Shardul Thakur joins this new team after going unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction
Published - 19 Feb 2025, 11:02 AM | Updated - 19 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to play for Essex in the opening block of the County Championship as he signed a deal with the English county club for the 2025-26 season. The club officially announced the signing on Tuesday, February 18, and Thakur will feature in seven matches in the tournament.
Shardul Thakur has been in impressive form for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. Ahead of the semifinals, he has amassed 402 runs at an average of 40. With the ball, he has picked up 34 wickets at an average of 21.67. He scored a century (119) to rescue his team against Jammu and Kashmir.
I Am Feeling Excited to Join Essex This Summer - Shardul Thakur
After going unsold in the IPL, Shardul Thakur opted to play County Cricket during the same window. He is excited about joining Essex for the upcoming County Championship season. However, he remains eligible for the IPL if signed as an injury replacement. An Essex spokesperson also confirmed this possibility.
"I am feeling excited to join Essex this summer. Personally, it brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase my talent and skills. County cricket is something I always wanted to experience and I am glad that I’ll be representing the Eagles," Thakur said.
Shardul Thakur Overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
Shardul Thakur was not selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which they lost 1-3. He was also considered for the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 33-year-old all-rounder from Mumbai is set for his first stint in English county cricket and is eager for the experience.
Thakur has been in and out of India's squads across formats since his debut in 2017. He has played 91 first-class matches, including 11 Tests. Thakur has taken 31 Test wickets, with a best of 7-61 against South Africa in 2022. He has also represented India in 47 ODIs and 25 T20Is, with his appearance in 2023.
Absolutely Thrilled to Get the Signing of Shardul Over the Line - Chris Silverwood
Essex’s director of cricket, Chris Silverwood, expressed his delight over signing Shardul Thakur. Silverwood stated that Thakur can contribute with the bat, which is a positive for the club.
"We're absolutely thrilled to get the signing of Shardul over the line," Chris Silverwood said. "We were very clear amongst ourselves that 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 gets on in the County Championship."
Shardul becomes the latest Indian international to feature in the County Championship at Chelmsford, following the likes of Umesh Yadav, Murali Vijay, and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
He will aim for a strong start to their campaign. Their first challenge will be against defending champions Surrey at home as they look to secure their first Championship title since 2019.
