Shardul Thakur Biography: The Journey of India’s Fierce All-Rounder

Shardul Narendra Thakur: An Emerging Indian Cricket All-Rounder

Born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul Thakur has gained recognition as a promising Indian all-rounder. Standing at 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) and weighing 83 kg, he has established himself in international cricket through consistent performances.

Thakur plays as a right-arm medium-pace bowler and bats effectively. His journey began with the Mumbai cricket team, making his first-class debut in 2012 and helping them win the Ranji Trophy in 2015-16. His dedication and skill quickly caught the attention of national selectors.


Shardul Thakur: Rise of an Indian Cricket All-Rounder

Early Life and Domestic Career

Shardul Thakur grew up in Palghar, Maharashtra, and traveled 100 kilometers to Mumbai to pursue cricket. He joined the Mumbai cricket team in 2012. In his first season, Thakur faced challenges, taking only 4 wickets in 4 matches. Undeterred, he continued working hard and saw improvement in subsequent seasons, taking 48 wickets in 10 games during the 2014-15 season, which led to his selection for the Indian Test squad.

His impressive journey from Palghar to representing Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL is an inspiration.


International Debut and Achievements

Shardul Thakur made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka on August 31, 2017. He went on to make his T20I debut against South Africa in 2018 and Test debut against West Indies the same year.

Despite a groin strain in his Test debut, Thakur’s performance in tournaments like the Nidahas Trophy and the 2023 Asia Cup earned him key roles in the national team.

IPL Journey and Successes

From Kings XI Punjab to Chennai Super Kings

Shardul Thakur’s IPL journey began with Kings XI Punjab in 2015, followed by stints with Rising Pune Supergiants and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he played crucial roles in 2019 and 2021. His performances highlight his skills as an all-rounder.

IPL Team Year(s) Key Performances
Kings XI Punjab 2015 IPL debut
Rising Pune Supergiants 2017
Chennai Super Kings 2018-2021 Leading wicket-taker in 2021 with 21 wickets
Delhi Capitals 2022 Played 14 matches
Kolkata Knight Riders 2023 ₹10.75 crore (US$1.3 million) deal


Fitness and Determination

Initially challenged by his weight and height, Shardul Thakur worked rigorously on his fitness to meet the demands of fast bowling. His dedication paid off, transforming him into a fitter and more effective bowler and batsman.

Lord’s Test Century and Standout Performances

In the 2021 Test series against England, Thakur scored 57 off 36 balls and 60 off 72 balls, demonstrating his potential as a game-changer. With his bat and ball contributions, he secured India’s win at The Oval.

Match Batting Performance Bowling Performance
The Oval Test 57 runs off 36 balls, 60 runs off 72 balls 3 wickets (Pope, Burns, Root)
Series Performance 117 runs, avg. 39 7 wickets, avg. 22

Future Prospects and Ambitions

As Thakur gains recognition, he aims to contribute in all formats, particularly in the ICC Cricket World Cup. His skills, especially under pressure, position him as a potential game-changer for India.


Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Off the field, Shardul is engaged to Mittali Parulkar, and their wedding took place in 2023. He balances cricket with hobbies like photography and staying connected to his farming roots in Palghar, Maharashtra.

  • Photography
  • Fitness and Wellness
  • Spending time with family


Stats and Records

Shardul Thakur’s all-round abilities are reflected in his stats across formats.

Format Matches Wickets Average Best Figures Runs
Tests 11 31 28.38 7/61 331
ODIs 47 65 30.98 4/37 329
T20Is 25 33 23.39 4/27 69

Shardul Thakur: A Promising Talent for Indian Cricket

Shardul Thakur’s journey from Palghar, Maharashtra, to the Indian cricket team is a testament to his hard work and determination. Known for his all-rounder skills, he has become a key player for India, impressing in both domestic and international cricket.

As he grows and hones his skills, Shardul Thakur is set to play an increasingly significant role for India. His commitment and dedication, highlighted by Rohit Sharma and other teammates, underscore his potential as a key player in Indian cricket’s success.


Shardul Thakur: Rise of an Indian Cricket All-Rounder

Background and Early Career

Born in Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul Thakur would travel nearly 100 kilometers to Mumbai to pursue his passion for cricket. Joining the Mumbai cricket team in 2012, he soon proved his potential by helping them win the Ranji Trophy in the 2015-16 season.

