Team India all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to play for Essex at the County Championship in 2025. The star batting all-rounder makes the switch to England after missing out on an IPL deal during the 2025 mega auction.
No IPL franchise came forward with a deal, leaving the talented cricketer without a contract in India’s premier T20 league. Thakur will target a remarkable performance at the oversea championship to earn a place in next year’s IPL.
Shardul Thakur Speaks on His County Championship Stint
Thakur reports feeling excitement ahead of his stint at the ECB-backed County Championship:
“I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer,” Thakur said.
The skilled cricketer also sees his participation in this tournament as a chance to showcase his skills on the grand stage.
“Personally, it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills. County cricket is something I have always wanted to experience, and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles.”
Essex Thrilled to Have Thakur Ahead of County Championship
Chris Silverwood (Essex Director of Cricket) welcomed Thakur and expressed excitement at his agreement to represent his side at the next championship:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to get the signing of Shardul over the line. We were very clear among ourselves that securing a high-quality quick bowler with lower-order batting ability was a key target for the club this winter. In Shardul, we have signed just that, and we can’t wait to welcome him to Essex and see how he performs in the County Championship.”
Thakur Comments on His Future as an International Cricketer
“Yes, absolutely. I believe I’m in contention. The next step is to secure my place in the team and earn selection. That’s always the goal,” he said.
Thakur concedes that being an international is the highest-possible level a cricketer can attain. He also believes his motivation and drive to play for India’s national team is unwavering while plotting his return:
“Right now, I’m playing at the Ranji Trophy level. International cricket is the highest level we all strive for. It’s always on my mind; the motivation to play for the country drives me forward. That passion, that fire, never fades.”
Shardul Thakur Individual Records and Achievements
1. Best bowling figures in Test cricket overseas by an Indian
Thakur snatched an impressive 7/61 against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium to earn is spot among high-performing bowlers. The star cricketer became one of India’s top bowlers overseas with that 7-wicket performance.
2. Half-century in 31 balls
Thakur’s half-century vs England during a historic Test meeting came after just 31 balls. His prowess with the bat was a revelation to many, as it took some time before Thakur displayed batting talent. His record half-century was also among the fastest-ever by an Indian player in cricket’s longest format.
3. Joint-highest wicket-taker in 2014/15 Ranji Trophy
Thakur snatched a record 48 wickets at the 2014/15 Ranji Trophy to finish as the competition’s joint-top scalp taker that season. His performance in that year triggered massive interest from franchises and selectors ahead of what would be a busy schedule for the talented all-rounder.
4. Wicket-taking machine at 2015/16 Ranji Trophy
Thakur snatched 8 wickets at the 2015/16 Ranji Trophy final. His tally was pivotal to Mumbai’s record-breaking title haul in that season as Thakur’s profile continued to soar on the back of impressive match-winning outings.
5. Wicket-taking maestro at IPL 2021
Shardul had an electrifying season at IPL 2021 with the Chennai Super Kings. He emerged as top wicket-taker for the franchise in that season. 21 wickets throughout the season announced Thakur’s dominance as a force in limited-overs cricket.
6. Second Indian to wear iconic jersey number after Master Blaster
Thakur briefly wore the number 10 jersey after Sachin ‘Master Blaster’ Tendulkar retired. However, he had to switch numbers after controversy brewed over his jersey number.
7. Economical bowling on ODI debut
Shardul Thakur was on fire during his 2017 ODI debut vs Sri Lanka. The skilled cricketer managed an impressive economical spell to set the tone for his long and remarkable career in limited-overs games.
8. Consistent cross-platform player
Thakur performs at the top level across formats based on his impressive career averages. The skilled cricketer currently holds decent averages in Test and ODI cricket and continues to display his relevance as a T20 all-rounder across popular leagues.
9. IPL journeyman
Many fans regard Thakur as an IPL journeyman after his contribution to several franchises in the competition. He has been a part of five (5) IPL teams so far and continues to demonstrate his willingness to play in India’s biggest twenty-over franchise league.
