"Scoring a century is a big, big relief" - Shardul Thakur After His 109 in Ranji Trophy 2024 Semi-Finals

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has begun to discuss his historic first-class hundred, which he hammered against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy 2024 semifinals. The 32-year-old said that hitting the three-figure threshold was a huge relief for him.

Shardul Thakur came as a savior -

After Mumbai fell to 106-7 at one point in response to Tamil Nadu's 146, Shardul Thakur and Hardik Tamore handled the situation & made Mumbai's lead by over 200 runs. During their 105-run partnership, Thakur hit a six in the 81st over to reach his century.

Speaking to reporters after the day's play, the Palghar-born cricketer underlined that all he tried was playing fearless cricket.

I did a celebration which came to mind. Scoring a century is a big, big relief. Besides, it was very important for the team at that point of time. In big games if you are scared then you tend to lose the wickets or performance might not come your way. So I might as well play with freedom and that was the whole idea when I started batting.
~he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz

Tanush Kotian, who finished undefeated at 74, kept the scoreboard moving after Thakur was dismissed. Tushar Deshpande is still with him; the two have put on an uninterrupted 79.

"The good thing the runs are coming lower down the order" - Shardul Thakur

Mumbai's top players are presently participating in the Test series against England, hence according to Thakur, they will find it difficult to maintain the run coming.

You have to see that with Yashasvi playing for India now, Sarfaraz also being selected. And Prithvi who has just come back from injury, there was a big hollow (vacuum) which was created in the Mumbai batting lineup in top order. And Ajinkya probably is not in that good form right now. So there is a big hollow in the top order.
~he stated

So it's okay if you are going to have these kinds of seasons. But the good thing the runs are coming lower down the order. And it also shows the grit Mumbai players have and the Khadoos attitude that we talk about that Mumbai has.
~Thakur added

With Mumbai already at 353, Tamil Nadu has a difficult task ahead of them.