Shardul Thakur Bio, Cricket Career, Stats, IPL Teams, and Facts

Shardul Narendra Thakur is one of the most dynamic and hard-working cricketers in India’s modern era

Born on 16 October 1991 in Palghar, Maharashtra, he has carved a niche as a genuine bowling all-rounder: someone who can swing the ball, strike in key moments, and also contribute with the bat in the lower order.

Over the years, he has played for Mumbai in domestic cricket, represented India in all three formats, and made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with multiple franchises.

Despite early challenges such as fitness issues and being underestimated Shardul emerged with grit, perseverance, and a competitive spirit that defines his journey.

Whether it’s breaking partnerships with the ball or stabilising an innings with the bat, his impact often comes when it’s most needed.

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Shardul Thakur’s Biography

Early Life & Background

Shardul Narendra Thakur was born on 16 October 1991 in Palghar, a district in Maharashtra.¹

His father’s name is Narendra Thakur, and his mother is Hansa Thakur.² Growing up, Shardul and his family faced challenges: Palghar did not offer the best cricketing infrastructure. ³

Passion for Cricket

From a young age, Shardul was passionate about cricket. He joined the Swami Vivekanand School in Borivali, where his talent began to show. He was coached by Dinesh Lad, who played a significant role in shaping his early cricketing instincts.

A memorable early feat: in a school-level tournament (Harris Shield), Shardul reportedly hit 6 sixes in a single over, a rare achievement at that level. This showed his natural power and fearless approach even at a young age.

Physical and Fitness Challenges

In his early years, Shardul was criticized for his physical conditioning. However, he did not let that define him.

He worked hard on his fitness, his bowling, and his batting slowly building himself into a balanced cricketer rather than just a quick bowler.

Domestic Career

First-Class (Ranji Trophy)

Shardul made his first-class debut for Mumbai in November 2012, playing against Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy. His first season was a learning curve: he picked up only a few wickets, and his bowling average was high.

But he bounced back strongly. In the 2013–14 Ranji season, he took 27 wickets in 6 matches, averaging about 26.25 per wicket.

Even more impressive was the 2014–15 season: he claimed 48 wickets in ten matches, including multiple five-wicket hauls, finishing the season with an average of 20.81.

One of his career-defining moments came in the 2015–16 Ranji Trophy final, when he picked up 8 wickets against Saurashtra. His performance played a critical role in helping Mumbai secure its 41st Ranji Trophy title.

List A and Other Domestic Formats

Shardul made his List A debut for Mumbai on 27 February 2014 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Over the years, he has represented Mumbai in various domestic tournaments, showing his utility not just as a bowler but also as a lower-order batsman.

Happy Diwali 🪔

— Shardul Thakur (@imShard) October 20, 2025

Indian Premier League (IPL) Career

Shardul Thakur’s IPL journey has been eventful and marked by both highs and challenges.

• In 2014, he was bought by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) for ₹20 lakh. But he did not get many opportunities initially.

• In 2015, he made his IPL debut against Delhi Daredevils, picking 1 wicket for 38 runs in 4 overs.

• After a few seasons, in 2017, he moved to the Rising Pune Supergiants.

• In 2018, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought him, and he played for them from 2018 to 2021. He delivered in death overs, showing his versatility under pressure.

• For the 2022 IPL, he was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for ₹10.75 crore.

• In 2023, he was traded to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).⁴

• In 2024, he returned to CSK for ₹4 crore.

• In 2025, he joined Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement player.

Through this journey, he has played over 100 IPL matches, taking more than 100 wickets, and showing his ability as a genuine match-winner. ⁵

International Career

Shardul’s success in domestic cricket and the IPL earned him a place in the Indian national side.

ODI Debut and Career

• He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on 31 August 2017 against Sri Lanka.

• Over his ODI career so far, he has picked up 65 wickets in 47 matches.

• With the bat, he has scored 329 runs in ODIs, including a 50* as his highest score.

T20 International (T20I)

• Shardul made his T20I debut on 21 February 2018 against South Africa.

• In his T20I outings, he has taken 33 wickets in 25 matches, with his best figures being 4/27.

• He has scored 69 runs in T20Is with a top score of 22*.

