New Delhi: Shardul Thakur who currently finds himself lower in Indias selection order as the team searches for a seam-bowling all-rounder capable of batting at No. 8 the 34-year-old remains optimistic about making a return. The right-arm medium-pacer known for his big hitting put himself in contention on Tuesday by expressing his desire to secure the all-rounders spot ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa where conditions are expected to favor seamers. Thakur has expressed his desire to secure the all-rounders spot Its important for me to keep performing and eventually return to the Indian team. Good performances will help me in selection. The ODI World Cup is also in South Africa so there might be a place open for a bowling all-rounder at No. 8. I am eyeing that spot said Thakur following Mumbais Ranji Trophy game which ended in a draw against Chhattisgarh. Based on Indias lineup in the recent ODI series against Australia Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana appear to be the current contenders for that role. However with the ODI World Cup still over a year and a half away things could change considerably by then. Thakur remains focused on the present challenge Thakur however remains focused on the present challenge I am ready to play international cricket. Thakur also emphasized on his readiness and said if I am asked to play international cricket I am ready for that. The Mumbai captain last represented India in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup at home but has been out of favor in white-ball cricket since then. Although he was included in the Test squad for the recent tour of England he was left out of the home series against the West Indies as India opted for Reddy instead. Thakur expressed his anticipation for Yashasvi Jaiswals return Speaking about the Mumbai team Thakur expressed his anticipation for Yashasvi Jaiswals return ahead of their next match against Rajasthan beginning in Jaipur on November 1. With the openers struggling in the first two games Jaiswals inclusion is expected to strengthen the top order and provide the team with a steady start. He has never disappointed and has put up big scores. When he gets in there when he is set he makes sure that he scores a big hundred. That’s a big positive” said Thakur. Thakur also opened up about the young off-spinner Himanshu Singh Following the game Thakur opened up about the young off-spinner Himanshu Singh and predicted a promising future for him. More significantly the 22-year-old gave Mumbai crucial early wickets in both innings and made an impression with figures of 4 for 108 in 45 overs. Himanshu who debuted in the 2023–24 season has been part of the Under-23 setup for the past few years and usually gets a call-up to the senior side only in Tanush Kotian’s absence. With Kotian currently part of the India ‘A’ squad for the two four-day matches against South Africa Himanshu’s strong performance against Chhattisgarh is likely to earn him a few more games. I think he bowled very well. Its not easy to play an under-23 game then come into the Ranji Trophy and do well. He got us wickets early in the innings which was crucial said Thakur. Thakur praised Shams Mulani for his second five-wicket haul He also praised Shams Mulani (5/59) offering words of encouragement after the left-arm spinner claimed his second five-wicket haul of the season and the 18th of his first-class career stating that he will get his due soon. Everyone aims and everyones goal is to play for India. Eventually I feel he will get his due one day because he has been performing for us year after year.