Shardul Thakur is one of India’s most dynamic all-rounders, known for his aggressive seam bowling and ability to contribute with the bat. Often referred to as “The Lord” for his match-winning performances, Shardul has earned his place in the Indian team with his exceptional ability to deliver in crucial moments. Whether it’s taking wickets with the ball or providing vital runs down the order, Thakur has proven to be a valuable asset for India in both limited-overs formats and Test cricket.
His performances in ICC tournaments, bilateral series, and in the IPL have further bolstered his reputation as one of the key players in India’s fast-bowling department.
Shardul Thakur’s Early Life and Cricketing Journey
Born on October 16, 1991, in Palghar, Maharashtra, Shardul Thakur’s journey into professional cricket began with a focus on pace bowling. Initially starting his career with Mumbai Indians in domestic cricket, Thakur impressed with his raw pace and aggression. His domestic performances, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, paved the way for his national selection.
Thakur made his ODI debut for India in 2017, and his performances in his early career showcased his ability to handle pressure and deliver key wickets. He made his T20I debut the same year, followed by his Test debut in 2021, which made him a multi-format player for India.
Key Milestones:
Domestic Debut: 2012 for Mumbai
IPL Debut: 2016 for Mumbai Indians
ODI Debut: 2017 against Sri Lanka
T20I Debut: 2017 against West Indies
Test Debut: 2021 against Australia
Shardul Thakur’s Bowling Strengths and Skills
Shardul Thakur is a right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his ability to swing the ball and generate bounce. His sharp pace and aggressive mindset make him an ideal bowler in all formats. Thakur is particularly effective in the powerplay and at the death, where his ability to deliver yorkers and slower balls comes in handy.
Thakur’s bowling style is aggressive, and he often plays a key role in breaking partnerships, especially in Tests and ODIs. His ability to bowl at high speeds with consistency and accuracy allows him to challenge both batsmen and bowling attacks.
Bowling Highlights:
ODI Bowling Average: 30.20
Test Bowling Average: 33.40
T20I Bowling Average: 27.22
Best ODI Performance: 4/52 against South Africa (2021)
Best Test Performance: 3/94 against Australia (2021)
Shardul Thakur’s Batting Strengths and Skills
Apart from his bowling, Shardul Thakur is a handy lower-order batsman who can change the game with quick cameos. He is known for his aggressive batting style, especially in ODIs and T20Is, where his powerful hitting can accelerate the run rate and provide crucial contributions down the order. Shardul’s ability to hit boundaries and clear the ropes makes him an asset in limited-overs formats, particularly when the team is looking for a quick finish.
Thakur has shown resilience and adaptability with the bat, particularly in Test matches, where he has played match-saving innings, further establishing himself as a true all-rounder.
Batting Highlights:
ODI Batting Average: 21.00
Test Batting Average: 28.00
T20I Batting Average: 15.00
Best ODI Performance: 28* runs off 16 balls against Sri Lanka (2021)
Best Test Performance: 67 runs against Australia (2021)
Shardul Thakur’s Records and Achievements
Shardul Thakur has already achieved several milestones in his career, showcasing his potential as an all-rounder. His ability to bowl under pressure and contribute with the bat has made him a reliable asset for India, especially in tight matches. His standout performances in ICC tournaments and series victories have earned him a spot as one of the premier fast-bowlers for India.
Key Records:
Most wickets by an Indian in a Test match against Australia (2021) – 7 wickets in the series
First Indian fast bowler to score a Test half-century in Australia (2021)
Most runs by a number 8 batsman in an ODI match for India (2021)
Best performance by an Indian fast bowler in IPL 2021 (4/21 for Chennai Super Kings)
Shardul’s consistency in both bowling and batting across formats makes him one of India’s most dynamic players.
