Thakur has performed exceptionally well for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.
The 33-year-old stated that he is "always in contention" following yet another impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Haryana at the Eden Gardens on Monday (February 10).
Thakur has been in sensational form this domestic season. He is Mumbai's fifth-highest run-getter, amassing 396 runs in nine innings at an average of 44.00, including one hundred and three fifties.
With the ball, the seam-bowling all-rounder has picked up 30 wickets at an average of 21.10. His latest heroics came on the third morning as he ran through the Haryana tail with a six-wicket haul, securing a 14-run first-innings lead for Mumbai.
"When there's no place in the team, there's naturally disappointment. And, when you're not playing, sitting idle at home, you tend to think about it more," said Thakur, as quoted by PTI.
"But once I step onto the field, my entire focus is on the match -- whether it's club cricket, Ranji Trophy, IPL, or playing for India. To me, every cricket match is the same, regardless of the level. I always aim to give my best in whichever game I play, I don't have any other thoughts."
Shardul Thakur has represented India in 11 Tests so far, with the last being against South Africa at Centurion in December 2023.
With India set to tour England in June-July for the start of the new WTC cycle, Thakur remains hopeful of making a comeback.
"Yes, absolutely. I believe I'm in contention. The next step is to make my place in the team and earn selection. That's always the goal," he said.
"Right now, I'm playing at the Ranji Trophy level. International cricket is the highest level we all strive for. It's always on my mind, it's the motivation to play for the country that drives me forward. That passion, that fire, never fades."
Thakur, who didn’t find a bidder in the IPL 2025 mega auction, is open to playing county cricket to gain experience in English conditions.
"If I get an offer, I'll definitely play. It would be a great new experience. Right now, there are no concrete plans, but county cricket has 6-7 matches around that time. If selected, it will help me adjust to English conditions before the (England) tour," he said.
Cricket comes with its fair share of highs and lows, and Thakur believes mental resilience is key to navigating them.
"It affects every player differently. Personally, I don't dwell on the past. If I do, it only leads to disappointment and distracts me from the game. My focus is on what's in my hands," he said.
"Professional cricket comes with highs and lows. Sometimes you perform, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you're in the team, sometimes you're dropped. But the real challenge is bouncing back, preparing well, and delivering when it matters. That's the fun part of it.
"When I'm in the nets or alone in my room, I analyse my game and think about the next match. It's important to train the mind to stay in the present. The subconscious may still think about selection, but on the field, my only focus is contributing -- whether it's taking wickets or scoring runs."
Thakur also extend his support to Mumbai teammate Suryakumar Yadav, who regained his form with a sparkling half-century in the Ranji game.
"As a player, he has always been confident. I've played with him since childhood, and we know he's an X-factor. Whether it's taking a brilliant catch or hitting a couple of audacious shots, he shifts the momentum," he said.
"Yes, he got out early in the last few matches, but that doesn't mean he's out of form. A batsman getting dismissed within the first few balls doesn't necessarily indicate poor form. If he struggles after facing 20-25 balls, then it's a concern.
"We know his quality -- he has been playing Ranji Trophy for over a decade, making his debut in 2010-11. He used that experience well in his innings today," he said.
(With PTI Inputs)