Shardul Thakur on Sunday (March 3) acknowledged that an international comeback is not on the cards for him despite hitting a counter-attacking century in Mumbai’s all-important Ranji Trophy semi-final against Tamil Nadu.

The all-rounder was dropped from the Indian team after the Test series in South Africa as he failed to make any impact with the ball and proved to be expensive.

However, Shardul slammed an explosive century, including 13 fours and four sixes, to bail Mumbai out of trouble after they were reduced to 106/7 at one stage.

Thakur’s 109 off 104 balls helped Mumbai take a significant first-innings lead of 232 runs over Tamil Nadu.

“I think international comeback is far from now because the Test team is out already for the fifth game (against England) and after this we are going into the IPL," Thakur told reporters after the second day’s play in the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu.

However, Shardul Thakur was elated to put his team in a commanding position with his maiden first-class hundred.

"It's far, I am not thinking that far. But yes, scoring a century is a big, big relief and also it was very important for the team at that point of time,” he added.

The Mumbaikar also talked about his development as a batter over the years and said he will look to add more to his century tally going forward.

“It’s surprising because when I started off, Mumbai used to send me at number 10 and 11. I had to work my way up. Started batting at 8 when I played for India and then only Mumbai gave me an opportunity now to bat at 8. Probably more hundreds will come now,” Thakur stated.

“Also it’s a big opening that we should promote the all-rounders in Mumbai cricket,” he further remarked.

(Hindustan Times Inputs)