In January 2021, he was the toast of the nation following his heroics at the Gabba. His ‘Lord Shardul’ monicker became popular, not just on social media but even within the team. But nearly four years on, Shard’s back on the long road to redemption after missing out on Test selection for Australia, with the selectors and team management preferring the younger Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Shardul is himself working his way back from a foot injury that required surgery in June. He last played for India on the tour of South Africa late last year, and had a modest IPL 2024, picking up five wickets in nine games for Chennai Super Kings.

Asked of his non-selection, Gautam Gambhir, the India coach, touched upon the need to “move on.” Shardul will hope to prove his detractors wrong by taking Mumbai to the Ranji knockouts and beyond.

At the Palam Grounds, Shardul has finished with figures of 4 for 46 as Mumbai have bowled Services out for 240. Shardul accounted for the two big wickets of Rajat Paliwal, the captain, and Pulkit Narang.

7 Number of wickets Shardul had in five first-class games this season coming into the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy