Mumbai, June 2: Eagle Thane Strikers captain Shardul Thakur hailed his team’s impressive start to the Mumbai T20 League 2026, saying that gaining early momentum was crucial in a short-format tournament.
The Strikers kicked off their campaign with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Bandra Blasters at the Wankhede Stadium. The win was powered by Shashwat Jagtap’s unbeaten century and a blistering opening partnership with Sumeir Zaveri, helping the team chase down the target with ease.
Speaking after the match, Thakur praised the young players in the squad for their fearless approach and enthusiasm. He said the fresh energy brought by the youngsters was evident from the opening game and highlighted the talent available within the team.
The Indian all-rounder also emphasized the importance of giving young cricketers the freedom to express themselves on the field. Thakur revealed that he had encouraged the players to play without fear while keeping the team’s interests above individual performances.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Thakur noted that every match carries extra importance in a condensed tournament schedule. He said the team needed a strong start and was pleased to have achieved that objective.
However, the experienced campaigner was quick to shift the focus forward, stressing that the opening win is already in the past. According to Thakur, the team is now fully focused on its next challenge and maintaining the momentum built from the first game.
Eagle Thane Strikers will take on Aakash Tigers MWS on June 3, aiming to continue their winning run and strengthen their position in the Mumbai T20 League 2026.
