Shardul Thakur is set to join Essex for a short stint in the upcoming County Championship season. The 33-year-old Indian all-rounder has signed a seven-match deal for the first half of the 2025-26 season, marking his debut in County cricket. Thakur, known for his bowling and lower-order batting, is thrilled about this new challenge.
“I’m really excited to join Essex this summer,” Thakur said. “It’s a great opportunity to take on new challenges and showcase my skills. County cricket is something I’ve always wanted to experience, and I’m happy to be representing the Eagles.”
Since his international debut in 2017, Thakur has been in and out of India’s national teams across formats. His last appearance for India was in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion in 2023. Currently, Thakur is in excellent form in India’s domestic circuit, playing for Mumbai. His ability to take wickets and contribute crucial runs has been key to Mumbai’s success this season.
Ranji Trophy This versatility caught the attention of Essex
Thakur’s all-round skills have made a significant impact, particularly in the Ranji Trophy. This versatility caught the attention of Essex, as highlighted by their Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood. Essex values batting depth and aggressive all-rounders in their lineup, making Thakur an ideal fit for their strategy.
“We were clear that a high-quality fast bowler with lower-order batting ability was a priority for us this winter,” Silverwood said. “In Shardul, we’ve found exactly that. We’re excited to welcome him to Essex and see how he performs in the County Championship.”