‌Ranji Trophy | Twitter and Rahane cheer Lord Shardul's unflinching six to reach Semi-Final ton

Following a top-of-the-table finish in the Elite Group B stage, Mumbai continued their dominance in the 2024 Ranji Trophy by earning a close-fought win against Baroda in the second Quarter Final. However, the challenge got tougher for the 41-time champions as they progressed to the Semi-Final stage to face off against Tamil Nadu. 

Despite folding up the South Indian state for 146 runs in the first innings, the Mumbai top-order except Musheer Khan failed to back their bowlers in the second innings of the match as R Sai Kishore broke the backbone in the morning session of the second day. However, a Mumbai side struggling at 126/7 during Lunch was revived by Shardul Thakur, who countered the visitors and reached his century with an audacious six that left the Mumbai dugout in applause.

On the fifth ball of the 81st over, the most successful bowler for Tamil Nadu in the ensuing tournament, Ajith Ram sprayed a tossed-up delivery at the middle and leg stump line. Batting at 95*, Shardul danced down the ground smoked the white rock over the fine of long off region to fetch a six, reaching his hundred in style. Unbothered by the revs on the ball while approaching his milestone, the 32-year-old dared to step down the ground and execute an inside-out stroke, leaving skipper Ajinkya Rahane and the rest of the dugout in applause.

The Twitterverse followed the footsteps of the Mumbai captain and showered praise on social media. 

Lord for a reason!

Shardul Thakur gets to his century in style 🔥🔥



What a time to score your maiden first-class 💯



The celebrations say it all 👌👌@imShard | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy | #MUMvTN | #SF2



Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/9tosMLk9TT pic.twitter.com/3RI9Sap6DO

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 3, 2024

Iconic

2023 - Sarfaraz Khan after scoring a Ranji century for Mumbai



2024 - Shardul Thakur after scoring a Ranji century for Mumbai pic.twitter.com/NrJdyhU27f

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) March 3, 2024

Rampage!

A SHARDUL THAKUR RAMPAGE IN RANJI TROPHY pic.twitter.com/5Hy4oFoGer

— Yash (@CSKYash_) March 3, 2024

1st of many!

Maiden FC CENTURY FOR SHARDUL THAKUR!!



LOOK AT THAT CELEBRATION THOUGH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/obRUP9WvLs

— Yash (@CSKYash_) March 3, 2024

True

Those shirking domestic cricket have something to learn from Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav, both giving their all for their respective team in Ranji semis

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 3, 2024

Well done!

Shardul Thakur hits a six and gets to a well deserved 100



Look at the celebration. He's taken Mumbai to a great position in this test 🔥❤️💪#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/BOJgdzUytP

— Vinesh Bhai (@vlp1994) March 3, 2024

Just wow!

Scored 109 runs with a Strike Rate of 105 🔥🔥🔥

A new Provider loading for Dinda Academy in IPL

Lord Shardul Thakur 🫡 pic.twitter.com/QvKAg89lJl

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) March 3, 2024

LOL

Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande entering pre season camp of CSK after Hitting Centuries with the Bat 😈💀

Surprise Opening Partners 🥵⚔️pic.twitter.com/xZekAelkoO

— 🤍✍ (@imAnthoni_) March 3, 2024

Waiting for that day!

One day our lords Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur might ask Thala to let them open for a game ! pic.twitter.com/OOPuzHxLfk

— 🎰 (@StanMSD) March 3, 2024

Superb!

Maiden First Class Century For Lord Shardul Thakur In Just 89 Balls. He Saved Mumbai Team From A Collapse. What A Batting. pic.twitter.com/NnCy9Rr14a

— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) March 3, 2024