Shardul Thakur Takes the Helm as Captain of Eagle Thane Strikers for T20 Mumbai League 2026
Eagle Thane Strikers Announce New Captain
The Eagle Thane Strikers have officially appointed Shardul Thakur, an all-rounder for India, as their captain for the upcoming T20 Mumbai League 2026. Thakur, a prominent figure in Mumbai cricket, brings extensive experience from his international career and various domestic leagues, as stated in a recent press release.
Franchise's Ambitious Goals
This leadership change signifies the franchise's desire to improve upon last season's semifinal performance and aim for the championship title this year. The Strikers will enter the tournament with a well-rounded team that includes seasoned players alongside promising young talent. With Dhawal Kulkarni as the newly appointed head coach, the team is set to adopt an aggressive style of play, hoping to advance further after narrowly missing the finals last season.
Thakur's Vision for Leadership
Upon his appointment, Shardul Thakur expressed his excitement about leading the Eagle Thane Strikers in the T20 Mumbai League. He emphasized the importance of the team's talent and the experienced coaching staff, highlighting the need for thorough preparation, a positive mindset, and consistent effort. Thakur stated, "It is an honour to lead Eagle Thane Strikers in the T20 Mumbai League. We have a talented group of players and a coaching staff with tremendous experience. The focus will be on preparing well, playing positive cricket, and giving our best in every game. We want to create a winning culture and make our fans proud."
Owner's Support for Thakur
Vicky Rupchandani, the owner of Eagle Thane Strikers, expressed his confidence in Thakur's leadership, describing him as a match-winner with a deep understanding of Mumbai cricket. He believes that Thakur's international experience will greatly benefit the team and is optimistic about a successful season under his captaincy and Dhawal Kulkarni's coaching. Rupchandani remarked, "Shardul is a proven match-winner and a respected leader who understands Mumbai cricket exceptionally well. His experience at the highest level will be invaluable for the team. We are confident that under his leadership and with Dhawal Kulkarni guiding the side as Head Coach, the team can have a memorable season."
T20 Mumbai League 2026 Schedule
The T20 Mumbai League 2026 is set to take place from June 1 to June 13, with the Eagle Thane Strikers kicking off their campaign against the Bandra Blasters in the tournament's opening match.
Eagle Thane Strikers Squad
The squad for Eagle Thane Strikers includes: Aditya Vinod Giri, Amartya Raje, Anuj Vinod Giri, Atharav Ankolekar, Ayaan Mohit Jain, Eknath Dinesh Kerkar, Kartik Mithilesh Mishra, Manan Bhat, Onkar Tukaram Tarmale, Rohan Rajendra Ghag, Sairaj Patil, Shardul Thakur (Captain), Shashikant Eknath Kadam, Shashwat Yogesh Jagtap, Shaun Motiram Rodrigues, Shivansh Lallan Singh, Siddhant Manoj Singh, Sumeir Samrat Zaveri, Vinay Suresh Kunwar, and Dhanay Parekh.