If you follow Indian cricket, Shardul Thakur is a name you’ve heard often. He’s a right‑arm medium‑fast bowler known for swinging the ball and grabbing crucial wickets. Born in 1991, he broke into the national team in 2017 and has become a handy option for both Tests and limited‑overs games. Fans like him because he can bowl fast, bat a bit, and bring energy on the field.
Shardul started his senior career playing for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy. His consistency there earned him a spot in the India A side, and a strong showing against England A led to his international debut. In his first Test against the West Indies, he took four wickets in the first innings, announcing himself as a genuine Test bowler.
Since then, he has featured in all three formats. In ODIs, his best figures are 4 for 41, and he has a handy lower‑order batting average of around 24, highlighted by a vital 63 against Sri Lanka in 2021. In T20Is, he’s known for quick bursts – often delivering the overs that turn a game around.
In the IPL, Shardul wears the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey. He’s been used as a first‑change bowler, delivering tight spells in the powerplay and death overs. Last season, he bowled an economy of 7.50 and took 15 wickets, helping KKR reach the playoffs.
On the international front, his recent Test series against England saw him pick up 11 wickets at an average of 23. He also contributed a crucial 45‑run partnership in the second innings of the 2023 Delhi Test, showing his growing confidence with the bat.
Shardul’s fielding is another asset – quick, safe catches in the slips and sharp stops in the outfield. Coaches often praise his work ethic, saying he trains hard on swing and seam control. That attitude helped him bounce back after a shoulder injury in 2020, where he missed most of the season but returned stronger.
Fans love his humility. In interviews, he often credits teammates and mentors, keeping the focus on team goals rather than personal fame. This mindset makes him a popular figure in dressing rooms and among supporters.
Looking ahead, Shardul aims to cement a regular spot in India’s Test side and become a go‑to bowler for limited‑overs matches. With the 2025 World Cup on the horizon, he’s working on variations like the slower ball and yorker to adapt to different pitches.
Whether you’re a die‑hard cricket fan or just curious about emerging talents, Shardul Thakur’s blend of skill, perseverance, and team spirit makes him a player worth watching. Keep an eye on his upcoming IPL matches and any upcoming series – there’s likely more good stuff coming his way.
Cricket's dynamic all-rounder, Shardul Thakur, is joining the Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL 2025 season. Despite going unsold in the Mega Auction, LSG snapped him up for his impressive skills in both bowling and batting, further enhancing their squad depth.
Shardul Thakur steps into the Lucknow Super Giants, joining as a replacement for injured bowler Mohsin Khan ahead of IPL 2025. This comes amid a bowling crisis, with several players injured. Thakur, an experienced IPL player, was picked from the Registered Available Player Pool at ₹2 crore. The team aims to perform well under the new captain Rishabh Pant despite challenges.