Initially, he faced challenges, but through hard work, he improved each season, capturing attention and earning a spot in the Indian Test squad. His journey from Palghar to representing teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL is truly inspiring.

International Debut and Achievements

Shardul Thakur made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on August 31, 2017, and followed with his T20I debut against South Africa in February 2018. His Test debut came against the West Indies later that year, marking him as a versatile talent for India across all formats.

Notable performances in tournaments like the 2018 Asia Cup and 2023 Asia Cup have solidified his place in the national team. Thakur’s ability to handle pressure and deliver in clutch moments has earned him a reputation as a key player for India.


IPL Journey and Successes

From Kings XI Punjab to Chennai Super Kings

Shardul Thakur’s IPL career began in 2015 with Kings XI Punjab. Since then, he has played for Rising Pune Supergiants, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Delhi Capitals, showcasing his all-round abilities. His standout season with CSK in 2021 saw him as the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets, underscoring his importance to the team.

IPL Team Year(s) Key Performances
Kings XI Punjab 2015 IPL debut
Rising Pune Supergiants 2017
Chennai Super Kings 2018-2021 Leading wicket-taker in 2021 with 21 wickets
Delhi Capitals 2022 Played 14 matches


Fitness and Determination

Upon joining the Mumbai team, Thakur’s physique wasn’t ideal for a fast bowler. Through rigorous fitness training, he transformed himself, becoming more athletic and enhancing his performance. This dedication has been crucial to his success as a fast-bowling all-rounder.

Lord’s Test Century and Standout Performances

Shardul Thakur’s 57 off 36 balls in the 2021 England series at The Oval demonstrated his potential as a game-changer. His contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in India’s victory, cementing his place as a reliable all-rounder for the team.


Future Prospects and Ambitions

With consistent performances, Thakur aims to cement his place in all formats for India, particularly in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup events. His skills make him a valuable player for India, and he aspires to become a mainstay in the national squad.


FAQ’s

Who is Shardul Narendra Thakur?

Shardul Narendra Thakur is an Indian cricketer. He plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He is a right-arm medium-pace bowler who bats right-handed.

What is Shardul Thakur’s background and early career?

Shardul Thakur comes from Palghar, Maharashtra. He had to travel nearly 100 kilometers to Mumbai to chase his cricket dreams. He joined Mumbai domestic team in 2012 and became a key player, helping them win the Ranji Trophy in 2015-16.

When did Shardul Thakur make his international debut?

Thakur debuted in One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka on August 31, 2017. He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against South Africa on February 21, 2018. His Test debut was against the West Indies on October 12, 2018.

What are Shardul Thakur’s notable achievements in international cricket?

Thakur has been a valuable member of the Indian team, especially in limited-overs formats. In 2018, he took a career-best 4-27 against Sri Lanka, winning the Man of the Match award. He also played in the 2018 Asia Cup and 2023 Asia Cup-winning teams.

How has Shardul Thakur performed in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?

Shardul Thakur started his IPL career in 2015 with Kings XI Punjab. He has played for Rising Pune Supergiants, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals. He was a key player for CSK, helping them reach the 2019 IPL final. In 2021, he was CSK’s leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets.

How did Shardul Thakur overcome his physical challenges early in his career?

When Thakur joined Mumbai domestic team, his physique wasn’t ideal for a fast bowler. But he was determined to improve his fitness and conditioning. He worked hard, transforming his body and becoming more athletic.

What was Shardul Thakur’s most memorable performance?

Shardul Thakur’s most memorable performance was in the 2021 Test series against England. In the fourth Test at The Oval, he scored 57 runs in 36 balls, the fastest half-century in Tests in England. He also took three crucial wickets, helping India win the match.

What are Shardul Thakur’s future ambitions and prospects?

Thakur aims to play a bigger role for India in the future. He wants to solidify his place in the team across all formats. His main goal is to perform well in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup events.

What are Shardul Thakur’s personal life and off-field interests?

Shardul Thakur is not just a successful cricketer but also has a personal life and hobbies. In November 2021, he got engaged to Mittali Parulkar. They got married on February 27, 2023. He enjoys spending time with family and photography.

What are Shardul Thakur’s career statistics and records?

Shardul Thakur has been a consistent performer for India. In Test cricket, he has played 11 matches and taken 31 wickets at an average of 28.38. In ODIs, he has played 47 matches, taking 65 wickets at an average of 30.98. In T20Is, he has played 25 matches, taking 33 wickets at an average of 23.39.