Test Cricket

• His Test debut came on 12 October 2018 against the West Indies.

• In Test cricket, he has played 13 matches, taken 33 wickets, and scored 377 runs.

• His best bowling in an innings is 7/61, and he has one five-wicket haul.

• On the batting front, he has pushed up to 67 in a Test innings, and he has scored four half-centuries in total.

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Playing Style & Strengths

Shardul Thakur is known for being more than a one-dimensional bowler.

Here are some of his key strengths:

• Bowling: He bowls right-arm medium pace. He is not express fast, but he uses swing, seam, and subtle variations to trouble batters.⁶

• All-round utility: While his bowling is his primary skill, he is useful with the bat. His lower-order contributions often help stabilize innings or provide crucial runs in pressure situations.

• Clutch performances: Shardul has a reputation for delivering in key moments. Whether it is breaking a batting partnership or adding valuable runs down the order, his impact often comes when the stakes are high.

• Fitness and resilience: Despite early fitness-related criticism, he has shown remarkable dedication to improving his strength, stamina, and consistency.

Highlights & Milestones

• Ranji Trophy Final Hero: Taking 8 wickets in the 2015–16 final to help Mumbai win.

• Fastest Test Fifty in England (for India): In a Test against England, he scored 57 in just 36 balls, becoming one of the fastest Indian 50s in England.

• Career-best Test Bowling: 7/61 in a Test match (overseas), a major achievement in his red-ball career.

• IPL Success: Winning IPL titles with CSK, and earning big bids in auctions, reflects his value as a T20 all-rounder.

• International Key Roles: Part of India’s Asia Cup-winning squads and contributed in various series across formats.

Personal Life

• Nickname: He is fondly known as “Lord Thakur” and sometimes “Beefy.”

• Marriage: Shardul Thakur married Mittali Parulkar on 27 February 2023.

• Personality: Many describe him as competitive, humble, and grounded. He often credits his childhood coach and his own grit for his rise.

• Interests: Off the field, he enjoys travel. He has been spotted on trips with friends, showing a fun-loving side.

Challenges & Criticisms

While Shardul has enjoyed many highs, his journey has not been without its challenges:

1. Fitness Issues: Early in his career, he was criticized for his weight and physical conditioning.

2. Inconsistent Selection: His place in the Indian team has sometimes been uncertain, especially given the strong competition in all-round roles.

3. Auction Uncertainty: Although he got big bids in IPL seasons, there were times when he went unsold or had to re-find his place in a team.

4. Red-Ball Challenges: While his bowling in Tests has yielded good stats, he has not always been a regular pick for India in longer formats.

Recent Developments

• In 2025, after being unsold at the main IPL auction, Shardul was called up by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement player.⁷

• In a domestic intra-squad match ahead of a Test tour (June 2025), he played a standout inning, scoring 122 not out off just 68 balls and also taking four wickets a performance that reminded selectors of his all-round value.

• He has been appointed captain of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for the 2025–26 season, reflecting his leadership and experience in domestic cricket.

Career Statistics

 

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FAQ’s

Q1: When did Shardul Thakur make his international debut?

A1: He made his ODI debut on 31 August 2017 against Sri Lanka and his Test debut on 12 October 2018 against the West Indies.

Q2: What is Shardul Thakur’s role in the Indian team?

A2: He is considered a bowling all-rounder. He bowls right-arm medium pace and can bat in the lower order to provide useful runs.

Q3: What are Shardul Thakur’s best bowling figures?

A3: In Tests, his best bowling in an innings is 7 wickets for 61 runs.

Q4: Which IPL teams has Shardul Thakur played for?

A4: He has played for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Rising Pune Supergiant, Chennai Super Kings (two stints), Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants.

Q5: What is a memorable batting performance by him?

A5: In June 2025, he scored 122 not out off 68 balls in an intra-squad match for India A, also taking four wickets in the same game.

Q6: Is Shardul Thakur married?

A6: Yes, he married Mittali Parulkar on 27 February 2023.

Q7: What are some of the criticisms he has faced?

A7: Early in his career, his fitness was questioned. At times, his selection has been inconsistent. Also, he has been unsold in IPL auctions, reflecting the volatile nature of T20 contracts.

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