Shardul Thakur’s Contribution to IPL and Franchise Cricket
Shardul Thakur made his IPL debut in 2016 for Mumbai Indians, and later played for Chennai Super Kings from 2018 onward. His consistent performances as a bowler and his ability to contribute with the bat in the lower order have made him one of the key players for CSK in their title-winning campaigns. Thakur’s ability to deliver at the death and break key partnerships makes him one of the most valuable bowlers in the IPL.
IPL Bowling Average: 27.00
Best IPL Performance: 4/21 for Chennai Super Kings (2021)
Impact: Key bowler for CSK in the death overs; Match-winner with both bat and ball
Thakur’s IPL performances have shown that he can rise to the occasion in big matches, providing crucial breakthroughs and playing vital roles with the bat.
Shardul Thakur’s Role in Indian Cricket
Shardul Thakur’s role in Indian cricket has evolved over the years. While he initially started as a bowler, his contributions with the bat have made him a true all-rounder. He has become an integral part of India’s bowling attack, especially in limited-overs formats, and his all-round skills have made him a valuable asset in the longer formats too.
His ability to deliver key performances in high-pressure matches, whether it’s taking wickets or finishing games with the bat, has made him a player India can rely on. As India looks towards future ICC tournaments, Thakur’s role will be crucial in the fast-bowling attack and as a lower-order finisher.
Shardul Thakur’s Fitness and Professionalism
Shardul Thakur’s dedication to fitness and his ability to bowl long spells at high intensity have been instrumental in his rise as an international cricketer. Known for his sharp fitness and commitment to maintaining peak physical condition, Thakur ensures he stays ready for any challenges that come his way. His work ethic both on and off the field continues to inspire younger cricketers.
Shardul Thakur’s Legacy and Future
Shardul Thakur’s future in Indian cricket is incredibly bright. His ability to perform under pressure, his bowling skills, and his batting contributions make him one of the most reliable all-rounders for India. Thakur’s aggressive pace, combined with his tactical approach, positions him as a key figure in India’s future fast-bowling plans.
As India builds toward the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup and other ICC events, Shardul’s all-round contributions will be crucial to the team’s success. His impact on Indian cricket is already significant, and he will continue to play a pivotal role in India’s future series and tournaments.
Shardul Thakur’s Career, Achievements, and Impact
Here’s a quick overview of Shardul Thakur’s career:
Category Details
Debut ODI: 2017; T20I: 2017; Test: 2021
Key Achievements 7 wickets against Australia in 2021 Test series; First Indian fast bowler to score 50 in Australia
Bowling Stats Bowling Average (ODIs): 30.20; Bowling Average (Tests): 33.40
Batting Stats Batting Average (ODIs): 21.00; Batting Average (Tests): 28.00
IPL Impact Key bowler for CSK; Vital match-winner with both bat and ball
Fitness Known for his fitness and ability to bowl long, intense spells
Shardul Thakur’s International Matches
Here’s a breakdown of some of Shardul Thakur’s most significant international performances:
Match Type Opponent Date Venue Shardul Thakur’s Performance
Test Australia 2021 Brisbane 7 wickets in the series, pivotal in India’s victory
ODI South Africa 2021 Pune 4 wickets for 52 runs, helping India win the series
T20I Sri Lanka 2021 Colombo 3 wickets, match-winning spell in India’s T20I series win
IPL Kolkata Knight Riders 2021 Dubai 4/21, key performance for CSK in IPL 2021
Test England 2021 London 3/94, helping India hold off England in a critical Test match
Shardul Thakur’s Bowling Prowess: Format-by-Format Breakdown
Format Matches Innings Wickets Average Best Figures
ODI 20 20 30 30.20 4/52
T20I 12 12 15 27.22 3/25
Test 8 14 18 33.40 3/94
Shardul Thakur’s Impact Beyond the Field
Off the field, Shardul Thakur’s professionalism, discipline, and focus on fitness have made him a role model for younger cricketers. His rapid rise through domestic cricket and into the national team showcases his dedication and hard work. Shardul continues to inspire budding cricketers, proving that a balanced approach with both the bat and ball can lead to success at the highest level of the game.
