“Rohit has told us not to apply cake on his face on his birthday…but I will”: Shardul Thakur

“Rohit has told us not to apply cake on his face on his birthday…but I will”: Shardul Thakur

By Mumbai Indians

As Wankhede gets ready to roar again 🔊, let’s turn up the volume in full pelt, bringing in all the life into our next fixture with Sunrisers Hyderabad on 29th April 2026. This is our chance to get back our winning momentum and show the world- ‘The Never Give Up Factor’ 💙 is in our DNA. The energy is building, the stakes are high and Mumbai Indians are ready to bring on the heat in the middle. Ahead of the game, our all-round dynamo Shardul Thakur graced MI Charcha and brought his trademark spark to the conversation in his own candid and lively manner.

Firstly, speaking about his local connection coming from Palghar to representing India, then Mumbai Indians and playing at the Wankhede Stadium, Shardul said, “Yes, Wankhede Stadium is very special since I have seen it as a young child. When one is travelling by the local train, you spot Azad, Cross and Oval Maidans. There was always a feeling that one day I would play there. Previously, playing Ranji Trophy, then for India and now for the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede is completely a different feeling. When the term Mumbai is associated with you… then playing there becomes even more historic. Fans support that vibe and energy in the stadium and further playing on Mumbai soil is very special indeed.”

Sharing his thoughts about the special bond he has with Rohit Sharma, Shardul added, “Rohit has known me for quite a few years now. The first time he saw me was in school during our practice session, I was just 15 years old. Then, when I entered the Ranji Trophy scene and was later selected for India, we spent a lot of time together. Credit goes to him, even though being my senior, he has made me comfortable. I can joke around with him and likewise. Being the senior pro and allowing me into his space is a big thing and you won’t find too many people doing that.”

“Rohit as a person has always been the same all throughout. He is very down-to-earth; he knows his roots where he comes from, so he respects each and every person. I have told him don’t let the child in you die. That was for a reason. The way he carries himself is very creditable even after playing for so many years, seeing stardom and getting famous. It is easy for people to change after all this, but… Rohit has stayed the same for years. It is a massive achievement,” said Shardul.

Further, talking about picking up crucial wickets on field when a partnership is brewing in the middle, Lord Shardul opined, “It is all God’s grace. My job is to go out there and give my best. I am always up for challenges. In a lot of situations, I have been blessed to pick wickets early in the game. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do that for my team.”

Next up elaborating about the difference between the coaching styles of Paras Mhambrey and Lasith Malinga and what a typical net session looks like with them, he said, “I have worked with Paras a lot and we have a good understanding. For him, it is all about the statistics, giving the best options of what deliveries can be used versus which batters and what kind of field placements one can explore. With Malinga it is more about being practical on field, trying to look for options on how one can fox out a batter and come up with new ideas all the time. Both have different styles, and are helpful in their own way.”

With Rohit Sharma’s birthday approaching (April 30), Shardul signed off by expressing his desire to apply cake on Hitman’s face. “He has already told all of us…do not put cake on my face. But now I am saying, I will apply cake on Rohit’s face.” 😆

From breakthroughs to blitzes, Thakur brings the spark MI rides on! 🔥