Shardul Thakur represents Chicago Cubs at MLBx Mumbai event
Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur took on a new role by participating in Major League Baseball's promotional event, MLBx Mumbai, held at the Mumbai Football Arena. Thakur, along with other Indian cricketers such as Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Jitesh Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, and Radha Yadav, was seen playing baseball as part of this initiative aimed at exploring and expanding MLB's presence in the Indian sports market. Mumbai was chosen for the first MLBx event in India due to its passion for sports and vibrant entertainment culture. Meanwhile, Shardul missed the initial matches of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season due to a finger injury, and the Mumbai Cricket Association will decide on his return ahead of their third fixture. He last played for India in a Test match in July 2025 against England.