngsters can play cricket. If you are fit and running well, you should feature in the Playing XI. This sport is as much about fitness as it is about skills. At the end of the day, what matters is wickets and runs,” he said.
Thakur also highlighted the importance of backing young talent, referencing Shreyas Iyer’s early struggles and eventual success in Mumbai cricket.
“It feels good to hear that we have backed youngsters. But you back youngsters when they perform, make 100, 50, 150, and big runs. Shreyas Iyer came into the Mumbai team in 2013-14, failed in the first two matches, then scored 70 and 150. He never looked back and continues to perform like a champion whenever he plays the Ranji Trophy,” Thakur added.
However, he lamented that Siddhesh Lad never got a chance to play at the highest level despite consistent performances.
“The same thing is with Siddhesh Lad. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t play cricket at the highest level. But his talent is undeniable; he has shown it year after year and won knockout games for Mumbai. When a match-winner is available, age should not be a factor,” Thakur said.
Thakur described his move to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026 as something long awaited.
“Everyone likes to play at their home venue and on the home ground. This move had been pending for many years, and finally the time has come,” he said.
(By PTI Inputs)
